Dear Friends, 

This week, I've heard some questions about our new INTERIM ASSOCIATE MINISTER Jim Jackson's role. I apologize for this. My newsletter last week announcing my end date on June 30, followed by Jim's call, needed to be clarified. To clear things up, Jim will be working part-time, around 20-25 hours a week. His role is to help Laurie and me with preaching in worship, visiting you folks in need of a pastor, and "whatever else needs doing," in his own words. 

Part of his role as "associate pastor" will be maintaining office hours for those who need a pastor. He will be in his office from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Mondays and from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays while his wife, Linda, rehearses with the choir. 

As in every institution, church staff is a movable, malleable organism that sometimes feels "too" malleable with its comings and goings. While SSPC has not had that much change, the consistent body that serves as the foundation is you, the members. You continue to step up when and where needed, which points to how healthy and responsible this church continues to be.

This (and more) is why it's a blessing and joy to serve you, even as I wish I could serve you better. 

Gratefully, 

Steve 

One of the things that I enjoy is putting music people together that enjoy playing instruments. The groups that we have practice a lot together and on their own, aiming for accuracy and beauty. In addition to the Chancel Choir there are several special interest music groups for adult instrumentalists. These groups have been formed from those who have approached me about playing in groups with specific genres of music and instruments. Some are well-established and some new: Bluegrassers, Early Music Ensemble, Harp Ensemble, Chancel Ensemble (brass and woodwind currently), Chancel Ringers, Men’s Quartet, and as of this Sunday – a Celtic Music Group! At the 10:30 am service, Robin Hoy will be playing soprano recorder, Jason Cherne on Violin (or Fiddle), Sawyer Neill on Cello, Ann Nermoe on Guitar, Harlan Hambright on Percussion, and Lynda Kennedy, Melissa Tsai, and me on folk harps. Amy and I will take turns at the piano. We will play some familiar Celtic (Scottish, Irish) tunes – some of them from our hymnbook. The Chancel Choir will sing “In the Valley Flows a River” and leave us with a “Celtic Blessing” at the end of the service. We will all sing “Morning Has Broken” in the style made popular by Cat Stevens in the 70’s, so heads up!

The next Sunday is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week! Our children will lead us in a Procession of Palms. Everyone walking in the church sanctuary doors should receive a palm to wave during the procession. All children are encouraged to participate in the procession. Children participating in the Wednesday afternoon program will sing a prelude accompanied by piano and handbells played by our Youth Ensemble members. More details about that will be in the KidZ Crew Newsletter. The Chancel Choir will sing “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty” by Mark Shepperd.

Make sure you put the Holy Week schedule on your calendar! More about Easter music plans in the next newsletter.

Love & Gratitude,

Rhonda 

It's spring. The calendar has got it right

longer days and shorter nights.

It's spring. No one has to guess

Mother Nature is sporting a brand-new dress.

It's spring. And there's no argument

the birds have a melody instead of winter's lament.

It's spring. That's a fact you can't deny

stretching overhead is a bright, blue sky.

It's spring. My heart has got it right

Lord Jesus took all my darkness and gave me light.

It's spring. There's no need for me to guess

Lord Jesus took my rags and gave a robe of righteousness.

It's spring. You can see it in my face

Lord Jesus took my sad lament and gave a hymn of grace.

It's spring. Deny it? Oh, there's no reason

Lord Jesus has brought spring to every season!

• DAY OF SERVICE: Our Spring Day of Service is coming up this weekend on Saturday, March 16. This is a great opportunity for everyone to volunteer your time and make a difference throughout our local community! Details and signup below.
• LEMONADE ON THE LAWN: Join us on the front lawn after late worship this Sunday to help welcome Rev. Jim Jackson (Interim-Associate Pastor) to St. Simons Presbyterian Church!

Saturday, March 16

8:00 am Spring Day of Service - Various Locations

Sunday, March 17

8:30 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

Youth Schedule

• 5-6 pm 6-7th Grade Youth - Youth Suite
• 5:15 pm 8-12th Graders Ensemble - Music Attic
• 6-6:30 pm Dinner for all Ages - Britt Room
• 6:30-7:45 pm 8-12th Grade Youth - Youth Suite
• 6:30 pm 6-7th Grade Ensemble - Music Attic

Monday, March 18

12:00 pm Worship and Music - Upper Room

5:30 pm Diaconate Meeting - Upper Room

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, March 19

7:00 am Youth Breakfast Devotion - SSI Chick-Fil-A

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

4:00 pm Session Meeting - Upper Room

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law

Wednesday, March 20

10:00 am Mens Bible Study - Upper Room

11:00 am Early Music Ensemble - Rhonda's Office

1:00 pm Hands and Heart Quilting Ministry - Music Attic

3:00 pm Sonshine for the Soul - John Law

3:00 pm Chancel Ensemble - Sanctuary

4:00 pm KIDZ Crew - Veranda

6:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper - Social Hall

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, March 21

10:00 am Ladies Bible Study - Upper Room

5:30 pm ODD Book Study - John Law

5:30 pm Chancel Ringers - Bell Room

Friday, March 22

9:00 am Board of Trustees - Upper Room