Category: Newsletter

Trunk or Treat is back and we are sooooo excited! Mark your calendars now for Saturday, October 30 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. Bring your kids, grandkids, friends and neighbors.  We will have lots of trunks, treats and games. Be on the lookout for more information.

Then, on Sunday, October 31, we will celebrate the Children’s Sabbath during both worship services with our children leading us in worship. As a part of this special service, we will present Bibles to our 3rd grade students. All children are invited to wear their costumes (virtually or in person). Please, no weapons or scary masks. During the 11:00 service, the children will trick-or-treat the congregation for UNICEF. If you have a child that would like a part in the service, or that is in 3rd grade and will receive a Bible, please contact Ms. Marie by October 20 as we want to make sure that we include all our children on this special day.

Questions about either of these upcoming events? Contact Ms. Marie.

The Fall edition of the Messenger newsletter is here. Download it now!

Included in this edition is:

• Perspectives on Racial Justice and Racial Reconciliation: Finding Common Ground, by Norman Brown
• Exciting changes coming to Arleeta’s Pantry this October, by Lisa Middleton
• Reconciling Ministries updates, by Rev. Michele Johns
• Strengthening Relationships to God through VBS, by Julia Park, VBS Youth Volunteer
• SSUMC Ministry Opportunities
• And more!

Downolad the Messenger Fall 2016 edition

Download the 2015 Winter Messenger

When God Comes Near: New Beginning
By Rev. Joey Heath

Advent is the season of preparation for the reality of God in our midst, God who came near to us, Christ born divine and yet one of us. In this season, we begin anew the journey to Bethlehem and to the manger.

From that lowly manger, we again journey to Jerusalem and the disciples, to teaching on the hillside, to feeding massive crowds, to listening to the unheard, to picking up the unwanted. Then, we begin the journey toward the cross where sorrow and death intermingled, when all seemed lost until Christ rose from the grave with the promise that we have all been set free and the God who created us is waiting with arms open wide.

Advent is the beginning of our telling of this story once again, of starting it over, just as we get to start over again.

Read more in the 2015 Winter Messenger

Other highlights in this issue:

• PASSIONATE WORSHIP: Advent Giving and Fellowship Opportunities, PAGE 3
• SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Pastor’s Report to Charge Conference PAGES 4-5
• RISK-TAKING MISSION & SERVICE: Volunteer Dinner Celebrates Service PAGE 8
• INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT: Christian Education Programs PAGES 9-12
• RISK-TAKING MISSION & SERVICE: Community Garden Enhancements PAGE 13
• SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Administrative Board Passes 2016 Budget PAGE 14

Download the 2015 Winter Messenger

The Spring edition of our newsletter is here, including articles on the following topics:

• Church Moves Forward with Plan for Two Campuses, by Rachel Cornwell
• New SSUMC Ministry of Marriage Policy, by Joey Heath
• Why Should We Participate in Bible Study? by Chai Sellers
• Recap of our Christian Education work, including the successful Christmas Play
• Our Annual Impact and Financial Report

And much more!

Read the Messenger 2015 Spring Edition

The Winter edition of our quarterly newsletter is now out! Download it here.

Highlights include:

• Lead Pastor Rev. Rachel: Why “worship is the heart of our life together”
• How to participate in our Celebrations of the Advent Season
• Report from Volunteers in Mission trip to Staten Island, NY
• Reflections from Church Retreat: Building Holy Community
• Ways to get more involved
• Results of the 2014 Charge Conference
• Plus reports from the Administrative Board and Council on Ministries
• And much more!

Download it here.