Sandy Springs Christian Church Celebrates First 50 Years of Ministry
SANDY SPRINGS, GA – April 12, 2010 – Sandy
Springs Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is celebrating the
congregation’s 50 year story – past, present, and future – beginning on
April 25, 2010 with the return of former senior minister, the Rev. Dr.
J. Lynn White.
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Sandy Springs
First Sanctuary - 1964 |
Sandy Springs Christian Church (SSCC) has been a
progressive Christian voice in the northern Atlanta suburb of Sandy
Springs, Georgia, since its beginning in 1960. Community outreach, a
passion for mission, an enthusiasm for continuing the faith journey and
a welcoming spirit are now and have always been the hallmarks of SSCC.
Continuing its journey, SSCC will not rest on the
laurels of the past, but celebrate these achievements as a launching
point for expanding the community of Christ in Sandy Springs. There are
a number of special events planned throughout 2010 to honor those who
have come before and to celebrate the blessings of this community of
faith as it was, as it is, and as it will be.
On April 25, the Rev. Dr. J. Lynn White will preach on
“Telling the Story” in conjunction with the Storytellers/Liturgists
ministry begun during his tenure with the congregation. The Rev. Dr.
White first came to SSCC in 1981 as associate minister, was made
co-minister with Rev. Albert Widener in 1983, then assumed the role of
senior minister of the congregation from 1986 to 1993. He is currently
senior minister of Trinity Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Current
Sanctuary, nearing completion. |
Next, SSCC celebrates as their “Story Creates a
Legacy” with Rev. Randy Johnson from the Christian Church Foundation
taking the pulpit on May 16. Rev. Johnson will assist the congregation
in launching a Legacy Campaign to help develop a planned giving program
to ensure a firm funding structure for the future of the congregation.
In July, Mary K. Widener, widow of former senior
minister Albert Widener, will be in the SSCC pulpit to share one of Al’s
best sermons. Mrs. Widener is the present Chair of the Board of
Peachtree Christian Church, one of the congregations that served a major
role in the development of SSCC.
In August, the Reverend Dr. Herbert Leslie, first
full-time senior minister of SSCC, will bring the message to the
congregation. The Rev. Dr. Leslie served at SSCC from 1964 to 1976, a
time when the congregation grew from 150 to 1,000 members. The Rev. Dr.
Leslie was instrumental in the construction of the current church campus
at 301 Johnson Ferry Road, NW. In addition, 18 members of the
congregation, who have answered the call to ministry, will be recognized
during this event.
September 18 and 19, Anniversary Weekend, will include
a Gala Dinner and Dancing through the Ages on September 18. On
Anniversary Sunday, September 19, former Disciples of Christ General
Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm, will preach a special
celebratory service. The Rev. Dr. Hamm will preach on “The Story in
Action.” The Rev. Dr. Ray Miles, Georgia Regional Minister, will also be
present. Current and former Elders of the congregation will be honored
at this celebratory service.
October 3, 2010 brings the Rev. Dr. R. Glen Miles back
to the SSCC pulpit. The Rev. Dr. Miles was senior minister of SSCC from
1994 to 2003. He was instrumental in beginning the congregation’s youth
mission trips to Mexico. This year marks the 14th year that the high
school youth group has built houses in Mexico during their Spring Break,
rather than spending the time relaxing on a beach somewhere. Mexico
Missionaries, current and former, will be recognized along with the Rev.
Dr. Miles for this vital ministry of the congregation.
For more information on Sandy Springs Christian Church
and its 50th Anniversary Celebration, visit
www.SandySpringsCC.org.
Sandy Springs Christian Church Donates Art to
Atria Johnson Ferry
A six-panel painting of
a Dogwood Tree was donated to Atria Johnson Ferry, a local assisted and
independent living community at 9 Sherwood Lane in Marietta, Georgia on
November 18. The panels were designed by The Foundation for Hospital Art
and painted by many members of Sandy Springs Christian Church. The
Foundation for Hospital Art involves volunteers and patients worldwide
to create colorful, soothing artwork to donate to hospitals and assisted
living communities to brighten patients’ and residents’ days. Many
people work on each piece of art. The painting of the Georgia state tree
was dedicated by Reverend Phil Price, Senior Minister at Sandy Springs
Christian Church with a short ceremony.
Others present included John Feight, Founder and
Director of the Foundation for Hospital Art and several staff members
and residents from Atria Johnson Ferry
The story behind the Hospital Art panels:
Sandy Springs Christian Church has a long history of
working with the Foundation for Hospital Art. We believe in the mission
of the Foundation:” to love people in hospitals and other care
facilities around the world..” Our most recent panels are now hanging in
Mungeli Christian Hospital in India. They were painted here and hung in
the hospital when a group, including several members of Sandy Springs
Christian Church, made a pilgrimage to the hospital in India.
The paint-ins are done on the church’s annual day of
service in conjunction with the anniversary celebration in September.
The Atria was chosen to receive the Dogwood panels
since the parents of a church member (who is also an artist) live at
Atria. We hope the painting will bring a smile to residents, staff and
visitors. |
