Newcomers
GREEN GUEST CARD: FOR FIRST TIMERS
Use it to share as much information as you like and drop it in the offering plate. We understand that some people are hesitant to fill out church cards. It's true—a member of our pastoral staff will reach out, but you won't be flooded with communication. Engagement with us will be at your own pace.
RED CARD: FOR RETURNING GUESTS & SPDL MEMBERS
If you're a guest who's ready to take the next step or a church member who wants to deepen your involvement, fill out the red pew card—I'm a Regular—and drop it in the offering plate. Let us know how we can help.
PRAYER
Reciting the Lord's Prayer together is a powerful experience, one that is guided by inclusion from its very first word. If prompted, we invite you to join us in this meaningful prayer practice.
Our Father, Which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
ANTHEM At the Name of Jesus Berry Sanctuary Choir; SPdL Orchestra
OFFERTORY PRAYER Jim George
OFFERTORY Sleepers, Wake! Bach, arr. Leidig SPdL Orchestra
Allegro assai vivace (from Sonata No. 1, Op. 65) Felix Mendelssohn Jack Mitchener, organ
We love to see children at Second-Ponce, and we have a Kids’ Club area just for them! It's one floor up from the Sanctuary, and our greeters will be happy to show you the way. In the Kids' Club, there’s a nursery and Kids Worship for babies–5th grade. You may take your children to the Kids' Club before the service or, if you prefer, they can stay with you in the Sanctuary for the entire hour or until the Doxology when kids leave with ministry leaders.
JOINING SECOND-PONCE
Second-Ponce enthusiastically welcomes you to make a commitment to Christ and our community of faith. At any time during the Hymn of Response, simply walk to the front of the Sanctuary where a member of our ministry team will greet you with warmth and joy. If you're uncomfortable being "in the spotlight," but still want to join–that's ok! Speak with one of our ministers after worship and they'll walk you through an alternate plan.
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP
NOVEMBER FOOD DRIVE
This month, we're helping our friends at Toco Hills Community Alliance restock their pantry with two essentials: rice and beans. Collection bins are in the Welcome Center.
Note: Please do not purchase oversized bags or cans as they can be difficult to carry home for those walking or riding public transportation.
WEEKLY PRAYER GUIDE 40 WEEKS
OF PRAYER
Week 16 (Nov. 17–23): Holding Each Other Up
Read: Exodus 17:10–12
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
Pray:
Just as Aaron and Hur aided Moses, Lord, show us how to support and encourage our church leadership. Help us remain prepared and steadfast. May we provide the stone to offer a place to sit and rest and the arms that give energy and support for the work ahead.
(Spend a moment or two in silent prayer listening to God.)
Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.
THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY NIGHT
Wed, Nov. 20 Beginning at 5 p.m. Fellowship Hall Meal: $10/adult; $5/child No Zoom
Before we pause Wednesday night activities for Thanksgiving, we're getting together for Community Night. We'll have a delicious comfort food dinner and then spend time as a church family. We will not have SPdLU or Zoom on this night.
Supper Menu: Chicken and dressing, green bean casserole, salad and dessert
RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Nov. 18 at spdl.org/rsvp
Note: No Wednesday evening activities on November 27.
JACK MITCHENER IN CONCERT
Sun, Nov. 24 4 p.m. | Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory University
Cost: Free
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to hear our talented organist, Dr. Jack Mitchener, present Global Bach on the great Jaeckel organ!
Parking: Free parking in the Fishburne deck
COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Mon, Dec. 2 | During regular business hours | Free Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Everyone is invited to the CWC's annual Holiday Open House! You don't have to be a member to enjoy this festive kick-off to the season. It will be a great day with:
• Community vendors selling holiday gift items
• Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or as long as the food lasts
• Guest Fees will be waived the entire day
• Nutrition seminar presented by our own Marshika Pazant
• A representative from Silver Sneakers will be on hand to answer questions you may have about the program
• Lots of other fun activities
SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS & RECEPTION
2024 Christmas Cantata | Sun, Dec. 8 11 a.m.| Sanctuary | Reception to Follow
The SPdL Music Ministry will be offering a Service of Lessons and Carols. The Sanctuary Choir, orchestra, Kid’s Club, handbells and congregational carol singing will all be a part of this experience of worship, where music of the Christmas season alternates with Scripture passages focusing on the prophecy and fulfillment of Christ’s coming to this world. Come and remember our Savior’s birth with us, in music and the spoken Word!
PRIME TIMERS' CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Tues, Dec. 10 | Free tour of the Governor's Mansion: 10 a.m. | Meet at SPdL
Lunch in the Fellowship Hall: Noon | Lunch Cost: $12
Join us for our annual Prime Timer's Christmas Celebration. This year, we have added an optional tour of the holiday decorations at the GA Governor's Mansion. Then, we will gather at Noon in the Fellowship Hall for a festive and yummy holiday luncheon and brief program.
Menu: Rosemary roasted chicken breast with garlic roasted asparagus, roasted potatoes, poached pear salad, rolls and Christmas cranberry cake
RSVP: Contact Vicki McCaskey in the church office at vmccaskey@spdl.org or 404.591.4344. Indicate whether you are attending the luncheon only, the tour only or both. Please leave an email and best phone number with Vicki when you sign up.
KIDS' CLUB PAJAMA PARTY
Sat, Dec. 14 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Cost $15 per child
The Kids' Club Christmas Pajama Party will be a fun night for children aged 0-5th grade. Get ready for friends, pizza, snacks, music, games, crafts, a Bible story and a movie. And don't forget to wear your pajamas! RSVP by Wednesday, December 11 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
ANNUAL CHILDREN'S RETREAT
Fri, Jan. 10 (4 p.m.)–Sun, Jan. 12 (Noon) Camp Rock Eagle | Eatonton, GA | Cost: $160
The Kids' Club is joining with other children's ministries from across the state to participate in a fun winter retreat. Hosted by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia, this weekend is for 3rd–6th graders.
Deposit: $80 due by Sun, Dec. 15. You can pay at www.spdl.org/rsvp or see Allie.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
9:30 a.m. BSF Women's Bible Study
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. Community Night
p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:45 a.m. Sunday School & Bible Study for Children, Youth & Adults
11 a.m. Worship*
4 p.m. Jack Mitchener Concert
November 17, 2024 Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
THIS MORNING'S MESSAGE
Matthew 25:1–13
A lesson of what to do when we find ourselves preparing for what is spiritually “next.”
Rev. Ronnie Brewer Interim Senior Pastor In the Meantime