WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Matthew H. Corl
Jack Mitchener, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
Lift Every Voice, v. 3 (Hymn 638)
Please stand and join the choir in singing.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way, Thou Who hast by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee; Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.
WELCOME Howell Williams | Discipleship Council Chair
INVITATION TO WORSHIP Howell Williams
HYMN NO. 281 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling BEECHER
LITANY Rev. Jonathan Hall
All: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of God who called you out of darkness into God's marvelous light.
HYMN NO. 218 Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain ST. KEVIN
ANTHEM Lead Me, Lord Goodine Sanctuary Choir; Rae Laury, soloist; Joy Callaway, piano
MY SPDL STORY Dan Hayes
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 11 a.m.
SILENCE & PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERTORY Lord, I Want to Be a Christian M. H. Corl Jack Mitchener, organ
DOXOLOGY (HYMN NO. 706) OLD 100TH
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Children K–5 may leave during this time for Kids Worship in room C-305 of the Children's Building.
Rev. Allie Osborne
HYMN NO. 436 Seek Ye First LAFFERTY
SCRIPTURE Ephesians 3:14–21 Carson Snipes (p. 950–951 in your pew Bible)
SERMON The Church Jesus Would Join Rev. Ronnie Brewer
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 377 GREEN There Is a Redeemer
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT Rev. Hall
BENEDICTION
CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
Rev. Brewer
Newcomers
POSTLUDE Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Richard Elliott Jack Mitchener, organ
Congratulations to Gary and Debbie Branch in the birth of their granddaughter, CLEMENTINE JANE GRAVITT, born on February 9 to Collin and Molly Jane Gravitt.
Welcome to church!
Make yourself at home here. USING THE
PEW CARDS
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.
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.
FEBRUARY IS A SPECIAL MONTH AT SPDL
Honoring Baptist Black History
Written in 1900 as part of President Lincoln’s birthday celebration, James Weldon Johnson’s Lift Every Voice and Sing has become an enduring musical source of comfort and strength for those in the ongoing struggle for social justice and racial reconciliation.
Discipleship
Month at Second-Ponce
Discipleship is one of Second-Ponce's four core values. As a Christ-centered church family we strive to equip people to discover God’s call for their lives. Through intentional prayer, scripture study, mission and fellowship, we can more fully develop as followers of Christ. Watch this month, as we highlight several discipleship ministries and offer information on how to incorporate spiritual practices in your daily life. For more information on how to be involved or to express an interest in serving further with the Discipleship Council, email us at discipleship@spdl.org.
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP
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.
40 WEEKS OF PRAYER GUIDE
Week 28 Feb. 16–22: Love One Another
Read: John 13:34 and Colossians 3:14
Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to truly love. To love those who are very different as well as those who are like us. We are a church of people with different personalities, different opinions and perhaps even different worship preferences. Help us to be flexible and able to seek unity and compromise as we begin our search for a senior pastor. Let us keep the needs of the whole church in mind. Allow us to listen to differing opinions with respect and love. Let us encourage, pray for and support each other—especially the members of the pastor search committee. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUPPER & SPDLU | THREE-PART SERIES
The Butterfly Effect: Making Your Life Matter for Christ Wed, Feb. 19 | Supper at 5 p.m. | Study at 6 p.m. Meal Cost: $10/adult; $5/child Learn how individuals in scripture, our personal lives and history have made seemingly small decisions and actions that have eternal effect for the Kingdom of God. Topic: Unknown Heroes of the Reformation led by Alison Kosnett Menu: Spaghetti with meat sauce, veggies, garlic bread, salad and desserts RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Feb. 17, at www.spdl.org/rsvp
BURNING OF THE PALMS
Sun, Feb. 23 | 10:15 a.m. | On the Plaza
All are welcome to participate in this meaningful service as we prepare ashes for Ash Wednesday by burning last year's Palm Sunday branches together.
LENTEN WORSHIP ART
The 2025 SPdL Lenten Worship Art Project will feature art of all creative expressions to enhance and enrich the Lenten sermon series theme of “Dark Corners.” Members of the Second-Ponce community are invited to submit original existing pieces (large-scale paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography preferred) for consideration for display as part of the project. Please contact Jonathan Hall with submissions or any questions. Submissions are due by Sunday, February 23.
YOUNG ADULT MARDI GRAS
Tues, Mar. 4 Meet at SPdL at 7 p.m. to carpool | Big Easy Louisiana Grille
Join the SPdL YA group for Mardi Gras! We will meet to carpool at SPdL, throw on our beads and party hats and head to the restaurant for a fun night together celebrating the culmination of the carnival season. RSVP by Sun, Mar. 2, at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK HUNGER WALK/RUN
Sun, Mar. 9 | After Worship | The Home Depot Backyard
Second-Ponce is continuing the tradition of participating in the Atlanta Community Food Bank's Hunger Walk/Run, and we need your support! You can:
• Make a financial donation to our team's fundraising total.
• Join our team and fundraise with us. You can walk/run in person or virtually. Donate and/or sign up to participate at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY'S LENTEN BUILD
Sat, Mar. 29 | 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Lunch included
We’re looking to send a team of 7 to help build a home for an Atlanta-area neighbor. This is day 6 of a 7-day build. Our group will help:
• Touch-up and finish exterior and interior painting
• Complete the soffit and fascia as well as interior and exterior finishes Sign up at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
NEW ON THE CALENDAR
TOGETHER FOR HOPE FILM SCREENING
Saturday, March 1 Dinner: 5 p.m. | Movie Screening: 5:30 p.m. Conversation to follow the film In the Fellowship Hall
Join us for a screening of Rising Hope, a documentary about overcoming poverty-related adversity in the Mississippi Delta. Stay for conversation with Rachel Gunter Shapard, Regional Vice President for Together for Hope, Black Belt. There will also be free popcorn, snacks, and drinks for the movie. Dinner is available before the screening for $10 (RSVP ONLY): Sandwich boxes—either chicken salad or ham and swiss (first come, first served)—with chips and cookie. Sign up at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
BRETHREN MEN'S VOCAL ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT
Fri, Mar. 7 | 7 p.m. | Sanctuary Cost: Free | Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall
The Second-Ponce Music Ministry welcomes the acclaimed men’s vocal ensemble “Brethren” for a performance in our Sanctuary! Based in metro Washington, DC, this outstanding vocal group has been presenting sacred music concerts in churches throughout the country since its founding in 2006. The group has recorded several albums and has sung to regional and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association. A love offering will be taken to help the ensemble with their travel expenses. A reception will follow the concert where the group will offer CD recordings for sale.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World Mon, June 2–Fri, June 6 | 9 a.m.–Noon $35/child
During this year's Vacation Bible School, we'll guide kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers and glistening glaciers. As children trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. True North VBS points them toward Jesus and shows He is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North! Register your child or sign up to volunteer at www.spdl.org/vbs.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. Adult Discipleship (SPdLU)*
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:45 a.m. Bible Study & Sunday School for Children, Youth & Adults
10:15 a.m. Burning of the Palms
11 a.m. Worship*
End of Day Lenten Worship Art Submissions Due
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details.
Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
February 16, 2025
