WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE For the Glory of the Lord arr. Hart SPdL Orchestra; Richard Rogers, director
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
Lift Every Voice, v. 1 (Hymn 638)
Please stand and join the choir in singing.
Lift ev’ry voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty.
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the list’ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us.
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.
Facing the rising sun
Of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.
WELCOME Alison Kosnett | Discipleship Council Member
INVITATION TO WORSHIP Alison Kosnett
HYMN NO. 58 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise ST. DENIO
LITANY Psalm 23 George Volkert
All: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 11 a.m.
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.
SILENCE & PASTORAL PRAYER
Rev. Jonathan Hall
HYMN NO. 68 He Leadeth Me! O Blessed Thought HE LEADETH ME
SERMON Overcoming Loss Rev. Ronnie Brewer
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 241 MANNA Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT Bill Gabbard
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 In Christ There Is No East or West Dale Wood Jack Mitchener, organ
The flowers on the Communion table are in loving memory of WILLARD & EUNICE BYRD. They are given by Helen Byrd.
ANTHEM Jesus Paid It All Sterling Sanctuary Choir; SPdL Orchestra
MY
STORY Duncan Harle
OFFERTORY
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.
SUPPER & SPDLU SERIES FINALE
The Butterfly Effect: Making Your Life Matter for Christ
Wed, Feb. 26 Supper at 5 p.m. | Study at 6 p.m. | Meal Cost: $10/adult; $5/child
Topic: Missionaries Who Said Yes led by Rob and Gayle Suggs
Menu: Hamburger, french fries, BBQ baked beans, salad and dessert
RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Feb. 24, at www.spdl.org/events
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 Region. Dinner is available
screening for $10 (RSVP ONLY): Sandwich boxes—either chicken salad or ham and swiss (first come, first served)—with chips and cookie. Free popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available, too! Sign up at www.spdl.org/events.
GUEST PREACHER | SUNDAY, MARCH 2
11 a.m. During Worship
On Sunday, March 2, Second-Ponce welcomes Rachel Gunter Shapard to the pulpit! Rachel is the Regional Vice President for Together for Hope, Black Belt Region. Together for Hope Black Belt is a network of individuals and organizations operating in 82 rural counties of persistent poverty across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Their work is centered on four priorities of hope, education, health and nutrition, which benefits 42 counties in Georgia.
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/events.
ASH WEDNESDAY SUPPER & SERVICE
Wed, Mar. 5 Supper: 5 p.m. | Worship: 6:10 p.m. | Meal Cost: $10/adult; $5/child
Join us as we begin the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday supper and worship! After the meal, we'll move to the Chapel and share in a deeply meaningful time together. Children and youth will participate in worship, but childcare will be available. Note: There will be no Zoom for this time of worship.
Menu: Baked tilapia, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad and dessert RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Mar. 3, at www.spdl.org/events
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. A love offering will be taken to help the ensemble with their travel expenses and a reception will follow the concert.
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/events.
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 and complete the soffit and fascia as well as interior and exterior finishes. Sign up at www.spdl.org/events.
EXPERIENCE THE MONASTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sat, Apr. 5 | Meet at 8:30 a.m. to ride the bus or carpool from SPdL Return: 4 p.m. Cost: $10 (includes lunch)
Join the Discipleship Council as we take a field trip to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers! We will visit the museum and visitor center, enjoy a presentation from a resident monk, participate in a mass, eat lunch and have a chance to wander the beautiful grounds. We'll be taking the small bus (so seating is limited) and will provide lunch. You may drive yourself or carpool, but we still need an RSVP since our total space is limited. Sign up by Fri, Mar, 28, at www.spdl.org/events or through Karen Harwell (kharwell@spdl.org or 404.591.4357).
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. Register your child or sign up to volunteer at www.spdl.org/vbs.
40 WEEKS OF PRAYER GUIDE
Week 30 | Feb. 23–Mar. 1: Praying the 23rd Psalm
Read: Psalm 23:1–6
Pray: Pray the 23rd Psalm, pausing for a moment of silence between each phrase or verse to offer thanks and praise to God for the ways you have seen this verse active in your own life.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
End of Day Lenten Art Submissions Due
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. Adult Discipleship (SPdLU)*
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
5 p.m. Together for Hope Film Screening & Dinner
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
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 YA Mardi Gras RSVP Due
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details.
February 23, 2025 Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
