WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Give Me Jesus
Jack Mitchener, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
Lift Every Voice, v. 2 (Hymn 638)
Please stand and join the choir in singing.
Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast’ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our people sighed?
Eurydice V. Osterman
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 11 a.m.
MY SPDL STORY
Gayle Suggs
OFFERTORY Precious Lord, Take My Hand Emma Lou Diemer 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.
SILENCE & PASTORAL PRAYER
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered. We have come, treading our path thro’ the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the bright gleam of our bright star is cast.
WELCOME Karen Harwell | Ministry Assistant for Faith Development
INVITATION TO WORSHIP Karen Harwell
HYMN NO. 1 Holy, Holy, Holy NICAEA
LITANY Rev. Allie Osborne
Leader: Creator God—Your word is powerful. With Your voice and the words “Let there be light,” You spoke the world into being.
People: In Jesus, Your word became flesh and dwelled with us.
Leader: Often our words have dishonored You and those You have created.
People: Forgive us, Lord. Show us when we are being hurtful or foolish.
Leader: Show us how to bless and not curse. Teach us how to speak Your love and truth.
People: May our words be thoughtful full of grace and compassion, and stories of Your faithfulness.
Leader: Give us wisdom. Show us when to speak and when to be silent.
People: Let the words of our mouths, and the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength, and our Redeemer. Amen.
HYMN INSERT Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult GALILEE
SCRIPTURE Matthew 12:30–37 Susan Gunby (p. 793 in your pew Bible)
Newcomers
Welcome to church! Make yourself at home here. USING THE
PEW CARDS
Rev. Jonathan Hall
HYMN NO. 17 This Is My Father’s World TERRA PATRIS
SCRIPTURE James 3:1–12
Rev. Ronnie Brewer (p. 981–982 in your pew Bible)
SERMON On Speaking to Each Other Rev. Brewer
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 473
KELVINGROVE Will You Come and Follow Me
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
BENEDICTION
CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
Bill Gabbard
Rev. Brewer
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
POSTLUDE Toccata on “Great Day” Adolphus Hailstork Jack Mitchener, organ
The flowers on the Communion Table are given in honor and celebration of JANE BRANCH FOR HER 101ST BIRTHDAY, FEBRUARY 7. They are given by Gary and Debbie Branch.
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.
ANTHEM Hush! Somebody’s Calling My Name arr. Dennard Sanctuary Choir; Kiley Carpenter, soloist
UPCOMING EVENTS
AFTER WORSHIP HOT COCOA & COOKIES ON THE LAWN
Exit from the rear of the Sanctuary and join us to sip and socialize after worship!
SUPPER & SPDLU | THREE-PART SERIES
New Study: The Butterfly Effect: Making Your Life Matter for Christ Wed, Feb. 12 Supper at 5 p.m. | Study at 6 p.m. | Meal Cost: $10/adult; $5/child
Ever wonder if things you do affect the Kingdom of God? Even the seemingly small things matter! Join the Discipleship Council as we talk about the “Butterfly Effect” and 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.
• 2/12: Introduction and Scriptural Examples led by Karen Harwell Menu: Curry chicken, jasmine rice, mixed vegetables, salad and desserts RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Feb. 10, at www.spdl.org/rsvp
THE KIDS' CLUB VALENTINE'S FRIYAY
Fri, Feb. 14 5:30–9 p.m. | Cost: $15/child Ages 0–5th grade
Get ready for a fun-filled evening for kids that includes a meal, a Bible story, games and crafts while parents can enjoy time together! RSVP by Wed, Feb. 12, at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
BURNING OF THE PALMS
Sun, Feb. 23 | 10:15 a.m. On the Plaza
Join SPdL Family Ministries for a service of preparation of Lent. 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.
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! The money raised from this event goes directly to helping the 1 in 8 neighbors facing hunger in our community. 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.
YOUTH PASSPORT MISSIONS CAMP
Sun, June 15–Thurs, June 19 | Mission, Texas Valley Retreat and Conference Center
Who: Students who have completed 6th-12th grade
Cost: $478 per student. $200 deposit due Sunday, February 23 to reserve your spot for this exciting missions opportunity!
Although similar in many ways to a typical week at camp (Bible study, celebrations, meals, worship), we will spend the afternoons at various mission sites around the community, serving neighbors as the hands and feet of Jesus.
PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE SURVEY
YOUR VOICE IS VITAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: FEB. 14
After months of listening sessions and committee meetings, and a lot of prayer, the pastor search survey is here! The survey is anonymous with questions aimed at:
• Assessing–as a church–where we are now
• Dreaming of what kind of church we want to be
• Defining pastoral priorities and preferences
• Prioritizing sermon content and delivery
Scan this QR code or visit www.spdl.org/pastorsurvey.
Completing the survey online goes a long way toward helping the committee assess and share the results. Paper surveys are in the Welcome Center.
40 WEEKS OF PRAYER GUIDE
Week 28 | Feb. 9–15: Praying for Wisdom
Please remember to complete the survey from the committee. Complete online at www.spdl.org/pastorsurvey or pick up a paper copy in the Welcome Center. Read: Proverbs 1:7, James 1:5 and Lamentations 3:25 Pray: God of all wisdom, set in our Search Committee the desire to look only to You for wisdom in setting the priorities for our search. Give them the right information and may the sources of input only desire Your will—not individual agendas or those in search of power. Bless the results of the congregational survey and help the information gleaned to be useful and representative of our membership. Give the Committee open hearts and minds to follow Your truth and guidance. Help them know when to listen, when to speak, when to pray, when to wait and when to act. We await Your will in Your time frame. Help us be patient. Amen.
LOOKING TO LENT
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.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Noon Hot Cocoa & Cookies on the Lawn
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. Adult Discipleship (SPdLU)*
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal End of Day Kids' Club FriYAY RSVP Due
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
5:30 p.m. Kids' Club FriYAY End of Day Pastor Search Surveys Due
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:45 a.m. Bible Study & Sunday School for Children, Youth & Adults
11 a.m. Worship*
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details.
9, 2025 Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
REV. RONNIE BREWER Interim Senior Pastor rbrewer@spdl.org
BILL GABBARD Minister of Music bgabbard@spdl.org REV. JONATHAN HALL Minister of Community & Student Discipleship jhall@spdl.org
ALLIE
