WORSHIP
OF GOD
Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Praise the Lord With Drums and Cymbals Karg-Elert/Bish
Verleen Baerg, organCHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
HYMN NO. 217 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus HYMN TO JOY
WELCOME & INVOCATION Dr. Dock Hollingsworth
SCRIPTURE Psalm 116:1–4; 12–15 Rev. Allie Osborne
Leader: I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.
Congregation: Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.
Leader: The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
Congregation: Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, save my life!”
Leader: What shall I return to the Lord for all His bounty to me?
Congregation: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.
Leader: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones.
ANTHEM The Long-Expected Hour Helvey
Sanctuary Choir; Anneliese Depenthal, conductor; Joy Callaway, piano
MY SPDL STORY Calvin Milam
OFFERTORY His Eye Is on the Sparrow Gabriel, arr. Tornquist
Joy Callaway,piano
Please use this time to reflect on your gifts and service opportunities.
DOXOLOGY (HYMN NO. 706) OLD 100TH
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Children K–5 may leave during this time for Kids Worship. Parents, please pick up your children in room C-305 of the Children's Building after the service.
PASTORAL PRAYER
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 11 a.m.
SERMON Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III Losing My Religion, but Gaining My Faith
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 361 GORDON My Jesus, I Love Thee
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
BENEDICTION
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 11 a.m.
WE LOVE MEETING NEW PEOPLE
Dr. Hollingsworth
Dr. Moss
POSTLUDE Finale (Concerto No. 5) Handel Verleen Baerg, organ
WELCOME REV. DR. OTIS MOSS III
With a unique gift for intergenerational preaching, the creative, Bible-based messages of Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III have inspired young and old alike. His God-given talent for sharing the Gospel earned him a spot on Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary's “12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World.”
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Moss built his ministry on community advancement and social justice activism. His spiritual formation was primarily influenced by the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the pastoral ministry of his father, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. With civil rights advocacy in his DNA, he founded the Unashamed Media Group, a justice-centered, faith-based agency committed to producing and curating stories to inspire the heart and challenge the mind.
In addition to his role as Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Dr. Moss serves as Chaplain of the Children’s Defense Fund’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor Child Advocacy Conference and on the boards of both Auburn Seminary and the Faith-in-Place/Action Fund.
Dr. Moss is an honors graduate of Morehouse College and went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Yale and Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary. He is married to his college sweetheart, Monica—a Spelman College and Columbia University graduate from Orlando, Florida. They are the proud parents of two creative and humorous children, Elijah Wynton and Makayla Elon.
Find books written by Dr. Moss on Amazon or use this QR code to go directly to his author page.
Welcome to worship at Second-Ponce! You belong here, and we hope you'll come back. We truly have something for everyone, and not just on Sundays. During the week, we have virtual small groups and Bible studies. Each Wednesday evening, we have Fellowship Supper, an adult discipleship study and age-appropriate activities for children and teens. Now that you know a little about us, help us get to know you better by completing the blue or green card located in the pew rack. Simply hand it to a minister or drop it in the offering plate.
HOW TO JOIN
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 our Senior Pastor or a Second-Ponce minister will greet you with warmth and joy.
ADDITIONAL SUNDAY INFORMATION
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 for babies through pre-K and Kids Worship for children K through 5th grade. You can take your children to Kids Worship before the service or, if you’d prefer, they can stay with you in the Sanctuary for either the entire hour or until the Doxology and then go with our children's ministry leaders. You'll pick them up in the Kids’ Club area after worship.
SHARING PRAYER REQUESTS
At Second-Ponce, you have a church family who welcomes the opportunity to join you in prayer. Let us know by filling out a prayer request card located on the back of the pew rack. You can drop it in the offering plate or give it to a member of the SecondPonce ministerial staff after worship.
GIVING AN OFFERING
Your financial support of Second-Ponce allows us to carry out the mission God has for our church. There are giving cards in the pew racks that utilize a QR code for making gifts online. You may also drop your offering in the offering plate.
SECOND-PONCE WORSHIP STAFF
Jonathan Hall
SCRIPTURE Luke 2:30–50 (NIV) Rev. John Uldrick (p. 833–834 in your pew Bible)
HYMN NO. 594 BEFORE THE THRONE
Before the Throne of God Above
SHARING HIS SPDL STORY
Calvin Milam is a junior at DeKalb School of the Arts where he is involved in the jazz band and theatre. He has been attending SPdL for 17 years and was baptized this past February.
Dr. Dock Hollingsworth, Senior Pastor
Verleen Baerg, Organist
Joy Callaway, Pianist
Anneliese Depenthal, Music Ministry Intern
Bill Gabbard, Minister of Music
Jonathan Hall, Minister of Community and Student Discipleship
Rev. Allie Osborne, Minister of Missions and Children's Discipleship
Richard Rogers, Director of Orchestra
Meg Rooney, Children & Youth Intern
Rev. John Uldrick, Associate Pastor
AFTER WORSHIP
SPRING CHURCH IN CONFERENCE
Today | After Worship Fellowship Hall & On Zoom
Friends, stay after the service for our spring Church in Conference! Even if you didn't RSVP, you can still conduct a little church business with us in the Fellowship Hall. Your voice and presence matter! Hard copies of the meeting materials will be available.
REALM HELP DESK
Today Before and After Church in Conference Fellowship Hall
Still need your photo taken for the online directory? Have questions about how to do things in Realm or the Realm Connect App? Still need an account? Stop by the Realm Help Desk to learn more! Contact Karen Harwell at kharwell@spdl.org for additional information.
CONTINUING
ALL MONTH
APRIL PRAYER FOCUS: CENTERING PRAYER
Find this prayer resource in the Welcome Center or online at www.spdl.org/prayer.
CANNED FRUIT DRIVE FOR TOCO HILLS COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
Sunday, April 2–Sunday, April 30 Collection Bins in the Welcome Center
MISSIONS & COMMUNITY
All SPdL events requiring an RSVP along with info and links are online at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
MAY WMU LUNCH & FELLOWSHIP
Tuesday, May 2 | 11 a.m. Fellowship Hall | Cost: $9/person | No RSVP
Everyone is invited to join the WMU for their May lunch and fellowship! After a delicious meal, guest speaker Monica Walker will give an update on the family in Guatemala for whom we raised money through the sale of the beaded bird Christmas ornaments. RSVP is not needed for this event.
YOUNG ADULT APRIL DINNER
Tuesday, May 2 7:15 p.m. | Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar Smyrna, GA Young adults, join us in Smyrna at Atkins Park Restaurant and Bar for our monthly dinner and hang out. The cost is your own meal. RSVP by Monday, May 1.
RESPITE CARE ATLANTA VOLUNTEER SESSION
Monday, May 8 10–11 a.m. | Downstairs RCA Area
Respite Care Atlanta is seeking volunteers for its weekly respite program assisting adults living with mild-to-moderate dementia. Reserve your spot on the church website at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
PRIME TIMERS' TRIP TO THE CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
Tuesday, May 9 | Depart at 9:30 a.m. | Return Around 2 p.m.
Ticket: $10/person | Lunch Cost: Your Meal at The Varsity
Prime Timers, our May gathering will be a trip to the Carter Presidential Library followed by lunch at The Varsity. RSVP by Thursday, May 4 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
GEORGIA BOY CHOIR CONCERT
Friday, May 12 | 7 p.m. SPdL Sanctuary | Cost: $10
The Second-Ponce Music Ministry is excited to host the Georgia Boy Choir Spring Concert, a joyous performance of old favorites, new hits and more! Purchase tickets at georgiaboychoir.org/events.
BE A MIAMI MISSION TRIP SHAREHOLDER
Second-Ponce is sending a mission team to Miami July 8–15, and they need our support! There are ways you can serve alongside them before and during their trip. Learn more about the opportunities to help "prep, pay and pray" at www.spdl.org/missions.
DISCIPLESHIP & WORSHIP
All SPdL events requiring an RSVP along with info and links are online at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
FELLOWSHIP SUPPER & SPDLU
Wednesday, April 26 | 5 p.m. | Fellowship Hall | $8/adult; $5/child
On the menu: Chicken pot pie, rice, salad and dessert. After supper, Dan Hayes will lead part 2 of Spiritual Disciplines, which will help propel us individually and as a church toward more effectively fulfilling our purpose and mission. RSVP for supper by Noon, Monday, April 24 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
MAY SPDLU: CELEBRATING OUR CAMPUS PARTNERS
Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 6 p.m. Fellowship Hall & On Zoom
Make plans to join us for a special SPdLU series celebrating our on-campus partners. Learn about the organizations who operate from Second-Ponce and discover ways you can connect with their work. We'll kick off this series by hearing from the Alma Domestic Violence Foundation on May 3. Don't miss it!
SPECIAL SUNDAYS
Be sure to put these upcoming special Sundays on your calendar!
• May 21: Graduate and Youth Sunday
• June 11: VBS Family Day
• July 23: Church in Conference
CALL FOR GRADUATE INFO
Deadline: Monday, May 8 Graduate Sunday: May 21
Join us for worship on Sunday, May 21 as we celebrate our high school and college graduates! We're so proud of these students and can't wait to see what their futures hold. Help us recognize this awesome achievement by submitting a photo of your graduate, name of high school or university and future plans to Jonathan Hall at jhall@spdl.org. Submission deadline is Monday, May 8.
SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES
All SPdL events requiring an RSVP along with info and links are online at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
STELLAR: VBS 2023
June 5-9 9 a.m.–Noon | $25/child | 4 years (by Oct. 1)–Completed 5th grade
The "Stellar" Vacation Bible School at Second-Ponce rockets kids on an out-ofthis-world adventure that’s light years of faith-building fun! Sign up by Sunday, May 21 at www.spdl.org/vbs.
PASSPORT SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Youth: June 19–24 | Converse University | Spartanburg, SC $450/student Children: July 16–19 Rock Eagle 4-H Center Eatonton, GA $375/child Passport for children and youth are creative discipleship and mission action camps that allow students to explore and grow in faith. Learn more about these camps at www.spdl.org/children and www.spdl.org/youth.
SUNDAY, APRIL 23
Noon Realm Help Desk
12:15 p.m. Church in Conference
MONDAY, APRIL 24
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. SPdLU: Spiritual Disciplines* 6 p.m. Activities for Children & Youth*
WEEK AT A GLANCE
THURSDAY, APRIL 27
9:30 a.m. BSF Women's Bible Study 8:30 p.m. Parents Connect Zoom
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
