WORSHIP
OF GOD
Sunday, May 14, 2023 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken Haydn, arr. Hustad
Verleen Baerg,CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, May 14, 2023 at 11 a.m.
DOXOLOGY (HYMN NO. 706)
OLD 100TH
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, May 14, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Organ
HYMN NO. 2 Come, Thou Almighty King ITALIAN HYMN
WELCOME & INVOCATION Rev. Allie Osborne
SCRIPTURE Psalm 66:8–20 Rev. John Uldrick
Leader: Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard, Who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip.
Congregation: For You, O God, have tested us; You have tried us as silver is tried.
Leader: You brought us into the net; You laid burdens on our backs; You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet You have brought us out to a spacious place.
Congregation: I will come into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows, those that my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
Leader: I will offer to You burnt offerings of fatlings, with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats.
Congregation: Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for me.
Leader: I cried aloud to Him, and He was extolled with my tongue.
Congregation: If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Leader: But truly God has listened; He has given heed to the words of my prayer.
Congregation: Blessed be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me.
HYMN NO. 581 I Love to Tell the Story HANKEY
ANTHEM Jesus, Lord, We Look to Thee Forrest Sanctuary Choir; Verleen Baerg, organ
A PRAYER FOR MOTHER'S DAY
Howell Williams
OFFERTORY Wondrous Love Traditional Bill Gabbard, tenor
Please use this time to reflect on your gifts and service opportunities. Note that the offering plates are now located at the front and back entrances to the Sanctuary.
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 Dr. Dock Hollingsworth
SCRIPTURE 1 Peter 3:13–22 Susan McDonald (p. 985 in your pew Bible)
HYMN NO. 591 All That Thrills My Soul HARRIS
SERMON Accounting for the Hope Within Dr. Hollingsworth
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 499
WE LOVE MEETING NEW PEOPLE
Welcome to worship at Second-Ponce! We hope you find this hour to be joyful and transformative. Our church has something for everyone, and not just on Sundays. During the week, we have special dinners, small groups and Bible studies. Wednesday evenings, we share Fellowship Supper followed by adult discipleship and ageappropriate activities for children and teens. We hope you'll join us! And 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 and hand it to a minister or drop it in the offering plate.
HOW TO JOIN
SURRENDER I Surrender All
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
BENEDICTION
Rev. Uldrick
Dr. Hollingsworth
POSTLUDE Croft, arr. Frederick Swann Toccata on “O God Our Help" Verleen Baerg, organ
SHARING A MOTHER'S DAY PRAYER
Howell Williams has been a member of Second-Ponce since a child and was ordained as a Deacon in January. She teaches in the Adult III Sunday School department and serves on the Discipleship Council. Howell is a retired public librarian with two adult sons, Taylor and Reid. In her spare time, she designs jewelry.
The flowers on the Communion Table are given to honor the women who carry life, give love, teach honor and respect and give us a reason to laugh and cry.
The gracious donor wishes to remain anonymous.
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 of one our ministers after worship and they'll walk you through an alternative plan.
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 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 children's ministry leaders). After worship, pick them up in the Kids’ Club.
SHARING PRAYER REQUESTS
At Second-Ponce, you have a church family who welcomes the opportunity to join you in prayer. Let us know your prayer needs by filling out a 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 Second-Ponce 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
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
GROWING IN DISCIPLESHIP
All SPdL events requiring an RSVP along with info and links are online at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
FELLOWSHIP SUPPER & SPDLU
Wednesday, May 17 | 5 p.m. Fellowship Hall $8/adult; $5/child
On the menu: Burgers & hot dogs, baked beans, French fries & dessert. After supper, enjoy a special SPdLU series celebrating our on-campus partners (organizations operating from Second-Ponce). Learn about the Respite Care Atlanta (RCA) and discover ways you can connect with their work. RSVP for supper by Noon, Monday, May 15 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR "SWAP MEET" FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL & DISCIPLESHIP LEADERS
Sunday, May 21 | After Worship | Fellowship Hall Lunch: Free
Join us for a fun and helpful “swap meet” to exchange ideas and grow together as discipleship leaders. We’ll begin with a delicious lunch of chicken cordon bleu, rice pilaf, vegetable medley, salad, rolls and strawberry shortcake. Then, John Uldrick will facilitate our “swap meet” of ideas and expertise. The cost of the meal is free as a gesture of gratitude for your dedication to our congregation. RSVP by Thursday, May 18 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
MAY PRAYER FOCUS: WRITING TO GOD
In times of war, soldiers stay connected with their loved ones by writing letters home. Troops could say “I love you” and “I miss you” in those personal notes. Writing to God is similar to those letters. Since the Lord is our true home, we continue saying, "I love you," but we can also add our sincere cries for help when we write to God. Find this May prayer practice resource in the Welcome Center and online at www.spdl.org/prayer.
SPENDING TIME IN COMMUNITY
All SPdL events requiring an RSVP along with info and links are online at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
WMU JUNE SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Tuesday, June 6 VBS Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
Next month, the WMU is switching things up! Instead of lunch and a speaker, the group will help execute and then enjoy the volunteer appreciation lunch for VBS volunteers. This is a wonderful service opportunity to celebrate those who've worked so hard to make the 2023 Vacation Bible School a success! Sign up at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
YOUNG ADULT JUNE DINNER
Tuesday, June 6 | 7:15 p.m. Desta Ethiopian Kitchen Atlanta, GA Young adults, join us at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen for our monthly dinner and hang out. The cost is your own meal. RSVP by Monday, June 5 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
SAVE THE DATE: PEACHTREE ROAD RACE
Tuesday, July 4 Second-Ponce Front Lawn
Come cheer on the racers as they pass Second-Ponce, and get the best seat for viewing this popular annual event! Put this summer tradition on your calendar and stay tuned for details.
CHILDREN, YOUTH & STUDENTS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Submission Deadline: Friday, June 2
It's scholarship time again! If you're interested in applying for a SPdL college scholarship, please complete the process no later than Friday, June 2. Find the application and its requirements at www.spdl.org/scholarships or in hard copies at the church office front desk or Welcome Center.
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 camps for children and youth are creative discipleship and mission action experiences that allow students to explore and grow in faith. Learn more about these camps at www.spdl.org/children and www.spdl.org/youth.
SERVING & GIVING
All SPdL events requiring an RSVP along with info and links are online at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
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.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS
Did you know that buying groceries at Kroger can yield rewards for SPdL?
The Kroger Community Rewards Program donates to local organizations based on a percentage of the shopping you do every day. All you need is a Shopper's Card and a digital Kroger account. Once you link your Shopper's Card to Second-Ponce, all you have to do is shop and swipe! Get started at www.kroger.com and scroll down to the bottom of the homepage. Then, click "Kroger Community Rewards" listed under Community.
MONDAY, MAY 15
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. SPdLU: Campus Partners Part 3: Respite Care Atlanta*
6 p.m. Activities for Children & Youth*
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
*Online (Zoom or YouTube video) and in person
PRIME TIMER'S ANNUAL PEACH TRIP
Thursday, July 20 9:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Bullock House & Fitzgerald Fruits
Cost: $25 (lunch & transportation) Peaches are separate Senior adults and friends, join us for our annual peach trip! We'll depart at 9:45 a.m. for the Bullock House for lunch. Then, we'll head to Fitzgerald Fruit Farm for peaches. RSVP by Monday, July 10, at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
THURSDAY, MAY 18
End of Day Christian Educator "Swap Meet" RSVP Due 8:30 p.m. Parents Connect Zoom
SUNDAY, MAY 21
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:45 a.m. Sunday School/Bible Study*
11 a.m. Worship*
Noon Christian Educator "Swap Meet"
ADDITIONAL SUMMER CALENDAR NOTES
• Wednesday PM activities during VBS (June 7) are cancelled.
• Prime Timers will not have a monthly fellowship in June.
• WMU will not have a July fellowship.
• There are no Wednesday PM activities in July.
• The BSF women's group is off for the summer and will return in September.
HONORING THE SPIRIT OF MOTHERHOOD
We celebrate the mothers and mother figures in our lives. We grieve with those who feel the sting of loss. We pray for those who bear the weight of struggle. We appreciate those who nurture and guide us through every season of life. May God bless you all.
Accounting for the Hope Within TODAY'S MESSAGE
1 Peter 3:13–22
Dr. Dock Hollingsworth, Senior Pastor