WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE How Deep the Father’s Love for Us arr. Kingsmore SPdL Orchestra; Richard Rogers, director
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
WELCOME & GREETING Debbie Branch Community Council Member
INVITATION TO WORSHIP Rev. Ronnie Brewer
HYMN NO. 319 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty LOBE DEN HERREN
LITANY Rev. Allie Osborne
Leader: Welcome, friends, to this holy day.
Congregation: We come to offer thanks; we come to sing and pray.
Leader: Welcome, friends, to this time set apart.
Congregation: A time to remember those we love, and time to remember the holy promises of God.
Leader: Welcome, friends, to this table of remembrance and joy.
Congregation: The table where we are fed, the feast we share with many.
Leader: Welcome, friends, and let us worship God.
NEW TESTAMENT READING Mark 2:1–12 Ron Watts (p. 813 in your pew Bible)
HYMN NO. 281 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling BEECHER
MY SPDL COMMUNITY STORY Pat Kerr
ANTHEM Holy Is He Clydesdale Sanctuary Choir; SPdL Orchestra
PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Jonathan Hall
OFFERTORY I Will Serve Thee arr. Kirkland SPdL Orchestra
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.
Newcomers
AURELIA
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
SERMON The Church: We Share Good News Rev. Brewer
TIME OF CORPORATE CONFESSION Rev. Brewer
All: Gracious and loving God, open our hearts so that we are able to admit to you the fullness of our lives–that which is beautiful and good, and that which is hurtful and hateful.
Debbie Branch
We are one in the bond of love; we are one in the bond of love. We have joined our spirits with the Spirit of God; we are one in the bond of love.
POSTLUDE Grand Chœur in C Major, Op. 68, No. 4
Théodore Salomé Jack Mitchener, organ
READING SCRIPTURE TODAY
Ron Watts joined Second-Ponce in 1974 while a student at Georgia Tech. Over the years, he has served on several committees and task forces including two terms as Deacon Chair. The now Life Deacon currently teaches adult Sunday School, volunteers with the TV/media ministry, is a member of the Community Council and is part of the senior adult ministry leadership team. He also leads the service teams for the Ridgecrest Lodge, Sanctuary Ambassadors and Bereavement Hosts. Ron agreed to serve on the Senior Pastor Search Committee because he has a deep love for this congregation and wants to see us move forward according to the plans God has for SPdL. Ron has four children—who were raised here—and eight grandchildren. His wife, Juliane, also grew up at Second-Ponce and is active in her service to God and our church.
We'll continue to highlight the members of our Senior Pastor Search Committee in worship. Please encourage this group and pray for their important work together.
The floral arrangement of tropical flowers in the Baptistry is given in loving memory of HENG HOO LIM (1938–2021).
They are given by Duncan M., Sharon Lim and Maria D. Harle.
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. RED CARD: FOR RETURNING GUESTS & SPDL MEMBERS
HELPFUL DEFINITIONS
• Doxology: The Doxology is a short hymn of praise. We use it as transition music when children leave the Sanctuary for Kids Worship.
• Fellowship Supper: Each Wednesday, we share a meal together in the Fellowship Hall. It's a great social and spiritual pick-me-up in the middle of the week.
• Lord's Supper: Also known as Communion, the Lord's Supper reminds us of Jesus' ultimate act of love—dying for our sins. The crackers and juice symbolize the sacrifice of His body and blood. The Lord's Supper is not a one-time rite, but rather a regular practice in our church.
• SPdL: An abbreviation for Second-Ponce de Leon. We pronounce it "Spee-duhl."
• SPdLU: An acronym for Second-Ponce de Leon University, our Wednesday evening hour of adult discipleship time of adult discipleship.
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.
HOLIDAY SUNDAY SCHEDULE | LABOR DAY
Sun, Sept. 1 | Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall
9:30 a.m.: Everyone is invited to a light breakfast before Sunday School
9:45 a.m.: for a combined Sunday School lesson. Children & youth disperse to their areas for Sunday School as usual.
11 a.m.: Worship in the Sanctuary
YOUTH BRAVES GAME
Sun, Sept. 8 | 1:30 p.m. (Leave after worship) | Cost: $10/ticket
Youth and families, grab your friends and let's cheer on the Braves at Truist Park! Travel Info: Families will drive/carpool from SPdL to Truist Park; church bus will not run. RSVP: By Sun, Sept. 1 at www.spdl.org/rsvp. Space is limited.
SUPPER & SPDLU
Wed, Aug. 28 | Beginning at 5 p.m. | Fellowship Hall & Zoom | Meal: $10/adult; $5/child
Topic: Rediscovering the Ten Commandments Finale
Supper Menu: Pepper steak, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad and dessert
RSVP: By Noon, Monday, August 26 at spdl.org/rsvp
INVITATION FROM NORTHSIDE DRIVE BAPTIST CHURCH (NDBC)
Sun, Sept. 8 | 4 p.m. | NDBC Sanctuary Cost: $15
Topic: Christians Against Christian Nationalism
The congregation of fellow Baptists at Northside Drive invites us to an evening with Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty in Washington D.C., presented by the McComb Lecture Series. RSVP: At www.northsidedrive.org
PRIME TIMERS' LUNCH & LEARN
Tues, Sept. 10 | Noon Fellowship Hall Cost: $10
Topic: Mind Matters: Lunch and Learn on Brain Health | Guest speaker Bethany Baker from Senior Provisions will share how to maintain brain health as we age.
Meal: Healthy lunch aimed at promoting wellness (menu TBA)
RSVP: By Thurs, Sept. 5 to Vicki McCaskey (vmccaskey@spdl.org or 404.591.4344)
Payment: By check to the office with “Brain Health Lunch” on memo line, by credit card online at www.spdl.org/give. Click on the "Give Now" button, then select “Prime Timers’ Activity” from the dropdown menu and specify “Brain Health Lunch” or pay at the door.
Fri, Sept 13. | 5:30–9 p.m. | Ages 0–5th grade $15/child
Bring your favorite book and/or dress like your favorite book character! Event also includes a meal, Bible story, games and crafts.
RSVP: By Wed, Sept. 11 at www.spdl.org/rsvp
COMMUNITY
We value community at Second-Ponce by working hard to build relationships and care for each other. We also prioritize the greater community outside of our church walls by sharing God’s love and encouraging people to engage with us in our ministry together.
We grow in community, connecting and caring for each other, and inviting others to join us. That’s how Rev. Jonathan Hall and the Community Council describe their purpose. If you’re interested in helping or have an idea, send a quick message to the group at community@spdl.org. For more details on their work, visit spdl.org/community.
DISCIPLESHIP
WEEKLY PRAYER GUIDE | 40 WEEKS OF PRAYER
Week 4 (Aug 25–31): Church Staff & Lay Leadership
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4–6
Pray:
• For each member of the church staff, by name, asking God to strengthen their faith and encourage their service as they are taking on new responsibilities and extra workload. Find the full staff list at www.spdl.org/staff.
• For our lay leadership (Deacons, councils and committee chairs) to step up in service and to have open eyes, ears and hearts during this time.
• For new lay leaders to step forward in the months ahead to help with new plans and visions.
MISSIONS
SAVE THE DATE: WEDNESDAY NIGHT MISSIONS PROJECT
Wed, Sept. 18 | 6 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
In lieu of our regular SPdLU, we'll participate together in an onsite missions project. Mark your calendar now and stay tuned for details.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
12 p.m. Lemonade on the Lawn
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. Adult Discipleship (SPdLU)*
6 p.m. Activities for Children & Youth
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 INTENTIONAL GIVING MONTH
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:30 a.m. Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall
9:45 a.m. Combined Adult Sunday School & Sunday School for Children & Youth
11 a.m. Worship*
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
