WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Voluntary on Mit Freuden Zart T. Frederick Candlyn (See Hymn 315 for text, “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”) Jack Mitchener, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
WELCOME Rev. Allie Osborne
INVITATION TO WORSHIP Rev. Osborne
HYMN NO. 315
FREUDEN ZART Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
LITANY Katie Entrekin
Leader: Creator God, You give us life, and we thank You!
Congregation: Risen Christ, You bless us with Your grace, and we praise You!
Leader: Holy Spirit, You give us the power to create and to work, to love and to bless.
Congregation: You have given us such rich and wonderful gifts! We come to You joyfully, grateful for Your generosity.
Leader: Earth is generous with food and air, with color and beauty.
Congregation: You are generous with grace and blessing, with love and grace. Teach us, God, how to be generous.
HYMN NO. 23 All Things Bright and Beautiful ROYAL OAK
SCRIPTURE Luke 21:1–4 Anne Marie Alexander (p. 856 in your pew Bible)
ANTHEM Jesus Paid It All Forman Sanctuary Choir; Joy Callaway, piano
Newcomers
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. RED CARD: FOR RETURNING GUESTS & SPDL MEMBERS
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Reciting the Lord's Prayer together is a powerful experience, one that is guided by incluson from its very first word. If prompted, we invite you to join us in this meaningful prayer practice.
G. F. Handel
Our Father, Which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
READING SCRIPTURE TODAY
Anne Marie Alexander, a member of the Open Door Sunday School class and an ordained Deacon, joined Second-Ponce almost 10 years ago. She prays bi-weekly for our church ministries with a small Zoom-based group. Anne Marie is on the Worship Council, the Senior Pastor Search Committee and coordinates the SPdL "Bug" and Greeter ministries. Most Sundays, you'll see her smiling face in the Welcome Center.
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.
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP
MY INTENTIONAL GIVING STORY Karen Harwell
OFFERTORY Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (from Cantata 147) J. S. Bach Jack Mitchener, organ
DOXOLOGY (HYMN NO. 706) OLD 100TH
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
The flowers on the Communion table are given in loving memory of FRANCES HARKINS FOR HER 100TH BIRTHDAY ON SEPTEMBER 5.
They are given by Kay Hooks, Adele Allen and her loving family.
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.
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP
Beginning Wed, Sept. 11 9:30 a.m.
Topic: This study, which will cover the book of Revelation, will focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and the consummation of all God’s promises.
RSVP: All women and preschool-aged children are welcome. Sign up at spdl.org/rsvp.
SUPPER & SPDLU | INTENTIONALLY GENEROUS PART 2
Wed, Sept. 11 Beginning at 5 p.m. Fellowship Hall & Zoom Meal: $10/adult; $5/child
Topic: How We Learn and Practice Giving by Karen Harwell
About the Series: During Intentional Giving month, join us for the final sessions where we uncover what we have learned about generosity in giving, its implications on our lives and how we practice intentional giving. We'll share stories and learn a little more about what Scripture has to teach us.
Supper Menu: Spaghetti and meatballs, vegetables, garlic bread, salad and dessert
RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Sept. 9 at spdl.org/rsvp
KIDS' CLUB BOOKWORM FRIYAY
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
GUEST PREACHER NEXT SUNDAY
Sun, Sept. 15 | During Worship
Join us in welcoming Dr. John D. Pierce. Known to many as Johnny Pierce, he recently retired from a lengthy career as Baptist journalist and commentator. For many years, he edited Baptists Today (now Nurturing Faith Journal) and was the founding publisher of Nurturing Faith Books (now Good Faith Media). Currently, Johnny directs the Jesus Worldview Initiative through Belmont University’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership.
READING PROGRAM AT GARDEN HILLS ELEMENTARY
Begins Mon, Sept. 16 Can apply as you're able
About the Program: Volunteers are paired with a student referred by their teacher. Pairs meet weekly during the student's lunch to share books and conversation. Time commitment is 30 minutes, once per week, for the entire school year. Questions: Contact Drew Kelly at 678.480.0375 or drewkellyatl@gmail.com
RSVP: At spdl.org/rsvp
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MISSIONS PROJECT
Wed, Sept. 18 6 p.m. Fellowship Hall
We’ll be stuffing lunch sacks for Crossroads Community Ministries, an organization seeking to provide access to resources that empower people experiencing homelessness to progress on the road toward economic and personal stability. Our special guest for the evening will be Seth Lingenfelter, Crossroads’ Director of Operations. Seth oversees Crossroads’ 3 engagement programs: The Renewal Project, Door-to-Door Housing and Clyde's Kitchen. His primary focus is to ensure these programs work effectively to serve guests with dignity.
JACK MITCHENER CONCERT
Fri, Sept. 27 | 8 p.m. | Schwartz Center at Emory University | Concert & Parking: Free
About the Concert: SPdL Organist Jack Mitchener will play a recital for the American Bach Society Conference. Come hear Jack play works of Bach, Buxtehude, Mendelssohn, Hailstork and others on the great Jaeckel organ in the Schwartz Center.
WEEKLY PRAYER GUIDE | 40 WEEKS OF PRAYER
Week 6 (Sept 8–14): God Knows
Read: Jeremiah 29:11–13 & 1 John 3:20
Pray:
• Thank God for God's knowledge, presence and provision.
• Ask God to remind you that God is present and active—greater than your worried heart—even when you don’t see it. Ask God to replace your concern with joy. Ask God what God is calling you to give toward now.
GOD KNOWS THE PLANS
Intentional Giving Emphasis September 2024
It's true! Our annual focus on intentional giving is one month earlier this year. Throughout the month of September, we ask each member of our church family to prayerfully consider their financial contributions to Second-Ponce for 2025. Our Intentional Giving Team has chosen the theme God Knows the Plans and created four weekly devotions to spur thought, prayer, conversation, action and response to God and the church’s financial needs. Find this devotional brochure in the Welcome Center and at the Intentional Giving Table. Pledge cards are also available in the same locations as well as the Sanctuary pew racks and online at www.spdl.org/pledge.
NOMINATIONS FOR DEACONS & CHURCH OFFICERS
Submission Deadline: October 1
Each September, our church carves out time to prayerfully consider and nominate the next group of Deacons and church officers. Submit your candidates using the paper nomination forms found in the Welcome Center or online at www.spdl.org/nominations.
EVER WONDER HOW THE PIPE ORGAN WORKS?
Mon, Sept. 9 12 p.m. | The Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall Emory University
You are invited to hear an “Introduction to the King of Instruments” by SPdL Organist Jack Mitchener. This event is free and will include Jack’s explanation of how an organ works plus performances of a few pieces. Parking is available in the Fishburne Deck.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
1:30 p.m. Youth Braves Game
4 p.m. Northside Drive Lecture
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
10 a.m. RCA Volunteer Session
12 p.m. Jack Mitchener's Pipe Organ Presentation at Emory
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
12 p.m. Prime Timers' Lunch & Learn
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
9:30 a.m. BSF Women's Bible Study
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 CONT'D
6 p.m. Adult Discipleship (SPdLU)*
6 p.m. Activities for Children & Youth
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
5:30 p.m. Kids' Club FriYAY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School & Bible Study for Children, Youth & Adults
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details.
Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
September 8, 2024
Second-Ponce Ministerial Staff
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 REV. ALLIE OSBORNE Minister of Missions & Children's
