Dear friends, 

This newsletter comes to you the day after our sad but beautiful memorial service for Leslie McCracken. Someone mentioned it feels like we're on a cruise in the middle of the ocean after our navigating system has gone down. As we move on, we will discover how dependent we were on her. And, we will remember how to read the sun, moon, and stars and the many maps Leslie and the other leaders of St. Simons have left us to find our way forward. People will step up. You will step up, and we'll be fine. 

In the "stepping up" department, I bring you wonderful news concerning your next interim pastor, Dr. Wes Avram, who will step into this position beginning on August 1st. Wes has heard God's call to follow me here when I step down at the end of June. Wes retired in January from his pastorate at Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, AZ, and in most cases of "being called," he was surprised when this came about. Some of you may remember his mother, Mary Avram, who was well-loved as one of the "go-to" spiritual directors on St. Simons and a member of SSPC until her death last year. All you need to know for now about Wes and his professional and personal life is in the short bio below he provided to the Session when they approved him a couple of weeks ago. You'll find that, aside from his wonderful preaching and pastoral care, his administrative and management gifts are what this church needs going forward.

Wes' coming will provide the Pastoral Search Committee adequate time to finish "navigating" their search for your next pastor and more time for SSPC to continue growing and morphing into a stronger and more "corporate" sized community when your next pastor is called.

Gratitude,

Steve

From the anthem by Jane Marshall, My Eternal King 

My God, I love Thee.  Not because I hope for heav’n thereby, nor yet because who love Thee not must die eternally.   

Thou, oh my Jesus, thou didst me upon the cross embrace; for me didst nails, and spear, and manifold disgrace.   

Why, then why, O blessed Jesus Christ, should I not love Thee well?  Not for the hope of winning heav’n or of escaping hell; not with the hope of gaining aught, not seeking a reward; but as Thyself hast loved me, O ever loving Lord!   

E’en so, I love Thee, and will love, and in Thy praise will sing; solely because Thou art my God and my Eternal King. -  Poem (anonymous) from 17th century Latin 

I have always loved this anthem. The words started tumbling through my head when I heard about Leslie’s death and, subsequently, about Betty’s death. These two did what they did because of the love they had for God, not for any other reason really. I was privileged to be friends with both and will really miss them.

This is the time of year when we start planning for next year. The program staff meet and talk about what transpired this year, and we start setting dates on the calendar for it all to happen once more for 2024-2025. If you have ideas, etc., please share them with staff members. I’m already setting music dates and looking forward to a new year of musical experiences and worship.

Mother’s Day and Graduate Recognition are going to be a part of worship on Sunday. The Chancel Choir will sing David Schwoebel’s “For I Know the Plans I Have for You” based on Jeremiah 29:11-14 – For I know the plans I have for you. Plans for welfare, not for evil, to give you a future and hope.

Pentecost is on May 19th. Everyone is encouraged to wear flame colors – Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, White, etc. Our acolytes will be recognized and will burn palm branches outside the front of the church at the end of the service. Those who would like to take part in the 10:30 procession of doves and streamers, please meet in the back of the church no later than 10:00 am to practice.  The Chancel Choir will be singing Pepper Choplin’s “Fill-a Me Up!” and our Chancel Ringers will close out their ringing season with a beautiful rendition of “For the Beauty of the Earth” arranged by Brian Childers.   

Worship will be even better with your presence. I hope to see you there!

Love & Gratitude, Rhonda 

Sunday, May 12

8:30 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

Monday, May 13

12:00 pm Worship and Music - Upper Room

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, May 14

7:00 am Youth Breakfast Devotion - SSI Chick-Fil-A

10:00 am PW Morning Glories - Upper Room

12:00 pm PW Lunch Bunch - Upper Room

4:00 pm PW Ladies of the Night - Upper Room

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law

Wednesday, May 15

10:00 am Grief Group - Parlor

10:00 am Mens Bible Study - Upper Room

1:00 pm Hands and Heart Quilting Ministry - Music Attic

3:00 pm Sonshine for the Soul - John Law

3:00 pm Chancel Ensemble - Sanctuary

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, May 16

9:00 am Preschool 2’s Program - Social Hall

10:00 am Ladies Bible Study - Upper Room

5:30 pm Chancel Ringers - Bell Room

Friday, May 17

9:00 am Preschool 3 & 4’s Program - Social Hall