WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Organ Prelude on Eventide (“Abide With Me”)
Jack Mitchener, organCHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
Alec Rowley
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 11 a.m.
PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Allie Osborne
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 11 a.m.
WE'RE "PEOPLE PEOPLE"
HYMN INSERT Ye Servants of God LYONS
WELCOME & INVOCATION Rev. Jonathan Hall
SCRIPTURE Psalm 22:25–31 Bill Gabbard
Leader: My praise is of God in the great assembly; I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship the Lord.
Congregation: The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek God shall praise God: "May your heart live for ever!"
Leader: All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to God, and all the families of the nations bow before God.
Congregation: For sovereignty belongs to the Lord; God rules over the nations.
Leader: To God alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; all who go down to the dust fall before God. My soul shall live for God;
Congregation: My descendants shall serve the LORD; they shall be known as God’s forever. They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn the saving deeds that God has done.
HYMN NO. 9 Holy God, We Praise Your Name
GROSSER GOTT
ANTHEM The Love of God Schwoebel Sanctuary Choir; Joy Callaway, piano
OFFERTORY PRAYER David Grubbs
OFFERTORY
Margaret Vardell Sandresky
“Jesus, Still Lead On” (from The Good Shepherd) Jack Mitchener, organ
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.
HYMN NO. 383 Near to the Heart of God McAFEE
SCRIPTURE John 15:1–8 Rev. John Uldrick (p. 878 in your pew Bible)
SERMON On Gardeners and Growth Rev. Uldrick
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 543 EVENTIDE Abide With Me
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT Rev. Hall
BENEDICTION Rev. Uldrick
POSTLUDE March in A Major Margaret Vardell Sandresky Jack Mitchener, organ
The composer of our Postlude is a former teacher and good friend of SPdL organist Jack Mitchener. Today, we join him and the music community in celebrating her 103rd birthday.
FOR GUESTS WE HAVEN'T MET YET
Welcome to church! Make yourself at home here! Settle in for a transformative and joyful hour of worship. We'd love to be helpful in your faith journey. There's a green card in the pew rack—I'm New Here. 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 calls, emails or requests. Engagement with us will be at your own pace; we just want to know who you are and how we can pray for you.
FOR GUESTS WE KNOW & CHURCH MEMBERS
Welcome back to church! Your presence is part of what makes Sundays at Second-Ponce so wonderful. 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.
MORE GOOD STUFF
EVERYONE IS AN "INSIDER" AT SPDL
We're pulling back the curtain on some experiences and words you'll encounter today.
• Doxology: The Doxology is a short hymn of praise. We use it as transition music when children leave the Sanctuary for Kids Worship.
• Invocation: The first prayer of the service invoking the spirit of God to be with us as we worship.
• Passport Camps: Each summer, our children and youth spend a few days of fun and friendship with other family ministries from across the country at Passport Camps.
• Prime Timers: Prime Timers is the name of our vibrant senior adult ministry. They meet once per month for a different activity, meal or adventure.
• 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 time of adult discipleship.
LEADING OUR OFFERTORY PRAYER
David Grubbs has served God and Second-Ponce as both an ordained Deacon and past Chair of the SPdL Finance Committee. He works in the banking industry and enjoys cycling, the Tennessee Volunteers and family time at the lake with his beautiful wife, Renee, and their children, Adam and Rachel. David and Renee joined Second-Ponce in 2000 and have raised their family here. Together, they are active in the Bridge Builders Sunday School class.
• Toco Hills Community Alliance: Also referred to as "THCA," this collaborative non-profit in Northeast Atlanta provides groceries and clothing to hundreds of families weekly to fulfill the mission of "Neighbors Helping Neighbors." Second-Ponce is an official missions partner of the Toco Hills Community Alliance.
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.
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 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.
PASSPORT CAMP OVERVIEW FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
Sunday, April 28 | After Worship Fellowship Hall RSVP Not Required
Children, youth and families are encouraged to stay for a brief summer camp overview after worship on Sunday, April 28. Led by Revs. Jonathan Hall and Allie Osborne, this quick touch-base includes:
• Answers to the questions: What is Passport? and Why Passport?
• Camp videos showing a day in the life of a Passport camper
• Information about the specific Second-Ponce trip plans
• Q & A session
2024 CAMPS Registration links for both are at www.spdl.org/rsvp
• Youth: June 23–28 | Converse University Spartanburg, SC $450/student | Sign up by May 19
• Children: July 20–23 | Converse University Spartanburg, SC $378/student $150 deposit due May 1
SUPPER & SPDLU
Wednesday, May 1 Supper at 5 p.m.; SPdLU at 6 | Fellowship Hall & On Zoom
Meal Cost: $8/adult; $5/child
Dr. Dock Hollingsworth will lead a May discipleship series: The Parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Join us Wednesday, May 1 for an introduction to these Parables. On the Fellowship Supper menu: Meatloaf, mac & cheese, vegetable, salad, rolls & dessert. RSVP by Noon, Monday, April 29 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
MUSIC MINISTRY SUNDAY
Sunday, May 5 | 11 a.m. | Sanctuary
We're in for a real treat Sunday, May 5, with the annual music ministry worship service! Our talented Sanctuary Choir and SPdL Orchestra will come together to lead us in anthems, musical meditations, hymns, Scripture and prayer. While this service does not have a sermon, you'll certainly hear and feel the Word of God throughout this powerful hour. Don't miss it!
RECEPTION FOR THE ULDRICKS
Sunday, May 5 | After Worship Fellowship Hall
Let’s shower the Uldricks with love, encouragement, gratitude and well-wishes before they move to Greenwood, SC. What a joy and blessing they have been to Second-Ponce; let's send them to their next ministry with hugs, handshakes and happiness!
YOUNG ADULT BRAVES GAME
Saturday, May 18 | 6–10 p.m. | Tickets: $25
Cheer on the home team Friday, May 18, as the Atlanta Braves take on the San Diego Padres. Meet at SPdL at 6 p.m. to carpool to Truist Park. Game tickets go quickly, so sign up ASAP at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
GRADUATE INFO SUBMISSIONS
Send to Jonathan Hall (jhall@spdl.org) Deadline: Wednesday, May 15
Graduate Sunday: May 19
Join us for worship on Sunday, May 19 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 their awesome achievements by submitting a photo of your graduate, the name of their high school or university and any future plans to Rev. Jonathan Hall, Minister of Community and Student Discipleship at jhall@spdl.org.
NOTE: Submissions after the deadline of Wednesday, May 15, will not be included in the worship bulletin.
MORE GOOD THINGS ON THE CALENDAR
PRIME TIMERS' SPRING FLING LUNCH
Tuesday, May 21 Noon | Fellowship Hall | $10
Join us as we celebrate warmer weather and dream about future Prime Timer's ministry and activities. Come with ideas for gathering and wear your best spring bonnet/hat (prizes awarded!) RSVP to Vicki McCaskey by May 16. Need a ride?
Let Karen Harwell, Ron Watts, or Deborah Painter know.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL | Scuba
Monday–Friday | June 3–7 9 a.m.–Noon
For ages 4 (by 9/1/24)–completed 5th grade | $35/child Youth volunteers: Completed 6th–12th grade Dive into the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God! At Scuba VBS, children will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about. Register by May 10, and invite your friends, too! Learn more at www.spdl.org/vbs.
APRIL COLLECTION FOR MISSIONS
APRIL MISSIONS COLLECTION DRIVE
Shelf-stable milk and healthy cereal for THCA
This month, we’re collecting shelf-stable milk and healthy cereal for our missions partner, Toco Hills Community Alliance. Drop your donations in the Welcome Center bins. We'll be collecting these items through Wednesday, May 1.
Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
April 28, 2024
WELCOME TO Sunday WORSHIP
We're glad you're here!
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
12:15 p.m. Passport Camp Overview for Children, Youth & Families
MONDAY, APRIL 29
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
TUESDAY, APRIL 30
8:30 p.m. Parents Connect Zoom*
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
9:30 a.m. BSF Women's Bible Study
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. Activities for Children & Youth
WEEK AT A GLANCE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
6 p.m. Adult Discipleship (SPdLU)*
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
SUNDAY, MAY 5
MUSIC MINISTRY SUNDAY
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:45 a.m. Bible Study & Sunday School for All Ages
11 a.m. Worship*
On Gardeners and Growth John 15:1–8
Rev. John Uldrick | Associate Pastor
Noon Reception for the Uldricks Second-Ponce Worship Team
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details)
Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church 2715
GA 30305 404.266.8111 | www.spdl.org | FB, IG & YT: @secondponce
DEPENTHAL
Music Ministry Intern
BILL GABBARD
Minister of Music
REV. JONATHAN HALL
Minister of Community & Student Discipleship
DR. JACK MITCHENER Organist
REV. ALLIE OSBORNE
Minister of Missions & Children's Discipleship