WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Atkinson, arr. Sanborn Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart Verleen Baerg, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
HYMN NO. 319 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty LOBE DEN HERREN
WELCOME & INVOCATION George Trusler Missions Council Chair
HYMN NO. 427 We’ve a Story to Tell MESSAGE
MISSIONS SPEAKER 1 Missy Ward-Angalla CEO, Amani Sasa
ANTHEM And This Is Love Medema Sanctuary Choir; Joy Callaway, piano
And this is love, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You have heard it said, “Love your friends, and hate your enemies.”
Yet I say to you, “Love your enemies, too.”
If you love me, do the things I command you; Love one another, as I have loved you.
MISSIONS SPEAKER 2 Rev. Dr. Lisa Heilig Executive Director, Toco Hills Community Alliance
OFFERTORY Blessed Assurance Berry Joy Callaway, piano
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.
PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Allie Osborne
MISSIONS SPEAKER 3 Jim Weldon Miami Mission Trip Participant
MISSIONS SPEAKER 4 Deborah Painter Garden Hills Elementary School
HYMN NO. 64 The King of Love My Shepherd Is ST. COLUMBA
SCRIPTURE Matthew 18:21–35 Dr. Dock Hollingsworth (p. 800 in your pew Bible)
SERMON The Forgiveness Imperative Dr. Hollingsworth
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 158 DUKE STREET Jesus Shall Reign, verse 1
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 11 a.m.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
BENEDICTION
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Rev. John Uldrick
Dr. Hollingsworth
POSTLUDE Toccata Dubois
Verleen Baerg, organ
MISSIONS IS AT OUR CORE
Why do we help others? Why do we support missions? Because we want to follow Jesus’ demonstrations of love and care shown during His ministry. We say it like this: We inspire people to increase their engagement in MISSIONS and outreach, meeting needs and sharing Christ’s love.
By combining partnerships and hands-on service, the Missions Council leads Second-Ponce in our quest to offer hope and model love through deep and long-term connections to local and global missions organizations. The Council works to provide opportunities for our church family to use our gifts and callings to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors both near and far. Their relationships with our missions partners help to strengthen ongoing work and nurture new connections.
For additional information or to express an interest in serving contact us at missions@spdl.org.
MEET OUR MISSIONS SPEAKERS
Missions Speaker 1: Missy Angalla serves as CBF Field Personnel and the CEO of Amani Sasa, a ministry that provides holistic, in-depth care to the most vulnerable refugee families in Kampala, Uganda. Amani Sasa offers refugees access to safety, wholeness and empowerment so that they can live into their full God-given potential. Learn more about Missy and the work of Amani Sasa at www.amanisasa.org,
Missions Speaker 2: Rev. Dr. Lisa Heilig has served since 2018 as the Executive Director of Toco Hills Community Alliance, a collaborative non-profit in Northeast Atlanta that provides groceries and clothing to hundreds of families weekly to fulfill the mission of neighbors helping neighbors.
Missions Speaker 3 Bio: Jim Weldon, a member of Second-Ponce since 2009, is a father of two adult children and grandfather to four. He teaches in our children’s Sunday School, volunteers at Vacation Bible School and sings in the Sanctuary choir. A Life Deacon, Jim has previously served as our Church Treasurer. Jim is retired from Georgia Power and loves to travel and watch spectator sports. He and his wife, Lyn, enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.
Missions Speaker 4 Bio: Deborah Painter grew up at Second-Ponce and has been involved in everything from singing in the choir to teaching Sunday School. Currently, she serves on the Community Council and Personnel Committee and participates with the New Covenant Sunday School class. Deborah loves her dog, Winter, and works as an MRI Tech at Emory. She loves early morning walks and runs, having completed two marathons and many half marathons.
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
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, PianistAnneliese 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 DiscipleshipRichard
Rogers, Director of Orchestra Rev. John Uldrick, Associate PastorAMANI SASA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & DINNER
Missions Sunday, September 17 | 5-7 p.m. $15/person Fellowship Hall
Tonight, we're hosting an anniversary dinner for Amani Sasa! Over the last decade, this shelter has been a place of safety, healing and transformation for over 200 women and children in Kampala, Uganda. Registration was required for the event, but a limited number of tickets will be available at the door!
YOUTH FALL KICK-OFF
Sunday, September 17 5–7 p.m. | Youth Area
Calling all SPdL Youth! Join us for our 2023 Fall Kick-off! Grab a friend and come out for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship as we celebrate the start of a new semester! We’ll enjoy a meal together followed by plenty of games and activities. This event also serves as a kick-off for our new courtyard space!
HAPPENING AT SPDL
All SPdL events requiring an RSVP along with info and links are online at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
NOMINATE NEW DEACONS AND LEADERSHIP
Nomination Window: September 1–30
Each September, our church carves out time to prayerfully consider and nominate the next group of Deacons and Church Officers. To submit your candidates, use the paper nomination forms found in the Welcome Center or use the online version at www.spdl.org/nominations.
SEPTEMBER 2023 PRAYER FOCUS
This month, Second-Ponce is writing gratitude notes to staff and lay leaders. While email and text messages are excellent ways to say thank you, there is nothing like receiving an unexpected card. Beginning with a blank page, we tell our own story of joy. Thinking about how to “write your heart out” is a good approach for planning messages of gratitude. Learn more on the September handout available in the Welcome Center or online at www.spdl.org/prayer.
CLOTHING DRIVE FOR GARDEN HILLS ELEMENTARY
September 10–October 8 Donation Bins in the Welcome Center
Let's share God's love with our neighbors by helping to provide clothing for students at Garden Hills Elementary School. Now that classes have started, teachers are aware of specific needs within the student body: T-shirts, polos, undershirts and undergarments (underwear, training bras, boxers, etc.), shorts, pants, jeans and socks, in sizes 4T-Adult Medium. Donation bins are in the Welcome Center.
YOUNG ADULT FALL KICK-OFF
Tuesday, September 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | SPdL Youth Area
We're kicking off the fall with a fun, new opportunity for our young adults! Tuesday, September 19, meet us down in the youth area for a two-part event to get the ball rolling.
• Part 1: Introducing the new SPdL Young Adult Book Club, in partnership with the Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership at Mercer. Special guest Harrison Litzell will talk about the Baugh Center program and the book we'll be reading, How the Bible Actually Works by Peter Enns. This will be a brief, but exciting half-hour!
• Part 2: Food, fellowship and lawn games, so come ready to eat and play! We'll provide chicken and drinks and we're asking folks to bring a side and/or dessert to share. Any participants in the kick-off not wishing to participate in the book club are invited to arrive at 7 p.m. RSVP by Monday, September 18 to Jonathan Hall at jhall@spdl.org.
SUPPER & SPDLU
Wednesday, September 20 Supper at 5 p.m. Adult Discipleship (SPdLU) at 6 Meal Cost: $8/adult; $5/child | Fellowship Hall & Zoom
Join us for a delicious meal followed by part 3 of Exploring Colossians led by Dr. Dock Hollingsworth. On the menu for supper: Pork loin, roasted potatoes, vegetables, salad, rolls & dessert. RSVP is required for the meal, so sign up by Noon, Monday, September 18 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
HAPPENING AT SPDL
All SPdL events requiring an RSVP along with info and links are online at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
YOUNG ADULT OCTOBER DINNER
Tuesday, October 3 | 7:15 p.m. Baba's Kitchen (2184 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE) Young adults, don't miss dinner at Baba's Kitchen Tuesday, October 3! Grab some friends and meet us there at 7:15 p.m. RSVP by Monday, October 2 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
JONATHAN HALL'S ORDINATION SERVICE & RECEPTION
Sunday, October 8 | Service at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary Reception to Follow in the Fellowship Hall
We're excited to announce that Jonathan Hall, our Minister of Community and Student Discipleship, will be ordained to the gospel ministry Sunday, October 8. Everyone is invited to attend this meaningful service and stay after for a congratulatory reception in the Fellowship Hall. RSVP not required.
PRIME TIMERS' LUNCH & LEAVES FALL TRAIN RIDE
Thursday, October 12 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. | Cost: $55 (includes transportation & train ride) | Lunch will be on your own in downtown Blue Ridge SPdL seniors, join us for a fun day in the Blue Ridge mountains! We’ll board the bus at 10 a.m. and head to Blue Ridge where we’ll enjoy lunch on our own downtown. Then, we’ll board a two-hour train ride through the mountains to see the beautiful fall leaves. We’ll return to the church around 7:30 p.m. Tickets are limited, so sign up ASAP before October 1.
HOW TO SIGN UP
In an effort to be good stewards of our resources, we’re changing things up a bit. And we need your help! Your payment-in-full of $55 is the only way to RSVP for this trip. You can pay via check or cash to the church office or online at www.spdl.org/give and select “Prime Timers’ Trips”
CHURCHWIDE PRAYER WALK
Sunday, October 15 | After Worship | Sandwiches & Snacks Available in the Fellowship Hall Before the Walk October 15, we'll pray together for our church, city and neighbors during a churchwide prayer walk. After worship, stop by the Fellowship Hall for finger sandwiches and snacks and then embark on one of the three prayer opportunities: Outside route, inside route or in a stationary experience on the Plaza.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
You can help bring this event to life through four volunteer opportunities: 1. Bring finger sandwiches or snacks, 2. donate bottled water, 3. invite your small group to participate with you and 4. help clean up after the event. Email discipleship@spdl.org to volunteer.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 5 p.m. Amani Sasa Anniversary Dinner 5 p.m. Youth Fall Kick-Off
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due End of Day Young Adult Fall Kick-Off RSVP Due
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 6:30 p.m. Young Adult Fall Kick-Off
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
a.m. BSF Women's Study
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 CONT'D 6 p.m. Adult Discipleship (SPdLU)* 6 p.m.
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
8:30 p.m. Parents Connect Zoom
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:45 a.m. Sunday School/Bible Study*
11 a.m. Worship*
ANSWERING GOD'S CALL TO LOVE THY NEIGHBOR