august 2016 newsletter - switzerlandcommunitychurch.org · samantha carnley and mitchell mcmillan...
TRANSCRIPT
August 2016
Newsletter
Workers Ahead... Lane Closed... Reduced Speed Ahead... If you travel the roads of
Florida, then you know that it seems like every few miles you are going through another
construction zone. I have lived in this state my entire life, and I am not sure I have ever
traveled without some kind of work going on. Especially here in our area of northern St.
Johns county and southern Jacksonville, one finds the construction never-ceasing. Many
have written articles and expressed both positive and negative opinions surrounding the
construction we pass on the highways. As I read through a few of these articles I began
to think about the never-ending construction in my own life. I know that the Lord has
prepared each one of us for great works in His Glory (Eph. 2:10), but sometimes I find
myself frustrated with the constructions signs I can see and feel in my life. The Bible
teaches us that God is always working in us and around us for his Glory (Rom. 8). There
is nowhere in Scripture (on this side of heaven) that indicates the construction is finished.
We are always being shaped to better love and serve Him. With this being said, we need
to understand a few things about this construction.
First, we need to make sure that our perspective is right. Over the , I have years
noticed that people respond to the sight of construction in very different ways. While
riding in the car with a friend I was exposed to the extreme exasperation of the
construction and how "ugly" it looked. My friend just wished that they could be "done
already." I am sure that we all have felt this way at some point. However, as I passed the
same strip of construction with my youngest son in the car, he exclaimed with unhindered
excitement "Daddy look! Bulldozers!" The difference between these two expressions
(other than age) is that one responds in frustration because he is focused on the final
result, while my son responded in pure excitement about the work that is being done.
This is so very true in regards to how many people view their spiritual journeys. We
must find a way to be more excited about the construction (knowing that God is doing a
work in us), and less frustrated about our distance from the assumed final result. The
process is not "Christian then perfection", it is "Christian then construction toward
perfection". “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those
whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and
those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28–30 ESV)
Second, in order for new construction to begin, the old must be broken up and
taken away. At the beginning of the construction job you will see the jack hammers and
dump trucks hauling away all of the old material. When we drive by and see this
happening on the road we do not think much about it. It makes sense that the foundation
has to be clear for the new construction to be done right. Even though this makes natural
sense in road construction, this is a very hard and necessary reality for ourselves
spiritually. When we come to know Christ in a personal way, we must realize that there
is a lot of construction that we have done on our lives that is going to need to be broken
away. The truth is that God created each one of us, so on some level the foundation is
good. However, we have spent years building our own lives, for our own purposes. The
greatest mistake a believer can make is to think that when he/she comes to know Christ
that nothing really changes. If we simply try to place our faith on top of what we have
built ourselves (such as receiving Christ and continuing in sin) we will not experience the
fullness of faith and life that is promised to those who fully believe. Truly, our prayer as
believers is that God would start up the jack hammer and break apart what does not
belong, and haul it away in the dump trucks. No matter how much it hurts, we must
know that he is doing a great work that we may not even fully understand (Hab. 1:5). It’s
only when we allow Him to do His work in us, upon a clean foundation, that we will
experience all that he has for our lives. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins.
But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”” (Mark 2:22 ESV)
I honestly look forward to the construction signs all over the lives of believers in
this community. I pray that as the Lord does His work in you, you will rejoice in both the
good and the hard times. As we come together as believers to worship, we find spiritual
construction signs all over our church property. Never have we more fully accomplished
our purpose than when this is a reality. We have come to know Christ through the grace
of God. May we now begin the lifetime of construction together, with the right
perspective, and with perseverance.
Pastor Joseph Smith
904.287.0330
Simply utter the word “school” in any public setting and you will be rewarded with two very distinct reactions. You will hear groans, see eyes roll, and feel the overwhelming weight of disappointment from students while their parents unsuccessfully attempt to stifle their own glee. Either way, the truth remains. School is coming. And yes, that means summer is coming to an end.
I would like to take a few moments to talk about what the Switzerland Community Church students have been doing this summer, and how our church is coming alongside them as they make their oh-so-tragic transition back into the school year.
As summer began, my goal was simple: get to know the students and families I would be working with for years to come. And so we went to the beach, we had pool parties, we worked hard at Mission Jax, we studied the Word on Sunday nights, and I spent lots of time one-on-one or one-on-a-few with students. Building relationships was the plan. But then, around the middle of July, it hit me… I was in. These students and families had very quickly welcomed me into their lives. And so, my mission shifted. Now don’t get me wrong… I will never stop building relationships with students and their families, but I got to introduce a new objective: prepare students for the dark cloud looming over their final month of summer. School.
Now, you may be asking, “How does one prepare teenagers to go back to school?” (Other than mega-school shopping on tax-free weekend.) Well here at SCC, we have a few ideas. One is to get students involved in the Church Body. This means training students to work in the tech booth, getting them involved serving in Children’s Ministry, and giving them opportunities to usher, greet, and serve their fellow believers. Another idea is to prepare their hearts. SCC Student Ministry held a prayer and worship night in the JCMC in a couple weeks ago that was attended by more than 50 people all ready to worship our God and pray for teachers, administrators, students, and families as they begin the school year. Finally, we believe that opening up lines of communication is HUGE with students starting school. And so we opened up the JCMC Café and welcomed all students to come have free donuts and coffee after their first day.
Thank you so much for supporting the student ministry at SCC! God is working in these students and through these students. They are going back to a mission field… even if it looks a lot like school. So students, sorry for your loss (summer), and parents, try to at least pretend you’re not too excited. But most importantly, please pray for them as they resume classes. Pray for teachers, coaches, administrators, and parents. Let’s all begin this school year the right way.
Andrew Steier
SCC Youth Director [email protected]
904-287-0330
August Youth Events:
Aug 7 - Move Up Sunday & Middle School Welcome
Aug 10 - “1st Day Chill” and after-school hangout
Aug 17 – Ignition Student Ministry “Back-to-School” Party
You are invited to the
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 7:30am Sat. August 20th
in the JCMC.
Andrew Steier will be
our Guest Speaker;
plan to attend,
and bring a friend! Contact: Jim Rockenbach
904.703.5088
Men’s NEW Bible Study led by Mark Proefrock
Wednesdays 6-7:30am starts Sept. 7 in the JCMC Café … with Coffee !
Living Waters Preschool News August 2016
We had such a good time at summer camp, so rather than tell you in words,
we thought we’d show you in pictures … enjoy!
Missions August 2016
Did you know… SCC regularly supports 27 missionaries and ministries, five of which live
and serve in foreign countries, and 21 who live domestically, either in Jacksonville and
surrounding areas, or elsewhere in the United States. Most of the 21 serve domestically while a
few travel and serve in foreign countries.
Did you know… Those foreign countries where our supported missionaries serve include
France, Russia, Israel, Spain, Peru and India. Those domestic areas in the United States where
our supported missionaries serve include Jacksonville, other cities in Florida, Pennsylvania,
Alaska and Wisconsin.
Did you know… Almost 20% of SCC’s annual operating budget goes towards missionary-
related support. Most of those dollars goes towards financially supporting our missionaries and
their ministries, while a smaller amount goes towards one-time needs, as well as costs associated
with the upkeep and maintenance of our missions house.
Did you know… SCC’s Missions Committee currently has nine members: Debbie Johnson, Chair; Mike Abraham; Robin Chambers; Glenn Copp; Amy Koppe; Jim Rockenbach; Debi
Lumley; Tom Lumley; and Pastor Joseph Smith.
If you would like to know more about those missionaries we support, or are interested in getting
more involved with missions at SCC, contact us at any time! Please see any of the members
listed below or contact Debbie Johnson at 904.465.3439 or [email protected].
Missions Committee members (l to r): Robin Chambers, Glenn Copp, Tom Lumley, Debi Lumley, Amy
Koppe, Jim Rockenbach, Pastor Joseph Smith and Debbie Johnson. Not Pictured: Mike Abraham.
Join us for a couple’s cookout as we celebrate the upcoming marriage of
Samantha Carnley and Mitchell McMillan
Sunday, September 11th ~ 3 – 5 p.m. at the home of JP & Suzanne Zaiter
1414 Roberts Road
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 in the Café for the
Annual Planning Meeting & Luncheon
Plan to bring a side dish or dessert to share &
your ideas for 2016-2017 ministry activities.
RSVP to Bette Smith 904-504-6672 By September 5th
All youth are encouraged to attend and stay after the shower for Sunday Night Discipleship.
The couple is registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond & Target
And just like that, summer is over….kids are back to school, routines are returning to “normal”, no more swimming all day and summer vacations have come to an end. Here at SCC Kids we are gearing up for a fun-filled fall with the return of Awana and Fall Fest and with the addition of some new activities and celebrations. We are so excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of our kids throughout this next school year!
We kick-off our school year with our annual Promotion Sunday. This year it was a bittersweet event as we said goodbye to two of our Sunday School teachers. Mrs. Sally Montague has been teaching our 3rd-5th grade class alongside Mrs. Charlene Robinson for over 12 years! She has seen many students come and go and has been faithful to teaching God’s Word to each and every one of them. We are excited for her as she continues to minister to children through the pillowcase project with the WINGS Sewing group.
We also said goodbye to Mrs. Christina Golden. Christina has taught our 1st and 2nd grade Sunday School class for 2 years alongside Mr. David Montague (and with the help of Miss Adrienne Davis when baby Greta arrived). The kids connected with Ms. Christina as she taught them many fun songs, played games and just loved them for who they are! While we are sad to see her go, we are excited that she will join our Launchpad Volunteer Team.
Thank you, ladies for the influence and impact you have made on our kid’s lives! We love you both!
This August we are beginning our new Life App on OBEDIENCE…Obedience is TRUSTING THOSE WHO LEAD YOU BY DOING WHAT YOU ARE ASKED TO DO. Each week we will explore the Bible to see that when we are obedient to the people who are in charge of us, it shows them we trust them and that we respect them. And since God’s the one who put them there, obeying them shows how much we trust and respect God, too. And we know that we can trust God no matter what.
Our Bible verse this month is found in Hebrews 13 The 2016-2017 Awana Club Year is here! Our first night of club is August 24th
beginning at 6:15 and ending at 8:30. We will begin in Bardin Hall. PARENTS, please plan on staying for at least 30 minutes to get all the information you need for the upcoming club year. *We are still in need of a Cubbies
teacher (3 & 4 year olds). If you are interested or would like more information please contact Kara Smith.
We would love to have you join us Monday, August 29th at 6:30 pm in Bardin Hall for an SCC Kids informational meeting. Come hear what the vision and mission is for SCC Kids and our desire to partner with parents to help their child’s faith grow and develop. You will also find out what tools and resources are available to you.
On Sunday, September 25th SCC Kids will be hosting a Family Dedication Celebration. At Switzerland Community Church, we believe that God designs families and our children are His gift to us. Parent-Child Dedications are a special time for married parents and/or single parents to publicly proclaim, commit, and promise to the church body and family that they are choosing to grow their family and raise their child in a Christ centered home. If you have a child or children 4 and under and you would like to participate please contact Kara Smith. A mandatory orientation class will be happening soon!
Kara Smith, Children’s Director (904) 472-5047 /
For the most up to date information like our SCC Kids Facebook Page or join our SCC Kids Closed Group on Facebook!
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” is a phrase often used when referring to a system that’s working well. Why spend time, money, and effort on replacing something that’s already working fine? For a replacement to make sense, the benefits must outweigh the costs of doing so. (You can pick out
the Economics-majors easily, can’t you?) This is a consideration that has been at work over the last month or so at Switzerland Community Church as
we’ve had to navigate some new capabilities that we’re excited to introduce as well as replacing some equipment that went above and beyond its
expected service life.
The church’s old phone system was donated by a local business over 20 years ago because it was, at that time, considered past its useful life,
though still operable. It has for the last quarter of a century soldiered on,
serving as the gateway for church members to contact the staff and for staff
members to communicate internally. About a year ago, the system began
exhibiting behavior and malfunctions consistent with an imminent failure
and a plan for replacement was begun. That plan was put on hold because,
after all, the system wasn’t broke, so there was no need to fix it. This all changed midway through the week of Mission Jax when the
central hub of the phone system finally gave up the fight after 25 years of
service. Attempts at repairs failed, and with the unit being so old,
replacement parts were all but impossible to find. It was time to fix what was
broken. Since Phase 1 of the sanctuary update involved overhauling and
upgrading the campus network two years ago, we had the option of going
with a modern Voice over IP (VoIP) system rather than replace outdated
technology with yet more outdated technology. The decision was made and
the phones were ordered. Setup of the new phones was handled in-house by
the SCC Tech Team. By selecting quality but not expensive phones and
handling setup in-house, the project cost thousands less than the bids
received by external contractors. Truly, God equips His body with the
resources needed to do His work.
On another technology front, what is old is being made new. The
Switzerland Community Church website is currently based on a platform
hosted by Microsoft. This particular product is being discontinued and the
consensus among the staff and council is that a new look for the website is
needed as well. A website is the first exposure many people have to a
church, and we believe that it is important that the site communicates the
beliefs of the Church as well as how someone can become further involved
in the Body of Christ. Our new website will accomplish both of these as well
as becoming a central hub for members to keep up to date with events and
ministries. In this way, it will meet a need among those inside and outside
the church. The expected launch date of the new website, which will include
sermon archives as well as new video-based sermons, is by the end of this
month. Speaking of video, work is currently underway to include the ability
to post video recordings of sermons on the website. More information on
this coming soon!
The “How” of our work in God’s Kingdom may change as time moves on, but the “Why” never will. As tools that we as believers use to communicate and coordinate our efforts become available, we will leverage
each and every one of them to its fullest extent. But the mission that these
tools serve will never change: The advancement of God’s Kingdom and to preach His Gospel.
Matthew Hinson
SCC Tech Command
August 2016 SCC Calendar
***Regular Weekly Events, Times & Locations***:
Sundays: 7:40am Praise Team Practice
8:30am Traditional Worship Service in JCMC (beginning 5/8)
9:45am Sunday school classes in various buildings (see listing in foyer)
11:00am Contemporary Worship Service in JCMC (beginning 5/8)
5:00pm Youth ‘Ignite’ Discipleship in JCMC
7:00pm College & Career Discipleship on break until further announcement
Mondays: 6:30pm SCC Men’s Fellowship gathering prior to small group studies ~ JCMC
7:00pm SCC Men’s Discipleship, Bible Study & Fellowship, w/Mike Cassel ~ JCMC
7:00pm SCC Men’s Discipleship, Bible Study & Fellowship, w/Brad Deckard ~ JCMC Café Wednesdays: 9:00am Ladies’ Prayer ~ Sanctuary
10:00am Ladies’ Bible Study, “1 Peter: A Living Hope in Christ” by Jen Wilkin, E-13 in Bldg B
7:00pm Praise Team Practice
Thursdays: 6:30am Elders’ Meeting (every other Thursday) ~ JCMC Conference Room
10:00am Ladies’ Summer Book Study of the 7 stories in “Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis ~ E-13
Saturdays: 5:30pm “Connect” Saturday worship services, casual & contemporary, in the JCMC Auditorium
***ministry activities above follow same schedule as SJC public schools for holidays and breaks***
Special Events, Times & Locations:
Aug 7 “Move Up” Sunday in Children’s Ministry and Youth
Aug 7 12:30pm Youth Volunteer Training Meeting, and a light meal, in the JCMC Café
Aug 7 5-7pm Middle School Welcome to Rising 6th Graders, in the JCMC Café
Aug 8 10a-3pm Wings Pillowcase Project for Wolfson Children’s Hospital Kids with Cancer, in Bardin Hall
Aug 10 1-5pm “1st Day Chill”, an after-school Youth hangout, in the JCMC
Aug 14 10am Vessels Class New Study: “Living Like You Belong to God”, in E-13
Aug 14 2,3,4pm Back-to-School Prayer Walk in Elementary, Middle & High Schools of NE Florida
Aug 15 6:30pm SCC Missions Committee Meeting in Conference Room
Aug 17 6:00pm Ignition Student Ministry “Back to School” Party, in the JCMC
Aug 17 6:15pm Awana Leader Training, in Bardin Hall
Aug 20 7:30am SCC Men’s Prayer Breakfast in the Café, with a Guest Speaker
Aug 22 6:30pm Intercessory Prayer for upcoming SCP Ministry Trip, in Sanctuary Conference Room
Aug 23 6:30pm SCC Council Meeting ~ E-14
Aug 24 10am Ladies’ New Bible Study: “A Living Hope in Christ” from 1 Peter, in E-13
Aug 24 6:15pm AWANA Discipleship for Children, pre-K through 5th grade, Bardin Hall & Ed. Bldg B
Aug 29 6:30pm SCC Kids Parents’ Meeting with Kara Smith, in Bardin Hall
SAVE THE DATE: BEACH BAPTISMS
October 2nd
, 3:30pm at St. Augustine Beach
Please speak with Pastor Joseph, Jake, or Andrew if you would like to be baptized.
Birthdays
1. Daryl Emerson
Elizabeth Harrell
Robert Rabb
Emma Lee Ward
2. Sherry Hampshire
3. Stephen Adair
Sarah Allen
Matthew Bailey
Hayden Crouse
Andrew Dill
Wayne Goodwin
4. Sydney Clark
Brittanny Ferrell
Lee Murphy
5. Ashton Barrington
Matthew Bertsch
Dottie Cassel
Justin Mims
6. ~
7. Paul Belcik
Jim Chevalier
Laura Wright
8. Thaddaeus Martin
Gavin White
9. ~
10. Theresa Hice
Patrick Hood
11. Beverly Clere
Peter Goodwin
12. George Rafidi
13. Zack Smith
14. Adrienne Davis
15. John C. (missionary)
Bruce Wiggins
16. Margaret Anderson
Emily Bunnage
Jon Ellison
17. ~
18. Matt McMillan
Bette Ann McVeigh
Ben Smith
19. ~
20. Riley Graham
Vera Minick
Trina Mizell
21. Jimmy Griffin
Jonathan Stone
22. Kirsten Jacobs
23. Isla Bedway
Dominic Marrone
24. Rose Allen
William Munson
25. Carol Beyer
Debbie Goodwin
Greg Harrison
Charles K. (missionary)
Kaylee Steedley
26. Bryan Wright
27. Mitch Drake
Larry Ingalls
28. Jimmy Carden
Kathleen Deckard
Wendy Haynes
Dave Montague
29. Nicholas Cooper
Esther Hagler
30. ~
31. Kay Allen
Angie White
Please contact the office at
287-0330 if we missed your
birthday or anniversary.
“I will praise you, O Lord,
with all my heart; I will tell of
all your wonders.” Ps 9:1
Anniversaries
8/2 Kerrie & Steve Lester
8/4 Lisa & Mark Proefrock
8/8 Regine & Dan Frisch
8/10 Teresa & Steven Reep
8/12 Jana & Ken Vensel
8/14 Tracy & Larry Renna
8/21 Heloise & Lee Murphy
8/27 Dawn & Brent Triebel
Engaging God’s people, to bring God’s presence, to transform their world.
Sanctuary
Rev. E.L. Johnson Memorial Chapel