VOLUME LXXXIII AUGUST 7–20, 2016 NO. 40

SECOND- PONCE DE LEONBAPTIST CHURCH NEWSIn the heart

of Buckhead

Touching Miami With LoveServing for over 20 years in the Miami area, Touching Miami with Love (TML) has worked to share the love of Christ by providing hope, opportunities, and resources in two of America’s most under-served urban communities: Overtown and West Homestead. Recently, several members of our congregation had the opportunity to work directly alongside TML in the Overtown community.

Our group helped lead week 5 of TML’s 7–week summer camp for kids in grades K–6. Under the theme of “Journey”, we spent 5 very meaningful days leading approximately 100 children in morning devotions and songs – adapted from this year’s SPdL Vacation Bible School material – and taking them on a “journey” through Europe, exploring Spain, France, Scotland, and Greece. Some highlights from the week were the community cookout on Wednesday night, and the field trip with the children to the Discovery and Science Museum in Ft. Lauderdale. TML “warned” us that this trip would change how we view life, and after our week of relationship-building, sharing and seeing Christ, and learning more about ourselves and God’s people, it’s safe to say our lives are changed. The impact made on our team was summed up well when, as we were leaving, someone from the group asked, “Ok, so, when are we going back?”.

Thank you to all who supported our team, financially, prayerfully, and otherwise as we participated in this mission journey. Join me in continuing to pray for our team members as we “unpack” our experience, and for the children and families of Overtown, and the staff of TML as they continue sharing the love of Christ in the world. I suppose the only questions left to ask now is: Who’s going back with us? Trust us, you won’t want to miss out!

With gratitude, Rev. Ryan Wilson Minister of Missions & Students

“Experiences like TML are not just for the kids you meet or the organizations you help; they are also to expand our knowledge and expand our craving to serve those around us.” - Eliza Miller

“What a great organization to be working with. It's true what they say - you take away much more than you give!” - George Trusler

“An amazing week of teach-ing and being taught, loving and being loved, building relationships with a special community. I can't wait to go back!” - Melissa Hollingsworth

briefly8/7 ~ Reception for Dr. Eric and Susan Nelson. Join us on Sunday, August 7, as we celebrate the wonderful ministry of Dr. Eric and Susan Nelson! Please join us for heavy hors d’oeuvres immediately following worship in the Fellowship Hall.

8/9 ~ SPdL Adults! Let’s Go to the Peach Shed! Come to beautiful Warm Springs on Tuesday, August 9, for lunch at the Bulloch House restaurant. You’ll enjoy a generous buffet of Southern favorites in their new Main Street location. Then, we’ll drive over to Woodbury for a visit to the Carroll Farms peach shed. There, you can bring home as many peaches as you care to—fresh off the trees that morning, as well as purchase local wares like preserves, jams, salsa and butters. The bus will depart Second-Ponce at 9 a.m. and return by 3:30 p.m. Cost is $20 and deadline to sign up is Thursday, August 4. Contact Vicki McCaskey at 404.591.4344 or vmccaskey@spdl.org with questions or to sign up.

ECS Gets Ready for a New School Year! The Early Childhood School is beginning a new school year! Join us on Tuesday, September 6, for our Meet the Teacher Day and Popsicle Party, and first day of school is on Wednesday, September 7. The Early Childhood School will be starting their pre-school carpool again on Thursday, September 8, between the hours of 8:40-9:15 a.m. and 11:40 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Traffic will be one way exiting onto East Wesley Road by the outdoor playground. Please do not attempt to enter the parking lot at that area during these times. Please be mindful of the parents dropping off and picking up their preschoolers during these times as safety is our main priority. Please do not attempt to go around the saw horse barricades in place as well.

Family Life Center

Hello Everyone,

As summer starts winding down, it’s time to fall back into fitness. We invite you to stop by the Family Life Center today and, if you haven’t already done so, take a break from the scorching Atlanta heat by exercising indoors in one of the many exhilarat-ing, effective and easy-to-follow land and water group fitness classes we offer, includ-ing Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, Step, Station Nation and more.

We will be offering a FREE demo of R.I.P.P.E.D. fitness on Saturday, August 20, at 11:30 a.m. The One Stop Body Shock® R.I.P.P.E.D. was created by Terry and Tina Shorter. The R.I.P.P.E.D. program is comprised of: resistance, interval, power, plyo-metrics, endurance and diet. The 50–minute R.I.P.P.E.D. workout burns anywhere from 750–1000 calories! We hope you can come out and join us.

In addition to our existing popular programs, we are featuring several NEW and ex-citing programs coming this Fall, including programs and activities such as: Amaz-ing Athletes (ages 3–5), Tap-Ballet-Jazz ( ages 5–7); Facebook Basics, Windows 10, Pickleball and Bridge classes. We will also be offering seminars and screenings such as: AARP Driving : The AARP Smart Driver Class on Friday, August 26. Cost is $15.00 for AARP Members and $20.00 for Non-members. It will be held from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with an hour for lunch. Pre-registration is required. You can contact Stratton Leedy at 404. 237.8910 for more information or to register. Payment must be in the form of Cash or check. Credit cards will not be accepted.

Please note that registration for all programs and activities are now open. Please scan the QR code for more information and to register.

See the Wonders of Our Nation’s Capital!

Have you ever wanted to see the wonders of our nation’s capital? Check it off your bucket list, and join us for a 6-day, 5-night trip to Washington, D.C., Thursday–Tuesday, October 20–25.

Trip includes: • Motorcoach Transportation • 5 nights of lodging, including 3 consecutive nights in the Washington, D.C., area. • 8 meals: 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners • 2 full–day guided tours of Washington, D.C., which will feature the WW II Memorial, Capitol Hill, Embassy Row, the KoreanWar Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, and much more! • Evening guided memorial and monuments tour.

Trip is based on 30 passengers. Cost is $546 per person, and is based on double occu-pancy (single occupancy add $170). $75 due upon signing. Final payment is due on Saturday, August 13. Motorcoach driver and step-on guide gratuities are included in the price. For questions or to RSVP, contact Charles Qualls at 404.591.4341 or cqualls@spdl.org.

WEDNESDAYS at Second-Ponce

Join us as SPdL U kicks off our new Fall session beginning August 17 at 6 p.m. in the

Fellowship Hall. Registration is required. Visit www.spdl.org/spdlu or pick up a form in the Welcome Center to register.

PLENARY: 5 weeks beginning

August 17: The Seasons of Faith:

Growing Our Spirits at Every AgeLed by Dr. Bo Prosser

We know that we learn differently at the different stages and

seasons of our lives. And our spirit interacts with God’s Spirit

differently too. Our souls require nurture as well as our brains.

How can we help our preschoolers and children learn and grow?

How about our teens? What do young adults need? As we move into our mature adult years, how

do we keep growing? God continues to call us. The world needs us at our best. Come discover how to learn and

nurture your soul at any age.

ELECTIVES:4 Weeks beginning

September 21

Elective Track 1: Parents of Preschoolers and

Children

Elective Track 2:Parents of Youth

Elective Track 3:A Celebration of Growth for

Adults

SPdL Youth• Youth Promotion Sunday. The start of the school year is both an exciting time and an anxious time, especially for those making transitions into middle school, high school, and into a new ministry group. On Sunday morning, August 14, we will kick off the new year and welcome the new members of our youth ministry, and celebrate the transitions happening this year. We will share a celebration breakfast beginning at 9:45 a.m. and spend time getting to know our newest members. We will present gift Bibles, and enjoy some games and fellowship. Parents and friends are welcome!

• You’re Invited: Youth Ministry Kick-Off Lunch! Parents and Youth, please join us on Sunday, August 14, at 12:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for a brand-new annual tradition, a kick-off lunch for the 2016–17 SPdL Youth year! We strongly encourage both students and parents to attend, as we will be sharing important, and exciting, information with you, and there will be opportunities to get connected. This lunch kick-off gathering will include:

• Introduction/announcement of this year’s theme (New this year!)• Unveiling of the new youth ministry logo • Presentation of this year’s complete events calendar• A conversation with Rev. Ryan Wilson to hear about exciting new updates and changes to the Youth Ministry program, and to ask questions and learn how to become more involved in the life of the youth ministry (both parents and adults) • Opportunity to fill out forms and sign-up for major events• Meet some new faces in the SPdL Youth Ministry

Lunch will be catered from Willy’s Mexicana Grill, and will be available for all youth and their families. Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 10. To RSVP, email Ryan Wilson at rwilson@spdl.org or visit http://tinyurl.com/spdlyouthlunch16. We value and appreciate your time—this event will be approximately 1 hour.

Second-Ponce HistoryThis is one of four stained glass windows that are part of a set given to Second-Ponce in 1990. Thomas D. Burke had the windows installed in the Fidelis Sunday School class in memory of his wife Wilma Landrum Burke who was a for-mer President of the class. This window represents Spring and Easter. The scripture verse that reads, "He is not here: for he is risen!" from Matthew 28:6 is inscribed at the bot-tom. During the Sanctuary renovation in 2002 the windows were moved to the third floor annex hall. This article was put together by Church Historian John Roma.

Children's Ministry• Children’s Promotion Sunday. Second–Ponce will celebrate Children’s Sunday School Promotion on Sunday, August 14. Children will begin their new Sunday School Classes that day.

• Music & Missions Kick Off Party. Calling all families with children age 4 by 9/1/16 through 6th grade! Join us for the Music & Missions Kick Off: 2016 SPdLympics in the Youth Area on Wednesday, August 17, from 6–7 p.m. We will be celebrating with our own patriotic games-Go Team USA- remembering that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. While children are busy with games and cupcakes, parents may complete any missing paperwork if needed. Regu-lar Music & Missions classes will begin on Wednesday, August 24, at 5:30 p.m.

You're invited to the ATL Ministry Fair !We are now one full year into our ATL Ministry Team efforts. We’ve made great progress in our first year and are looking for even more progress in the next year... with your help. To kick off the second year with our ATL Ministry Teams, we will have our annual ATL Ministry Fair immedi-ately following the worship service on Sunday, August 21. Each Ministry Team has a few ministry ini-tiatives with which they need assistance. Come to the Ministry Fair to learn about these initiatives and where you can plug in. While at the Ministry Fair, you can:

• Talk with existing Ministry Team members about these initiatives.• Partake in food and refreshments while we join together and meet with the different Ministry Teams to see how you can plug in and serve.• Meet our new Minister to Children and Families, Rev. Kellie Denton, as this will be Kellie’s first Sunday with us, and most importantly,• Have a great time!

The Generous Church: Investing our Time, Energy and Finances to Share

God’s Love.

The Teaching Church:Learning, Teaching and Practicing the Christian

Faith

The Connected Church:Communicating Our Identity and Mission Within

the Church and Beyond

The Engaged Church:Taking Christ to Buckhead and Greater Atlanta

The Global Church:Taking Christ to the World Outside of Greater

Atlanta

The Inviting Church:Welcoming Atlanta to Join With Us in Worship

and Mission

How your ATL Ministry Teams are plugging in to serve:

A Message From Our New Minister to Children and Families, Rev. Kellie Denton

Dear Church,

I am excited and feel blessed to be called by Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church as its Minister to Children and Families. Over the past 12 years, I have truly enjoyed being a Minister to Children, Families and Youth, sharing and partnering on the Christian journey together.

I believe family life gives us a glimpse into the nature of God. We expe-rience big moments of joy, such as the birth of a baby, graduation or a wedding, and times of disappointment or even crisis that help solidify our faith and shape our understanding of God. Every family has a story to be celebrated and shared. These stories give form to who we are, con-nect us to each other and can give depth and meaning to our spiritual

lives. Our children learn and experience faith from the ebb and flow of family life. A church family is also important to our faith formation as they can provide a nurturing and caring environment that gives us roots, celebrates our joys, and provides strength in times of need. As a parent and minister, I was supported and cared for by my own wonderful family and amazing church friends. My profound appreciation goes to the church communities that have helped nurture and walk alongside me and my family.

As a new addition to the Second-Ponce Baptist Church family I genuinely look forward to hearing your stories, serving with you, partnering with you and growing with you in faith and grace.

With Blessings,

Rev. Kellie Denton

A brief snapshot of my family would tell that we enjoy a big Saturday breakfast, family movie night, any kind of holiday celebration and vacations with a little adventure!

From left to right: Paul, Kellie, Tucker (13) and Josh (18)

in the knowin the know

CONTACT US www.spdl.org www.facebook.com/secondponce

Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church News is published biweekly by Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church.

2715 Peachtree Rd., NEAtlanta, GA 30305-2916

Suzu Tran, Editor

Church Office404.266.8111

Family Life Center404.231.0375

CHURCH CALENDARSunday, August 7 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 12:15 p.m. Reception for Dr. Eric & Susan Nelson

Tuesday, August 9 9:00 a.m. SPdL Adult Trip to the Peach Shed Wednesday, August 10 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Supper 6:00 p.m. The Minister's Manifesto: Why Did Our Pastor Sign? 7:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal

Thursday, August 11 11:00 a.m. Radiant Class Luncheon

Sunday, August 14 9:45 a.m. Sunday School-Promotion Sunday 11:00 a.m. Worship 12:15 p.m. Youth Promotion Sunday Lunch

Monday, August 15 6:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting

Wednesday, August 17 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Supper 6:00 p.m. SPdL U 6:00 p.m. Music & Missions Kick Off Party 6:00 p.m. Project 4:12 7:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal

Stay Connected

Journeys of Paul and John: Travels wiTh The BiBlical aPosTles in Greece and Turkey, a TraveloGue PresenTed By dr. charles and elizaBeTh Qualls. A 10-day journey to key biblical sites, these ancient ruins lend perspective and life to the biblical texts. We'll take you on land and by water to these exciting locales, primarily centering on Paul's second missionary journey–Thessalonica, Philippi, Ephesus, Patmos, Athens and more. Why did they go? What did these cities look like then? What artifacts exist today? Join us tonight, Wednesday, August 3, in the Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. as you'll hear about these and more in this enjoyable pre-sentation.

The MinisTers’ ManifesTo: why did our PasTor siGn? In 1957, with the Georgia legislature considering closing the public schools rather than allowing black and white students to go to school together, 80 Atlanta pastors (including our own Dr. Monroe Swilley) inspired by a question asked by the Rev. Roy O. McClain of First Baptist, "Why are the pulpits silent on this matter?" In a touch of irony legisla-tors had begun asking churches to house quasi-private schools for white students that would be funded under the table with state funds. Join us, on Wednesday, August 10, at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall as Ethel Ware Carter discusses and explores how that Manifesto came to be, who wrote it, who called the group together, how it became public, and the difference it made in the lives of the signers and in the life of the city.

Wednesday, August 10BBQ pork sandwiches, baked beans,

corn on the cobb, salad, assorted cakes

Wednesday, August 17Roast chicken & gravy, scalloped potatoes,

vegetable medley, rolls, salad & assorted pies

Children’s MenuChicken fingers, mashed potatoes,

fruit & dessert

MENUS

Evelyn Christine GarlandJuly 21, 2016

Mary Sue HewlettJuly 23, 2016

Martha Arwoodin the death of her sister,

Evelyn Christine Garland,on July 21, 2016.

Jim and Becky Smithin the death of Becky’s father,

Gilbert Nichols,on July 9, 2016.

SYMPATHY

Preston and Rachel Marshall, in the birth of their son,

Harrison Wheeler Marshall, on July 21, 2016.

Giving – pledged or not – is welcome and encouraged any time.

Weekly Goal $34,345 Weekly Receipts $17,343

Contributions Report Giving as of July 24, 2016

Year-To-Date Goal $1,089,694 Year-To-Date Receipts $966,168

You can also watch our worship services on our

YouTube Channel.www.youtube.com/

secondponce

CONGRATULATIONS

A M O N G O U R M E M B E R SIN LOVING MEMORY