Name: Sandy Springs United Methodist Church
Address: 86 Mount Vernon Highway N.E., Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Phone: 404-255-1181
Website: www.ssumc.org
Services: 11 a.m.
Worship style: Modern traditional
Average attendance: 200
Pastor: Ken Ray
Affiliation: United Methodist
History:
The church was started in 1848, making it Sandy Springs’ first church, according to the congregation’s records. Between 1849 and 1851, five acres were donated and a log cabin constructed, allowing meetings to move indoors from the brush arbor that had been built as a place to worship. The cabin also served as a community school. Over the years, other buildings were constructed to accommodate a growing congregation.
Pastor’s path:
The Rome, Ga., native attended Young Harris College, LaGrange College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He earned his doctorate from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1994.
Ray served throughout metro Atlanta and North Georgia before joining the staff at Sandy Springs four years ago. He and wife Debbie have three children and two grandchildren.
“We love these people, and they’ve been wonderful to us,” he said.
Ministries:
"This church is one that's having the beginnings of a revival," the pastor said. "We're growing our ministries and, as a result of that, we've turned the corner for our church's future. More young families are coming in, and our older folks are seeing there is a future and they're wanting to be more involved in that future."
Ray describes the church's 125-student preschool as one of the best around. This fall, a kindergarten will be added. The Hitson Activities Center hosts some of the indoor Special Olympics events for Fulton County.
Staff additions have helped to boost the church’s outreach efforts. The church’s leisure ministries director, Jenny Byrd, is working with the city of Sandy Springs to arrange use of church facilities for civic activities. Movies by Moonlight is a joint venture of the church and the city, when local residents bring their lawn chairs and blankets for the outdoor event.
A new children’s director, Candace Hirsch, has been hired, and an area has been refurbished to hold worship for children. Associate pastor Blair Zant has developed a youth ministry in her three years on staff. Previously serving part time, she is beginning her fourth year as a full-time staff member. Lara Ferguson has joined the church as music director.
A dance instructor holds classes for 50 students in a new dance studio on-site. Ray said she’s a professional who has danced in Atlanta and New York, and she’s now fulfilling her dream to have a dance studio. An after-school program in the school year and summer camps also bring area kids to the church campus. The Fountain of Love Hispanic church meets in the activities center’s chapel at noon Sunday. Members of a walker’s club use the track on the upper level circling the gym.
“The center is being used all the time,” Ray said.
Missions work in the community includes a free meal served 1-2 p.m. each Sunday. Members pick up homeless folks, day laborers, mothers in need and women in shelters to enjoy the meal. During that time, the guests are given the chance to shop at the “little house,” a building where clothing, toys and other items are stored.
Recently the congregation packed 16,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now. Members participate in Habitat for Humanity, support missionaries to Uganda and supply lunches for children in need during summer months. Members also provide transportation to church for elderly residents of Mount Vernon Towers and Hammond Glen Towers.
Thoughts from the pastor:
“We have a friendly congregation of people who are committed to moving Sandy Springs UMC forward. We’re excited about the many ministries we offer and always looking at the needs of the community and asking what we can do to meet those needs from a Christian context.”
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