Greetings Central! My name is Charlotte Shirley and I am excited to introduce myself to you. First of all I am a proud Newfie! I was born in St John's, Newfoundland in Canada. At the age of four my family moved to Nova Scotia and at the age of ten we headed for the United States. We landed in New Jersey and by the time I turned thirteen we settled in Georgia. I am a graduate of Kennesaw State University. In 2005 I met a lovely man from Ireland named Gerry, we married in 2008 and in 2010 we moved to Ireland. What an amazing experience that was. In 2012 we moved back to America bringing with us the best Irish souvenir one could ask for, our beautiful son, Connor Patrick who will turn two next month. I am passionate about music, cooking, travel and life in general. I am very happy to be here and look forward to meeting everyone soon.

Practical Theology: A Just Peace Covenant Community Class (Room 204) 

Practical Theology explores current issues. Books written by biblical scholars, the Bible, and material from the National UCC Office are utilized. Beginning Jan 20, we will select weekly topics for discussion (rather than a book). These weekly topics will continue through March 24. The variety of topics will help us determine our next in-depth study. We love to have new members. Questions? Contact George and Jackie.

Sacred Journeys (Fellowship Hall, Library)  

You are invited to join in wide ranging conversations around beliefs, prayer, and spiritual growth. The class will do a series of conversations around the topic of "Inspiration" for the next several weeks. Questions? Contact Gary Carson.

January 6, 13, 20 - 9:45 to 10:30 AM

If you are looking for a church home, we have regularly scheduled classes to introduce people to Central's clergy, history, and membership. These series are specifically designed to share stories and information about Central with those who are considering membership. While attendance at all three sessions is not required, participants will have the opportunity to join Central. For information or to register, please email Rev. Michael.

This Sunday, January 13th, following the 11:00 am service, we will be honoring Margaret Rogers, our church office manager for nearly 3 years. Margaret's cheer and friendliness will be missed. She is retiring and will have more time to spend with her new granddaughter, Claire.

The reception will be a "Potluck of Finger Foods".  So please bring your favorite chip/dip, hors d'oeuvre, jar of nuts, finger sandwiches, cheese & crackers, sausage balls, etc.  Drinks and cake will be provided.

COMPASSION MEDITATION

Tuesdays January 8, 15, 22, 29, 6:30 to 7:30 PM

(Fellowship Hall, Window Room 2)

 At the core of many wisdom and faith traditions there is a common ground: uncovering love and compassion. There are many practices for developing our capacity to give loving, compassionate attention and to act on behalf of others well being. According to the Buddhist Tradition, mindfulness/awareness and contemplation practices are skillful tools for cultivating loving kindness and compassion, both towards oneself and others. In this course, we will explore contemplative practices that bring loving kindness and compassion into our everyday life. Aaron M. Pincus received his M.Div. from Naropa University, Boulder. He is trained as a Meditation Instructor and Interfaith Chaplain. Donations are gladly accepted.  All are welcome. If you can't make every week, join us when you can. Please sign up with Rev. Ginnie. 

WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING

Tuesdays January 8, 15, 22, 29, 7:30 to 9:00 PM: 

TABLE TALK

Tuesday, January 15 - 6:30 to 8:30 PM

(Home of Joan and Bill Harrison)

Table Talk is a monthly gathering, hosted at the gracious dining table of Joan and Bill Harrison and facilitated by Rev. Michael. Folk come and go as they are able and no advance reading is required. Please bring a dish to share, if you are able, but there is always a gracious plenty of food. For more info, contact Rev. Michael.

Since 1984, Lena's Place Coffeehouse is a monthly opportunity to experience an eclectic mix of acoustic artists. On January 12, doors open at 7:30 PM. 

The Annual Bob 'N' Beatles Blowout Show includes singers: Bob Bakert, Chuck Henderson, Lashbrooks, Juliana Finch, and more! Coffee and baked goods are available. This month all proceeds go directly to Central's Lena Werking Fund.

At Central, youth 7th to 12th grade are participating. The theme this year is "Worship". Here is a quote about our worship leader: "... With her love of drama, dance, liturgical art, music, and all forms of multimedia, Suzanne will lead us through interactive sessions so we can see how all of life is a worship experience. Suzanne is the Associate Minister for Search & Campus Ministry at University Christian Church next to the Texas Christian University (TCU) campus. And as always there is skiing, snowboarding, skating and tubing and hanging out at the slopes on Sunday! 

LUKE BIBLE STUDY (Window Room 2)

January 27 to April 28, 9:30 to 10:30 AM 

Dr. Ron Joyner will teach a Bible study class for 12 weeks, beginning January 27.  This class will focus on the Gospel of Luke. Luke's gospel presents the life of Jesus as the opening of an historical process toward a universal faith, progressing toward Paul's missionary efforts with Jews and gentiles (in the sequel known as Acts). Luke's message includes a more clear focus on women and the poor than other gospels. Luke's parables are particularly focused on reversing normal social order.  There are special characters introduced only in Luke (the angel Gabriel, Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon, Anna, Zacchaeus, etc).  Want to know more? We'll find drama, history, geography, theology, and, as always, lots of humor. If you would like more information, please contact Ron Joyner, trustees@central-ucc.org. 

GREAT DECISIONS

January 27 to March 24, 9:30 to 10:30 AM

(Room 206, Education Wing)

This eight-week course is designed to help citizens be better informed about major world and national issues. It is sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association. The Great Decisions book (written by experts in the different topics) will be available this Sunday for $25 at the church office. Make checks payable to Central UCC (Memo: Adult Ed) Questions, contact (memyers@windstream.net).

Interfaith Sisters

Monday, January 14, 6:30 PM  

The next gathering of Interfaith Sisters will be at Rockspring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta. Judy Marx will speak to us about "Women in Judaism". Please bring your own dinner and something special to share. This is our social time, when we enjoy our meals and reenergize ourselves. We are a diverse group open to all who have a hunger for knowledge and understanding leading to harmony and peace. All are welcome.

If you would like to provide the sanctuary flowers on a particular week - in honor or in memory of a loved one or a special milestone, or just because -- simply sign up on the bulletin board list (next to the C.E. wing). You may bring the flowers, order them yourself to be delivered to the church on Friday, or ask the church office to order flowers for you (about $50). Let Charlotte Shirley know how you would like them acknowledged in the bulletin.

The annual Used Media Sale will take place on two consecutive Sundays, January 27 and February 3. We appreciate your donations of gently used books, audio books, CD-ROMs, DVDs, VHS tapes, computer games, puzzles, game consoles/programs (Wii, PSP, Gameboys, Nintendo), etc. Please drop off your donations in the Office area. All funds raised will go to support Youth Missions.

Some of us are scattered far and wide from the church. We often only see each other on Sundays. Would like to be part of a smaller Central group in your neighborhood? Would you like to help make such gatherings happen? In February, we will have an opportunity to create opportunities for neighborhood gatherings. Contact Rev. Ginnie, if you are interested in joining the team.