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. We will study the subject of Gun Control/Culture of Violence for 3 weeks - 1/27, 2/3 and 2/17. There is a Church Chat scheduled for 2/10. We love to have new members. Questions? Contact georgedominick169@comcast.net

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.

COMPASSION MEDITATION

Tuesdays January 29 and February 5,

6:30 to 7:30 PM (Fellowship Hall, Window Room 2)

In next phase of the Compassion Meditation series we will look at two practices in particular. The first practice is the contemplation of equanimity: taking on a view that regards all life as equally worthy of our love and compassion. Then we will explore a practice of looking at felt senses of suffering and the experience of sending others wellness and comfort. There is no previous experience required to join. Each class includes with meditation/contemplation instruction, sitting practice, and a group dialogue. The teacher is Aaron Pincus, M.Div. from Naropa University, the first Buddhist Inspired University in the U.S.

Tuesdays in February 12, 19, 26, 6:30 to 7:30 PM 

COMPASSION MEDITATION: An On-Going Practice (Fellowship Hall, Window Room 2)

Beginning Tuesday, February 12, Rev. Lou Kavar will facilitate Central's Compassion Meditation experience from 6:30 to 7:00 PM.  This half hour time of meditation will be an on-going opportunity to gather in silent meditation.  On Tuesdays in February, Lou will engage in conversation about the experience of compassion meditation and consider how other forms of meditation, guided imagery, and breathe work are similar to and different from Compassion Meditation.  This conversation about meditation will begin at 7:00 and last for about 30 minutes.  

TABLE TALK

Tuesday, February 19 - 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.

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. 

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 Mary Ellen.

WE WISH THE BEST TO: Jan Lane

Plymouth Harbor says good-bye to Jan Lane, Program Assistant, who is retiring the end of January.  Jan has been an integral part of Plymouth Harbor for three and one-half years, and her calm and soothing disposition, and love for all of our participants, will be greatly missed. Everyone will have the opportunity to wish her a well-deserved retirement at noon on Tuesday, February 5.

NEW STAFF:  Kay Coppage

We are pleased to announce that Kay Coppage will join the Plymouth Harbor staff Friday, February 1.  Kay is a Georgia native, a graduate of the University of Georgia with Bachelor and Masters degrees in Social Work, specializing in older adult care.  She has been a Hospital Social Worker, and served as Assistant Director of the Wesley Haven Adult Day-Care Center which was formerly at Briarcliff United Methodist Church.  We welcome Kay to our staff.

NEW STAFF: Marie (maintenance & support)

"My dad was a fix-it guy for a grocery store chain, and his dad before him," says Central's newest staffer, Marie.  "So I guess I come by it honestly."  She'll be taking care of maintenance and repair issues around the campus, as well as setting up chairs and carrying the big key ring. Marie brings with her thirty years of home repair and construction experience with her.  "I like to think that if you can break it, I can fix it," she says.  "But it's tempting fate to say that out loud."  When she's not at work, Marie likes to fool with her eighteen bicycles, some of which are older than she is.  She and her partner hope to adopt a gay or transgendered child.

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.