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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Mar 10
Lena's Place: Mar 9
Regional Youth Fellowship: Mar 9
Church Luncheon: Mar 10
Inquirers' Series: Mar 10 & 17
Sunday Ed: Chidren & Youth
Sunday Ed: Adults
Special Sunday Adult Ed. Classes
Tuesday Evening Spiritual Practices
Wednesday Suppers
Wildwood Concert: Mar 16
Lenten Daily Nourishment
Spiritual Direction
Easter Breakfast
Youth Mission Trip
Bridge Players Wanted
Extended Care
Children's Peace Camp: June 10-14
South Georgia Farmworker's Health Project
 
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, March 10, 2013
Fourth Sunday in Lent 
LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)

Joshua 5:9-12 - Psalm 32;  

2Corinthians 5:16-21 - Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 

 

WORSHIP NOTES

Text:  Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Rev. Michael, preaching

 8:30 Service of Word and Table

11:00 Service of Word with Sanctuary Choir 

 

The story from Luke often carries the title "The Prodigal Son."  I don't like that label, it puts the emphasis on only one character and immediately pigeon-holes him.

 

The story simply begins:  "There was a man who had two sons."  It's a story about a family and its very complicated relationships.  Too often, I think, we overly criticize the younger son, over idealize the father and often plain ignore the story of the older brother.  And, what about the women of the story?  (They are not mentioned.)

 

The power of wisdom literature is its invitation.  This story invites us to look carefully at our relationships with a curious eye; perhaps its the story of a journey, the journey of a family and not just of one person.

Lena's Place Coffee House

Saturday, March 9, 8:00-10:00pm 

  

We have two veteran performers new to Lena's stage, Amy BeVille and Brett Schieber. Join us for another great show! As always, our shows showcase incredible musicians in an intimate, listening room environment, and also fund charitable outreach to the local community, this month is El Refugio. We appreciate your support of the music and the mission, and encourage you to tell your friends and family. Everyone wins when you attend!

Regional Youth Fellowship  

March 9 and April 20 

 

Our next regional youth fellowship is Saturday March 9. We will meet at the church at 6 PM and travel to Pilgrimage UCC in Marietta. We will decide on our mission trip t-shirt designs that evening so please have a design to offer for the Central UCC part of the t-shirt. As always, we need a second chaperone / bus driver. Rev. Ginnie will be the other chaperone that evening.

 

On April 20, we will have the opportunity to go to Six Flags for the day (9AM to 9PM). Rev. Ginnie will not be in town. We will need a bus driver and one other chaperone to be with the youth or this event will not happen. Please contact Rev. Ginnie if you are interested.

Sunday, March 10, 12:15 PM: Church Luncheon

Following 11:00 AM worship, the youth will sponsor a luncheon. We will have homemade soups and sandwiches. Please support this fundraiser for the Youth trip to West Virginia.

Inquirers' Series:  

Sundays March 10 and 17


Rev. Michael will host a two-session Inquirers' Series on Sundays March 10 and 17 from 9:45 to 10:30 in his conference room (office suite).  The sessions are designed for visitors to get to know him and each other a little better and explore both Central and the United Church of Christ.  Attendees, of course, are not required to join following the sessions, but may if they feel ready to do so.  The next "joining day" will be March 24 (Palm Sunday).  Inquirers may also approach Rev. Michael about a convenient joining day, if March 24 does not work.  To register or for more information, email Rev. Michael.
Sunday School: 
Children & Youth
 

Children's Sunday School (Room 201-202)

There is childcare for 2 year olds and younger.

The pre-school children (Room 205) will play, build community together and learn Bible stories.      

 

The Kindergarten to 3rd Grades (Room 207) will use the curriculum, Godly Play. There are stories of the Bible and liturgical stories such as Communion and Baptism. This Sunday they will hear the "The Mystery of Easter".

 

Following the 9:30 AM singing, the 4th to 6th Grade class (Room 208) This Sunday they will the story of Daniel.

 

Youth Sunday School (Room 102, 103)

The 7th to 12th Grades will meeting for Youth Worship and Gathering.
We will be working on our t-shirt designs.

On March 3, Godly Play Facilitators will meet in Room 208 following 11:00 AM. Lunch will be provided. 
Ongoing Sunday Education: Adults   

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

Practical Theology explores current issues, the Bible, Books written by biblical scholars, and material from the National UCC Office are utilized. Over the next five weeks, we will study the following topics:

3/10 Football: The Moral Hazard;  

3/17 Flea Market Capitalism: China in Africa;  

3/24 India's Original Christians  

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 months.

  

March 10 - we'll finish up Sacred Journey From the Heart to the Soul  with discussions about connecting with our own hearts and the hearts of others through Grief and Celebrations.  We will be taking excerpts from Dr. Paula Reeves' book, Heart Sense:  Unlocking your Highest Purpose and Deepest Desire.
 
March 17 - the topic will center around the INSTITUTE OF HEARTMATH

Questions? Contact Gary Carson.
Special Sunday Education Classes for Adults   

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. Newcomers always welcome. 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. Newcomers always welcome. Questions, contact Mary Ellen.

Tuesday Eve Spiritual Practices

 

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

In March, the meditation continues weekly  

from 6:30 to 7:00 PM 

The Hebrew prophets remind us that God's relationship with the people is based on loving-kindness and compassion. Compassion meditation provides an opportunity to sit and be present with the kindness of God at the heart of our being. Join Rev. Lou for the compassion meditation sitting from 6:30 to 7:00 PM.  

 

YOGA: A four week series on Tuesdays in March from 7:00 to 8:00 PM 

Vinyasa Flow class for all levels.

Hatha yoga is a specific type of yoga that creates balance between the feminine and masculine aspects within all of us. It is designed to open many channels of the body especially the spine so that energy can flow freely. It promotes flexibility and strength while relaxing the mind. The style is vinyasa, which means to build your practice with smooth transitions of various yoga postures. Instructor: Molly Grubb  

Cost: $10 per class

 

Molly began the path of yoga 12 years ago when she lived in Europe. She met with a seasoned yogi at a beginner's workshop. Molly was amazed and overwhelmed at how yoga made her feel. "My body felt alive and my mind clear. While I continue to be a student, I am a certified teacher and promote the ongoing practice of yoga."

 

For more information, contact Rev. Lou Kavar,

Wednesday Suppers  

"WIFI AT CENTRAL"!

Make Supper Reservations for "WIFI at Central" next Wednesday, March 13.

Just sign up at the welcome desk on Sundays or send an email by midnight on Tuesday (click here) .   Say Yes! and how many are coming for supper.

WIFI means "Wednesday Intergenerational Families and Individuals," having supper and fun at Central. No cooking; just make a reservation and show up, by yourself or with all or part of your household. 

  • Arrive between 5:30 and 6:15 for supper. This week's menu is mexican.
  • Stay for "Hymn Jam"!  Bring your voice and any instrument that you play. (Students welcome.)  Music will be sent in advance by email to all who reserve supper.

     

 WIFI happens every Wednesday for six weeks, February 20 through March 27. Reservations are strongly encouraged so we can have enough food.

 

Wildwood Concert

Saturday March 16th 7:00pm! 

Wildwood, that semi-occasional concert featuring Central members and friends, is set for a return engagement Saturday, March 16th at 7:00 PM. In one fast-paced, 90-minute set you'll hear some amazing performers singing everything from gospel to country to old-time shape-note singing. There'll be guitars, fiddles, percussion, and the world-wide debut of...well, you won't believe who's playing bass but we expect she'll be rockin' the house! And there's a rumor that we'll be visited by "Some Man in Black"! Following the show make sure to join us in the commons area for the "after-party" where you can actually MEET THE PERFORMERS! So bring friends and family for a fun and joyous night of music (and a little poetry) celebrating the great Central tradition that is Wildwood. During the show a freewill offering will be taken to benefit a couple of mission and action projects led by Central members. If you'd like to contribute a dessert for the after-party e-mail Bob Watson at  or Liz Joyner  
Lenten Daily Nourishment

If you are looking for daily nourishment and reflection during Lent, you have several options:

  • The United Church of Christ publishes an online daily devotional (not just during Lent); you can sign-up to have them emailed to you (a link is on the sidebar of every E-News).
  • Rev. Ginnie has a few copies still available of the Stillspeaking Writers group daily devotional booklet; please see her for a copy. Cost is  $3.
  • Lenten Prayers for Hunger People is a foldout found in the pews or on the guest desk. It is written by Bread for the World. (http://www.bread.org)
  • On request, a Dominican Lenten Booklet with a justice focus is available for free. See Rev. Ginnie or Charlotte.   
  • Rev. Michael will be posting daily thoughts, quotations, reflections, prayers and articles on his Facebook page (Shannon Michael Pater); he will also cross-post them on his blog:  www.whereheartandmindmeet.com.
  • You can join 10,000+ Twitter followers in flocking to Rev. Lou's daily tweets (@LouKavar).
  • You can follow Central Lent events and read postings on Central's Facebook page (Central Congregational United Church of Christ).  This is also a great place to post your own thoughts and reflections during the season.
Spiritual Direction  
with Rev. Lou Kavar, 
Minister-in-Covenant
Are you looking to explore the role spirituality plays in your life? Do you find that beliefs you once held no longer work for you?  In the midst of transitions, do you wonder how your values and beliefs come into play?  Working with a spiritual director may be helpful for you. 

 

Spiritual direction is a process through which an individual explores, develops, and deepens the spiritual dimension of life with the aid and guidance of a director or coach. It is a process whose focus is to better integrate the spiritual dimension of life with other life dimensions, including relationships, work, and leisure interests.

 

The Rev. Lou Kavar is available to you as a spiritual director.  For more information, contact Rev. Lou (Click here).

SUNDAY, March 31, 9:00AM: EASTER BREAKFAST: Bring a Dish, Clean a Dish

Easter Sunday is March 31st, so it's time to begin preparing for our much-craved Easter Breakfast. In addition to the good food many of you will bring to share, we need volunteers to help set up, serve and cleanup that morning. Please sign up for a shift on the sign-up sheets posted in the narthex. We look forward to celebrating and rejoicing with you!

  
Youth Mission Experience Appalachian South Folklore Center

 

The youth will be going to West Virginia from June 2 to 8 to the Appalachian South Folklore Center (ASFC). The AFSC describes itself as "a progressive, nonprofit, education organization dedicated to a mountain heritage of freedom and self-reliance; a peaceful place where people of all ages, races, faiths and origins can share community work and creativity... Volunteers participate in community development projects including helping residents with home maintenance and repairs. Cultural programs and recreational opportunities are included in our week long program that can be tailored to fit groups needs." Applications for rising 8th graders through high school are available now. Applications are due March 1 with a non-refundable $25 deposit that will go toward the total fee. The fee per person for the six-day program is $205 which includes housing, worksite supervisors, materials and 2 evening cultural programs. Food and transportation for the week will be paid for by the Youth Missions Fund. Scholarships available on request. Contact Rev. Ginnie for more information.

Bridge Players Wanted! 


The women's bridge would like to invite bridge players to join them on the second Monday and last Wednesday of each month.  We play from 10:30 - 3 pm and encourage players of all levels to join us.  For more information contact Martene Stansbery  

Extended Care  

Volunteers Needed 

 

Every Sunday some wonderful adults volunteer to spend an hour enjoying the 3 to 6 year olds. The Extended Care program is a time for the younger children of the church to play, have snack and maybe hear a story. It happens during the 11:00 AM worship. Would you like to spend a Sunday morning hour once a month with some delightful children. If you are interested, please be in touch with Rev. Ginnie.

Children's Peace Camp

June 10 to 14, 9AM to Noon: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

 

Peace Camp is a progressive Christian day camp with the mission to provide a fun, educational environment in which children can learn the

messages and practice of nonviolence and peacemaking through growing awareness of hunger and poverty needs around the world. It will be held June 10 to 14, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Four years to rising 3rd graders will have Camp at Central. Rising 4th to rising 7th graders will have a week of morning service projects and fun. We need volunteers. If you can drive the bus one morning, make a snack, lead games, teach art, or want to hang out with some wonderful children, please be in touch with Rev. Ginnie.

South Georgia Farmworkers Health Project - Kits and Clothing

Adult Team to South Georgia is a Possibility - Just Needs You!

 

The youth are collecting clothing (long pants, long sleeved shirts, sunglasses, hats and shoes) and items for hygiene kits (wash cloths, wide-toothed combs, nail clippers, hotel-sized bars of soap, individually wrapped toothbrushes, travel-size tooth paste, and band-aids). (You can find some toiletries inexpensively at minimus.biz.) There are labeled collection bins in the entryway.

Are there adults among you who would like to go to South Georgia this summer and help distribute clothing for a couple of days in mid-June? Questions, please contact Ginnie  .