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

Sunday, March 17, the class will host a "Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath" activity.  There will be a table in the Commons where church members and visitors can sign a petition to support Faiths United Against Gun Violence (an interfaith organizations of which the UCC is a member) and obtain handouts including "10 Pro-Gun Myths, Shot Down" and a list of "Gun Control Groups Worth Your Time and Donations."  Please stop by our table to participate.  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 17 - the topic will center around the INSTITUTE OF HEARTMATH Questions? Contact Gary Carson.

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.

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.

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,

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.

TABLE TALK

Tuesday, March 19 6:30PM to 8:30

Table Talk is a monthly gathering, hosted at the gracious dining room table of Joan and Bill Harrison (in Decatur) and facilitated by Rev. Michael.  It is not a "traditional" group; folk come and go as they are able and no advance reading is required..  Please bring a dish to share, if you are able-there is always a gracious plenty of food.  Conversation also happens on the Table Talk Facebook page.  The conversation this month will center around our questions and thoughts about Holy Week, Easter and resurrection. 

EASTER LILLY ORDERS: due to the office by Tuesday, March 19.

PRE-HOLY WEEK TABLE TALK:  Tue, March 19:  see article above.

PALM SUNDAY: 

Sunday, March 24 at 8:30 and 11:00 am

Holy Week commences with a Palm Parade and shouts of "Hosanna;" palm fronds will be available for children and adults. 

WEDNESDAY WIFI: 

Wednesday, March 20 5:30 to 7:30

The activity for this week will feature an intergenerational "play" with the sacred stories of Holy Week.

MAUNDY THURSDAY: Communion and Prayers Thursday, March 28 at 7:00 pm

The Maundy Thursday service centers on the Hebrew and Christian scriptures from which we derive our practice of Holy Communion.  In the context of the story, worshippers will be invited to sit at a table set for twelve to receive the bread and cup.  Additionally, a pastor will be available for special/individual private prayers.

GOOD FRIDAY: Service of Tenebrae

Friday, March 29 at 7:00

During this solemn service, we will enter the "shadows" (Tenebrae) that Jesus and the disciples felt as fear, betrayal and death sought to have the last and the lasting word.  Through a progression of readings, hymns and choral anthems, twelve candles will be extinguished and the Christ candle sent to a sepulcher.  Participants will depart in silence to enter the hopeful waiting for Easter's dawn and the return of the Alleluias.

EASTER SUNDAY: Sunday, March 31

• 7:00    Sunrise Worship on the Memorial Walkway (with Communion)
• 8:30     Worship (with Communion)
• 9:00     Easter Breakfast (see article below)
• 10:00   Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers through 6th graders.  (Meet in the Commons.)
• 11:00   Worship Service (closing with "open choir" Hallelujah Chorus)

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).