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Office Phone: 404-633-4505
24-hour Pastoral Care:
678-672-7637
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Associate Minister
Minister-in-Covenant Spiritual Director
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Sunday, March 31, 2013
Focus Text: Luke 24:1-12
Rev. Michael, preaching
WORSHIP NOTES
We sometimes say that "seeing is believing," but what if "believing" is also a way of "seeing"? Faith, by definition, means that we are not "completely sure" and is a way of living with and into our questions.
The stories in the four Gospels differ on what happened on the morning that WE now call "Easter." For me, the distinctive differences enhance the narrative of faith. As I read them in the Atlanta springtime and watch what is happening all around me, I know the mystery of renewal and return. When I look at the journal of my personal narrative, I know the scared mystery of resurrection.
Please take careful note of the Holy Week and Easter morning services below. Communion will be served at the 7:00 Sunrise Service and the 8:30 Service (not at 11:00). We will commune together over Easter breakfast. At the 11:00 Service, all who wish to join in the "Hallelujah" chorus may join the choir as a Benediction Response.
 | | The Women Preached it First |
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HOLY WEEK
SERVICES & EVENTS
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)
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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 Children and Youth Sunday School will resume April 7.
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Ongoing Sunday Education: Adults
Practical Theology: A Just Peace Covenant Community Class (Room 204) All are welcome. If you will not be in class next Sunday April 7 but want to suggest a topic/book, please respond to this email and I will present your suggestion to the class. 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. 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. |
Tuesday Eve Spiritual Practices
COMPASSION MEDITATION: An On-Going Practice
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 continues on Tuesday April 2 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, |
CCUCC Endowment Grants
The Central Endowment Committee is preparing to receive and recommend to the congregation awards for 2013. The Endowment application may be found on Central's webpage and must be returned by Monday, April 15. (The website incorrectly list a different date for their return. The correct date is April 15 [as noted on the application]; we will correct the website.) |
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MISSION 4/1 EARTH: April to May 19
Mission 4/1 Earth is a UCC denominational initiative for increasing awareness of our biological environment and for having us each become more active in protecting our fragile planet. The initiative lasts from 4/1 - 5/19. The denomination goals are 1,000,000 hours participation, 100,000 trees planted, and 100,000 letters of advocacy sent. Click here for more information.
The Gardening Team and Council set Central goals for 1,000 hours, 100 trees and 100 letters. The Team will gather potential activities persons can employ in making individual contributions. The Team will man a table during church services for promoting and supporting the mission.
Mark your calendars for Saturday workdays, 9 AM to 12 Noon, April 20 and May 18.
 | | Take time to Care FOR the planet during Mission 4/1 Earth |
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Fellowship Of The Grape (FOG)
Saturday, April 6
Fellowship of the Grape Turns Eight on April 6th!
FOG is celebrating its 8th year! Please join us on Saturday, April 6 as our original inaugural hosts, Nancy Chorpenning and Paul McCreery, welcome us for Central's Fellowship of the Grape (FOG), our wine tasting group.
This month's theme is "Viognier", a white varietal selected by our hosts. Bring a bottle costing between $8-$15 (if you're a couple, one of $18-25, or two of lesser value). Paul will have his Big Green Egg revved up for those who want to throw something on the barby. Otherwise, please bring your favorite hors d'oeuvres to share: cheese, fruits, cocktail meats or patés, veggies, etc.
For those not familiar with FOG, attending is of the best ways to meet Central's members and visitors of all ages and stages of life in a casual setting. The tastings are not formal, just informative.
You don't have to be a church member to attend and all are welcome! Event Details: Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 7:00pm. At the home of Nancy Chorpenning and Paul McCreery. RSVP directly to Nancy and Paul . We look forward to seeing you at FOG!
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Saturday, April 13, 8 - 10 PM
Lena's Place Coffeehouse
Andy Leichty is featured at Lena's Place Coffeehouse the second Saturday of April. He is a singer songwriter whose style mixes country, folk and alternative music with hints of his heroes Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, and Neil Young. Come enjoy a relaxing evening at a venue where the lights are dim, the performers enjoy being really listened to, and the snacks are home made. Good coffees and teas warm the evening and all proceeds this month will go to Plymouth Harbor, the Adult Day program that meets at Central three weekdays a week. This community service hosts many seniors with dementia and others too frail to stay home alone. A caregiver support group meets twice a month. Come here some great music and support Plymouth Harbor.
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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).
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Regional Youth Fellowship:
April 20
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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Rev. Dr. Emmett Floyd
died on March 24
The Rev. Dr. Emmett Floyd, former UCC Southeast Conference Minister and former member of Central UCC died on Sunday March 24. He and his wife Katherine had retired to Elon, NC. His obituary is in the Burlington Times-News.The Memorial service is at the Elon Community Church, Elon, NC 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 30. If you would like to send a card to Emmett's wife, Katherine, then you may request her address from the church office.
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