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Office Phone: 404-633-4505
24-hour Pastoral Care:
678-672-7637
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Sunday, April 7, 2013
Focus Text: John 20:19-31
Rev. Ginnie, preaching
WORSHIP NOTES
In this passage from John, Jesus says to the disciples "Jesus said to the [disciples] again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit..." The work is still needed. In John's gospel, Jesus does not wait 50 days to breathe life into the disciples. They got a few days. Then there was Jesus in the midst of them, sending the disciples off to tend those who need healing and love and kindness. As we enter this beautiful Spring with the trees in bloom, we too are asked to do the work of tending. Too often, we think that Jesus is calling us only to work in our human communities but if you read the psalms and Isaiah, the prophets and psalmists also had a deep connection to the planet and the universe. As we live on this planet and freely use its resources, we are in relationship with everything here. Hence we are called to live out of love and kindness to the plants and animals, the water and the rocks. Not so easy to do, but yet we are called. Not so easy to discern, but yet we are called to perceive the path of being part of the earth not rulers of nature. We are called to resurrect our relationships with all of nature in ways we never imagined.
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MISSION 4/1 EARTH
April 1 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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Church Picnic at Mason Mill Park
Sunday, April 21, 12:15 to 2:00 PM
Everyone is welcome to enjoy food and fun at the Spring picnic following the 11:00 AM worship. Hot dogs, hamburgers, a vege entree, salad, desert and drinks will be provided. Mason Mill Park is about ten minutes from the church at 1340 McConnell Dr Decatur, GA 30033.
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Sunday School and Childcare
Infants, Toddlers, and Younger Children
(Room 201, 202, 205)
- The nursery (Room 201) is open for a quiet space for babies and parents.
- Childcare is available (Room 202) for infants to 2 year olds from 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM.
- Three and four year olds have Sunday School (Room 205) where they play, build community together and learn Bible stories from 9:30 AM to 10:45 am.
- During 11:00 AM worship, Extended Care (Room 205) for 3 to 6 year olds is offered.
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Children & Youth Sunday School
9:30 to 9:55 AM Children's Music (Room 209)
10:00 to 10:55 AM Godly Play continues all through April and May.
The K to 3rd Grade class (Room 207) will hear and reflect on the following stories:
April 7 - Easter Eggs
April 14 - Jesus And The Twelve
April 21 - The Good Shepherd & World Communion
April 28 - Circle Of The Holy Eucharist
May 5 - Jonah
May 12 - Paul's Discovery
May 19 - Pentecost
The 4th to 6th Grade class (Room 208) will hear and reflect on these stories:
April 7 -The Good Shepherd And World Communion
April 14 - Jesus And The Twelve
April 21 - Paul's Discovery
April 28 - A Parable (TBA)
May 5 - A Parable (TBA)
May 12 - Parable Of The Deep Well
May 19 - Pentecost
9:30 to 10:45 AM, Youth:
The Youth from 7th to 12th Grades will have youth worhip, service activities and fellowship during their Sunday school hour (Rooms 102, 103).
April 7 - Youth Worship and Fellowship
April 14 - No class or gathering
April 21 - Youth Worship and Fellowship
April 28 - Confirmation Sunday, Worship Practice and Fellowship;
May 5 - Graduation Breakfast honoring high school seniors.
May 12 - Youth Worship and Fellowship
May 19 - Youth Worship and Fellowship
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Adult Ongoing Sunday Education
Practical Theology: A Just Peace Covenant Community (Room 204)
On April 7, we will talk about the books listed below. you will find six (6) suggested books for us to consider. We will decide on a study to begin on April 14th. Note: I think it is the general consensus that we will keep this list and continue to work from it. We have a rich list of possibilities this time. Suggested book are as follows:
- "52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation ...Generous Giving by William C. Green
- "On God's Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn't Learned about Serving the Common Good" byJim Wallis
- "Simply Jesus" by N. T. Wright
- "Parables as Subversive Speech: Jesus as Pedagogue of the Oppressed" by William R. Herzog
- "Jesus, Justice and the Reign of God: A Ministry of Liberation by William R. Herzog
- "Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World by Brian McLaren
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. Stay in touch, the topics evolve with each meeting. April 7th, the class is going to play. Please join them as they follow the inspirations that arise. This class will meet on May 5 for a special presentaiton but not on May 12 in order to attend the Budget Church Chat. Questions? Contact Gary Carson at <glcarsong@gmail.com>.
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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.
WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING CLASS April 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 7:00 to 8:15
Drumwise teachers, Amy and Colleen, return to Central for a four week class in West African drumming. They are certified teachers and part of the international network of West African drumming schools founded by Guinean master drummer, Mamady Keita. Cost: $15/class
Drums are provided. Wear comfortable clothes and join in the rhythms Remember that there are many health benefits to drumming. In addition to relaxation and stress relief, drumming may help improve the functioning of the limbic system and is used in pain management.
Location: The Commons
YOGA resumes on Tuesday April 23rd and continues through May from 7:00 to 8:00 PM
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,
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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.) |
Church Chats
Sundays May 5 & 12, 9:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
The conversation will be focused on the budget.
Church Budget Meeting Sunday, May 19, 12:00 Noon, Sanctuary
The congregation will vote on the 2013-2014 church budget. They will also vote on nominees for Board, Committees and other positions in the church.
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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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Phoenix Players:
A Senior Theater Group
Fellowship Hall during Plymouth Harbor
Everyone is welcome
Tuesday, April 9th, 1:15 PM
Join us for a performance by the Phoenix Players group. We put on plays for churches, retirement homes, and senior citizen centers all over the Atlanta area. Some of our plays are written by our own members.
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Lena's Place Coffeehouse
Saturday, April 13, 8 - 10 PM
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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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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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. Rising K 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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