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Office Phone: 404-633-4505
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678-672-7637
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Sunday, April 14, 2013
Focus Text: Acts 9:1-20
Rev. Michael, preaching
WORSHIP NOTES
The pericope for Sunday is often referred to as the conversion of Saul (it was so powerful that his name will later be changed to Paul). However, look closely; Saul's conversion is only one in the text. Ananias is also transformed.
Dated April 16, 1963, this is the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" (click here to read it). This powerful treatise has many now famous turns of phrase that are still a call to action, a call to personal and communal transformation. What is sometimes forgotten is that the letter is a response to a letter written by eight Alabama clergymen titled "A Call for Unity" that was published in the paper (click here to read it). These are great reads and a good preparation for the sermon on Sunday.
As liberal, progressive Christians, we are sometimes afraid of "conversion." The power of resurrection, however, calls us all to be transformed. We may not have the experience recorded on the road to Damascus; but, we all frequently need to have the scales fall from our eyes.
UPCOMING SERMONS/SERVICES
- APRIL 21: Worship focused on Mission 4/1 Earth and CE picnic following in the park (see articles below)
- APRIL 28: Confirmation Sunday
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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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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 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 14 - The Good Shepherd And World Communion
April 21 - Jesus And The Twelve
April 28 - Paul's Discovery
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 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) Ending 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. When the Luke Bible Study ends, Ron will give an overview of the Book of Acts for the last week or two of April. If you would like more information, please contact Ron Joyner. |
CCUCC Endowment Grants: Due Monday!
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. |
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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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.
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Mission 4/1 Earth |
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ONE UNITED CHURCH on a shared resurrection witness for Planet Earth during 50 great days of greening up, powering down, and shouting out for the environment! That's Mission 4/1 Earth! Recycling is just one way to engage in the mission, and the results are incredible. Did you know?
- Each Georgian creates about 1,600 pounds of solid waste each year. It is estimated that Georgians send $6.5 million worth of recyclables to the landfills each year.
- With 21% of the eligible households in Dekalb County recycling, residential recycling has created 20 more years of capacity at our landfill.
- One recycled glass bottle saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours.
- One recycled soda can saves enough energy to run a computer for three hours.
- One recycled plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a TV for almost two hours.
Central's goal is 1000 hours of active earth care during the 50 days. Stop by the Gardening Team's table in the commons this Sunday to learn more.
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Table Talk: Tuesday April 16th at the home of the Harrison's 6:30-8:30pm
Table Talk is a monthly gathering, hosted at the gracious dining room table of Joan and Bill Harrison 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. |
RETIRED MEN'S BREAKFAST: Wednesday, April 17, 9:00-10:30am |
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JANE CARROLL ART SHOW: Thursday, April 18, 6:00-9:00pm
On Thursday, April 18, there will be a show displaying the art work of Jane H. Carroll. Jane Carroll landscapes, portraits and fine art commissions are housed at corporate headquarters, in private collections and in charitable agency collections. Other notable showings include Sumner Museum and Archives Washington DC Fine Arts Museum of the South, Mobile Alabama and Marietta Cobb Fine Art Museum, Marietta, Georgia. The show will take place in the Commons, all are welcome.
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YOUTH FELLOWSHIP:
Six Flags Trip
Saturday, April 20, 9:00-9:00pm
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Choir Rehearsal for the Spring Coral Event:
Saturday, April 20, 10:00-1:00pm
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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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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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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 last Wednesday of the month from 10:30 - 3 pm. We also play on the second Wednesday of each month following Priscilla Circle from 12:30-3pm. We encourage players of all levels to join us. For more information contact Martene Stansbery |
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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IN THE LIBRARY NOW
"Caught in the Middle" by Wendell Berry is the cover article in the April 3 issue of Christian Century, a progressive bi-monthly magazine which we have in our Central Library thanks to a generous gift by Miyo Chang. There are back issues for the past year, also.
Berry's article examines his concerns about polarization of the issues of abortion and gay marriage among other things. Regarding the former, he is against any form of killing, human fetuses or criminals by lethal injection. He also understands the peril of legislating this issue and empathizes with women caught in a very difficult situation. Regarding gay marriage, he sees no logic in opposing it whether Biblical or traditional, and especially decries the claim it would destroy the institution of heterosexual marriage.
Berry's wisdom and concerns are well worth the time to read this featured article. Visit the library soon. It is in the corner of the Fellowship Hall and is accessible except when a class meets there from 9:30-10:45 on Sunday mornings.
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