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

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. 

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 For All Levels: 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,

Central's Mission 4/1 Earth opportunities have been explained in church and a display was in the Commons the past two Sundays.  If you missed it, stop by.  There are handouts to help you decide what more you can do to help us be a greener congregation.  We know Centralites have been doing a lot, but there is more we can do.  Those handouts about recycling and other tips for conserving, re-purposing, recycling are available for the taking (recycle or pass on to a friend after reading).  Here's a tip for this week:  Consider planting a native species of flower or shrub.  Ron Smith may say more about this Sunday during the service. He will be at the display table this week to consult.  And, yes, there is a handout!   Many of these plants provide food for birds and butterflies.  We are gradually introducing some of these on Central's grounds.  For those who are unable to dig and plant, join me in cutting back on the use of throw-away plastic bags, cups, and plates.  Check for the recycle emblem on those you may get at fast food places and add them to your curbside recycles.

Shallowford Presbyterian Church Pre-School is having an EarthFest Community Event on Sat., April 20, from 10 - 2 at the church at 2375 Shallowford Rd.   The timing is perfect for the UCC 4-1-Earth campaign! Recycling options, "green" garden and food market, and kids' activities await you! For a drop-off fee you can recycle the following:

• paints - oil and latex
• paper for shredding
• tv's and computer monitors
• fluorescent tubes, CFL and auto batteries
• propane tanks
• tiki oil

Free recycling of the following:

• clothes and shoes
• desktop and laptop computers
• printers
• VCR & DVD players
• cell phones
• microwaves
• cameras

Come one and all and join in the fun!

Presenter: Mr Abhay and Mona Joshi Topic: Peace of mind through mediation Sponsor: IFS

Please bring your own dinner and something special to share. This is our social time, when we enjoy our meals and re energize ourselves. We are a diverse group open to all who have a hunger for knowledge and understanding leading to harmony and peace. Location: Rockspring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Ave NE.

First Quarterly UCC Meet-Up:

Friday, April 26, 5:15-7:30pm

A new way to be in fellowship as Atlanta-area UCC folks is emerging! It is not a new church start. It is not a new committee. It is not a new ministry. It is community in the simplest form. It is beers and dinner with friends new and old from across the UCC spectrum of diverse congregations in the Atlanta Metro. 

The first Quarterly UCC Meet-up will take place at Sweetwater Brewery on April 26 from 5:15-7:30 PM. We have made this an all-inclusive event for all who wish to attend and partake. The cost is $26 up front (click here for a ticket), but it includes dinner, tours, and beer tasting at Sweetwater The beer alone is usually $10, so this is a great deal and will be a lot of fun. 

This will be only the first of many similar events to come. The United Church of Christ in Atlanta is a diverse group of churches, people, and ideologies. What sort of an event is possible that would unite the energy, help us discover new friendships, and network the ideas of the Atlanta area UCC community? The answer came to Nancy Chorpenning and Jake Joseph - over a beer. We are two UCCers of different generations and different circles of friends within the UCC, but we believe in the value of unity as a denomination and the great ideas when people come together and meet informally and just talk!

Everyone over 21 years of age is invited and welcome to attend. God is indeed Still Speaking, but maybe God is also still Meeting-up with new people in new ways, y'all.

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).