Phone
Office Phone: 404-633-4505
24-hour Pastoral Care:
678-672-7637
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Email Links
Senior Minister
Associate Minister
Minister-in-Covenant Spiritual Director
Older Adult Day Program |
Central Social Media
Table Talk on Facebook:
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Senior Minister's
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Sunday, April 28, 2013
Fifth Sunday of Easter:
Confirmation Sunday
Focus Text: Matthew 5:1-12
(The Beatitudes, not from the lectionary)
Rev. Michael, preaching
WORSHIP NOTES
This Sunday is Confirmation Sunday at Central (at the 11:00 service). The confirmands have selected Matthew 5:1-12, "The Beatitudes," as the scripture focus for the morning; it will include a surprise presentation from them.
Deciding to participate in the Rite of Confirmation (a "rite" for us, not a "sacrament") is not always an easy decision, regardless of your age. What exactly are we "confirming?"
I think, sometimes, we believe that we are confirming a code of doctrine; in some traditions, that is likely true. For me, however, we are confirming a single element of faith: that we are not alone on this journey. We are confirming what was proclaimed at our baptism. No matter our age, this can be difficult to confirm.
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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.
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Lost and Found
Sunday, April 28 and Sunday, May 5: Commons
This Sunday all the of the lost and found items found around the church the past year will be on display in the Commons. Please stop by the table and claim any of your lost glasses, jackets, coffee cups, jewelry and more. |
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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 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 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 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 |
Adult Ongoing Sunday Education
Practical Theology: A Just Peace Covenant Community (Room 204)
This week's selection: "ON GOD'S SIDE: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn't Learned About Serving the Common Good" by Jim Wallis - Chapter 3.
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>. |
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. |
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 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, |
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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Mission 4/1 Earth - It's time to advocate!
We are all working hard to accumulate volunteer hours during the 50 days of Mission 4/1 Earth as we are about 1/2 way through the 50 days of this big UCC effort. This week we invite folks to ADVOCATE for Mother Earth. Read and Learn more about conservancy, or native plants, or sign a petition or send a letter or buy more green products. Where to start? Here are some websites and links to get us started... Also remember to stop by the Mission 4/1 table this Sunday.... we want to record your efforts and learn what you've been doing for the Earth.
ucctakeaction@ucc.org
www.nature.org
ReStore@atlantahabitat.org
www.pewtrusts.org
www.georgiaconservancy.org
www.gnps.org (the Georgia Native Plant Society)
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Verizon Will Recycle Old Cell Phones
Will Plant a Tree For Turning In
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Fellowship of the Grape
Saturday, May 4, 7:00PM: Home of the Fredrick's
Please join us on Saturday, May 4 as Bob and Helen Frederick host Central's Fellowship of the Grape (FOG), our wine tasting group. The theme is "Spanish Whites", also known as Albarino, Loureiro, Treixadura, and Godello (in addition, there are many blends available) so please bring a bottle of your choice and a light appetizer or snack to share. 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! RSVP directly to the Fredericks. We look forward to seeing you at FOG!
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Church Chats
Sundays May 5 & 12, 9:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
The Council has approved motions for both the 2013-14 Operating Budget and the award of grants from the Endowment. Both items items will be discussed during the May 5 & 12 Church Chats and will be presented for congregational action on Sunday, May 19.
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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Be "Church"...Be "The 'Body of Christ'"...Be "Central" ...
Become a member of one of Central's Boards or Committees. We're not just "congregational" on attending annual meetings, voting on budgets, passing resolutions. We are "congregational" by each of us serving one another. Serving Communion. Welcoming guests. Sharing, listening, questioning words and issues ancient and modern. Witnessing close by and farther away. Central -- "Church" -- doesn't happen without us, us members, us fellow congregants. Members are needed for Central's Boards and Committees. It's how we are who we are. Individual but together. Sometimes feisty, always caring. Please serve, contact Jon Ritt .
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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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