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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: May 5
FOG: May 4
Graduation Sunday May 5th
Lost & Found: May 5
Church Chats & Meeting: May 5, 12 & 19
Become a Central Board Member
Childcare and Preschool
Sunday Ed: Chidren & Youth
Sunday Ed: Adults
Tuesday Evening Spiritual Practices
Environmental Stewardship
Mission 4/1 Earth-Trees May 18
Cell Phone Recycling
Special Choral Service May 19
Spiritual Direction
Bridge Players Wanted
Children's Peace Camp: June 10-14
South Georgia Farmworker's Health Project
A Jazz Double Header May 3 & 4
 
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Sunday, May 5, 2013
Sixth Sunday of Easter 
 
LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)

 Focus Text:  John 14:23-29

Rev. Michael, preaching

 

WORSHIP NOTES 

 2013 is the 50th anniversary of several pivotal events in the Civil Rights Movement.  In August 1963, Dr. King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, but the movement was struggling in Birmingham, AL, early that year.  At a critical moment, it was the children of Birmingham that inspired a significant march in May; it was a powerful moment of transformation, even through the pain of segregation and arrest.

 

John 14, part of the "Farewell Discourse," provides assurance that we are not alone in our struggle to bring "the kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven."  As we near the end of our "Great 50 Days" celebrating Easter, let us linger a little longer and look to our own stories of the Spirit's movement in the midst of pain and struggle.

 

We will celebrate Communion at both services; Maureen and Thomas provide music at 8:30 and the Sanctuary Choir two anthems at 11:00.

 

Be sure to see the articles below about May 12 and the special service on May 19. 

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 Fredricks. We look forward to seeing you at FOG!

 

  

May 5, 2013: Graduation Sunday

We will celebrate our youth who are graduating from High School this May. On May 5, the youth will be sharing a breakfast with the graduates. In the 11:00 AM worship, we will have an opportunity to give them our prayers and congratulations.

 

May 12, 2013: CE Teachers and Facilitators and Acolyte Appreciation Sunday

During 11:00 AM worship, we will show appreciation for our Acolytes, whose gift of presence in worship helps shape our worship service. Thank you to all who have served in worship.

 

Also, we want to give a shout out to our Christian Education teachers. So many people lead, facilitate and teach our many classes for children, youth and adults. We are grateful for their gifts and time.


 

Lost and Found
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.    
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.
 

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 . 

  
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.
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

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:

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).

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) 

Practical Theology:  A Just Peace Covenant Community Class studies and explores current issues and related actions.  Books written by biblical scholars, the Bible, and materials from the National UCC Office are utilized.  There is a Church Chat scheduled for May 5th - no adult education classes will meet.  The class is currently studying "On God's Side:  What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn't Learned About Serving the Common Good,"  by Jim Wallis -Chapter 4 on Sunday, May 12th
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 .

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 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, May 18.  

 

Take time to Care FOR the planet during Mission 4/1 Earth 
Take time to Care for the planet during
Mission 4/1 Earth

Mission 4/1 Earth: May 18 Event

Central is the recipient of a generous gift of 30+ trees from Trees Atlanta.  The gardening team will be working over the next few weeks to identify areas to plant the trees.  We will have an "Earth Celebration" workday on May 18th (9:00 - 11:00 a.m.). It will offer 2 hands-on training sessions:

1)     How to Plant Trees and Shrubs, by Sheri Kennedy, a Trees Atlanta leader.

2)     How to Prune Trees and Shrubs, by Barabara Dorfman, a professional pruner.

 

Please join us and help plant the trees, help prune azaleas, remove ivy from trees, or just enjoy the outdoors.  Bring pruners, shovels, and buckets for hauling water and mulch.

 

 

 

How do we count our earth care hours?

There is no wrong way to count your hours. We are all at different points in our journey towards green living and the steps you take along the path, no matter how big or small, are important. Our ultimate goal is to work together to collectively transform the way we live our lives by becoming more intentional about our impact on, and connection to, the earth. Any efforts toward that end are valuable and should be counted. 

 

Learn more at: www.ucc.org/earth  

 

Verizon Will Recycle Old Cell Phones

Will Plant a Tree For Turning In 

  
SPECIAL CHORAL SERVICE FOR CAREGIVERS: SUNDAY, MAY 19 AT 11:00

 

The power of Pentecost is the Spirit's continued movement after death-an animated resurrection and renewal.   Death is neither the last nor the lasting word.  Caregivers often embody the presence of the Spirit and are special observers of the spirit's movement.   

 

On May 19, the Day of Pentecost, the entire 11:00 service-the choral music and the hymns, as well as a special choir presentation-will focus on this theme.  The hymn, "When Memory Fades," by Mary Louise Bringle (set to the tune Finlandia), will focus on how God's presence is felt even as memory begins to fail.   During that hymn, caregivers who wish to receive a pastoral blessing may come forward for such. 

 

The special music will be Bach's Cantata No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit" (God's Time Is the Best Time).  Two recorders, viola da gamba, viola and cello will join Fred Childers at the organ to provide the instrumental ensemble, which will also provide music at the beginning and the close of worship. Barbara Steinhaus, as well as her son, John Paul, and her husband, Doug Henry, will be joining John Hoover and Marion Crabb as soloists.

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).

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.

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  .

First Friday at First: A Jazz Double Header.  Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th

First Friday at First is a monthly adult event in downtown Atlanta where you can unwind and relax, connect with friends and make new ones, have a bite to eat, or just enjoy the sound and spirit of jazz!

Friday, May 3rd, 6:00-9:00PM features: The Tyrone Jackson Quartet with special guest, Dwight Andrews. Donation: $10.00

125 Ellis Street N.E
Atlanta, Ga. 30303

Saturday, May 4th, 7:00PM features: Annual Spring Jazz Vespers and The Atlanta Jazz Chorus.  Donation: $10 Students: $7 

105 Courtland Street N.E
Atlanta, Ga. 30303