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 |
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Senior Minister's
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Sunday, June 2, 2013
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
PROPER 4
Focus Text: I Kings 18:20-39
Rev. Michael, preaching
WORSHIP NOTES
Communion will be served at both services.
Rev. Maureen provides music at 8:30;
Sanctuary Choir at 11:00
We have entered the "Season after Pentecost" in the Church calendar, the longest in the liturgical cycle. During the "Great 50 Days of Easter," we were encouraged to consider resurrection and to foster it in ourselves and in our relationships. The Season of Pentecost is the time to nourish the church, to "be church." It is a season of re-creation and growth.
In the pericope for Sunday (I Kings 18), there is a conflict between Ahab and Elijah, between the prophets of Baal and Yahweh. The people have been in a long-term drought; hardship often taxes our deepest beliefs and values. While there are elements to the story that may be strange or harsh to our ears, is not this a story that we all know: when squeezed, not every lemon produces lemonade.
Looking ahead:
- Sunday, June 9: Teen Mission Service
- Sunday, June 16: Peace Camp Service
- Sunday, June 23: Rev. Michael, preaching
- Sunday, June 30: Rev. Michael, preaching
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Fellowship of the Grape
June 1st, 7:00-9:00pm
Please join us on Saturday, June 1 as Enid Guilmartin hosts Central's Fellowship of the Grape (FOG), our wine tasting group. The theme is "Your Favorite Wine"; so bring your very favorite red or white wine to share with the group along with a light appetizer, dessert or snack. 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 tasting's are not formal, just informative. You don't have to be a church member to attend and all are welcome! Event Details: Saturday, June 1, at 7:00pm. At the home of Enid Guilmartin: RSVP directly to Enid.
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Strengthen the Church,
a UCC Special Offering
A little love can go a long way. When our lives become unpredictable or chaotic, when we're facing into a storm, when we're weary and discouraged, fearful or confused... a little love can give the boost we need.
Many of us find that love in our church. But there are many people still seeking and yearning for a little love, a little hope, and a reassuring word. They have not found a church that's reaching out with an extravagant welcome, where they can hear the message of the unconditional love of our still speaking God. That's where the Strengthen the Church special mission offering steps in.
Each year, we receive a special offering that helps the church's love to grow and thrive. Called Strengthen the Church, this offering funds new congregations and renews existing ones. It supports programs for youth and young adults and nurtures current and future leaders. And it sends the God is Still Speaking Ministry's message of extravagant welcome and inclusivity into our world.
We will be receiving the Strengthen the Church offering during June. There are envelopes in the pews. You may also write a check to Central Congregational UCC and in the memo write: "Strengthen the Church". Thank you for your support.
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Inquirers' Series (Visitor Information) in June
Have you recently started attending Central and want more information about the church? Have you been visiting and have a question about "why or what" we do? Just interested in getting to know Rev. Michael and a few other folk a little better? The Inquirers' Series is for you! On
Sundays, June 2, 9, and 16 (9:45 to 10:30), Rev. Michael will host an information/Q&A session in his conference room (at the end of the office suite). Folk who wish to join Central may do so on
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Childcare on Sunday mornings
Childcare for infants to 1st Graders continues year round. During the summer, all the children needing childcare will be in Room 202.
- The nursery (Room 201) is open for a quiet space for babies and parents.
- Childcare is available (Room 202) for infants to 1st Graders from 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM.
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Children & Youth Sunday School Resumes in August
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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. 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 7: Surprising Our Enemies on Sunday, June 2nd
Leader: Rubin Swint
Devotional: Nancy Wetzel
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. Please join them as they follow the inspirations that arise. Questions? Contact Gary Carson .
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Priscilla Circle Rescheduled
Wednesday, June 5: 11:00am
The Priscilla Circle meeting has been re-scheduled from June 12 to June 5. The circle will be meeting for lunch at the 57th Fighter Group restaurant at 11:00am. |
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Pilgrim Circle
Saturday, June 8
Pilgrim Circle will have its June meeting on Saturday, June 8 at Mary Ellen Myers' home in Banks County, where she will provide lunch and a relaxing few hours. Meet at Central at 10am to carpool. Interested Central members as well as current Pilgrim sisters are welcome to attend. Wear comfortable shoes for a walk to the lake.
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Children and Youth
Peace Camp
June 10 to 14, in the morning
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. The children's camp 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.The youth peace camp begins at 8 AM. It is full. They will have a week of morning service projects and fun. To register, please contact Rev. Ginnie.
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Tuesday Eve Spiritual Practices
COMPASSION MEDITATION: An On-Going Practice from 6:30 to 7:00 PM
Do you already have a practice of meditation? Or are you a beginner? Whatever your experience may be, you're welcome to join the compassion meditation sitting and discussion from 6:30 to 7:30. Rev. Lou will answer questions about different approaches to meditation and provide practical suggestions to help you further incorporate this practice in your life.
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. The instructor is Molly Grubb. $10 per class.
For more information, contact Rev. Lou Kavar,
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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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Monday, June 10th, 7:00pm
One of our youth, Andrew Detherow, will receive his Eagle Scout Award in a Court of Honor. It would be wonderful if some of his Central family could be there! It will be at Lilburn Christian Church, 314 Arcado Rd. NW, Lilburn, GA 30047.
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Stock the Shelves for the Summer at Toco Hills Food Pantry
The Mission & Action Board is sponsoring a food drive in May and June to benefit the Toco Hills Food Pantry. Please join us in providing healthy food for our neighbors. The website includes a list of the best food to donate, some of the foods include:
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Powdered Milk
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Juices
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Soups
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Beans
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Crackers
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Canned Fish
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Canned Vegetables
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Rice
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Canned Chicken
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Canned fruits
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Cereal
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Canned Stews
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Peanut Butter
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Jelly
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Baby Food
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Instant Oatmeal
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Hot Cereal
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Dry Formula
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Gwinnett Braves Game
Thursday, July 4: 7:05PM
On Thursday, July 4, the Gwinnett / Stone Mountain neighborhood group will be attending the Gwinnett Braves game at 7:05PM. Tickets will be approximately $12 per person. All are invited to attend, regardless of your geographic loyalty. Come join us for fellowship and fireworks. Email RSVP to Martene Stansbery to reserve tickets.
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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
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Slate Stepping Stones Needed
The Gardening Team is continuing to make gardens in the parking lot islands. They need some slate for stepping stones through their gardens. If you happen to have some slate stepping stones at home that you no longer need, the church would gladly receive them. Please contact Ron Smith if you have questions. Thank you.
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Volunteer / Donate
Women's Fellowship members recently had as their speaker Lisa Wise, Executive Director of Initiative for Affordable Housing, which has been active in Dekalb County for about 20 years. Recently IAH started a job training program teaching people to weave on large looms, and it has been very successful! The weavers use donated cloth and old clothes that have stains or tears (because these don't show when the strips of cloth are tightly woven together!). They accept donations of clean but worn/used clothes, linens, curtains, etc., at the weave shop at 3032 N. Decatur Rd., Scottdale, GA 30079. Customers looking for handwoven products can visit the re:loom store at 1434 Scott Blvd., Suite 200, Decatur, GA 30030, (by appointment) or visit the website. Volunteers are needed, donations are needed, and talent is needed for not only the weave shop but helping to support homeless or low-income people become independent. Visit the organization's website and see where your time, talents, or money could be put to very good use!
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Transportation Help Needed
RRISA is expecting a Somalian refugee this week who needs dialysis treatment. Are there any volunteers in our congregation who would have the time to help with transportation to and from doctor appointments? You would be a tremendous help to this women and her family as well as the RRISA staff. If you are interested or need more information please email Lauren Mertens. |
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