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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: June 16
Strengthen the Church
Gwinnett Braves Game July 4
Inquirers' Series
Sunday Childcare
Sunday Ed: Chidren & Youth
Sunday Ed: Adults
Trustees/Garden Team work day June 15
Retirement of Tim Downs June 15
Alden Dudley's 100th Birthday Party June 29
Tuesday Evening Spiritual Practices
Spiritual Direction
Stock the Shelves for Toco Hills May & June
Bridge Players Wanted
Slate Stepping Stones Needed
Volunteer / Donate
Substitute Dish Washers Needed
 
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Office Phone: 
404-633-4505

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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, June 16, 2013
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
PROPER 6
 
LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
8:30: Taize, Lectio Divina & Communion
11:00 Peace Camp Service

WORSHIP NOTES

 The 8:30 service will be contemplative service of Taize music, Lectio Divina and Communion.  For those who crave stillness and a place to center, this service is a great option.

 

Similar to last week with the Teen Mission Service, the 11:00 worship service will feature the children and youth sharing their experience from Peace Camp this past week.

 

Looking ahead:

  • Sunday, 23 June: Rev. Michael, preaching
  • Sunday, 30 June: Rev. Michael, preaching
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.

July 28 to August 3, 2013: 

Back Bay Mission Volunteer Opportunity - Sign up in the next few days

 

First Congregational UCC Atlanta is taking a group of volunteers to Biloxi, MS for a week-long mission experience, July 28 to August 3, 2013.  There are several spots open on the trip. If you are interested please contact Rev. Ginnie by Noon, this Wednesday, June 19.

 

Back Bay Mission, a long time UCC mission supports the local community in many ways including: Client Support Services, Emergency Assistance (EA), Food Pantry, Micah Day Center, and Housing Rehabilitation.

 

The Housing Rehabilitation program provides safe, sustainable, maintainable and decent housing for low-income homeowner families. Back Bay's Housing Rehabilitation program has been helping to revitalize South MS neighborhoods for over 50 years.

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 by Friday, June 21, to Martene Stansbery to reserve tickets.   

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
Sunday, June 23.  For more information: email Rev. Michael.

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.
Children & Youth Sunday School Resumes in August
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 9: "Redeeming Democracy" on Sunday, June 16th.

 

Leader:                        Mary Ellen Myers

Devotional:                 Jackie Dominick

 

 

 
Questions? Contact George and Jackie.

  

 

Trustees/Garden Team Work Day 
Saturday, June 15: 9-11:00am

Join us at Central to work in the garden and enjoy the sunshine.
 
Saturday, June 15: Retirement of Tim Downs

On June 15 the 47th Annual Meeting of the Southeast Conference UCC will be hosted by First Congregational UCC Atlanta.  At this time Rev. Dr. Tim Downs, our current Conference Minister of 16 years, will be honored for his upcoming retirement spanning 39 years  in ministry.  Tim and his wife Carol are also members here at Central.   The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ will serve as the Keynote Preacher.  If you would like to attend, information and registration can be found at Southeast Conference UCC.   

 

Alden Dudley's 100th Birthday Party: Saturday, June 29, 2:00-3:30pm
 
Long-time Central member and "Life Trustee," Alden Dudley will be turning 100 this summer.  The family is hosting a birthday party at Canturbury Court, Saturday, June 29th from 2:00 PM to 3:30, and all are invited.  There will be plenty of food and drinks and the entertainment will be provided by the family.  Cards and visits are greatly appreciated.

 

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,

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).

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:

 

Powdered Milk

Juices

Soups

Beans

Crackers

Canned Fish

Canned Vegetables

Rice

Canned Chicken

Canned fruits

Cereal

Canned Stews

Peanut Butter

Jelly

Baby Food

Instant Oatmeal

Hot Cereal

Dry Formula

 

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  
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.

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!

Substitute Dish Washers Needed

Plymouth Harbor, the adult day care program held here on Central's campus, is looking for substitute dish washers on an 'as needed' basis.  If you are interested in being put on the call list please email Kay Coppage.