Phone
Office Phone: 404-633-4505
24-hour Pastoral Care:
678-672-7637
|
Email Links
Senior Minister
Associate Minister
Minister-in-Covenant Spiritual Director
Older Adult Day Program |
Central Social Media
Table Talk on Facebook:
|
Senior Minister's
Social Media
 
|
|
 |
|
Sunday, June 30, 2013
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
PROPER 8
Rev. Michael, preaching
Focus Text: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
WORSHIP NOTES
"For freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery."
These words from Paul to the Galatian faith community have a powerful resonance for me in the celebrations, disappointments and anticipations of this week.
On Wednesday, many of us celebrated the freedom of our LBGT friends and relatives; but for me and many, the shock and shadow of Tuesday's Supreme Court's ruling on the 1965 Voting Rights Act still lingered. Even as I was toasting with friends, we were affirming that we have a job to do; we affirmed that we are not free until all are free.
While we watch the news of "home," we are also watching and waiting for tender words from abroad: Nelson Mandela may soon cross from this life to life eternal. For many of us, he is in our top tier of our heroes of the heart.
Worship on Sunday will invite us to consider all of these events in the light of our faith; we will celebrate and stand together in concern. We will remember a man who helped to cure a nation of its madness and heal the hearts of its people. We will remember that is is "for freedom, that Christ has set us free;" and we will resist the yoke for ourselves and others.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
First Aid and CPR Classes in late summer at Central
Judy Padgett, a member of Central UCC, has offered to teach a two evening certified First Aid / CPR class on Tuesday evenings 6:00 to 9:00 pm, August 13 & 20. If you would like to participate please let Charlotte or Ginnie know. The class is limited to 12 persons.
On Sunday, September 15, 12:30 PM, Judy will teach a short course on CPR and the AED machine. This gives you the knowledge you need but not a certification. This class, too, is limited to 12 persons. Contact Charlotte or Rev. Ginnie to sign up.
If you are a lead volunteer or are on staff at Central, you need to update your First Aid certification every two years. One person in each physical area of the church needs to be certified. For everyone, a knowledge of CPR and the AED machine is simple and helpful to know. If you can't make this class but are interested for another time, please contact us.
|
|
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.
|
MISSION OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AT HAGAR'S HOUSE
Central is supporting Hagar's House by serving dinners on August 7, 8, and 9. Hagar's House is a shelter for women and their children in Decatur. Central has been a part of the mission to serve meals at the shelter for several years. Volunteers prepare meals, bring food to the shelter, set up the dining area, eat with the residents, and clean up after dinner. If you would like to participate in this activity, contact Bill O'Steen.
.
|
|
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 10 continued: Sunday, June 30th.
Questions? Contact George and Jackie.
|
Tuesday Eve Spiritual Practices
WILL RESUME
TUESDAY, JULY 2nd
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
|
|
PRISON TRIP DRIVERS NEEDED. CAN YOU GIVE ONE SATURDAY A YEAR?
For Atlanta families to visit a son, husband, father in prison they must have a car or friend with a car and gas money to travel 50-100 miles or more from Atlanta to where Georgia's state prisons are located. Even though nothing fights recidivism better than family support, too few prisoners are visited by family. Every first Saturday of the month - and every other third Saturday, a Central member drives our church's small bus to take 12-13 passengers for a prison visit with a family member. We caravan with two other churches' buses. It is a day-long journey of service. No special driver's license is required. We have about 6 drivers in rotation. If we had 12, most would drive just once or twice a year. Each trip will feed you for 12 months, or more. Contact Debbie Spearman; or Geneva Benoit
|
|
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.
|
|
