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, July 28, 2013
TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
PROPER 12
Rev. Michael, preaching
Focus Text: Genesis 18:20-32
WORSHIP NOTES
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is certainly used as a "clobber text," meaning that it is a tale used to beat up other people; for years, I've actually experienced it as a narrative of liberation.
While the dual destruction of the cities is not the pericope for preaching this Sunday, a fantastic exchange between God and Abraham about the cities is. In it, Abraham audaciously challenges GOD'S sense of justice; and GOD changes--several times!
In this ancient piece of wisdom literature, are questions about how to be in relationship with God and the nature of justice. It is a liberating word; in it we are invited and challenged, but not clobbered.
The 8:30 service, as always, includes Communion. At both services we will pray an alternative version of the Prayer of our Savior from New Zealand. The music at 11:00 includes, among other selections, Amazing Grace as a musical meditation.
|
Fellowship of the Grape on August 3 at Jon Ritt's home.
Please join us on Saturday, August 3 as Jon Ritt host Central's Fellowship of the Grape (FOG), our wine tasting group. The theme is Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris), a light to medium white wine, great for summer. Please bring a bottle ($8-$15 for a single; $15-$25 for a couple). Jon will grill some fish and vegetables; please also bring a side dish, 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! Event Details: August 3, 2012, 7:00pm, RSVP to host Jon Ritt , or to FOG Coordinator Paula Emde at Paula Emde. We look forward to seeing you at FOG!
.
|
Saturday, August 10, 9:00 to 11:30 AM: All Aboard Meeting
Committee, Board, and Council members at Central UCC, please save this date. If you need childcare, contact Rev. Ginnie.
|
|
Neighborhood Pot Luck, August 17th
Get to know your neighbors - or get reacquainted with them! Our group includes neighborhoods close to Central and also neighborhoods in South Atlanta. If you live in one of the zip codes listed below, please join us for a Potluck Dinner, Sat., Aug. 17 at 6:30 at the home of Ben and Cara. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to 404-634-8983 or Cara Barineau. (Zip codes: 30324, 30329, 30345, 30033, 30337, 30214, 30248, 30277, 30281, 30344, 30345, 30349, 30510, 30523, 30560, 31024, 33066)
|
|
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 Rev. 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 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.
|
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 - Chapters 14 - Sunday, July 21st.
Leader: Come prepared to discuss and we'll lead ourselves.
Devotional: Pat Blake
Questions? Contact George and Jackie
|
|
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
|
Sundays in August 9:45 to 10:45 AM: Children's Sunday School
During the month of August, Sunday school classes for children will begin.For our younger (3 & 4 year olds) children, Peggy Brodnax and Gracie Theobald will be learning and playing and building community with you. For the K to 5th graders, we will have a nature-oriented activities, snack and a little recess time before worship. If you are a parent and have any questions, please be in touch. If you are an adult who would like to volunteer, also please be in touch with Rev. Ginnie.
|
Sundays in August; 9:45 to 10:45 AM: Youth Gatherings
During the month of August, the youth, 6th to 12th grades, will be meeting. More information will be available next week. If you have questions, please contact the Youth Minister, Lacey Brown.
|
July 17, 2013: Still Speaking Daily Devotional - "Why Having a Denomination is Good"
"I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, God, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me . . . and have loved them even as you have loved me." - John 17:20-23 UCC General Synod, our biennial national gathering, just ended, and guess what? I drank the Kool-Aid. Some say that we live in a "post-denominational" world-that people don't care anymore about Presbyterian vs. Lutheran vs. Episcopal vs. United Church of Christ (what was that last one?). Maybe we should sell all our property, dissolve our individual identities, and become one church, as the old UCC slogan goes and as Jesus once said, "That they may all be one." That is unlikely to happen. What is more likely to happen: most, if not all, denominations will continue to contract, and some will disappear altogether. Some churches will leave their denomination in a huff, and go it alone, keeping everything in the offering plate for themselves. Here's the thing about going it alone: it's lonely. It's hard. There are things you can't do when you're alone, as an isolated church community, like have a flash mob wedding or join a pool for insurance and health care coverage, or find decent Bible study resources, or a safe and loving church camp where you know your kid won't be manipulated into an altar call. And you never get to have these kids visit your church. Having a denomination makes us vulnerable: it yokes our fortunes, and our reputation, to a wider group over which we have less control. Having a denomination makes us strong: it pools our resources so we can do big things, and allows us to do more of God's work with less money as we benefit from the economy of scale. And if you still doubt, remember: this devotional was brought to you by a good old-fashioned (and new-minded) denomination. Prayer Dear God, if I have a wider church to call home: thank you for giving me a place to argue, befriend, wrestle and rest. If I don't have a wider church, direct my wandering, until I can rest in You. Amen. About the Author: Molly Baskette is Senior Minister at First Church Somerville UCC, in Somerville, Massachusetts. A variety of authors write the UCC Still Speaking Daily Devotional. If you would like to receive it via email, you may sign up at the UCC website. |
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. Will not be in session July 23rd, July 30th or August 6th - Will resume August 13th.
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. Will not be in session July 23rd, July 30th or August 6th - Will resume August 13th.
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).
|
THCA Wants to Get Fresh!!!
Toco Hills Community Alliance would like to expand our food pantry offerings to include produce and other fresh foods. Much of these products are available at little or no cost to us, but, WE NEED REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS! Among our eight churches, there has got to be people with an old fridge in their garage or a chest freezer in their basement that is not being used. If you would like to make a tax deductable donation, or have a strong back and/or a truck, please contact Mary-Louise Wilson at Mary Louise Wilson. Stay tuned to hear how God provides!
|
|
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
|
|
|
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
|
HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Plymouth Harbor needs volunteers to sit by the entrance doors and welcome the participants and their families on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Most people arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, making this very appreciated contribution an easy morning. Please contact Kay if you are interested.
|
|
For Plymouth Harbor:
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. |
|
Donate Desserts
Left over brownies? Sale at the bakery? Plymouth Harbor would happily accept dessert donations on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please feel free to drop them off ahead off time or on the day of, place them in the fridge and label them 'For Plymouth Harbor' with the date. Donations greatly appreciated.
|
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.
|
Salt Shakers: A Saturday Evening Dinner
Try using case studies, success stories, testimonials or examples of how others used your product or service successfully. Solicit material from clients and vendors, or ask your readers to write.
Insert a "read on" link at the bottom of your article to drive traffic to your website. Links are tracked, allowing you to see which articles create the most interest for your readers.
Try using case studies, success stories, testimonials or examples of how others used your product or service successfully. Solicit material from clients and vendors, or ask your readers to write.
|
|
