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 |
Central Social Media
Table Talk on Facebook:
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Senior Minister's
Social Media
 
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Sunday, August 18, 2013
THIRTEENTH SUN AFTER PENTECOST
PROPER 15
Rev. Michael, preaching
Focus Text: Isaiah 5:1-7
WORSHIP NOTES
The prophecy-parable from Isaiah opens as a "love-song concerning my vineyard," but harsh words quickly come in this short pericope; the scene turns to a courtroom drama. The verdict is unassailable: the vineyard that has been tended with love has failed to produce good fruit and will be torn down.
The charges, reiterated in verse 7, are that the vintner expected justice, but saw bloodshed, righteousness, but heard a cry. It is a harsh indictment that goes on for several chapters; the promise of transformation does not come until chapters 11 and 12: "a shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse." Like the charge Nathan brings against King David, it cuts deep; but restoration is possible.
The 8:30 Service will include Communion (always) and music from Rev. Maureen and Carlos; the 11:00 Service includes special music from John Hoover.
LOOKING AHEAD
Sunday, 25 August: special services leading into the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the "I Have a Dream Speech." Watch for details next week.
Sunday, 1 September: Communion and Rev. Lou, preaching.
Sunday, 8 September: Homecoming Sunday, Annual Meeting (and potluck), choir returns and Rev. Michael, preaching.
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Neighborhood Pot Luck: Saturday, August 17, 6:30 PM
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) |
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Table Talk:
Tuesday, August 20, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (off campus)
Table Talk is a monthly gathering, hosted at the gracious dining room table of Joan and Bill Harrison and facilitated by Rev. Michael. It is not a "traditional" group; folk come and go as they are able and no advance reading is required. Please bring a dish to share, if you are able-there is always a gracious plenty of food. Conversation also happens on the Table Talk Facebook page.
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RECEPTION FOR DICK BAXTER:
Sunday, August 25, 12:15 PM
Earlier this summer, Dick Baxter finished his work as Interim Director of Plymouth Harbor. Many of us personally thanked him and the Plymouth Harbor Board was able to host a picnic reception for him; but, we did not want to "loose" a congregation-wide celebration in the "dog days of summer." NOW is the time to properly thank him.
Following worship on Sunday, August 25, there will be a reception for Dick in the Commons. As has been our custom, if you wish to contribute to a "purse" for Dick, you may write checks to Central and note "Dick Baxter" in the memo line. Interim work is hard work, you enter into a relationship knowing it will be short-term. We are grateful for Dick's work and ministry to our vulnerable senior adults; be sure to stop and say so.
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CPR/AED Class at Central:
Sunday, Sept.15, 12:30 PM
On Sunday, September 15, 12:30 PM, Judy Padgett, a member of Central UCC, has offered to 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. There are ten spaces left. Contact Rev. Ginnie to sign up.
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Certifiable First Aid & CPR Class:
Yet to be scheduled
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 in the Autumn. We are waiting to see if people sign up before we choose the dates. Please be in touch if you are interested in a First Aid Class. If you took First Aid in 2011, you need to get re-certified and CPR has changed in the last 2 yrs.
Contact Ginnie@central-ucc.org to sign up. |
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Childcare on Sunday mornings
Infant and Toddler Care is available every Sunday from 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM. Childcare is available (Room 201, 202) for infants to 1st Graders during both worship services.
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Children's Sunday School:
Sundays in August 9:30 to 10:45 AM
During the month of August, children's Sunday school is looking at butterflies and creation:
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 Fifth graders, we are learning about Monarch butterflies and their habitats, studying Psalm 95, sharing a snack and a little recess time before worship.
If you are a parent and have any questions, please contact Rev. Ginnie.
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Youth and Parent Meeting:
Sunday, August 18, 9:30 to 10:45 AM (103)
Lacey Brown, our new Youth Minister, will discuss the year ahead with all the youth (6th to 12th grades) and their parents during the meeting this Sunday. Please be there if you can to discuss dates and events. This is a great time to meet with our new Director of Youth Ministry.
If you have questions, contact the Youth Minister, Lacey Brown.
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Adult Ongoing Sunday Education
Practical Theology:
A Just Peace Covenant Community
SUNDAY, August 18th -- We will begin a new study in a new room - Room 206.
Study: GOD BELIEVES IN LOVE: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage by Gene Robinson
Introduction and Chapters 1 and 2
Leader: Warren Culpepper
Devotional: Bill O'Steen
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Godly Play Teachers Meeting: Sunday, August 25, 12:30 to 2:00 PM (Rooms 207, 208)
For all Godly Play facilitators, we will talk briefly about our year ahead with Godly Play for the K to 2nd Grades and the 3rd to 5th Grades. Then we will go through all the shelves and get them ready for the year. Regular Godly Play Sunday school begins on September 8. On September 1, Labor Day weekend, we will recess from children's Sunday school. For more info, please contact Rev. Ginnie.
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Fellowship of the Grape: Saturday, September 7, 7:00pm
Please join us on Saturday, September 7 as Robin Lee Fitch and Dan Jones host Central's Fellowship of the Grape (FOG), our wine tasting group. The theme is "Your Favorite Blush", 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! Event Details: Saturday, September 7, 7:00pm. At the home of Robin Lee Fitch and Dan Jones. RSVP directly to Robin Lee Fitch. We look forward to seeing you at FOG!
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Tuesday Evening
Spiritual Practices
COMPASSION MEDITATION: An On-Going Practice from 5:45 to 6:30 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 5:45 to 6:30. Rev. Lou will answer questions about different approaches to meditation and provide practical suggestions to help you further incorporate this practice in your life. PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME.
YOGA For All Levels: 6:30 to 7:30 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. PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME.
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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Action Packed!!!
As September approaches more activities will resume at Central. If you have any requests for Marie please email Charlotte and they will be taken care of. |
For Plymouth Harbor:
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.
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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. |
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For Plymouth Harbor:
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.
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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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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!
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The UCC Coffee Project
The UCC Coffee Project is a partnership between our UCC Justice and Witness Ministries and Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative founded over 25 years ago and dedicated to fair trade. Equal Exchange works with coffee, tea, cocoa, and sugar farmer-owned coops in 20 countries, helping farmers in places like Colombia, Sri Lanka, and the Dominican Republic support their families, plan for the future, and care for the environment.
Through the UCC Coffee Project, local churches and their members make a difference in the lives of farm families, assuring they receive fair prices for their crops. And, for every pound of product UCC members order through the Project, Equal Exchange makes a donation to the UCC Small Farmer Fund, which assists family farmers in the Southern hemisphere. Central brews Equal Exchange coffee, and volunteers staff a sales station in The Commons two Sundays each month.
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| Rev. Randy Hyvonen,
UCC SE Interim Conference Minister
After 18 years of conference ministry in Ohio, Pacific NW, and Montana-North Wyoming, Randy retired on Halloween, 2011. Then he was lured back into service by the opportunity to help the SEC "bridge the gap" as it looks for a new Designated Conference Minister. The duties of a Conference Minister are broad in scope, but what is most compelling for Randy in SEC is its diversity and the way it has been attracting new affiliations, new leaders, and new church starts. This all bodes well for the future of the UCC! You can contact Rev. Hyvonen at rhyvonen@secucc.org
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Rev. Steve Sterner, Acting President Of Pacific School Of Religion
After an intense search led by the Board of Trustees of Pacific School of Religion, members voted to elect The Rev. Stephen L. Sterner as Acting President of the seminary on Tuesday, July 23. Sterner has Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Lancaster Theological Seminary. He has been an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ for 43 years, serving in new and historic churches across the US. In 2008, he became Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries of the UCC in Cleveland, Ohio. Steve Sterner served as Senior Minister of our church, Central Congregational UCC in the 1980's and 1990's.
He and his wife Judy have 2 grown children, and Steve will be coming to PSR from residence in South Carolina. Visit www.psr.edu in the coming weeks to find out more about Rev. Sterner and our next steps towards a bold, new PSR.
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