Central E-News: 12 September 2013

The pericope for preaching from Luke 15 is first two of three "lost and found" parables, or so it seems. Ninety-nine sheep are left while a shepherd searches for one who is missing; a peasant woman sweeps her entire house looking for a misplaced coin. The third story, not for this Sunday, concerns lost relationships in a family.

Seems obvious that it calls for a sermon about being "lost and found;" I've certainly preached several of those on these parables. However, what if we've missed another interpretation. This section opens with "grumblers" and each narrative includes a great deal of excessive "rejoicing." Maybe these are simply marking tales, sign posts, of a journey.

To prepare for worship, you might enjoy reading a poem by Thich Naht Hanh (one of my favorite poems; click his name to read it) or watching The Wizard of Oz (grin).

The 8:30 service has been slightly revised recently to create even more "breathing space." Each week, we start with a Psalter, the sermon is now more meditative, and we always share Communion. The music this week is supported by Rev. Maureen.

The 11:00 service features the Sanctuary Choir.

CPR/AED Class at Central:

Preparing All of Us to Help in Health Emergencies

Sunday, Sept.15, 12:30 PM

On Sunday, September 15, 12:30 PM, Judy Padgett, a member of Central UCC and wonderful First Aid teacher will offer a short course on CPR and the AED machine. It would be great to have as many people as possible familiar with the location and use of our automated external defibrillator machine. It tells you what to do as you use it but this class will give you familiarity should an emergency arise at church. All are welcome! We would love to overflow so that we needed to set up an extra class or two. Contact Rev. Ginnie to sign up or just show up.

Children & Youth

Welcome Team Members Needed

Sundays 9:30 to 10:50 AM

Would you like to help once a month to welcome children and adults on Sunday morning? Our Welcome Team needs new members for this opportunity to greet folks coming into the Education wing. It's a chance to get to know some of the children and adults at Central. Please contact Rev. Ginnie if you are interested.

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.

Children's Sunday School

(3 & 4 year olds)

9:30 to 10:50 Sunday School (205)

We would love for our 3 & 4 year olds to begin making their "church friends" during this hour together. Peggy and Gracie love to spend time with the children building community, telling Bible stories and playing. Please bring your children to share in this wonderful time.

If you have any questions, please be in touch with Rev. Ginnie.

Children's Sunday School

(K to 2nd, 3rd to 5th Grades)

9:30 Singing (209)

10:00 to 10:50 Sunday School (207, 208)

The K to 2nd Grade children will hear our sacred stories of the Old and New Testaments, stories of Baptism, Communion, and other stories of the church. The children will wonder about God's presence in the stories and in their lives. The will have a time of play and a time to share "the feast". We are using the curriculum Godly Play.

The 3rd to 5th graders will hear stories of the Old Testament. They will have a sharing time and fun activities. We will be using a combination of Godly Play and a Lutheran curriculum called "Connect" which is specially focussed on tweens.

If you have any questions, please be in touch with Rev. Ginnie.

Parent Gathering

for Parents of Infants to 5th Graders and more

Sunday, September 15

9:45 to 10:45 AM

We'd love to gather with parents and talk about the Sunday school, your needs and wants from church. Do you want to begin a Gathering time for yourselves, where you can share your journeys, ask questions about faith, and plan some fun activities together? What are your hopes as a family in a church community? What activities are happening this Fall in which you might like to be involved as a participant or as a leader? Please join the conversation this Sunday.

Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie.

Teacher's Helpers Needed

for 3rd to 5th Grade

Sunday School

Sundays 9:30 to 10:50 AM

Would you like to help once a month to welcome children, share a snack and help with craft activities? Our 3rd to 5th Grade children have some wonderful Bible storytellers who need assistants in their class. It's an enjoyable hour. Please contact Rev. Ginnie if you are interested.

Youth Worship And Gathering

9:30 to 10:45 AM (102, 103)

On Youth Worship this Sunday, September 15th starting at 9:30AM we will be discussing Matthew5:38-48 focusing on healthy relationships and boundaries. All are welcome! For more information, contact the Youth Director, Lacey Brown.

Regional Youth Fellowship

Saturday, Sept. 21, 6:00 to 9:30 PM

The first Regional Youth Fellowship event is in two weeks on Saturday, September 21 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. We are going to meet at the big field in Piedmont Park by 10th Street and play Capture the Flag. Youth from both Central UCC, Pilgrimage UCC, Kirkwood UCC and First Cong. UCC will be attending. We will meet at 7 PM, play for about an hour and then walk across the street for frozen yogurt and fellowship. This means that the kids should bring anywhere from $5- $10 bucks. This is an event open to anyone from 6th-12th grade and the more people we have the better the game will be!

On Saturday, September 28 Central UCC youth will be assembling hygiene kits for the South Georgia Farmworker Health Project from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. We will have dinner at the church.

Our Regional Youth Event for October will be Saturday, October 19 and we are planning on dinner, games and pumpkin carving at Pilgrimage UCC in Marietta.

For more information, contact the Youth Director, Lacey Brown.

Sunday, October 13, 11:00 AM Worship: BIBLE SUNDAY

All 2nd graders and others will receive a Spark's Story Bible during the 11:00 AM worship. We are excited to present these books to our children as they continue to grow in knowledge and understanding of their faith.

Safe Church Training: Sunday, Sept. 22, 9:30 to 10:45 AM

You will need Safe Church training to volunteer or chaperone with children and youth. For youth, 12 and older, who hang out with younger children, it is important to have this training. For parents who find themselves at gatherings or practices with the youth, it is important as an example and a practice to attend Safe Church Training. Please consider attending on September 22 from 9:30 to 10:45 AM in one of the Window Rooms in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested, please sign up with Rev. Ginnie.

Adult Formation & Fellowship

Ongoing Sunday Gathering

Practical Theology:

A Just Peace Covenant Community

Sundays, 9:30 to 10:45 AM

Room 206, Education Wing

SUNDAY, September 15

Book: GOD BELIEVES IN LOVE: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage by Gene Robinson.

Lesson: Chapters 6 & 7

Leader: George & Jackie Dominick

Devotional: Zack Graves

Questions? Contact George and Jackie

Ongoing Sunday Gathering

Sacred Journeys

Resuming September 15,

Sundays, 9:30 to 10:45 AM

(Fellowship Hall, Steinhaus Library)

You are invited to join in wide ranging conver-sations around beliefs, prayer, and spiritual growth. The class will take some time in their first week to decide this Fall's topic.

Questions, email Gary Carson.

Inquirers Class

Sept. 8, 15 & 22, 9:45 to 10:30 AM Office Area Conference Rm

Rev. Michael will host a three-session Inquirers' Series from 9:45 to 10:30 AM in his conference room (office suite). The sessions are designed for visitors to get to know him and each other a little better and explore both Central and the United Church of Christ. Attendees, of course, are not required to join following the sessions, but may if they feel ready to do so. The next "joining day" will be September 29. To register or for more information, email Rev. Michael.

Lena's Place Coffeehouse Saturday, Sept. 14, 8:00 - 10:00 PM

LENA'S PLACE coffeehouse will offer two performers this Saturday including Paul Pendery (8:00 pm) who is well known to us. His father attends Plymouth Harbor and Paul has brought his father to church, although not recently. Paul has performed several times on the Lena's stage and is one of our favorites. The second gig is Vanessa Deliz who will perform at 9 and her reviews look good. Doors open at 7:30 with coffee ready along with homemade cookies and brownies. Donations ($5 is suggested) are accepted to benefit Central's "Lena Werking Fund" for local charities. The charity that will benefit from your donations is Men Stopping Violence. Remember when Kathy Carlin, a member of Central, was instrumental in creating and working with this non-profit?

Always the second Saturday, for over 25 years! Lena's Place Coffeehouse is a monthly opportunity to experience an eclectic mix of acoustic artists in a coffeehouse atmosphere. Lena's is staffed by volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Rev. Ginnie.

ATLANTA INTERFAITH SISTERS

Monday, Sept.16, 2013: 6:30-8:30 PM

Presenter: Rev. Joyce Myers-Brown

Topic: Joyce's Journey to Angola: Church, Change, Challenges. Location: Rockspring Presbyterian Church. All are welcome as we learn and build community and understanding.

WIFI Suppers and Fun Returning in October!

"Wednesday Intergenerational Families and Individuals." No cooking; just make a reservation and show up, by yourself or with all or part of your household. A big success last spring, WIFI is back for all 5 Wednesdays in October.

5:30-6:30 Supper in Fellowship Hall. Casual food, home cooked or catered. Donation invited.
6:30-7:30 An intergenerational activity, different each week, from crafts to a "hymn jam" to Halloween Party.

Reservations for October 2 open up the week before. Watch bulletin boards and the E-News.

Women's Fellowship

October 2: 12:00-2:00pm

Business meeting at 11am - Lunch 12N - Program at 1PM. John Moore will speak on "John Tipton: a great, great, great, great Grandfather" Including his work in the Revolutionary War and afterward.

All are welcome.

SPECIAL REQUEST: LANGUAGES FOR WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

Sunday, October 6th.

Sunday, October 6, is World Communion Sunday; as part of our worship for the morning, we would like to have the Prayer of Our Savior prayed in multiple languages. From the Deacons, we have German and American Sign Language. We are specifically looking for Spanish; all languages, of course, are welcome. If you would like to pray the Prayer of Our Savior in an alternative language, please email Rev. Michael.

PET BLESSING:

SUNDAY, OCT 6 AT 2:00PM

Following the worship services on World Communion Sunday, there will be a pet blessing at 2:00. In truth, we will be honoring the blessings they bring to us. All pets are welcome and a time will be set aside to remember those beloved companions who have died. To keep the sacred circle welcoming and safe to all creatures, regardless of our home practice, all critters need to be leashed or in a carrying container. Please also consider making sure your dear ones are current on their vaccinations. An RSVP is not required, but is helpful: Rev Michael.

Women's Daytime Book Group Meets on 4th Thursdays

An informal gathering begun this summer has taken root. "Ladies Who Read" will continue to gather in the Fireplace Room every fourth Thursday at 1:30 p.m. September's book is And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner). The circle isn't a study group, but there's plenty of discussion about the book and also conversation inspired by it. The next get-together will be September 26. If you would like to receive email reminders, send an email to Geneva Benoit.

Tuesday Evening

Spiritual Practices

Compassion Meditation,

An On-Going Practice: 5:45 - 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.

Yoga For All Levels: 6:30 - 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)

Drum Circle:

Tuesdays Sept 10, Oct 15, Nov 19, 6:30 - 7:45PM

Drumming Class:

November 5, 12, 19, 26, 6:30 - 7:45 PM

Join the rhythm of West African djembe and dunun drums. Bring along your bongos, triangle, rattles, bells, or other rhythmic instrument. Colleen and Amy from DrumRise will lead a free-style drumming circle. Allow yourself to move in and out of the pulse and cadence while your spirit experiences the energy of the circle. Djembe drums are available. (Suggestion Donation: $15.00)

Group Spiritual Direction:

Tuesdays, Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, 6:30 - 7:30PM

Group spiritual direction is a process through which individuals gather in a collective setting to listen, share, support, and explore each other in the experience of the luminous dimension of life. Facilitated by Rev. Lou, participants will have opportunities to share their experience and learn from others about the sacredness of daily life. (Suggested Donation: $5.00)

Every Time I Feel the Spirit:

Spirituality and the Arts

Tuesdays, Sept 24, Oct 22, Nov 26, 6:30 - 7:30PM
This experience will touch the spirituality inherent in creating and receiving art. Explore with us the filling and outpouring as spirit/Spirit "speaks" (poetry), "moves" (music and dance) and "sees" (visual arts).

The experience will be led by Regina Harris Drake. Regina sees poetry in people and her divine tasks are to write and share. She believes that the arts make us "more fully human" in the words of the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and also connect us to God-Spirit. She has a M.Div. degree from the I.T.C. in Atlanta, GA, is a licensed minister and a member of the Victory United Church of Christ in Stone Mountain, GA ($10 per class)

Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth

Edited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

Tuesdays, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3, 6:30 - 7:30PM

Join in the discussion of this compelling and timely book with Rev. Ginnie. Twenty essays are included from a variety of well-respected writers. These authors bring to life the complexity of nature and our impact on this diverse world. They challenge us to examine our understanding of our place in the web of life on this planet. The writers' passionate love of creation and their deep concerns for the planet make these essays beautiful and also painful to read. They call us to widen or perhaps to transform our understanding of the divine in the midst of ecosystems, critters, and all the delicate balance of creation. (Suggested Donation: $5.00)

For more information on the Fall schedule, go to Meetup.com

Questions, 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).

Coffee Hour Celebrations

Mark Your Special Day

Sunday in the Commons, following 11:00 worship, is a welcoming time to linger for a chat or a hug before returning to face the week. There's hot coffee, cold lemonade, and sometimes a celebration -- a birthday, anniversary, or thank-you. If you would like to share your special occasion, just reserve the date in advance, and bring your cake to the kitchen on Sunday morning, as early as possible before 11:00. Fellowship committee and volunteers will see that it's served. Reserve a Sunday by calling the church office or sending an email to fellowship.

Opportunities to Share

Certifiable First Aid & CPR Class

October 23 & 30, 6 - 9 PM

Judy Padgett, a member of Central UCC, has offered to teach a second two-evening certified First Aid / CPR class on a mid-week 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 Rev. Ginnie to sign up.

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.

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.

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.

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 have 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. Stay tuned to hear how God provides!

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.

See the Movie Trans on Sept. 22

What happens when the gender you know you are on the inside doesn't match your anatomy on the outside? First Metropolitan Community Church invites you to learn about the transgender experience at a special showing of the movie Trans, followed by a panel Q&A. Trans documents the courageous journeys of a trans child and trans adults, along with their families, while presenting researched info about the trans experience. (See trailer at http://www.transthemovie.com) The expert panel includes transmen and transwomen, advocates, a therapist, pastor, health professional and facilitators of support groups for trans people and their families. Sunday, Sept. 22, 3-5:30pm, 1379 Tullie Road, NE, Atlanta, 30329. For more info contact DTCoates1@comcast.net

Pickup Truck Needed

If you have a pick up truck and have a few free hours sometime in the next week or two, we would love your assistance in bringing a load of landscaping gravel to Central for some of our gardening. Please contact Rev. Ginnie if you are interested in helping.

TALES FROM TOCO

Recently a woman, who we had helped with money toward her rent, returned to say that she has found a good job and is on her way to getting back on her feet. Another client dropped by a list of mental health services that she had found helpful, so we could share it with others. Our slogan is "Neighbors helping Neighbors" and it happens all the time at Toco Hills Community Alliance. We are currently looking for new volunteers. Specifically we need:

People to welcome and listen to those who come seeking help, Monday through Thursday afternoons from 1-4pm
People to update our resource list
People to pick up and deliver food (Last week it was watermelons)
People to donate produce from their home garden

If you are curious about any of this, please contact Mary-Louise Wilson Mary-Louise Wilson. Feel free to come by and visit. We are behind St Barts Episcopal Church.

Alternative Gift Market: November 17th - Commons

Your Christmas shopping can begin at the Alternative Gift Market on November 17th in the commons area at Central UCC. Not only can you get a head start on your shopping list, but you can help Church World Service provide aid to many people in third world countries. Sustainable living is the goal for the CWS projects.

Cindy Hoover has volunteered to organize the market again this year. Please let her know if you can help. Many hands make light work.

CHANGE YOUR LIFE, GO ON A MISSION TRIP: Sept. 21-27 2014

We have an opportunity September 21-27, 2014 to participate in a work-camp at Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. We have made a reservation for 15 people. Will you be one of them?

"The ministry of Back Bay Mission was born in 1922 when the First Evangelical Church of Biloxi (later United Church of Christ) responded with compassion to the basic needs of poor shrimpers and their families who were living in deplorable conditions along Biloxi's Back Bay.

Through the years, Back Bay Mission continued to expand its services and ministries, always keeping the impoverished and marginalized at the center of its concern. Although no United Church of Christ churches remain in Mississippi, Back Bay Mission continues to serve as it has for eight decades, always being responsive

to the emerging and critical needs of God's people, ever seeking a day of greater justice and peace.

BACK BAY MISSION STATEMENT

Back Bay Mission, a community ministry of the United Church of Christ, serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the wider church community by faithful witness for social justice and compassionate service to the poor and marginalized.

BACK BAY VISION STATEMENT

Back Bay Mission shall embody with integrity and truth the prophetic mandate of Micah "to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."

If you are interested in going to Back Bay Mission for this trip, please let Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen know. You may be able to support this mission with a financial donation, so someone else may go. We will have to pay for food and a minimal charge for housing at the Mission, as well as transportation costs to and from Mississippi.