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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Sept 29
Wedding Announcement
Welcome Team Needed
Sunday Childcare
Children's Sunday School
Children's Sunday School
Teacher's Helpers Needed
Youth Worship
Bible Study Oct. 13
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Book of Acts
New Adult Gathering
Church Chat
WIFI Returns in October
Women's Fellowship: Oct 2
FOG Oct. 5th
World Communion Sunday Oct. 6
Pet Blessing Oct. 6
Ladies Who Read
Tues Evening Practices
Spiritual Direction
Coffee Hour Celebrations
Volunteer: Weekly Offering
First Aid Class Oct 23&30
PH: Hospitality Volunteers Needed
PH: Substitute Dish Washers Needed
PH: Desserts Needed
Alternative Gift Market Nov. 17
Mission Trip 2014
Boards and Treasurer Updates
 
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Sunday, September 29, 2013
PROPER 21  

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
Focus Text: Luke 16:19-31
Rev. Michael, preaching

WORSHIP NOTES
This is an uncomfortable text--in many ways! The story of how an unnamed rich man treats Lazarus in this life AND the next, the vision of Hades, the seeming inability to do anything about the situation--it is an uncomfortable narrative.

Maybe the the discomfort is exactly the point; perhaps instead of brushing it away, in the story or in our lives, we are invited to take a hard look.  And maybe in the looking, we find liberation.  Ebenezer Scrooge would probably encourage us to look and would tell a powerful tale of liberation.
 
LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD
Sunday, 6 October:  World Communion Sunday at both services and a Pet Blessing at 2:00 PM.
 
Sunday, 13 October:  For Atlanta Pride Weekend, we will have a powerful panel of mothers share their stories in a "Speaking of Faith" moment in worship. 
Wedding Announcement!!!

 

Neal and Gregg Tomlinson will be married on Friday September 27, 2013 at 7:00 AM.  The ceremony will be held in a gazebo on the Town Green in Williston, Vermont.   Neal and Gregg ask that you be present with them in mind and spirit as they are married early Friday morning.

 

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.  

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) 

 All are welcome! For more information, contact the Youth Director, Lacey Brown.

Bible Sunday  

Sunday, October 13, 11:00 AM  

 

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.

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 29

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

Lesson:                

Chapter 10 - "Is This About  Rights or Getting Approval for Questionable Behavior?" and,

Chapter 11 - "God Believes in Love"

Leader: Bill O'Steen

Devotional: Nancy Wetzel

 

Next Study: October 6th

Our next study is CHRISTIANITY AFTER RELIGION:  The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening by Diana Butler Bass.

Available: Amazon in paperback and Kindle

Barnes and Noble in paperback and Nook

 

Questions? Contact George and Jackie
Ongoing Sunday Gathering
Sacred Journeys

Sundays, 9:30 to 10:50 AM

Fellowship Hall, Steinhaus Library

 

Each week this group explores how spirit guides our personal journeys, and we gain new insights by listening to each other.  It is a sacred hour +, from 9:30 to about 10:50, where the discussion might be inspired one week by a poem, another by an excerpt from a book, a film clip, or an audio tape.  You do not need to read or prepare in advance, and you can join this class from time to time, whenever you wish.  Sacred Journeys is wide open.  We close the door to create a quiet space but you are welcome to open it and come on in. Get to know new people at Central or revisit old friends and explore how the spiritual intertwines with the personal for you. Questions, email Gary Carson.

The Book of Acts: 
Sundays, Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 20, & 27 
9:30 to 10:45 AM,

 Window Room 2, Fellowship Hall

 

Ron Joyner will lead a four week series on the Book of Acts, the second of Luke's two Books.   This book is the only written record we have from the first century of how the church evolved from a group of dispirited Jewish Christians in Jerusalem after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascent to Heaven to a vibrant community of Jewish and Gentile Christians throughout the known world.  It introduces Pentecost, the first Christian martyrs, the conversion of Saul (to Paul), the arguments within the Jerusalem church, the missionary journeys of Paul and several companions, the establishment of churches in major cities, and Paul's eventual arrest and his trip to Rome. There are shipwrecks, venomous snakes, major miracles, and a wealth of  information on local governments and customs. It's a great travelogue as well as a fundamental guide to how the early church theology developed. PLEASE read the first few chapters before our first meeting.  All are welcome for any meetings you can attend. Questions? Contact Ron Joyner Ron Joyner. 
New Adult Gathering: 
Sunday, October 6, 9:45 to 10:45 AM
Fellowship Hall  

 

Parents who currently have kids in Central's Sunday School program (nursery through youth) are considering creating a Sunday morning gathering.  We will gather in the Fellowship Hall Sunday, October 6, 9:45am to decide how to structure our time together while the kids are in Sunday School.  Let's get to know each other while our kids are getting to know one another!  Please be in touch with Sally Harrell (click here) if you have questions.

Church Chat: 
Sunday, October 13, 9:45 to 10:45 AM
Fellowship Hall

 

The Board for Mission & Action will present a new connection with the Montclair Elementary School on Clairmont Rd. There are many needs for food, clothing, tutors, and supplies. Come to the Church Chat to explore ways to become involved.

Other Updates: Alternative Gift Market and Back Bay Mission Trip.

Other adult groups are suspended for Church Chats.

Questions? Contact Jean Haller (click here).  

WIFI Begins October 2nd!

 

"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: $5 Adults, $2 Children.
  • 6:30-7:30 An intergenerational activity, different each week.  Oct. 2 features fun games.  And there really is WIFI; you can bring your homework, too.

Reservations are strongly encouraged so we have enough food. Send an email by midnight Tuesday to WIFI.

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.
 
FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE

Saturday, October 5th 7:00-9:00PM

The theme is "Red and White European Wines", designed for both the white and red wine lovers of Europe.  If you love whites bring Gruner-Veltliner or red, Nero d'Avola.  Please bring a bottle ($8-$15 for a single; $15-$25 for a couple) and a savory 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! RSVP to hosts Barbara and Joe Alfano at Barbara Alfano or , or to FOG Coordinator  We look forward to seeing you at FOG!

 

 

Special Request: Languages for World Communion Sunday

Sunday, October 6

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, October 6 AT 2:00 PM

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 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, 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 conversation 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. On Oct 1, we will be talking about the Introduction and Chapters 1 & 2. (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

 

How do you understand your relationship with God? What does it mean for you to encounter the Divine throughout your life? In what ways can that experience grow deeper, broader, or more fully? These are some of the kinds of issues explored in spiritual direction. Spiritual direction is a reflective process through which you grow in awareness of the spiritual direction and dimension of your life. Many people find the process helpful in times of transition, but spiritual direction is essentially about your own growth and wholeness.  

 

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.

Volunteers Needed to Help Count the Weekly Offering

The Trustees are looking for volunteers to help count the weekly offering following the 11:00 AM service each Sunday.  We need two people to count the offering each week.  There will always be a Trustee counting, but we could use some help.  It generally only takes about 20 minutes to count the offering each week.  If we have enough volunteers, you would only need to help count occasionally.  Please note this is open only to members of Central.

If you are willing to volunteer occasionally, please contact Gregg Tomlinson, Chair of Trustees.

 

 

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 third two-evening certified First Aid / CPR class on a mid-week evenings 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the Autumn. Please be in touch if you are interested in a First Aid Class.

This class is full. We can teach another call if there is interest. 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.

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.

 

 

Boards and Treasurer Updates
 
Treasurer's Report for July-August, 2013
We are now two months into our fiscal year and we are behind in our income compared to our projections for a balanced budget for our July, 2013 - June, 2014 fiscal year.
Pledge income for July and August was below expectations ($51,050 compared to expected $66,666).  Total income for July and August was $22,206 less than expected.  Total expenses were $110,379 which was $12,057 above expected, mostly due to Quarterly payments for annuities and health care that were due in July and some unexpected expenses for roof repairs and HVAC repair.  We have a net deficit for these two months of $34,263. Summer months are often months of lower than expected income. Our mortgage debt has now decreased to $143,625.   Please remember to support the church with your pledge giving for the operating budget and also the capital campaign.  Thanks to all for your generous giving.  Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Ronald Joyner, Treasurer.  

 

Meeting of the Deaconate 
* Welcomed new Deacons, Helen Fredrick, Peggy Berry, Gail and Walt McGill.
* Deacons, in preparing for Blessing of the Animals on October 6th, have installed a Clairmont Banner to attract visitors to the event.
* In preparation for World Communion Sunday, we decided to invite bi-lingual persons to assist with worship that day.
* As is our usual practice, we talked about the members of our congregation, who need additional Deacon care.  That list includes about 25 names.

CE Board
The CE Board met in September to continue planning for upcoming events such as a November Crop Walk and an Advent Event.  We're in the process of creating a Sunday morning "time of sharing" so parents can get to know each other while their children are in Sunday School.