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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Nov 10
Lena's Place Nov. 9
Nov. Inquirers Class
Children's Art Time
Sunday Childcare
Children's Sunday School
Children's Sunday School
Youth Worship
Adult Gathering Nov.3
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Tues Evening Practices
Volunteer Hosts Needed
Ladies Who Read
Spiritual Direction
Board Updates
Montclair Elem. School
Alternative Gift Market
PH: Hospitality Volunteers Needed
PH: Substitute Dish Washers Needed
PH: Desserts Needed
Coffee Hour Celebrations
 
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, November 10, 2013
Proper 27  

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
Focus Text:  Luke 20:27-38 ( click here)
Preaching: Rev. Michael  

WORSHIP NOTES

We are in a time of year when change is externally obvious (curious how leaves are fun early in our lives, but perhaps not so much as we see more seasons); but we are also crossing through a series of holidays (holy days) that remind us, sometimes with subtle surprise, that our lives are oft full of change.  We just celebrated All Saints Day with the sound of bells and a celebration at Table; soon we may be faced with Thanksgiving tables that are not set the way we wished, too many or too few place settings.

 

In an attempt to publicly embarrass Jesus, the Sadducees pose a question to a ridiculous extreme regarding a woman who is repeatedly widowed without having children.  Jesus' response, of course, demonstrates theological acumen, but I remain curious about the elements of the question itself.  The woman is caught in the "litter of life."

 

At both services, spread across two portions of liturgy, I borrow images and turns of phrase from Stanley Kunitz's poem, "The Layers" (my favorite poem).  You can hear him read it by clicking here.  In it, he encourages us to "live in the layer, not on the litter."  This is always a good suggestion; but, during this season, perhaps they are also wise words of support.

 

As ever, the 8:30 service will include Communion; the 11:00 service will include Central's Children's Music Group this week.

 
Lena's Place

Saturday, November 9

 8:00-10:00PM 

 

A group of singer/songwriters alternate turns playing cover tunes by their favorite songwriters and inspirations.  The theme for this evening is Covers CSNY, but the twist is that the band/artist's name being covered can have the first name or the last name start with either a C, S, N, or Y.  So, it could be songs by David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Neil Young, Cat Stevens, Cat Power, Judy Collins, Paul Simon, The Civil Wars, Jesse Colin Young, Carole King, Aaron Neville, Neko Case, Yes, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Randy Newman, Elliot Smith, Jim Croce, Carly Simon, Neutral Milk Hotel, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, Sufjan Stevens, Elvis Costello, Suzanne Vega, Laura Nyro, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Harry Chapin, Shawn Colvin, Tracy Chapman, Sheryl Crow, well, you get the picture.

Come enjoy some of our favorite performers at 8 p.m. in Central's Fellowship Hall.  Performers include Bob Bakert, Juliana Finch, Barney's Goat (Chris & Carole Moser & Skip), and more special guests.  Donations ($5 is suggested) are accepted to benefit Central's "Lena Werking Fund" for local charities. Supported Charity for the month- Toco Hills Community Ministry If you would like to volunteer, please contact Rev. Ginnie.

 

 INQUIRERS CLASS: 

Nov 3, 10 & 17 (9:45 to 10:30 AM: Office -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 November 24. To register or for more information: Rev. Michael


 

Children & Youth

11 AM to Noon, Sundays in November: Children's Art Time

3 & 4 year olds (Room 205)

K to 5th Grade (Room 206) 

 

Please bring your children to the Education Wing to begin a month long art project and more. Sara Cameli, a local artist and children's art teacher will work with the K to 5th grade children. Lacey Brown and Tanya Detherow will work with the pre-schoolers. We will keep the art here at Central so that it will be part of a joint art exhibit with Turning Sun School in February. Whether they can make it only one Sunday or all the Sundays, bring them on down to create and enjoy being artists.

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 AM 3rd to 5th grades 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.  

 

On November 10, the 3rd to 5th graders will be singing in worship. On November 17, they will be participating in the Alternative Gift Market. Please still bring them to the CE wing at 9:30 AM.

Youth Worship And Gathering
9:30 to 10:45 AM (102, 103) 

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

 

Regional Youth Fellowship Saturday, November 16 from 6:00pm- 9:00pm. Laser Tag and Whirly Ball 
Jimmy's Mad Mad Whirled. Please bring $12.00/person. Scholarships available upon request. 

 
Youth Lock- In and service day November 22-23rd. 
This event is in need of chaperones who are available to drive the bus on Saturday, November 23rd. 
Questions? Please contact our Youth Director, Lacey Brown

 

I am in need of occasional volunteers to help Sunday mornings with youth worship
Questions?  
Please contact Youth Minister Lacey Brown.

 

Adult Formation & Fellowship
A New Adult Gathering
This week's Topic:
Alternative Gift Market Preparations and Conversation

Sunday, November 10, 9:30-10:45 AM  Fellowship Hall

 

Alternative Gift Market (Sunday, November 17) 

Ongoing Sunday Gathering 

Practical Theology:  

A Just Peace Covenant Community

Sundays, 9:30 to 10:45 AM 

Room 206, Education Wing 

  

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

 

Sunday, November 10     

Lesson:        Part II, A NEW VISION

                      Chapter 4, "Believing"

Leader:         Ruben Swint

Devotional:  (Your name could fit right here!!)

Sunday, November 17,  No class: Alternative Gift Fair - PT Class will sponsor the "Feed Families" table. 

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.  

Tuesday Evenings

Rice Center 

for Spiritual Practice

A Ministry of Central UCC 


What nurtures your soul? How do you live your spiritual orientation? Where is the inner light of your being leading you? While Sunday worship provides opportunities for us to celebrate the presence of God in the midst of our community, tending to the inner path enables us to live in ways that are transformed by grace. To support the growth of the spiritual dimension of life, Central hosts weekly opportunities to support soul-full living. You, your family members, and friends are invited to join in Tuesday evening opportunities to support the spiritual dimension of life. You are also encouraged to share this invitation with those who may not feel at home with us on Sunday mornings but who look for ways to spark that inner light.

 

Every Tuesday

5:45 to 6:30 PM -- Compassion Meditation and Conversation led by the Rev. Lou Kavar, This simple sitting and shared conversation are a still point that nurtures the spirit as well as support mental and physical health. (suggested donation: $5.00)

 

6:30 to 7:30 PM -- Energy Flow Yoga led by Molly Grubbs, a certified teacher. In addition to the health benefits, yoga helps to center us in the present moment while also restoring energy and mental focus. (suggested donation: $10.00)

 

Special Tuesday Offerings

November 5, 6:30 to 7:30 - Spiritual Ecology: Cry of the Earth edited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee. Explore connecting to creation as central to the spiritual life. In November, the group will be discussing chapters 3, 4, and 5. (suggested donation: $5.00)

 

Each Tuesday in November From 6:30 to 7:45, DrumRise will teach a West African drumming class. Drums are provided. (suggested donation: $15.00)

 

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

 

Questions, contact Rev. Lou Kavar .

Volunteers Needed  
to Host Tuesday Evening Spiritual Practices

 

If you have a Tuesday (5:30 to 7:30 PM) a month and could welcome our guests who come to Central for Spiritual Practices, please contact Rev. Lou Kavar (lou@central-ucc.org).

Women's Daytime Book Group 

Daytime Book Group - Holiday Season Schedule

 

Over the holidays, the reading circle will meet only once, on Thursday December 5 in the fireplace room at 1:30 pm.  Please bring a "Christmas" book of choice to the conversation.  Choose and read (or re-read) a book that features Christmas or that reminds you of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany - a classic, a family comedy, a blue Christmas retelling, even a book that's not-really-Christmas but relevant to your Advent journey.  In January, the group resumes fourth-Thursday meetings.  The January book isThe Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santos. Geneva Benoit.

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).

 
Update from Treasurer and CE Board
 

Treasurer's report October 28, 2013

 

        The balance sheet shows total bank accounts of $96,163.  Total endowments accounts are $607,911.  Ministry for children and youth has $17,870.  Music fund has $17,571.  The Preschool 2012/2013 fund has $36,254 and is being used for $1142 each month for the operating budget and $1371.15 each month for principal an interest payment on the capital debt which as of September 30, 2013 was at $142,842.  The Preschool 2013/2014 fund has $12,000 and is increasing at $4,000 per month.

         September was a better month than either July or August, with a net deficit of only $5,561.  General income for July-September was$129,707 which is somewhat less than the expected $147,157.  Pledge income was $91,053 compared to the expected $100,000.  Total expenses were $169,717 compared to the expected $147,157.  Therefore, we have accumulated a $40,010 deficit for the first three months, although most of this occurred in July and we are showing improvements for August and September.  We are hopeful that an improved financial performance during the coming Holiday season and the end of the calendar year will largely erase the deficit.

 

Board of Christian Education Report 
 
In the midst of planning for the upcoming holidays and associated Alternative Gift Market and Advent Event, we continue to look for creative ways to engage and support families and children in Christian Education.  We are grateful to have a very dedicated group of volunteer teachers who are waiting with open arms to receive the children!

 

 

.

 

Opportunities to Share

You, Mission & Action and Montclair Elementary School

 

Between Central and Buford Highway there is an elementary school of about 1200 students with 90% of those students receiving a free or reduced price lunch as well as breakfast at school. It's time to move from studying hunger and poverty to some actions in our own little corner of the world where hunger is evident. Montclair Elementary School is where we would like to begin. We are in the planning stages. Check out the sign up lists out in the Commons!

 

Could you be a tutor and work with a child ? On October 27, you may take the Safe Church course and view the power point presentation that the school requires to be a tutor.

 

Hungry children still have to eat over vacations, so we want to help with Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. The Winter Coat Project will be looking for coats of various sizes from 6 to 14 for boys and girls, hats, gloves or mittens and scarves for as many children as we can.

 

The students need basic school supplies and the teachers do too.

 

We all have something we can do. The African saying is correct. "It takes a village to raise a child." Let's help these children. Let's be a village for them.  

Alternative Gift Market: November 17, 9:30AM - 1:00PM Commons

Give gifts that give back! Your Christmas shopping can begin at the Alternative Gift Market on November 17, 9:30-1pm, in the commons area at Central UCC. Choose gifts that give back within our church, locally, as well as globally! Gifts for sale will include blankets, decorative houses, jewelry, and holiday bells. In addition, through Church World Service, you can sponsor gifts such as: clean water, an animal, educational toys, and more. There will be multiple organizations benefitting. Come enjoy refreshments & buy gifts for good!

 

Cindy Hoover has volunteered to organize the market again this year. Please contact her know if you can volunteer to help or donate a baked item, agm@central-ucc.org. Many hands make light work.

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.
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.

 Our Back Bay Mission Trip

 

September 21 - 27, 2014 is our scheduled mission trip to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. We will be participating in the Housing Recovery/Work Camping. 

 

Taken from the BBM website on Housing Recovery/Work Camping:

 

"This program is one of Back Bay Mission's trademarks within the United Church of Christ. Back Bay Mission has developed a highly successful style of work camping based on experiential learning. While the "work" in work camping has become more intense and the term "housing recovery" more appropriate since Hurricane Katrina, BBM's model of work camping is more in demand than ever. It places equal emphasis on  productivity (home rehabilitation or construction) and learning, using an action-reflection model. This powerful method helps people internalize their learning at the same time they build cohesive caring groups.

 

From serving approximately 20 work teams per year, the program has grown to hosting 40 teams as the Mission, along with many other organizations, responds to the overwhelming need for housing restoration. Work teams perform a wide range of tasks - from mold abatement to roofing to installing drywall to electrical and plumbing work. When the Mission selects a home to restore, it commits to completing the project. The effort frequently requires many weeks of work by several different work teams.

 

Grants from the city of Biloxi, the United Church of Christ, individual congregations and some corporations for home restoration have helped the Mission give back houses, at no cost, to homeowners who lack the financial resources to complete the projects on their own."

 

If you wish to be a work camper in September, please let Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen know of your interest..