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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Dec 29
Christmas Office Hours
Plymouth Harbor Holiday Hours
2013 Contributions
Gift of Stock
Sunday Childcare
Children's Sunday School
Youth
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Fellowship of the Grape: Jan. 4
Earth Topics Jan. 7
Chili Luncheon Jan 12
Safe Church Jan 12
Women's Daytime Book Group Jan. 23
Media Sale Jan. 26-Feb 2
Media Sale Jan. 26-Feb 2
Youth Retreat
Montclair Elem. School
Toco Hills Food Pantry
Name Tags
PH: Hospitality Volunteers Needed
PH: Substitute Dish Washers Needed
PH: Desserts Needed
Back Bay Mission Trip
 
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Office Phone: 
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, December 29, 2013
First Sunday after Christmas: 


LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
FOCUS TEXT: Isaiah 63:7-9 (click here to read)
Rev. Michael, preaching
 

WORSHIP NOTES

On the "first Sunday after Christmas," tucked between the darkness and light of Christmas Eve and the shining star of Epiphany, on the cusp of a New Year, we will have a special service of Carols & Blessings. Rev. Michael will lead a service with Gregg Tomlinson (organ and piano) with elements of an "Agape Meal" and a "Watch Night" service.  We will share in the singing of carols, the eating of sweetbread (made by Ann Brown), and be invited to give and receive blessings.

 

During the "Twelve Days of Christmas," a New Year is born.  What elements of grace, forgiveness, hope, gratitude, and kindness might we share as we pass a marking point on our journey.

 

The services of 8:30 and 11:00 are, essentially, the same this week.

Central's Office Holiday Hours
 
Friday, December 27th              Closed
Wednesday, January 1              Closed

 
Plymouth Harbor Holiday Hours

December:  Plymouth Harbor will be CLOSED on December 24, 26, 27 & 31.

January:  Plymouth Harbor will be OPEN and back to our regular schedule starting January 2, 2014.
2013 Contributions

December 31, 2013, falls on a Tuesday.  In order for contributions to count in the year 2013, the IRS code requires that the funds 
be under control of the church before the end of the year.  Cash delivered to Central counts even if not deposited (since we have control).  All checks must have been deposited into the church account by the close of December 31, or they will be counted in 2014.  Banks often reduce their office hours on New Year's Eve.  If this is crucial to you, please don't trust the mail to "get it to the church on time."

 

Gifts of Stock to Central

 

The stock market has been up significantly in 2013 and the increased value makes stocks an ideal gift. If you have stocks that you have owned for at least a year and they have gone up in value, did you know that you can transfer the ownership of appreciated stocks to Central and bypass paying the capital gains tax on the increase in value?

 

If you itemize on your tax return, you will also receive a charitable deduction for the value of the stocks on the day ownership was transferred. And when Central sells the stocks, no tax is due for Central is a not for profit entity.

 

If you are interested in stock gifts to Central, contact John Moore


 

Children & Youth

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 Changes 

 

Dec 29 & Jan 5

No Children's Sunday School

January 5,

10 AM Sunday School Teacher's Meeting (Education Wing)

 

 

January 12, Sunday School for Younger Children

This January 12 we are changing our Christian Education program.

  • Sunday school for 3 & 4 year olds and for Kindergarten to 2nd Grade will be during the 11:00 AM worship.
  • Childcare for infants to 2nd Grade will be available through the morning from 8:30 am to 12:15 pm.
  • 3rd to 5th Grade Music & Sunday School and Youth Worship will remain at 9:30 AM.

If you would like to volunteer to help teach the 3 & 4 year old children, please contact Rev. Ginnie ([email protected]).

Youth Worship and Gathering
Resumes January 12 

December 29, January 5 - No Youth Activities
 
We need of occasional volunteers to help Sunday mornings with youth worship.
Questions?  
Please contact Youth Minister Lacey Brown.
Ongoing Sunday Gathering 

Practical Theology:  

A Just Peace Covenant Community

Sundays, 9:30 to 10:45 AM 

Room 206, Education Wing 

 

The Practical Theology class (Room 206) studies, explores and takes action on Current issues.  The class shares leadership and begins each class with "How was your week?" sharing time and a devotional.  New members are always welcome.

 

Current STUDY:  CHRISTIANITY AFTER RELIGION:  The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening

by Diana Butler Bass

 

Questions? Contact George and Jackie
Ongoing Sunday Gathering
Sacred Journeys

Sundays, 9:30 to 10:50 AM

Fellowship Hall, Steinhaus Library

 No Gathering on December 22 or 29. See you next year!

 

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. 

 Gatherings
 FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE: Saturday, January 4
 

Central's FOG (Fellowship of the Grape) will gather Saturday, January 4th at 7pm at the home of Lee & Warren Culpepper, recent new members who will host FOG for the first time.  Lee & Warren have selected Italian Wines as their theme.     Bring a bottle of wine that pairs well with hearty foods of this season, an appetizer, dessert or snack to share.  For those not familiar with FOG, attending is one 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: January 4th 2014, 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Warren and Lee Culpepper . If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this group, contact coordinator  Robin Lee Fitch.  We look forward to seeing you at FOG!

Earth Topics: Tuesday, Jan. 7,  
6:30-8:00 PM, (Fireplace Room)

 

Our discussions about our sacred planet and our place in it will continue in 2014. We will meet on Tuesday, January 7 in the Fireplace Room at church 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Ginnie will bring a couple of topics to share, one theological and one practical. Then we can pick topics and discuss meeting times for an ongoing conversation. All are welcome! ?Questions? Click here - Rev. Ginnie

Chili Luncheon:  
Sunday, January 12, 12:15 PM

Come enjoy good food and fellowship following the 11:00 AM worship on January 12, 2014. You may bring a salad or desert to share. All are welcome! If you have questions, contact  Lesley MacFarlane.
Safe Church Training: Sunday, January 12, 9:30 AM, Room 204
There will be a Safe Church Training for people who volunteer with children. At Central UCC, we work together to make our church safe for all children. Please email Rev. Ginnie if you would like to attend or if this date doesn't work but you would like a Safe Church Training.

 

Women's Daytime Book Group

The next gathering is Thursday, January 23 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room.  We will discuss The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santos.  All are welcome.  Send an e-mail to Geneva Benoit if you would like to be on the group's email list: 

 

Opportunities to Share

ANNUAL MEDIA SALE

January 26-February 2, 2014

Our annual Media Sale is January 26 through February 2. We are currently accepting donations of books, movies, games, DVD's, and other media. Please bring them to the church office. All proceeds will benefit youth missions. Please contact Lacey Brown Lacey Brown with any questions.

 

Youth Need Donations for 

Winter Youth Retreat (1/17-1/20) 

Service Project 

 

Our youth will soon be going on their annual winter retreat in Blowing Rock, NC. Their service project is to assist with the needs of a unique church in Asheville. The Haywood Street Congregation in Asheville, NC seeks to be a place of welcome to all.  It doesn't matter where you come from, what you look like, what your sexual orientation is, whether you have a home or not, or whether you are rich or poor.  They eat together, work together, worship together. Each youth group participating is asked to bring something toward helping this exceptional congregation. Central UCC is bringing toilet paper. Anyone who could bring some toilet paper to the church by January 16 for this mission project, your help is appreciated!

Service Project for the
Winter Youth Retreat

 

Our youth will soon be going on their annual winter retreat in Blowing Rock, NC.  Their service project is to assist with the needs of a unique church in Asheville. The Haywood Street Congregation in Asheville, NC seeks to be a place of welcome to all.  It doesn't matter where you come from, what you look like, what your sexual orientation is, whether you have a home or not, or whether you are rich or poor.  They eat together, work together, worship together. Each youth group participating is asked to bring something toward helping this exceptional congregation. Central UCC is bringing toilet paper. Anyone who could bring some toilet paper to the church in the next two weeks for this mission project. Your help is appreciated!

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!

 

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES:

You, Mission & Action  

and Montclair Elementary School

We continue to collect winter coats, school supplies and monetary donations for future projects for Montclair Elementary School. 

This Fall, so far, we have given:

  • 73 light and heavy winter jackets, hoodies and sweaters
  • Over 150 hats
  • 24 pair gloves
  • 4 scarves
  • 1 pair boots
  • Assorted clothing
  • 1 blanket
  • 2 backpacks
  • Large box of school supplies plus more
  • 15 Thanksgiving "baskets"
  • 15 Christmas "baskets"
Thank you Central for your wonderful generosity!
Toco Hills Community Alliance Needs You!!

THCA is looking for people to volunteer, two afternoons a month, from 12:15 -4pm.  For more information, contact Mary-Louise Wilson  at [email protected]

 

We are in desperate need of plastic grocery bags for client food assistance.   Please drop off your plastic bags in the receptacle in the narthex marked "THCA BAGS".  Thank you.

NAME TAGS

If you need a name tag please email our office manager, Charlotte.  Please note we print name tags six at a time, there may be a brief waiting period. 

 

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.

 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..