Phone
Office Phone: 404-633-4505
24-hour Pastoral Care:
678-672-7637
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Email Links
Senior Minister
Associate Minister
Older Adult Day Program |
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Senior Minister's
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Sunday, January 23, 2014
Third Sunday after Epiphany
FOCUS TEXT:
Matthew 25: 31-45 (not part of the lectionary texts for the week).
TOPIC:
Reflections on the Winter Youth Retreat
8:30 AM, Lacey Brown, M. Div., preaching
11:00 AM, Central Youth, preaching
WORSHIP NOTES
At this year's Winter Youth Retreat in Blowing Rock, NC the key note speaker, Rev. Shannon Spencer of Haywood Street UCC in Asheville, NC would often stop whatever she was doing and yell out, "Whose child are you?" Everyone who happened to be standing near and listening would yell back, "God's child!" The continuing conversations of the conference were reminders that God is in each and everyone on of us. The call for us, as a young generation, is to see the face of God and not let our own shame, hate, prejudice, and laziness keep us from serving one another in love. Matthew 25:31-45 asked us questions about what it meant to really SEE the face of God in one another and in ourselves so that we don't ever get confused about whose child we are.
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MEDIA SALE: January 26 through Sunday February 2
Youth and parents will be setting up
the Media Sale
on Sat. Feb.25, 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Thank you for your used books and media! The annual Used Media Sale will take place on two consecutive Sundays, January 26 and February 2 and during the week in between. Donations accepted during the sale. Please bring your gently used books, audio books, CD-ROMs, DVDs, VHS tapes, computer games, puzzles, game consoles/programs (Wii, PSP, Gameboys, Nintendo), etc. to the Office. All funds go to Youth Mission.
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CHILDREN
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL
AND CHILDCARE
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.
8:30 - 12:15 PM Infant and Childcare
available (Rms 201, 202)
9:30 - 11:00 AM Infants to 2nd Grade -
Childcare (Rms 201, 202)
9:30 - 9:55 AM 3rd to 5th Grades -
Music (Rm 209)
10:00 - 10:50 AM 3rd to 5th Grades -
Godly Play (Rm 208)
11:00 - 12:10 PM 3 & 4 year olds -
Sunday school (Rm 205)
11:00 - 12:00 PM K to 2nd Grade -
Godly Play (Rm 207)
12:00 - 12:15 PM K to 2nd Grade -
Childcare (Rms 201, 202)
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YOUTH
Saturday, January 25, 2:00-6:00 PM, youth and parents are needed to prepare the Media Sale in the Commons.
Sunday, January 26, 9:30-10:45 AM, the Youth will be working on the Media Sale and preparing for 11:00 AM Worship this Sunday.
We need of occasional volunteers to help Sunday mornings with youth worship.
Questions?
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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.
Sunday, January 26:
Current Study: "Central and UCC History and Polity" Please bring your story of how you became a part of the United Church of Christ
Conclusion of 3 week study:
Leader: Nancy Wetzel
Devotional: Dave Spence
Sunday, February 2 : We will review/discuss several books and select our next study. Among the books we are reviewing are:
American Gospel by Jon Meacham
The Life of Meaning edited by Bob Abernathy and William Bole
Selling Water by the River by Shane Hipps
American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures by Colin Woodard
Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road by Brian McLaren.
Questions? Contact George and Jackie
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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.
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GREAT DECISIONS
Sundays, Feb 9 - Apr 13,
9:30-10:45 AM
Fellowship Hall, WR2
GREAT DECISIONS (Sundays, Feb 9 - Apr 13, 9:30 to 10:45 AM - Fellowship Hall, WR2)
On Sunday mornings, this eight week series begins on February 9. We will be in recess on March 9 due to a congregational Church Chat. The class provides a forum for challenging conversations on world issues. The topics this year are: Future of the euro, Egypt, NATO, Myanmar and Southeast Asia, Iran, China in Africa, and Threat assessment. Great Decisions provides background information, current data, and policy options for each of the eight issues and serves as the focal text for discussion groups. The book cost is $25. It includes a class video which is shown at each meeting as a discussion starter. For more information or to sign up, contact Mary Ellen Myers
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INQUIRERS CLASS
(Sundays, February 16, 23, March 2, 9:45 to 10:30 AM - Office Area Conference Room)
Joining March 9
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 Spring series will be April 6, 13 & 27 -joining May 4. To register or for more information:Rev. Michael
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EARTH TOPICS
(Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30-8:00 PM, Fireplace Rm)
Our discussions about our sacred planet and our place in it continue. At our February meeting, we will discuss the chapter 12, "Three Dimenions of Ecology: Soil, Soul and Society" in Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth edited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee. If we have time, we will also watch a short video about GreenFaith (greenfaith.org), an interfaith organization that works with houses of worship to support them in becoming better environmental stewards. All are welcome! ?Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie .
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CHURCH EQUIPMENT
USAGE SCHEDULE
All requests for use of a TV and DVD player need to be scheduled with the Office Administrator, Charlotte Shirley. There is a 42 inch and a 30 inch TV (with DVD player) available for use.
Provide Charlotte the following information:
- A dated request in writing.
- The date/dates needed.
- The room in which the equipment is to be used.
- The size of the TV requested/preferred.
NOTE: Requests are granted on a first come/first served basis.
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SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
OF
SE CONFERENCE, UCC
(Saturday, February 1, from 1:00-4:00 PM at Victory for the World Church in Stone Mountain)
The search committee has selected Rev. June Boutwell as the candidate for the new Designated Conference Minister position. Members of the Southeast Conference are encouraged to come meet Rev. June and hear about her ministry and plans for this new position. The meeting will be on Saturday, February 1, from 1:00-4:00 PM at Victory for the World Church in Stone Mountain. The purpose is to consider a call for the Conference Minister and other matters related to such call.
June Boutwell is a life-long United Church of Christ member. She brings a wide variety of geographic locations and secular and ministry experience to her own ministry. She grew up in a UCC church in a small town in eastern Wyoming. She is a graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary, a UCC seminary located in Maine. While serving as the Associate Pastor of Bethel Church in Beaverton, Oregon, she was called to the national staff of the UCC holding the portfolio for Youth, Young Adult, and Outdoor Ministries within the Worship and Education Ministry Team of Local Church Ministries for five years. She was called as Transitional Associate Conference Minister for the Maine Conference in 2005. She began serving as Interim Associate Conference Minister in the Southern California Nevada Conference in 2008 and has had several other experiences before receiving this call to the Southeast Conference. She is the proud mother of two adult sons who live in Wyoming and Oregon.
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FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE
Saturday, February 1, 2014 - 7:00pm
FOG will be hosted by Helen and Bob Fredrick Saturday, February 1st at 7pm. To celebrate Valentines they have selected Shiraz Red Wines from Australia.
Bring a bottle of wine that pairs well with hearty foods of the season, an appetizer, dessert 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: Februrary 1st, 2014, 7:00pm. RSVP to hosts Helen and Bob Fredrick for their address. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator Robin Lee Fitch. We look forward to seeing you at FOG!
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SOUP KITCHEN PREPARATION:
(Sunday, February 2, 9:30-10:45 AM - Kitchen)
On the Sunday before the first Tuesday of the month, people gather in Central's Kitchen to prepare food for the Soup Kitchen at Grace UMC on first Tuesdays in Atlanta. No need to bring any ingredients, just show up to help with the chopping; and enjoy some good company!
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WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
(Wed., Feb. 5, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Fellowship Hall)
Women's Fellowship (WF) will meet in the Fellowship Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, February 5, with 11:00 AM - business, 12:00 PM - lunch, 1:00 PM - program.
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LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE
(Sat. Feb. 8, 8:00-10:00 PM Fellowship Hall)
At 8:00 PM, Jeff Bernstein, Singer/Songwriter will share his music. Jeff Bernstein plays guitar, mandolin, Russian balalaika, Persian Saz, harmonica, and Cajun accordion.
At 9:00 PM, The Tour on Poverty 2014 featuring Leo Liebeskind combines music with a message and a purpose to better the world around him. Leo continues the tradition of songwriters like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan.
Doors open at 7:30 PM. Donations ($5 is suggested) are accepted to benefit Central's "Lena Werking Fund" for local charities. All proceeds this month go to Decatur Cooperative Ministry.
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CHILDREN'S ART SHOW OPENS
and
30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
OF LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE:
(Sunday, Feb. 9, 12:15 PM,
Commons & Fellowship Hall)
The children of Turning Sun School and of Central UCC will be displaying their art in the Central UCC Commons during February and March. Central's children focused their art on nature and the words of Psalm 95. Turning Sun School learned about the artist, Andy Goldsworthy, whose style guided their art.
For 30 years, Lena's Place Coffeehouse has met monthly on second Saturdays. They perform an eclectic mix of acoustic artists. Lena's is staffed by volunteers. All proceeds go directly to a different local charity each month.
On February 9, at 12:15 PM, we will have a reception in the Central Commons as the Art show opens and we enjoy music celebrating 30 years of Lena's Place Coffeehouse. Come enjoy the art, the music and good company.
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PRISCILLA &
PILGRIM CIRCLES:
(Wed., Feb. 12 10:00 AM, 7:00 PM)
The Priscilla Circle will meet Wednesday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. All are welcome. The Pilgrim Circle will meet Wednesday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fireplace Room. Any women who are interested in getting to know fellow church members and enjoy a time of fellowship are cordially invited to attend either meeting!
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WILDFLOWERS
& BUTTERFLIES
We're creating a native wildflower habitat in "Cindy's Garden". The wildflowers will attract colorful butterflies and other pollinators including bees, hummingbirds, and beetles.
Approximately 25 different wildflower species will habitat here, flowering at various intervals from March into November. They will provide nectar for pollinators and food for their larvae (caterpillars). For instance, Butterfly Milkweed will provide nectar for the Monarch Butterfly, and food for its larvae as well.
Educational signage will inform curious folks about the plants in bloom, and the pollinators and larvae associated with these wildflowers. We'll learn about flora and fauna Native Americans may have discovered here generations ago. Our European ancestors changed the wild landscape they found. Did you know that our property was once a cotton farm?
So we plan to reintroduce a small "wild place" at central that will benefit many pollinators and other insects. Certainly, we look forward to enjoying the experiment. But most importantly, we will be helping to sustain our insect populations, which are in serious decline because of loss of habitat and use of pesticides. If you have questions or want to help, please contact Ron Smith.
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SANCTUARY FLOWERS
There is a sign up sheet for Sanctuary flowers in the Commons area on the black bulletin board. The black bulletin board is located by the double doors that lead out to the reflecting pond. Please feel free to choose your date and sign your name on the Sunday that you would like to give flowers, you will be contacted the week before to confirm that you will be giving flowers. If you do not think the church has your contact information please include it with your signature. If you would like the office manager to order the flowers for you, please submit a check to the office for your order and let the office manager know what you would like (color, size, etc) when you are contacted. Any questions please contact Charlotte. |
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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.
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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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Toco Hills Community Alliance Needs You!!
THCA has started the year with a bang! We served twice as many people in the first week of 2014, as we did in the first week of 2013, and things are not slowing down. We are thankful for our volunteers, who have handled this seamlessly, but we need more help in the afternoons, 1-4pm. THCA is looking for people to volunteer, one or two afternoons a month, from 12:15 -4pm. For more information, contact Mary Louise WIlson.
We can still use more plastic grocery bags for client food assistance. And always we need your gifts of food items such as canned vegetables, canned meat, rice and peanut butter. Please drop off your donations in the receptacle in the narthex marked "Toco Hills". Thank you.
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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:
- 92 light and heavy winter jackets, hoodies and sweaters
- Over 225 hats
- 28 pair gloves
- 6 scarves
- 1 pair boots
- 9 pair socks
- Assorted clothing
- 1 blanket
- 3 backpacks
- Large box of school supplies plus more
- 15 Thanksgiving "baskets"
- 15 Christmas "baskets"
Thank you Central for your wonderful generosity! |
An Opportunity to
Serve and Be in Community Back Bay Mission Trip
September 21-27, 2014
Now is the time to consider signing up for an unforgettable experience. On our mission trip to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, we will be participating in the Housing Recovery/Work Camping. If you think that working on houses is too much, there is also work inside at the food pantry. We will also need a cook or two to prepare all the meals during our week in Biloxi. Whatever your gifts for service are, we look forward to you being part of the Back Bay Mission Team. Read below to know a little more about their Housing Recovery Program:
"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 have questions, interest, or wish to be a work camper in September, please contact Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen
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