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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Mar. 16
Substitute Dishwashers needed
Wildwood Cancelled
Girl Scouts
Article Title
Children's Sunday School
Youth
Peace Camp June 9-13
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Great Decisions Feb-April 2014
Soul Stretch with Rev. Michael
Table Talk March 18
Retured Men's Breakfast March 19
WIFI
Lenten Book Study
Elsie's 89th Birthday March 28 & 29
"LIKE" us in LENT
One Great Hour of Sharing
Hagar's House Mission Opportunity
S. Georgia Farmworkers Project
Recycling Team
Montclair Elem. School
FOG April 5
Back Bay Mission Trip
Help the RRISA
 
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, March 16, 2014 
Second Sunday in Lent 

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
FOCUS TEXT: John 3:1-17
Rev. Michael, preaching
Communion at the 8:30 Service
 

WORSHIP NOTES

  

Sermon "Sneak Peek" for Sunday, March 16:

Nicodemus sneaks to Jesus under cover of darkness; why the clandestine night-time visit?  He doesn't even ask a question at first; apparently he simply seeks a presence, a person.  Jesus prompts the questions when he declares how to enter the ... Continue reading �...�

 
Rev. Michael's "Invitation to Lent:"
Sometimes the history of a word can open the possibilities for its present potential.  I often feel that "Lent" gets a "bad name;" I'm sometimes asked, "What did you give up for Lent," indicating the commonly held belief that Lent is a time of penance or fasting and depravation.  I do fast occasionally for health ... Continue reading �...�
SUBSTITUTE DISH WASHERS URGENTLY NEEDED:

 We are looking for substitute dish washers to assist Plymouth Harbor.  Please email Kay or call the church to help a great cause!!!

 

Reminder:  Wildwood Cancelled

 What was once scheduled for Saturday, March 15th, Wildwood has been cancelled at this time.
Central Hosts Girl Scout Troop
(Cookies on March 16th)

This fall, Central began hosting a Girl Scout troop.  Twelve girls, ages 9 - 14, have been meeting in the youth rooms and enjoying Central's teaching laboratory -- the forest!  The troop serves girls who are homeschooled, a population traditionally underserved by Girl Scouts, since most Girl Scout recruitment occurs through schools.  If you have questions, or want to volunteer with the group, please contact Sally Harrell.

Yes, the girls have cookies!  Please bring your change ($3.50 per box) Sunday, March 16 from 9:30am - 1pm, meet the girls, and stock up on your favorite cookies.

 

Children & Youth
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)

YOUTH WORSHIP  
AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

 

SUNDAY YOUTH WORSHIP  

(9:30-10:45 AM, Lower Level, Room 103) 

 
Saturday, March 15 6:00pm-9:30pm
This month's Regional Youth Fellowship we will be joining Kirkwood UCC and Pilgrimage UCC at Jimmy's Mad Mad Whirled to play whirley ball and laser tag.  Please bring $25/student to cover the cost of games and food. Financial scholarships are available upon request. 
 
Tuesday, April 1 5:30pm-9:00pm 
Youth Volunteering at Hagar's House. We will prepare a meal for the resident's and eat along with them. Contact Lacey Brown,  Lacey Brown  or   Bill O'Steen  for more details.
 

 

Questions?  
Please contact Youth Minister Lacey Brown.

PEACE CAMP 

June 9 to 13, 2014, mornings

Rising K to Rising 5th Graders Wanted

Volunteers Needed

 

Peace Camp will focus on water. We will have some wonderful environmental education activities. We will explore the forest and the stream and think about all the places which hold and use water. Water is a theme throughout the Bible. There are stories about drought, Moses and the Israelites finding water in the desert, the healing waters for Namaan, the water of baptism, the woman at the well and many others. With age appropriate activities, the children will learn and play through music, crafts, games, and stories. For more information or to sign up, please contact Rev. Ginnie .

For Adults:
Ongoing and Special Educational Gatherings
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.  Questions? Contact George and Jackie.

 

 

Sunday, March 16

Study:              Nonviolent Communication:  A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD

Lesson:           Chapter 3, Observing Without Evaluating

Leader:            Marion Clein

Devotional:     Nancy Wetzel

 

Sunday, March 23

Study:              Nonviolent Communication:  A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD

Lesson:            Chapter 4

 

 

 

 

CONTINUE TO GIVE ATTENTION TO THE SUGGESTIONS FOR OUR NEXT STUDY:

  • SELLING WATER BY THE RIVER (A Book About the Life Jesus Promised and the Religion that Gets in the Way) 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
  • AMERICAN GOSPEL by Jon Meacham
  • THE LIFE of MEANING by Bob Abernathy, William Bole and Tom Brokaw
  • THE BEST OF ENEMIES by Osha Gray Davidson
  • THE NEW JIM CROW by Michelle Alexander

A synopsis of each of these books can be found on Amazon.com.

 

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. 

GREAT DECISIONS 
(Sundays, Feb 9 - Apr 13, 
9:30-10:45 AM
Room 204, Education Wing)

 

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: Defense technology, Israel & the U.S, Turkey's challenges, Islamic Awakening, Energy Independence, Food & Climate, China's foreign policy and U.S Trade policy. 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 

Non-Sunday Gatherings

SOUL STRETCH: LENGTHENING IN LENT

Mondays, March 10 to April 14 (5:30 - 6:45)

 

Rev. Michael is offering a weekly meditation and GENTLE yoga practice on Monday nights on March 10 through April 14 (skipping March 31) from 5:30 to 6:45pm.  This practice will include a brief "talk," breathing meditation, several contemplative (Yin) yoga poses, and ends with an extended relaxation.  Registration is STRONGLY requested (for one session or the series).  For more information or to register: Rev. Michael.

TABLE TALK

Tuesday, March 18 6:30PM to 8:30 (off campus)

Table Talk is a monthly gathering, hosted at the gracious dining room table of Joan and Bill Harrison and facilitated by Rev. Michael.  It is not a "traditional" group; folk come and go as they are able and no advance reading is required.  Please bring a dish to share, if you are able-there is always a gracious plenty of food.  Conversation also happens on the Table Talk Facebook page. 

RETIRED MEN'S BREAKFAST
Wednesday, March 19  9:00am

Come to Central at 9:00 a.m. for the Retired Men's Breakfast on Wednesday, March 18. Enjoy a full breakfast, fellowship and a short, informative program.


WIFI IS BACK!

(Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM - Fellowship Hall)

 

WIFI Suppers and Fun - Hymns and BBQ March 19!  Reserve Now.

 "Wednesday Intergenerational Families and Individuals."  No cooking; just make a reservation and show up, by yourself or with all or part of your household.  WIFI runs six weeks, through April 16.

  • 5:30-6:30 Supper in Fellowship Hall.  This week BBQ & Mac n' Cheese.  (Suggested donation $5 adults, $2 children)
  •  6:30-7:30 An intergenerational activity.  This week "hymn jam," with rhythm instruments (or bring your own guitar, etc.) 

WIFI Suppers and Fun - An Azalea/Memorial Garden Talk Tour March 26!  Reserve Now.

  • 5:30-6:30 Supper in Fellowship Hall.  This week Tacos.  (Suggested donation $5 adults, $2 children)
  • 6:30-7:30 An intergenerational activity.  This week Ron Smith, with Truman and Joan Moore, will lead a learning, memory, and maybe cleanup walk through our Azalean Garden in preparation for Easter.
Reservations are strongly encouraged so we have enough food. Send an email to WIFI.

 

 

 

LENTEN BOOK GROUP

(Wednesdays, March 12 to April 16, 6:30-7:30 PM - Fireplace Room)

Michelle Holtman will lead a discussion of the book, Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self by Joyce Rupp. Please contact Michelle if you are interested.

Come Celebrate Elsie's 89th Birthday!
 
Elsie Dresch is turning 89 and its time to celebrate.  Stop by Elsie's house on March 28th or March 29th from 11:00am-4:00pm.  For more information and for the address please email J. Mozley.  Take you time to view a selection of paintings which are for sale (50.00-$300.00).  See you there!
 
Opportunities to Share

 

"LIKE" US  IN LENT

A central component of Central is our progressive theology; we listen to and proclaim a Stillspeaking God.  In fact, isn't it likely that you are a member of this community because of our extravagant welcome, justice and peace seeking, and continuing testament (progressive theology).  A significant platform for proclamation is "social media"-like it or not, Facebook is ingrained in our culture.  So, let's proclaim the message that has nourished us.  IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, PLEASE "LIKE" THE CENTRAL FACEBOOK PAGE and/or "friend" the staff.  We are giving significant efforts to increasing our proclamation; "liking" us really will help (grin). 

 

Last week we reached over 17,500 people! 

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING CONTINUES

One Great Hour of Sharing is an ecumenical offering that makes the love of Christ real for individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship, and for those who serve them through gifts of money and time. Today, projects are underway in more than 100 countries, including the United States and Canada.  Please consider giving to this 50+ year old offering. Checks: Central UCC, Memo: OGHS

 

 

SERVING A MEAL AT  

HAGAR'S HOUSE

(April 1, 3, & 4 in the evening) 

 

Central will be serving dinner at Hagar's House April 1, 3, and 4. Hagar's House is a shelter for women and their children located in Decatur. Central and a number of other churches in the area have a long-standing relationship with Hagar's House. Volunteers are requested. Anyone who's interested can contact  Bill O'Steen for more information or to volunteer to serve.  


S. GEORGIA FARMWORKERS HEALTH PROJECT ~ 

COLLECTING  

KITS AND CLOTHING

 

The youth are collecting clothing (long pants, long sleeved shirts, sunglasses, hats and shoes) and items for hygiene kits (wash cloths, hand towels, hotel-sized bars of soap, and band-aids). You can make donations for the hygiene kits and we will buy combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, nailclippers wholesale from Minimus.biz).There are labeled collection bins in the entryway.

Questions, please contact Lacey Brown.

RECYCLING TEAM  

NEEDS MEMBERS

Our goals are to educate the congregation about recycling and to increase the amount of recycling we do at Central. If you would like to join the team, contact Rev. Ginnie.

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. Over the last several months, we have collected monies for holiday "Food Baskets" and winter clothing. Volunteer tutors have begun to work with the students. We are looking into ways of providing books to read and weekend food. If you would like to help with this ministry, please contact Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen.  

FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE  APRIL 5, 2014
 
Nancy Chorpenning and Paul McCreery will host April FOG Saturday, April 5th at 7pm.  Nancy and Paul have chosen Viognier White wines  as their selection for the month.  Any and all  appetizers or dishes, desserts or snacks to share that will pair with white wines will be appreciated.  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: April 5th, 2014 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Nancy and Paul at Nancy and Paul for her address. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator Robin Lee Fitch Robin Lee Fitch .  We look forward to seeing you at FOG!
BACK BAY MISSION TRIP
(Sept. 21-27, 2014, Biloxi, MS)   
 
On our mission trip to the UCC Back Bay Mission  in Biloxi, Mississippi, we will be participating in the Housing Recovery/Work Camping. There is also work inside at the food pantry or cooking all the meals. If you have questions or would like to sign up to be a work camper in September, please contact Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen.  

Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta 

is in need of volunteers to be matched with newly arriving refugee families to help with English, life skills and community orientation. Training and Volunteer Orientation provided. Interested? RRISA Info