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 |
Central Social Media
Table Talk on Facebook:
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Senior Minister's
Social Media
 
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Sunday, March 30, 2014
Rev. Michael, preaching
Communion at the 8:30 Service
Children singing at the 11:00 Service
WORSHIP NOTES
Sermon "Sneak Peek" for Sunday, March 30:
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THANK YOU FROM CATHY SADLER
The last few weeks when Pat was taken to the ICU at Emory and later passed away have been difficult. Your prayers, messages, and the support of Central's pastors brought me comfort. It meant so much to Andy and me to be welcomed back to Central for the memorial service and the reception generously arranged by the deacons. Thank you all. Cathy Sadler
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Ken Johnson
Kenneth E. Johnson, the architect who designed the sanctuary of Central, died on March 18 at his home, after a 45-year practice as an architect in Atlanta. You can read his obituary by clicking here.
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DISH WASHERS URGENTLY NEEDED:
Plymouth Harbor needs a monthly rotation of dishwashers on Tuesdays. A couple hours of your time committed to this wonderful Adult Care program makes a huge difference in the lives of the participants, volunteers and staff. Do you have a couple hours on a Tuesday each month around lunchtime? Please email Kay or call the church to help a great cause!!!
UPDATE - Thank you for those who have responded. We are still seeking helpers for the first, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month plus a sub for Friday, April 4th. Thank you to those who have responded. |
EASTER LILIES
Spring is here and the time has come to order Easter lilies and/or make contributions to the Easter Mission Project in memory or in honorof loved ones. The Easter lilies will decorate the sanctuary for all services on Easter Sunday morning, April 20.
If you would like to make contributions for either the lilies or the mission project, please complete an order form and return it to the church office by Monday, April 7. The cost for lilies is $15.00 each. After the services on Easter, you are welcome to take the lilies you donate home with you.
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Treasurer's Report - March 25, 2014
The balance sheet shows a total bank balance of $168,033 with an additional $661,146 in Endowment accounts. The Minister for Children and Youth fund has $20,058 while the Music fund has $14,548. The Preschool 2012/2013 fund has $22,189 and the Preschool 2013/2014 fund has $32,000. Our church mortgage is now down to $108,766!!!!!
- For the operating budget in February, we received $26,471 in pledge giving so that our total pledge giving is now $265,669 for the first eight months of our fiscal year, 66.4% of the yearly budgeted amount.
- Plymouth Harbor income is $63,671 for the first eight months, 62.4% of the yearly budgeted amount.
- Total income for the first eight months is $382,846, 64.9% of the yearly budgeted amount. Note that eight months represents 66.7% of our fiscal year, so our income is close to tracking our budget projections, but is less than budgeted for this period by $10,373.
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- Staff expenses for the first eight months were $205,181, 67.5% of the yearly budgeted amount.
- Maintenance and repairs remain higher than budgeted, with $38,963 spent in the first eight months, 91% of the yearly budgeted total.
- Plymouth Harbor expenses were $67,360 for the first eight months, 72% of the yearly budgeted total.
- Total expenses for the first eight months were $412,787, 70.0% of the yearly budgeted amount.
We thus have a net deficit of $29,941 for the first eight months of our fiscal year, with the primary reasons being a $10,373 deficit in income and $10,430 excess spending on maintenance and repair. We intend to withdraw $10,000 from our Heritage Fund to help with these unusually large maintenance and repair expenses. Thank you for your continuing support. For questions or comments, contact Ron Joyner.
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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 WORSHIP
AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
YOUTH WORSHIP (unless otherwise noted)
(Sundays, 9:30-10:45 AM, Rm 103)
Sunday, March 30, 9:30am: Youth/Parent Meeting, (Room 103)
Sunday, April 6: No youth worship (Spring Break)
Saturday, April 26: Regional Youth Fellowship, Details to come...
Sunday, May 4, 9:30: Senior Graduation Breakfast (Room 103)
We need clothing donations for south Georgia.
If you are planning on or are interested in participating in one of the youth mission trips, please be in touch with Lacey this month. If you would like to help chaperone for one of the trips, please contact Lacey soon.
June 9-13: S.GA. Farmworkers Health Project, Valdosta, GA
June 22-28: Appalachian South Folklife Center, Pipestem, West VA
July 7-11, 8:00am-5:00pm: Youth Peace Camp, metro-Atlanta
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CHILDREN'S 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 .
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YOUTH PEACE CAMP
July 7 to 13, 2014, 8am-5pm
Rising 6th - 12th Graders Wanted
Volunteers Needed
Peace Camp will be a time of service and fun. We will be participating in service activities in the mornings in the city and in the forest. Afternoons will include a variety of fun activities. There is a cost for registration. We will be inviting youth from other UCC churches. Our limit is 24 participants. For more information or to sign up, please contact Lacey Brown, Youth Director.
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For Adults:
Ongoing and Special Educational Gatherings
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Stop by the
Table in the Commons
on March 23 & 30
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.
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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. Questions? Contact George and Jackie.
Sunday, March 30
Study: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD
Lesson: Chapter 5, "Taking Responsibility for Our Feelings
Leader:
Devotional: Woody
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
Sunday, April 6:
Study: NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD. Chapters, 7 - 13.
Lesson: Epilogue
A synopsis of each of these books can be found on Amazon.com.
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
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
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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.
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WIFI IS BACK!
(Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM - Fellowship Hall)
WIFI Suppers and Fun - Reserve Now.
WIFI April 2 - Favorite supper plus one-time service project. "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.
- 5:45-6:30 Supper in Fellowship Hall. This week a favorite menu: sloppy Joes, prepared by the Joyner family. (Suggested donation $5 adults, $2 children)
- 6:30-7:15 An intergenerational activity. This week we'll assemble hygiene kits, needed by local shelters.
- Reservations are strongly encouraged so we have enough food. Send an email to WIFI.
WIFI Supper and Fun - April 9 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.
- 5:45-6:30 Supper in Fellowship Hall. This week hot dogs, beans, Waldorf salad. (Suggested donation $5 adults, $2 children)
- 6:30-7:15 An intergenerational activity. This week: games, charades included, of course (postponed from March 12).
- Reservations are strongly encouraged so we have enough food. Send an email to WIFI
Save the Wednesday dates in April.
More info to come!
Reservations are strongly encouraged so we have enough food. Send an email to WIFI.
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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.
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EARTH TOPICS
(Tuesday, April 1, 6:30-8:00pm)
Central UCC Commons)
On first Tuesday of each, a group of us gather to talk about our connections between the Holy and the Earth, ecological concerns and projects we are doing, and time to enjoy our love of nature. No preparation is needed. Join us for great conversation and fellowship. Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie |
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WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP: Wednesday, April 2 11:00 to 2:00PM
The Women's Fellowship will meet this Wednesday morning, April 2 at 11am for business, 12:00pm for lunch, and 1:00pm for a program. All are welcome and no reservations are necessary. A suggested $5 donation will cover the cost of lunch.
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FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE (Saturday, April 5, 7:00-9:00pm)
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!
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(Sat., April 12, 8:00-10:00pm, Fellowship Hall)
On second Saturdays, Lena's Place Coffeehouse brings an eclectic mix of acoustic artists to Central UCC. Staffed by volunteers, all donations ($5 is suggested) benefit Central's "Lena Werking Fund" for local charities. On April 12, the Charity is Plymouth Harbor (the Adult Day Program at Central UCC on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays).
8:00 pm Jerry Brunner, Bruce Gilbert and Cyndi Craven are JustBe'Cause. Jerry Brunner and Cyndi Craven, veterans of the Atlanta music scene, have been performing together since the 1980s. In 2007, Bruce Gilbert came all the way from California. The music that comes from this trio is the result of profound friendship, heaping helpings of creativity, and decades of noodling on piano and guitar.
9:00 pm Paul Pendery is a singer songwriter from the folk tradition, who's stories and performance style are clearly influenced by time spent in Texas, the Great Northwest, Appalachia and the Deep South. Solid and percussive guitar playing combine with his rich and expressive voice for a wonderful evening of funny, sometimes poignant entertainment.
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Women's Daytime Book Group
The next gathering is Thursday, April 24 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room. The book conversation will be about The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Stroud. Join in as often as you can; no commitment. If you would like to be on the group's email list send an email to Geneva Benoit.
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"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 19,500 people!
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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.
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S. GEORGIA FARMWORKERS HEALTH PROJECT ~
COLLECTING CLOTHING
HYGIENE KITS COMPONENTS
SOUTH GEORGIA FARMWORKERS HEALTH PROJECT - KITS AND CLOTHING
The youth are collecting all types of men's, women's and children's clothing and also, specifically, farmworker clothing (long pants, long sleeved shirts, sunglasses, socks, hats and shoes) and items for hygiene kits (wash cloths, hand towels, and hotel-sized bars of soap). We will sharing these donations with around 400 farmworkers and their families in Valdosta, GA. We need lots of clothing donations. There are labeled collection bins in the entryway.
Questions, please contact Lacey Brown. |
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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. |
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SMALL STEPS TOWARD SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Spring is greening, have you noticed? And Central is gradually going greener. See the new reusable glasses at coffee hour this week. And watch for more ways to go green this spring at Central.
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BACK BAY MISSION TRIP (Sept 21-27, 2014, Biloxi, MS)
On our mission trip to the UCC Back Bay Mission (http://www.thebackbaymission.org) 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, please contact Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen.
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