Trees background
Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Apr. 13
Charlotte Jermyn Memorial: April 12
Lena's Place: April 12
Holy Week Monday April 14
Inquirer's Series
Congratulations Larry Anderson
Children's Sunday School
Youth
Children's Peace Camp June 9-13
Youth Peace Camp July 7 to 13
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Great Decisions Feb-April 2014
Hunger in America: Apr 27, May 11 &18
Church Chat: May 4 & 11
Table Talk April 15
Earth Topics May 13
Retired Men's Breakfast April 16
Central Work Day Apr 19
Women's Daytime Book Group
FOG May 3
S. Georgia Farmworkers Project
Montclair Elem. School
Back Bay Mission Trip Sept 21-27 2014
Central Needs You
Small Steps.....
 
Phone

Office Phone: 
404-633-4505

24-hour Pastoral Care:

              678-672-7637


Email Links



Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Older Adult Day Program
Central Social Media
 
Like us on Facebook
 
Follow us on Twitter

Table Talk on Facebook: 
Like us on Facebook

Senior Minister's
Social Media 

Like me on Facebook 
Follow me on Twitter

United Church of Christ 






Sunday, April 13, 2014 
Palm Sunday

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
FOCUS TEXT: Matthew 21:1-11 
Rev. Michael, preaching
Communion at 8:30

WORSHIP NOTES

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.  Please see the list of events in the article below - there is something every day!

 

A sneak peek at Rev. Michael's sermon for Palm Sunday:

 

Born in Philadelphia on 27 February 1897, Marian Anderson was the oldest of three girls.  When she was eight, her father, a coal and ice dealer, bought her a piano; unfortunately, when she was 12, he died.  From the age of six she sang in the choir of Union Baptist Church and her faith community ... Continue reading �...�
 

 

As a reminder, Sunday is also our time to be "glad and grateful" for the community and ministries of Central.  Please bring your  completed "Celebration of Giving" card (pledge card) this Sunday and place it in the offering plate.

 

CHARLOTTE JERMYN MEMORIAL

 The memorial service for Charlotte Jermyn will be Saturday, April 12 at 2:00pm in the sanctuary.  Please see the previous special email for her obituary.
LENA' PLACE COFFEEHOUSE

 Sat., April 12, 8:00-10:00pm, Fellowship Hall

 

 
This Saturday night at Lena's Place promises to be a WOW of a musical program!  All performers are top-notch, from Bruce Gilbert to Paul Pendery and friends!  AND the proceeds benefit our own PLYMOUTH HARBOR!!  The cost (donation) is minimal (only $5.00 -- but you can donate more if you wish) -- it's a really cheap date!  Homebaked brownies and cookies are always available for a donation, along with fair trade coffee and tea.  If you've never been to Lena's Place, THIS SATURDAY, April 12, would be a great time to give it a try! 
Doors open at 7:30; music starts at 8:00.  Come and bring friends!!  You'll be glad you did.

 

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.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES AND EVENTS

 

SOUL STRETCH: Monday, April 14 5:30 pm to 6:45 (Youth Room 102, Lower Level)

Rev. Michael will offer a gentle yoga practice and deep relaxation session.  Please RSVP to [email protected]. (You may attend, even if you've not come to the other sessions.)

 

TABLE TALK: Tuesday, April 15 6:30 pm to 8:30 - off campus

Table Talk is a monthly gathering, hosted at the gracious dining room table of Joan and Bill Harrison (409 Oakland Street, Decatur) 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. 

 

WEDNESDAY: Wednesday, April 16

WIFI (5:30 to 7:30 pm ) The activity for this week will feature an intergenerational "play" with the sacred stories of Holy Week. RSVP for supper by Tues eve: [email protected]

 

Lenten Book Discussion (6:30 to 7:30 pm) - Final meeting

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY: Communion and Prayers - Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 pm

The Maundy Thursday service centers on the Hebrew and Christian scriptures from which we derive our practice of Holy Communion.  In the context of the story, worshippers will be invited to sit at a table set for twelve to receive the bread and cup.  Additionally, a pastor will be available for special/individual private prayers.

 

GOOD FRIDAY: Service of Tenebrae - Friday, April 18 at 7:00 pm

During this solemn service, we will enter the "shadows" (Tenebrae) that Jesus and the disciples felt as fear, betrayal and death sought to have the last and the lasting word.  Through a progression of readings, hymns and choral anthems, twelve candles will be extinguished and the Christ candle sent to a sepulcher.  Participants will depart in silence to enter the hopeful waiting for Easter's dawn and the return of the Alleluias.

 

TIME TO SPRUCE-UP AND FIX UP! Saturday, April 19, 9:00 am - NOON

The day before Easter, the Trustees need some worker bees to join the Garden Team to do some other work around the church:  Windows washed; memorial garden, parking lot and drive cleaned off; downspouts fixed; driveway patched; plexi-glass over the doors reattached; railings scrapped and painted (can someone bring a wire brush and small paint brushes?); etc. 

Come with rakes, square edged shovels, blowers and garden tools. Questions: contact Truman ([email protected]).

 

EASTER SUNDAY: Sunday, April 20

7:00     Sunrise Worship on the Memorial Walkway (with Communion)

8:30     Worship (with Communion)

9:00     Easter Breakfast (see article below)

10:00   Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers through 5th graders.  (Meet in the Commons.)

11:00   Worship Service (closing with "open choir" Hallelujah Chorus)

 

EASTER BREAKFAST:  Sunday, April 20, 9:00AM

We look forward to everyone bringing your favorite breakfast dish, and we also need volunteers to help set up, serve and cleanup Easter morning.  Please sign up for a shift on the sign-up sheet posted in the narthex. 

 

Inquirers Class 

(Office Area Conference Room)  9:45 to 10:30 AM

April 27, May 4 (attend the Church Chat), May 11

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" is May 18.  

To register or for more information: Rev. Michael.

Congratulations 
Larry Anderson, M.D
 
Central member Larry Anderson, M.D., has received the CDC's Charles C. Shepard Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 30 years of scientific achievement.  The award recognizes "an individual for a body of work contributing to public health.  Nominees were judged on the scientific merit of their work, its effect on public health, and the mission of CDC/ATSDR, and on their leadership and recognition by peers."  

Larry's response was, "I feel that I have been fortunate in that I have been paid to have fun, doing something that I thoroughly enjoy.  And now people have given me an award for doing what I love to do.  It is amazing and I am very appreciate for all of the opportunities I have had."   

In his typical humble fashion Larry credits those he has worked with over the years with the achievements of his division.  

CONGRATULATIONS, LARRY, FOR AN AWARD WELL-DESERVED!

Children & Youth

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL

AND CHILDCARE 

Childcare is available for infants and children thru 2nd grade in the CE Wing, 8:30AM-12:15PM.

 

April 13 - Palm Sunday; Yes Sunday School 

April 20 - Easter; No Sunday School; 9:00-10:30 AM Breakfast; 10:00 AM Easter Egg Hunt

April 27 to May 18 - Yes Sunday School

YOUTH
YOUTH WORSHIP (unless otherwise noted)

(Sundays, 9:30-10:45 AM, Rm 103)


Sunday, April 13: Youth Worship

Sunday, April 20: 9:00 AM Easter Egg Hunt Prep

Saturday, April 26 - Regional Youth Fellowship
Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds. Tickets $12.00/student. Meet at the church 6:00pm, we will return at 10:00pm.  Scholarships available upon request.

Senior Graduation Breakfast 
Sunday, May 4th @ 9:30am in RM 103. The food is provided. Please come celebrate with us.
 
We need clothing donations for south Georgia Farmworkers Health Project by May 18.
 
Mission Trips and Peace Camp
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 (Middle High)
  • June 22-28: Appalachian South Folklife Center, Pipestem, West VA (Senior High)
  • July 7-11, 8:00am-5:00pm: Youth Peace Camp, metro-Atlanta (6th to 12th Grades)
Questions? 
Please contact Youth Minister Lacey Brown.

CHILDREN'S PEACE CAMP 

June 9-13, 2014, 8:45 AM to Noon 

Rising K to Rising 5th Graders Wanted

Volunteers Needed

Peace Camp will focus on water. We will explore the forest and the stream and think about all the places which hold and use water. The children will learn and play through music, crafts, games, and Bible stories.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Rev. Ginnie .

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.

Adult Spiritual Formation
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, April 13, Palm Sunday

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

Lesson:            Epilogue and wrap-up

  

Sunday, April 20, Easter

No Adult Sunday School classes;  

9:00 - 10:30 AM Easter Breakfast in Fellowship Hall

 

Sunday, April 27 (Fellowship Hall)

"A Place at the Table" class with Bill O'Steen 

 

Sunday, May 4 -  Church Chat to discuss budget and other agenda items for Congregational Meeting on May 18

 

Sunday, May 11 (Fellowship Hall)

"A Place at the Table" class with Bill O'Steen 

 

Sunday, May 18 (Fellowship Hall)

"A Place at the Table" class with Bill O'Steen 

 

Sunday,  May 25 - (Room 206)

Follow-up class on food production in America with Nancy Wetzel

 

Sunday, June 1 - (Room 206)

Discussion and decision on our next study.


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 
Sunday, Apr 13, 9:30-10:45 AM
Room 204, Education Wing

The class provides a forum for challenging conversations on world issues. On April 13, we will have a culminating class. All are welcome!  For more information, contact Mary Ellen Myers.

Hunger in America: 

The Problem and Solutions

Sundays, April 27, May 11 & May 18

9:30 to 10:45 AM, Fellowship Hall

Please join the Board of Mission and Action as we study the issue of hunger in America.  This three week study will begin on April 27 with the documentary "A Place at the Table".  The film will serve as a starting point for follow up discussions in May. Handouts or other resources will be distributed for review to facilitate the discussions. We will consider the causes of hunger in America, the different aspects of hunger in America, some approaches for addressing the issue, and the perspectives of people and organizations who struggle with this problem.  

Questions? Contact Bill O'Steen

Church Chat (Fellowship Hall) 

Annual Budget Discussions

Sunday, May 4, 9:45 to 10:45 AM

Adult Ed Classes Suspended

 

Sunday, May 11, 9:45 to 10:45 AM 

Adult Ed Classes Resumed

 

Sunday, May 18, 12:15 PM

Congregational Meeting: Budget & Leadership

  

On Sunday, May 4, all adult education classes will recess and gather in a "church chat" regarding the upcoming Congregational Meeting.  Topics will include the annual budget, the nominating report for church leadership, endowment grant recommendations, and a few amendments to The Articles (the governing document of the congregation).  For those unable to attend on May 4, a "repeat" of the chat will happen on Sunday, May 11.  

 

The Congregational Meeting will follow the morning worship services on Sunday, May 18.  All Active and Associate Members are requested to attend. 

Adult Spiritual Formation
Non-Sunday Gatherings
TABLE TALK

TABLE TALK: Tuesday, April 15  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 (409 Oakland Street, Decatur) 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. 

EARTH TOPICS

Second Tuesdays - May 13, June 10

6:30 to 8:00 PM, The Commons

 

Once a month, 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. We have been reading essays from Spiritual Ecology, a collection of essays edited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee. In May, we will discuss "Imagining Earth" by Geneen Marie Haugen. In June, the essay will be "Care of the Soul of the World" by Bill Plotkin.  Folks bring with them other topics of interest, too. No preparation is needed. Join us for great conversation and fellowship. Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie 

Fellowship
RETIRED MEN'S BREAKFAST Wednesday, April 16  9:00AM

Retired Men's Breakfast  will meet at our usual time: third Wednesday in the month at 9AM.  That occurs this month on Wednesday, April 16th.   

 

Tom Barnwell lll, PhD, Arbutus Distinguished Professor & GRA Eminent Scholar, Emeritus School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology will be our guest.  He is including his wife to present us a program of traditional American music.  However, if pressed, he may also have something to say about electrical and computer engineering.  

 

Come to hear this interesting program following our wonderful, though not very healthy, breakfast.  (All who come are free to pass up the pancakes, muffins, biscuits, bacon, sausage, and eggs and have only orange juice, a bowl of fruit, and decaffeinated coffee.)  Visiting with other guys in similar or worse shape is always fun.

TIME TO SPRUCE-UP AND FIX UP! 

Saturday, April 19, 9:00 AM - NOON

The day before Easter, the Trustees need some worker bees to join the Garden Team to do some other work around the church: Windows washed; memorial garden, parking lot and drive cleaned off; downspouts fixed; driveway patched; plexi-glass over the doors reattached; railings scrapped and painted (can someone bring a wire brush and small paint brushes?); etc.

We will work to get our tasks accomplished from 9AM -12 noon. Come with rakes, square edged shovels, blowers and garden tools. Questions: contact Truman.

Women's Daytime Book Group 

Thursday, April 24, 1:30-2:30 PM 

We gather in the Fireplace Room at Central UCC.  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.

FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE 
Saturday, May 3, 7:00-9:00pm

Barbara and Joe Alfano will host May FOG Saturday, May 3rd at 7pm.  Barbara and Joe have chosen Rose wines  as their selection for the month.  Also,in honor of the Kentucky Derby that is the same date, Barbara and Joe requests everyone is encouraged to wear their finest hat!   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:May 3rd, 2014 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Barbara and Joe Alfano for her address. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator Robin Lee Fitch at Robin Lee Fitch.  We look forward to seeing you at FOG!

 

Outreach / Mission 
S. GEORGIA FARMWORKERS HEALTH PROJECT ~  

YOUTH COLLECTING  

CLOTHING, WASHCLOTHS & SMALL SHAMPOOS 

The youth need lots of clothing donations. They 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, small shampoos and hotel-sized bars of soap). We will sharing these donations with around 400 farmworkers and their families in Valdosta, GA. There are labeled collection bins in the entryway. Questions, please contact the Youth Director, Lacey Brown.

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.  

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, please contact Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen.

CENTRAL NEEDS YOU

Central runs on its volunteer boards and committees. Now is the time to join one. It's a great way to be part of Central and work together with other members. If you'd like to learn more, please contact Mary Mathis Mary Mathis or Jon Ritt Jon Ritt.

 
Thank you and thanks to all those serving now, in the past, and future. 

SMALL STEPS TOWARD SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Watch for those new recycling bins for paper, plastic/glass, and trash in convenient locations around Central  Coming soon!  (or next week, just in time for Easter.)