Trees background
Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: June 1
Sabbatical Preachers
Louise Cantrell Memorial
Plymouth Harbor Celebration: June 8
Safe Church Training: June 1
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Montclair Elem. School
Mission Trip Meeting
Toco Hills
Children's Peace Camp: June 9-13
Youth Mission Trip - S. GA
Youth Mission Trip - W. VA
Youth Peace Camp: July 7 to 13
Women's Daytime Book Group: June 5
Earth Topics: May 13
FOG: June 7
Vocal Recital: June 8
New Member Reception: June 15
SE Conference UCC Annual Mtg
DOC Women's Gathering
Treasurer's Report
Special UCC Offering
Vote for Central
 
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, June 1, 2014 
Seventh Sunday of Easter

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
FOCUS TEXT:  John 17:20-26 
Chaplain Michelle Holtmann, preaching

WORSHIP NOTES

Summer is a time of celebration after celebration. The season usually starts with Memorial Day cookout, Father's day fishing trips, and flags flying on Flag Day. And right in the middle of summer is a huge celebration with fireworks and more cookouts, Independence Day.

 

Our text this week is also placed scripturally in the middle of a celebration and remembrance. Passover week is high holy week for the Jewish people. They celebrate their exodus from Egypt after Moses persuades the Pharaoh with ten plagues to release the Israelite people. Centuries later the Jewish people from around the region come to Jerusalem for the festivities and sacrifices. The city swells beyond capacity with the increase in populations both humans and animals.

 

The Sunday preceding Passover Jesus entered the city in a parade on the back of a colt. The people sang "Hosanna in the Highest." They were waving their palms and laying their cloaks at his feet. But, there was also another parade into the city on this week. The Romans would also send a parade of troops into the city to keep the chaos at bay and monitor the rabble rousers. So with the festivities and remembrance, there is an undercurrent of anxiety, fear and anger at their presence in Jerusalem.

 

In the midst of all the celebration, John records the Jesus' Prayer, a personal prayer to God. We are privileged to see a glimpse of Jesus' heart. We hear his hopes and wishes for his disciples and all believers. This Sunday we will explore why this prayer matters to us today and how God is Still Speaking through this passage.

 

Chaplain Michelle Holtmann serves in ministry at St. Mary's Health Care System in Athens, Georgia. She is a full-time staff chaplain working with patients and families with their spiritual dis-ease while they are in the hospital. Michelle earned her Masters of Divinity from Emory University in May of 2008 and is pursuing ordination as a UCC minister with us at Central UCC.

 SABBATICAL PREACHERS
Through the summer while Rev. Michael is on sabbatical, Central UCC members, lay and ordained, will be preaching.

 

Rev. Michael will return to the pulpit at Central on Homecoming Sunday, September 7. 
LOUISE CANTRELL
MEMORIAL SERVICE
The memorial service for Louise Cantrell has been postponed until late summer or early fall. 

PLYMOUTH HARBOR

CELEBRATION ON JUNE 8

11:00AM WORSHIP 
12:00PM LUNCHEON WITH MUSIC

Celebrate Plymouth Harbor, our church's day program for older adults since 1991!   At the 11:00 o'clock service on Sunday June 8 we will recognize and honor the many Plymouth Harbor volunteers and introduce Ms. Kay Coppage, LMSW, Director of Plymouth Harbor since June 2013.  After the service, all are invited to a luncheon in honor of our volunteers will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

SAFE CHURCH TRAINING 

Sunday June 1, 9:30am (Room 204)

For people who are considering working with our children and youth, you need to take the Safe

Church Training. We will be offering a class this Sunday, June 1. Please consider joining us if you have not had the training. If you would like Safe Church Training and were unable to attend

today, please contact Rev. Ginnie. 
Adult Spiritual Formation
The Practical Theology class (Room 206) 9:30-10:45AM

The Practical Theology class studies, explores and takes action on current issues.  On June 1, Nancy Wetzel will continue the discussion food production in America. On June 8, the class will be choosing their next topic from the three top favorites of ten books. Read more.

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, read more.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

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.  
MEETING FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN BACK BAY MISSION TRIP 

(Sept 21-27, 2014, Biloxi, MS)

 

There will be a meeting of prospective mission participants  at 9:30 AM on June 1st in the Fellowship Hall. We need to discuss the financial aspects, transportation and the required paper work. Our trip from September 21-27th is fast approaching.
 
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. 
NEWS FROM TOCO HILLS COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
 For more information about food donation requests, volunteer opportunities and updates from our local ecumenical outreach agency, please read more. 
Children & Youth

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 theme of water in our environment and in the Bible. Read more

 
 Youth Mission Trip 
to South GA 
June 9 to 13
The youth will be headed to Valdosta, GA to work with the South GA Farmworkers Health Project. Read more.
 
Youth Mission Trip  
to West Virginia 
June 22-28, 2014 
The high school youth will have a service week hosted by the Appalachian South Folklife Center. Read more.

YOUTH PEACE CAMP 

July 7 to 13, 2014, 8am-5pm

6th to 12th grade youth from around Atlanta are welcome. Our limit is 24 participants. For more information or to sign up, please contact Lacey Brown, Youth Director. Read more.
Adult Gatherings
Women's Daytime Book Group
Thursday, June 5, 1:30pm, Fireplace Room

The next gathering is Thursday, June 5 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room.  The book is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.  Read and attend as you can; no commitment.  Send an e-mail to Geneva Benoit if you would like to be on the group's email list: Geneva Benoit.
EARTH TOPICS

Second Tuesday - 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 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 OF THE GRAPE 

Saturday, June 7, 7:00pm, Winebarger's home

Laura and Bob Winebarger will host June FOG Saturday, June 7th at 7pm.  Laura and Bob have chosen sparkling 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:  June 7th, 2014 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Bob and Laura Winebarger or 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.
VOCAL RECITAL AT CENTRAL 

June 8, 4:00 PM, Sanctuary

 

Ian Greenlaw will be singing in the 11 AM service on Sunday morning, June 8.  He will also be presenting a recital that is free and open to the public at Central that afternoon, at 4:00 PM.  Repertoire will include French chansons, German lieder, and 20th century American music.  Ian's career includes performances at La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Atlanta Opera.  He is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Michigan. Ian is Leona Greenlaw's son.
NEW MEMBER RECEPTION
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
 
Sunday, June 15, following the 11:00 worship service, there will be a reception for all new members who have joined Central in the past two years.  
 
All members are encouraged to attend.  Come and meet and make welcome the newer members! PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS!! We want to get to know one another and name tags help!!  Wear your best smile and be your friendliest self!  See you on June 15!! 

SE CONFERENCE UCC  

ANNUAL MEETING:  

June 20 (10AM-8PM) &  

JUNE 21 (8:30AM-3:30PM) 

Piedmont College, Demorest, GA

You are invited to participate in this year's annual meeting at Piedmont College in Demorest, GA! We have 6 voting delegates from Central UCC. Everyone is invited to enjoy the keynote speakers, workshops and great worship. Friday, June 20 is Convocation Day with conversations about life in the UCC from 10am to 8pm. Saturday, June 21 from 8:30am to 3:30pm, the celebration continues with worship, the keynote speaker, Rev. Douglas Anders (South Central UCC Conference Minister), workshops, a short business meeting and the installation of Rev. June Boutwell as Designated Conference Minister.  

Please go to the Southeast Conference website for more information and a registration form.
Disciples of Christ
Women's Gathering
June 25-29, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta

If you would like to participate or volunteer, please read more.
Treasurer's report for
July, 2013 through April, 2014
 
Here is a summary of our income and expenses for the first 10 months of our fiscal year (83%).

        We have received $327,729 in pledge income (81.9% of yearly budget).  

        Facilities use has totaled $37,605 (78.3%), Plymouth Harbor income is $79,423 (77.9%) and total income is $475,042 (80.5%).  
        Total income for 10 months was projected at $491,524 so we have an income deficit of $16,482.  
        For the first 10 months, Staff expenses were $258,804 (85.1% of budgeted for the whole year).  
        Plymouth Harbor expenses were $85,359 (91.2%) and total expenses were $512,377 (86.8%).  
        Total expenses for 10 months was projected at $491,524 so we have an expense excess  of $20,853.  
    
        Thus our current deficit for the first 10 months of our fiscal year is  $16,482 plus $20,853 equals $37,335.

 

Thank you very much for your continuing support.  Our fiscal year ends June 30, 2014.  If you could help out with an additional donation during June, it would be tremendously appreciated . 

 

Ron Joyner, Treasurer

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH UCC SPECIAL MISSION OFFERING

RECEIVED DURING JUNE

Each day, visions and dreams are created in the hearts of many in the United Church of Christ. Through the Strengthen the Church offering, these visions and dreams can become a reality. As God calls our congregations to be "church" in new ways, your generous gifts will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and develop spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Because of this offering, many more will hear the good news that "God is still speaking," All gifts are directed to activities and programs within your local Conference, as well as the UCC's national ministries.
Vote for Central

The GA Voice publishes an annual "best gay Atlanta" spread...it's mostly for fun, but is a good way to get the word "out" about Central.
 
It's super easy. Click here and there is a box for "house of worship" and just type in "Central Congregational United Church of Christ."
 
We don't know the deadline for voting, but do know it's possible to vote multiple times.  Grin--have fun!