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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: June 8
Sabbatical Preachers
Louise Cantrell Memorial
Peace Camp Volunteer Mtg
Plymouth Harbor Celebration: June 8
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Treasurer's Report
Children's Peace Camp: June 9 to 13
Youth Mission Trip - S. GA
Youth Mission Trip - W. VA
Youth Peace Camp: July 7 to 11
Women's Daytime Book Group: June 5
Earth Topics: May 13
FOG: June 7
Vocal Recital: June 8
Priscilla Circle
Pilgrim Circle
Lena's Place Coffeehouse
New Member Reception: June 15
Toco Hills
SE Conference UCC Annual Mtg
DOC Women's Gathering
Special UCC Offering
Vote for Central
 
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, June 8, 2014 
Pentecost Sunday

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
FOCUS TEXT:  Romans 8:26-28, 35, 37-39   
Warren Culpepper, preaching

WORSHIP NOTES

On Pentecost, which we celebrate Sunday, the disciples of Jesus encountered the Holy Spirit in an exciting and life-giving new way. 

When I was a youth, I heard references in church to the Holy Ghost. That was not a helpful name to me, and it conjured up images of cartoons and ghoulish characters at Halloween. Thus, I decided that God and Jesus were enough; I didn't need a ghost.

Only well into my adult years, after the language of the church was updated, did I start to think about the Holy Spirit. But the Spirit only became real to me in the aftermath of an unthinkable event 32 years ago. My encounters with the Spirit then were both life sustaining and life changing. The sermon will be my personal testimony to the healing power and love of God's Spirit.             -Warren Culpepper

 

Warren says of himself, "I am neither a professional theologian nor an ordained minister. I'm merely a retired businessman, and I'll be speaking simply as a follower of Jesus who appreciates beyond measure the healing power and love of God's Spirit.."
 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. 

CHILDREN'S PEACE CAMP 

Volunteer Preparation Meeting

Sunday, June 8,9:30AM

Fellowship Hall 

All who are volunteering for our children's Peace Camp are invited to a meeting in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. Thank you!

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.
Adult Spiritual Formation
ONGOING SUNDAY GATHERING: 
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
Sundays, 9:30 to 10:50 AM,Room 206

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.
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
 
Children & Youth

CHILDREN'S PEACE CAMP 

June 9 to 13, 2014, 8:45am-Noon

There are still openings for our fun Peace Camp focused on Water, life in the forest and the words of Psalm 136. Lots of activities, singing and stories to enjoy! For more info, go to the website. 

 
 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.
The Priscilla Circle 
The Priscilla Circle will meet for lunch at Sprig Restaurant, 2860 LaVista Road at 12:15, June 11. 
The Pilgrim Circle 
The Pilgrim Circle will meet this Saturday, June 7, at Mary Ellen Myers home in Alto, GA. For more information, please contact Mary Ellen.  

LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE

Saturday, June 14, 8:00 - 10:00 PM

(Fellowship Hall)

The second Saturday of every month, one of the finest coffee houses in Atlanta convenes at Central UCC with live music. The proceeds go to the Lena Werking Fund which supports outreach and service.  On June 14, we'll have the Summer of Love: Singer/Songwriters In The Round featuring Amanda Adams, Jeremy Parks, Celia McDermott, Mike Cerra, Cameron Morrison Kane, Jerry Brunner, Cyndi Craven, and Chuck Henderson traveling minstrel, Chuck Henderson, will engage the audience by telling stories through his songs. All donations will go to the charity, RRISA (rrisa.org). For more information, contact Mary Ellen Myers (memyers@windstream.net).
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 nametags help!!  Wear your best smile and be your friendliest self!  See you on June 15!! 
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
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. 

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.

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!