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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: July 2
Sabbatical Preachers
Youth Peace Camp: July 7 to 11
Youth: Six Flags
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
Hagar House Meals
Flowers for Sunday
Fellowship of the Grape
Lena's Place Coffeehouse
Women's Daytime Book Group
A Desk
 
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Office Phone: 
404-633-4505

24-hour Pastoral Care:
              678-672-7637

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Older Adult Day Program
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, July 6, 2014 
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
 
8:30 AM Service of Word and Table
 11:00 AM Service of Word and Table 
FOCUS TEXT: John 1:1-14
 
In the fourth century CE, the church was divided in its theology, particularly about the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  The Nicean creed was developed as a statement of standard beliefs.  I will talk about the history of this creed, its Biblical basis and the need for such a creed in the modern church.  Much of the Biblical basis for what we believe comes from the writings of Paul and the Gospel of John.  Recent challenges to this and other creeds relate to how well they accurately portray what the historical Jesus taught,  and whether Paul, in particular, developed an independent theology.  I will try to develop a positive approach to the creeds as a way of maintaining a historical unity of church beliefs while welcoming a diversity of opinions.

 Dr. Joyner was raised in NC, the son of a Baptist minister.  He obtained his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Duke University and retired as Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics and Physiology at Emory University in 2010 after a career of research and teaching in cardiology.  He recently celebrated his 45th wedding anniversary with Elizabeth Holleman Joyner and has three children (two are lawyers and one is a veterinarian).  He has taught Bible classes at Central on several occasions, is church treasurer, cooks sloppy Joe for the Elsie Moe soup kitchen, and scrambles eggs for the retired men's breakfast. 
 SABBATICAL PREACHERS
Through the summer while Rev. Michael is on sabbatical, Central UCC members, lay and ordained, will be preaching.
  • July 13: Lacey Brown; at 11:00am there will be the baptism of James Roger Baroi Adhikari
  • July 20: Rev. Truman Moore  
  • July 27: Rev. Joyce Myers-Brown
  • August 3: Rev. Dave Spence 
Rev. Michael will return to the pulpit at Central on Homecoming Sunday, September 7. 
Children & Youth

YOUTH PEACE CAMP 

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

We have plenty of spots still open! We will spend each morning serving at local non-profits, which include Open Hand, ACFB, Trees Atlanta and the OAC.  Each afternoon, we will have a fun activity such as ice cream, Frisbee in Piedmont Park, The Atlanta Zoo, movies etc...  This week long event is open to rising 6th-12th grade.  Please contact Lacey Brown, Youth Director. Read more.
SIX FLAGS, August 5 
Youth Trip to Six Flags - Open to 6th-12th grade. Financial scholarships available. More details to come.
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.  The class shares leadership and begins each class with "How was your week?" and a devotional.
 

THIS WEEK:   July 6

Study:  Chapters 9 -- 11 - WHY DID JESUS, MOSES, the BUDDHA, and MOHAMMED CROSS the Road, by Brian McLaren.  This book is available in hardback, paperback and e-reader formats. Leader: Pat  Devotional:  Woody

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

ONGOING OUTREACH ACTIVITIES AT CENTRAL UCC

Our life is full here at Central UCC. Through the year, we serve our local community in many ways. To read about the activities, please  click here. 

SERVING MEALS AT   

HAGAR HOUSE

Hagar 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.  If you would like to help prepare and/or serve a meal this August, please email Bill O'Steen. 

FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

Would you like to give flowers in honor or in memory of someone? There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board between the double entry doors and the nursery.
Adult Gatherings

There is no FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE (FOG) gathering in July. 
LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE 
Saturday, July 14, 7:00-9:00pm
Fellowship Hall, Central UCC 
Come hear some wonderful original, eclectic music at the coffeehouse on Saturday July 14. One of the performers for the evening is Bob Bakert. All proceeds go to support the Clifton Men's Shelter. To read more about the coffeehouse (click here).
WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOK GROUP
July 17, 1:30 PM

The next gathering is Thursday, July 17 at 1:30 pm in the Fireplace Room.  We are reading Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts.  Read and attend as you can; no commitment. This is always a warm circle and a stimulating discussion. Send an email to Geneva Benoit if you would like to be on the group's email list: neve44@bellsouth.net 
A Desk
The church has a small desk with shelves and drawers on one side. If someone has need for a good quality wooden desk, please contact the church office.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Every year, we compile an annual report for Central Congregational UCC. All Boards, Committees and Fellowship groups are requested to submit a report to Rev. Ginnie by the end of July. Thank you.