• August 24: Rev. Ginnie Ferrell
• August 31: Gail McGill, M.Div., Member in Discernment

ART IN THE COMMONS 

Reception on Sunday, August 17, following 11:00 AM worship

Our art exhibit this month is a mildly humorous series by Elsie Dresch which has been very well received. We will celebrate on July 17 after 11:00 AM worship with mildly humorous refreshments.

WILDWOOD RETURNS

TO CELEBRATE HOMECOMING Saturday, September 6!

At every Wildwood show we take a freewill offering to benefit a cause that engages the hearts, minds AND hands of Central members. Our show in September will benefit Wholesome Wave Georgia, which works to provide healthy and fresh food to Georgians in need and to support local farmers by doubling the value of SNAP and other nutritional assistance benefits at local farmer's markets. We can't wait for you to hear about this awesome non-profit.

Since Wildwood reemerged on March 6, 2010, freewill offerings have totaled over $8,000 for a variety of important causes, including refurbishing housing for a family through The Fuller Center for Housing, sponsoring a refugee family, supporting the fight against MS, contributing to annual youth mission trips, and helping to meet other community needs.

Bring your family and friends on September 6 for a great time and a great cause!  

There will be a Safe Church training for people who volunteer with children. At Central UCC, we work together to make our church safe for all children. Please email Rev. Ginnie if you would like to attend or if this date doesn't work but you would like a Safe Church Training. Laura Winebarger will be facilitating.

Children's Sunday School begins Today   

Sunday school begins on August 17, 2014 for children and youth. In early September, we will have children's music following 11:00 am worship. Questions, please contact Rev. Ginnie.  

9:30 am to 10:50 am: 3rd - 5th grades Sunday School The older children will have in-depth stories about the New Testament for the whole year. We will still use the Godly Play approach to story telling.

11:00 am to 12 Noon: Preschool and K to 2nd grades Sunday school. 

To read more about the Sunday school and Children's music, click here.

YOUTH

• Sunday, August 17 kicks off our weekly worship from 9:30am-10:45am in Room 102. 
• No Youth Worship on Labor Day weekend.
• Sunday, September 7 from 9:30am-10:45am there will be a parent/student meeting in Room 102. Please come with your questions and suggestions for Lacey.

WOMEN'S DAYTIME  

BOOK GROUP

Thursday, August 28, 1:30pm, Fireplace Room

The next gathering is Thursday, August 28 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room.  The book is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.  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.

CENTRAL UCC FOLKS GO TO HAGAR'S HOUSE

Thank you to all those who organized and contributed in the three hot meals Central Congregational UCC was able to provide at Hagar's House Wednesday through Friday of last week. Central has had a strong relationship with Hagar's House over the years and we are grateful for the faithful crew who continue to serve nutritious, home-cooked food for the women and children who live there. If you would like to be involved in other mission and outreach activities happening at Central please contact  Lacey Brown

BUSINESS IS BOOMING AT THCA! 

 We are serving record numbers of people, well over 1000 each month! With increased service comes increased need for help from you.  We are looking for people to volunteer from 12:30 pm to 4 pm, even just once a month.  We especially need volunteers on the first and second Mondays, first and fifth Wednesdays, and second and fifth Thursdays of each month.  Duties can include greeting clients, reviewing forms, helping visitors get groceries, answering phones, helping clients pay rent or utilities and providing a listening ear.

We have been fortunate enough to be the beneficiaries of an Eagle Scout Project.  Andrew Barnhardt has provided shelving so we can inventory our food in an organized manner.  These shelves are located in a part of the building that is not air conditioned.  We are looking for a donation of three window units or small stand alone air conditioners.

If any of this sounds interesting to you, please email Mary Louise Wilson or stop by and see us.   

TOCO HILLS FOOD PANTRY PLEASE STOCK THE SHELVES

The shelves at Toco Hills Community Alliance need to be replenished.  The pantry always needs CANNED MEATS such as tuna, chicken, spaghetti with meatballs, spam, etc. And also they can use other kinds of food such as Cereal, Pasta, and Canned Veggies & Fruits.  Thank you for all your doing to help feed our neighbors around Central.  Questions?  Ask Jean Haller. 

LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE BROUGHT IN A CROWD AND

RAISED $280 FOR ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOODBANK

The Second Saturday Lena's Place this month featured a very popular Atlanta All Bluegrass Band that was well-received.  Forty folk attended, a goodly number for a summer night concert in the comfort of air-conditioned, candle-lit Central Fellowship Hall.  Thanks to all who make this happen each month.  Next month will feature a baritone voice/viola duo, Just BeCause.

Each week this group explores how spirit guides our personal journeys, read more.

PATHWAYS   

Transformative Theological Education for a Changing World

PATHWAYS is a SE conference wide approach to theological education and ministry formation, bringing theology into the midst of the people, for the purposes of individual, congregational, and global transformation. To read more, click here. 

Click here for the PATHWAYS website.

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.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE CENTRAL FOREST GROUNDS? 

On our recent July workday Alisha Waller, Debbie Spearman, Martha Smith and Mary Ellen Myers pulled weeds and laid mulch around the front of the building.  Linda McClain continued to maintain the rose garden.  And Mary Ellen recently took on the task of clearing vegetation that has been encroaching on the driveway. 

The reality is that Central relies on volunteers to do routine property maintenance such as clearing vegetation so we still can find the driveway, and pulling weeds and mulching in areas around the building and parking lot.  Thanks to each of you for your efforts in helping make Central a truly beautiful place to come to.

On our coming workday Saturday, August 16 we'll continue our mission to keep the weeds at bay.  For those who can attend, we'll get started by 9:00 a.m. for a short work session before it gets too hot. All are welcome! Bring your own tools, garden gloves and mospuito spray if you have some, otherwise we will provide.

Progress has been made in eradicating invasive plants between Clairmont and the creek.  Standing along the creek one can see that the majority of undergrowth (mostly Chinese privet) has been cleared.  Our plan is to for all invasive plants to be removed by late winter.  We will then begin in early spring to plant native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees to provide wildlife habitat.  A path will also be included.  Should you like to participate in the planning and planting of this area, please let me know!

Good gardening to you, Ron Smith

CHARLOTTE IS BACK!

Charlotte Shirley is back in the office after being on maternity leave with her second son, Kieran (pronounced Keer- Ron). She is excited to be back in the swing of things and would love to show you some pictures of her new pride and joy. If you have the time stop by the church office and say hello.