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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Aug 31
Homecoming Weekend
Wildwood Music Event
Homecoming Sunday Sept. 7
Annual Mtg & Luncheon Sept. 14
Request from Sally Purvis
Conversations about Jesus
Sacred Journeys
Practical Theology
Godly Play Training
For Youth - Sexuality Education
Earth Topics Sept 2
Sanctuary Choir Resumes
Young Adults
No FOG in September
Lena's Place Coffeehouse
Pathways
Montclair School Opportunity
Toco Hills Grant Awarded
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
Books for Montclair Elementary
Montclair Meeting Sept. 4
Atlanta Interfaith Sisters Sept. 8
Human Rights Luncheon
Gardening at Central
Flowers for Sunday
Sermons Online
 
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Associate Minister

Lacey Brown, M. Div.
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, August 31, 2014 
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
 
8:30 AM Service of Word and Table
11:00 AM Service of Word   

FOCUS TEXT:
Matthew 16:21-28
Preaching, Gail McGill,
M. Div., Member in Discernment   
 
WORSHIP NOTES  

Oftentimes, the good news of the Gospel comes alive for me during interactions with patients and friends. One such story that took place years ago comes to mind. Sophie was a young woman dying of cancer. I met with her over several months, but will always remember our last conversation. Sophie confided "God told me that a miracle was going to take place and I have been waiting for the miracle to happen. Do you believe in miracles?" Pausing for a moment, I gently replied, "I do believe in miracles, but do you think that the miracle will occur here, or could it possibly take place on the other side?" Sophie replied, "You know I never thought of that before." Weeks passed before I saw the family again. This time I was attending Sophie's memorial service. Sophie's mother recalled the hours shortly before her death when Sophie's eyes were fixed on something toward the ceiling of her room. Her mother went on to explain that she could only imagine that her daughter was gazing at something spiritual because Sophie smiled while looking upward and proclaimed "It's a miracle!"

 

This week's Scripture focuses on Matthew's gospel depicting Jesus attempting to prepare his followers for his suffering, death and resurrection. Jesus not only speaks of his own suffering but defines the cost of discipleship. Within this story, we are privy to a side bar conversation between Jesus and Peter where Peter objects to the notion of Jesus' future. Upon reflection, I am sure that Peter wasn't the only one in this gathering shocked by Jesus' teaching. Who would want suffering and death for someone they loved? Don't we all want to shield people we care about from harm? Yet, Jesus is emphatic when he states that suffering happens, and death occurs. But Jesus doesn't just stop there, He goes on to say that something within us emerges from these experiences. He calls it resurrection. Like Sophie who was waiting for a miracle, resurrection transforms us in surprising ways!

 

OUR PREACHER FOR THE DAY

Gail McGill serves as a chaplain offering pastoral support to hospice patients and their families throughout the wider Atlanta area. Currently, she is a Member in Discernment seeking ordination as an Authorized Minister in the UCC. Gail holds a Master of Divinity degree from Emory's Candler School of Theology and completed three years of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Originally from Pensacola, Florida, she is married to Walt and they have three grown children. 

 

Homecoming Weekend 

 

Saturday Evening, September 6,  

Wildwood Concert, 7:00 PM  

 

Sunday Morning, September 7,  

Worship, 8:30 am, 11:00 am,  

Reception, 12:15 PM

Rev. Michael returns to the pulpit after his sabbatical time in India. 

Wildwood Homecoming  

Saturday, Sept 6, 7:00 PM 

A Wildwood Homecoming Concert is ON for Saturday, September 6 at 7 PM! One fast-paced, 90-minute set will feature singers, songwriters and poets from the wider Central community. Come and hear the music of Mary Chapin Carpenter, Old Crow Medicine Show, Randy Newman and more...all songwriters featured in the set list. Hear from Central's poets.  There MAY be a special visit from the most famous resident of Grinder's Switch. And experience Central's very OWN set of Everly Brothers!  Proceeds from the freewill offering 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.

 

Don't forget- there'll be a dessert reception following the show where you can actually MEET THE PERFORMERS. We'll have a small silent auction of donated art to benefit the outreach programs of Central.  

 

We're still looking for donated desserts; e-mail Bob Watson  if you can help.  See you there!
Homecoming Sunday 
September 7, 8:30am, 11:00am 
Join us on the first Sunday in September as we welcome Rev. Michael back to Central UCC and back to the pulpit. He has been at an ashram in India for three months. We look forward to hearing about his time there as we celebrate his return. It is homecoming - a time of returning and gathering of friends old and new. We will have a reception following worship.
Central UCC
Annual Meeting & Luncheon
Sunday, September 14
12:15 PM, Fellowship Hall
The church has an annual meeting to formally conduct the business of the church. We will have celebrations as well as business. All members and associate members are requested to attend. The youth with be busy in the kitchen preparing our second Sunday luncheon of tacos! Please bring a side dish, dessert, or drink to share. Visitors and friends are invited and most welcome to join us for both the meeting and the lunch!

 

Over the last year, Rev. Ginnie and Joan Moore have gone through the membership rolls as they are, not adding or removing others. It is requested that we re-align the total membership, members and associate members, with the Power Church Plus database. We will bring that number to the Annual meeting for a vote by the congregation to be the count for the official membership of the church. This new number will then supersede the number of members listed in the 2013-2014 Clerk's Report voted at this same Annual Meeting.
A Request from Sally Purvis
If you have been writing to Kelly Gissendaner over the years, would you please email Sally. Thank you.
Adult Spiritual Formation

Conversations about Jesus 

On Sundays beginning Sept. 14,  

9:30 AM, Room 204

"Saving Jesus Redux" is a 12 session DVD-based small group exploration of a credible Jesus for the third millennium. Join folks from Central in a lively conversation while living the questions of Jesus for the 21stcentury. Questions? Contact Sally Harrell.
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. We close the door to create a quiet space but you are welcome to come in.

For the next several weeks, we will be discussing the book, The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew - Three Women Search for Understanding by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner.
ONGOING SUNDAY GATHERING:
Practical Theology
Sundays, 9:30 to 10:50 AM, Room 206

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?" and a devotional.   

 

August 31st

Devotional - Nancy

Wrap-up - Final thoughts, comments, discussion on the McLaren book and direction of future studies.

Next Study --

Occupy the Bible: What Jesus Really Said (and Did) About Money and Power by Susan Thistlethwaite. 

 

Occupy the Bible is an eye-opening, no-holds barred look at the real message of Jesus, using the scriptures that are foundational for the Christian faith. OTB is also a practical "how to" guide for potential Christian "occupiers"-people sincerely committed to confronting the rising poverty and economic inequality in the United States using the powerful, unvarnished message of Jesus of Nazareth."

 

This book can be purchased from Amazon or Barnes and Noble - paperback only.  Both Amazon and B & N have used copies available for  ½ to 1/3 the price of a new copy.

   

Questions? Contact Jackie and George Dominick.
Children and Youth

Godly Play Training   

(Sunday, September 7, 8:30 AM, Room 207, 208)

All people participating as Storytellers and Doorpersons are requested to come to a training and sharing about the role of the Doorperson. We are trying to discern what are the best practices for the Doorperson in our Godly Play classrooms. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Ginnie.  

Our Whole Lives this Fall  

Parent/Youth Orientation
Sun September.7, 9:30 Rms 102,103
The CE committee has decided to move forward with offering the 7-9th grade sexuality curriculum this fall called Our Whole Lives, or more affectionately know as OWL. This class will replace youth worship until after Christmas break. There will be a parent/student orientation on September 7 from 9:30am-10:30am in Room 102. The first OWL class will begin Sunday, September 21 from 9:30am-12:30pm and will be consistently offered every Sunday morning until early December. The cost is $25 for members and $100 for non-members. Contact Lacey if you are interested.
Adult Gatherings
Earth Topics 
Tuesday, Sept 2, 6:30-8:00 PM, The Commons
Please join us for an ongoing discussion about our planet, its beauty and our challenges in caring for it. We will be discussing the first four chapters of the book, A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold.
We will also share from the book, Teilard to Omega: Co-Creating an Unfinished Universe, Edited by Ilia Delio.
Questions, please contact Rev. Ginnie. 
Sanctuary Choir Resumes 
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 7:30-9:00pm 
The Adult Sanctuary Choir begins its year with evening practice on Wednesday, 7:30-9:00 pm. If you are thinking about joining the choir, please come on down to the adult choir room on the lower level. We hope to see all the present members once again singing up a storm and bringing the spirit swooshing into the church. Don't miss it! If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Music, Leona Greenlaw. 
Young Adults  
Wildwood on 9/6 will serve as our young adults gathering for the month of September. We will meet at Jonathan and Melissa Burch's house for our gathering in October. Date and time TBA.
No Fellowship of the Grape 
in September
Fellowship of the Grape (FOG) will not meet September 6 to honor the Wildwood Concert at Central. We encourage all "FOGGERS" to attend Wildwood. The next FOG will be Saturday, October 4, 7pm hosted by Dianne and Paul Hiltmann.
Lena's Place Coffeehouse 
Saturday, September 13, 8:00 - 10:00pm

Since 1984, Lena's Place Coffeehouse is a monthly opportunity to experience an eclectic mix of acoustic artists in a coffeehouse atmosphere. Lena's is staffed by volunteers who love (and often play) music and who take pride in a professional presentation.

When?

Second Saturday of each month.

What time?

8:00-10:00 pm; Doors open at 7:30 pm 

First set starts at 8pm, second set starts at 9pm

What else?

Candlelit coffeehouse setting. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks, and yummy desserts available. Plenty of free parking. Wheelchair accessible. Great sound system. Wonderful, full audience of appreciative listeners.

All proceeds go to a chosen charity of the month. 

  

September Show:  

Supported Charity for the month: Men Stopping Violence

8:00: JustBe'Cause (Jerry Brunner, Bruce Gilbert, Cyndi Craven)

9:00 :: Out of the Rain (Ron Hipp & Carol Statella)

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.
Outreach Activities 

For Montclair School

Opportunity for  

Matching Donation

through Sunday August 31
For a limited period of time, through Sunday, the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation is offering to match donations made to teachers in impoverished schools throughout the country up to $1 million. Teachers write about their situation, the needs of their students and the cost of purchasing what they need. You may go on the website Donorschoice.org to find all manner of projects and costs. At the moment there is only one project for Montclair Elementary School, asking for technology to use in the classroom.  Mr. W. needs a wireless slate and an ELMO document camera. This is a perfect opportunity for us to show our support for the school and to take advantage of the matching funds to help. If you are interested, please check the project out at Donorschoice.org.  

Grant Awarded to Our Neighborhood Community Outreach Partner

Toco Hills has just received word that we have been awarded a Capacity Building Grant from the Atlanta Community Food Bank. We applied hoping to get a walk in freezer and a walk in cooler. We have to increase our purchasing from the food bank by 10 per cent annually for the next three years. Our grant is for $23,700. Wonderful news!

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. 

Books for  

Montclair Elementary School

We are collecting items for students at Montclair Elementary School. If you would like to contribute back packs, gently used books, or school supplies, please place your items in the bin outside the sanctuary marked "Books for Montclair"  For all those who have contributed so far THANK YOU. Please contact Lacey Brown for more information.
Montclair Elementary School
Leadership Team Meeting  
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Lacey, Jean and Joyce have planned a meeting to take place in the conference room starting at noon on the CCUCC campus. Contact Lacey Brown with any questions. 

Atlanta Interfaith Sisters

Monday, September 8, 6:30-8:30pm,  

Rock Springs Presby Church, Atlanta

Atlanta Interfaith Sisters begin their program year September 8 with a topic of concern to all persons of faith who value human life.  Audrey Galex will speak about "Sex Trafficking", in Atlanta and worldwide.   Interfaith Sisters gather 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Ave NE.  All are welcome.  Bring your own supper & something to share; or just come for the program.  For more information contact Joyce Myers-Brown. 
Human Rights Luncheon
with Brenda Wood
Friday, Sept. 12, 11:00am, Downtown
Church Women United (Atlanta) will honor TV journalist Brenda Wood with its annual Human Rights Award on Friday, September 12 at First Presbyterian Church (next to High Museum). The celebration will take place from 11:00am-2:00pm with lunch provided. Tickets are $30.00. Contact Joyce Myers Brown if interested.

Next Gardening Workday and Other Happenings

Saturday, Sept. 20, 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Several of you cannot always make the regular monthly workday (normally the third Saturday), and asked what you could work on during the week. There is always a need to pull weeds. In fact, weeding could be less of a focus for our regular workdays if some of it was done weekly.

 

John Cox plans to begin our pond restoration on Saturday, September 6. He'll begin by draining it, and then cleaning it with a pressure washer. Questions? Contact Ron Smith. 

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.
Sermons Available Online
If you would like to hear a sermon from this week or an earlier week, they are available on our website. Go to www.central-ucc.org. Click on the "Worship" tab at the top of the site. On the drop down menu, you will see "Sermon", click on "Sermon". Click on "Audio (mp3)" and you will see a list of the sermons by date and, recently, by name. The date is year/month/day with no spaces in between. If there is a certain sermon for which you are searching, please contact Rev. Ginnie and she will help you find the date.