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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Sept 28
An Evening with Andrew Young
Inquirers' Series
Conversations about Jesus
Practical Theology
Pictorial Directory
Choral Event Rehearsal Oct 4
World Communion Sunday Oct. 5
Pet Blessing Oct. 5
Directory Available
Children's Music
Pre-School Sunday School
K to Second Grade GODLY Play
3rd to 5th GODLY Play
For Youth - Sexuality Education
Women's Fellowship Oct 1
October FOG Oct. 4
Earth Topics Oct. 6
Women's Daytime Book Group
Young Adults
Lena's Place Oct 11
Alternative Gift Market Nov 16
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
Books for Montclair Elementary
Desserts for Plymouth Harbor
Quart Jars
 
Phone

Office Phone: 
404-633-4505

24-hour Pastoral Care:
              678-672-7637

Email Links



Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Lacey Brown, M. Div.
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
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Sunday, September 28, 2014 
Proper 21

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
 
8:30 AM Service of Word and Table
Rev. Michael will lead a service of Lectio Divina, a time for contemplation and sharing.

FOCUS TEXT:  Philippians 2:1-13

11:00 AM Service of the Word
Sharing from Central's Back Bay Mission Team

 

Food purchased for the BBM Food Pantry from gifts given to Central last week.


For more mission trip pictures, see our Facebook Page:  click here


 

The following is a portion of a statement given at the 90th Anniversary Celebration of BBM by one of the founding pastors, Reverend Bruno Schroeder. He says, 


 

"When groups arrive, I always asked them, 'How much is your group spending to come on this trip?' Depending on mode of transportation and distance-the costs ranged from $4,000-$10,000. I then said, 'If you've spent $10,000 to come paint a house, you are guilty of poor stewardship. You could have sent us $2,000; we could have bought the paint, hired a local painter who needs the work, and had enough money left over to take the homeowner to dinner. 


 

However, if this week you learn something about hard work, how to scrape and prime paint, how to clean a paintbrush so we can use it again, instead of just throwing it away... If you learn something about poverty in Mississippi, about why there is a place like BBM here, and about why your church supports it... That's worth $10,000!" 
 
An Evening with Ambassador Andrew Young

Prophetic Faith in the Public Arena

Tuesday, 14 October 2014  

6:30pm Reception; 7:30pm Program


 

As part of Central's Progressive Christianity Initiative, Ambassador Young will speak about the intersection of "faith and politics."  The evening will begin with a reception (6:30 to 7:30) and attendees will be invited to submit questions for the program that follows (7:30 to 9:00).

 

The event is free and open to the public (donations accepted to fund future events).
Adult Spiritual Formation

INQUIRERS' SERIES 

Sundays, 9:45-10:30 AM -

Sr. Minister's Conference Room

Are you interested in learning more about Central?  Have questions about our theology or ministries?  Want to get to know a small group of people who are also new to the community?  The next Inquirers' Series will meet on  Sundays Sept 21, 28 and Oct 5 in the Sr. Minister's Conference Room (in the office suite) from 9:45 to 10:30.  Hosted by Rev. Michael, the series is an opportunity to get to know each other a little better and centers around participants questions about the community.  For those who wish to join the church, the next Joining Day will be Sunday, October 12.  An RSVP is helpful (but not required): Rev. Michael.  

Conversations about Jesus 

On Sundays through November,  

9:30 AM, Window Room 2, Fellowship Hall 

Ordering DVDs.

  It's not too late to join us!  "Saving Jesus Redux" is a 12 session DVD-based curriculum that helps explore the phrase, "Our faith is over 2,000 years old, our thinking is not."  No reading required so it's great for busy people.  If you'd like to purchase your own DVD for $35 (or donate an amount to help fund a DVD lending library). If you'd like to purchase your own DVD for $35 (or donate an amount to help fund a DVD lending library).

 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.   

 

 

September 28th

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

Leader:            Warren Culpepper

Devotional:     Nancy

Preparation:   Read Chapter 3, "Den of Thieves," in Occupy the Bible for possible discussion on Sunday.

 

 

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.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

Please sign Up


 

Are you a new member who's trying to put faces with names?  Or a longtime member who's trying to put names with faces?  Either way, you'll be pleased to know that the Board of Deacons is making plans for a pictorial directory which we will publish ourselves.  Photos will be taken on Sundays in October; sign-up sheets are available. More information will follow, but please try to get your/your family's photo taken in October.  Questions?  See a deacon!


 

DECEMBER CHORAL EVENT REHEARSAL

Saturday, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 12:00pm


 

Central's Choir will be sharing Vivaldi's well-loved "Gloria" with the congregation in the 11:00 worship service on December 14.  Rehearsals on this music will begin with a workshop on Saturday, October 4, from 9 till 12.  If you would like to join the choir for this special event, please do!

SPECIAL REQUEST: LANGUAGES FOR WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

(Sunday, October 5)

 

Sunday, October 5, is World Communion Sunday; as part of our worship for the morning, we would like to have the Prayer of Our Savior prayed in multiple languages while we share the bread and cup.  If you would like to offer an alternative language, please email:  Rev. Michael. 


 

PET BLESSING

(Sunday, October 5, 2:00 PM)

 

Following the worship services on World Communion Sunday, there will be a pet blessing at 2:00.  In truth, we will be honoring the blessings they bring to us.  All pets are welcome and a time will be set aside to remember those beloved companions who have died.  To keep the sacred circle welcoming and safe for all creatures, regardless of our home practice, all critters need to be leashed or in a carrying container.  Please also making sure your dear ones are current on their vaccinations.  If it is not possible/safe to bring your pet, pictures are welcome.  

An RSVP is not required, but is helpful: Rev. Michael.
THE DIRECTORY IS HERE!
Pick up a copy at the church!
 
Children and Youth
Children's Music, 1st-5th Grades
Sundays, 12:00pm - 12:30pm, Room 209 
We will have children's music every Sunday right after church. Any 1st to 5th grade children in 11am worship (except the acolytes) are requested to leave at the beginning of the final hymn. Leona will leave at that time also and take the kids to room 209 just inside the doors of the education wing.

Pre-school Sunday School

11:00 AM TO 12:00 PM (Rm 205)

The preschool children can begin in Childcare during the early morning. They will be taken to Room 205 at 11:00 AM or you may take them to Room 205 any time between 11:00 AM and 12:10 PM. After 12:10 PM, the children will return to Childcare. Parents may pick up their children in Childcare at the end of church.

 

Through storytelling, games, and arts and crafts, the 3 and 4 year old children learn Bible stories and begin to explore ways to be kind to each other and our world.

K TO 2nd GRADES - GODLY PLAY

Please take your child to Room 201

Class in Room 207 from 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM

 

11:00 AM The children remain or rather in Rm 201

11:10 AM The Children are brought to Rm 207 for Godly Play.  

 

Children who arrive later than 11:10 AM will be brought to Room 207 by the Door Person when the story is finished. Because the story requires a focus of the storyteller and the children, we are requesting that children wait for the completion of the story before joining the others for the remainder of Godly Play time. Door Person will go to Room 201 after the story is told to invite other children to the class in Room 207. The children will return to Room 201 around 12:00-12:10pm. You may pick up your children in Room 201 following worship.

3rd TO 5th GRADES - GODLY PLAY

Please take your child to Rm 201 at 9:30am

Class in Rm 208 from 9:45 AM to 10:55 AM

At 9:30, the children are invited to go to Room 201 where the childcare workers will play with the children in the room or on the playground. The door person will bring the children to Room 207 at 9:50am.

The 3rd to 5th Grade Sunday School will be exploring the Old Testament all year.  

   YOUTH GATHERING    

(Sundays, 9:30am-10:45am, Rm 103)
For youth not attending the Our Whole Lives classes, we will have a youth gathering in Room 103. Larry Gipson, a first year Candler student and member of Kirkwood UCC, is leading the youth. He spent several years in the Peace Corps in the Ukraine before returning to the U.S. and following his call to ministry. We are grateful for his time with us. Email Lacey with Questions.
Regional Youth Fellowship
Save the date for our first RYF of the year, October 11. We will be hiking in Sweet Water Creek State Park along with Pilgrimage UCC. This event is open to 6th-12th grade. Everyone is welcome. More details to come. Email Lacey with questions.
Adult Gatherings

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP: Wednesday, October 1, 

11:00 to 2:00PM

The Women's Fellowship will meet this Wednesday morning, October 1 at 11am for business, 12:00pm for lunch, and 1:00pm for a program.  All are welcome and no reservations are necessary.  A suggested $5 donation will cover the cost of lunch.


 

October FOG 

(Saturday, October 4th 7:00 PM)

 

Dianne and Paul have chosen German wines of any kind as their selection for the month, and, as well any German beer of our choice.  Any and all  appetizers or dishes, desserts or snacks to share that will pair with German wines and beer 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: October 4th, 2014 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Dianne and Paul here for their new address. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator  Robin Lee Fitch.  We look forward to seeing you at FOG.

EARTH TOPICS  

Monday, October 6, 6:30-8:00 PM

The NY Times science section (9/23/14) was about "Nature in the Balance" during our time of climate change. Over 300,000 people showed up in New York City to show the UN their concerns about our climate. The poetic language of Aldo Leopold in the book, The Sand County Almanac, reminds us of how humans have impacted the world in the 20th century. History shows our impact through the eons. How do these realities impact our faith? In October, we will have readings (pp. 34-52) from A Sand County Almanac. Also, we will talk about chapter one of From Teilhard to Omega: Co-creating an Unfinished Universe, edited by Ilia Delio. All are welcome! 

Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie.


 
Women's Daytime Book Group

(Thursday October 9, 1:30 PM)

 

The next gathering is The next gathering is Thursday, October 9 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room.  Each reader will make a personal selection of fiction or non-fiction related to WWI. From Hemingway to historian Margaret MacMillan, we anticipate a stimulating  round-robin conversation. Send an e-mail to Geneva Benoit to request a sample reading list or to add your name to the group's email list.  

 
Young Adults 
(Thursday, October 9, 7:00 PM)
NOT October 10 as previously advertised.
Please join us at Jonathan and Melissa Burch's house on Thursday, October 9 for a potluck. We will gather at 7pm to share good food and conversation. Contact Lacey for directions. Friends are welcome!
Lena's Place Coffeehouse 

Sat., Oct. 11, 8:00 - 10:00pm;  

Doors open at 7:30 pm

8:00 :: Redwine Jam (Chris & Carol Moser)

9:00 :: Blackfoot Daisy (Don Sechelski, Wendy DuMond, Adam Sechelski) Find them on Facebook.

  Since 1984, Lena's Place Coffeehouse is a monthly opportunity to experience an eclectic mix of acoustic artists in a coffeehouse atmosphere. Candlelit coffeehouse setting. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks, and yummy desserts available. Great sound system. Wonderful, full audience of appreciative listeners. Supported Charity for the month: Open Door Community.

 
Alternative Gift Market 

Sunday, November 16, 9:30 to 1:00 PM at Central 


 

Remember your family and friends with gifts that keep on giving.  Share the message that all are included in the promises of God.  Attend the Alternative Gift Market and support missions of our church as well as community and global outreach.  Please watch for more information on how you, your Sunday School Class,  church group or board may participate.   If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Hoover.

 
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. 

Meals at Hagar's House

We are looking for a volunteer for the coming year to help coordinate our meals for Hagar's House, an emergency shelter for women and children in need. Please contact Bill O'steen if you are available to help. 

Montclair Elementary School

Statistics show that almost 30 million people in the U.S. read below a fifth-grade level, which means that nearly 14 percent of the adult population doesn't read well enough to fill out a job application.  Our denomination is seeking to address this problem through their Reading Changes Lives Literacy Campaign which launched on Sept 8 and continues through the spring. Central UCC is doing their part by helping to secure reading level appropriate books for Montclair. Curious about more details? Contact Lacey
Plymouth Harbor - 100%
Please Donate Desserts
Plymouth Harbor recently received 100% on the inspection, Congratulations!!!!!  
We can no longer accept desserts made outside of our own CCUCC kitchen, all items must be catered, store bought or made in house.  Please feel free to donate sweets to our participants.  Sale at the bakery?  Sure, Plymouth Harbor would greatly appreciate it!  Please label and place any donations in the Plymouth Harbor fridge.
 
Plymouth Harbor Donations
Plymouth Harbor would appreciate donations of empty quart jars for a project, lids are optional.  Please put them under the table next to Kay's office.  Please contact Laura Winebarger with any details.