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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Oct 19
Neighbors In Need Offering
Practical Theology
Conversations about Jesus
Sacred Journeys
Practical Theology
Pictorial Directory
Children's Music
Pre-School Sunday School
K to Second Grade GODLY Play
3rd to 5th GODLY Play
For Youth - Sexuality Education
Garden Team Oct 18
Table Talk: Oct 21
Soul Stretch with Rev. Michael
November FOG Nov. 1
Alternative Gift Market Nov 16
Outreach Activities
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
All Saints Sunday Nov 2
Back Bay Mission Team 2015
Desserts for Plymouth Harbor
Quart Jars
Art in Commons
United Nations Oct 26
 
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Office Phone: 
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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, October 19, 2014
Proper 24

LECTIONARY READINGS: click here to read them
Focus Text:  Matthew 22:15-22
Rev. Michael, preaching

8:30am:   Service of Word and Table
11:00am: Service of the Word

WORSHIP NOTES
At both services for Sunday, we will begin by remembering Miyo Chang, one of Central's longest-termed members, who crossed from this life to life eternal on Sunday, October 5.  Those who wish to do so are invited to bring a orchid and/or wear a "Hawaiian shirt" to honor her native home.

Between the services, Rev. Michael will lead a "church chat."



 

All clergy are invited to robe and process. There will be a short reception following the service. Lacey is looking forward to this joyful occasion and needs our support!

Neighbors In Need Offering

Throughout October, we will receive the annual Neighbors in Need Offering; to contribute, please mark "NIN" in the memo of your check or use the offering envelope found in the pews.  The following is from Jonathan Burch,  chair of Mission and Action:

"As we all know, the United Church of Christ has a very rich history of working to end systemic injustices. In fact, the church's rich history of fighting for social justice is one of its most well known characteristics; it is certainly what was most instrumental in leading me, a newcomer, to the denomination. 

Today's UCC continues to work diligently to keep continue the tradition of identifying injustices in our communities and taking action. Take Montclair Elementary School for example. Members of Central recognized a glaring need at this particular school, and we as a church have since worked to address that need in a variety of meaningful ways. This is just one example, from one church, in one community. The UCC as a whole is addressing hundreds of additional needs in communities across the country. 

One of the vehicles that the UCC uses in its mission for social justice is the annual Neighbors in Need offering, which Central is accepting throughout the month of October. This particular offering allows the UCC to provide financial support for a variety of churches and organizations across the country that are working to address systemic injustices in their respective communities. This year's theme for the offering is "Imagining another world where literacy is no longer a concern". 

In today's United States, unfortunately, a quality education is more of a privilege than a right, and there are millions of Americans who simply cannot afford the privilege. This is an injustice. By contributing to the Neighbors In Need offering this month, we can help make quality education accessible to all."
Adult Spiritual Formation

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.   

 

 October 19th:

 Leader:  Warren Culpepper

 Devotional:  Nancy Wetzel

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

 

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!

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.  

No Youth Worship this Sunday, October 19

Our seminary student, Larry Gipson, who has been graciously supporting our youth who are not in OWL class, will be out of town this Sunday. He will return next Sunday, October 26.

Adult Gatherings
GARDEN TEAM - LAST DAY
Sat., October 18  9-11:00am 
The last scheduled 2014 Garden Team workday will be Saturday, October 18, 9-11 am. We'll be weeding, mulching, and trimming shrubs in beds around the building to spruce things up for the holidays. Bring your garden gloves."

 

TABLE TALK:

Tuesday, October 21 6:30PM to 8:30 (off campus)

 

Table Talk is a monthly gathering, hosted at the gracious dining room table of Joan and Bill Harrison  and facilitated by Rev. Michael.  It is not a "traditional" group; folk come and go as they are able and no advance reading is required.  Please bring a dish to share, if you are able-there is always a gracious plenty of food. 



Interested in developing or deepening a spiritual practice of meditation, centered breathing and mindful movement?  Rev. Michael will be offering a 4-part introductory, all-levels yoga series (Soul Stretch 1) on Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19, and 26 (5:45pm to 7:00pm). 

 

The first three sessions will include elements of all the practices (meditation, breathing and mindful movement), but each night will have a specific teaching focus: 

  • Nov 5-sitting meditation
  • Nov 12-centering breath techniques
  • Nov 19-mindful movement (yoga)
  • Nov 26-an integrated practice of all three elements

Cost is $12/session or $40/series (scholarships available to Central members).  For more information or to RSVP (required):  Rev. Michael

NOVEMBER FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE
(Saturday, November 1st)

Lesley and Deb have chosen Pinot Noir as their selection for the month.  Any and all appetizers or dishes, desserts or snacks to share that will pair with Pinot Noir wines will be appreciated.  For those not familiar with FOG, attending is one 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! From 6 to 8 p.m an added bonus this month is Lesley and Deb's friend will display & sell handmade jewelry made by Ghana women for the organization SSEP  (Sub-Saharan Education Project) which develops partnerships with women residing in the communities to provide vocational opportunities.  The handmade jewelry made from local recycled glass bottles and brass provide financial support to SSEP programming and extend the reach of educational services to Ghanaian artisans.   Event Details: November 1st 2014 at 7:00pm.  Jewelry show from 6 to 8.  RSVP to hosts by email at Lesley or Debbie. 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.

 

         Alternative Gift Marke

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

We are currently collecting new and used crayons for an art project that will go along with our AGM. You may bring them by the church office for either Rev. Ginnie or Lacey. 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. 

PREPARING FOR ALL SAINTS SUNDAY 

November 2

Central will again mark its annual remembrance and celebration of those who have joined the Company of the Saints of Light with our "bell banners." Any and all are welcome and encouraged to place a bell on the banners that will be in the narthex for the next few weeks. Bells may be placed for those who have recently crossed from this life to life eternal or for a saint from long ago. The banners will be part of a procession on All Saints Sunday, November 2

 

 

Back Bay Mission Team 2015

Want to make an impact in other's lives, work with your hands, create lasting relationships, and contribute to the UCC's wider mission? Then join us next year at BBM in Biloxi, MS. The dates we have reserved are September 20-26, 2015. You don't have to be skilled in construction to sign up. There are ways to help, no matter what your skill level is! Please consider talking to a member of this year's team or email Lacey for more details. 

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. 

The Artwork of Karen Ku 
Currently in the Commons

I've loved to draw all my life.  Following art college in Connecticut, I worked for over 30 years as an illustrator-for botanists, entomologists, and doctors in the places I've lived...at the University of Connecticut, and in London, Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta, designed covers for the Harvard Law School Bulletin, illustrations for American Cancer Society, Baptist Home Mission Board, Heifer Project, worked on art for Alumni magazines at Emory, Agnes Scott College and Georgia Tech, and was grateful for the opportunity to do a piece of atrium art measuring 12 feet  X  24 feet at GA Tech. 


My current work is centered around teaching the basics of drawing and watercolor at my studio in Avondale.  Over the years my painting has evolved, and though I often return to my love of detailed drawing, this summer in France I began a series of abstract paintings which I plan to continue here at my studio.....but that'll be for next time! Meanwhile, here is a collection of work that came before the abstraction.....hope you enjoy the show!   

Karen Ku, Central member for 25 years.     Little Tree Studios  * Avondale Estates, GA 30002 

*20% of sales will be donated to Central.

 

THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION, ATLANTA CHAPTER

Sunday, October 26, 4:30-6:30pm

United Nations Day, 2014.  Ukraine: Can there be peace with Russia? A presentation by Arden Stone, recent Ukraine Peace Corps returnee and former UNA-USA chapter president.  Sunday, October 26, 4:30-6:30 pm, Reception to follow program.  Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta.