IN THIS ISSUE

Sunday Worship: Oct 26

Neighbors In Need Offering

Conversations about Jesus

Pre-School Sunday School

1st to 5th Graders

Soul Stretch with Rev. Michael

Alternative Gift Market Nov 16

Outreach Activities

Toco Hills Community Alliance

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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Rev. Lacey
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Sunday, October 26, 2014

Proper 25

LECTIONARY READINGS: click here to read them

Focus Text: Matthew 3:1-17; Matthew 4:1-11

Rev. Ginnie, short meditation
Jack Raymer telling the story of Jesus' Baptism
Joshua Hester telling the story of Jesus in the Wilderness

8:30am: Service of Word and Table

11:00am: Service of the Word

WORSHIP NOTES

This year the 3^rd to 5^th graders are hearing New Testament stories in a Godly Play manner for the whole year. Last February, Joshua Hester and Jack Raymer presented the Moses story. Sunday they are presenting Jesus' baptism and Jesus time in the wilderness. They have used the story information given in more than one gospel so that they can present a fuller complexity of the stories the gospel gives us.

Why do we teach Godly Play stories? These are the stories of our faith. We want the children to know that as they journey through their own lives, God is with them. For eons, through good times and hard times, God has always been there. People's relationship with God has not been easy because people's lives are seldom easy all the time. We have triumphs and defeats. We have times of joy and times of fear and trepidation. Children in their lives have joys and fears every day. Children need a God who seems real, present and reliable. Children need to know that God loves them no matter what.

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 26th:

Leader: Warren Culpepper

Devotional: Nancy Wetzel

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

by Susan Thistlethwaite.

DVD - INEQUALITY FOR ALL, part 3.

The class is currently viewing a recent DVD release from Robert Reich,*

"INEQUALITY FOR All," as a supplement to our book study. The content of this film is very relevant to our current study. This Sunday we will finish watching

the film and follow-up with discussion. We need to begin class on time (9:30 AM)

and be ready to begin the film by 9:50 AM.

*Robert Reich is a best-selling author of thirteen books, Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration, and a foremost expert on economics. This book can be purchased from Amazon or Barnes and Noble - paperback only. Both Amazon and B & N have used copies available for � to 1/3 the price of a new copy. Questions? Contact Jackie and George Dominick at georgedominick@comcast.net

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 1^st to 5^th 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.

1st to 5th Graders in Worship
Sunday, October 26, 11:00am

This Sunday, the children in 1st to 5th grade will be singing in worship. They will practice in Room 209 from 9:45am to 10:15am. They will have childcare or activities in the CE wing following the practice. Any children K to 5th Grade who are not singing are welcome in worship or in childcare. At 11:00 am, the music group will sing in worship. After the singing, they can sit with their parents or stay in the front row to listen to the Godly Play stories in worship.

Youth Fellowship

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Please mark your calendars for our next youth event. We will be headed to see a movie in theaters and then enjoy some ice cream.

Time TBA.

Adult Gatherings

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.

INQUIRERS CLASS

Sundays, 9:45 to 10:30 AM, Nov. 2, 9, 16;

Joining Nov. 23 ~ Office Area Conference Room

Rev. Michael will host a three-session Inquirers' Series from 9:45 to 10:30 AM in his conference room (office suite). The sessions are designed for visitors to get to know him and each other a little better and explore both Central and the United Church of Christ. Attendees, of course, are not required to join following the sessions, but may if they feel ready to do so. The next "joining day" is Nov. 23. To register or for more information please contact Rev. Michael.

EARTH TOPICS

Monday, Nov. 3, 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 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. If you'd like more information, please contact Rev. Ginnie

LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE

Sat., Nov. 8, 8:00 - 10:00pm

Doors open at 7:30 pm

8:00pm :: Sweetwater Bluegrass Band (Ernie Cole, David Mold, and Penn McClatchey)

9:00pm :: Tucker Station (Rueben & Kim Fair and friends)

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: Toco Hills Community Ministry

Alternative Gift Market

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

Give gifts that give back! Your Christmas shopping can begin at the Alternative Gift Market at Central UCC. Choose gifts that give back within our church, locally, as well as globally! Cindy Hoover has volunteered to organize the market again this year. Please contact her know if you can volunteer to help or donate a baked item, agm@centralucc.org. Many hands make light work. 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

Needed: One Person, One Van, Once a Month

Toco Hills Community Alliance has access to free food from the Midwest Food Bank in Peachtree City. They offer approximately 160 cases of food to us, once a month. We have to drive to pick it up. We have one volunteer that goes and we need one more. The monthly pick up is scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at 8:30 am, although November and December dates are different, due to the holidays. Please contact Mary-Louise Wilson at Mary Louise if this sounds interesting to you.

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

Central UCC received a formal letter of "thank you" from the offices of Back Bay Mission this week. In the letter they expressed gratitude for our large contribution toward restocking the food pantry that was nearly bare. We are looking to send another team to BBM in 2015. We have reserved a week in late September. If this sounds like something you are interested in please email Rev. 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 pint and 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.