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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Nov 2
Autumn Leaves Nov 1
Pre-School Sunday School
November FOG Nov. 1
Earth Topics Nov 3
Women's Fellowship Nov 5
Toco Hills Community Alliance
Pilgrim and Priscilla Circles Nov 12
Article TitleEnding Gun Violence Nov 14-15
Women's Daytime Book Group Dec 4
Back Bay Mission Team 2015
Desserts for Plymouth Harbor
Quart Jars
Art in Commons
 
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Office Phone: 
404-633-4505

24-hour Pastoral Care:

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Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
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Sunday, November 2, 2014
All Saints Sunday
 
LECTIONARY READINGS: click here to read them
Focus Text:  I John 3:1-3

Rev. Michael, preaching

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

WORSHIP NOTES
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 before worship. Bells may be placed for those who have recently crossed from this life to life eternal or for a saint from long ago.

 
A portion of the liturgy for Sunday will include this poem:


 

We are surrounded by a peaceful ebbing, as creation bows to the mystery of life; all that grows and lives must give up life, yet it does not really die.

As plants surrender their life, bending, brown and wrinkled, and colored leaves of trees float to the ground parachute-like, they do so in a sea of serenity.

Peaceful and calm is autumn's swan song, for she understands that hidden in winter's death-grip is spring's openhanded, full-brimmed breath of life.

Sleep in peace, all that lives; slumber secure, all that is dying, for in every fall there is a rise whose sister's name is spring.

   -Autumn Psalm of Fearlessness, Edward Hays, alt

Autumn Leaves in the Mountains

Saturday, November 1st - YOU ARE INVITED

You are invited to join us (Warren and Lee Culpepper) at our home in Big Canoe on Saturday, November 1, when the autumn leaves should be at their peak. Our home is a 90 minute drive from the church. To reach our home from the front gate of Big Canoe, you'll take a 15 minute meandering drive through a beautiful old hardwood forest, with the final mile along a mountain ridge. If you only drove up to our home and returned immediately, assuming you had the time and you enjoy the beauty of God's creation in the fall, I suspect you would feel it was time well spent. There are two parts to the invitation, and you can come for one or both.

12:00pm - 2:30pm -- Hike to Mt. Oglethorpe. From our home (elevation 2,520'), we'll take a 4.5 mile roundtrip hike to the top of Mt. Oglethorpe (elevation 3,290'). It is a moderate, but not strenuous, climb. There are great views from two different observation platforms at the top. We'll have lunch on one of the platforms, so bring a sandwich and a bottle of water.

2:30pm - 5:00pm - Social time on our deck. We have 50+ mile views to the east from our deck. We'll furnish soft drinks, coffee and wine. You furnish snacks (optional) and conversation (mandatory). Regarding wine, those of you who know us know that bringing wine to our house is like taking ice cubes to Eskimos. We promise a good selection from our wine cellar. For FOG members, we'll wrap up in plenty of time to get their afterwards.

This invitation is extended to all church members and friends. RSVP by e-mail to warren@culpepper.com and let us know: (1) Are you coming for the hike, social time, or both, (2) Who is coming with you, and (3) Who will be driving (we have to notify the gate in advance). In response, we will send you directions.

Adult Spiritual Formation

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.

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.   

November 2:

Study:             Occupy the Bible: What Jesus Really Said (and Did) About Money and Power,  by SusanThistlethwaite.  DVD - INEQUALITY FOR ALL

 The class has finished 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 discussion the film and explore ways we might make a difference.

                                   

PREPARATION FOR SUNDAY'S DISCUSSION:

Visit the website -- www.inequalityforall.com

Explore the subtitles -

1) See the Film - Lists several options for seeing the film if you missed a week or want a review.

2) Take Action - This is a most valuable section.  There are many options for "things to do" - things we as individual or a class could do.  We began to discuss this Sunday, so maybe we can continue the conversation this week.

3) Get the Facts - Review of many of the facts Robert Reich covered in the film.

4)About - A brief bio of Robert Reich

            Leader:            Warren

            Devotional:     Gail

            Future Study:

On Sunday we briefly discussed how to proceed with our original book study, "Occupy the Bible."  I offered to review the remaining chapters and suggest a study schedule and you said "okay."  So, this is my suggestions:

           November 9th - Chapters 4 and 5

           November 16th - Alternative Gift Fair* (no class)

           November 23 - Chapters 6, 7 and 8

           November 30th - Chapters 9 and 10

            

*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  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!

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.


3rd to 5th Grades

Gathering

9:45 AM TO 10:50 PM (Rm 208)

The older elementary school children are hearing stories of the New Testament. We are sharing a more in depth story than the younger children hear. We continue to use the Godly Play style so that the children have the stories and symbols of their Christian faith surrounding them each Sunday.

 

Through story, wondering and sharing, the children build their faith and their community together each Sunday. 


Youth Fellowship
Saturday, November 8, 2014
We will be headed to see "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" (Rated PG) in theaters and then enjoy some ice cream. Time TBA.
YOUNG ADULTS
Friday, November 21st (6:30-9:30pm)
Please join us for "game night" at the Bexley's house. Ever played Bocce Ball or Croquet out on the lawn on a beautiful autumn evening? How about board games at a handmade table built to seat ten people? Come join us for a fun night of randomness and laughter. All are welcome! Contact Rev. Lacey with questions. 
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.

 

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 

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

All Central women are invited for a rich time of learning & sharing:11:0O Business, 12:00 Lunch,1:00 Interfaith Children's Movement with Rev. Pamela Perkins Carn, Rev. Helen Pearson Smith, Rev. Luther Smith


 

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 Marke

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.


 

SIMPLE SUNDAY REFRESHMENTS WANTED

Every Sunday, we share simple snacks in the Commons after worship. We would love to have people sign up to bring two boxes of store bought cookies and two boxes of crackers or popcorn for a Sunday during the year. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board next to the nursery. Thank 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. 

PRISCILLA CIRCLE

 Wed., Nov . 12 -  10:00 AM

The Priscilla Circle will meet Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the church (program by Joyce-Myers Brown). All are welcome.  Any women who are interested in getting to know fellow church members and enjoy a time of fellowship are cordially invited to attend.

PILGRIM CIRCLE

Wed., Nov. 12.  7:00PM

On Wednesday, November 12, Pilgrim Circle will meet in the Fireplace room.  All are invited to attend the meeting, which will be from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Fireplace Room. 

 

 

Ending Gun Violence in Georgia


 

A Multi faith Event.  November 14-15 2014

You are cordially invited to join in faith centered advocacy and action for gun sense in Georgia.  Registration is available online: click here for more information, or at the event. Lunch and refreshments will be served. A cost of $20.00 per person includes both events.

 

 

 

WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOK GROUP 
Thursday, December 4, 1:30pm

 

Thursday December 4 in the fireplace room at 1:30 pm.  Please read (or re-read) a "Christimas" book of your choosing, whether it's to inspire or just entertain  - a classic, humor, a blue Christmas retelling, even a book that's not-really-Christmas but relevant to your Advent journey.  To add your name to the DBG email list, contact  Geneva Benoit.

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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.