Trees background
Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: Nov 23
Alternative Gift Market Contd Nov 23
Conversations about Jesus
Sacred Journeys
Practical Theology
Children's Music
Pre-School Sunday School
3rd to 5th Grade Sunday School
Children's OWL
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
Soul Stretch with Rev. Michael
Women's Daytime Book Group Dec 4
December FOG Dec. 6
Advent Mission Project DUE Dec. 8
Youth Fellowship: Dec. 13
Lena's Place Dec 13
Advent Luncheon Dec 14
Salt Shakers 2015
Treasurer's Report
Desserts for Plymouth Harbor
Toco Hills
Media Sale
Sunday Refreshments
Sanctuary Flowers
 
Phone

Office Phone: 
404-633-4505

24-hour Pastoral Care:

              678-672-7637


Email Links



Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
Central Social Media
 
Like us on Facebook
 
Follow us on Twitter

Table Talk on Facebook: 
Like us on Facebook

Senior Minister's
Social Media 

Like me on Facebook 
Follow me on Twitter

United Church of Christ 






Sunday, November 23, 2014
Thanksgiving Sunday
 
LECTIONARY READINGS: click here to read them
Focus Text:  Deuteronomy 8:7-18

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

WORSHIP NOTES

 

This Sunday will truly be a "Feast of Thanksgiving."  At both the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services members of Central will share a "moment of thanksgiving and grace," personal stories for Thanksgiving Sunday.  Some of the voices will be the same at both services; each service will also have its "own" participants.  Communion will be celebrated at the 8:30 service.


 

Thanksgiving Potluck following worship
The Church Council is sponsoring the Thanksgiving. They will provide the meat and desert. You are invited to bring a side dish. All are welcome.

 

YOUNG ADULTS
Friday, November 21, 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. 
 

ALTERNATE GIFT MARKET CONTINUED: NOVEMBER 23

We shared a joyous time at the Alternative Gift Market last Sunday as we journeyed together to celebrate and to share our gifts with our neighbors near and far.  This Sunday, November 23rd, there will be a few tables set up in the Commons from 9:30 AM - 11 AM and following the 11 AM service.  If you were unable to participate in the the Alternative Gift Market last week, here is your chance!  There will be fair trade world gifts & coffee, as well as donation gift cards for Church World Service, Handicap International, Montclair gift baskets,The Forever Family, Plymouth Harbor and Street Grace.

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 borrowed one of the extra DVDs for home viewing and are finished, please return it to the library so others can borrow it (library is off the Fellowship Hall, first room on left (window side).  We meet on Sunday mornings in the "other" Fellowship Hall window room.
 
 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 23

Study:             Chapters 6, 7 and 8, Occupy the Bible: What Jesus Really Said (and Did) About Money and Power,  by SusanThistlethwaite.                       

Leader:            Mary Ellen

Devotional:    Nancy

November 30

Study:                      Chapters 9 and 10

This means we would conclude this study by the end of November and will need to find a new study.  We will probably need to find a short study for December and begin a new study in January. We still have the list of books we are working from.

 

 
  Questions? Contact Jackie and George Dominick.
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

11:00am to 12:00pm (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

9:45pm to 10:50pm (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. 

CHILDREN'S OUR WHOLE LIVES

We are offering an eight-week sexuality education course for 4th and 5th grade children. This age appropriate, excellent class will occur during the 9:30 Sunday school hour this winter. We are planning to have the parent orientation for this Children's OWL class on January 11 at 9:30am. The children's OWL class occurs from Jan. 25 to Mar 15 or 22, 9:30 to 11:00am each Sunday. For more information or to sign up, contact Rev. Ginnie.
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. 

Gatherings


Rev. Michael will lead the last of the Autumn Soul Stretch Series on Wednesday, Nov. 26 (5:45pm to 7:00pm).  The evening will open will centered breathing, a few minutes of gentle mindful movement (accessible to all), and will feature an extended period of guided meditation.

 

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

ADVENT REFLECTION TIME Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 6:00 - 7:30pm

On three Wednesdays in December, we will have soup and bread for supper beginning at 6:00PM. From 6:30 to 7:30pm, we will reflect on the Advent Scriptures in conversation and in art. A resource for the season is Travel the Highways of Advent by Stan Purdum, Abingdon Press. RSVP to Rev. Ginnie or Michelle Holtmann.
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.

DECEMBER FOG 

Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:00pm

Paula and Erik Emde will host December Fellowship of the Grape (FOG) Saturday, December 6th 7pm. Paula and Erik have chosen Malbec, from any state or region (U.S: California, Oregon, Washington State, etc; Argentina; Chile; France; etc.) as their selection for the month.     Any and all  appetizers or dishes, desserts or snacks to share that will pair with Malbec wines 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: December 6th 2014 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Paula.  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.

 POINSETTIAS & ADVENT MISSION PROJECT: Order due Mon, Dec 8

On December 14, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, the sanctuary will be decorated with poinsettias given in memory or in honor of family members and friends. This year's Advent Mission Project will go toward the maintenance of our church bus. The bus is an integral part of our various out-reach activities including our prison ministry, summer mission projects, and monthly youth events. To purchase a poinsettia and/or make a donation toward the Advent Mission Project, please complete this form and return with your check (payable to Central Congregational UCC), no later than Monday, December 8. An acknowledgement will be placed in the bulletin on the 4th Sunday of Advent.

Youth Fellowship

Saturday, December 13

4:00PM to 8:00pm (Kitchen and Room 202)

 In preparation for our Second Sunday Luncheon on Sunday, Dec 14 our middle and high school youth will spend some time helping Monica Baroi prep food in the kitchen on the evening of Saturday, Dec 13. After that we will head downstairs to watch National Lampoon's Christmas vacation and eat pizza. We will have some Christmas cookies to decorate. Wear your best ugly Christmas sweater and come have some fun!

LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE Sat., December 13, 8:00-10:00pm, Fellowship Hall

Since 1984, Lena's Place Coffeehouse is a monthly opportunity to experience an eclectic mix of acoustic artists in a coffeehouse atmosphere. Lena's Place doors open at 7:30; music starts at 8:00 p.m. with Atlanta Bluegrass Allstars aka the Sonny Houston Band. An Open Mic and Holiday Celebration begins at 9:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00 - cookies, brownies, coffee and tea are available. All donations benefit the Interfaith Children's Movement of Atlanta.

ADVENT EVENT & LUNCHEON  

Sunday, Dec.14, 12:00 - 2:00PM, Fellowship Hall

All are invited to share in a delicious Bengali Luncheon hosted by Monica Baroi and the youth. The CE Board is hosting and a time to make holiday crafts - cookie decorating, angel photos, and more. It's a fun event for all ages. All are welcome. All donations for the luncheon go to Youth Missions.

SALT SHAKERS

Interested in getting to know Central folks in a more casual atmosphere? If so, join us for Salt Shaker. On January 24, February 28, March 28 ( 4th Saturday evenings). Groups of 8 or so will meet at our homes and share a pot luck dinner. Each month, the group will be mixed , so that you meet a different group of people each month. If you want to participate ( and if you are available to host), email Laura Winebarger.

Community Needs
Treasurer's Report

July- October 2014

 

We are pleased to announce that we received a gift of $50,000 during October which is included now as pledge income.  We may use some or all of this undesignated gift toward decreasing the amount owed on the mortgage, balancing our accounts, or providing much-needed support for maintenance and repairs.  This gift is tremendously appreciated.

 

Our bank balance at the end of October 2014 is $190,361 and our total endowment balance is $647,771.  We have $23,007 in the fund for Children and youth, $14,945 in the music fund, $9,352 in Plymouth Harbor reserves, and $31,154 in the Theology Project fund.  We have $32,015 in the preschool 2013/2014 fund and $16,000 in the preschool 2014/2015 fund.  The total of our designated funds is $171,589.  Our mortgage amount owed is now down to $93,123.

 

For the four month period (July-October, 33.3% of our fiscal year) our pledge income is $174,967 (42.3% of budgeted amount for the year).  Without the extra $50,000 we would have pledge income of $124,967 (30.2% of budgeted amount for the year).  Plymouth Harbor income is $42,318 (32.9%).  Total income is $252,861 (39.4%).  Without the extra $50,000 total income would be $202,861 (31.6%).

 

For the same period, total staff expenses were $108,727 (34.8%) and building and maintenance costs were $13,012 (26.6%) (much less than last year this time).  Plymouth Harbor expenses were $33,517 (28.4%) and are $8,801 less than Plymouth Income for this four month period (Congratulations to Plymouth Harbor director and assistants).  Our total expenses were $208,769 (32.6%).

 

Including the extra $50,000 donation, we have a surplus of $44,092 for this four month period.  Without the extra $50,000 donation we have a deficit of $5,908

 

Please continue your generous support.  There are many reasons to express our gratitude during the Holiday season, with contributions toward our regular operating expenses as well as contributions toward paying off our mortgage.

 

Please contact Ronald Joyner (click here) if you have any questions or comments on our financial position.

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.
 Montclair Elementary School

Montclair Elementary School has asked for our help in collecting size 6-10 children's uniform pants. Please ensure that they are either khaki or navy blue. You can place these items in the donation bin outside the sanctuary marked "Montclair Donations". The staff and students of MES have expressed overwhelming gratitude toward our presence and support. 

  

Central UCC has purchased 20 Kroger gift cards, valued at $25.00 a piece for the families of Montclair Elementary School. These cards will be part of our Thanksgiving baskets, which will include information about Toco Hills Community Food Alliance, where the families will be able to get more food and assistance over the holiday break. If you would like to donate toward these baskets please visit the MES table at this Sunday's Alternative Gift Market or designate your weekly pledge towards brightening this special holiday for a family in need. Questions? Contact: Lacey 

 

SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO TOCO HILLS COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

In 2015 THCA hope to move to a client choice model.  This means that instead of just being handed food, and taking what they get, clients will choose what they want.  This approach treats people with dignity and cuts down on food waste.  In order to do this efficiently we need 6 sets of shelves.  Each shelving unit costs $112.  You are invited to purchase one in honor of a family member or friend, or merely as a tax deductable contribution. Make your check payable to THCA and put "shelves" in the memo line.   uestions?  Email  at Mary Louise Wilson Come by and see how god uses your generosity! 

COLLECTING NOW FOR OUR MEDIA SALE

We are now starting to collect your used books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and other media for our week long sale in January. This is a great way to support our youth summer missions and out-reach opportunities. We have been able to raise a significant amount of money in years past and we need your support again this year! Please contact Lacey for drop-offs and pick-ups. 

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. Homemade goodies are welcome but we are trying to keep this simple so that we have refreshments every Sunday. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board next to the nursery. Thank you.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

If you would like to offer flowers for the Sanctuary on a particular Sunday, please sign up on the bulletin board across from the main restrooms just outside the CE wing. You may also contact Charlotte ([email protected]) at the church office to sign up.