SPIRITUAL DIRECTION IN ADVENT

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

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.

HANGING OF THE GREENS

Saturday, December 6, 3:00pm to 5:00

 The Deacons invite you to join them in the Hanging of the Greens from 3:00 to 5:00.  We will be hanging garland and wreaths and decorating the Chrismon tree while sipping hot chocolate and munching on donuts and other treats.

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 Monday, December 8

On December 21, the 4th 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 send your check (payable to Central Congregational UCC), no later than Monday, December 8. 

December Circles

PRISCILLA CIRCLE: 

Wednesday December 10, 11:00am

We will be celebrating the season by meeting for lunch at Southbound restaurant.  Contact Martene Stansbery.

PILGRIM CIRCLE:  

Friday, December 12, time TBD

We will be celebrating at the Riley home Friday evening, time to be determined. Contact Mary Ellen Myers. 

Youth Fellowship

Saturday, December 13, 4:00PM to 8:00pm

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 Saturday, December 13, 8:00-10:00pm
 

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.

Third Sunday of Advent Special Events

Sunday, December 14

8:30 SERVICE

"Blue Christmas" and Communion

The candle for the morning is the light of Joy, but we know that many struggle during the season, for various reasons, to find that light on their path.  Attenders of this service are invited to bring a candle for the Communion Table (a votive is suggested and the Deacons will provide extra); in the midst of meditations, the candles will be lit before we celebrate a quiet Communion.  You are encouraged to then take your candle home as a centering support through Advent. 

11:00 SERVICE: Choral Service

Vivaldi's "Gloria"

This setting of the Gloria from the traditional Roman Catholic mass has been well-loved by choral singers for generations.  It tells the angels' story of "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to those of good will."  Sallie Anderson, Marlee Givens, Lorelei Cisne, and John Hoover will be soloists in this masterwork, which will be accompanied by a string quartet.   

12:00:  ADVENT EVENT AND LUNCHEON

All are invited to share in a delicious Bengali luncheon prepared by Monica Baroi and the youth. The CE Board is hosting 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.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Wednesday, December 24

5:00pm, 7:00pm & 11:00pm

Lessons and Carols with Communion & Candlelight

All Christmas Eve Services include Communion and a candlelight service.

5:00pm:  "Come to the Crèche:" a service specifically designed to be accessible to children.  Children AND adults are invited to come in a costume from the Christmas Eve story (costumes will also be available in the narthex). During the story, we will populate our manger on the chancel.

7:00pm: special music featuring Central's choir.

11:00pm: special music featuring solos and ensembles.