Sunday, December 14, 2014

Third Sunday of Advent

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, Pat Huey, 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.

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

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.

CHRISTMAS FUND OFFERING:  

A UCC SPECIAL MISSION OFFERING

Many clergy and lay employees of the UCC worked without benefits or with very little pension. The Christmas fund helps provide pension and health premium supplementation to lower-income retired church workers, emergency assistance to clergy or lay church employees in need, and Christmas "Thank you" gift checks to hundreds of annuitants. If you would like to give to this fund, please make your check to "Central UCC" and put in the memo: The UCC Christmas Fund. Thank you.

Conversations about Jesus 

9:30 AM, Window Room 2, Fellowship Hall 

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.

 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.

Godly Play, 3rd - 5th Grades

9:30am to 11:00am 

The 3rd to 5th Grade Sunday School will be exploring the New Testament all year. We will still hear the stories as in Godly Play then we will have time for art, exploration or even discussion. Sometimes our activities will be from a Lutheran curriculum called "Connect" which is especially developed for tweens. After the response to the story, the children will have an Agape Meal, prayers and sharing time. At the time of dismissal, we like to take time to give a blessing to each child.

9:30am   Children gather in Rm 201.
9:45am   Door person brings children to Rm 207

9:45-10:50am     Godly Play is in Room 208

10:50am             Return to childcare in Room 201

11:00am              Worship

12:00-12:30pm    Children's music in Room 209

Pre-school Sunday School

11:00am to 12:00pm (Rm 205)

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.

8:30-12:15 Childcare available, Rm 201 

11:00-12:00 Sunday school, Rm 205 

Parents may pick up their children in Childcare at the end of church.

Godly Play, K - 2nd Grades

Please take your child to Room 201

Class in Room 207 from 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM

We will be telling the stories of Advent, the Holy Family and the Mystery of Christmas during December. The Godly Play approach helps children to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play.

11:00am The children remain in Rm 201

11:10am The Children are brought to Rm 207 for Godly Play.  

11:50pm Children return to Rm 201

12:00-12:30pm Children's Music, Rm 209

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION IN ADVENT

TABLE TALK

Tuesday, December 16, 6:30pm to 8:30 

(off campus)

Hosted at the gracious dining room table of Joan and Bill Harrison and facilitated by Rev. Michael, 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.  Conversation will certainly center on Advent-Christmas this month.

ADVENT REFLECTION TIME Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:00 - 7:30pm

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.

INQUIRERS CLASS:  

Jan. 11, 18 & 25, 9:45-10:30am, 

 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" will be February 1. To register or for more information, email Rev. Michael.

January Fellowship of the Grape:  

Sat. Jan. 3^rd 7:00pm

 Jon Ritt will host January FOG Saturday, January 3rd 7pm. Jon has chosen Sauvignon Blanc (a.k.a., Fume Blanc) for the month. After all the heavy, hearty holiday foods and red wines, it's time to "lighten up"Any and all appetizers or dishes, desserts or snacks to share that will pair with Sauvignon Blanc 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.  You don't have to be a church member to attend and all are welcome! Event Details: January 3rd 2015 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to host by email at  Jon Ritt.  If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator  Robin Lee Fitch.  

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.