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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Worship: Sunday, Jan 11
Potluck Luncheon: Jan 11
Catherine Johnson Memorial: Jan 11
Conversations about Jesus
Sacred Journeys
Practical Theology
Parent Orientation: Children's OWL
January Inquirers Class: Jan 11, 18 & 25
3rd to 5th Grade Sunday School
Pre-School Sunday School
K to 2nd Grade Sunday School
Children's Music
Youth Service Day 1/10
Sacred Spirit Gatherings
Young Adults Potluck 1/29
Salt Shakers 2015
Fellowship of the Grape 2/7
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
Media Sale Jan 24-Feb 1
Re-gifting for PH
Desserts for Plymouth Harbor
Plastic Bags for Toco Hills
Clothes Needed
Cold weather, please donate
Office Volunteers
 
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
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, January
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of Jesus 
 
Communion at 8:30am, Service of Word with Sanctuary Choir at 11:00am
Rev. Ginnie, preaching
Pericope:  Mark 1:4-11 
Full Lectionary Readings: click here

WORSHIP NOTES  
Jesus was baptised by water and the Holy Spirit in the waters of the Jordan. Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible gift. In baptism, we covenant with God who is love. Each of us, Christian or not, is a beloved child of God. In baptism, we covenant to live our life in the grace of that love
and to share that love with others.

POTLUCK LUNCHEON: 

Sunday, January 11, 12:15pm

The Trustees will be sponsoring a potluck luncheon this Sunday. They will provide a meat course. Please bring sides and deserts. All donations will go toward a buildings and grounds project.


 

Catherine Johnson Memorial
Sunday, January 11 at 4:00pm

Catherine Johnson, Central's longest-termed member, died on Saturday, December 20.  Her memorial service will be Sunday, January 11 at 4:00pm in the sanctuary.

You may read her obituary by clicking here.
Adult Spiritual Formation

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT JESUS (cont.):  

Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 204)

LtQ Series: Countering Pharaoh's  

Production-Consumption Society Today

 

"It is a journey from slavery to covenant that we keep making over and over again... [because] Pharaoh has immense power always to draw us back into slavery." (Walter Brueggemann) This five-session Living the Questions (LtQ) DVD series comes with a warning: "This program may be hazardous to your church, society and the American way of life, and could potentially help restore the meaning of covenant." Come ready for a discussion that will challenge and point toward freedom at the same time. Questions? Contact Sally Harrell.

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.
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.   

 

 

January 11th

Study: Ecclesiastes/A Listen Up Bible Study, Section 3, Chapters 4:9 - 6:12,

          "The Key to Life is in Low Expectations."

Leader: Nancy

Devotional: Marion

                   

*Sometimes considered the most curmudgeonly and cynical of all the books of the Bible, Ecclesiastes is also praised for telling it like it is. It addresses eternal problems that have always troubled human society: the problem of pain, the fruitlessness of overwork, the vanity of ambition, the age of anxiety,the fear of death and being forgotten. Ecclesiastes reminds us that these are not 21st century problems. This book of wisdom also reminds us that the great joys in life are fairly simple: snuggling under the covers, having close friends and/or a sweetheart, sunlight, rest, eating good food and drinking good wine, and a good days' work. It offers soothing certainty about what it means to, enjoy the good

life: waiting, expecting, with open arms, to receive day by day the good things that come from God.

This study is divided into four sections:

Chapters 1-2 - Vapor of Vapors: Everything Evaporates

Chapters 3:1-4:8 - A Time for Everything

Chapters 4:9-6:12 - The Key to Life is in Low Expectations

Chapters 7-12 - Time and Chance Happen to All

 

January 18th

Study: Ecclesiastes/A Listen Up Bible Study, Section 4, Chapters 7 - 12,

           "Time and Chance Happen to All." 

 

Questions? Contact Jackie and 
PARENT ORIENTATION FOR CHILDREN'S OUR WHOLE LIVES:
Sunday, January 11, 9:30am

We will be teaching 4th and 5th graders, Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education during January to March. There is a required parent orientation on Sunday, January 11 at 9:30am. The Our Whole Lives (OWL) values include: Self Worth, Sexual Health, Responsibility, and Justice and Inclusivity. In eight one-hour workshops, OWL models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. It helps children in Grades 4-5 understand the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Participants explore values, communication and decision-making, as well as physical health and development. Please pre-register your child with Rev. Ginnie. 

INQUIRERS CLASS:  

Jan. 11, 18 & 25, 9:45-10:30am

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

 

Children and Youth

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

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.
Gatherings

Youth Service Day  

with Trees Atlanta

Adults are Welcome!

Saturday, January 10 from 8:30am-1:30pm

We will meet at the church and head down to the Kirkwood Neighborhood to help plant native trees in the city park. Trees ATL is dedicated to protecting Atlanta's Urban forest through planting, conservation, and education. They have been making sure Atlanta stays green since 1985. This event is open to all who want to join. For more information, contact Rev. Lacey


LENA'S PLACE COFFEE HOUSE 
OUR 31st ANNIVERSARY:  

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

On second Saturdays, Lena's Place Coffeehouse brings an eclectic mix of acoustic artists to Central UCC. In January, we have our Annual Bob'n'Beatles Blowout Bash featuring: Bob Bakert, Chuck Henderson, Cameron Morrison Kane, Mike Cerra, Celia McDermott, Jeff Bernstein, Harmon Koeltz, Laura Monk, and many other performers. All donations ($5 is suggested) benefit local charities. On January 10, the Charity is the Lena Werking Fund.  

SACRED SPIRIT GATHERINGS: Epiphany Series


 

Sacred Spirit Gatherings are opportunities to explore and deepen embodied spiritual practice with Rev. Michael and a community of others during a liturgical season.  The "Epiphany Series" is a great place to start if you are new to the practice; attention will be given to "beginning."  Each class is deeply rooted in mindfulness practices; the "movement" portion changes.  RSVP for Tuesday and Wednesday nights are required (or for more info): Rev. Michael.

 

Spirit Stillness-Epiphany: 

Mon 6:30pm to 7:00 

Jan 12 & 26 and Feb 9 & 16

Mindfulness practices of meditation and centered breathing.  Cost: donation only.


 

Spirit Flow-Epiphany:  

Tue 7:00pm to 8:15:  

Jan 13, 27 and Feb 3 and 10

Mindfulness practices of meditation, centered breathing and flow yoga

Cost: $12/session or $50/series (scholarships available) 

 

Spirit Stretch-Epiphany:  

Wed 5:45pm to 7:00

Jan 14, 21, 28 and Feb 4 and 11

Mindfulness practices of meditation, centered breathing and gentle movement. 

Cost:  $12/session or $60/series (scholarships available)


 


 

 

Young Adults Potluck

Thursday, January 29 7:00pm-9:30pm

We will hang out, eat some good food, and have a meaningful conversation about what is moving us in 2015. Lacey will have a big pot of soup and some delicious, fresh bread. Please bring something to share. Friends are welcome! Please RSVP to Lacey for more details and directions.

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.

FEBRUARY FOG

Sat. Feb. 7, 7:00pm

 

Warren and Lee Culpepper will host February FOG on Saturday, February 7th at 7:00 PM. This month, no one should bring their own bottle. Rather, the Culpeppers will provide a selection of red Bordeaux style wines from California, France, Chile, and Italy. In exchange for the hosts providing the wine, guests should make a  tax-deductible donation to Central for an amount equal to what they would normally have spent if they had brought their own bottle. Any and all appetizers or dishes, desserts or snacks to share that will pair with full-bodied red wines will also 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! Event Details: February 7, 2014 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to Warren via email at Warren Culpepper.  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."

Community Needs

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. 

Media Sale
January 24 - February 1, 2015
Do you have lots of old books lying around your house? Are your shelves cluttered with old magazines and DVDs? We want them! Each winter the youth host a media sale in the commons to raise money for youth missions. Please contact  Rev. Lacey if you would like to donate, or simply bring them to the church office anytime (Monday-Friday 9am-3pm). We need people to help set up the sale on Saturday, Jan 24 at 3:00pm. Please RSVP to Lacey.
RE-GIFTING - Plymouth Harbor

Plymouth Harbor participants love to play bingo and win prizes!  What a great way to rid your gifts you do not like or items you were planning on giving up. Please bring to the church with labels! 
 
Plymouth Harbor 
Please Donate Desserts
 
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.  Brownies, Christmas Cookies, Fruit Cake!!!!!  Sure, Plymouth Harbor would greatly appreciate it!  Please label and place any donations in the Plymouth Harbor fridge.

PLASTIC BAGS FOR TOCO HILLS

Toco Hills Community Alliance needs your plastic grocery and shopping bags!  They get used up pretty quickly.  Please, please bring them on a continual basis and place in bins in the Narthex.    Thanks!!

 

Clothes Needed
for South Georgia Trip
It's not too early to start collecting clothes for our south Georgia trip in June. Each year, we head to Valdosta, along with the Emory Physician's Assistant Program, to help with the South Georgia Farm Workers Health Project. We are now collecting men's long pants, long sleeved shirts, socks, hats, used sun-glasses, and men's work shoes. If you don't have any of these things but would like to contribute please consider going to a local thrift store to purchase these items. Email  Rev. Lacey for details or donation questions.

COLD WEATHER, PLEASE DONATE BLANKETS AND WATER

 

URGENT: Cold, winter weather will bring freezing temperatures to Atlanta, heightening the dangerous conditions for the men, women and children of our city who have no shelter.  The Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless needs your help to provide blankets and bottled water for the hundreds who are expected to come to the Peachtree-Pine facility.   Please bring your donations between the hours of 8am-8pm to the Pine St entrance where volunteers wearing yellow security vests will accept the items. Financial donations can also be made. Visit the website Atlanta Task Force For Homeless.   

Office Volunteers
 
We are looking for folks to sign up to watch the office (answer phones, collect the mail, assist members) while vacation time is taken or away on a doctor's appointment.  Please email Charlotte Shirley to let her know if you are interested in being put on the 'Office Volunteer Call List'.  Thank you!