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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Worship: Sunday, Jan 25
Conversations about Jesus
Sacred Journeys
Article Title
Pre-School Sunday School
K to 2nd Grade Sunday School
Children's Music
Youth Trip Feb 14
Sacred Spirit Gatherings
The Gift Jan 27
Young Adults Potluck 1/29
Fellowship of the Grape 2/7
Directory Make Up Feb 8
Marlowe's Feb 22
Women's Daytime Book Group Feb 26
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
Media Sale Jan 24-Feb 1
Re-gifting for PH
Desserts for Plymouth Harbor
Plastic Bags for Toco Hills
Clothes Needed
Office Volunteers
Pastoral Relations
 
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Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
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Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, January 25, 2015
Third Sunday after Epiphany
 


 

Communion at 8:30am 
Service of Word with Sanctuary Choir at 11:00am

Rev. Lacey and youth, preaching
Pericope:  Isaiah 43:1-7 
Full Lectionary Readings: click here

WORSHIP NOTES  
165 youth from 16 churches in both the Southeast and Southern Conferences of the UCC descended on Blowing Rock Conference Center this past weekend for the annual UCC Winter Youth Retreat. It was a packed weekend full of music, laughter, fellowship, skiing, and service projects. Our morning and evening worship sessions were led by Lost and Found, a dynamic, fast paced musical duo who have been playing youth conferences for over 25 years. Central's youth had the opportunity to not only meet new friends but to glimpse a vision of the wider church and how each of us contribute our individual stories to God's story. Come hear about our experience this Sunday at 11:00am worship! 

THANK YOU, GREGG

Join us for a reception following the 11am worship. 
We are honoring Gregg Tomlinson! We very much appreciate his work and talentshared with us as our supply organist over the past few months. 
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 25th
We will spend this Sunday Finalizing our next study
 

 

 

February 1st

We will begin our new study.

                   

*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

 

 

 

Questions? Contact Jackie and 

GREAT DECISIONS
Sundays, Jan 25-Mar 15, 9:30am-10:45 (WR 2)

This eight-week series provides a forum for challenging conversations on world issues. No preparation is needed. The Great Decisions briefing book highlights eight current foreign policy challenges. The book cost is $25. RSVP to Mary Ellen Myers.


Children 
3rd to 5th Grades through March 22
4th and 5th Graders pre-registered for the sexuality education course will meet each Sunday through March 22 from 9:30am to 10:45am. On Sunday, February, 15, there will be no OWL class. 3rd to 5th Grade children not in this class are welcome in childcare from 9:30 to 11:00am.There will still be children's music for 1st to 5th grades from 12:00-12:30pm each Sunday.

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.
Youth
Youth trip to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Saturday, February 14- 9:00am-1:00pm 
Please gather at the church by 9am. Admission is $10/person. Please plan on bringing a little extra money for lunch. I am in need a volunteer chaperone for this event. Please contact Lacey if interested!
Gatherings
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 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 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 28 and Feb 4 and 11

Mindfulness practices of meditation, centered breathing and gentle movement. 

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

  

  

 

The Gift of Preparedness: 
Tues. Jan. 27th 9am until noon

 

Sixty Plus at Piedmont is presenting an educational program, "The Gift of Preparedness: the importance of end-of-life planning," on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 from 9 to noon.  Fee is $25 -- parking, refreshments and materials provided.  REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  Email  Anitaann Richards.   This is a comprehensive workshop designed to assist you with putting your personal affairs and final wishes in order before a life-changing event occurs.


 

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.

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."


PICTORAL DIRECTORY MAKE-UP DATE

February 8th
The make-up date to get your photo taken and be added to our new Central Photo Directory.We are missing many of you.  Please come on February 8th from 9:30-11 and 12-12:30 in the Commons

 

JOIN US AT MARLOWE'S:  

Sunday, February 22nd 12:45 pm

 

Come join us in the celebration of our hard of hearing and deaf community at a buffet brunch and auction, February 22nd, 2015 at Marlowe's Restaurant in the Doubletree Inn at Northlake Mall following the 11:00 am service, approximately 12:45.  We will begin taking reservations on February 1st at 9:30am and for the next two Sundays (Feb. 8th & 15th).  The cost of the buffet is $28.00 which includes brunch, beverages (non-alcoholic), gratuity and a $10 donation to aid in the service of our Sunday signers.  Proceeds from the auction will also be added to the fund.  The auction will consist of paintings by Elsie Dresch and Steve Siminski.  Questions?  Please contact Lesley MacFarlane.

 

Women's Daytime Book Group: Reading Biography and Memoir. 

The next gathering is Thursday, February 26 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room.  Each will read a biography, autobiography, or memoir of her own choosing.  Read and attend as you can; no commitment.  This is always an inspiring circle and provocative conversation. Send an e-mail to Geneva Benoit if you would like to be on the group's email list: [email protected]

 

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 Set Up
Saturday, January 24 at 3:00pm
We need your help setting up our Media Sale this Saturday afternoon. We will set up tables in the commons and sort all of our donations by category. The sale will continue throughout the week until Sunday, February 1 after worship. Please RSVP with Lacey if you think you can help.  
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!

Pastoral Relations Committee

"Speak to One Another," says the Shaker hymn. Face-to-face communication is always best.  Healthy, established channels are important, too.  At Central, a Pastoral Relations Committee, appointed by the Church Council, meets regularly with clergy. The sessions are informal and confidential, with no minutes taken.  Committee members' primary responsibility is to listen to clergy and also listen to members' feedback concerning the life and work of the church. PRC members currently serving are: Charlie Ballance, Geneva Benoit, Susan Jackson, Maureen Shelton, and Bob Watson. Contact information for clergy and PRC members is in the church directory.