IN THIS ISSUE

Worship: Sunday, Feb 8

Directory Make Up Feb 8

Conversations about Jesus

Pre-School Sunday School

Women's Daytime Book Group Feb 26

Interested?

Ongoing Outreach Ministries

Re-gifting for PH

Desserts for Plymouth Harbor

Plastic Bags for Toco Hills

Clothes Needed

Cold Weather Donations

Phone

Office Phone:

404-633-4505

24-hour Pastoral Care:

678-672-7637

Join our Email List

Email Links

Church Office

Update Parish Concerns

Rev. Michael

Senior Minister

Rev. Ginnie

Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Plymouth Harbor

Older Adult Day Program

Email Links

Church Office

Update Parish Concerns

Rev. Michael

Senior Minister

Rev. Ginnie

Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Plymouth Harbor

Older Adult Day Program

Central Social Media

Table Talk on Facebook:

Senior Minister's
Social Media

Blog:

Where Heart & Mind Meet

United Church of Christ

Southeast Conference

United Church of Christ

UCC Daily Devotional

UCC E-News (KYP)

UCC Calendar of Prayer

Church World Service

Sunday, February 8, 2015
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Rev. Michael, preaching
Pericope: Isaiah 40:21-31
Lectionary Readings: Click here to read them
See note below about "Pictorial Directory"
Luncheon follows worship (see note below)

WORSHIP NOTES

Recently I carelessly and significantly scraped my index finger; it took a few weeks to fully heal. In the early days of the repair process, I applied a bit of balm to it right before sitting for my meditation session; during my sit I was aware that my body was turning the spinach salad I had for lunch into new finger skin-the spinach was becoming me. I also considered the journey of the spinach before I collected it from Whole Foods: sun, soil, rain, laboring hands, trains, planes (plains) and automobiles. Now my journey joined that of the spinach-it's story became part of my body. I felt so small and large at the same time as I sat on my meditation cushion; mostly, I felt a connection, through my wounded finger, to something far beyond me and intimately a part of me.

I don't usually title sermons; but if I did, this Sunday would be "Stardust, Spinach and Stephen Hawking." If you've not seen it yet, consider viewing the film "The Theory of Everything;" watch an episode or two of "Cosmos" on Netflix. Spend time deeply breathing, look in awe at the moon, go for a walk in the Central woods among the beech trees... consider your spinach salad.

Science and faith complement each other (and should compliment one another as well). Both make space for awe and mystery; both are a path to understanding and interacting with the Divine. They can increase our sense of connection to all things, the intersection of our journeys. Our hymns and liturgy for Sunday will give voice to this sacred awareness.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

MAKE-UP DATE

Sunday, February 8 (The Commons)

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.

LUNCHEON SUNDAY

Sunday, February 8, 12:15pm (Fellowship Hall)

Please join us today following 11:00am worship for a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Plymouth Harbor is sponsoring and will provide hotdogs (veggie, too)! There will be a dessert cake to welcome Ben Leaptrott, our new organist. Please bring a side dish or salad to share. Otherwise, just come join us! There is always plenty.

Adult Spiritual Formation

CONVERSATIONS

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, where the discussion might be inspired one week by a poem, another by an excerpt from a book, a film clip, or an audio tape. We close the door to create a quiet space but you are welcome anytime. Come on in.

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?

STUDY SCHEDULE THROUGH 4/19/2015:

Study: Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial

Rabbi by Amy-Jill Levine

"In this wise, entertaining, and educational book, Amy-Jill Levine offers a fresh, timely reinterpretation of Jesus' narratives. In Short Stories by Jesus, she analyzes these "problems with parables," taking readers back in time to understand how their original Jewish audience understood them. Levine reveals the parables' connections to first-century economic and agricultural life, social customs and morality, Jewish scriptures and Roman culture."

Available from Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com

2/8, Chapter 1 -- "Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son"

Leader: Warren

Devotional: Pat

2/15, Chapter 2 -- "The Good Samaritan"

Leader: Nancy

Devotional: Pat

Questions? Contact Jackie and George Dominick.

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

CAMP BEECH GROVE

(Full day sessions)
June 1 to July 10, 9am-4pm

Camp Beech Grove is Central UCC's summer day camp for children 5-8 years old with six one-week sessions. During the week of June 8 to 12, we will also have 4^th and 5^th grade campers. We welcome children who want to connect with each other and nature. The children will have an opportunity to experience the sacredness of all people, plants and animals. We'll hear sacred stories, do yoga, sing, dig in the dirt, have hands-on nature and science activities, play, and learn the ways of compassionate communication. For more information, please contact Rev. Ginnie. A downloadable flyer and application can be found on the church website.

3rd to 5th GRADES THRU MARCH 22

3rd Graders are welcome in childcare until March 29 when Godly Play will resume. 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 TO 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 1^st to 5^th 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 ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY

Sunday, Feb 8- NO youth worship

Saturday, Feb 14- Trip to National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Please RSVP (See separate article below)

Sunday, Feb 15- Normal youth worship schedule 9:30am-10:45am (Room 102)

Wednesday, Feb 18- Congregational Pancake Supper. Please RSVP- Youth are cooking a pancake dinner starting at 5:00pm. Congregation will be served at 6:00pm and the service will begin at 7:00pm. I would love some parent volunteers for this event!

Sunday, Feb 22- (First Sunday in Lent) We will begin confirmation class from 9:30am-10:45am. Confirmation class will go for about 10 weeks. For youth who have completed confirmation, this is your Sunday morning time also. There is always more to learn and share together.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Rev. Lacey.

YOUTH TRIP

NATIONAL CENTER

FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Saturday, February 14- 9:00am-1:00pm

This new engaging cultural attraction opened up last year and is located in downtown Atlanta. The Center's goal is to connect the American Civil Rights Movement to today's Global Human Right's Movement. This will be a great experience for our youth. Please gather at the church by 9am. Admission is $10/person. Please plan on bringing a little extra money for lunch.

Gatherings

FEBRUARY FOG

Sat. Feb. 7, 7:00pm

Warren and Lee Culpepper will host February FOG on Saturday, February 7^th 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."

LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE

Sat. Feb. 14, 7:30-10:00pm (Fellowship Hall)

On second Saturdays, Lena's Place Coffeehouse brings an eclectic mix of acoustic artists to Central UCC. Lena's is staffed by volunteers who love (and, in some cases, play) music. All donations ($5 is suggested) benefit Central's "Lena Werking Fund" for local charities. On February 14, the charity is Decatur Cooperative Ministry.

8:00pm, The Now & Then Band: Acoustic entertaining with a toe-tapping blend of familiar, sing-along Americana, bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, original, & rock tunes. Bill Long, Sally Stites, Clyde Beck (Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Honorees) and Russell Sagon entertain with an acoustic set of familiar tunes that encourage their audiences to sing along and lift their spirits. Their original tunes bring the spirit of Americana to their shows. Family-friendly jokes, light humor, and tidbits of music history are a fun time for everyone.

9:00, Amy BeVille: Amy BeVille is a singer/songwriter originally from Signal Mountain, Tennessee. She has played venues from Austin to Nashville, and is known for her lyrics and expressive vocals. Amy has been affectionately coined "our favorite girl guitar player." She has played with musicians such as Vassar Clements, David Allan Coe, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and others. A recording artist who focuses on natural acoustic sound, Amy is currently in the studio recording her original material for her next CD.

Wednesday, February 18
Youth Prep for Dinner: 5:00pm

CONGREGATIONAL PANCAKE DINNER 6:00pm
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP
7:00pm

Yes, believe it or not, Lent is upon us! The youth will gather in the kitchen at 5:00pm to make pancakes for the congregation. Dinner will be served at 6:00pm in Fellowship Hall and the service will start at 7:00pm. Please contact Lacey if you would like to help out with this fun event.

JOIN US AT MARLOWE'S:

Sunday, February 22^nd 12:45 pm

Come join us in the celebration of our hard of hearing and deaf community at a buffet brunch and auction, February 22^nd, 2015 at Marlowe's Restaurant in the Doubletree Inn, LaVista Road, following the 11:00 am service, approximately 12:45. We will begin taking reservations on February 1^st at 9:30am and for the next two Sundays (Feb. 8^th & 15^th). 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.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS DURING LENT

Feb 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, 5:30-7:00 pm

Join us for five Wednesday Night Dinners during the season of Lent, starting on Wednesday February 25. Rev. Ginnie and Rev. Lacey will provide a meal and a fun activity. These dinners are designed to be a welcoming time of social interaction and intergenerational connection. If you have an activity idea that you would like to offer or if you would like to provide food, please contact Rev. Ginnie. On Wednesday, February 18, the youth will provide a Pancake Supper at 6:00 pm which will precede the 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service. All are welcome!

WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOKGROUP

Reading Biography and Memoir.

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: neve44@bellsouth.net

SEEKING INITIAL INTEREST

The Pastoral Staff had a "big planning-big picture day" this week and three ideas/opportunities were expressed. Before we invest any time in moving these "ideas" into "opportunities," we want to know if there is any "interest" (not asking for "intent" at this time). If you have any interest in any of these ideas below, please send an email to Rev. Michael; if at least 8 people express interest, we'll explore the possibilities of putting a program together. These are very malleable ideas, so thoughts are welcome:

Fall 2015 Retreat (September or October) at a retreat center or Georgia State Park
Fall 2015 "Civil Rights Pilgrimage" (October) at "long weekend" trip to sacred sights in Alabama
Spring 2016 Pilgrimage to Israel (probably May) with a "progressive Christianity" perspective (readings from Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan).

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 .

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

DESERT DONATIONS NEEDED

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. Thank you!!!

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 GA FARMWORKERS

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.

Beyond Central

ATLANTA INTERFAITH SISTERS

Monday, February 9 at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Rd. NE. 6:30 gathering (bringing own supper); program 7:00-8-30 on "Mormonism". Join us for a rich time of sharing, learning and sisterhood.