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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
 
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Office Phone: 
404-633-4505

24-hour Pastoral Care:

              678-672-7637


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Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
Email Links



Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, February 15, 2015
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
WORSHIP NOTES  

Transfiguration Sunday marks the end of our epiphany season. In our scripture, we go with Jesus and the disciples up the mountain to witness a miraculous transfiguration and affirmation. Many of us, including myself, have always wondered what to make of this curious story. What does it mean that Christ was lifted up, in radiant glory, before the prophets and the disciples? Should we treat it more significantly than we do, or is it just another mysterious event, folded in to the quickly turning pages of Mark's Gospel?


 

Like Peter, when we have transformative experiences we often want to linger there in that moment but God calls us out of that place and back into the world. We cannot remain there on the mountain, content with what we have experienced because there are still chapters left to go. Mark's transfiguration story beautifully reminds us once again that we do not go alone; God journeys back down the mountain along with us.

A Time for Prayer and Holding Close

As many of you know, Kelly Gissendaner, the death row inmate for whom we have been praying for so many years, has now been served a death warrant.  Her execution is scheduled for February 25.  Before that date, most likely on the 24th, many of us will appear before the Board of Pardons and Paroles and present to them the myriad reasons the state should spare Kelly's life.  We are hopeful that they will grant clemency which would mean that Kelly can live in what to her is the relative freedom of the general prison population.  In any case, her long 17 year sentence on death row is coming to an end.

I saw Kelly this week, and her spirits are good.  She's a strong, faith filled woman who handles this and all situations with dignity and good humor.  Part of what keeps her strong is her awareness of the support she has from SO many people, Central among the saints.  Please keep her in your prayers, and let's light up the halls of heaven with our joyous hope on February 24!

 

Blessings, Rev. Sally Purvis

Reception for Charlotte Shirley

The corrected time will be:

Sunday February 22, 10:30 -11:00am 

As many of you know, our beloved office manager Charlotte will be leaving Central. Her last day will be Wednesday, February 18. We are excited to see her transition to a position that is better for her family. Vanessa McCollum (who staffed us this summer) will be joining us on Monday (16 Feb)-as a regular employee. 


There will be a reception for Charlotte preceding worship on Sunday, February 22. We will have muffins and coffee in the Commons as we say good-bye and offer her our loving support. All are invited!

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.

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


For two weeks, Feb. 8 and 15, the conversation will consider two open and related questions: "Why go to church?" and "Why join a church?"  This is in a Christian context, but not specifically about Central; personal, but also global, given the decline of mainline denomination membership. All are welcome, if the door's closed, it's to subdue outside noise; please 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." 

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

                        Leader:                        Nancy

                        Devotional:                 Pat

2/22, Chapter 3 --  

"The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like Yeast"

                         Leader:                       Lee

                         Devotional:                 Nancy

 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 4th and 5th 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
through 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 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  

NATIONAL CENTER  

FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Saturday, February 14- 9:00am-1:00pm 
We have a great mix of adults and youth who have showed interest in going this Saturday! Please gather at the church by 9am. Admission is $10/person. Please plan on bringing a little extra money for lunch. 
YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY
 
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
Looking to Lent 2015

watch for a special E-News with more information early next week...

ASH WEDNESDAY

February 18, 6:00 PM - Fellowship Hall; 

7:00 PM - Sanctuary

 

The Advent-Christmas-Epiphany season closes with the celebration of Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday," also called "Shrove Tuesday") and the season of Lent-Easter-Pentecost opens with Ash Wednesday. On February 18, there will be a pancake supper sponsored by the youth at 6:00 PM followed by a 45-minute contemplative service at 7:00 PM.
During worship, communion, special prayers and the imposition of ashes will be offered. 

 

The youth will gather in the kitchen at 5:00pm to make pancakes for the congregation. Please contact Rev. Lacey if you would like to help.

SACRED SPIRIT GATHERINGS: 

MEDITATIONS IN MOTION AND STILLNESS

 

Rev. Michael will offer one more cycle of meditation & mindfulness in motion and stillness.  Spirit Flow involves more movement (flow yoga); Spirit Stretch is gentle and restorative.

 

Spirit Flow: Tuesdays 6:00pm to 7:15 

Feb 24, March 3 & 24 (only three dates)

Suggested donation: $12/session or $30/series - RSVP requested

 

Spirit Stretch: Wednesdays 5:30pm to 7:00

Feb 25, March 4, 11, 18 & 25

Suggested donation: $12/session or $50 series - RSVP requested

 

Please RSVP early to Rev. Michael.  Both sections require props (provided) and include journaling. 


 

  More information will be published next week...


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!

SERVICE FOR WHOLENESS & HEALING 

Sunday, March 8, 6:00pm


More information will be published next week...

 

TABLE TALK: 

Expands to Twice a Month (for 3 months)


Table Talk is a safe gathering around shared food (potluck) to discuss our theological musings, wonderings and questions.  No advanced reading or preparation is required, but an RSVP to the host home is helpful.

 

NEW! Culpepper home:  

Tuesdays, March 10, April 14 & May 12


 
Harrison home:  

Tuesdays, March 17, April 21 & May 19


 

SACRED SPIRIT GATHERINGS: VERNAL EQUINOX

Sunday, Mar 22, 7:00pm to 8:30


More information will be published next week..


 

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION IN LENT

Letting go can mean many things: renunciation, gifting, walking away, moving on. It can also mean rearranging the pieces to find freedom in the midst of chaos we can't control. The options are almost endless. If you want to explore this theme in depth or seek spiritual companionship for other questions/explorations, you can contact Central spiritual director, Rev. Sally Purvis for an appointment; fees are based upon ability to pay.
Other Events

JOIN US AT MARLOWE'S:  

Sunday, February 22nd 12:45 pm


Come one, come all to the fund raising buffet brunch for the Hard of Hearing and Deaf community at Central on February 22nd at Marlow's.

As I will be out of town this Sunday, Robin Huskey will gladly take your reservation or donation after the 8:30 and 11 o'clock services. Walk-ins will also be happily welcomed that Sunday. Come enjoy the food, camaraderie, and exciting auction of the Siminski/Dresch art collection. Any questions, call 770-938-0928 Lesley MacFarlane.

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: [email protected]
MARCH FOG:  
Saturday March 7th at 7pm

 

Sue Kahn will host March Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, March 7th at 7pm.  Sue has chosen prosecco as the wine selection:  a dry, sparking, white wine that is delicious and refreshing.  Sue will provide a variety of mixers as it is being used to make many interesting and delicious cocktails these day. Please bring any sweet or savory appetizer that will compliment prosecco.   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: March 7th 2015 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to host  Sue Kahn.  If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator RobinLee Fitch at Robin Lee Fitch  We look forward to seeing you at FOG.

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.