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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Worship: Sunday, Feb 22
Reception for Charlotte
Marlowe's Feb 22
A Time for Prayer...
Camp Beech Grove
Lent: Sacred Spirit Gatherings
Lent: Wed Night Dinners
Service for Wholeness & Healing: March 8
Table Talk Expands
Vernal Equinox Event: March 22
Spiritual Direction in Lent
Women's Daytime Book Group Feb 26
UCC Justice & Witness Workshop: Feb 28
Earth Topics
Fellowship of the Grape: March 7
Lena's Place: Mach 14
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
Plymouth Harbor Needs
Clothes Needed
Cold Weather Donations
Children's Music
Children's Sunday School
Youth Activities
Conversations about Jesus
Sacred Journeys
Practical Theology
Great Decisions
 
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
Email Links



Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, February 22, 2015
First Sunday in Lent  
WORSHIP NOTES  
There is a wholeness that can only be found in the wildness of the wilderness; there is nourishment that can only be drawn only from the deep desert wells.  Even if you are afraid of the journey, go there.  Go alone-go with others, the empty tomb is found on the other side.  Something will need to die for resurrection to come; but only then will the "alleluias" return.

 

...a sermon with mismatched cufflinks, the Dali Lama, and blessings for the first steps of our annual Lenten journey. 


 
Of all the wisdom traditions of the world (read that, perhaps, as "religions"), in my opinion, nothing carries the spiritual depth of carful observation of nature itself; in truth, many of our religious rites and ceremonies are based on natural, seasonal rhythms. Continue reading »




 

Reception for Charlotte Shirley

Sunday February 22, 10:30 -11:00am 

As many of you know, our beloved office manager Charlotte's last day was Wednesday, February 18. We support her in a transition to a position that is better for her family. Vanessa McCollum (who staffed us this summer) joined 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!

JOIN US AT MARLOWE'S:  

Sunday February 22, about 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 22 at Marlow's.

 

Walk-ins will also be happily welcomed on Sunday. Come enjoy the food, camaraderie, and exciting auction of the Siminski/Dresch art collection. Any questions, contact Lesley MacFarlane.

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 last 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
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.
Lent 2015

SACRED SPIRIT GATHERINGS: Meditations in Motion & Stillness


Rev. Michael will offer one more cycle of tending our sacred spirit.  BOTH offerings are embodied spiritual practice; BOTH are a practice of meditation and mindfulness-the method and amount of movement differ between Tuesday and Wednesday.

  

Spirit Flow: Tues 6:00pm to 7:15

Feb 24, Mar 3 & 24 (two weeks off for Table Talk)

Meditation and mindfulness in motion; yoga experience is not required-participants make the sequence for the evening their own and take cue from their own body.

Suggested donation: $12/session or $30/series - RSVP requested, not required.

  

                 

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

Feb 25, March 4, 11, 18 & 25

Most of us spend more time than we realize in "fight or flight;" it is hard to cultivate inner or outer peace from such a state.  This series will explore the spiritual path of "letting go" into stillness.  Bolsters and blankets will facilitate the practice; participants will be given a Moleskin journal to support their journey.

Suggested donation: $12/session or $50 series 

RSVP strongly requested so that adequate props/supplies are available.  

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.  All are welcome!

SERVICE FOR WHOLENESS & HEALING: 

Sun, Mar 8, 6:00pm


Wholeness and healing can manifest in so many different ways:  sometimes as the rage of resistance, at other times as the courage of acceptance.  When we pray for others, often we find that our own hearts and minds have been transformed; by holding others in Love and Light, we have moved closer, too.  On Sunday, March 8, as we make our way through Lent to Resurrection Sunday, we will gather for a Service of Wholeness and Healing.  Members of the clergy staff, joined by Revs Maureen and Sally, will support this special event.  This meditative service will include music, liturgy, shared prayers and private prayers. This is a theologically "open and safe" event; come as you are to give/receive prayers or just to share the energy of the service.  


 

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, March 22, 7:00pm to 8:30

  

The vernal (spring) equinox is one of the two days of the year when "the light and the darkness are balanced;" then the light overtakes the darkness for a season.  For this reason, we celebrate Easter and resurrection in the spring.


 

On Sunday, March 22, we will again gather around a fire (where there is fire, there must be s'mores).  The evening will start with a time of meditative movement (7:00pm to 7:30) and then we will gather around the fire in the gardens.  Participants who wish will have the opportunity to write something on a popsicle stick to be released or transformed by the fire and community.  An RSVP to Rev. Michael is helpful, but not required.  As with the Winter Solstice event, attendees are invited to participate in whatever portion is meaningful to them.


 
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.
Gatherings

WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOKGROUP 

Reading Biography and Memoir. 

Thursday, Feb. 26, 1:30pm in the Fireplace Rm.  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
UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries Workshop 
Sat. Feb. 28, 2015
Registration: 8:30 Workshop: 9:00 - 4:00 pm

You are invited to an Initiative of UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries, "Going Up River: Working For Systemic Change" - a Congregational Facilitators Training.
Location: Kirkwood UCC 2033 Hosea L Williams Drive Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30317 Cost: $10.00 (lunch included) 

This training is offered to support local church members - laity and clergy - who wish to infuse more faith-based justice conversations, education, skills and opportunities into their respective ministries and communities. REGISTER NOW

Join Rev. Peter Wells, a church consultant and social justice advocate, for this training. Peter currently serves as a consultant to the UCC's Justice & Witness Ministries. He recently served for 11 years as an Associate Conference Minister with the UCC Massachusetts Conference, and was the coordinator of the Conference's justice and witness programming.
EARTH TOPICS  
Monday, March 2, 6:30-8:00 pm 
The Living the Questions series, Painting the Stars invites us to wonder about the felt sense of belonging to a sacred and evolving cosmos. In March, we will talk about Session Two, "A Renaissance of Wonder", from Painting the Stars. In the second half of our time together, we will talk about some of the daily readings from the Ecumenical Lenten Carbon Fast. You may find it on Facebook or go to http://www.macucc.org/carbonfast. Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie.
FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE   
Saturday, March 7, 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.
LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE

Sat. March 14, 7:30-10:00pm (FH)

On second Saturdays, Lena's Place Coffeehouse brings an eclectic mix of acoustic artists to Central UCC. All donations ($5 is suggested) benefit Central's "Lena Werking Fund" for local charities. On March14, the charity is El Refugio. Performing at 8:00 pm is Louis Robinson and at 9:00 pm is Bob Bakert. For more information on our performers go to the Lena's Place website.
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!!!
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.   
Children 
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.

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

The class will hear stories about Jesus life and the seasonal stories of Lent and Easter over the coming weeks. 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

 

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.  4th and 5th Grade children not registered in the 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.
Youth
YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY
 
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. 
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."  

2/22, Chapter 3 --  

"The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like Yeast"

                         Leader:                       Lee

                         Devotional:                 Nancy

 

3/01, Chapter 4 -- "The Pearl of Great Price"

                         Leader:         Warren

                         Devotional: 


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.