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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
 
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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, March 1, 2015
First Sunday in Lent  
WORSHIP NOTES  
Love wins! Even in the midst of tragedy and predictions of loss and suffering, Love wins. Anyone who has ever loved a child, a family member, a friend, a beloved one, or a community knows that love is not without pain. But in the midst of painful times, kindness, compassion, gentleness and much more can be shared. Jesus, as servant leader, lives out the call to love in the midst of his suffering and the suffering of the people he both heals and holds accountable. Jesus words, "Get behind me Satan," directed to Peter, are both healing and a call back to love from fear and from a wish for false security. Love is not an easy path.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

One great hour of sharing provides support for health, education, refugee, agriculture, and emergency relief initiatives in 138 countries by working with local, national, and global partners. What you give today will be administered in the national UCC setting by Wider Church Ministries, and Global Sharing Resources.

 

It is important that we give so that we can spread the message of love and equality that Christ taught to his followers. Please consider making a donation today and if you want to know more about all the important work our denomination is doing in the world please go to onegreathourofsharing.org. 

This offering is one of five special offerings of the United Church of Christ  

 

We will receive this offering all through the month of March. Checks may be made to Central UCC with memo: OGHS. Also you may give online by going to the Central UCC website. Click on the online giving button and make your donation under "Special Offerings". In the message space, write "OGHS". Thank you for any donation you can give! 

INQUIRERS CLASS
(Office Area Conference Room)
9:45 to 10:30 am,Mar 8, 15, 22; Joining Mar 29
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.  The next "joining day" will be March 29. To register or for more information, contact Rev. Michael.
FIRST AID / CPR CLASS
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
BY TUESDAY, MARCH 3
Class Times: Thursdays,
March 5 & 12, 
6:00-9:00 pm

We will offer a certified First Aid / CPR class in March. It is a two-part class. We are grateful that one of our members, Judy Padgett, is offering this class for free.  Contact: Rev. Ginnie.

CENTRAL'S CHOIR
Retreat, Saturday, March 7, 9am-1pm  
Members of the congregation who have not yet joined the choir are invited to dip their toes in the choir community by joining us in our spring choir retreat, which will be held Saturday, March 7, 9-noon, with lunch following.   We will be focusing on the preparation of Malcolm Dalglish's "Hymnody of Earth," which we will share with the congregation on Sunday, April 26, four days after the 45th celebration of Earth Day, which began on April 22, 1970. "Hymnody of Earth" will be accompanied by hammered dulcimer and percussion.  In this piece, Dalglish sometimes quotes from music and texts of the Shaker tradition.  However, most of the poetry is by Wendell Berry, a Kentucky poet-farmer.  Berry's poetry is deeply rooted in reverence for God's creation-the trees, the birds, the universe we share.  Berry is the author of the phrase, "Invest in the millennium.  Plant sequoias."  Please join us as we plan to celebrate, through music.
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  

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

 

Join us for Wednesday Night Dinners during Lent. 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. We will provide the food and the activity. 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. 

TREASURER'S REPORT 

July 2014 to January 2015

   Our bank balance at the end of January 2015 is $278,886, and our total endowment balance is $651,084. We have $23,141 in the fund for Children and Youth, $17,650 in the Music Fund, $11,957 in Plymouth Harbor reserves, and $71,164 in the Theology Project fund. We have $20,027 in the preschool 2013/2014 fund and $27,500 in the preschool 2014/2015 fund. We are using $2,625 per month from the Preschool 2013/2014 fund each month as income to support our budget. The Preschool 2014/2015 fund is increasing at $4,000 per month. The total of our designated funds is $221,351. Our mortgage amount owed is now down to $83,639.

   For the seven month period (July-January, 58.3% of our fiscal year) our pledge income is $304,907 (73.7% of the budgeted amount for the year). For January, we had a less than average Pledge Income of $21,866. Plymouth Harbor income is $71,697 (55.8%). Total income is $439,675 (68.5%).

   For the same period, total staff expenses were $188,612 (60.4%) and building and maintenance costs were $23,165 (47.3)%. Plymouth Harbor expenses were $57,570 (48.8%) and are $14,683 less than Plymouth Income for this seven month period. Our total expenses were $359,644 (56.1% ).

   Including the extra $50,000 donation received in October, we have a surplus of $80,031 for this seven month period. For just the month of January, we had an $17,156 loss but this was somewhat expected as being the first month after a December in which we received significant additional contributions and also a month in which we make quarterly payments on annuities and health insurance. We are doing much better than this time last year. Thanks to all of you for your continuing support.

Ron Joyner, Treasurer

Gatherings
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  
Rescheduled for Monday, Mar 9, 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.

MARCH SECOND SUNDAY LUNCHEON:

 Sunday, March 8, 12:15pm (FHall)

Come join us for a soup and turkey sandwich luncheon following church on March 8! The Board for Christian Education and the Youth will sponsor this luncheon. Bring a desert or finger foods (like chips or carrots) to share. All donations will go toward bus repairs and maintenance. 

 
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.

GODLY PLAY TEACHERS NEEDED

We are planning for next year's Sunday school. Godly Play is a wonderful story telling curriculum that enhances the understanding of the Bible and the church for both the teachers and the children through storytelling, wondering, and art. This summer we will have a training for Godly Play storytellers and door persons. If you would like to help lead this ministry for our children, please contact Rev. Ginnie.

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, March 1st - (Lent 2) We will continue our 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

Join the conversation!  Drop-in anytime.  No prep necessary -- ever!  "Conversations" is Sunday School for busy people who want to take a little time out to explore meaningful subjects within a safe, supportive, and fun environment.  Our current conversation utilizes a Living the Question DVD featuring the eminent Old Testament scholar and Central member Walter Brueggemann.  Discuss similarities between our current American way of life and the Pharaoh's economy of slavery, and explore a journey to covenant community and freedom. 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

Practical Theology: A Just Peace Covenant Community 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 short devotional.

 

STUDY THROUGH 4/19/2015: 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. 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.

03/01:   Chapter 4 - "The Pearl of Great Price"

                       Leader:                       Warren

                       Devotional:                 George

03/08:     Chapter 5 - "The Mustard Seed"

 

Questions? Contact Jackie and George Dominick.
GREAT DECISIONS
Sundays, Jan 25-Mar 15, 9:30am-10:45
Fellowship Hall, Window Room 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.

FROM THE DESK OF

 BEN LEAPTROTT,

 OUR NEW ORGANIST

I would like to thank the congregation of Central for the reception cake on February 18. My welcoming to this congregation has been heart warming. Thank you all! I look forward to helping the music ministry of the church enhance your spiritual journey and sense of community.

Girl Scout Cookies are here!
Central's Girl Scout troop will have Girl Scout cookies available for sale Sunday morning, March 8th ($4 a box).  Troop #3360 consists of 17 homeschooled girls, ages 7 - 14.  They have been enjoying the forest, and have even helped pull some of those pesky vines from the trees.  This spring, the Cadette girls will help Montclalir Elementary School create an outdoor classroom with gardens and picnic tables, and feed families who attend the April PTA meeting.  Contact Sally Harrell if you know how to build picnic tables!