Phone
Office Phone: 404-633-4505
24-hour Pastoral Care:
678-672-7637
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Email Links
Senior Minister
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Sunday, March 22, 2015
Fifth Sunday in Lent
WORSHIP NOTES
In John's gospel Jesus is constantly talking using simple, "I am" statements yet the discourse remains profound and elegant. Simple enough for children's Sunday school but deep enough to inspire generations of followers. Jesus is not attempting to hide his divinity in these conversations- No, he comes right out and says what's on his mind and that's where we find ourselves today with this particular passage from John 12. Jesus is talking to his disciples in a very candid farewell conversation. What can we take from these words as we continue our journey of "letting go" this Lenten season?
Watch for a letter from the Moderator next week (by regular mail). Commitment Sunday is March 29, please bring your completed commitment cards to worship that day.
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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.
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HUNGER WALK 5K
Thank you to our sponsors and to our participants!
Last Sunday afternoon was a delightful day for a walk or run to help alleviate hunger. Team Central UCC raised $755 for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Toco Hills Community Alliance (THCA) will get $604 placed in an account for purchasing food from the food bank. Through the food bank every dollar will purchase $9.36 of food. THCA is now purchasing about $500 of food each week.
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EASTER LILIES
EASTER MISSION PROJECT
March 23 Deadline
The time has come to order Easter lilies and/or make contributions to the Easter Mission Project in memory or in honor of loved ones. The Easter lilies will decorate the sanctuary for all services on Easter Sunday, April 5. If you would like to order Easter lilies or make a contribution towards the mission project, please complete an order form in Sunday's bulletin and return it to the church office by Monday, March, 23. The cost for lilies is $15.00 each and yours to take home after Easter service.
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Central Endowment
Open to Receive Grant Applications
We are pleased to announce that the Central Endowment committee will be receiving the 2015 grant applications from March 9 to April 13. The application is available on the church website.
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FIRST AID / CPR CLASS
APRIL 7 & 14, 6:00-9:00 pm
FIRST AID / CPR CLASS OFFERED: Tuesdays, April 7 & 14, 6:00-9:00pm 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. We need reservations by April 5. Contact: Rev. Ginnie.
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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 will sing, play, learn about the forest around us, hear sacred stories, gain environmental awareness through fun hands-on activities, do some yoga and learn the ways of compassionate communication. We are holding the fee at $175 per week. If you have questions or places you can share brochures or flyers, please contact Rev. Ginnie. A downloadable flyer and application can be found on the church website.
VOLUNTEERS FOR CAMP BEECH GROVE
We are inviting people to volunteer, one morning or one afternoon each week of camp. As a helper, you will be involved in assisting with camp activities and with the children. Please consider helping launch our new camp. For more info, please contact Rev. Ginnie.
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HOLY WEEK SERVICES AND EVENTS
MAUNDY THURSDAY: Communion and Prayers - Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm The Maundy Thursday service centers on the Hebrew and Christian scriptures from which we derive our practice of Holy Communion. In the context of the story, worshippers will be invited to sit at a table set for twelve to receive the bread and cup. Additionally, a pastor will be available for special/individual private prayers.
GOOD FRIDAY: Service of Tenebrae - Friday, April 3 at 7:00 pm
During this solemn service, we will enter the "shadows" (Tenebrae) that Jesus and the disciples felt as fear, betrayal and death sought to have the last and the lasting word. Through a progression of readings, hymns and choral anthems, twelve candles will be extinguished and the Christ candle sent to a sepulcher. Participants will depart in silence to enter the hopeful waiting for Easter's dawn and the return of the Alleluias.
EASTER SUNDAY: Sunday, April 5
7:00 Sunrise Worship on the Memorial Walkway (with Communion)
8:30 Worship (with Communion)
9:00 Easter Breakfast (See article below.)
10:00 Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers through 5th graders. (See below.)
11:00 Worship Service (with Communion & closing with "open choir" Hallelujah Chorus)
EASTER BREAKFAST: Sunday, April 5 at 9:00 am
We look forward to everyone bringing your favorite breakfast dish, and we also need volunteers to help set up, serve and cleanup Easter morning. Please sign up for a shift on the sign-up sheet in the narthex.
EASTER EGG HUNT: Sunday, April 5 at 10:00 am
The children from toddlers through 5th grade are invited to be in the Commons at 10:00 am sharp. From there, different age groups are led to different areas around the church. The children are asked to bring their own basket but we also have several baskets available. All are welcome.
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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, April 14 & May 12
Harrison home:
Tuesdays, March 17, April 21 & May 19
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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
March 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
March 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.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS DURING LENT
Mar 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!
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EASTER BREAKFAST
BRING A DISH, CLEAN A DISH:
Sunday, April 5, 9:00 AM
It's time to begin preparing for our annual Easter breakfast. In addition to the wonderful food so many of you will bring to share, we need volunteers to help set up, serve and cleanup. Please sign up for a shift on the sign-up sheet posted in the narthex. We look forward to celebrating and rejoicing with you!
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EASTER EGG HUNT
Sunday, April 5 at 10:00 am
The children from toddlers through 5th grade are invited to be in the Commons at 10:00 am sharp. From there, different age groups are led to different areas around the church. The children are asked to bring their own basket but we also have several baskets available. All are welcome.
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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.
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WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOK GROUP
The next gathering is Thursday, March 26 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room. The book is The Life and Times of the Thunderbolk Kid by Bill Bryson. Read and attend as you can; no commitment. Send an e-mail to Geneva Benoit if you would like to be on the group's email list:neve44@bellsouth.net.
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FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE
Saturday, April 4th at 7pm
Gwen Gable will host April Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, April 4th at 7pm at 2259 Brianwood Court, Decatur 30033. Gwen has chosen Pacific NorthWest (Washinton and Oregon, specifically) white wines as the wine selection for the month. Please bring any sweet or savory appetizer that will compliment this wine selection. 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! RSVP to host Gwen Gable by calling 678-576-0546. We look forward to seeing you at FOG.
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CHILDREN'S MUSIC:
1st - 5th GRADESSundays, 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. |
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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
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 - 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.
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Sunday, March 22 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.
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Adult Spiritual Formation
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Part 1: Are You Good to Go?
March 22
(Window Room 2) 9:30-10:45 am
Part 1: We will briefly describe the state of end-of-life healthcare today and present the options every Georgian can accept or decline. We also provide each attendee with a copy of Georgia's current Advance Directive, the key legal document for stating individual end-of-life choices.
Part 2: Death-with-Dignity
March 29
(Window Room 2) 9:30-10:45 am
Part 2: Legislation to authorize aid in dying is of great importance to Americans. Perry Mitchell from Compassion & Choices will discuss their Guide to Legislation. For more information, contact Perry Mitchell Mitchell, President, Georgia Chapter, Compassion & Choices, perwriter@comcast.net
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CONVERSATIONS
Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 204)
LtQ Series:Painting the Stars
This seven-session Living the Questions (LtQ) DVD series invites us to wonder about the felt sense of belonging to a sacred and evolving cosmos. Religious people need to see the evidence of science, history and cross-cultural understandings as divine communication. Scientific people need to see that what science gives us can be understood in a way that is sacred, meaningful, and holy and in a way that inspires us to life lives of integrity, justice, compassion and generosity - to live Christ-like lives. This series helps to build bridges between two worlds that have been theologically separated for too long. No advance preparation is needed. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Sally Harrell
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY: Sundays, 9:30 - 10:45 (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. Check the "Study Schedule" below. We have made some important changes to our schedule. The class will attend the 2 "Compassion and Choices" adult education offerings on March 22 and 29.
03/22: Part 1: Are You Good to Go?
(Window Room 2) 9:30-10:45 am
We will briefly describe the state of end-of-life healthcare today and present the options every Georgian can accept or decline. We also provide each attendee with a copy of Georgia's current Advance Directive, the key legal document for stating individual end-of-life choices.
03/29: Part 2: Death-with-Dignity
(Window Room 2) 9:30-10:45 am
Legislation to authorize aid in dying is of great importance to Americans. Perry Mitchell from Compassion & Choices will discuss their Guide to Legislation. For more information, contact Perry Mitchell Mitchell, President, Georgia Chapter, Compassion & Choices,
perwriter@comcast.net
All are welcome. Questions? Contact Jackie & George Dominick - georgedominick169@comcast.net
SACRED JOURNEYS No Sacred Journeys class until after Easter. The class will resume Sunday April 11.
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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.
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Collegium Vocale performs
Theodora, March 21
Collegium Vocale celebrates its 60th anniversary with a performance of George Frideric Handel's dramatic oratorio
Theodora on March 21 at 8:00 p.m. in Glenn Memorial Auditorium, 1652 North Decatur Rd., Atlanta. Theodora is Handel's only oratorio on a Christian subject and considered to be his best. Tickets can be purchased from Erick Emde, Pat Huey, Andy Morse, or Lynne McIntyre at discount prices, or online or at the door. www.cvchorus.org
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HAGAR HOUSE
April 1, April 2 & April 3
Central has committed to provide meals for the guests at Hagar House in Decatur in April and August, 2015. The April dates are Wednesday, April 1; Thursday, April 2; Friday, April 3. We hope to have 3 volunteers and a team captain for each night to prepare a simple but hearty meal for the women and children needing the emergency shelter that Hagar House offers. Set up, serving, and clean up takes about 2 hours (6 pm - 8 pm). Hagar House is a primary program of Decatur Cooperative Ministry. Volunteers from at least 35 churches and 14 denominations volunteer at Hagar House each year. If you are able to help by preparing food in advance and/or working at the shelter for one of the April dates, please contact Fred Childers (cfchilders@gmail.com) or Maureen O'Brien (mob30064@yahoo.com).
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WE NEED MILK!!!!
At Toco Hills, we like to give each of the 200 families we serve each week, a box or two of shelf stable milk. We had been getting this through the Atlanta Community Food Bank, but it is no longer available. Please consider donating milk, either shelf stable or fresh. It can be dropped off any time between 12:15 and 4:00 pm Monday-Thursday . If this is not convenient, or you have any questions, contact Mary-Louise Wilson at marylouisew1@aol.com. Thank you!
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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.
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HARD OF HEARING AND DEAF
The generosity of members and friends at Central provided $2400 for the Hard of Hearing and Deaf community.
In gratitude and love...Lesley
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LOW VISION INFORMATION
Are you experiencing a vision loss? There is a VisAbility Store in Midtown Atlanta that may prove helpful by making your life a little easier. They carry over 1,000 products including watches, games, children's toys, assistive technology, magnifiers and more. Contact: VisAbility Store, 739 West Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Store hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. www.cviga.org/visability_store
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CENTRAL's PHOTO DIRECTORY
Central's Photo Directory will be ready the end of March. We will have a table set up in the Commons on Sunday mornings to pick up your copy. We are asking for a $5.00 donation to cover the cost of printing. Thank you for your patience on this big project.
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