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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Worship: April 26
Budget Process
How to Use the E-News
Gatherings
Opportunities for Children
Youth Activities
Adult Spiritual Formation
Outreach
Photo Directory
 
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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Sunday, April 26, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Easter  
 

Service of the Word and Table at 8:30  

Lectio Divina

 

Service of the Word at 11:00 

Choral Presentation, Hymnody of the Earth 

 

Minister: Rev. Ginnie
Pericope: John 10:11-18

Lectionary Readings: Click here to read them


WORSHIP NOTES  
  The choir is looking forward to sharing with the congregation selections from Malcolm Dalglish's "Hymnody of Earth," this Sunday, April 26, at the 11:00 service.  This music is accompanied by hammered dulcimer and percussion.  Musically, it borrows from the Sacred Harp tradition.  Most of the texts are 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.  Author of over 80 novels, short stories, and essays, and poems, Wendell Berry has been a tireless advocate for localism and environmental stewardship for nearly 50 years.  He was honored at the National Cathedral on Earth Day, April 22, 2012 as a "Steward of God's Creation" from the National Religious Coalition on Creation Care (NRCCC).  Berry is the author of the phrase, "Invest in the millennium.  Plant sequoias."  He also coined the phrase, "Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you."  Please join us on April 26 as we plan to celebrate, through music and word, God's creation.
 



We have received numerous generous commitment cards over the last several weeks--thank you!

If you still intend to make a financial commitment to the 2015-2016 operating budget, please consider doing so soon.  Over the next several weeks a budget will be crafted largely relying on the financial intentions that folk have expressed.  As ever, if your situation changes, you can certainly change your pledge during the year.  All these matters are "steps of faith and good will."  You can return a card to the office or email your pledge to Martha Smith.

The Trustees and Council are considering the budget during the next two weeks.  A 2015-2016 proposed budget will be presented in a "church chat" on Sundays, May 3 & 10.  The congregational meeting for a final vote on the budget (and other items) is Sunday, May 17.
 
How to Use the E-News

Over the next several weeks, we are experimenting with ways to make the E-News more "user-friendly." Here are a few items that help you get the information that you may want:
  • On the left side is a "Table of Contents": click a title to jump to that article.
  • If a name is underlined, that means you can click it to send an email.
  • If text is underlined, that means you can click it to read more or be taken to a website with more information.
Articles "in" the E-News will be shorter so that you don't have to scroll as much; full articles will be available on the "click here" link.
 

Gatherings

WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOK GROUP

Thursday, April 30 at 1:30 

The next gathering is Thursday, April 30 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room.  The book is Still Alice by Lisa Genova.  Great conversation always. 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.

 

FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE

Saturday, May 2, 7:00 pm
Barbara and Joe Alfano will host May Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, May 2nd at 7pm. Barbara and Joe have chosen SPARKLING WINESthat is not Proseco as the wine selection for the month. Barbara and Joe's suggestions include Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain, or sparkling roses.  Please bring any sweet or savory appetizer that will compliment this wine selection.  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! May 2nd, 2015 at 7:00 pm.  RSVP by email to host Barbara and Joe Alfano. We look forward to seeing you at FOG.

LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE  

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

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 South Georgia Farmerworkers Health Project. Performing at 8:00 pm is Lauren Lapointe and at 9:00 pm is Harm'n Me featuring Harmon Koeltz & Laura Monk. For more information on our performers can be found online.

 

EARTH TOPICS: Mon., May 18, 7:00pm
For the month of May, we are moving Earth Topics to a later date and a slightly later time, Monday May 18, 7pm. There will not be a gathering on May 4. We'll have more information about the topic in a couple of weeks. All are welcome. For more information please contact Rev. Ginnie. 

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:  

Tuesday, May 12

 
Harrison home:  

Tuesday, May 19   
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR CHILDREN 

 
Children's Sunday Faith Formation
 
Children's Music Program
 
GODLY PLAY 
STORYTELLERS NEEDED
We are planning for next year's children's Sunday school. We need a few Bible story loving folks who love kids to help keep this program alive! If you could tell a story once or twice a month, please consider joining our marvelous team! This summer we will offer a Godly Play training. Interested, contact Rev. Ginnie 
 
CAMP BEECH GROVE  
(Full day sessions)
June 1 to July 10, 9am-4pm 
Please like us on Facebook: Camp Beech Grove

We have a wonderful camp planned for the summer. Tell your friends. Put it on your neighborhood list serve and again if you have already. Now is the time in which a whole new group of families are signing up for camp. We have room for more children. Click the link to read more...  
YOUTH ACTIVITIES  
No Youth Gathering on April 26
Graduation Breakfast: 
Sunday, May 3 9:00am-10:45am
ADULT SUNDAY 
SPIRITUAL FORMATION 

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. click here to read more.

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY: 

Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 206)

Practical Theology: A Just Peace Covenant Community Class (Room 206) studies, explores and takes action on current issues. click here for more info.  

 

SACRED JOURNEYS
Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Library, Fellowship Hall)
Each week this group explores how spirit guides our personal journeys, and we gain new insights by listening to each other.  click here to read more.
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
 

REGISTER NOW FOR: 

Justice Leaders Engaging & Developing

Thursday, April 25, 8:30-4:00 pm

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.  This workshop will be led by Rev. Peter Wells, consultant for the UCC Justice and Witness Ministries and Whitney Walton.  Kirkwood United Church of Christ, Cost? $10.50 covers the cost of lunch. Register online HERE.

  
CHOIR MUSIC SPECIAL 
Sunday, April 26, 11:00 am
The choir is looking forward to sharing with the congregation selections from Malcolm Dalglish's "Hymnody of Earth,".  This music is accompanied by hammered dulcimer and percussion.  Musically, it borrows from the Sacred Harp tradition.  Most of the texts are by Wendell Berry, a Kentucky poet-farmer. Those who might like to delve more deeply into the poetry in advance of next Sunday's service are invited to go to the following link: http://www.ket.org/education/guides/hymnody.pdf.

  

Berry's poetry is deeply rooted in reverence for God's creation--the trees, the birds, the universe we share. Author of over 80 novels, short stories, essays and poems, Wendell Berry has been a tireless advocate for localism and environmental stewardship for nearly 50 years.  He was honored at the National Cathedral on Earth Day, April 22, 2012 as a "Steward of God's Creation" by the National Religious Coalition on Creation Care (NRCCC).  Berry is the author of the phrase, "Invest in the millennium.  Plant sequoias." He also coined the phrase, "Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you." Please join us on April 26 as we plan to celebrate through music and word, God's creation.
 
 

HEIDELBERG UNIVERSITY CHOIR

Tuesday, May 12, 7pm

Central's Sanctuary

Please come and hear this beautiful 50 member choir perform.  Thanks to all who have offered housing to the students.  Your generosity is appreciated.  If you can accommodate a couple students that evening, please contact Debbie Spearman.

  

PLANTING & MULCHING IN THE CENTRAL UCC NATURE PRESERVE

Planting: Sat.'s, May 2 & 16, 9-11am

MULCHING:

We need people with good backs to shovel and move wheelbarrows of mulch through the forest, renewing the trails.  

PLANTING: On Saturdays, May 2 and 16, we need planters help plant native grasses as part of the creek restoration project. We will have hundreds of small and medium sized plants to get in the ground. There will also be some work required to prepare for the plantings. We will need supplemental workdays/crews to keep the plants watered until they have become established. If you can help mulch, plant or have some time during the days prior to or after the plantings, contact Ron Smith.

 

 

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. 
 
TOCO HILLS COMMUNITY ALLIANCE 

The Toco Hills Community Alliance(THCA) needs your support.  Donations from churches that support THCA ( Central being one of the churches) are down significantly this year. Due to lack of funds THCA has had to temporarily discontinue financial assistance and has also cut back on the amount of food THCA buys from the food bank until the situation improves. Central has been a long time supporter of THCA and the board of THCA is again asking for your financial support. As always, food - pasta, cereal, canned goods, peanut butter, etc- is  welcome as well as plastic bags. Please make your checks out to Central UCC and designate for THCA. Thank you very much for your support.

 

Jean Haller and Bob Fredrick,

Board members of THCA

 

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. 

 

CENTRAL's PHOTO DIRECTORY

Available now Central's Photo Directories.   We are asking for a $5.00 donation to cover the cost of printing.  Please see Debbie Spearman or Helen Fredrick.  Thank you!