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Central UCC
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Rev. Lacey
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Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Rev. Lacey
Pastoral Fellow

Older Adult Day Program
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, June 14, 2015
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 


 

Service of the Word and Table at 8:30  

 Celebration of Communion (every week)

 

 Service of the Word at 11:00 

Sending of South Georgia Team

Celebration of Summer "Forrest" Intern 

 

Preaching: Rev. Michael
Pericope:
 I Samuel 15:34 - 16:13

Lectionary Readings: Click here to read them


SUNDAY NOTES
 

Our theology is often like a computer operating system working in the background--it shapes our beliefs about our selves and influences our relationships, it might be the greatest element of our "explanatory style" (how we make sense of the world).  The story and "surrounding stories" from I Samuel for Sunday clearly demonstrate an evolving sense of "God as an explanatory style."  The sermon, hymns and liturgy support an exploration of our "theological explanatory style" this Sunday.

 

 

I'm a confessed "news-junkie;" I almost always have NPR on and when something interests me, I'll have several news sources feeding my near neurosis at the same time (websites loaded, telly on, NPR streaming...).  This pattern has dramatically decreased (in truth to near zero) since my return from my summer sabbatical to India last year. ... 
Continue reading »click here

Nearly twenty years ago, when I was chaplain to psychiatry at a large hospital in Houston, I developed a "working definition" of "spirituality": any belief, behavior or practice that increases our sense of connection to the Divine (awe and mystery), a truer expression of our authentic self, each other and/or the environment... Continue reading »click here

 

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CHOIR REHEARSAL AT CENTRAL

Central's choir will meet Sunday, June 14, 21 & 28 at 10:00am in the choir room for a rehearsal/warm-up.

 

Camp Beech Grove

 

 

This week we explored more deeply in the forest at church. Wednesday we learned the several tree species and then walked around the woods and discovered where they all live in our forest. In the afternoon, we looked at worms and then went digging for worms beneath the forest floor. We found them! The term "wiggly worm" came to life. Thursday is pollinator day and we discovered blossoms, bees, butterflies and insects; and then we planted more in the children's pollinator garden. 

 
At our second week of summer camp we hosted 21 students from Montclair Elementary School and the surrounding neighborhoods. Thank you to all who have made this long-term dream a reality. The Camp staff and Rev. Ginnie are grateful for those who have offered to drive the bus, make meals, and greet the kids as they arrive each morning. 

 

              
 SECOND SUNDAY LUNCHEON JUNE 14 at 12:00pm

There will be a luncheon hosted by the Board of Mission and Action on June 14 following the
11:00am worship service. Jonathan and Melissa Burch have graciously decided to prepare BBQ
pulled pork. Please bring a side or dessert to share. At this luncheon we will bless the youth headed to South Georgia and send them away with our love.

Gatherings 
Please click the title of each event to read more


 

TABLE TALK: 
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.   For more information, contact Rev. Michael (Michael@central-ucc.org). 


 

WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOK GROUP

Thursday, July 9. This informal group meets at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room, about every six weeks.  The book for July 9 is Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.  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: neve44@bellsouth.net.


 

 

Special Events this Summer 

Tuesdays, June 16, July 21 & Aug18 @ 6:30pm to 8:30

Table Talk @ the Harrisons'

Table Talk will continue to meet all summer!  This "gathering" (not a "group") consists of whoever "shows up;" sometimes we all fit around one table, often we are at two.  We share a meal (there's always plenty of food), but the open and safe discussion is what nourishes us deeply.  Bring your questions and theological musings (and a dish to share, if you are able).  Contact Rev. Michael for more information.

 

 

Tuesday, June 23 @ 6:30pm to 8:00

Introduction to Mindfulness

The simplest definition of "mindfulness" is "being present, right in this moment."  The rest is a long-term training of the heart-mind.  Rev. Michael will lead a short introduction to three basic mindfulness practices: centered breathing (pranayama), centering prayer (mantra), and mindful self-observation (journaling).  For more information/RSVP: Rev. Michael; $10 suggested donation (donations help to provide supplies for other activities).

 

 

Tuesday, June 30 @ 6:30pm to 8:00

Mindful Eye (Ikebana)

While an "Ikebana master" would likely take issue with the use of the word, this workshop will bring a mindful eye to the collection and arrangement of materials into a floral/environmental display.  We will take a mindfulness walk on campus, gather elements, and make our arrangement. For more information on what to bring/RSVP: Rev. Michael; $10 suggested donation (donations help to provide supplies for other activities).

 

 

Tuesday, July 7  @ 6:30pm to 8:00

Mindfully Still (Restorative Yoga)

This meditative evening is a supported practice of stillness (not movement); no yoga experience is necessary.  The sequence will be "on the floor" with blankets and bolsters; participants will be invited to "rest and release."   For more information or to RSVP: Rev. Michael; $10 suggested donation (donations help to provide supplies for other activities).

 

 

Tuesday, August 11 @ 6:30pm to 8:00

Soap Making

Join us for a family fun event of soap making, hosted by Bob Watson. This will be a great time to relax, learn something new, and fellowship with others.  For more information or to RSVP: Rev. Michael; $10 suggested donation (donations help to provide supplies for other activities).

 


2015 SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING
June 12-13
We will gather once again at Piedmont College for the 49th Annual Meeting of the Southeast Conference. This year we focus our attention on the building of God's house as we do the ministries of the Conference. We have a full slate of workshops and exhibitors scheduled.  Reverend June Boutwell will give the keynote address on the State of the Conference.  And, we will conduct our annual business meeting to adopt a budget, elect leadership and install these leaders to their respective positions. There is plenty of opportunity to fellowship and network.

 

CONCERT

CLAYTON STATE CAMPUS

June 25 at  8:15pm

You are cordially invited to attend a special concert on June 25 at 8:15 pm.  At Clayton State Campus, Spivey Hall, Morrow, GA.  The choral group is composed of singers from six choral societies, four colleges, and six churches.  Directed by David Morrow, Director of the Morehouse College Glee Club, the Atlanta Singers and the Wendell Whalum Community Chorus. Repertoire on the concert is by Handel, Wendell Whalum, Tichelli,Victor Johnson, Uzee Brown and Rosephanye Powell.  Central musicians Geneva Benoit, Eric Lucas, Lesley MacFarlane, Marlee Givens and Leona Greenlaw will be singing in this concert, and would love to see you there!

 

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...  

ADULT SUNDAY 
SPIRITUAL FORMATION 
Click the title of each class to read more

Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 204)


 PRACTICAL THEOLOGY:

Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 206)

 

Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Library, Fellowship Hall)


General Synod 2015
Cleveland, Ohio
(June 25-30)