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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Worship: July 5
How to Use the E-News
NPR Ad
Cookout 7/5
2015 Synod, Rev. Lacey
Summer Spiritual Formation
Woman's Book Group 7/9
Fellowship of the Grape 7/11
Opportunities for Children
Adult Spiritual Formation
Hagar House
Art by Elsie Dresch
 
Phone

Office Phone: 
404-633-4505

24-hour Pastoral Care:
              678-672-7637

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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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Sunday, July 5, 2015
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 

  

Service of the Word and Table at 8:30  

 Celebration of Communion (every week)

Special music (first and third Sundays)

 

 Service of the Word at 11:00 

Summer Special Music: Abigail Shelton, viola

 

Preaching: Rev. Woody
Pericope: Galatians 5:1, 13-16

Lectionary Readings: Click here to read them


SUNDAY NOTES  

This Sunday, Rev. Michael and Rev. Woody will lead worship together.  Rev. Woody says of his sermon:


 

"This Sunday is Freedom and Democracy Sunday when we observe the 239th anniversary of The American Declaration of Independence. We will explore spiritual and political FREEDOM, beginning with Paul's letter to the Church in Galatia where he struggles with God's sovereignty and human freedom. Paul addresses the freedom and obligation of those who live in Jesus."

 
Camp Beech Grove: Week 5

 
How to Use the E-News
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CENTRAL LAUNCHES NPR
AD: July 1
Upcoming anticipated air times:
Thursday:  9:58am and 8:19pm
Friday:  7:07am and 2:29pm
Saturday: 12:59pm and 4:20pm
Sunday: 9:38am and 5:39pm

Between July 1 and August 9, Central will have a "support spot" on WABE!  While there is no "guaranteed specific time slot," the ad will air 80 times (for 15 seconds)!  This has been an effort we have talked about for years and are so very grateful for a $5,000 grant from the Southeast Conference and a $5,000 grant from Central's Endowment to fund the project. 

 

The cost for the 80 slots is only $6,000 (a special rate of $75/each).  If you would like to "sponsor" our "sponsorship," please make contributions to Central and note "radio ad" in the memo of your check.  Your gift will support the campaign we hope to design later this fall.  The following is the UPDATED ad copy:

 

Support for WABE comes from Central UCC, an open and affirming, justice and peace seeking, progressive Christian church where faith is a journey, and thinking is encouraged. Near Clairmont and 85. More at Central dash U-C-C dot org.

 

When you hear the ad, please try to send an email to the office (office@central-ucc.org) to note that you heard it and the time of day.  This is part of collecting important "metrics" for measuring the success of our efforts for future planning.  If someone else tells you that they heard "an ad for your church," please try to send that info to the office, too.  To make it fun, we'll have a prize for the person(s) who (accurately) report hearing it the most times (a copy of Earth Prayers or Life Prayers, one of Rev. Michael's favorite books of prayers, poems and meditations).

 
OFFICE CLOSED: Friday, July 3, 
Central's office and Plymouth Harbor will be closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of the 4th of July holiday. Camp Beech Grove will be open.  The office will reopen Monday, July 6th and Vanessa will return on Tuesday, July 7.

COOKOUT:  Sunday, July 5, 6:00pm

Members and friends of Central who live in zip codes 30033 and 30345 are invited to the home of Bob and Helen Fredrick on SUNDAY, JULY 5, for a cookout.  Please bring a dish to share. We'll be starting the burgers about 6:00 pm.   Please rsvp to hpfredrick@gmail.com. 

 
2015 Synod Report from Rev. Lacey

It was a wonderful experience to be at the 30th General Synod this past week in Cleveland, Ohio. I had the chance to visit the Church House and Amistad Chapel for the first time. I also met new colleges in ministry and connected with old friends I hadn't seen in years. Celebrating the historic ruling on marriage equality with close to three thousand people was certainly the highlight of the week. Our delegation accomplished many things in just a few short days. We voted to elect Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer as our new General Minsters and President for the next four years. I believe Rev. Dorhauer will lead our denomination with excellent care and a more unified vision in the coming years. We also passed resolutions concerning divestment from Israel, the injustice of mass incarceration, and transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Being a part of plenary and the debates around these important issues was another reminder of the commitment the UCC has to justice and peace. Amidst our business meetings, we worshiped, fellowshiped, and of course celebrated being together as a united body focused on the work of the church in the future. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about the UCC to attend General Synod in 2017 in Baltimore. I will certainly be there!




 

Special Events this Summer 

Please RSVP for the special Tuesday 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).

 

Tuesdays, 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, 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).

 

WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOK GROUP: July 9 ~ 1:30pm

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.

 

FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE: July 11 ~ 7:00pm

Dianne and Paul Hiltman will host July Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, July 11th at 7pm.  Dianne and Paul have selected Rosa as the wine selection for the month. Rosa is produced all around the world with many varieties, any and all are welcome.   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! Event Details: July 11th, 2015 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to host Dianne and Paul at email hiltmans@gmail.com.   If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator RobinLee Fitch at robinleefitch@hotmail.com.  We look forward to seeing you at FOG.

 
CAMP BEECH GROVE
                           (Full day sessions)
                      June 1 to July 10, 9am-4pm 
Please like us on Facebook: Camp Beech Grove

Our camp is a blast! 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)
Practical Theology: A Just Peace Covenant Community Class 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.  All are welcome.  Contacts:  Jackie & George Dominick - georgedominick169@comcast.net

 

Current Study:  A CALL TO ACTION:  Women, Religion, Violence and Power by Jimmy Carter.

 

Date: 07/05
Lessons:  Chapter 7, " Observations as a Traveler" and Chapter 8, "Women and the Carter Center"

Leader - Mary Ellen, Devotional - Pat

 

Date: 07/12

Lesson:  Chapter 9, :Learning from Human Rights Heroes"

 

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

 

HAGAR HOUSE: August 6 - 8

Thursday, Friday & Saturday,

Central has committed to provide evening meals for the guests at Hagar House on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 6 - 8. We hope doing so on weekend nights will make it easier for new volunteers to participate. We need a team of four 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 there each year. If you are able to help by preparing food in advance and/or working at the shelter one of these evenings, please contact Fred Childers (cfchilders@gmail.com) or Maureen O'Brien (mob30064@yahoo.com).
Artist: Elsie Dresch 
Elsie has completed putting her mildly humor series on display and is ready to free the paintings for those who reserved them.  There are more of the series available for those who wish to have one.  Please contact Elsie at elsiedresch@mindspring.com.  Thank you!