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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Worship: Sept 20
Young Adults Gathering: Sept 17
Solstice Service: Sept 22
Retiring: Jo Hamby
Membership Exploration
Adult Spiritual Formation
Children: Sept 13
Children's Music
Safe Church Training
Women's Day Time Book Group
Fellowship of the Grape
Acolyte Training: Oct 4
Pet Blessing: Oct 4
Youth Fellowship Oct 10
Chili and Pumpkin Carving
CPR Class
 
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, September 20, 2015
Proper 20: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Service of the Word and Table at 8:30  
 Celebration of Communion (every week)

 Service of the Word at 11:00 

Preaching: Rev. Lacey
Pericope: Proverbs 31:10-31
Lectionary Readings: Click here to read them

Worship Notes: 
The book of Proverbs uses figurative language with the purpose of instructing the youth of Israel about wisdom and the Divine (Yahweh). In the final chapter, wisdom is personified as a capable wife. The author uses poetic imagery to explain her productivity, care, success, and generosity. She is respected, energetic, and attentive to the needs of others. Not only is her household prosperous but she also opens her hand to the poor and reaches out to the needy. The author of Proverbs suggests that one should seek wisdom beyond all other desirable goals. Behind the lyrical language lies is a strong message of hope. Surely, wisdom is gained when we are in service to others and engaged with the world around us. 

Central Young Adults Gathering 
TONIGHT: September 17, 7:00-9:30pm
 
Join Central's Young Adults for a night at Twain's Brewpub and Billiards (211 E Trinity Pl, Decatur, GA 30030). This event is open to anyone who identifies as a young adult. We will hang out, shoot pool, eat dinner, and socialize. This is a great way to meet new folks. Have any questions? Email Rev. Lacey

Autumnal Equinox Service: 
Tuesday, September 22, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Rev. Michael will lead a service of meditation and gentle mindful movement celebrating Autumnal Equinox. Dinner will be provided for those who wish to enjoy delicious soup and fresh bread. We'll begin in the Fellowship Hall for meditation and a fun activity. Afterward we will head out to gather around the fire-pit for s'mores and conversation. Please come and bring a friend! An RSVP is helpful, but not required to Rev. Michael
RETIRING: Jo Hamby, September 24
After eight years of loving dedication to Plymouth Harbor, Jo Hamby is retiring from full-time service. To contribute to a "purse" for Jo, please make contributes to "Central" and note "Jo Hamby" in the memo.  Jo's last day is Thursday, September 24th please stop by and wish her well.
Membership Exploration
(Office Area Conference Room) 
See Dates below when these three-sessions series are offered. Sundays occasionally through the year, 
9:45 to 10:30 am
Looking to journey with spiritual pilgrims? Have you been considering Central as your community of faith? This 3-part class is specifically designed to share stories and information about Central and the UCC with those who are considering membership. While attendance at all three sessions is not necessary and attendance at all classes does not obligate you to anything, participants will have the opportunity to join Central at the end of this series of classes. 

The upcoming class dates are:
Sep 27, Oct 4, 11; join Oct 18 
Nov 1, 8, 15; join Nov 22
Jan 10, 17, 24; join Jan 31 
Feb 28, Mar 6, 13; join Mar 20
Questions? Contact Michael
ADULT SUNDAY 
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Click the title of each class to read more

Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 204)
The Jesus Fatwah:  Love Your (Muslim) Neighbor, as Yourself (Living the Question DVD series).  Come join our small group at any time.  Our only dogma is "no-prep," so join us at any time.  You'll find lively conversation and a warm community. Sunday mornings. Contact: Sally Harrell 

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. 
Lesson:  THE NEW JIM CROW - Michelle Alexander.  We have a Study Guide for this book with sections/chapter groupings and discussion questions. Introduction and Chapter 1
Leader:  Jackie

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.  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 to open it and come on in.
Contact: Peter Benoit.
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION:
Sunday, September 13, 9:15-10:45am
We are excited to begin a new Fall season with our children beginning on Homecoming Sunday, September 13. We will have Sunday School registration in the Education Wing beginning at 9:15am.
 
Children's Sunday School Schedule:
At 9:30am, we will be offering Godly Play to children in 2nd to 5th grades.
At 11:00am, we will have Bible Stories for the pre-school children and Godly Play for K-1st Grade.  Please bring your child to childcare and a childcare worker will bring them to their classroom.
Contact Rev. Ginnie.
CHILDREN'S MUSIC
We welcome children in grades 1-5 to our group, which meets from 12-12:30 on Sundays.  We will be making music with our voices and with instruments.  Please add your child's voice to our group! 
Safe Church Training 
Sunday, Sept. 20, 9:30-10:45am 
Fellowship Hall, Window Room 2 
You will need Safe Church training to volunteer or chaperone with children and youth. For youth, 12 and older, who hang out with younger children, it is important to have this training. For parents who find themselves at gatherings or practices with the youth, it is important as an example and a practice to attend Safe Church Training. Please consider attending on September 20 from 9:30 to 10:45 AM in one of the Window Rooms in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested, please sign up with Rev. Ginnie
Women's Daytime Book Group
Thursday, October 1, 1:30pm
The book is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.  This informal group meets in the Fireplace Room. Great conversation, read and attend as you can; no commitment. To be added to the group's email list, contact Geneva Benoit. 
 
FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE
October 3rd, 7:00pm
RobinLee Fitch and Dan Jones will host October Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, October 3rd 7pm.  RobinLee and Dan have selected "Fall Flavors of Beers, Ales or Wines" as the selection for the month. This would include--pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, butternut squash, mushroom, caramel, pecan and sweet potato flavors (to name a few). Please bring any sweet or savory or hearty appetizer or dessert that will compliment this 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: October 3rd, 2015 at 7:00pm.  RSVP by email to RobinLee. 

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, email coordinator RobinLee Fitch.
We look forward to seeing you at FOG.
ACOLYTE TRAINING
October 4, 12:15pm, Sanctuary
Through the centuries, acolytes have been faithful and conscientious people of faith of all ages. At Central UCC, beginning with fourth graders, this important ministry invites children and youth to lead us in 11:00 a.m. worship, bringing the light of Christ into our time together. For more information, please contact Rev. Ginnie 
Pet Blessing
Sunday, October 4, 2:00pm
Following the worship services on World Communion Sunday, there will be a pet blessing at 2:00. In truth,
we will be honoring the blessings they bring to us. All pets or pictures of pets are welcome and a time will be set aside to remember those beloved companions who have died. Contact Michael with any Questions.
Youth Fellowship
Saturday, Oct 10 (9am-1pm)
Next month we will be headed out to plant with Trees Atlanta! Since its beginnings, the primary goals of Trees Atlanta have been to replace trees lost to development, conserve existing trees, protect green space areas, and educate the community's residents and workers about the many benefits of trees. This is a great opportunity to get your hands dirty and learn about the ways Atlanta is staying green. We will head out to lunch afterward so please bring some cash. 
Questions? Want to chaperone this event? Contact Rev. Lacey.
 
Chili and Pumpkin Carving
Tuesday, October 13, 6:30-8:30pm
Join us for a fun fall time event for all ages. Please bring your own pumpkin. Vegetarian chili and bread will be provided. If you are dying to show of your Halloween costume a little early, feel free to dress up.
All ghosts, vampires, black cats, and witches are welcome! Questions? Contact Rev. Lacey  
FIRST AID / CPR CLASS OFFERED 
October, Dates TBA, 2 three-hour sessions
We will offer a certified First Aid / CPR class sometime during the first three weeks of October. It is a two-part class. We are grateful that one of our members, Judy Padgett, is offering this class for free. If you are interested, please email Rev. Ginnie and let her know what days of the weeks will work for you.
Contact Rev. Ginnie