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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Worship: Oct 11
Garden Team Luncheon: Oct
Membership Exploration
Adult Spiritual Formation
Children's Sunday School
Children's Music
Music Sight-Reading Class
Youth Fellowship Oct 10
Chili and Pumpkin Carving
Table Talk: Oct 20
First Aid / CPR Class
Family Systems Class
Women's Daytime Book Group
Earth Topics
Fellowship of the Grape
Plymouth Harbor Needs
Plymouth Harbor
Toco Hills Community Alliance
Justice Alert
 
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, October 11, 2015
Proper 23: Pride Sunday

Service of the Word and Table at 8:30  
 Celebration of Communion (every week)
Panel discussion on "Coming Out Theologically"
Blessing of Rev. Sally

 Service of the Word at 11:00 
Panel discussion on "Coming Out Theologically"
Blessing of Rev. Sally

Preaching: Rev. Michael
Pericope: Mark 1:9-15
Lectionary Readings: Click here to read them

Worship Notes: 
A memorial service for Kelly will be held at Central on Saturday, October 10.  Please refer to the special E-News sent on Wednesday for details.

"SPEAKING OF FAITH" SUNDAY:  October 11
In honor of Atlanta Pride weekend, Sunday worship will again feature a "Speaking of Faith" panel (Warren, Julie, Rev. Lacey and Rev. Michael).  The topic for this year:  Coming Out Theologically.  "Coming Out" is not an experience unique to LGBTQ folk; it is a journey most of us make.  Many-to-most of us at Central have "come out theologically" to our families, friends and faith communities with a different set of beliefs, questions and faith-identity than we once had; the panel will share portions of their stories.   

GARDEN TEAM
POTLUCK LUNCHEON
Sunday, October 11, 12:15pm
Ron Smith will have slides and information about the Central UCC Nature Preserve. Contributions will support the Garden Team's ongoing work. Please bring fall vegetables or a desert. All are welcome. Questions: Contact Ron Smith.
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:
Sept 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. 

Sunday, October 11:
Study: THE NEW JIM CROW- Michelle Alexander
Lesson:  Begin Section Two: How the System Works
(Chapters 2 & 3)

Sunday, October 18
Study:  THE NEW JIM CROW - Michelle Alexander
Lesson:  Continue with Section Two:  How the System Works (Chapters 2 & 3)

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
"Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond." (godlyplayfoundation.org) 
9:30am:
Godly Play for children in 2nd-5th grades. (Rm 208)
11:00am:
Bible Stories for  pre-school children (Rm 201, 202)
Godly Play for K-1st Grade (begin in Rm 201)

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! 
MUSIC SIGHT-READING CLASS
Wednesday's, 6:45-7:30pm
Sight-reading Class in the Choir Room on Wed., 6:45-7:30pm.
Youth Fellowship
Saturday, Oct 10 (9am-1pm)
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  
Table Talk:  Tuesday, Oct.  20 (Harrisons')
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).  Questions?  Contact Rev. Michael:  michael@central-ucc.org 
FIRST AID / CPR CLASS OFFERED
Sunday's, November 1 & 15, 1-4pm,
We will offer a certified First Aid / CPR class during the month of November. It is a two-part class. We are grateful that one of our members, Judy Padgett, is offering this class for free.
Questions? Rev. Ginnie: ginnie@central-ucc.org

TRIANGLES, CUT-OFFS AND FUSIONS - OH MY!!
Thinking about families ahead of the holidays!
Tuesday's, Nov. 3 & 10, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
As we look toward the holiday season, many of us are preparing to encounter our families either by force or by choice. This November Rev. Lacey and Rev. Michael will offer a two part series on new ways of thinking about family systems and anxiety. How might we change our behavior as we once again enter into the annual chaos of Thanksgiving and Christmas? Sometimes a new approach is all we need to enjoy the company of old familiar settings. Please join us! Questions? Contact Rev. Michael: michael@central-ucc.org 
WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOK GROUP
November 5, 1:30pm
The book is The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony.  This informal group meets in the Fireplace Room, every four-to-six weeks. 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.

EARTH TOPICS
November 5, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
(Central UCC Fireplace Room)
Many of us want to share theologically and in practical ways about life on our planet. All are welcome to our gatherings. This Fall we will be presenting chapters from three writings: Hot, Flat & Crowded by Thomas Friedman, The Dream of the Earth by Thomas Berry and On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si') by Pope Francis. Reading is not required. The discussions are always lively and deepened by the breadth of experience of the attendees. 
Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie: ginnie@central-ucc.org
FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE
Saturday, November 7th, 7:00pm
Helen and Bob Fredrick will host November Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, November 7th at 7pm.  Helen and Bob have selected Tempranillo, a Spanish red wine as the selection for the month. 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!
 
FYI:  Several people have said, "I would love to come to FOG, but I don't drink alcohol."  Several folks attend FOG who do not drink alcohol.  FOG is NOT about the alcohol it is about the FELLOWSHIP.   All are welcome!
 
Event Details: November 7th, 7pm, 2015 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Helen and Bob at 404 636 1862 or email at hpfredrick@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.
PLYMOUTH HARBOR BOARD
Plymouth harbor board would appreciate recycled quart glass jars from last year's bean soup sale so we can sell some again at this year's alternative gift fair . Please leave them under the Plymouth Harbor table in the Fellowship Hall.
SUPPORTING PLYMOUTH HARBOR
Plymouth Harbor, a day program for older adults, meets at Central on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, as a ministry to older adults in our church and community who can benefit from structured activities that provide socialization and stimulation. Care is provided by staff and many volunteers from Central and the community who give freely of their time and talents. PH is in need of bingo prizes and desserts. If you would like to donate please contact the Director, Kay Coppage: kay@central-ucc.org
Help THCA without ever having to get dressed or leave the house!
At Toco Hills Community Alliance we offer Free Groceries for people in 15 zip codes and and Utility Assistance to folks in 5 zip codes.  Frequently we get requests from people outside these areas or requests for other types of services.  We have a referral guide, but it is out of date. We are looking for a couple of people to make some phone calls, look at some web sites and update our referral guide.  If this is something that sounds interesting to you, please email Mary-Louise Wilson at marylouisew1@aol.com  Many of us will be relieved and appreciative.
Justice Alert: Call for Increased U.S. Support for Syrian Refugees
Over the past four years, the brutal civil war in Syria has resulted in over 4 million refugees and one of the worst humanitarian crises in history. Earlier this month, the photograph of a drowned 3-year-old asylum seeking boy pricked the consciousness of the world, highlighting the collective failure of the global community in addressing the crisis.

On September 20th, Secretary Kerry announced the U.S. will increase the number of global refugees it will accept annually from 70,000 to 100,000 by 2017. The U.S. has also donated $4.5 billion in urgently needed humanitarian aid. These are significant contributions, but the gravity and scale of the crisis demands doing much more - and doing it with greater urgently. Germany, by comparison, has agreed to accept as many as 800,000 refugees this year alone, while Canada has agreed to resettle 10,000 this year in an expedited process. 

Over the past four years, the U.S. has settled just over 1,500 Syrian refugees. This level of response is unconscionable and fails to live up to the values we hold as a nation. Given the scale of the crisis, the U.S. pledge of 100,000 over two years remains incremental at a time when much more is needed. The U.S. must open its doors wider and find ways to further expedite the processing of refugee applications.

The U.S. must open its doors wider and find ways to further expedite the processing of refugee applications.