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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Worship: Oct 18
Drivers Needed: Saturday, Oct 17
Membership Exploration
Adult Spiritual Formation
Children's Sunday School
Children's Music
Music Sight-Reading Class
Table Talk: Oct 20
Youth Lock-In: Oct 23-24
Preparing for All Saints Day
First Aid / CPR Class
Family Systems Class
Women's Daytime Book Group
Earth Topics
Fellowship of the Grape
Progressive Christianity Lecture
Plymouth Harbor Needs
Plymouth Harbor
Toco Hills Community Alliance
Palestinian Film Festival
Justice Alert
 
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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United Church of Christ 





Sunday, October 18, 2015
Proper 24

Service of the Word and Table at 8:30
   
 Service of the Word at 11:00 

Preaching: Rev. Ginnie
Pericope: Mark 10:35-45
Lectionary Readings: Click here to read them

Worship Notes:
Twelve years ago, I was struggling with the word "Lord". It felt so male and one-sided. My friend, Rolf, a visiting pastor from Switzerland told me a story. He said that in German, to say "Heil Hitler"
amounted to calling Hitler Lord and Savior. This is the same language that someone would use to say Jesus is Lord and Savior. To refuse to say "Heil Hitler" was a ticket to jail for Germans or for Karl Barth, a well-respected 20th century theologian, (who was teaching in Germany) it meant an escort back to his home country, Switzerland.

Karl Barth was very specific about saying, "Jesus Christ is our Lord." He states throughout his writings that this is not a Jesus of once and for all personal salvation. "Our Lord Jesus Christ" is Lord of all in the Christian community. It is the language of faith that puts our commitment to the teachings of Jesus above the secular rulers of the world, the lure of the marketplace, and the destructive forces that are evident around the world. If "Our Lord Jesus Christ" is not the Lord of our lives in Christian community, than who or what fills that void? If not the word, Lord, than what word do we use as we stand up to global injustice and oppression?

As we explore "Jesus Christ is Our Lord", we will be singing two hymns from the Pilgrim Hymnal.
Drivers Needed: 
Saturday, October 17 
Driver Needed:  this Saturday, October 17 to drive families to Hardwick Prison in Milledgeville, Ga.  Our van caravans with several other church vans for this monthly trip to unite families with their incarcerated loved ones.  Please consider volunteering to drive.
Van leaves Central at 8:15 a.m and returns by 5 pm. Contact Debbie Spearman for details.
Memorial Service
for MJ Neprash
with Special Music
Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 3 p.m.
 
You are invited to join MJ's husband Serge and the rest of their family in celebrating the life of artist, teacher, hostess, friend and long-time member MJ Neprash.  She requested a musical sendoff.  So along with poetry, remembrances, and hymns, there will be a three-piece New Orleans style ensemble plus Leona Greenlaw at the keyboard(s) and a Neprash family fiddle/guitar duo. You may want arrive early.  The music will begin a little before 3.   
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:
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 18
Study:  THE NEW JIM CROW - Michelle Alexander
Lesson:  Continue with Section Two:  How the System Works (Chapters 2 & 3)

Sunday, October 25
Study:  THE NEW JIM CROW - Michelle Alexander
Lesson:  Complete our study of 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 5 yrs to 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.
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 
YOUTH LOCK-IN
Friday, October 23-24, 6:00pm
Please arrive at 6:00pm on Friday evening. We will have dinner and snacks available. Bring a sleeping bag, toiletries, change of clothes, and movies/games to share. We will have breakfast together on Saturday. Please plan for pick up on Saturday morning at 9:00am. Have any questions? Contact Lacey@central-ucc.org
PREPARING FOR ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
November 1
Central will again mark its annual remembrance and tender celebration of those who have joined the Company of the Saints of Light with our "bell banners." Any and all are welcome to place a bell on the banners that will be in the narthex for the next few weeks. Bells may be placed for those who have recently crossed from this life to life eternal or for a saint from long ago. The banners will be part of a procession on All Saints Sunday, November 1.
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 7, 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.
PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY LECTURE
Thursday, November 12, 7:00pm
Diana Butler Bass will discuss her new book, Grounded, on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church Decatur (308 Clairmont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030).  This event is sponsored by Georgia Center for the Book and hosted by Conversations.  No tickets or reservations are required.
 
Grounded explores the cultural turns as Bass unpacks how people are finding new spiritual ground by discovering and embracing God everywhere in the world around us-in the soil, the water, the sky, in our homes and neighborhoods, and in the global commons. Faith is no longer a matter of mountaintop experience or institutional practice; instead, people are connecting with God through the environment in which we live. Grounded guides readers through our contemporary spiritual habitat as it points out and pays attention to the ways in which people experience a God who animates creation and community.
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.
Palestinian Film Festival
Starts Thursday, 15 Oct.

For information on the Film Festival, Click here.

Thursday, 15 & 22 Oct: Midtown Arts Theatre
Sunday, 18 Oct: Emory University White Hall
Sunday, 25 Oct: Central Presbyterian Church 
 
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.