You will also want to help with the setup and cleanup for this fun event. Please contact Debbie Spearman to volunteer. Bring many hands too!

Give gifts that give back! Your Christmas shopping can begin at the Alternative Gift Market on November 22, 9:30am to 1:00pm, in the commons area at Central UCC. Choose gifts that give back within our church, locally, as well as globally! Gifts for sale will include Christmas decorations, jewelry, hand-painted glassware, scarves and baskets.  In addition, through Church World Service, you can sponsor gifts such as: water filtration systems, gardening supplies, disaster relief supplies, refugee support, educational toys, and more. There will be multiple organizations benefiting. Come enjoy refreshments and buy gifts for good!

Central will have 60 15-second slots (5am to midnight) starting Monday, November 23 and ending 2 January (2016) on WABE 90.1FM.  The ad will emphasize our presence, distinctiveness and our "theme" for the season ("Making Room in the Inn").  The ad run cost $5,000 (a GREAT rate) and is made possible by a grant from our endowment, a grant from the SEC UCC, and funds from the Progressive Christianity Initiative.  To make a contribution to future efforts, make checks payable to "Central" and note "NPR ad" in the memo.  The current ad copy follows; be sure to let us know if you hear it:

Before the celebrations of Thanksgiving, Rev. Michael will facilitate an evening of "sacred stillness."  This restorative yoga practice will use bolsters and blankets to help us relax and breathing and meditation techniques to center us in the Sacred.   No movement required.  Come for an evening of calm before the fun and/or stress of the feast.  If you cannot make it by 6:00, come anyway.  Some props will be provided; bring your own to make sure we have enough. 

Suggested donation: $10 - RSVP encouraged:  Michael@central-ucc.org. 

No one will be turned away for being late or not having $10.

Central's office will close at 2:00pm Wednesday, November 25 and closed all day Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. The office will reopen Monday, November 30.  BULLETING ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE DUE BY NOON ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23.

9:30am:
Godly Play for children in 2nd-5th grades. (Rm 208)

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! 

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.

Contact Sally Harrell: sally.harrell@riverside.net

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?"  Contact Jackie & George Dominick: georgedominick169@comcast.net

Sunday, November 22:  Alternative Gift Market

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. Contact Peter Benoit: peteandneve@bellsouth.net

In a spirit of festive fellowship, EVERYONE is invited to attend this annual event; there is no agenda other than the enjoyment of each other.  Rev. Michael will serve his favorite tea; please bring sweets and savories to share.  Feel free to stop by anytime during the event.

Paula and Erik Emde will host December Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, December 5th at 7pm.  Paula and Erik have selected "Festive Wines, Ales, Glugs and Meads" for a Christmas Holiday theme 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: December 5th, 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Paula and Erik at 770-451-5180 or email at paulaemde@yahoo.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.

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 

Salt Shakers is an informal way to meet and socialize with Central members in their homes over dinner. We will meet in small groups of six to eight on the second Saturday night of each month. The meal will be organized by the hosts with everyone contributing a dish. Dates for 2016's dinners are January 9, February 13, and March 12. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Laura Winebarger:  4winebars@gmail.com