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CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
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SOLSTICE SERVICE: Tuesday, December 22, 6:30pm to 8:30
Rev. Michael will lead a service of meditation and gentle mindful movement celebrating Winter Solstice. We'll begin in the Fellowship Hall for meditation on "the light in the darkness" and then go to the parking lot and make luminarias to place in the woods. An RSVP is helpful but not required.
Email Rev. Michael.
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CHRISTMAS EVE:
Thursday, December 24,
"Come to the Crèche:" a service specifically designed to be accessible to children.
Children AND adults are invited to come in a costume from the Christmas Eve story (costumes will also be available in the narthex). During the story, we will populate our manger on the chancel.
7:00pm Service: Special music featuring Central's choir
11:00pm Service: Special music featuring solos and ensembles
Lessons and Carols with Communion & Candlelight
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A SERVICE OF CAROLS & BLESSING:
Sunday, Dec 27 (8:30am & 11:00am)
Scripture: Luke 2:41-52
We will have a time to wonder about this passage after it is read.
On the first "Sunday after Christmas," on the cusp of a New Year, Central will have a special worship service led by Rev. Ginnie and Ben Leaptrott. We will sing carols, share an "Agape Feast", and be invited to receive a blessing.
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Central Holiday Hours
Plymouth Harbor: Closed December 21 through January 1.
CENTRAL OFFICE HOURS DURING WINTER HOLIDAYS
Dec 21, 22, 23: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Dec 24 and 25: closed
Dec 28, 29, 30, 31: 9:00am to 12:30pm
Jan 1: closed
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Adult Spiritual Formation
SACRED JOURNEYS:
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
CONVERSATIONS:
Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 204) (resumes January 10)
Come join our small group at any time. Our only dogma is "no-prep." We will resume on January 10 with the 21 session "Living the Questions 2.0" DVD series, a foray into progressive Christianity that encourages living the questions rather than forcing the answers. Our only dogma is "no-prep." Drop in as your schedule allows and you'll find lively conversation and a warm community. Contact Sally Harrell at Sally.Harrell@riverside.net
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY:
Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 206) (resumes January 3)
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?"
Sunday, December 27: No Class
Sunday, January 3:
Study: Begin Topic 2 -- Gun Control: Saving Lives
Book: DO GUNS MAKE US FREE? Democracy and the Armed Society
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Childcare Every Sunday
Children's Sunday School:
Godly Play resumes January 10
CHILDCARE - INFANTS TO SECOND GRADERS
8:30 AM T0 12:15 PM (Rm 201, 202)
PRE-SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL
11:00 AM TO 12:00 PM (Rm 202)
KINDERGARTEN TO FIRST GRADES - GODLY PLAY
11:00 Gather in Room 202; 11:10 AM Story begins in Room 207
In the Godly Play program, the children hear sacred stories of the Old and New Testament, Jesus' parables, stories about Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter and stories about the church. After they hear the story, the kids have a chance to wonder about the story in conversation and respond to the story using art. We wrap up our day with a "feast" and a blessing for each child.
SECOND TO FIFTH GRADES - GODLY PLAY
At 9:30 in Room 208. The 2nd to 5th Grade Sunday School will be exploring the Old Testament all year. We will still hear the stories as in Godly Play then we will have time for art, exploration or even discussion. After the response to the story, the children will have an Agape Meal, prayers and sharing time. At the time of dismissal, we like to take time to give a blessing to each child.
CHILDREN'S MUSIC (resumes January 10) Central's Children's Music Group includes children in grades 1-5. Children attending the 11:00 worship service leave with the Music Director during the closing hymn, and meet in Room 209, dismissing at 12:30. The Children's Music Group incorporates a mixture of vocal and instrumental music (tone chimes, barred instruments, percussion). On several Sundays each year, the children participate in the 11:00 AM worship, sharing the music they have learned. Contact: Rev. Ginnie Text Link
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Macon State Prison Trip:
Saturday, January 2
We will drive our church bus to Macon State Prison so that families can visit their loved ones at the prison for a few hours. The trip starts by 9:00am and returns to Atlanta by 5:00pm. Please contact Debbie Spearman for more information.
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Fellowship of the Grape (FOG):
Saturday, January 2, 7:00pm to 9:00
Justin Jace and Ralph Gaskins are delighted to host January Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, January 2nd at 7pm. In celebration of fellowship and their recently joining Central as members, Justin and Ralph have chosen champagne and sparkling wines as the wine selection for the month with a "Champagne over Atlanta" theme.
Please bring any 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: January 2nd, 2016 at 7:00pm. RSVP to Justin at (404) 640-9108 or email at adjustjace@gmail.com. Complimentery valet will be provided for your convenience at this month's event. To be added to the mailing list for FOG email
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Earth Topics
January 7, 6:30 to 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. In January we will be presenting Chapter 11 from Hot, Flat & Crowded by Thomas Friedman. We will also discuss the Paris Climate Agreement. Reading is not required. The discussions are always lively and deepened by the breadth of experience of the attendees. Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie.
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Alternative Gift Market Forms:
We are trying to identify 2 individuals that did not have their names on the Alternative Gift Market sheets. One is for $57 that included $20 for Montclair Uniforms, $20 for Back Bay Food Pantry, and $17 for UCC Coffee Project. $37 of the total was charged. The other sheet is for $55 paid in cash that included $25 for school building renovation, $10 for CWS blanket, $10 for Handicap International, and $10 for Plymouth Harbor Soup. Please contact Martha Smith.
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We want your used books for the media sale! (Jan 24-31)
This January the youth will have a week long media sale in the commons to raise money for youth missions. Rev. Lacey is now collecting donations. Please drop your used books, cd's, magazines, and DVD's off at the church office or email Rev. Lacey if you need to arrange a pick up. Your donations are greatly
appreciated!
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Year-End Giving
Central, like many congregations, receives a significant amount of its annual financial contributions in December (for us, about 18%). Almost every year, including this one, we enter December "behind" in our budgeted giving and usually (hopefully this one) enter January "caught up" and even "ahead." If charitable giving to Central is part of your "tax planning," please do note the abbreviated hours listed above for the last year of the week if you plan to deliver your contribution to the church office in person. Many thanks for the gifts of "time, talent and treasure" you offer to help Central bring more fully the Love of God "on earth, as it is in heaven." As we have heard many times this season, our ministries have real impact on real people.
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Religion for the 21st Century 2016 Event - Peter Rollins
When?
Friday February 19, 2016 at 7:00 PM EST -to- Saturday February 20, 2016 at 3:00 PM EST
Where?
301 Main Street, SW
Gainesville, GA 30501
Lecture is divided into 3 sessions:
Session 1 - Friday, 7pm
Session 2 - Saturday, 10am
Lunch - 12pm
Session 3 - Saturday, 1pm
Want to register for the event or learn more? Click HERE.
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Donate to our ministries today!
Central UCC wouldn't be the amazing community of faith that it is, without your on going support. Thank you for giving. Your generosity is changing lives.
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Central Congregational United Church of Christ
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