No Matter Who You Are or Where You Are on Life's Journey - 
You're Welcome Here!
CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Drifting on the Mother
  Sunday, January 10, 2016 
Baptism of Christ
Communion served at the 8:30am service
Rev. Michael,  preaching
Pericope for Preaching: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

From the Gathering Litany:  Sometimes, in the solitude of darkness, our fears and concerns, our hopes and our visions rise to the surface.  We come face to face with ourselves and with the road that lies ahead of us.  And in that same darkness, we find companionship for the journey (NCH 880)

The Centering Meditation:  "Wild Geese," by Mary Oliver.

At the River Jordan, the Ganges River, in times of Empire or Kindom, in darkness and light, when lonely, tired and tempted -- hear the voices of doves and geese, the silence of the forest, the rush of day say, and the clarity of your deepest core self say:  You are not alone, you are Love's own.

Communion at the 8:30 Service (every week).
Whitney Bexley on violin and Susan Hodges, soprano, share music at the 11:00 service

BE SURE TO NOTE THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE REV. GEORGE DOMINICK (SATURDAY) AND THE SUNDAY LUNCHEON IN THE ARTICLES BELOW.



Memorial for The Rev. George P. Dominick
Saturday, 9 January at 4:00 pm

The memorial service for The Rev. George P. Dominick will be at Central on Saturday, 9 January at 4:00 pm.  A reception will follow in the Commons.

All attending clergy are invited to vest for the service and participate in the processional.  Stole color for the day is white or "festive."  
Please contact Rev. Michael if you intend to attend (click here).


Second Sunday Luncheon: January 10, 2016
The Board for Christian Education will sponsor a Soup and Salad luncheon this Sunday. The Board will supply soup, bread and some salad. Please feel free to bring a salad or a desert. All proceeds will go to Camp Beech Grove. Questions? Contact: Rev. Ginnie.
Adult Spiritual Formation

Conversations: 
Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 204) 
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. Featuring thirty acclaimed scholars, theologians and other experts, LtQ2 consists of 21 sessions. It was recently updated to include Diana Butler Bass, Brian McLaren and Robin Meyers. Drop in as your schedule allows and you'll find lively conversation and a warm community.  Contact Sally Harrell.  
 
Practical Theology:
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?"  
Sunday, January 10:
Study:  Gun Control:  Saving Lives
Book:   DO GUNS MAKE US FREE? Democracy and the Armed Society  
              by Firmin DeBrabander
Lesson -- Chapter One, "The Culture of Fear"
Leader -- Bill O'Steen

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.

Great Decisions:  
Sundays, January 24 to March 13, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Fellowship Hall, WR2
"In democracy, agreement is not essential, but participation is." 
On Sunday mornings, this eight week series begins on January 24th. The class provides a forum for actively engaging on critical international issues facing US foreign policy. Great Decisions provides background information, current data, and policy options for each of the eight issues and serves as the focal text for discussion groups. The book cost is $30, which includes a weekly video portion to introduce and kickstart the discussion.  This year's topics include Middle East Alliances, Rise of ISIS, Kurdistan, Migration, North and South Korea, Climate Change, and Cuba. 

Books will be available in the office on January 10. The price will be $30, but $25 for those of you who won't be coming to class and want only the study book. Please leave a check with Vanessa (the Office Manager) during the week or place in Rev. Ginnie's mailbox at other times.
 
Please invite anyone who might be interested. Thank you to Joshua Hester for facilitating. Questions? Contact Mary Ellen Myers. 
Childcare Every Sunday
Children's Sunday School:
Godly Play

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 
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 
Godly Play: Sunday, January 24
@ 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS INVITED TO JOIN THE CHILDREN
Second to Fifth Grades: 9:30-10:50 am (Room 208)
4 Years to First Grade:     11:00 am Gather in Room 202;
11:10 AM Story begins in Room 207
We wanted to have an opportunity for the parents and relatives to experience the wonderful Bible storytelling and response style of Godly Play. We hope that if you have a child in Godly Play that you will join them on January 24 and experience this way of teaching the children about the stories of God.
Questions? Contact:
Rev. Ginnie.
Acolyte Training:
Sunday, January 24, following 11:00 am worship
Acolytes symbolically bring the light of Christ into worship each Sunday. As we prepare to leave worship, the acolyte extinguishes the candles and carries this light of Christ out of worship, symbolizing all of us taking the love and light of Christ with us as we live our lives. On January 24, in the sanctuary, we will have an acolyte training for 4th to 12th graders immediately following 11:00 a.m. worship. If you would like to be an acolyte, please contact Rev. Ginnie.
Youth Worship and Events at Central:
Youth Worship every Sunday Morning from 9:30 am-10:45 am (Downstairs in youth rooms).
All students 6th-12th grade are welcome. We play games, read scripture, pray, and share about our week. Refreshments provided.
 
Upcoming: (JAN 15-18) WINTER YOUTH RETREAT 2016
in Blowing Rock, North Carolina at Blowing Rock Conference Center.
FYI No Youth Worship on Sunday, Jan 17 because of retreat.
 
Media Sale Set Up Saturday, January 23 from 4:00pm-7:00pm (Dinner will be served)
The Media Sale will last for one week in the Commons from Jan 24-31.
Sunday, January 24 the youth will lead the 11:00am worship service and tell of their experience at Winter Youth Retreat.

Once a month, on a Saturday, the youth participate in service projects around the city and/or choose a social event such as bowling, laser tag, Six Flags, or hiking. We will be headed to the Atlanta Community Food Bank in the month of February. If you would like a full youth schedule or want to know more please email Rev. Lacey.
Earth Topics: First Thursdays
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 discuss the Intro to Grounded by Diana Butler Bass. We may also touch on Chapter 11 from Hot, Flat & Crowded (by Thomas Friedman) and the Paris Climate Agreement. Reading is not required. The discussions are always lively and deepened by the breadth of experience of the attendees. 
Lena's Place
Saturday, January  9
8:00pm - 10:00pm
7:30 pm: the doors open; 8:00 pm: music starts.  Bob "N" Beatles (32 Anniversary Show) featuring Celia. Admission is $5.00 - cookies, brownies, coffee and tea are available. Benefiting Lena Werking Fund.

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.  
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. The youth will set up for the Media Sale on Saturday, Jan 23 from 4:00-7:00pm (Dinner Provided). Please come out and lend a hand.
WOMEN'S DAYTIME BOOK GROUP, February 4 at 1:30pm
The book is Where Peachtree Meets Sweet Auburn by Gary Pomerance.  Atlanta history told through the personal history of two families, a classic since 1996:  a New York Times notable book of the year; still gets 4 � stars on goodreads.com. Our 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 email list: [email protected].

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Fellowship of The Grape
Saturday, February 6, 7:0pm 
John and Pamela D'Amico will be hosting February Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, February 6th at 7pm and they have chosen Syrahs (Shiraz) and Syrah/Grenache mixed blends as their wine selection. Generally Syrah's and Syrah/Grenache mixes pair well with full bodied hearty foods, for example: a stew, spicy pasta, venison, flatbread pizzas, sausages and cheeses with spicy body.  Please bring any appetizer or dessert that will compliment this wine 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: February 6th, 7pm.  RSVP to John at 860-559-1178  or email [email protected] . If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator RobinLee Fitch at [email protected]  We look forward to seeing you at FOG.

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.

Would you like to Tutor at Montclair Elementary?
We are still in need of day-time tutors for Montclair Elementary School. The title one school is located less than half a mile from the church and serves many immigrant families in our community. Most of the young children need help with reading. If you would like to be involved for an hour of tutoring during the school week- the school would love the extra community support. Contact Rev. Lacey

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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