The Season of Pentecost is an invitation to dream.
CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Sunday, June 19, 2016 
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
Worship at 8:30am (with Communion) & 11:00am 
Preaching: Rev. Shannon Michael 
Pericope of the day: I Kings 19:3-15 
Worship Notes:
A morning of special music offerings:
  • 8:30: Rev. Maureen, Thomas & Carlos
  • 11:00: Multiple offerings by Brad Croushorn, composer and pianist
At 11:00: Special liturgy and blessing of the South Georgia Team and we offer our benediction to Alice & Jerry as they move.

In our pericope for the morning:  Elijah is afraid and flees for his life.  Almost like the chorus of a Greek tragedy: twice he laments and twice he is fed by the Presence.  

While hiding out in a cave, he listens for the voice of God; the voice is not found in the violent wind, or the earthquake or the fire.  But after the sound of "sheer silence," Elijah wraps himself in his mantle.

We, too, are afraid and weary; we lament our too frequent tragedies.  But, we, too, must remember that the voice of God is found in a stillness of soul - not in bluster or additional violence.  We, too, will be deeply nourished when we give attention to the Presence that makes the journey with us.  In the tradition and witness of Gandhi, we need "satyagraha" - a firm commitment to truth, a force of soul.
CELEBRATING OUR MINISTRY WITH
REV. GINNIE FERRELL
SUNDAY, JULY 10
Please plan to attend worship on Sunday, July 10 to celebrate our ministry with The Rev. Ginnie Ferrell.  Rev. Ginnie will preach at both services and The Rev. June Boutwell from the Southeast Conference will help facilitate the order of farewell "recognizing the ending of an authorized ministry."  Following worship there will be a potluck in the Fellowship Hall with a special program (more details to follow).
As has been our custom, you are invited to contribute to a "purse" for Rev. Ginnie.  Please make contributions to "Central UCC" and note "Rev. Ginnie" in the memo.
Thank you to those who provided dinner at
Lost N Found
The dinner on Friday, June 10th,  prepared and served by Central UCC members  was a great success and gave the volunteers enough food to serve the youth all weekend. I want to thank everyone who cooked, baked and contributed funds to this great cause. Our efforts are greatly appreciated whenever we lend a helping hand to this wonderful organization.
Sincerely,
John Christensen
Women's Daytime Book Group
Thursday, June 23, 1:30pm
It is non-fiction month, with two selections for discussion:  Just Mercy by Bryan Stephenson and Lights Out by Ted Koppel.  Come chat whether you've read one or both (and finishing the book isn't a requirement). This informal book group meets in the Fireplace Room every four-to-six weeks.  Great conversation always. Send an e-mail to Geneva Benoit if you would like to be on the email list.
Sacred  Stillness: 
Incarnating Sabbath as Re-Creation
A Solstice Celebration 
with Rev. Shannon Michael: 
Tuesdays, June 28
(6:30pm - 8:00pm)

Walter Brueggemann, in
Sabbath as Resistance, writes that "in our own contemporary context of the rat race of anxiety, the celebration of Sabbath is an act of both resistance and alternative...because it is a visible insistence that our lives are not defined by production and goods...it is the awareness and practice of the claim that we are situated on the receiving end of the gifts of God."  

In this 3-part offering, Rev. Shannon Michael, through restorative yoga and meditation, poetry and the music of Cloud Cult, and with mindfulness of the Summer Solstice will create a Sabbath space and practice for re-creation in the summer.

RSVP (strongly requested) to Rev. Shannon Michael.
Suggested donation $10/session or $25/series (no one turned away)
Fellowship of  The Grape
Saturday, July 9, 7:00pm
Debbie Spearman and Lesley MacFarlane will be hosting Fellowship Of the Grape Saturday, July 9th at 7pm.  They have chosen sparkling Preseco, because it is summer!! Although an Italian wine, there are several US vinters who have tried to duplicate its fruity appeal.  Please bring one bottle of wine our hosts have selected and 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 and they bring the beverage of their choice.  FOG is NOT about the alcohol it is about the FELLOWSHIP. 
 
Event Details: July 9th, 7pm, (FOG is the 2nd Saturday of the month due to July 4th holiday.)  RSVP to Deb (770) 490-3838 or email: 4903838peacedls@aol.com or Lesley (716) 909-1899 email: 9091899/lesleyjanet.lm@gmail.com If you would like to be added to the FOG mailing list, contact RobinLee Fitch at robinleefitch@hotmail.com.   We look forward to seeing you at FOG.
 

LENA'S PLACE COFFEEHOUSE: 
Sat. July 9, 7:30-10:00pm (Fellowship Hall)
On second Saturdays, Lena's Place Coffeehouse brings an eclectic mix of acoustic artists to Central UCC. All donations ($5 is suggested) benefit Central's "Lena Werking Fund"for local charities. On July 9, the charity is Clifton's Men's Shelter. Performing from 8:00-10:00 pm are Chase the Moon (with Tom Wolfe, Cindy Craven and Billy Gewin), Rick Diamond and Jerry Brunner. More information on our performers can be found online at lenasplacecoffeehouse.com.
Childcare is available every Sunday morning.
for infants through second grade
from 8:30 am to 12:15 pm (Rm 201).

for all children up to rising 5th grade
from 9:30 to 10:50 am

Children's Sacred Program:Godly Play
Children's Music for Grades 1-5
and weekly Youth Gatherings
will resume in August and September. 
Sunday Morning Opportunities to Connect

Conversations: 
Sundays, 9:30-10:45am (Room 204) 
During the summer months, "Conversations" will continue to meet very informally.  Instead of viewing our normal "Living the Questions" video, we will meet and chat about whatever is on our minds.  Lively conversation, good fellowship, and as always, no-prep necessary.  If you're around during the Sunday School hour, and want some company, please stop by room 204 anytime between 9:30 - 10:45am and check out who's around.  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.  We focus on scholarly Biblical and Progressive Theological issues of the day. 
June 19th:  Study: SPIRITUAL DEFIANCE: Building a Beloved Community of Resistance by Rev. Robin Meyers
Lesson: Chapter 1, "Undone:  Faith as Resistance to Ego."
Leader:Marion Clein

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.

Toco Hills Community Alliance
Plastic grocery bags needed at Toco Hills Community Alliance!!   Please save and bring yours to Central and place in bins which are under the table, just past the welcome desk.  Also canned and dried, non-perishable food.  Nothing in glass bottles, please.   
Villa Villa
Villa International
Sunday, November 13, 2016
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Sunday, November 13, the date for Viva Villa, the signature fundraiser for Villa International, an ecumenical residence for international guests from all faiths and all countries.  Located on Clifton Rd. near CDC and Emory, it provides affordable accommodations, community fellowship and cultural respect.  Viva Villa is its signature fundraiser and will be a wine and cheese tasting and silent auction with international performers.  See www.villainternational.org for more information about Villa.  

Donations are needed for the silent auction.  Please contact Helen Fredrick (hpfredrick@gmail.com) if you could donate vacation homes, cultural event tickets, etc.  More information will be forthcoming about this exciting event, which takes place from 4-6 pm in the Carlos Ballroom at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral -- just down the road from Central!  You won't want to miss it!
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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