Visitors

Fellowship

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First Saturdays: Fellowship of the Grape

Please join us on Saturday, March 3 as Paula and Erick Emde host Central’s Fellowship of the Grape (FOG), our wine tasting group. The theme is “Sparkling Wine - Something Besides Champagne.” Bring a white or rose cava, prosecco or bubbly ($8-15 priced bottle for a single; $15-25 for a couple) and an appetizer to share. For those not familiar with FOG, attending is great way 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. Event Details: March 3, 7:00pm, 1940 Queens Way, Atlanta, 30341. RSVP to hostess and FOG Coordinator Paula Emde at 770-451-5180, paulaemde@yahoo.com or ccuccfog@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you at FOG!

Second Saturdays: Lena's Place Coffeehouse

On second Saturdays, Lena’s Place doors open at 7:30 p.m. and music starts at 8:00 PM and ends at 10:00 PM. Admission is only $5.00 and proceeds will benefit a local charity. (lenasplace.com).

If this is a ministry which you would like to help sustain, please contact ginnie@central-ucc.org. We need volunteers.

Second Sunday Luncheons following 11 AM Worship

Sunday, March 11, Youth Hosting the Luncheon Please join our youth for a luncheon on Sunday March 11 immediately following the 11:00 service. This is not a potluck. We will offer a delicious lunch (priced reasonably) with live music. Leave with a good feeling in both your belly and your heart!

Women's Fellowship

Women's Fellowship (WF) will meet in the Fellowship Hall on first Wednesdays with business at 11:00 a.m., lunch at 12:00 noon, and our program at 1:00 p.m. Women's Fellowship is the umbrella organization for the small groups, Priscilla and Pilgrim Circle.

The Priscilla Circle will meets second Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.

The Pilgrim Circle meets second Wednesdays, at 7:00 PM. Please join us.

Retired Men's Breakfast

Please plan to attend our next Retired Men’s Breakfast We meet the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 AM for great food and good conversation. We have a full breakfast and a short program with a speaker. Please bring a friend or neighbor.

Youth Fellowship

Youth Fellowship meets on 4th Saturdays from 6:15 to 10:00 PM for fun, food and fellowship. We usually take the church bus and go on an outing to play laser tag, go bowling or some other like adventure. For more information, please contact Rev. Ginnie ( ginnie@central-ucc.org)

Plymouth Harbor ~ Day Program For Older Adults

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. Central began this ministry in 1991, and it has grown and thrived for over 20 years.

OUR REFUGEE WELCOME EFFORTS

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In partnership with our Church World Service agency, RRISA, we have welcomed Shadia Bitangaca and her six children with a meal and stocking of both fridge and pantry. We have joined in furnishing their apartment – and making sure they have been warm. Compared to Rwanda and Congo, even this mild winter could be difficult, but generous members have provided linens and blankets; now one member has knit a cap for each of the seven.

When we signed up for this mission effort during Advent, we did not know the family, nor did we know that we would have a “parallel” partnership that is different from our 2011 experience. This large family has different needs, so it is time to REGROUP.

To do that, a new signup sheet is posted in the sanctuary for volunteers for the FOUR AREAS OF CONTINUING RELATIONSHIP. The following are the areas in which you may sign up for one-time or ongoing projects. Some are obviously overlapping. We will continue one project at a time as we have volunteers AND, very important: a chair person to take the lead.

CONTINUING FRIENDSHIP: Our friendship involves visits coordinated with RRISA’s case manager. In general, the goal would be cultural contact with the wider American culture and asking the questions of “How are you doing?” and “What do you need? *”

EDUCATION: It primarily involves “Survival English” visits yet we can help introduce other aspects of our culture and metro area (such as riding MARTA).

BASIC NEEDS: Through direct visits and/or communication with those who do visit: becoming aware of the basic needs of food and clothing as well as restocking – in due time – the kitchen and other aspects of the household. .

TRANSPORTATION: We need help in procuring the items or services that the family needs. (A trip to a shoe store is being planned now.)

A more detailed description of the tasks is on the sign up board.

Even if you have volunteered in one way or the other, please put your name on the board – as a witness and a reminder.

Contact Us

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Location: Central Congregational UCC, 2676 Clairmont Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

Main Office Phone: 404-633-4505

Web: www.central-ucc.org

Email: office@central-ucc.org

Worship Services (8:30 AM and 11:00 AM)

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Worship at Central is a corporate expression of our three core values: extravagant welcome, continuing testament, and changing lives. The two weekly worship services have both common elements and their individual flavor.

Communion: we practice an "open table" (no one is turned away). We receive the elements by intinction: worshippers come forward, receive a piece of bread and dip it in a common chalice of juice. A gluten-free option is available and the celebrant will bring the elements to those in the pews who need it brought to them. We celebrate Communion every week at the 8:30 Service and the first Sunday of the month at the 11:00 Service.

Preaching: we believe that God has yet more Truth and Light to break forth from God's Holy Word; as such, we strive in our liturgy and preaching to find an integration of heart and mind. Most of the members at Central take the Bible "seriously, but not literally," even as we wrestle with the wisdom literature and seek to put our faith into action.

Sanctuary: the entire campus, especially the sanctuary, nourishes the soul of many who come to Central. Through the magnificent clear-glass windows we look out in the forest and watch the cycle of the seasons. Indeed, the space is a "sanctuary" to look "outward" and "inward," to celebrate awe and mystery, and to prayerfully consider faith-in-action in the world.

Nursery and Childcare: on Sunday mornings, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Nursery care is available in Rooms 201 and 202 for children ages birth up to three years. During our 11:00 a.m. worship, we have Extended Care for three and four year olds. The three and four year olds begin with their families in worship and then go to Room 205 in the Christian Education Wing.

8:30 Meditative Service with Communion

In the "early service," the rhythm of the seasons is even more dramatic in the changes in the sunlight illuminating the sanctuary. Sometimes the light is bright, even blinding for a few moments; sometimes is casts shadows. Its patterns can reflect our own spiritual journeys.

Each act of the liturgy has its own "breathing" space. We do not "rush" from one element to the next and we are often invited to "breath" something in a little deeper. Silence is widely used and appreciated in this service. The pastoral prayer has space for individual silence/prayer/meditation and includes common, corporate prayer. Before we pray, we share "parish concerns" from the pulpit and pew. Following the sharing, we keep silence for a few moments and then pray in union for the "bold type names" in the parish concerns. Usually there is an addition time of silence to "pray for those for whom no one prays" and then we pray our common prayer (Prayer of our Savior) in union.

Music at this service is supported on our Steinway piano and on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of the month by guitars and other instruments (frequently including a large, crystal singing bowl).

11:00 Worship Service (Communion on the first Sunday)

The most significant element that distinguishes the 11:00 Service from "the early" service is the musical leadership. At this service, the Sanctuary Choir provides several choral offerings and the hymns are supported by a Schantz pipe organ.

Sunday School

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Opportunities for all Ages

Nursery and Toddler Care

Nursery and Toddler care are available for children ages birth up to three years, On Sunday mornings, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Rooms 201 and 202.

3 & 4 Year Old Children

3 and 4 year old children meet every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Through storytelling, games, and arts and crafts, the children learn Bible stories and begin to explore ways to be kind to each other and to our world.

Kindergarten - 3rd Grade ~ Godly Play

This fall we are beginning Godly Play for kindergarten through 3rd grade children. Godly Play is a path to invite a child in community to an experience of God through the sacred stories of our Christian tradition. The children are invited into a sacred space where representative objects of all the stories of the church surround the edges of the room as the children sit with a storyteller in the central area of the room. This Montessori-based curriculum guides a storyteller to share the sacred stories, parables and liturgical actions, using sensorial materials to help bring the story to life. The children are invited to wonder about the mystery of God in the story and in their own lives. Their individual story response time is the work of connecting their spirit to God's spirit. A feast and sharing time follow.

4th to 6th Grades

This class will explore several saints and continue with stories of the Bible, Jesus and the church. The stories of the saints help us to see how saints are ordinary people who have extraordinary lives of faith. We will also continue with the parables, the stories of Jesus and the journeys of Paul and the path of the church year. The curriculum follows the Godly Play approach as is outlined above. At times, the class will focus their Sunday mornings on service projects and fellowship in the 4th to 6th Grade Adventurers Group.

Sunday School Schedule for 3 year olds to 6th Graders

9:30 AM - There is a host in the Christian Education Wing to welcome visitors and to help with registration. The children gather for singing familiar and new songs of faith in Room 209 the Children's Choir Room in the Christian Education Wing. Marion Crabb, the Children's Choir Director will lead the singing.

9:45 AM - The children go to their classroom where they will be greeted at the door. Three and Four year olds go to Room 205 in the Christian Education Wing. Kindergarten and 1st Grade go to Room 206 in the Christian Education Wing. 2nd and 3rd Grades go to Room 207 in the Christian Education Wing.

10:45 AM - Please come to your child's classroom entrance. The Godly Play Doorperson or Storyteller will bring your child to you at the door.

Youth Sunday School meets on the Lower Level

The High School youth meet every Sunday for fellowship and a variety of activities which may include: interfaith discussions, ethical discussions, ongoing service activities, and sharing music. Our Sunday school time is both our youth group time and our study time. Through the year, we have fellowship, retreats, mission trips and service projects because we love to spend time together. On Sundays, the class meets in Room 103 on the Lower Level.

Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education - Kindergarten to 9th Grades

Central UCC offers Our Whole Lives, a series of sexuality education programs, for three age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, and grades 7-9. Our Whole Lives, together with Sexuality and Our Faith, helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their relationships, health and behavior in the context of their faith. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. It provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills and understand the social, emotional and spiritual aspects of sexuality. Grades K-1 and 4-6 Our Whole Lives is taught every other year in the Winter-Spring. 7th to 9th Grade Our Whole Lives is offered every other year in the Fall on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Sunday School Schedule for Adults

9:30 to 10:45 AM Classes on Sunday morning scattered around the church. There are three ongoing classes described below and usually one or two special classes that are taught in approximately 6 week sessions.

Adults ~Practical Theology A Just Peace Covenant Community Class

Practical Theology explores current issues through books written by biblical scholars, the Bible, and material from the National UCC Office are utilized. Our new book together, The Evolution Of God by Robert Wright, will begin on Sunday, February 12, 2012 with the Introduction and Chapter One. We love to have new members. Questions, please contact George and Jackie Dominick (georgedominick@bellsouth.net).

Adults ~ Sacred Journeys

If you like having your brain stimulated, your heart warmed and your funny bone tickled, then drop in on our Sacred Journeys class. Join the Sacred Journeys class from Feb. 19, 2012 to April for conversation around Neil Douglas-Klotz's book "The Hidden Gospel." This will be an experience of enriching our relationships with God, self, others and creation as Klotz leads us in the transformative spiritual practice of translation and contemplation of the multiple meanings "hidden" in the Aramaic words of Jesus. Books can be purchased in class.

Adults ~ UnSunday School

UnSunday school = coffee, conversation, and community. Here is a class enjoyed by both newcomers and long time members, with no preparation required. Come share what's on your mind. Feel welcomed to talk about your week, your kids, your dogs, your job, what's going on in your world and in the world we all share. Give support, get support, build community - that's UnSunday school. Questions, please contact Cindy Hulbert (petehulb@comcast.net).

Safe Church

Central Congregational United Church of Christ (Central) is committed to creating and maintaining programs, facilities, and a community in which members, staff, volunteers, and friends can worship, learn, and work together in an atmosphere free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, and intimidation. All involved be adequately prepared and educated for the ministry in which they serve others, and to understand the ways in which their use or misuse of authority may impact others. The congregation has established policies and procedures, screening and training of staff and volunteers, and the prevention education of the congregation in the following areas: Sexual misconduct and physical abuse, including legal reporting requirements. Other forms of harassment based on race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or physical ability.

Special Events

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On Sundays, through the year, we have Special Events for all ages. Here are the ones which are becoming part of our tradition. Others may happen occasionally.

Senior Minister

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	Shannon Michael Pater Senior Minister Ext. 223
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As a "recovered and recovering fundamentalist," I have a rich appreciation for the words attributed to Rev. John Robinson, the pastor to the Pilgrims: God has yet more Truth and Light to break forth from God's Holy Word. I certainly believe that faith is a journey and thinking is required.

Associate Minister for Children and Youth

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	Ginnie Ferrell Associate Minister for Children and Youth Ext. 228
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The Rev. Ginnie Ferrell has worked in parish ministry since the late 1980's. She has been involved in Christian Education throughout those years. She hails from the great state of Maine and graduated from Bangor Theological Seminary. Geology was her first career. Science is still a strong interest. At Central UCC, she coordinates the educational program for children and youth. She also leads worship, preaches occasionally and does what needs doing. Ginnie is married and lives with a geologist, Jack Raymer. Her interests included gardening and hiking and playing cards.

Plymouth Harbor Director

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	Helen Fredrick, LCSW Plymouth Harbor Director Ext. 225
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Helen directs Plymouth Harbor, the church's on-site program for older adults. She joined the staff in the fall of 2002. Helen brings a wealth of experience to her position from her years in education, health care and hospice. Her special interests are aging and issues that come with growing older.