February 17th, 2010
Restaurants that often don’t have fish on the menu have enhanced their offerings, especially on Fridays. The stoles of clergy have changed to purple and the “alleluias” in worship have been retired. On Wednesday, 17 February, the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany season will end and our annual journey through Lent to Easter begins.
Lent is 40 days, not counting Sundays, prior to Easter. This season, for me, is a period of focused reflection and recalibration. Some use it as a period of penitence, pleasure-denial, and even punishment, but I have always thought those approaches miss an opportunity. Lent stems from the practice of Jesus retold in Matthew, Mark, and Luke in which he engages in a period of fasting, praying, and meditation for forty days in the desert wilderness. In some of the stories, he is “tempted by the devil;” all three gospels place the story following his baptism. And immediately following his return from this 40-day period, Jesus embarks on his public ministry. Only then was he ready.
We commence our pilgrimage on Ash Wednesday. Read the rest of this entry »
Popularity: 18% [?]
Tags: Communication, Minister
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February 17th, 2010
| February 21, 2010 |
| 8:30 am |
| February 28, 2010 |
| 8:30 am |
| March 7, 2010 |
| 8:30 am |
| March 14, 2010 |
| 8:30 am |
| March 21, 2010 |
| 8:30 am |
| March 28, 2010 |
| 8:30 am |
Central offers a Service of Communion every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.. This service includes space for quiet reflection and uses guitars and piano. During Lent, as the light in the sanctuary dramatically changes in the early morning dawn, this weekly communion service will focus even more on being a quiet, contemplative space. In place of a sermon, the community will be invited to “live the questions.” For those who need “less of more” in Lent, this service is for you.
Popularity: 15% [?]
Tags: Congregation, Worship
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February 17th, 2010
Trivia question: What did Erin Hudlow sing for her first and (she says only) solo?
Answer: During the Christmas at Wildwood in December of 1999 she sang “Silent Night.” She was accompanied on guitar by Sarah Watson.
Come see which of our talented youth will perform at Wildwood Revival as the tradition continues on March 6 at 7:00 p.m. The show is coming along nicely – you may be surprised by who is singing and playing and with the multitude of talent here at Central. Read the rest of this entry »
Popularity: 20% [?]
Tags: Fellowship, Music, Outreach
Posted in Events, Fellowship, Outreach | No Comments »
February 17th, 2010
On Sunday, 21 March, the 20-member choir from the College of the Bahamas will join the Sanctuary Choir to perform the Gospel Mass by Robert Ray.
Composed in 1978, the work was written with a “desire to combine centuries of old traditions of Mass settings with sounds of the contemporary Black Church…[so that the listener can] experience the sense of joy and celebration that is generally felt in true African-American worship.”
Central’s worship service is the culmination of other events sponsored by the Bahamian Consulate. There will be plenty of opportunities and a need for “non musical” volunteers; specific requests for support will be forthcoming.
Popularity: 13% [?]
Tags: Congregation, Music, Worship
Posted in Events, What's Happening, Worship | No Comments »
February 17th, 2010
| April 1, 2010 |
| 7:00 pm |
| April 2, 2010 |
| 7:00 pm |
Maundy Thursday: 1 April at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday Service of Tenebrae: 2 April at 7:00 p.m.
Popularity: 11% [?]
Tags: Congregation, Worship
Posted in Events, Worship | No Comments »
February 17th, 2010
| February 23, 2010 |
| 7:30 pm |
| March 9, 2010 |
| 7:30 pm |
| March 23, 2010 |
| 7:30 pm |
During Lent, the small group “Beer & Borg” will be reading and discussing two books that invite us to consider “Jesus.” On 23 February, the group will finish a discussion of Borg’s Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time. This is an accessible academic look at the historical Jesus and the heart of contemporary faith.
On March 9 & 23, Rev. Michael Pater will facilitate a discussion of Christopher Moore’s Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. This satirical novel poses excellent questions about who Jesus might have been and what it “means” to be a Messiah. Please note: this is an irreverent novel and that includes crude humor.
Beer & Borg meets in the home of Joan and Bill Harrison at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the group, please email Joy Smith at joysmith66@yahoo.com.
Popularity: 12% [?]
Tags: Adult, Education, Fellowship, Small Group
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February 17th, 2010
| February 28, 2010 |
| 9:30 am |
| March 7, 2010 |
| 9:30 am |
| March 14, 2010 |
| 9:30 am |
| March 21, 2010 |
| 9:30 am |
Looking to journey with spiritual pilgrims? Have you been considering Central as your community of faith? On Sundays 28 February and 7, 14, and 21 March at 9:45 in the Window Room (the back of Fellowship Hall), we will be offering our Lenten Inquirers Series. This 4-part class is specifically designed to share stories and information about Central with those who are considering membership. While attendance at all four sessions is not necessary and attendance at all classes does not obligate you to anything, participants will have the opportunity to join Central at the service of their choice on Sunday, 28 March (Palm Sunday). For more information or to register for the series, please email Michael@central-ucc.org.
Popularity: 12% [?]
Tags: Adult, Education
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February 17th, 2010
| February 24, 2010 |
| 6:30 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
| March 3, 2010 |
| 6:30 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
| March 10, 2010 |
| 6:30 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
| March 17, 2010 |
| 6:30 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
| March 24, 2010 |
| 6:30 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
| March 31, 2010 |
| 6:30 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
For six weeks during Lent, we will explore our relationship with money in the context of our faith. Our study circle will be one way to support one another as we increase our consciousness of how our relationship with money also tells us something about our lives. We will meet on Wednesday evenings, beginning February 24. There will be a snack at 6:00 p.m. Classes will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Questions or to sign up, please contact Rev. Ginnie Ferrell (ginnie@central-ucc.org)
Popularity: 12% [?]
Tags: Adult, Fellowship
Posted in Christian Education, Events, Small Groups | No Comments »
February 17th, 2010
During Lent (and beyond), “the web” can be used as a practical tool as part of your spiritual support. There are a tremendous amount of resources at i.ucc.org (no “www”). Among other things, at that website you can sign-up for a daily devotional sent via email, participate in a Bible Blog, and enter a “virtual” prayer chapel.
Additionally, during Lent, Central will be launching a redesigned website for our church. Watch for updates and please be patient as we migrate to the new site. (During Lent, patience might be a good spiritual focus.)
Popularity: 12% [?]
Tags: Communication
Posted in What's Happening | No Comments »
February 8th, 2010
PLYMOUTH HARBOR: Monthly Updates
A Caregiver Support Group is meeting now at Central and is open to anyone who is a caregiver – from either Plymouth Harbor, Central or the community.
It meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Fireplace Room. The Facilitator is Sue Kahn, a Licensed Professional Counselor, former caregiver, and member of Central. Please avail yourself of this wonderful opportunity if you are caring for a loved one!
We appreciate the donation of two meals by Steve Alper in December! Many thanks also to the Chang family for bringing delicious treats for our morning snack on a regular basis!
On our prayer list: Betty Floyd and volunteer Roxy Porter. Both are working on getting their strength back after health issues have derailed them. In the meantime, Central member Laura Wade is filling in for Betty, and we are grateful!
Popularity: 18% [?]
Tags: Adult, Outreach
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February 8th, 2010
For the past several weeks the Do Something! Sunday School class has been preparing to launch a project with the Fuller Housing Center of Greater Atlanta by raising money and collecting the names of volunteers who want to volunteer on a Saturday to help renovate a home for the working poor. The first house is ready to be renovated- and Central is going to be part of the first Lakewood Heights project. This initiative, which we are participating in alongside other churches, will make it possible to sell a newly renovated and EarthCraft –certified home to a low-income family in the area (much like the Habitat model of programming and financing).
For those who would like to volunteer for a Saturday (OR TWO!), please contact Bill Harrison. No special skills are necessary- just a willingness to join us in the community and help for a few hours on a Saturday. Youth are welcome as long as we have one adult for every youth. If you want to be on our e-mail list for this and other projects contact Bill Harrison at w.harrison@earthlink.net.
Popularity: 20% [?]
Tags: Fellowship, Intergenerational, Outreach
Posted in Fellowship, Outreach, What's Happening | No Comments »
February 8th, 2010
It is with gratitude and love that Central Church acknowledges Mr. Archie Mosely. Archie, who passed away in 2008 and was the former choral director at Central for over two decades, has bequeathed the church a very generous monetary gift. $121,000 has been given to Central’s Endowments, the Music program and Plymouth Harbor. Archie’s love for Central and his musical legacy will live on through his generosity. For those of us who did not know you, Archie, but wished we had and for those of us who knew and loved you well…. we are grateful for your life and your gifts to Central.
Popularity: 19% [?]
Tags: Congregation, Stories
Posted in What's Happening | No Comments »
February 8th, 2010
Dear Central Church family:
Thank you for the many expressions of sympathy and concern during the recent illnesses and deaths of Evelyn and James Mahaffey. Your prayers, cards, notes, food, visits, memorial gifts, and attendance at services meant more to us than we can ever express. We are especially grateful for the kindness, comfort, and presence of Rev. Dr. Pater throughout the weeks of this ordeal. The Mahaffey Family
Popularity: 17% [?]
Tags: Thank you
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February 8th, 2010
Dear Central Family,
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the many kindnesses, cards, thoughts and prayers you have showered upon us during Erin’s illness over the last 7 months. Erin is doing much better and has even returned to school and her part-time job ! Although she has several more months of treatment ahead of her, the load of this journey is lightened, knowing we have all of you by our side.
With much love and gratitude, Laura, Rod, Erin and Ben Hudlow
Popularity: 18% [?]
Tags: Thank you
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February 7th, 2010
Dear Friends:
It was great to be back with you in worship Sunday January 24. I am honored (if slightly embarrassed!) to be designated organist emeritus. Maureen and I continue to cherish our ties to Central Church and had a wonderful time catching up with so many of you after the service. We look forward to being a part of the community in 2010.
Sincerely, Fred Childers
Popularity: 19% [?]
Tags: Congregation, Fellowship
Posted in What's Happening | No Comments »
February 7th, 2010
Dear Central Congregation:
I find there are no words to adequately express my thankfulness to you individually as well as to the congregation as a whole. Gracious! Just a year ago, you showered me with gifts of love through cards and words and money and appreciation. I was overwhelmed then. And here on the 24th of January I was back among my dearest friends once again hearing of your love and concern for me. I remain overwhelmed. But I will also remain connected to you by wonderful memories and by my deep feelings of love and concern for you at Central. The reception was so nice. The “plaque” is exquisite and will remain in full view on my desk. Again thank you for 20 years of friendship, support in an environment of growth spiritually, and laughter and tears and beautiful music. Elizabeth Rice
Popularity: 18% [?]
Tags: Congregation
Posted in What's Happening | No Comments »
February 7th, 2010
Huang Fu was a young staff member of the Beijing Youth League when he was sent down to a village near Mizhi in 1957. He lived there with a peasant family for about one year, then settled in Xi’an, where he and his wife taught for more than 40 years. By the 1980s Huang Fu realized that life was changing in Shaanbei, one of China’s “outback” areas. He organized the Shaanxi Folk-life Photography Association, bringing together a number of photographers, to capture the changing life of this area. (See the map accompanying this exhibit for the places referred to.)
Huang Fu’s photographs will be available for sale during this exhibit, along with some beautiful paper-cut art on Chinese mythology and folk-tales, done by women artists in Shaanbei. Ed Krebs has completed a translation of Huang Fu’s book, Roaming the Yellow Earth; these are available in a package. Information on prices will be found alongside the exhibit.
Popularity: 13% [?]
Tags: Art Show
Posted in What's Happening | No Comments »
February 7th, 2010
| February 21, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| February 28, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| March 7, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| March 14, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| March 21, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| March 28, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
Practical Theology
Steeplejacking by Sheldon Culver and John Dorhouer is our book through March. Our discussions will include how the Christian Right is hijacking the mainline Christian religion. Questions, please contact George and Jackie Dominick <georgedominick@bellsouth.net>
Sacred Journeys
During the months of February and March, join the Sacred Journeys Adult Sunday School class for reading and discussing the book, Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis. All are welcome! Questions, please contact Linda Herzer <linda_herzer@bellsouth.net>.
Do Something! – Compassion in Action
Interested in gathering during the Sunday school hour for an informal hour of fellowship, devotionals and action planning for small service and outreach projects? Then this class is for you. Questions?Please contact Bob Watson
UnSunday School
UnSunday school = coffee, conversation, and community. Here is a class enjoyed by both newcomers and long time members, with no preparation required. Questions, please contact Cindy Hulbert <petehulb@comcast.net>.
Popularity: 12% [?]
Tags: Adult, Education, Fellowship
Posted in Christian Education, Events, What's Happening | No Comments »
February 7th, 2010
| February 7, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| February 14, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| February 21, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| February 28, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| March 7, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| March 14, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| March 21, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
| March 28, 2010 |
| 9:30 am | to | 10:45 am |
Great Decisions an eight week course designed to help citizens be better informed about major world and national issues continues through March. Sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, persons from the community attend as well as Central members.
Sunday, March 7 Drs. Edward & Sylvia Krebs of China Bridge will be with us for Great Decisions at 9:30 (all welcome!) Read the rest of this entry »
Popularity: 18% [?]
Tags: Adult, Education
Posted in Christian Education, Events, What's Happening | No Comments »
February 7th, 2010
| February 3, 2010 |
| 7:30 pm | to | 9:00 pm |
| February 10, 2010 |
| 7:30 pm | to | 9:00 pm |
| February 17, 2010 |
| 7:30 pm | to | 9:00 pm |
| February 24, 2010 |
| 7:30 pm | to | 9:00 pm |
Please join us on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in youth room 103 to prayerfully crochet or knit a prayer shawl (for information on prayer shawls, please visit www.shawlministry.com), a gift for another or for yourself. During the meeting, we share a devotion, a snack and warm fellowship. We would be happy to teach you how to make a prayer shawl. Any donations of yarn for prayer shawls are welcome. Please join us weekly or as often as your schedule permits. We look forward to the gift of your presence! Questions? Contact Cindy (johnhoover@numail.org>
Popularity: 69% [?]
Tags: Outreach, Small Group
Posted in Events, Small Groups, What's Happening | No Comments »