CENTRAL
CONGREGATIONAL
United Church of Christ
An Open and Affirming Congregation
Jesus Didn’t Turn People Away.
Neither Do We.
November 27, 2011
No matter who you are or where you are
on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
11:00 a.m.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: HOPE
GATHERING
We extend a special welcome to our visitors. Nametags and information packets are available at the
welcome table at the main entrance to the sanctuary. Hearing assistance devices are also available.
An usher will be happy to provide them for your use.
Children (3 years to 6th grade) are invited to go to Children's Chapel in the Laura Askren Education
Wing at the beginning of worship. The 3 and 4-year olds may leave for Extended Care with the
Toddlers in Room 202 following Children's Chapel. Nursery and Toddler Care is available from 8:30
AM to 12:15 PM in Room 202.
GREETING
God is at home. We are the ones who have gone out for a walk.
Rev. Ginnie Ferrell
~ Meister Eckhart
PRELUDE
Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland
Savior Of The Nations, Come
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
J. S. Bach
Their flames symbolizing God’s Spirit.
 This symbol indicates for the congregation to stand in body or spirit.
Bold type indicates a unison response.
INTROIT
Savior Of The Nations, Come
Savior of the nations, come. Virgin's Son, here make Thy home.
Wonder at it, heaven and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth.
J. S. Bach
 CALL TO WORSHIP
Adapted from Psalm 72
ONE: May hope live while the sun endures,
ALL: and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
ONE: May hope be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
ALL: like showers that water the earth.
ONE: May righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
 PROCESSIONAL HYMN
Return, My People
NCH 114
PROCLAMATION
ADVENT WREATH LITANY
ONE: Advent is a season for midwives, pilgrims, and visionaries—those who see what
yearns to be made so. It is a time for journeys and dreams. It is a liturgy of hope.
ALL: Our hope springs anew, from an ancient vision.
ONE: Hope is not passive, even as it waits. Hope keeps the fire in the hearth as it waits for a
guest to arrive. Hope keeps the food warm in the oven as it waits for the visitor.
ALL: And hope lights the candle that shines bright in the shadows of night.
ONE: And so, we begin our journey around a wreath and to a crèche again by lighting the
first candle, the light of hope.
The Advent Candle is lit while the congregation sings.
SUNG RESPONSE
Come, O Long-Expected Jesus
Come, O long-expected Jesus, born to set all people free;
From our fears and sins release us; grant us your true liberty.
Time for silent reflection.
2
NCH 122, stanza 1
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
 PASSING OF THE PEACE
You may say to your neighbors, “The peace of Christ be with you.”
An appropriate response is “And also with you.”
 SUNG RESPONSE
Come, O Long-Expected Jesus
Born all people to deliver, born a child, you came to reign!
Born to rule on earth forever, come, be known to us again.
NCH 122, stanza 3
SCRIPTURE LESSON
Mark 13: 24-37
‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give
its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be
shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory.
Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of
the earth to the ends of heaven.
‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its
leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you
know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until
all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass
away.
‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only
the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man
going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work,
and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not
know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow,
or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I
say to all: Keep awake.’
ANTHEM
The Eyes of All Wait Upon Thee
The eyes of all wait upon Thee, and Thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
SERMON
Jean Berger
Tommy Smith, M. Div., Student in Care
RESPONSE
HYMN
Keep Awake, Be Always Ready
NCH 112
COMMUNITY SHARING AND PASTORAL PRAYER
Please see the “Parish Concerns” listed in the announcement section of the bulletin.
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive
those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the
kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
OUR WITNESS: OFFERING OF TITHES, GIFTS, AND SERVICE
As the offering plate is passed to you, remember that all of us are able to respond. Please hold it for a
moment, whether or not you are placing anything in it, and offer a prayer for “those for whom no one
prays” or commit yourself to a specific act of compassion this week.
3
OFFERTORY
Hope in God
James Southbridge
“Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.” (Ps. 42:5)
 DOXOLOGY
All praise, eternal Christ to thee,
Whose advent set thy people free;
OLD HUNDREDTH
Once more upon thy people shine,
And fill the world with love divine.
 PRAYER OF DEDICATION
 HYMN
Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old
NCH 108
Savior Of The Nations, Come
J. S. Bach
 BENEDICTION
 CHORAL BENEDICTION
Please be seated for the postlude.
The candles are extinguished: God’s Spirit moves from our house of worship into our hearts.
POSTLUDE
The Advent of Our God
Robert J. Powell
SERVING AT CENTRAL THIS SUNDAY
Deacon: Marlee Givens
Usher Team: Paul Hiltman (team leader), Cindy Hoover, David Padgett,
Mary Mathis, and Vicki Schatz
Sanctuary flowers by Susan Jackson in loving memory of her parents,
Boyd and Emily Williams.
CHILDREN WELCOME IN WORSHIP
We welcome the children into our worship. We offer two types of children's bulletins.
PARISH CONCERNS
Ongoing Care: Robin Lee Fitch, Betty Floyd, Alice Granish, Erin Hudlow, Sophie Lewis, George
Miller, Ellen Moye, MJ Neprash, June Schuster, Jean Steinhaus, Sara Young.
PARISH CONCERNS FOR CENTRAL MEMBERS’ FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Ongoing Care: Barbara Brigham (former member); Karen Clark (former member); Jacob Dalton
(grandnephew of Jim and Judy Dalton), Doris Ellis and Linda Mashburn (mother and sister of Leonard
Ellis); Mavis Friday (sister of Leona Greenlaw); Kelly Gissendaner (incarcerated at prison) and her
children Brandon, Kayla and Cody; Shaelin Hase (greatniece of Kathleen and Charles Anderson);
Virginia Kittinger (sister of Joanne Stone; Ginny McCamey (former member); Bonnie Murray (mother
of Kathryn Sarzen); Bill and Mary Scott; Maureen Seabrooks; Von Waters (father of Dianne Hiltman);
Leigh Wyckoff (friend of Gracie Theobald).
To be added or removed from this list, please email [email protected] by Wednesday morning.
To reach a minister for a pastoral care concern, please call (678) 672-7637.
THE AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT COMES TO CENTRAL
Sections of the internationally celebrated AIDS Memorial Quilt will be at Central the first two
Sundays of Advent. On November 27, a 12 x 12 panel will be on display in the Fireplace Room
and will remain up during the week. On Sunday, December 4, a second panel will drape the
Communion Table as we receive the elements. These panels have come from every state in the
nation and have been created by friends, lovers and family members in an attempt to transform
loss and heartbreak into hope and healing. World AIDS Day is Thursday, December 1.
4
SUNDAY, NOV. 27, AT CENTRAL
8:30 - Service of the Word and Table
Tommy Smith, M. Div., preaching
9:30 Christian Education Hour
Children Multi-age Room 206
Youth Music Room 101
Adults
Practical Theology (CE Wing, 204)
Sacred Journeys (Window Rm. 1)
UnSunday School (Fireplace Rm. 1)
11:00 – Service of the Word
Tommy Smith, M. Div., preaching
THIS WEEK AT CENTRAL
11/28 Staff Meeting
10:30-12:30 pm
Church Council
7:00-9:00 pm
11/29 Plymouth Harbor
10:00-3:00 pm
11/30 Adult Choir Practice
7:30-9:00 pm
12/1 Plymouth Harbor
10:00-3:00 pm
Two Fiery Souls
6:00-7:30 pm
12/2 Plymouth Harbor
10:00-3:00 pm
12/3 Oglethorpe Prison Trip
8:00-5:30 pm
Blue Christmas
10:00-10:30 am
Youth Service Project/ Toy Shop
12:00-6:00 pm
FOG (Barbara & Joe Alfano’s)
7:00-9:00 pm
12/4 Service of the Word and Table
8:30 am
Rev. Ginnie Ferrell, preaching
Christian Education Hour
9:30-11:00 a.m.
Service of the Word
11:00 a.m.
Rev. Ginnie Ferrell, preaching
ADVENT VOICES AT WHERE HEART AND MIND MEET
Advent is a season of preparation and active waiting. It sees what yearns to be, even as it is not
“yet.” It is a time for journeys, dreamers and midwives. Certainly in the days we are living
something is trying to emerge; what it is, perhaps, is yet to be revealed. At times it might feel
forced and unplanned; sometimes desired and supported. We may have some level of infatuation
or love with the seasonal stories; perhaps some level of curiosity, concern or even rejection.
This Advent, several members of Central are going to appear as “guest columnists” on Where
Heart and Mind Meet (the blog of the Senior Minister) in a collection titled “Advent Voices.”
Their voices and stories may help to illuminate our season as we make our way, again, to a
crèche to light our candles during the dark night. To subscribe, visit:
www.whereheartandmindmeet.com.
GIFT TREE FOR CHILDREN OF FOREVER FAMILY
The 4th to 6th Grade Adventurers will make available a gift tree for the children in the programs
of ForeverFamily. Their After School, Teen Leadership and Prison Visit programs are some of
the ways this organization supports children who have a parent in prison. The gift tree is in the
Commons and gifts are needed by December 7.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3: BLUE CHRISTMAS • 10:00 – 10:30 AM • SANCTUARY
Even though one of the Advent Wreath candles may be titled “Joy,” for many, this season also
carries twinges of grief and shadows of sadness. Many feel “blue” during the holidays;
sometimes just acknowledging that fact can help ease the journey through these days.
Rev. Michael will use the Advent wreath and candles and the figurines of the crèche to create a
30-minute service of guided meditation. Attendees are encouraged to bring a candle. The candles
will be lit at the close of the meditation. You may take one home to use to light your way
through the season. Please note: The Deacons will provide extra candles for those who need one.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3: YOUTH SERVICE PROJECT
The youth will gather at church at noon for lunch and then go to Marietta for the afternoon to
help with re-stock and organize the toys in the MUST Ministries Toy Shop.
5
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3: FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE
Central’s Fellowship of the Grape (FOG) will gather at Barbara and Joe Alfano's home. The
theme is Zinfandels. Please bring a bottle ($8-15 for singles; $15-25 per couple) and an appetizer
or snack to share. All are welcome! Event details: December 3, 7:00 pm, 738 Willivee Drive,
Decatur 30033. RSVP to FOG Coordinator Paula Emde,770-451-5180, [email protected] or
hosts Barbara and Joe Alfano at [email protected] or 404-728-1570.
DECEMBER 4 & 11: ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET
The theme of this year’s Alternative Gift Market is “In Our Own Backyard -- Supporting our
Home Community,” which arose from the comment of one of our young members who asked her
mother, “Are there homeless people in our neighborhood? Are there hungry kids at my school?”
The Market will teach our children and youth that there are needs right here in our community.
Except for eradicating landmines, each of the organizations represented are ones that serve local
people who might be hungry, homeless or disenfranchised, ones that Central or its individual
members support. The Market will be a good cross-section of organizations that Central
considers its mission. In that sense it can be seen as a Mission Fair as well!
The Market will be held on two Sundays, December 4 and 11, from 9:30 to 1:00 (closed during
the worship hour) in the Commons. On December 4, the youth will sell Muffins for Mission. On
Dec. 11 the Youth will serve a taco lunch while an Advent Event takes place in the Fellowship
Hall. You will be able to write one check for your donations but you will want to have some cash
for purchase of Plymouth Harbor’s homemade jams, marmalade, and gourmet catsup.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5: SENIOR MINISTER’S ADVENT TEA • 7:00 – 8:30 PM
This year there is no agenda other than celebrating the joy of each other over English Carols,
poetry and stories. Yes, the “smoky tea” will return (lapsang souchong). Bring your favorite
holiday sweet or savory to share. Festive attire is encouraged (with a wink and nod)!
DECEMBER 11: ADVENT CHORAL IN WORSHIP • 11:00 AM
The Sanctuary Choir and Liesl Haugen (harp) will present Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of
Carols.” Britten wrote this piece during World War II, using Middle English texts.
DECEMBER 11: ADVENT EVENT
Following the 11:00 worship service, Central Youth will sponsor a Taco Luncheon and all are
invited to participate in an array of intergenerational holiday craft making.
DECEMBER 11, 18: ADULT EDUCATION • 9:30 - 10:45 AM
Central, the Bible and Just Peace: How do we define just peace? Where is the Bible helpful or
not helpful? Class leaders are Rev. Elizabeth Clement and Rev. David Hooker, former and
present Associate Pastors, First Congregational UCC, Atlanta.
Civil/ Compassionate Communication: Here are some specific skills to help you enter
challenging conversations with empathy for yourself and others. Our trained facilitator,
Lucinda Patterson, brings us a very interactive class, where four easy steps weave with a heart of
compassion to “make a way out of no way.”
OUR WHOLE LIVES SEXUALITY EDUCATION - K-1st and 4th-6th GRADES
The classes are age appropriate, enjoyable for the kids and taught by our trained OWL
teachers. The class meets during the 11:00 AM worship hour, January 15 to March 11. Parent
Orientation (required) will take place on January 8 at 9:30 AM. <[email protected]>
6
OUR DENOMINATION – THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
A World AIDS Day Reflection from South Africa
Psalm 72: 1-7 (excerpted, from The Message Bible) "Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O
God. Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy. Be rainfall on cut grass,
earth-refreshing rain showers. Let righteousness burst into blossom and peace abound until the
moon fades to nothing. Rule from sea to sea, from the River to the Rim."
It has been a dry season here in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, and it reminds me of the AIDS
pandemic that is affecting so many in South Africa, and the poverty, hunger, violence, and abuse
that exacerbate this virus. Facing the many who have died and the many more (often children)
left behind, it is easy to feel hopeless and helpless.
One recent morning, however, I was reading Psalm 72 in preparation for World AIDS Day on 1
December. This passage was used in one of our local UCCSA churches during their World
AIDS Day service, and after singing, dancing, prayers and sharing communion together, one can
see small seedlings of hope. God's people have been like rain on this dry soil, they are providing
hope to those who are suffering with HIV and AIDS; not only in prayer but in providing physical
care and support for those who are sick and have lost hope.
It has finally begun to rain this week. The grass is green again, the trees are no longer wilted, and
the crops are starting to grow. And while World AIDS Day has just past, let us, in whatever
season, remember those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS throughout the world. May God
bring down showers of peaceful rain, both on our land and in our lives.
Revs. Jon and Dawn Barnes wrote this more than a year ago while they served as missionaries
with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa. They now serve in the Mozambique
Synod, Jon as a project and development officer and Dawn as an HIV and AIDS Coordinator.
LOOKING AHEAD SIX WEEKS AT SPECIAL EVENTS
11/28/11
7:00 PM
9:00 PM
Church Council Meeting
12/03/11
10:00 AM 10:30 AM Blue Christmas (Sanctuary)
12/03/11
12:00 PM 6:00 PM
Youth Service Project - MUST Ministries (Marietta)
12/04/11
ForeverFamily Gift Tree for Children
12/04/11
8:30 AM
12:30 PM AIDS Quilt on Display
12/04/11
9:30 AM
11:00 AM Alternative Gift Market - No Adult Education
12/05/11
7:00 PM
8:30 PM
Senior Minister's Advent Tea
12/10/11
1:00 PM
3:00 PM
Sanctuary Choir Retreat
12/10/11
3:00 PM
5:00 PM
Deacons - Hanging of the Greens
12/11/11
11:00 AM 12:00 PM Choir Presentation during Worship
12/11/11
12:00 PM 1:30 PM
Advent Event, Luncheon & Alternative Gift Market
12/16/11
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
Plymouth Harbor - Cookies and Carols
12/17/11
9:00 AM
11:00 AM Garden Maintenance
12/24/11
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
Child Focused Christmas Eve Worship
12/24/11
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
Christmas Eve Worship
12/24/11
11:00 PM 12:00 AM Christmas Eve Worship
12/25/11
11:00 AM 12:00 PM Sunday Worship @ 11 AM only (No Sunday School)
12/26 to 12/30
Office Closed & No Plymouth Harbor: Elder Care
01/01/12
11:00 AM 12:00 PM Sunday Worship @ 11 AM only (No Sunday School)
01/08/12
12:15 PM 1:30 PM
2nd Sunday Potluck (Trustees sponsoring)
7
CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
With the freedom given us by God,
we choose with loving concern for and responsibility to each other and the world,
to walk together in all the ways of the Lord
known to us and to be made known to us
according to our best endeavors, the Lord assisting us.
Staff
The Rev. Dr. Shannon Michael Pater, Senior Minister ............................... [email protected]
The Rev. Ginnie Ferrell, Associate Minister for Children and Youth ............ [email protected]
Leona Greenlaw, Director of Music ............................................................. [email protected]
Dr. James Kohler, Organist .......................................................................... [email protected]
Marion Crabb, Director of Children’s Choirs ................................................marion@central-ucc.org
Helen Fredrick, Director of Plymouth Harbor ................................................. [email protected]
Margaret Rogers, Office Manager .................................................................. [email protected]
Johnny Wheeler, Custodian ........................................................................... [email protected]
Ministry Leaders
Members of Council:
Moderator
Vice-Moderator
Immediate Past Moderator
Board of Deacons
Board of Trustees
Board of Christian Education
Board of Mission and Action
Board of Plymouth Harbor
At-Large
At-Large
At-Large
Treasurer
Financial Secretary
Pledge Director
Clerk
Committees:
Endowment & Memorial Cmte.
Personnel Committee
Nominations Committee
Pastoral Relations Committee
Susan Jackson
Bruce Holcombe
Jon Ritt
Geneva & Peter Benoit
Dick Baxter
Peggy Brodnax
Sharon Hill
Laura Winebarger
Larry Anderson
Art Domby
Kris Muench
Martha Smith
John Moore
Cyndi McFarland
Peggy Thompson
Rob Thompson
Paul Miller
Debbie Spearman
Art Domby
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
2676 Clairmont Road NE ▪ Atlanta, Georgia 30329 ▪ Phone: (404) 633-4505 ▪ www.central-ucc.org
Church office hours: 9:00 – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday ~ Clergy available by appointment
24-hour Pastoral Care Emergency Phone: (678) 672-7637
New deadline for bulletin and Enews announcements is 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.
8