February 5, 2020
SESSION UPDATE
After unanimous session approval of a 2020 budget, a congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, Feb. 16 for the purposes of approving Pastoral Terms of Call. At that time, a copy of the 2020 budget will be available for the congregation.
WORSHIP & THE ARTS
Sunday, February 9
Children's Sabbath
Genesis 33:1-17
Hebrews 11
Believing and Belonging
Believing and Belonging takes place Feb. 9 at 9:45 a.m. in The Green Room. This new member class is an opportunity for visitors to learn about Central and engage with members and other visitors. For more information, email Kate.    
Children's Sabbath takes place Feb. 9

Our children are preparing for Children's Sabbath which takes place Feb. 9. They will preach, "By Faith" as they tell us the story of reconciliation by Jacob and Esau. The Children's Choirs will also be performing special music during the service. "Jesus has taught us all to have a child-like faith. Some thing that is so innocent and pure is a beautiful thing and I would love to invite you to a wonderful event in the life of Central Presbyterian Church, where the very faith of children is proclaimed to us," said Christian Antwi, Director of Ministries to Children, Youth, and Families.
Don't Let Go Of That Star Word Just Yet!
In worship on Epiphany Sunday worshippers were invited to take a star word as they received communion to guide them through the new year. If you didn't get a star word, you can see Kate or Christian for a word to guide you through the new year.  
Each week check from now until Lent, we will include a question to help you think about your word in your life. 
This week: Of the scriptures where you find your word, are there stories that are new to you, or is there one that has particular meaning to you?
A combination of beautiful music, four choirs and an opportunity to aid our city's homeless population comes together on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. 'Love is...' is a unique concert that features the choirs of Central Presbyterian Church, Catholic Shrine Choir, Atlanta Homeward Choir, and the Georgia State University Choral Union. In addition to each choir singing their own set, there will also be opportunities for the audience to sing familiar hymns. At the conclusion of the evening, all the choirs will join together to sing the last two tunes. A love offering will be taken and will be split between the Central OAC and St. Francis Table at the Catholic Shrine.
After the concert, Central is hosting a reception. If you are interested, please click here to sign up to bring snacks, volunteer or make a donation.
Also: Volunteers needed to help with reception after concert
Central is hosting a reception following the Feb. 16 concert. Please use the link below to sign up to bring cookies, brownies, mixed nuts, and/or cheese straws; donate money to cover cost of punch and paper products; volunteer to set up, serve, or clean up. Contact Ann Hunter with questions -  annhunter126@gmail.com or (404) 245-0532
LEARN
Women's Retreat March 6 to 8
A Women's Retreat takes place March 6 to 8 at the Calvin Retreat Center. Facilitated by Jill M. Joyner, MDiv, MAPT, the retreat’s theme is, “Honoring The Body.” Joyner has described the event as, “A heart-opening and eye-opening retreat to look at how we honor our bodies."
"We will explore what God has provided for us with our physical and emotional body, how we have suffered in our bodies, how we have celebrated our bodies and how we can use scripture and our “still, small voice” to write a new script or revise our plan for honoring our bodies," she said. "You can read more about Joyner a www.jilljoyner.wordpress.com . You can register for the event here.
Rebekah circle to meet Feb. 10
Rebekah Circle will meet on Monday, Feb. 10, at the home of Berta Irwin, 3541 Greystone Circle, Atlanta, 30341, with Jean Hammond as co-hostess. Mary Amos will lead Lesson 5 of the PW Bible Study. Bring a sandwich for lunch and snacks for the OAC. If you have questions call Mary Caroline Lindsay at 404-290-3421.
February/March Adult Sunday Morning Classes

The Lost Art of Scripture: 
Rescuing the Sacred Texts | an Issues in Theology class

The Issues in Theology class will be reading and discussing  The Lost Art of Scripture: Rescuing the Sacred Texts, by Karen Armstrong. The author, one of today’s most trusted and admired theologians, shows in this chronicle of scriptural development that narrow, literal meaning is a relatively recent, modern phenomenon. In fact, these holy texts are more to enable the individual to connect with the divine, to experience a different level of consciousness, and to help us engage with the world in more meaningful and compassionate ways.

Teachers: various class participants                         Convener:  Michael Lloyd
Location: OAC “arts room” (off of the Oglesby Atrium, basement level, Oglesby building)

Christian Doctrine | a Sojourners class

Who is God? Where is God? What is God like? What does God want with us? What’s going to happen to us? The late, great theologian Shirley Guthrie – a longtime professor at Columbia Theological Seminary – wrote a book to help Christians answer these and other profound questions pertaining to our faith. That book,  Christian Doctrine, will be the focus of this class series.  Christian Doctrine was written especially for lay people, and is remarkably accessible. Come and join the discussion as we explore what Presbyterians believe.

Teachers: Robert Catterall and Ed Carwile                        Convener: Ed Carwile
Location: Brotherhood Room

Just Mercy | a Keystone class

The Keystone Class will be reading and discussing  Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. This book, on which the recently released and critically acclaimed movie of the same name is based, is Stevenson’s account of his decades-long career as a legal advocate for marginalized people who have been either falsely convicted of crimes or unjustly sentenced. Class leader Mary Amos, with seminary intern Hannah Trawick and fellow class participants, will explore Stevenson’s stories and their implications.

Teacher: Mary Amos                                                      Convener: Jean Ellen Jones
Location: Taylor Conference Room
SERVE
Anti-Racism Task Force is seeking nominations for new members

T he Anti-Racism Task Force of CPC is requesting nominations for new members. The group's mandate is to: “identify …and suggest strategies for dismantling policies practices and behaviors that maintain and perpetuate racism in the church, past or present.”  
 Some of our current activities include:
  • Improve the policies of the church to encourage greater inclusivity and understanding.
  • Review the church's history to better understand its positive and negative contributions to racial justice in Atlanta.
  • Engage the congregation in learning, study, and faithful action around issues of race, privilege, and bias.
Please submit nominations to Chris Sciarrone by Feb. 1. You can contact Chris at
casciarrone@bellsouth.net or ( 404) 966-0380. Additionally, if you are engaged in efforts related to antiracism, but do not feel called to joining this task force, you may contact Chris to discuss other options in supporting the work.
A SECOND CHANCE FOR GEORGIA
ADVOCACY INFORMATION
 
Second Chances Day
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church, Tull Hall
Unlike most states, in Georgia almost all convictions stay on a person’s criminal history forever. Criminal records create barriers to employment, housing, higher education and other opportunities, long after the sentence is over. Research shows allowing people to remove old convictions maintains public safety and benefits families and communities. Felony convictions are also hindering people in Georgia from being able to exercise their right to vote. In 2016, nearly a quarter million Georgians were denied the right to vote because of a felony conviction, some only because of an outstanding financial obligation. Attendees will learn about the current efforts to expand expungement and voting rights for people with a criminal history and what they can do to influence lawmakers during the 2020 session.

Note: This event will streamed live on our facebook page. Link here .

Justice Day
Thursday, Feb. 27 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sloppy Floyd Building & State Capitol
Justice Day will bring together a wide array of community members and organizations to show Georgia lawmakers there is still a need for criminal justice reform and meaningful changes to promote healthy and safe communities. The program features leaders in the criminal justice reform movement. Individuals directly impacted by the justice system and their families will speak about their experiences and lead the lobbying efforts in the Capitol, highlighting the issues being considered in the 2020 legislative session.
 
The Shelter
needs your help

 During the month of February, the volunteer coordinators at the Central Night Shelter have opportunities for you to help make a difference in someone's life. Upcoming dates at Central Presbyterian are Feb. 12,
Feb. 16, Feb. 17, Feb. 18, Feb. 19, Feb. 22, Feb. 23, Feb. 24
Feb. 25, and Feb. 27. There are also dates available at the Shrine.
If you can help, contact Wills Moore by email or (404) 863-6511. Better yet, use this link to go ahead and sign up! Even if you can't help, please share the need on your social media?
AMIS Day takes place Feb. 9

AMIS welcomes and connects international students with friends in the greater Atlanta area. The group currently has students from Nigeria, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, China, and Vietnam that are looking to connect with a local friend. AMIS is seeking Amigo Friendship volunteers that will meet at least once a week for a meal, event, or outing and continue the friendship throughout the year. Learn more at  www.amis-inc.org/amigovolunteer  or email office@amis-inc.org.
AMIS Day 2020 takes place Feb. 9 at from 2 to 4 p.m.  at North Avenue Presbyterian Church in the Overlook Hall. For more information, visit  www.amis-inc.org/events .
Central OAC needs help on March 4
The Central OAC is in need of assistance on Wednesday, March 4 from noon to 5 p.m. for a unique event. The OAC is hosting a group of Microsoft
Advertising volunteers on March 4. This is a great opportunity to
promote the work of the OAC: opening doors to overcome and prevent
homelessness. The work the Microsoft volunteers do will directly benefit the hundreds of guests that Central OAC serves every week. 
Please contact Kimberly Parker at  kparker@centraloac.org if you have questions or are interested in serving as a volunteer leader.
AND ALSO...
Sunday, Feb. 9 Menu
Herb Roasted Pork Loin Chops, Parmesan Brussel Sprouts, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Corn Bread Muffins, Fresh Fruit and Salad Bar, Cherry Cobbler 

Save The Date for Chili!
The Central Presbyterian Youth invite you to enjoy an intergenerational event, the Inaugural Chili Cook-off which will be held March 29 after church. Proceeds benefit the Central Presbyterian Youth Group Mission Trips. Details and your chance to sign up coming soon!
TheoEd takes place Feb. 9 at First Presbyterian

TheoEd returns to First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. TheoEd offers leading thinkers in the church and the academy the chance to give the talk of their lives in 20 minutes or less. This event features many leaders in the Faith community. General admission tickets are $15. Students receive free admission. Free child care is available. Get your tickets at  TheoEd.com .
CONNECT
update
Financial and Accounting Update

The Central Personnel Committee has expanded its contract with Marshall Jones Accounting to provide for the financial management and oversight functions of the church. In an effort to streamline questions, we have set up a system to make communications as efficient and smooth as possible. B elow are contacts for financial issues: 

·         If you have questions for, or require contact with, Marshall Jones, please contact Finance Chair Bob Riordan at  riordanatl@gmail.com and Treasurer Tom Holcomb at  tch847@earthlink.net.
 
·       Payroll, Board of Pensions, and Building Use Management - Linda Massengill. Contact:  lmassengill@cpcatlanta.org. In the church office Monday - Friday. 

·       Accounts Payable and Receivable, Contributions, and Acknowledgements - Michelle Christian. Contact:  rchristian@cpcatlanta.org. In the church office Monday - Wednesday.
Do you have news to include in upcoming issues of The Weekly News? Do you have a headshot you can send us? Please send your information to Mark Wallace Maguire by email.

For a list of all events and activities at Central Church,
click here to view our calendar.
Need to add an event/activity/meeting to the calendar?
Contact Debra Link, Pastoral Assistant, by email.
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