January 22, 2020
Sunday, January 26, 2020
You are welcome home
Jessica Patchett
WORSHIP & THE ARTS
Don't Let Go Of That Star Word Just Yet!
I n 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: How does your "star word" illumine or speak to your understanding of Baptism... specifically your Baptism? Your identity as Child of God?
FROM THE ORGAN (AND PIANO) BENCH
By Vicky Fey, Organist

Sunday’s Opening Voluntary will be rung by the Geneva Handbell Choir.  Prolific handbell composer and clinician Cynthia Dobrinski has written a rousing, joyful piece titled “A Jubilant Rondo.”  A “rondo” is a musical form with a recurring theme, usually stated at the beginning of a piece and returning again throughout. Cynthia Dobrinski (b. 1950) currently has more than 175 works in print. In addition to composing, she has conducted handbell workshops and festivals in the United States and internationally.  She received a Bachelor of Music degree from Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, working as a church musician and teacher in Ft. Worth for many years. Her Master of Music degree in organ performance was from Northwestern University.
The Closing Voluntary is an arrangement of the hymn tune LAUDA ANIMA, to which our opening hymn, “Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven,” is sung. Arranger Michael Burkhardt is well known for his creative and inspiring hymn festivals and for his creative work with children. Michael is in frequent demand as a choral clinician, organ recitalist, and hymn festival leader. He serves as Director of Worship and the Arts at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livonia, Michigan as well as Director of Worship and the Arts for the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American and Artistic Director of the Detroit Handbell Ensemble.  He has several collections of organ hymn tune arrangements. Organist Emeritus Michael Morgan will play Gathering Music this Sunday
Kohn will share his story on Jan. 26

From the first cover of Atlanta Magazine to multiple paintings and illustrations, church member Norm Kohn has a storied legacy in the arts community. On Sunday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m., Norm will be available in Tull Hall to meet and greet interested members and visitors and discuss his life in art. The exhibit runs through Jan. 26.
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.
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 pieces. A love offering will be taken and will be split between the Central OAC and St. Francis Table at the Catholic Shrine.
LEARN
Jan. 26  |    Dialogue with Jason Esteves, Chair, and Cynthia Briscoe Brown, at-large member of the Atlanta Board of Education
Speakers:  Jason Esteves  (Chair) and  Cynthia Briscoe Brown  (at-large member), Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education

Atlanta Public Schools was in the news last fall as the Board decided not to renew the contract of Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen. Come for discussion with two at-large members of the Board who are both serving their second terms on the Board. They will tell attendees about plans for the future of Atlanta Public Schools.
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.
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
Raise Your Voice for Issues That Matter

Join Presbyterians for a Better Georgia in partnership with Central Outreach & Advocacy Center for our annual Advocacy Training and Lobby Day! Advocacy Training will take place Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. This event will give people of faith the opportunity to learn advocacy skills from the experts. No matter your level of experience, this event is sure to leave you feeling equipped to talk with legislators and raise your voice for issues that matter.
 
Following Advocacy Training, join us for PBG Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12 , at 7:30 a.m. at Central Presbyterian Church. Come put what you've learned into practice as we convene for a morning of advocacy training and issue briefings, then head over to the Capitol for meetings with our elected officials.
 
Both events are free to attend! Register online at www.p4bg.org .
 
Advocacy Training
A Workshop Presented by Presbyterians for a Better Georgia
Tuesday, Jan. 28
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
1328 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Training begins at 6 p.m.
Light dinner provided! ($10 suggested donation)
 
PBG Day at the Capitol
In Partnership with Central Outreach & Advocacy
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Central Presbyterian Church
201 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Issue briefing begins at 7:30 a.m.
Light breakfast provided!
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.
 
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.
 
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.
During the month of January, the volunteer coordinators at the Central Night Shelter have opportunities for you to help make a difference in someone's life.
Stay Overnight : Jan. 26, 27, 28, 30.

Provide Sack Lunches : Jan. 27.

Even if you can't help, please share the need on your social media ?

If you can help, contact Wills Moore by email or 404-863-6511. Better yet, use this link to go ahead and sign up!
CONNECT
We need your mug? Do you have a headshot you can send us? The church would like to help us connect members. You can email it to Mark Wallace Maguire.
AND ALSO...
NOTICE: Road closures around the church on Feb. 2
The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Road Race takes place in Atlanta on Feb. 2 and will affect road closures in the area. Details for road closures, alternate access routes and contact information can be found on the website here . We also encourage members to use Waze and other travel apps to find the best route. 
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!
Sunday, Jan. 26
Fresh Fruit and Salad Bar, Pot Roast, Chive Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Assorted Dinner Rolls and Apple Cobbler 
Do you have news to include in upcoming issues of The Weekly News? Please send your articles 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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