News

Dear Siblings, the note below is in two parts. The first was written on Tuesday morning. The second was written yesterday(Thursday) evening. And, as such it is a far longer note than I intended. Nonetheless, I appreciate your reading it. 

Woah! There were so many of you in worship last Sunday, and it was wonderful to see. Several of us took the short trip next door to celebrate Interfaith Children’s Movement (ICM) 25th anniversary. Our own Evelyn Brewer was awarded the Diamond Joy Award for exceptional volunteerism. 

This Sunday promises to be just as big! After worship, we’ll have our Discovery Expo and Pizza on the Playground. Please stick around for one or the other… or both 🙂

The UCC recognizes this coming Sunday as both Faith Formation and Just Peace Sunday. We’ll focus on the faith formation part, while exploring the Parable of the Lost Sheep and considering what the prophet Jeremiah might offer to us today. 

Faith formation is work that is never really finished. As I often share, I am inspired by these words from the UCC’s organizing documents:

[The UCC] looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God.

Yes! We look to the Scriptures and the Sacred Texts, invite the Holy Spirit to journey alongside us, and together we find our way. This too is part of the UCC’s practice of “continuing testament,” or the commitment to encountering God’s ancient story anew in our lives today.

—

I wrote the above on Tuesday afternoon. 24 hours later, a leading conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed at his “American Comeback Tour” event in Orem, Utah. There has been much offered in the past few days about him, his murder, and what it means for our body politic. Indeed, Kirk is not the only political figure who was murdered this year. Just a few months ago, Minnesota House Majority Leader Melissa Hortmann and her husband Mark were killed in their home. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot, but survived. Gov. Josh Shapiro saw his mansion set on fire in April. There have been so many substantiated threats against the lives of federal lawmakers that unprecedented security measures are now being enforced. 

We have answers for some of these events. Rationales and motives have been shared too. As someone whose chief priority is the care of souls. I lament my diagnosis of the American condition: The Soul of America is sick. I refuse to believe that this sickness is terminal, but it is very clearly, very swiftly tearing through all of the organs of our society.  The signs and symptoms of this disease have been present for some time. Those who called them out were often called “agitators,” or worse. Yes, the signs and symptoms have been present for some time, and now the reality of our condition is too far advanced to ignore. 

There are book groups, podcasts, studies, articles, and more that might offer some sense of “here’s where we go from here.” But I also think that our faith and our sacred texts offer something too. It was quite serendipitous that in my reading of commentaries and other texts in preparation for Sunday, I found a transcript of a sermon offered by our own Jon Gunneman in the days following 9/11. He closed that sermon with these words:

Perhaps we should at this time [read a psalm], standing in solidarity with more than two millennia of Jews and Christians who have turned to the Psalms at times of personal and communal agony, when the question “Why?” defies answer, and we find ourselves able only to express the pain and suffering in our hearts while at the same time singing praise to the maker of heaven and earth, the wind of life, the author of our being. That too shapes the impulses of the heart.

To be clear, I am not comparing 9/11 to Charlie Kirk’s murder. Jon’s words seems to capture much of my own thoughts about the sum of our body politic today. 

My siblings, the Maker of Heaven and Earth challenges us to sow seeds of justice and to know peace. The Maker calls us to seek the lost and to celebrate the found. And amid all the agony and despair of the world, The Maker invites us to join together and lift our hearts in praise. Can we commit ourselves to such tasks? Are we ready? My answers, at least right now, are yes and kind of. 

I hope that yours are close to that too.

With unyielding confidence in our ability to make real the kingdom of heaven,

I hope to see you Sunday,

Rev. Thomas

In the gospel lection for this coming Sunday, Jesus describes what it takes to follow in his way. That is, he speaks to the large crowds that were gathered around him that day, and he speaks to us who listen across the millennia. “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:26)

Now, this is troublesome. I’m supposed to be proclaiming the Good News, struggling mightily and daily with my emotions and fears about those in power who (in my mind) are wrecking the world and gleefully stomping on small people like me and even smaller than me, reciting a new mantra, “You must not hate. We’re not allowed to hate,” and here comes Jesus giving me permission to hate—no, commanding, for goodness’ sake—but not the people that make my teeth itch and give nightmares, but the people I love most! I’m not liking this verse.

So, I go looking for help to understand what’s going on here before everything I think I know about this Christian way of life gets put in the recycling bin. First, I go to Luke Timothy Johnson my favorite New Testament professor. He turns up so often in my sermons my that love and appreciation for this man should be well known by now. (Joanne Stone and I met in his office.❤️) In my house, he is known as “Luke Skywalker” which is perfectly apt. He gets his evangel-writing namesake, and I count on him to help me get down from climbing the walls when I read stuff like this.

The terms denote attitude and modes of action, not emotions. The point is not how one feels toward parents and family but one’s effective attitude when it comes to a choice for the kingdom.” (Sacra Pagina, p. 229)

Those are my italics. What does that mean? Saved by AI!

Effective attitude refers to one’s actions and behaviors concerning a particular situation, rather than internal feelings. It emphasizes the tangible outcome or impact of your approach, focusing on what you do rather than what you simply feel. This distinction is particularly important when evaluating a person’s priorities or commitment. An effective attitude is one that produces real, measurable results…. (Google AI Mode)

So, love and compassion and the Way of Jesus are a matter of intended behavior. What we do will reveal our choices, our commitments. I used to tell my Confirmands, if Martians landed in the parking lot on a Sunday afternoon knowing nothing about us or our language, by Wednesday they would know exactly who we are and what intend. They would know our true effective attitude. Remember “tangibilitate”?

So, my strong, angry feelings about certain people and movements are legitimate. But I do not get to act without compassion. I must choose loving and compassionate action—I must intend a good for my neighbor—like Jesus. That is the highest priority. And there could be a price to pay. We may be surprised who we are required to love. Sigh.

In an important editorial about Christian Nationalism by Nancy Wetzel that appeared in the May issue of The Monthly, she writes:

Besides using our votes, I’m not sure what the answers are as to how to counteract this pseudo-Christian movement and the damage it has already inflicted on our country and our citizens. Maybe we can begin by praying for inspiration and direction that can be put into action.

Yes, we must pray for inspiration and direction that we can put into action. That is what God calls us to. “Yes, AND,” as they say in improv, we must take time to be very clear about what we intend—our effective attitude. That iterative work of reflection and discernment over a lifetime for each of us and this congregation of God’s people takes first in our priorities. After that, we figure it out together like every disciple (improv) group has.

See you Sunday, God willing and all lanes on I-285 are open. It will be good to be together again.

Love and hugs,

Rev. Liz

Volunteers needed!

The Green Team needs volunteers to serve on ad-hoc workgroups for activities related to the composting pilot project, reducing plastic pollution in our community, and voter turnout for the upcoming Georgia Public Service Commission election. These workgroups are short-term and open to anyone; no need to be a Green Team or church member. If interested, please contact Mary W.

Sun Day – September 21 & Advocacy cards for members of Congress!

On September 21, the United Christ of Christ will join other national organizations to celebrate Sun Day, a day to recognize God’s gift of clean energy like solar and wind and take action to protect our climate. The National Setting of the United Church of Christ will provide our congregation with advocacy cards to write messages to members of Congress. Look for these cards from early to mid-September at church. Once completed, the cards will be collected and then delivered to local congressional offices.

World Rivers Day – September 28 – Interfaith Community River Cleanup

Our partners at Georgia Interfaith Power and Light are joining with other faith organizations to celebrate World Rivers Day with a special Interfaith Community River Cleanup on Sunday, September 28, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, at six metro Atlanta sites, including Mason Mill Park.

For more information and to register: https://gipl.org/events/wrd25 .

Does anyone remember “humility”? Before this week’s gospel reading in Luke 14:1, 7-14, I hadn’t put that old word together with the unrest I have experienced lately but there it is. (The way these lectionary texts appear just as they’re needed is spooky, or maybe I should just acknowledge, “it’s a God thing.”) Is meanness the opposite of humility? There’s a bull market in that.

This is from Frederick Buechner:

      Humility is often confused with saying you’re not much of a bridge player when you know perfectly well you are. Conscious or otherwise, this kind of humility is a form of gamesmanship.

      If you really aren’t much of a bridge player, you’re apt to be rather proud of yourself for admitting it so humbly. This kind of humility is a form of low comedy.

     True humility doesn’t consist of thinking ill of yourself but of not thinking of yourself much differently from the way you’d be apt to think of anybody else. It is the capacity for being no more and no less pleased when you play your own hand well than when your opponents do.

       (~originally published in Wishful Thinking and later in Beyond Words; frederickbuechner.com)

Frankly, that sounds a little too distant from the way we play in this culture. But then, so does Jesus’ lesson in this passage about humility and hospitality. When was anyone ever rewarded for not thinking more highly of themselves than others? How can you win if you don’t imagine yourself better than your foe? Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike competition?

Once upon a time, when I used to gather with a Bible study group on Wednesdays at lunchtime, my dearest deacon friend checked in telling us about his grandson whose T-ball team had lost their game and how grandad had scolded him. Silly me, I asked: “Is winning that important?” To which he replied, “Winning is everything.” But, by your measure, I thought to myself, Jesus lost…

 Recently, it seemed I might be ready to sneak a peek at the news more than once a week. Alas, I’m not quite there yet. A little more time with cultivating my internal capacity for grace and mercy and love is needed. Especially if I am to have a word of Good News by Sunday morning.

 Streamers and Gatherers, come join us for worship on Sunday. I look forward to praise, prayer and singing together with you, and to renewing in our fellowship the courage and love to continue to attempt the Christian life. Gotta refuel. 

Love and hugs,

 Rev. Liz

Dear Siblings, 

What a joy it was to celebrate Julia’s baptism this past Sunday! I’m also thankful that so many of you shared your reflections with me after this service about its meaning for you and your faith journey.

For me, aside from the baptism, the highlight of our service was how readily you all jumped up to join our movement prayer at the end of the Story for All Ages! Reaching your hands up high and drawing them back to your chest, as you claimed God’s love for you. Let’s keep doing that, yes?

This Sunday, we’ll sit with the story of Jesus breaking the sabbath to heal a woman. Again, we’ll ask “what do we intend?” I don’t think I believe that “rules are meant to be broken,” but rather that rules should be considered in the context of their origin and the present-moment. By asking “what do we intend,” perhaps we’ll find a way to guide ourselves and our decision-making. 

Be well, 

Thomas

Dear Siblings, 

Our hymn sing last Sunday was a wonderful time to connect with our faith through song! If you missed it, you can check it out online. In fact, you can find all of our recent services and sermons online by Monday afternoon. 

This Sunday, our first OWL class for grade 7-9 will meet. We’re excited to support five teenagers in this important aspect of their lives. And, we’re already building a list of folks who will participate in the other grades offered in the spring. It has been a long road, but OWL is taking flight!

On Sunday, we will also celebrate the Baptism of Julia Henning! Baptism is an outward and visible sign of the Grace of God. Of course, this occasion is important for Julia and her family, but it is also important for our church community. Indeed, in the church today, baptism includes commitments and covenants between the baptized and the community that they formally join.

If my math is correct, this is Central’s first baptism in several years. So, I hope to see many of you in the pews and online as witnesses to this sacramental celebration.

Part of our liturgy on Sunday will include this observation from Rachel Held Evans:

“In the ritual of baptism, our ancestors acted out the bizarre truth of the Christian identity: We are people who stand totally exposed before evil and death and declare them powerless against love.”

Yes, bizarre indeed! And yet, we practice this ritual all the same. 

Rev. Liz and Josh are both away this weekend, but they are with us in spirit and celebration! 

See you Sunday,

Thomas

The Sandwich project is seeking donations of new or used insulated water bottles to distribute to the clients at Central Outreach and Advocacy.

Our next sandwich making Sunday is August 24, so please drop off donations in the specially marked baskets in the Commons and the office area by August 22nd.

Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Dear Members, Friends, Siblings, All,

On Sunday, we will sing to our hearts’ content. Central has always been known to me as congregation that loves to sing. Well, if that sounds like you, please make plans to join us for the Hymn-Sing Service on Sunday, August 10. Of course, no special vocal gifts are required, only that you love to raise your voice in song to the glory of God.

When Summer Church: A Season of Exploration began, some of us wanted to explore what music and worship mean to Central, what part they play in our faith development and congregational life, and what possible creative possibilities could enrich our worship life together. As you may recall, we asked people to share favorite music and to say a bit about how it comes to be meaningful. Each contribution has a wonderful story, I have no doubt, and I would love to hear them all. These stories can teach us things about ourselves and our faith—yes, our own story—that may not be visible to us until we are asked and probe for significance.

Our questions and your contributions have led us to this service. Thank you to everyone who submitted music that is meaningful to them: hymns from the denominations we grew up with, beloved family songs, and newer lyrics and rhythms that awaken us to a “God is still speaking” church. We now have a rich collection to use for the next Hymn-Sing service, and we will invite suggestions again later.

For now—that is, after the service on Sunday—please give some thought to your favorite hymns or those that seem to come up often for you; that you draw encouragement or comfort in singing or humming. What’s that story? Where do you remember that song from as far back as you can remember? What was the setting, what was going on? Were there other people there, are they/were they special to you? What did it feel like, smell like, look like, taste like, cold or hot—as much sensory detail as you can uncover? And most important: How did it make you feel, what was your emotional state in that moment? Can you remember?

These are the elements of a story that make it come alive with meaning for us in the telling. Often, they reveal patterns that have significance now that only become visible over time. And sometimes, our stories reveal concealed riches, gifts that only become available to us when uncovered and set free.

Oh, the stories I could tell! But I must go to rest my vocal cords and prepare my lungs for Sunday. Whether you share your favorite hymn story or not, please try to “appreciate” the service on Sunday and share that with us. By appreciate it, I mean reflect on what it felt like to be part of a worship where we sing more than we speak, and what you felt was the best thing you were able to take away from being part of our big choir experience together. You can tell us what you didn’t like but try not to begin and end your reflections there. It’s an experiment that we want to learn from and your input will help.

One last thing: There are other “discovery groups” at work, some of which I could name and others that I could not. Quite on my own, I have claimed the Monday Creative gatherings as one, as it is surely an “exploration” of what is possible at Central for encouraging imagination, creativity and community, and creating space for what is possible. By the end of our season of exploration and in advance of the annual meeting, I hope we will plan for a “Discovery Expo”—think high school science fair with posters—on September 14^th where we share the explorations and discoveries with the congregation during coffee and conversation. And we must have cake. More on this come.

Gotta go now but with every hope that you will be with us for singing worship on Sunday, Streamers and Gatherers alike. We will be lifting every voice, singing, praying and praising God! It won’t be the same without you so, do come. It’ll be good.

Love and hugs,

Rev. Liz

Dear Siblings, 

Can you believe that it’s already August? I can’t, but that doesn’t change reality! And so, this Sunday we’ll join together for our 3rd Annual Blessing of the Backpacks service. I love this service for many reasons:

• It honors and celebrates the youngest among us as they start a new school year
• It highlights the teachers, coaches, custodians, and more who will pour into them in this next year
• We get a chance to acknowledge that there are adults in our midst who are starting school too… they too should be celebrated
• It’s just fun! 

On a personal level, the service is also a marker of sorts for me. This is our 3rd Blessing of the Backpacks service, which means that it is the start of my fourth year as your Associate Minister. Around this time in 2022, I had just signed my call agreement and was getting ready to load my moving van and drive down here from Boston. 

Yes, it’s hard to believe it’s August. And, even harder to believe that we’re closing three years in ministry together!

And yet! Here we are. A bunch of oddballs and outcasts doing our best to love God and love people too. So, come! Come this Sunday for the Blessing of the Backpacks, to gather around the table for Communion(with a new communion hymn), eat Pizza on the Playground after worship, and welcome our new Artist in the Commons, Charles Scogins, during our coffee hour. 

Bring your backpack, briefcase, coffee mug, lunchbox, etc with you on Sunday!

Come, not because you must but because you may. 

And keep coming! 

• August 10th: Hymn Sing Service
• August 17th: Baptism of Julia Henning

Be well, 

Rev. Thomas