News

My Story: “Well, to me, DEI just means ‘Didn’t Earn It.'”

The words washed over me . . . a familiar yet hostile wave, and I felt exactly like a deer in headlights. I was at a work event 6 years ago, having a casual conversation with a higher up, and there it was—a dismissive, racially charged statement about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Of course I knew, deep down, that the statement was completely wrong. It was a hurtful and intellectually dishonest simplification of complex issues. But in that moment, I froze. I felt the familiar weight of hesitation: Do I confront this person and potentially create an awkward scene? Do I risk damaging the relationship? Or do I just let it slide? Like many of us, I was either intimidated, prioritizing comfort, or just plain stuck. And, because you can’t cuss (not curse, cuss) out your supervisor’s boss, I walked away feeling disappointed in myself for not moving past that hesitation to take meaningful action.

Moving from Hesitation to Action: A Long Talk

If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation—knowing what’s right but lacking the knowledge or confidence to speak up—I have an opportunity for you.

I’ve been engaged with A Long Talk About The Uncomfortable Truth (ALT) for several years now, and I can tell you it is absolutely time well spent. ALT begins with a 21-day anti-racism activation experience, designed specifically to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to combat racism in their daily lives.

Here’s what the experience is all about:

Pre-Work: You’ll start with self-guided learning on the history and impact of racism.

Discussion Sessions: This is the core experience—two, two-hour group discussion sessions that use interactive large and small group conversations. These sessions, available virtually and in-person, are where you gain the language and tools to move past that “deer in headlights” feeling.

Ongoing Support: After the experience, ALT provides community support to foster continued growth and engagement in anti-racism efforts.

Call to Action: Join Me in Taking The Next Step

The work of anti-racism is a spiritual discipline beloved, and it’s one we can practice together.

I would like to facilitate a group from Central Congregational UCC to go through A Long Talk together.

Some people have expressed interest, and that’s awesome, and we still have room for others. Exact details about the dates and times of the meetings will be out by the third week of January. If, at that time, you decide you would like to join our group, you will be welcome. Just e-mail me at [email protected].

My hope is that through this experience, we can all become better equipped to live out the radical love of Christ and confidently interrupt racism whenever and wherever we encounter it.

Let’s move from hesitation into action together! 

We are excited to present to you “The Monthly” for January 2026.

Check out this month’s newsletter for:

• A Note from Rev. Liz.
• A Story from Central’s History: Laura Marcy Askren.
• How the Bible Actually works.
• Taking Action Against Racism.
• Coffee Hour Guidelines.

Click here to download “The Monthly”! There are also paper copies in The Commons, in The Sanctuary and in the Church office. Be sure to add events and gatherings that you‘re interested in to your calendar.

Enjoy “The Monthly” and all the events and gatherings you are going to attend!

Dear Siblings,

I’m curious: Can the birth of a baby challenge the empire? The deep stories of our faith say “yes!” This Sunday, we celebrate Joy in the life of the church and sit with the songs of Elizabeth and Mary. I am always moved by their response to the unexpected news of carrying children. Much like we considered in last week’s Story for All Ages about John the Baptist, what does it mean for us that God uses the last and least to show us a better way?

I hope you’re curious about that this weekend.

On a very different note, I hope you’ve noticed how worship has felt so far this season. Each Sunday, we’ve welcomed more folks than usual in the Sanctuary! We’re running out of bulletins(an easy fix). One other easy thing to do in this season is to wear your nametag. This allows all of us to greet one another by name. A growing church is a welcoming church first. Speaking of welcome… on Sunday, we’ll welcome a half dozen folks as members of Central. 

And finally, it’s sometimes hard to consider our church building and land as a ministry, but they really are! We’re host to a lot of wonderful groups and organizations in our community: Lena’s Place, Plymouth Harbor, Interfaith Children’s Movement, the Atlanta Freedom Bands, Toastmasters, and Turning Sun School’s Clairmont Campus. 

This weekend, we’ll also be hosting a holiday celebration for the Georgia Mushroom Club, and a funeral for a member of Kirkwood UCC. I hope each of you will take a moment to offer gratitude for those who came before us, armed with wisdom & confidence that a place like Central could be a ministry for our whole community too.

See you Sunday,

Thomas

Choose a gift that gives back this season! “Shop” for your loved ones by donating in their honor to an organization or project that you believe would appeal to them.

Instead of guessing what color sweater a grandchild might like, perhaps they would be thrilled to know that through their gift a family in Kenya will be able to access water in their village.

Perhaps another on your list is a fan of social media; they may appreciate that their gift supported work to ensure modern media is a force for good!

We trust you will find just the right match for your loved ones…and maybe start a new tradition in your family that reflects and cultivates compassion and understanding here and across the globe!

Check out the market in this catalog.

And make your donation here!

This year you can visit the Alternative Gift Market in the Commons also, on December 7, 14, and 21 following the 11:00 am Service. We’ll have donation forms available in print as well. 

Dear Members, Friends, Siblings, All,

Confession: I’m excited. Excited about our Sunday worship service which will feature both of the sacraments of the United Church of Christ. I’m not sure that has ever happened in my ministry. And an infant baptism has not happened at Central in seven years. I’m excited. This is B.I.G.

My excitement also grows from loving our Advent resources from Illustrated Ministry, LLC, The Will to Dream. Thanks to Rev. Thomas, we have this comprehensive guide through the seasons of anticipation and incarnation that invites our full selves and every aspect of our congregational lives. 

In Advent, we remember the prophetic promises of the Old Testament that we usually only sing in Handel’s Messiah. (Well, that’s how I remember they are there at all; they come with music.) It’s a time when we actually listen to the voices of daring dreamers, messengers who speak the word of God to the people of God via the audacity of dreams; odd ones who cry out inviting us to commit to hope–for peace, not less–and joy and love. And to imagine that, with the help of God, we can participate in the shalomification of our world. Yes, that peace–wellbeing, thriving, justice, wholeness, dignity, and equality, to name but a few.

I want to be one of them, one of those odd personalities. But churches do not often look for us. Except, sometimes, in transitions when the comfort has already been disturbed. I can see that now, after ten years in that space. Mine is a voice for crying out in the wilderness, calling for a shift of mind, metanoia, or what Matthew 3:2 “repent.” It’s not so much from sin, as we most often think, unless it’s the sin of not paying attention and thinking that what we can see now is all there is to see, and what we know and sense is enough. Imagination is a daring thing. 

Which is why I always say, watch out! Pentecost is always lurking in the wings, from which the Holy Spirit might intrude, grab our hearts and minds, and make us sing and dance and speak languages we don’t know and see love where it is (merely) hope, peace and joy. Only if you can imagine it. As Toni Morrisson wrote, “if you can’t imagine it, you can’t have it.”

I said I am excited but ça suffit comme ça. Besides, Pentecost is all the way next year, when the Christian year shifts from “the story of Jesus” to “the story of us,” the people of God and how we have done in the “refiner’s fire” and “preparing the straight ways of God.” The Bible is truly a treasure; the gift that keeps on giving.

Sunday will be a busy day for Central. After last Sunday when there were children running in the aisles (be still by heart), I trust we will find the energy to stay a while for the Jazz Christmas Coffeehouse with the MetroGnomes immediately after 11 am service. There will be good music, good food, good fellowship–it’s a dessert potluck–and holiday cheer. What’s not to like? Join us, if you can.

Later in the afternoon, Central is invited to join the Service of Ordination to Christian Ministry of Amanda Edwards who was a member here during her preparations for ministry. That service is at 4:30 EST/3:30 CST in Wisconsin. Use this link to register! After registration you are going to receive the Zoom link for the service! ​

Come be with us on Sunday, Streamers and Gatherers, all y’all. It will be another great day at Central. You don’t want to miss it.

Love and hugs,

Rev. Liz 

Order a poinsettia or contribute to the Advent Mission Gift (The UCC Christmas Fund) in honor or memory of a loved one. Every gift counts!

You may place a flower order or make a gift by filling out the online form or by scanning the QR code.

Deadline for Poinsettias order: December 14th.

Deadline for Advent Mission Gift: December 31st.

We are excited to present to you “The Monthly” for December 2025.

Check out this month’s newsletter for:

• A Note from Rev. Thomas.
• A Story from Central’s History: Lenten Witness: “There are times when saying ‘yes’ to God means saying ‘no’ to Caesar.“.
• Our Advent and Christmas Season.
• Ways of honoring and remembering friends or family.
• A new Faith Formation Opportunity that starts in January.
• The “Recipe of the Month”: ”Sweet Potato Angel Biscuits”.

Click here to download “The Monthly”! There are also paper copies in The Commons, in The Sanctuary and in the Church office. Be sure to add events and gatherings that you‘re interested in to your calendar.

Enjoy “The Monthly” and all the events and gatherings you are going to attend!

Dear Members, Friends, Siblings, All Y’all,

On the Friday before Thanksgiving Sunday and Thanksgiving Day, I find I do not have enough words to express all the things I am thankful for. So, how about this Friday Morning (while Elena is waiting for me to produce) What I am Thankful For Short List:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Life, even as it has begun that slow movement to slower movement and all sorts of other challenges
            2. My husband and family, the BIG one, that includes you
            3. Bonus blessings like serving God and the church in your midst
            4. Music, especially this: https://youtu.be/7yRC1VJsCk8?si=8rch5wySOZcBp4eZ
            5. Thomas is back and doing his thing
            6. Rev. Kim Wood, Southeast Conference Minister, is preaching this week
            7. Sunday worship; I’m surprised at how much I look forward to it. 
            8. Christmas music
            9. The children who have found their way to us

OK, I said short list. It goes on, I have not enough words, and you do not have time. Suffice it to say, as Paul suggests in Thesselonians 5:18, “In all things, give thanks.” And, I would add, early and often. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God” Colossians 3:17. So may it be. 

Hope we will see you at church on Sunday, at which time–drumroll, please–we will  have very fresh wishes for your Thanksgiving activities. Stream or gather, either is a blessing. Until then,

Love and hugs, and grace upon grace.

Rev. Liz

The Meal and Mapping experience we were hoping for today has been postponed to give us time to design an experience that will include as many as possible in the room and online. Look for more early next year.