Central offers other education and learning opportunities throughout the week. For a print version of all the offerings listed below, click here.
Adult
Salt Shakers
Food and Fellowship We have tasted the salt and are friends -- Arab Proverb
Salt Shakers is Central’s potluck dinner group. This activity is primarily about having fun and getting to know fellow parishioners--it is not about being a gourmet cook!
It works like this: In September, the entire group kicks off the season together at Central with a low-key, semi-potluck dinner.
At this gathering, everyone receives a list of dinner companions and other information for the remaining three get-together dinners. These dinners typically take place in October/November, January/February, and March/April.
How to Join
Sign up now for Salt Shakers 2010 - 2011 by clicking here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Coordinator Linda Massengill
The Bookworms group is for all Centralites and friends who love to read and talk about what they have read. We meet evenings, in members’ homes, on the fourth Tuesday of the month, September through May. At our meetings, we discuss a book—fiction or nonfiction—previously selected. Our meetings are very informal, with discussion often branching out into diverse areas suggested by comments about the book. Discussion is followed by refreshments and individual conversations; we enjoy each other’s company.
We Bookworms welcome newcomers. Becoming a member of the group is easy: Simply show up at the next meeting, no formal registration required, no application form to battle. Anyone interested in getting meeting reminder notices may request to be put on on the Bookworms e-mail list, managed by Jean Ellen Jones.
Books selected for this year, discussion leaders, and meeting locations (meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise announced) are as follows:
Date
Book Title
Reviewer
Host
Sept. 28
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Wayne & Anne Anderson
Bill Crosland
Oct. 26
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Vickie Collier
Lynne Jones
Nov. 30
Misquoting Jesus by Bart D. Ehrman
Vernon Robbins
Camille Gaffron
Jan. 25
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Camille Gaffron
Wayne & Anne Anderson
Feb. 22
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Jean Ellen Jones
Mary Caroline Lindsay
Mar. 22
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Mary Caroline Lindsay
Beth Grashof
Apr. 26
In Other Rooms Other Wonders by Daniyal Muycenuddin
Out and About
The Road Scholars are an active group of senior members who get together periodically to explore and visit areas in and around Atlanta and the Southeast. This group has traveled to the North Georgia mountains, traveled for overnight trips to Asheville and Charleston, and enjoys attending plays and other theatre events and simply meeting for a social afternoon at one of Atlanta's many restaurants.
How to Join
For more information about the Road Scholars, please contact Caroline Kelly.
The gospel of Luke is our adventure. This group meets the third Thursday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the home of Anne Turnage. Any one is welcome any time. For more information, contact Lynn Turnage.
The Young Adults Ministry provides a place for 20- and 30-somethings at Central Presbyterian Church to socialize, learn, and serve together. Though "young adult" is generally a self-defined term, most young adults are:
Between the ages of 20 and 40
Both married and unmarried
Without children (though young adults with children are welcome as well!)
The Young Adults at Central have several regularly scheduled events involving service, study and fellowship.
Service
Central’s Young Adults gather for quarterly service opportunities that support local missions. As scheduled, these opportunities are placed on Central’s church calendar.
Study
Young Adults Studies is a time for fellowship, food, and faithful discussion that happens on the second Sunday evening of each month.
Fellowship
During the Fourth week of each month, we also gather for a very casual group dinner at a different restaurant around town.
Retreat
In addition the Young Adults hold bi-annual retreats that serve as a time of spiritual renewal and reflection.
Through these events we have the opportunity to spread the good word, learn about one another, and provide a support system for one another.
How to Join
You can find more information about the Young Adults by joining the Young Adults listserv at centralpresya@yahoogroups.com or by talking to Kristin Ruby, Mary Elizabeth Pope or contacting Erika Rembert (404.601.3119).
Youth are encouraged to serve as vital and active members of Central Church.
Youth education takes place in church school classes for middle and senior high school students and is enhanced by weekly youth fellowship meetings, special trips, outreach projects, and an extensive mission experience each summer. Summer mission experiences for youth alternate between a U.S. mission and a partnership in mission with a site outside the U.S.
Youth representatives also serve on the church's Session and Diaconate and participate alongside adult members in serving on committees, assisting during Worship as ushers, musicians and liturgists, and participating in Central's intergenerational groups and activities.
Children Are Central is an e-newsletter sent to all parents of children 5th grade and younger at Central Presbyterian Church. These mailings include helpful dates as well as ideas for worship and faith formation in the home.
Central Men gather to pray, read scripture, share common concerns, testify, plan for service in the community, and share a meal. Meetings are Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. in the Brotherhood Room at Central and the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Manuel's Tavern on North Highland.
Panel from the quilt stitched by members of the Women's Studies Group
The Women's Studies Group was formed in the early 1980s to provide a vehicle for exploring issues and topics of particular interest to women. It is an intergenerational group, which brings together not only Central members but also women from throughout the community.
The members begin their time of fellowship by sharing a meal before moving on to the evening's main topic of discussion. With the help of books, articles, and guest speakers, the Women's Studies Group has discussed issues as diverse as women's health, the civil rights movement, women's role in the political process, artistic interpretations, and women in the Bible. The group meets in members' homes on the third Thursday of the month, September through May (excluding December).
How to Join
Women's Studies at Central is open to any woman who would like to attend. We are a very informal group. Dinner is served at 7:00 p.m. and different members sign up ahead of time to bring the pot luck dinner. It's fun to cook, but also a treat to come and eat and enjoy the cooking of others.
A Presbyterian Women's Circle is a local congregational group dedicated to nuturing the faith and spiritual growth of women in the church and helping women develop church leadership skills.
Each church's circle groups are part of the larger, nationwide effort, Presbyterian Women in the Congregation, which provides guidance, support and expanded opportunities.
Central Church has two Circles: Miriam Circle and the Rebekah Circle.
Miriam Circle
The Miriam Circle meets a few times a year. When they gather, they enjoy fellowship and a devotion.
Contact: Catherine Covington
Rebekah Circle
The Rebekah Circle meets in the homes of its members at 11:00 a.m. the second Monday of each month. Bible study and discussion are guided by the current study book for Presbyterian women. A service project is also featured monthly, which helps promote a strong social and caring bond among the members. The circle places an equal emphasis on the study, service, and social aspects of all its meetings.
Mothers at Central get together periodically for socializing and to share "tips of the trade". Seasonally, we gather for a coffee, potluck dinner or retreat. For further information, contact Melanie Bliss or Lynn Turnage.
