Church Action e Newsletter Week of February 17, 2025

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

1, The 25th edition of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival kicks off today, bringing films to the big screen from February 19 to March 6 across six metro-area venues. There’s nothing like seeing a film in a theater, surrounded by an audience, sharing the laughter, the tears, and the magic of storytelling together. Immerse yourself in unforgettable cinema, complete with live and pre-recorded Q&A sessions featuring international filmmakers and expert speakers. Find out all about this year’s offerings and tickets at www.ticketsonsale.com. 2. Order a Free Copy of the NCCC 2025 Lenten Guide by Feb. 21. This year's guide invites us to reflect on the powerful words of Jesus from Isaiah, as recorded in Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Through the lectionary scriptures for Lent and Holy Week, we will meditate on how Jesus’ mission to alleviate sorrow and suffering calls us to consider: Who are the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed in our world today? What role can we play in bringing them the Good News? And what does it truly mean to proclaim the Year of the Lord? 3. The Rev. Dr. Sarah Han, assistant professor of pastoral ministry (homiletics) at Tyndale University in Toronto, Canada, is the featured preacher Feb. 23 on “Day 1” with host Katie Givens Kime, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org and by podcast.   Hear "Day1" in the Atlanta area on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. “Children of the Most High” is drawn from Luke 6:27-38, the admonition of Jesus to love your enemies. “Every time I read this passage I left it feeling burdened by the seemingly impossible asks that it makes of us as followers as Christ,” Han says. “Day 1” has been broadcast every week for 80 years, formerly as “The Protestant Hour.” Featuring outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day 1” is currently distributed to radio stations across America and overseas. For more information, check http://day1.org.   4. Celebrate Black History Month with the North Avenue Presbyterian Church Concert Series, Sunday afternoons in February, for an unforgettable journey through the rich and inspiring legacy of Black music. From the soulful melodies of Jazz to the powerful harmonies of Gospel and spirituals, this series showcases the incredible artistry and heritage of Black music. February 23 at 4 p.m. welcomes Ray of Hope Gospel Choir. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Be inspired by the music that moves the soul and tells a story of resilience, joy, and faith. 5. The Breman Museum has announced the launch of the Levison Family Music Series, honoring Jarvin Levison, the Atlanta attorney who was instrumental in the founding of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum and remained a steadfast supporter of the institution for nearly three decades. The annual music series debuts with a lineup including the Joe Alterman Trio and special guest violinist Aaron Weinstein in a jazz concert titled Strings Attached on Sunday, February 23. Find out more and register at https://bit.ly/3DBl4JA 6. Day of Reflection: Care of Body, Care of Soul, February 24, Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center, Directed by Marian Monahan. In the busyness of life, caring for others can leave little time for yourself. Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare worker, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this day of reflection at Ignatius House offers a sacred pause. Walk scenic trails, enjoy a nourishing meal, and embrace silence to rest, pray, and renew your spirit. Prioritize your well-being—body and soul—through the gift of stillness. This is a silent retreat. To register visit https://bit.ly/4jQFhfj. 7. Pitts Theological Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, reminds us the popular Pitts Friends of the Library Book Sale is Thursday, Feb. 25, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (open to EmoryCard holders only from 8am to 11am), in the library’s room 360. Learn more 8. The Golden Hour by the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra on February 28, March 1 & 2 at three different Atlanta area locations including First Baptist Church of Decatur and the Cathedral of St. Philip.  Visit atlantabaroque.org  for tickets and more information. 9. On Saturday, March 1, from 9 am to 12 noon, at Atlanta Friends Meeting in Decatur, Anton Flores-Maisonet of Casa Alterna will lead a timely workshop on the liberating theology of hospitality and resistance, emphasizing solidarity with immigrants. The workshop is called Midwives of Justice: Hospitality & Resistance in an Era of Mass Deportation.  Please register at https://tinyurl.com/4wx97ref. 10. The month of Ramadan is March 1 through March 29 this year. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from the first light of day until sunset, concluding their fast at sunset with a meal known as Iftar. Ramadan is a means for the individual to create good habits, break bad ones, be charitable, and improve morality. One of the most valuable and most significant traditional practices of Ramadan is sharing the fast-breaking dinner with friends, relatives, neighbors, and loved ones - regardless of their race or faith tradition. Atlantic Institute representatives from the Muslim community would like to share this special time with you, as neighbors. The Atlantic Institute's goal is to improve peaceful coexistence and better understanding among communities. If you would like to participate you will be matched with a local family. Email [e-mail] to find out more about this opportunity. 11. The Men’s Fellowship at First Congregational Church offers a festive evening filled with joy, music, and giving back! This exciting Mardi Gras themed event benefits the Scholarship Fund at First Congregational Church, March 1, 5 – 8 p.m., The Commons, 125 Ellis Street NE, Atlanta 30303. Reserve your spot or premium table today at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/CNQX  12. “Together for Hope” at Second- Ponce de Leon Baptist Church presents a film screening of Rising Hope, a documentary about overcoming poverty-related adversity in the Mississippi Delta. Read more about the documentary Here. Saturday, March 1, 5 – 8 p.m. Dinner at 5 for $10 with registration. Stay for conversation with Rachel Gunter Shapard, Regional Vice President for Together for Hope, Black Belt, afterwards. Find out more and register at https://onrealm.org/spdl/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTIzY... 13. Organist Carolyn Hoff will perform at the Cathedral of St. Philip, in person and live streamed on the Cathedral Website, Sunday, March 2, at 3:15 p.m. Hoff is a student at the Cleveland Institute of Music and serves as organ school at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights, Ohio.  She will play works of Jonathan Dove, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Cèsar Franck, Following the recital, the Cathedral offers its weekly service of Choral Evensong in celebration of the Feast of St. David of Wales, sung by the Cathedral Schola. 14. Church of the Incarnation’s Fabulous Annual Mardi Gras Celebration, 2407 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta 30344, is March 4 at 6:00 p.m., cost $20.00. Register by emailing [e-mail] - leave contact information and you will be emailed/called to purchase your ticket. All tickets are presale only, no tickets at the door. www.incarnationatl.org   15. The Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church Music Ministry proudly welcomes the acclaimed men’s vocal ensemble “Brethren,” performing in the sanctuary, 2715 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta 30305, Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. Based in metro Washington, DC, this in churches throughout the country since its several albums and has sung to regional and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association. Admission is free, a free will offering will be taken. A dessert reception will follow the concert in the Fellowship Hall. Check out a Brethren performance on YouTube. 16. Sounds of Home, a moving evening of music and song with the CTS Community Choir, the Atlanta Young Singers, and the Talent Development Program, Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30309. Free Admission 17. Presbyterians For A Better Georgia is holding a day at the Capitol beginning at 8 a.m. Info & Register 18. Episcopal Church of the Incarnation offers a Zoom Lenten study this year on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., starting March 11. “You Can Come Home Again” will examine and name generational patterns of behavior in the book of Genesis and how they are related to our own family generational patterns of healthy, unhealthy behaviors, and attitudes. Constructions of genograms and detailed family tree outline at least three generations. This study is facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Spenser Simrill. Email [e-mail] to register.   19. Save the date: March 22, Just Desserts and silent auction at Mountain View Methodist Church, 2300 Jamerson Road Marietta GA. 30066. This event benefits missions at Moutain View. 20. Register to attend the Bandy Preaching Conference at the Candler School of Theology campus March 25-27 for the Bandy Preaching Conference, “Sacred Symphonies: The Word and Song.” Organized by Bandy Professor of Preaching Teresa Fry Brown, this three-day event invites you to immerse yourself in sessions that bridge the gap between preaching and music—from an opening concert in Cannon Chapel, the Whiteside Lecture with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Weaver of The Riverside Church, NYC, inspiring worship.  Selected sessions will be available online. Register to attend by March 20. 21. Save the date for the 4th Annual Atlanta Interfaith Luncheon hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens, April 2, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Atlanta Marriott Marquis. 22. REMERGE: Local Mission Experience in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta: Remerge is a values-driven community building organization founded in 199 to build communities of peace by accelerating solutions to poverty and social exclusion. Remerge invites all who are looking for an Immersion Experiences From Week-long Mission Trips and 1-3 Day Retreats Join us in the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta for an experiential service-learning experience. Use the link below to learn more, ask questions, and see how faith, hope, and love changes community one person at a time. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGcGw5BPSo/RmpdjSqfeoCDrHKVq9GmJw/edi...