Church Action e Newsletter Week of July 28, 2025

[RCCAtl]

Church Action eNewsletter Week of July 28, 2025

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

 

Cooling Centers in Metro Atlanta

1. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is in conference at The Carter Center, July 29-30. In conjunction with the conference, the evening of July 29 a multifaith gathering will be held at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church, 1730 Hollywood Rd NW, Atlanta 30318. Local religious leaders will gather to further peace and justice. Find tickets at https://cmep.salsalabs.org/summer2025gathering/index.html
2. This week on the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship podcast, Kara Powellof the Fuller Youth Institute discusses her new book "Future-Focused Church" and how congregations can embrace innovation without abandoning the past. She offers a hopeful, practical vision for intergenerational ministry and lasting impact in today’s changing church landscape. Listento the podcast.
3. The Health Ministry of First Baptist Church East Point will host a Lp(a) Testing and Screening on Thursday, July 31, from 5:00 -7:00 p.m.  Lp(a) is a  type of cholesterol that most people are unaware they may have.  It is driven by genes, not by diet or exercise.   A team of health professionals will be on hand to offer blood tests to identify potential heart disease and discuss the risks and recommended treatment.    Participants will receive a $45 Visa Gift Card. First Baptist Church, 2813 East Point Street, East Point 30344. Please call the church office for more information 404-762-9451.
4. 173^rd Chattahoochee Musical Convention is Aug. 2-3 at Wilson’s Chapel, 272 Hutcheson Ferry Road, Crossplains Community of Whitesburg, near Carrollton, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch on the grounds at noon. All are welcome. If you have questions email [e-mail].
5. The Rev. Dr. James A. Wharton is the featured preacher for Aug. 3, on “Day1” in a Day1 Classics episode. Hear “Day1” in the Atlanta area on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. This is episode 4,193 of “Day1.” The sermon was originally broadcast on Nov. 5, 1972. Born in 1927 in the Belgian Congo to Presbyterian missionaries, Wharton served as Professor of Old Testament at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, then as Senior Pastor of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, and then as Professor of Homiletics at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. He had as the goal of his teaching to let people know that the God of the Old Testament is the same loving and kind God as the God of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. He was bothered by people who thought about God as the angry, warfare-mongering Old Testament deity. Joining host Katie Givens Kime to reflect on this message from a remarkable preacher is the Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long. “Day1” has been broadcast every week for 80 years, formerly as “The Protestant Hour.” Featuring outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day1” is currently distributed to radio stations across America and overseas and is available by podcast. For more information, check the program’s website, http://day1.org.  
6. Clarkston Community Center ESL program returns with free classes for adult and senior learners. Classes begin Aug. 4 and will be held, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays - in person. Build language, confidence, and connection in these classes offered for beginners and intermediates, flexible and accessible for all. For more information and registration, visit https://clarkstoncommunitycenter.org/english-as-a-second-language-esl/
7. Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels Healthy Bladder 4-session workshop. Registrants must attend the introductory session on August 6 to confirm their participation and to receive the participant handbook.  A Virtual Aging Well with Health Conditions6-week workshop. Register here : VIRTUAL Aging Well with Your Health Conditions 6-week Workshop Tick.... Meets once a week, Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Aug. 14 – Sept. 18.  You can also find all classes throughout the state of Georgia on the Georgia Health Matters website : Georgia Health Matters – Life Enriching Programs
8. Art Retreat: Mosaic Moments in the Gospels, August 8-10, Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center, Sandy Springs. Join retreat director Patti Hunter, MA, MACM, for a unique, semi-silent weekend that blends art, scripture, and prayer. Inspired by the sacred mosaics of Europe, you’ll reflect on gospel moments that speak to your heart while creating a mosaic of your own. No art experience needed—just an open heart and a willingness to listen for the quiet stirrings of the Spirit. This is a semi-silent retreat. To register visit https://bit.ly/4lfiSZn
9. The 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week is Aug. 10-16. Parliament for the World’s Religions presents “An Urgent Need: Four Essential Features for Interfaith Leadership Today, Thursday, Aug. 14, 12 – 1:30 p.m. note this is Pacific time. Drawing upon diverse spiritual traditions and practical experiences, current and former members of the Parliament of the World’s Religions Board of Trustees present their perspectives on the pressing challenges and potential opportunities facing interfaith leaders, in pursuing a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world. JOIN ON ZOOM
10. The Discipleship Council of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church will show “Amazing Grace,” a film about the abolitionist campaign against the slave trade in the British Empire, led by William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was influenced by John Newton, a slave ship captain turned evangelical preacher, who penned the lyrics of the hymn Amazing Grace in 1772. Free popcorn & sodas will also be available for all. RSVP by Sunday, Aug. 17. Event is Saturday, August 23, meal at 5 p.m., movie at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Boxed supper is $10.
11. Are you interested in attending Wildgoose Festival and getting free access and free tent camping Thursday – Sunday, August 28-31? Wildgoose Festival is looking for volunteers to serve as Rangers, in the Children's Program, and with various other service roles. Check it out, www.wildgoosefestival.org.

 

12. What began as a bold idea has become a growing movement—showing that compassion can (and must) be part of how we live, lead, and care for one another across our communities. This milestone is not just a celebration of our past—it’s an invitation to shape the future together. Compassionate Atlanta celebrates its 10^th birthday, Sunday, Sept. 7, 3:30-6:30 p.m., The Solarium in Decatur. Get your tickets.
    
13. Do you live inside the city of Atlanta? Do you see people in need experiencing quality of life issues such as mental health, severe poverty, or substance use? Do you want to help but don't want to call the police? There is an alternative to the police in Atlanta. You can call 311 and dispatch a PAD team to come and assist, and you can do so anonymously if you like. 311 is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. until 12 midnight. Want to know more about Policing Alternatives and Diversion, contact PAD at www.atlantapad.org

 

14. Are you interested in becoming a certified spiritual director? Atlanta has a hybrid program that is interfaith and affordable. Perfect for Justice-Doing Activists, Mercy-Giving Advocates, and Humble Helping professionals. Check out www.zgatl.orgfor more information.

 

15. The Nicene Creed is 1,700 years old this month. Read a reflection from Fr. Bryan Small at Fr. Small's Reflection on the Nicene Creed.

 

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter