Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

Church Action eNewsletter Week of August 17, 2026

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

1. A Home for Everyone in DeKalb reminds us that temperatures continue to rise this summer, access to clean drinking water is becoming critical for people experiencing homelessness in our community. They urgently ask for donations of new, sealed cases of 16 oz. water bottles to help keep our unhoused neighbors safe, hydrated, and healthy during extreme heat. Drop off cases of sealed 16 oz. water bottles at Decatur First Baptist Church, 308 Clairemont Ave, Decatur 30030. M-F, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Questions or Large Donations? Contact Greg White 404-702-4117 or gregwhite@ahomeforeveryoneindekalb.org.

2. Back-to-School: Being a Good Neighbor to Immigrant Families. As a new school year begins, this resource offers suggested reading, ways to build relationships, questions to ask and things to avoid saying when welcoming neighbors who are new to the United States or have lived here for years. Designed for students, teachers, parents, caregivers, counselors and anyone who wants to be a good neighbor, the resource draws on insights from immigrant families, educators and ministry leaders. Explore the resource by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's Ellen Sechrest here.

3. Across Georgia, higher education opens doors to opportunity. But for many graduates, student loans create financial burdens that can last for years. In Georgia, borrowers carry an average balance of $40,268—higher than the national average—and collectively owe approximately $66 billion. The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta launched the Student Loan Repayment Program in 2023 to help address this challenge. By helping former students become completely student loan-free, they're removing barriers to economic mobility and advancing shared prosperity across our region. The 2026 application will open August 17. The deadline to apply is September 18 at 8 p.m. ET. Apply Here Beginning August 17 Student Loan.

4. There are opportunities to staff the AMIS table at a local university international student welcome fair to help promote AMIS among new and returning international students! Volunteers will answer questions about AMIS and explain how to get involved for students and those interested in volunteering. Three dates to choose from with multiple time shifts: 8/20, 8/25 & TBD). CLICK HERE to volunteer!

5. On Thursday August 20, United Way is hosting The Innovation Forum: Housing and Savings from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the GSU College of Law. This event will include both breakfast and lunch as well as networking opportunities with more than 50 local nonprofit professionals. Topics will include successful innovations in rental support, housing families with children, and wealth building. I’ve attached the high-level agenda for your review. You can register and find more information at

htwww.eventbrite.com/e/the-innovation-forum-housing-and-saving.

6. From the Jung Society: “Complexes: Talking to the Little People — Splinter Selves, Polyvalent Psyche” with James Hollis, PhD, a ZOOM online lecture on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. EDT. Jung’s nomination of the complex is perhaps his most useful tool to all of us in beginning the charting of the topography of the inner life. This presentation will explore the nature of this most difficult project: the discernment of one’s inner terrain, the delineation of that noisy congregation of splinter selves who always travel with us and have plans of their own for us. For specifics and to register, go to jungatlanta.com. The Carl Jung Society of Atlanta provides workshops and lectures for mental health professionals and anyone interested in the body of thought derived from the work of C.G. Jung.

7. Episode 4248 of Day1 features the Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls in his second August sermon “Who We Say Jesus Is, Matters” is drawn from Matthew 16:13-19. Visit https://day1.orgto read or hear the sermon now. The podcast is an extended version of the radio program and includes interviews with Qualls, longtime associate at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church before he was called to Franklin Baptist Church. Hear Day1 in Atlanta on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m.

8. In recognition of National Overdose Awareness Month, Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network invites you to participate in a Naloxone Training designed to provide practical, potentially life-saving knowledge and skills. Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Knowing how to recognize the signs of an overdose and respond with naloxone can make a critical difference when every second counts. The same training will be offered on three different dates. You only need to register for ONE session. Monday, August 24, at 10:00 a.m. or Tuesday, August 25, at 3:00 p.m. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive 1.0 Continuing Education Unit (CEU). Register Now

9. Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter Founder's Recognition Luncheon celebrates 40 years helping children and families experiencing homelessness build bright futures. The luncheon will celebrate the legacy of those visionaries, leaders, and supporters who believed every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive. Tuesday, August 25, at North Avenue Presbyterian Church. Register now at https://acsatl.org/founders-luncheon/

10. The Aquinas Center kicks of its 40th year on August 27 with a Catholic-Orthodox Community Gathering with Bill Marianes as he presents "That They All May Be One." Please register at Register - August 27th Progra. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, Ballroom, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta 30329.

11. Mental Health America Georgia Outreach Wellness Learning (OWL): Maternal Mental Health, Thursday, August 27, 12 – 1 p.m. This program discusses the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on parents, examples of different PMADs, and provides strategies for managing wellness during and after pregnancy. REGISTER HERE

12. We have a link to register for the 2026 Center for the Study of Law and Religion Berman Lecture, Thursday, August 27, 3:00 p.m., Tull Auditorium, Emory Law, features Greg Epsteinin a lecture entitled “Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World’s Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation. The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion. Tech Agnostic - 2026 Berman Lecture delivered by Greg Epstein

13. The Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services, in partnership with the Atlanta Department of Labor and Employment Services, announces End of Summer Career & Resource Fair, Friday, August 28, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta 30303. This free event will connect job seekers with employers, career opportunities, training programs, and valuable community resources. Attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their résumé, dress professionally, and come prepared to interview and connect directly with employers. Whether someone is looking for their next job, considering a career change, or seeking resources to move forward, we want to make sure they know about this opportunity. Jobs. Training. Resources. Your Next Chapter Starts Now.

14. Greaterworks Ministries requests your presence at the 2026 Stop Human Trafficking Prayer Walk on Saturday, August 29, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Beginning at Liberty Plaza, 262 Capitol Ave. SW, Atlanta 30334. Human trafficking remains one of the most devastating issues affecting our communities today. This prayer walk serves as a visible demonstration of faith, compassion, and collective responsibility. Together, we can bring greater awareness to this critical issue while encouraging hope, healing, and restoration for those affected. Your presence and participation would greatly strengthen this community effort and reflect a united commitment to safeguarding the lives and futures of vulnerable individuals.

15. The Aquinas Center hosts the Thomas Merton Conference on Saturday, Sept. 12. Two of the Aquinas Center's former executive directors, Victor Kramer and Greg Hillis, were renowned Merton scholars. As part of the conference, there will be moments of tribute for both men. The conference will include a morning lecture by Paul Pearson, Director of the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky and Chief of Research for the Merton Legacy Trust. The afternoon session will be led by Fr. Michael Holleran, a priest of the Archdiocese of NY, now retired. He was a Jesuit for 5 years, and then a Carthusian monk for 22 years in the US, France & England. Thomas Merton Conference Registration

16. Georgia Interfaith Power & Light invites you to Intown Family Garba, Saturday, Sept. 12, 4:30–9:30 p.m., Ebster Recreation Center, Decatur. Celebrate Navaratri with music, aarti, dancing, and food. All proceeds benefit GIPL. Pre-Purchase Tickets Here Today.

17. Candler School of Theology, Emory University, will Host 'Brotherhood' Film Screening. What does it mean to truly love your neighbor? That’s the central question of the new film Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical, which addresses current issues around immigration, faith, and community. Candler will host a screening of the movie followed by a Q&A with members of the cast and creative team on Monday, September 14 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in Cannon Chapel. An online livestream option will be available. Learn more and register to attend the Brotherhood screening.

18. Save the date for the annual City of Refuge Tennis Classic at Druid Hills Golf Club, Sept. 18. This tournament supports the City of Refuge's mission to bring Light, Hope, and Transformation for individuals and families transitioning out of crisis. You can Get Tickets or Become a Sponsor! Now.

19. Save the date for The Fred Craddock Preaching Lectures of Peachtree Christian Church, 1580 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta 30309. Ryan P. Burge is an American political scientist, statistician, author, and former pastor known for his research on the intersection of religion and politics in the United States. A professor of practice at Washington University in St. Louis, he previously spent over a decade at Eastern Illinois University while serving as an American Baptist pastor for 17 years. He is widely recognized for his data-driven commentary, with work featured in major media and his popular Substack, “Graphs About Religion.” Burge has authored several books, including The American Religious Landscape and The Vanishing Church, exploring trends in secularism, church decline, and religious polarization. Sept. 27, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Sept 28, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration is now open at Register

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter