Church Action eNewsletter Week of August 24, 2026

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.  

1. A Home for Everyone in DeKalb reminds us that access to clean drinking water is 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 [e-mail].
2. 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 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 is open. The deadline to apply is September 18 at 8 p.m. ET. Apply Here Student Loan
3. Join Day1 for Episode #4249 as Rev. Carla Jones Brown, designated pastor of Oxford Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, brings us "Holy Ground, Ordinary Shoes," a sermon on Exodus 3:1-15. Preaching on Moses and the burning bush, Rev. Jones Brown explores what it means to turn aside and notice the sacred breaking into an ordinary day, and how God calls people with no standing to carry extraordinary purpose. Hear the August 30 Day1 episode in Atlanta on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM. Visit Day1.org to read or hear the sermon now. The podcast, an expanded version of the program, is available wherever you get your podcasts.
4. Shallowford Presbyterian Church is proud to host Weaving Our Cultures, a Shalom International Ministry fundraiser celebrating connection, inspiration, and a chance to make a real impact. Sunday, August 30, 5:00-7:00 p.m. RSVP
5. Meeting the moment requires investing where our community needs it most. The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta 2026 Housing Stability Grant supports organizations working to prevent eviction, address homelessness and advance affordable housing across our region. Learn more. Application deadline is August 31.
6. The 2025 Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration called us to action: Amen is just the beginning. You and others from your community are needed to organize and guide the 22nd annual bridge-building community gathering. Monday, Aug 31, 7:00 p.m. at Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30062.
7. Atlanta Regional Commission Aging and Independence Services Virtual Aging Well with Health Conditions 7-week Workshop – Register : VIRTUAL Aging Well with Your Health Conditions 7-week Workshop Tick.... Wednesdays, September 2 – October 14, 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. Zoom link will be provided after confirmation of attendance.
8. From Atlanta Regional Commission Aging and Independence Services: In Person Matter of Balance 8-week Workshop – Register : A Matter of Balance for Falls Prevention (in-person 8-week workshop.... Thursdays, September 3 – October 22^, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., George Pierce Park, 55 Highway 23 NE, Suwanee 30024.
9. Weekend Retreat for Black Men: How good it is to center down. September 4 – 6. Inspired by the wisdom of Howard Thurman and rooted in the Ignatian tradition, this prayerful weekend retreat invites Black men to slow down, rest, and reconnect with God's presence in everyday life. Through guided reflections, silence, personal prayer, and time on Ignatius House's peaceful wooded grounds along the river, men will find space for renewal, spiritual grounding, and attentive listening. No previous retreat experience is necessary. Led by Justin T. White, Spencer A. Murray, and the Rev. Brady Radford, this retreat offers a welcoming opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and listen for God's gentle invitation. Learn More
10. You are invited to join the Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta at SHINE: Lighting the Way  SHINE: Lighting the Way, Wednesday, September 9, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. The program will honor one of their community partners, Tapestri,and members of the clinical team. Information on other community services and networking will be available before and after the program. Founded in 1999, our mission is to deliver excellence in clinical counseling, and to offer spiritually and integrated care as the client chooses, to individuals of all ages and to underserved populations. This luncheon is to celebrate their community of supporters and to share their story with potential partners. 
11. In Remembrance of 9/11, 25 Years Later. United in Remembrance, United in Hope, United in Action. September 10, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Decatur Legacy Park, Hawkins Hall, 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur 30030. Please R.s.v.p. for this interfaith commemoration of the tragic events of 9/11 here. Sponsored by Interfaith Atlanta, First Christian Church of Decatur, and Gentle Spirit Christian Church.
12. The Clarkston International Rice Festival is coming back to Clarkston Community Center on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.The afternoon will celebrate the diverse cultures that make Clarkston unique through food, traditions, and community spirit. This joyful gathering is a chance to celebrate culture, share rice, and build community together at the Center.
13. The annual L'Arche Atlanta Benefit Buzzers+Belonging is Sunday, September 13, at 4:00 p.m. This fun interactive evening brings your classic game shows to life combining friendly competition and community spirit! Enjoy plenty of delicious food and refreshing beverages throughout the night. Mark your calendar & purchase your tickets. If you would like to become a Buzzers+Belonging Sponsor- Contact Steve Siler for details. Bring a friend, invite a neighbor, or introduce a colleague to our mission. Every new connection strengthens the community that makes our work possible, and every ticket purchased brings renewed hope.
14. Women in Ministry “Strategies for Surviving, Sustaining, and Serving This Present Age.” Connect with an incredible community of women in ministry and leave strengthened, refreshed, and equipped for the work ahead. September 14–17. For more information or to register, visit 2026 WIM Conference Register Here.
15. Faith, Freedom and the Common Good with Dallin H. Oaks, Wednesday, Sept 16, 6:00 p.m., at the National Cathedral and livestreamed. On the eve of Constitution Day, this program will explore the enduring relationship between religious faith and American democracy. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will open with a keynote address reflecting on faith, religious liberty, and the founding document that continues to shape American public life. Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, will moderate a panel featuring the R. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Melody Barnes, E.D. of Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia, and Rabbi David Saperstein, Former U. S. Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom. This program is a part of the Cathedral's A Better Way initiative and is presented in partnership and sponsored by the Wheatley Institute of Brigham Young University. Livestream Access
16. Veterans Retreat: Meeting Spiritual Needs, September 18 - 20, For Those Who Serve and Have Served. Open to active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans of every faith tradition, this weekend retreat offers a place to step away from daily demands and find rest, reflection, and renewal. Guided by U.S. Army veteran Fr. Jim Conroy, SJ, the weekend brings together Ignatian prayer, silence, and reflection with the unique experiences of military life, creating space to explore your story, encounter God’s healing grace, and rest alongside others who understand the journey of service. Retreatants will enjoy private accommodations, nourishing meals, and time to explore 20 peaceful acres along the Chattahoochee River. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this retreat is offered at a significantly reduced rate to help make it accessible to those who have served our country. Register
17. AMIS invites you to sign up to volunteer at the 48th annual Welcome Reception, Sept. 26, at GT Coda Tech Square Plaza.. There are MANY needs for volunteers including set-up, check in, greeters, food line help, activity helpers, clean up, etc. We are also looking for entertainment such as singers, a band, etc. This is AMIS's largest event with an average attendance of more than 300 students and volunteers and it's always such great fun! CLICK HEREto register to attend and they will be in touch.

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter