Church Action eNewsletter Week of August 22, 2011

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

This newsletter is reaching into September so get out your calendar. We will be on vacation next week.

Changes: Our old server is no longer serving. We are online here. Let us know what you think; we would love your advice and suggestions. This format allows comments; join the conversation. [e-mail] 

Labor Day Resources  are up for your consideration.

RCCAtl.org 9/11 Commemoration events and resources.

Two RCCA members in the news, Candler School of Theology and Cascade United Methodist Church, see RCCAtl.org

1. The Mathalama AME Church invites you to join them as they “Worship in the House” at their 2011 Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, August 28 at 3 p.m. with Minister Toy Williams of New Vision Christian Church and August 31 – September 2 at 7:30 p.m. nightly for their Annual Revival. Guest Revivalists include: Rev. Arthur Powell, Travelers Rest; Rev. Eyvonne Whitman, First AME and Rev. William McClain, St. Paul Worship Center. Come and be a special guest of Rev. Ezekiel Powers, Pastor, and Rev. Esther K. Powers, Co-Pastor. 5570 Handley Blvd., Morrow. See www.mathalamaame.org for additional information and directions.

2. Tapestry of Faith: How Diverse Faith Traditions Inform Nonviolence, Thursday, September 1, 7 p.m., American Friends Service Committee, 60 Walton St Atlanta 30303. In conjunction with Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan, an interfaith panel of religious leaders will address the topic of peace and nonviolence from their faith traditions. Panelists include Rev. Timothy McDonald, Senior Pastor of First Iconium Baptist Church, Rev. Michael Ellison, Abbot of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center, Rev. Marti Keller, minister, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, Dr. Rashid Naim, of the Islamic Speakers Bureau and professor at Georgia State University, moderated by Christina Repoley, Atlanta Friends Meeting. The American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization dedicated to peace and nonviolence, sponsors the free exhibit, Windows and Mirrors. For more information, see afsc.org

3. Victoria Bond and T. R. Simon winners of the 2011 John Steptoe New Talent Award, have written a fictionalized story of Zora Neale Hurston’s childhood, Zora and Me, for children 10 and up. The story recounts Hurston’s spellbinding abilities as a storyteller. When a man is found murdered by the railroad tracks after a young boy brags about wrestling with an intangible alligator named Ghost, the stories take on an ominous and complicated character which threatens the peace and safety of the town and forces the children to examine the double edged power of pretending. Come to a book signing and discussion at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on September 2 at 6:30 p.m. They will also be at Medu Book Store in Greenbriar Mall at 1 p.m. September 3, and on September 4 at the Decatur Book Festival at 4:00 p.m.

4. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Metro Atlanta Chapter is hosting a vigil to remember those lost to suicide as a kick-off for activities for National Suicide Prevention Week. Speakers include GA Representative Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield, Pastoral Counselor Adam Garner, AJC Columnist Jim Osterman, and survivor of her mother and son's suicides, Sherre Yager, and more. Music by Lindsay Rakers. Tuesday, September 6, 8 - 9 p.m. No registration necessary. Take MARTA or park in SAGE parking facility. 50% off coupons for Willy's Mexicana Grill Marriottavailable Piedmont Park at 12th Street Entrance (inside the park) www.facebook.com

5. Want to learn why supportive housing is the solution to homelessness in Atlanta? Want to learn why congregations need to talk with their state legislators about supportive housing? Want to find out more about the November 15 Conference on Supportive Housing sponsored by the Georgia Supportive Housing Association? Then attend the next meeting of the Regional Housing Forum on Wednesday, September 7. Read all about this morning of sought after speakers and important information at Forum. More on supportive housing at www.supportivehousingassociation.com

6. Registration is open for the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Georgia Conference, Together We Can: Looking Back, Moving Forward, September 8-10, at the Macon Conference Center in Macon. See the Agenda. Register Online here. Online registration is open until September 1 and daily onsite registration will be available. There is no registration fee for conference participation. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been applied for through UGA’s School of Social Work and the Alcohol & Drug Addiction Certification Board of Georgia. Accommodation information is at www.marriott.com. Submit conference questions via email to [e-mail]

7. Dr. James Abbington, Associate Professor of Church Music and Worship at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, will lead a seminar for church musicians at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta. He will introduce newly published pieces from GIA Publication's African American Church Music Series. Information is at www.giamusic.com

8. All around the world change is happening. A one night only conversation at the Alliance Theatre will feature three women who are changing our world today. Featuring four-time Tony Award® nominee, Tovah Feldshuh, Lois Frank, community volunteer and advocate, and Elizabeth Omilami, Civil Rights activist. The panel discussion will be moderated by author, playwright, and Civil Rights activist, Pearl Cleage. Panel discussion is Monday, September 10, at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, contact the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000 or if you are bringing a group of 10 or more, contact Quidana Bosman at 404-733-4690

9. On Sunday, September 11, 2011, from 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Apostles Church of Sandy Springs will host a community remembrance on the 10th anniversary of 9-11. Apostles Church is located on the corner of Hammond and Glenridge Drives in Sandy Springs. The event is open to the public and lunch will be served. This will be a family-oriented patriotic event featuring the Georgia State University Brass Quintet and a community children’s choir singing “God Bless America,” and will be held - rain or shine - in Apostles brand new, 450-seat worship center. Honor veterans, police, firemen, and other emergency personnel at this interreligious service. Dr. Paul Ferrarone, Senior Pastor of Apostles Church, said, “On this 10th Anniversary of 911, we need to gather together as a community and thank God for those who have given their lives for us and for peace.” Read more details at RCCAtl.org

 

10. This fall Church World Service is working with faith-based organizations to have DREAM students share their stories with congregations. The initiative will take place mainly between Sept. 16 and October 9, it is DREAM Sabbath. If your congregation is interested in involving DREAM students in an upcoming service or event, you can just sign up for any date that works for your community Here. A DREAM Sabbath packet to help with planning and publicity can be found at www.interfaithimmigration.org Email [e-mail] with any questions or help you might need for planning your DREAM Sabbath.

11. Put it on your calendar if you are in Cobb County. Cobb Faith Partnership General Meeting - Wednesday, September 28. Join Cobb Faith Partnership at Turner Chapel AME Church, 492 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Lunch will start at 11:45 a.m. Don’t miss the fall kickoff and be sure to bring a guest or two. For more information email [e-mail] or like CFP on Facebook

12. Author and priest Barbara Brown Taylor will lead a luncheon program on "Everyday Sacraments" Saturday, October 1, at Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church, Clarkesville. The program is sponsored by the parish's Episcopal Church Women, and the Grace-Calvary Cookbook Committee. The Cathedral Book Store will provide books, other publications, and gift items for sale. Tickets are $30. For information call 706-754-2451.

13. An Autumn Craft Workshop will be offered Oct. 14-16 at Mikell Camp and Conference Center, Toccoa, by the Mikell Folk School. Enrollment is limited to 40, so sign up early to choose from stained glass, weaving, woodturning, pottery, or cooper enameling. For more information and a registration form see www.mikellfolkschool.com or contact Melanie Struble, 706-886-7575 or [e-mail].

14. See What it Means to be Lutheran from RCCA member St. John Lutheran. It was shown in Orlando at the ELCA Church wide assembly. Go to their website above and look for video screen on right hand side about halfway down the screen. Great video!

15. Read a fascinating commentary on church and culture from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The Culture Isn't Killing the Church. Our Grief Is by Keith Anderson at www.churchleadership.com

16. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the Metropolitan Atlanta Violence Prevention Partnership have joined forces with local officials to launch a major initiative to combat violence in six metro Atlanta counties and eventually throughout the state of Georgia. The Peace Plan is aimed at coordinating great programs throughout metro Atlanta under one umbrella to educate and inspire residents. MAVPP and member organizations are soliciting 100,000 individual supporters of the 21st Century Nonviolence Movement Peace Plan by September 30, 2011. To sign up as a supporter, visit http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/thepeaceplan/ “Once again, Atlanta is at the vanguard by leading the nation in the 21st Century version of the nonviolence movement,” said Dr. James P. Griffin, Jr., Research Associate Professor, Morehouse School of Medicine Founder and Convener of the MAVPP.

17. The National Black Arts Festival Education and Public Programs division is proud to present “The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls: A Traveling Exhibition” in partnership with the Auburn Avenue Research Library. The exhibition is open through September 19 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library. The exhibition includes visual displays, three-dimensional artifacts, pictures, and other memorabilia of Robert Smalls and his family. Find out about this slave who became the first black captain of a U.S. vessel, a South Carolina legislator, and militia general. He served 5 terms in the U.S. Congress. For nearly 20 years he was U.S. Collector of Customs in Beaufort S.C., where he lived as owner in the house in which he had been enslaved. This exhibition is free to the public. For additional information, contact Dr. Collette Hopkins at [e-mail] or 404-224-3464, or visit www.NBAF.org.

18. Coming in November, the New Baptist Covenant II Event with Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta as the anchor site hosting worship services and breakout sessions that will be broadcast via satellite to host cities which will themselves provide additional programming and coordinate a day of local missions opportunities on November 19. Find out more at newbaptistcovenant.org.

19. The Partnership Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and Hillside Presbyterian Church of Decatur is looking for volunteers willing to donate one hour per week (Wednesdays 2:30-3:30 p.m.) as a tutor and mentor for an elementary age student during this school year. The program is ideal for high school and college students looking to earn community service hours or retirees who are looking for a meaningful way to share their gifts and wisdom with a younger generation. For more information, click here. If you or someone you know is interested in being a tutor or mentor, Please contact Rev. Connie Lee at 404-228-7741 or 404-289-3092 or by e-mail at [e-mail].

20. Read an essay on the start of school from Dean Mullen at Columbia Theological Seminary and consider the lifelong learning opportunities there at journeyingtogether.

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Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 812
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-523-5554
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