Church Action eNewsletter Week of February 1, 2021

Church Action eNewsletter Week of February 1, 2021
The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc. 


God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

1. Georgia Justice Project offers virtual events designed to educate and engage community members on a variety of criminal justice reform issues in the Talk Justice Tuesday Series:  9:30 - 11 a.m. Coming in February are  Feb. 2: Community Encounters with Law Enforcement ; Feb. 9: Pre-Trial Detention and Diversion ;  Feb. 16: Criminal Sentencing;  Justice Day, Thursday, Feb. 25 (longer event). For more information, see Justice Reform Partnership website
 
2. Tomorrow, Feb. 2, is Addiction Recovery Awareness Day, find out about the events that will go on virtually at ARAD 2021 | Georgia Council on Substance Abuse (gasubstanceabuse.org)
 
3. Green Team Summit from Georgia Interfaith Power & Light has been postponed. They encourage us to register for One Hundred Miles' Choosing to Lead Virtual Conference (co-sponsored by GIPL), beginning February 2. This year, rather than a one-time-only event, there will be an in-depth series of workshops that build upon the important dialogue started at previous conferences.  Every Tuesday from February 2 - March 2, considering how we can tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our coast and its future.  Click Here to Register.
 
4. Healthy Snacking and Story Time a free culinary arts program from CHOICES4KIDS, hosted by First Congregational Church, where kids learn to make healthy no-bake snacks and enjoy an interactive story time with a guest storytellers and book author. The storyteller for Tuesday, Feb. 2, 3 p.m. will be 7-year old author Aaliyah Cunningham, CHOICES’s youngest storyteller! Aaliyah will read her new book “There’s Power in My Bow” after they make Strawberry Love Bugs with Chef Ashley. Parents, grandparents, teachers,  sign your kids up for this free virtual culinary arts session here https://snackstorytime.eventbrite.com
 
5. Peace, Compassion & Kindness, Wednesdays, 12 – 12:30 p.m., February 3, with Carl McColman. Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta offers a weekly 30-minute respite focused on peace, compassion, and kindness. Join this contemplative program   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88627008776 Passcode: 060135.
 
6. “Building Bridges Through Faith” with Dr. Eboo Patel and interfaith leaders on the importance of interfaith cooperation in bringing peace, harmony, and tolerance to our communities, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m. ET, (3) Building Bridges Through Faith | Facebook
 
7.  “Cross Cultural Encounters in the New Testament” begins Feb. 4. In this 4 week study, First Presbyterian Church’s Scholar in Residence, Chris Holmes, and Rev. Dr. David Cortés-Fuentes will explore 4 of these encounters. Contact Chris Holmes for information. Thursdays, 7:00–8:15 p.m. on Zoom, Feb. 4–25

8. The Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, senior pastor of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., is the featured preacher Feb. 7 on “Day 1.”  She says, “Everyone is searching for what Jesus embodied for those in today’s story: someone or something that brings hope and healing and gives meaning to human life.” Broadcast every week for more than 75 years, Day 1 features outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day 1” is currently distributed to more than 200 radio stations across America and overseas. Hear Day1 on WSB News 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. For more information and a wealth of resources see http://day1.org.  
 
9. New Americans Celebration Virtual Week of Action is Feb. 8 – 12. Monday, February 8, from 3 -- 4:30 p.m. is the kick-off with a press conference and panel discussion. Find out about the week and how you can be involved  here .  And a reminder that there will be volunteer orientation Feb. 4. Sign up for the first step in becoming a New American Pathways volunteer. 
 
10. Feb. 8- Advocacy 101 and Feb. 15– Kickoff for Stop Violence Stand with Survivors Day an opportunity for concerned Georgians to demand attention be paid to victims of domestic violence, ensure services are not impacted through budget cuts, and communicate the need for the state to be involved and vigilant in the quest to end this violence. Make certain your voice is heard, join in so you can talk to your elected officials about issues that matter to you!  Hosted by Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, ADV, GCFV, YWCA Atlanta, GNESA, and Raksha. Information and registration SWSD Advocacy 101 AM | Georgia Commission on Family Violence  or registration here 2021 Stand with Survivors Advocacy Days (google.com). Registration closes Feb. 1.
 
11. Critical need for blood! Join the American Red Cross on Feb. 10 for a community blood drive in the Fellowship Hall of Northside Drive Baptist Church. The blood drive will take place from 3-7. Appointments are required to limit crowding. Did you know that only 3 out of 100 Americans support the nation’s blood supply? All blood is being tested for COVID-19 antibodies, and will help the Red Cross to support hospitals and patients in need during this difficult time. Make your appointment by going to rcblood.org/appt and typing in “northsidedrivebaptist”
 
12. During this past year, we have grieved the diminishment of our customary rituals so deeply because we know they connect us to that which matters most. Gratefulness.org invites us to a weeklong practice focused on tending the rituals of our lives — those that already exist and those we might yet create. “Tending the Rituals of Our Lives” begins Feb. 14. Registration is free; it will close on Friday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m.  Find registration and more here.
 
13. The Movement for Restorative Justice invites us to "Healing Justice," Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. Invite your friends; all are welcome! It's free, but you need to register in advance. Here  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMld-qhrDwtHtLqbdq5DCdkllhKFQKRJ66x and here’s a preview. Watch the film and join in a Zoom discussion on each of the three sessions, total event is about 1.5 hours. This film has been shown in an area UMC congregation, a Baptist church, two Catholic parishes, and a town hall meeting in DeKalb County.  Contact Bert Skellie at bertskellie@gmail.com or go to rjag.org for more information or to arrange a showing for your neighborhood or religious congregation. “Healing Justice” shows how restorative justice is being used as an alternative to the criminal punishment system. 

14. Politician, public historian, community organizer, Christian, these are some of the titles Byron Rushing claims.  They also highlight some of the stories that we will hear as we explore how he has integrated his faith and work throughout his life. Join Pathways for Baptismal Living, Sunday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m. ET, for this free, live, web-based conversation. Provided by Pathways for Baptismal Living at Bexley Seabury and designed to offer inspiration and support to all who seek to live lives reflective of their baptismal promises. Web conference information will be sent to those who register.  Register here. 

15. Lent 2021, Prepare for Lent by spending time with God in silence at Ignatius House and leave renewed for the spiritual journey ahead. Explore all offerings -- from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, through Holy Week -- at www.IgnatiusHouse.org. Christians and people of many faiths are welcome. Each event is limited to 22 guests for safe social distancing.  Watch how your well-being is guarded https://youtu.be/Y5ETDsEsJ4E

16. 3-Night Lenten Retreat, adults are invited to a silent weekend retreat, Feb. 18-20, led by Fr. Peter Fink, SJ, at Ignatius House, 6700 Riverside Dr. NW, Atlanta 30328. Rest and renew heart, mind, and soul as you spiritually prepare for Easter, using the prayerful techniques of St. Ignatius of Loyola. $395 includes private room and bath, all meals, use of 20 acres and Sunday Mass. Limited to the first 22 registrants for appropriate social distancing. http://bit.ly/Feb18retreat

17. Ignite the Church Conference – February 18 webinar is “Justice and the Common Good.”  Need some help adapting to the new reality you find yourself in? The annual Ignite the Church Conference, online in 2021, offers free monthly webinars with outstanding speakers to help you. Each month will have a new theme. Go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net for more information and to register. 

18. The Candler Foundry will host its next TheoEd Talks event Sunday, Feb. 21, at 5:00 p.m. in partnership with First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. The presenter lineup includes Doug Shipman, former CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center; Chanequa Walker Barnes, associate professor of practical theology at McAfee School of Theology; Olu Brown, lead pastor at Impact Church in Atlanta; and Neichelle Guidry, dean of the chapel at Spelman College. Watch live on The Candler Foundry Facebook page or the TheoEd Talks website.
 
19. “Re-imagining Perfection,” a Peter Rhea & Ellen Jones New Testament Lecture, Mercer University McAfee School of Theology, Tuesday, March 2, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., to re-read the ableist scripts in our texts and culture by Dr. Louise Lawrence, Professor of New Testament Interpretation at the University of Exeter. To learn more about our lecturer here.
Register here.
 
20. The mission of the Center for Lifelong Learning is to equip church professionals and laypeople to be forerunners in discipleship. Learn more about upcoming courses and programs here.
 
We call your attention to a unique online retreat, February 20, “The Sense of Wonder: An Online Day Retreat” exploring the work of poets and theologians, mystics and artists whose works shaped the heart of the Christian tradition while others gave their witness at the boundaries. The day retreat includes three sessions via Zoom and is led by Mark S. Burrows, much in demand as retreat leader and speaker on topics related to spirituality, poetry, and mysticism. He is both a poet and an award-winning translator of German poetry with a particular interest in the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke. Registration information is here.  
 
21. From Tear Fund USA, start the year firmly rooted in scripture by joining on the Bible app from YouVersion. Tear Fund has created several Bible study plans, like the Flourish study about creation care. If you’re looking to live more sustainably in 2021, this plan will help you get started. Start the Flourish plan
 
22. Faith & Fire Conversation "Birth of a New Nation: Interfaith Dialogue as Model for Building Unity" was broadcast on Jan. 19 with panelists: Rabbi Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism; Erica Littlewolf, Indigenous Visioning Circle Program Coordinator, Mennonite Central Committee, member of Northern Cheyenne Nation; and Mohamed Elsanousi, E.D., Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. You can watch the episode on the National Council of Churches YouTube channel. All Faith & Fire Conversations can be viewed on NCC's YouTube channel or listened to as a podcast on NCC's podcast station.
 
23. A reminder that the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship gathers every other Tuesday night at 7 ET on Facebook for music, devotion, prayer, and storytelling from CBF field personnel, leaders, chaplains, and pastoral counselors renewing God’s world. 
 
24. Just Peace announces “Encountering the Heart of God” a six-week Lenten challenge. Individuals and groups are invited to join in for a fruitful and fulfilling Lenten season, six weeks of enrichment for a $49 contribution to charity. Giving up chocolate for Lent may be cliché. This Lent, allow yourself to be immersed in the ocean of God's Love in community with others.
Register today for this Six-Week Lenten Challenge with a $49 contri...
 
25. New Baptist Covenant offers a number of free resources, from Bible studies to be used in small groups to litanies to be used in worship. Click the resources tab on the website.
 
26. Bexley Seabury Pathways for Baptismal Living  makes seminary-created theological education and pastoral training more accessible for all, especially laity. Its goal is to give faithful leaders the tools they need to enrich their faith in community without having to enroll in a degree program.  Over 20 courses, workshops, events, and activities are available and can be taken in the order that best suit personal interests and needs. Most courses cost between $200-$300, while some are free. Visit bexleyseabury to see the courses that are open for registration. How is God calling you?
 
Visit our website for a tool box for mental health ministry, and more . . . 

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter
Copyright © *

Our mailing address is: 2715 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305

Views: 21

Comment

You need to be a member of Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta to add comments!

Join Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

Medicaid Re-enrollment

If your ministry serves Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids, the Dept. of Human Services has a message and materials for you. 

    • Redetermination began in April 2023. Based on changes in federal law, the State of Georgia must complete redeterminations up to May 2024. We want to ensure current Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® members are still eligible for coverage. 
    • During redetermination, the State of Georgia will collect and verify member information, including contact and income details as well as other requested information and documents that will be used to determine member eligibility. Not everyone will go through this process at the same time. In fact, it will take about 14 months to reach everyone. 
    • Members can visit gateway.ga.gov to view their redetermination date and to update their contact information today so they can stay informed about the status of their coverage. 
    • Members who need help can visit their local Division of Family & Children Services office for support. To find the location and business hours for local offices, visit: dfcs.ga.gov/location 
    • For more information on Medicaid redetermination, we are including a partner toolkit with resources in multiple languages, please visit “Stay Informed. Stay Covered.” 

Shallowford Center

for Mindful Living a place for contemplative practice, deep listening, and compassion 

Visit here for programs and events.

email ecarter@rccatl.org

2715 Peachtree Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30305

Our Work 

Our History 

Officers & Staff  

Our Mission

Directions & Map to Our Offices

Lutheran Resource in Response to Gun Violence

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, saddened by the all-too-frequent occurrences of gun violence in the U.S., invites you on a journey of prayer, scripture, stories, and church teachings with this resource, A 60-Day Journey Towards Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence - an ELCA Resource  Through daily observances, it calls us to work toward the prevention of gun violence as people of God who strive for justice and peace in all the world. It may be used for individual reflection, group Bible study, adult education sessions, and congregational daily devotions. This began on June 16 but can be used at any time.

Ignatius House

6700 Riverside Drive NW 

Atlanta, GA 30328 ignatiushouse.org

© 2024   Created by RCCAtl.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service