Church Action eNewsletter Week of February 6, 2012

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

 Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta 

   RCCAtl.org  

 

Remember that all events listed in the eNewsletter are placed in the Community Events Listings on our website .  Newsletters are archived there at  eNewsletters --- with the most recent featured below the slide show of member churches on our home page under Featured RCCA Activities.

1. The annual celebration of the Feast of Absalom Jones is this Sunday, February 12. Who is Absalom Jones? A short piece on his life can be found at  AJones. Bishop Barbara Clementine Harris, the first woman ordained a bishop in the Anglican Communion, be a guest of Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, 2005 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, for the 9:30 a.m. worship service Sunday.  She will be the preacher for the annual diocesan celebration of the Feast of Absalom Jones at 4 p.m. that afternoon at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road,  Atlanta.  All are welcome at both events.

 

2. Atlanta Jewish Film Festival presents The Rescuers, Palm Springs International Film Festival Best of the Fest, and Palm Beach and Beloit International Film Festivals Best Documentary. showing at the Lefont Sandy Springs, Sunday, Feb 12 at 2:00 p.m. and Monday, Feb 13 at 2:50 p.m. (Q&A follows) For more information and tickets see www.AJFF.org  We have had several people recommend this story. Globetrotting across 15 countries, Sir Martin Gilbert and Rwandan native Stephanie Nyombayire meet with survivors and descendants of diplomats who interceded to save Jews from Nazi death camps.  

  

3. Don’t forget the David Lamotte Concert, February 17, 7 – 9 p.m., at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church, 3016 Lanier Drive, Atlanta 30319  Tickets  .

 

 4. Peace Training at Berea Mennonite Church -- Our neighborhoods are more violent than we want them to be.  Our schools are more violent.  And our workplaces.  And our homes.  On Saturday, February 18, Little Friends for Peace founders Mary Joan and Jerry Park of Rainier, MD will lead a peace skills seminar at Berea Mennonite Church, 1088 Bouldercrest Road SE, Atlanta 30316.  LFFP have been leading programs like this since 1981. They received the 2008 Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Award, joining better known past recipients Dorothy Day, Sr. Helen Prejean, and Fr. Daniel Berrigan.  The program will provide teachers, parents, and kids strategies for growing peace everywhere.  Cost is $15 per adult (additional donations accepted).   Please bring your children as there is a parallel program for children 5 and up.  Lunch is provided . Time is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Reserve your place and find out about the plans for children by emailing John at [e-mail].  Come and learn from these gifted, committed, award winning teachers down the street at your neighbors's place, the Berea Mennonite Church.  

 

5. The Black Candle is a landmark, vibrant documentary film that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African-American experience. Narrated by Maya Angelou and directed by award-winning author and filmmaker MK Asante, The Black Candle is an extraordinary, inspirational story about the struggle and triumph of family, community, and culture. Church of the Master, February 18 in Black History Saturday Series, 3400 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW 30331. Screening and discussion. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. Contact Minister Wylie Hughes for more details: [e-mail]

 

6. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary will be holding an open house for prospective students on Saturday, February 18, on its campus in Columbia, SC.  Experience life on the seminary campus by talking to students, faculty members, and others discerning God's call.  Visit www.ltss.edu for more information and to register. 

 

7. It is a rare pleasure for The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 2407 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta 30311 to welcome the Newark Boys Chorus to its worship service on Sunday, February 19, at 10:30 a.m. This 42-year-old arts and academic institution located in downtown Newark serves youngsters in 4th through 8th grades from the Greater Newark community.  After leaving the Newark Boys Chorus School, many attend prep schools in New Jersey and neighboring states, often on generous scholarships.  More than 90% attend college and come back to the school to tell of their careers as lawyers, corporate vice presidents, school administrators and musicians. The Newark Boys Chorus performs throughout the state and Mid-Atlantic region and   abroad. The Church of the Incarnation invites you to be a part of this wonderful experience.

 

8. "A Tribute to the American Spiritual and Song: Celebrating the American Black Composer" will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at St. Benedict's Episcopal Church,  2160 Cooper Lake Road, Smyrna. In addition to the St. Benedict's Choir, the Lynn Swanson Festival Singers; the choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Atlanta; Atlanta's Chorale, New Creation; pianist Karin Banks; and soloist Scott Smith will perform. Tickets are $10 in advance at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tvt4nkbab&et=1109237402680&s=1874&e=001nK_QfHokZ4fkB0BlyNTq3vYejLDuMsROzxFVeG3aVzqhskOtIw32G6RfPkgmW1_YT8YmBlUasWSmZhcLbhavDa3i-Mf11og_hG9uUd8SN-N9GkyC_f6c0l7bySEjWT7lCVPhh7t6vRCvzRya4s9VrRjuoNUtd64pR5Eoow1WEGU30-G-a029R4Q-sd" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tvt4nkbab&et=1109237402680&s=1874&e=001nK_QfHokZ4fkB0BlyNTq3vYejLDuMsROzxFVeG3aVzqhskOtIw32G6RfPkgmW1_YT8YmBlUasWSmZhcLbhavDa3i-Mf11og_hG9uUd8SN-N9GkyC_f6c0l7bySEjWT7lCVPhh7t6vRCvzRya4s9VrRjuoNUtd64pR5Eoow1WEGU30-G-a029R4Q-sd7IpumyHp8zzQbWQ2e2xdwQtE8daRfSNRZFAprHg6vJkaB-sjY=" target="_blank"">www.festivalsingers.org http://festivalsingers.org/2012/01/february-19th-concert/ or $15 on the day of the concert. Children 12 and under admitted free. For information call 678-787-9189 . 

 

9. Skills in Action is a quarterly professional development and networking opportunity for professionals who serve youth. February 21, 9:30 – Noon is the Kick off Meeting! Other 2012 dates include: May 1; Aug. 7; Nov. 6, Fulton County College Park Health Center, 1920 John Wesley Avenue Atlanta, 30337 R.s.v.p. with number attending to [e-mail] or text the number attending to 404-957-1057. Brought to you by Wise about Youth www.wiseaboutyouth.com. Sponsored by Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness.

 

10. A reminder that Rekindle the Fire of Worship: A Seminar for Congregations is open for registration now. Thursday, February 23 from 1:30  - 4 p.m.  at Clairmont Presbyterian Church with Cláudio Carvalhaes, sought-after speaker, writer, performer, and consultant. He is Associate Professor of Worship and Preaching at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he is known for his ability to "rekindle the fire of preaching and worship." This free seminar is brought to you by the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. Please R.s.v.p. with Rev. Penny Hill, [e-mail], to be sure you will have a seat. 

 

11. Are you interested in delving into the secrets in The Book of Job to find healing, success and happiness again? If so, say "yes" to an invitation to a half-day retreat on Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce De Leon Avenue, NE,  Atlanta 30307.  The retreat leader will be Pamela Ayo Yetunde, pastoral counselor and author of "Vigil: Spiritual Reflections on Your Money and Sanity." The cost for "Uncovering the Mysteries of The Book of Job" is $35 and includes a light lunch and a copy of "Vigil." Information about Ayo  This event is being offered as a fundraiser for the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. To register for this event, contact Ami Hernández at [e-mail] or leave a message at the Lutheran Volunteer Corps office,   404-591-7054. The registration deadline is Wednesday, February 22.

 

 12.  Lenten Quiet days are appearing on church calendars around town, the Lenten Quiet Day at St. James Episcopal Church Marietta, Saturday, February 25, "A Reflection on Our Starting Lent the Way God Started the World"  will be led by Fr. Brian Sullivan, Rector, St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, Smyrna. 9-noon R.s.v.p. by February 22 to Susan Rouse [e-mail].

 

13.  The Rev. Christopher Henry, senior pastor of Shallowford Presbyterian Church in Atlanta,  is the featured preacher Feb. 26, the first Sunday in Lent, on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally syndicated ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org. His sermon, based on the account of the early days of Jesus’ ministry in Mark 1:9-15, is entitled “Where to Begin?” “We commence this sacred season of reflection and repentance, of spiritual discipline and renewal, in the wilderness,” he says. “It is the place where pretense fades away and honest vulnerability becomes possible…. It is the place between certainty and doubt, between hope and fear, between promises made and promises kept. In the wilderness, Jesus finds his voice and his vocation.”

  

14. King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village. The real-life fairy tale of an American secretary who discovers she has been chosen king of an African town of 7,000 people on Ghana's central coast. Peggy's first two years as king unfold in a way that is extraordinary. In the end, a deeply traditional African town has been strengthened by the objectives of its headstrong and modern female king, who herself is transformed, from an ordinary secretary to the heart and hope of her community. Author Eleanor Herman reading and signing, February 28, at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta 30307 at 7:00 p.m.

 

15. Come out for a delightful send off concert featuring 4 of the 5 groups who have been invited to perform at the Southern Division Conference of the American Choral Director’s Association to be held in Winston-Salem, February 29 to March 3. This will be a rare opportunity to hear a sampling of the best choral music in the Southeast. Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4465 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta 30327. Tueday, February 28, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public!  Performing Ensembles: Atlanta Sacred Chorale, Mercer University, Valdosta State University, Woodward Academy

 

16. Coming to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atlanta. An incredible opportunity. Wednesday, February 29, at 6 p.m. in the Sims Atrium,  the African Children’s Choir program which will feature well-loved children’s songs, traditional Spirituals and rhythmic Gospel favorites. Learn more about the ACC at http://africanchildrenschoir.com/ helping Africa’s children today so they can help Africa tomorrow.

 

 17. The Ecumenical Lay Associates of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, will sponsor an opportunity to visit the monastery from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 3. The group welcomes "all who seek a contemplative path and community, individuals who seek a Benedictine rhythm in daily life, or those who simply seek a quiet place to reflect during the Lenten season," said Michael Thompson,  lay associates and member of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, Atlanta. For more information or to R.s.v.p., contact him at [e-mail].  This opportunity is featured on our website .  

 

18. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is sponsoring an Easter Lectionary Workshop Series on March 22 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Norcross.  The Rev. Dr. Marcus Miller, President of the Seminary, will lead interactive workshops on preaching the lectionary texts.  For more information and to register, please visit www.ltss.edu.

 

19. The Governor’s Office for Children and Families is offering free Introduction to Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children for Mental Health Professionals trainings.  The trainings for February and March 2012 have been released for registration.  Trainings are scheduled in various locations.  Six (6) CEUs approved by NASW-GA & LPCAGA will be provided free of charge.  Space is limited. You can register for training at the links on our website .

   

20. National Festival of Young Preachers will be in Atlanta in less than a year. See some of the phenomenal preaching from this year’s festival in Louisville at  Festival of Young Preachers  Registration for our event in Atlanta will be available in a couple of weeks.

 

21. Third Thursday meetings at Career Ministry at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Check out what is coming up there  and look at other career and employment help at  RCCAtl   

 

 22 . Mercer Preaching Consultation, Thursdays at 5:00 p.m., on AIBTV. On February 16, Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church in Augusta, Rodger Murchison, talks on "Preaching Can Be Painful." Watch him speaking to the attendees of the Mercer Preaching Consultation on this week's episode. Thomas Slater is a Professor at Mercer's McAfee School of Theology. He gives a lecture this week titled, "Is Narrative Preaching All that New?" Find out on the February 23 episode. Encore Presentations: Fridays at 1:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:00 a.m. and Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m.

 

 

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Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

404-538-0246

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