Church Action eNewsletter Week of July 23, 2018

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.
Church Action eNewsletter
Week of July 23, 2018
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

1. Starting today, 5-7 p.m., and for the next two Tuesdays, Greater Turner Chapel AME Church will hold a criminal justice reform series. Today the discussion is the connection between Christ and Criminal Justice Reform. Next Tuesday the topic is bail reform. And the final session will be about jury nullification (the principle that one can sit on a jury and vote not-guilty even when the evidence says otherwise). Come to all or just one or two of the sessions. Jackie Newsome, intern at Greater Turner Chapel, attorney, and M. Div. student at Candler, will lead this series and she promises there will be tangible takeaways for how the Church can be a part of the movement to end Mass Incarceration. July 24, 31, and August 7, 5 – 7 p.m., 4650 Cascade Road, Atlanta 30331.

2. Temporary housing is needed from August 2 until November 27 for International Fellows completing a four-month fellowship with non-profit organizations and a local government agency here in metro Atlanta. Fellows are part of a worldwide professional leadership development exchange network, Community Solutions Program, and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.  Read more>> If you have housing available please contact Mary Wilson, [e-mail]

3. HHS Partnership Center Webinars on Prevention of Substance Use This week, July 26, Brain Under Construction: Building Pathways to Resilient Futures, Webinar Presentation: Thurs., 12:00 —1:00 p.m. Register here. Ruben Baler, PhD, health scientist at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, teaches us how to better understand the brain science behind the struggles teens often face in resisting drugs and other risky behaviors. In a presentation that can be adapted for use in your community, Dr. Baler will share the latest science on the teen brain. This engaging webinar will be helpful to youth-serving faith and community leaders, parents, and teens.

4. "On the Light Side 2018" returns to Highpoint Episcopal Community Church. Tickets are on sale now for Capitol City Opera’s July 27 & 28 tribute to Leonard Bernstein's 100th Anniversary. This year's Light Side will feature music from nine of Bernstein's shows: On the Town; Trouble in Tahiti; Wonderful Town; Candide; Westside Story; Mass; I Hate Music: A Cycle of Five Kid Songs; La Bonne Cuisine; and Peter Pan. Doors will open each evening at 6:30 p.m. for the silent auction, a bring-your-own "indoor picnic," and other activities. The program starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are reasonably priced at $40 per person or $300 for a table of 8. Keep in mind that this event sells out quickly every year. So don't wait too long to make your reservations. Click here to reserve your seat at the table.

5. The Rev. Dr. Kelly Hough Rogers, senior minister of Scarsdale Congregational Church, UCC, in Scarsdale, N.Y., is the featured preacher July 29 on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org. Her sermon “Abundance Born of Scarcity” is drawn from John 6:1-21 which contains both the story of the feeding of the 5,000 and that of Jesus’ walking on the water. She says, “Jesus drew attention to his divine acts on earth to remind us that there are miracles all around us in our daily lives.” Hear it in the Atlanta area on News 95.5 and 750 AM WSB. Or visit Day1.org to find it and many other resources.

6. Remember to R.s.v.p. to this Sunday’s Interfaith Speakers Network event at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta 30322, 3 – 4:30 p.m. The panel includes Buddhism, Valerie Morvan; Christianity, Kathy Hoffman; Hinduism, Sucheta Kamath; Islam, Amin Tomeh; Judaism, Rabbi Pamela Gottfried; and Sikhi, Gogi Basi. Moderator is Soumaya Khalifa, founder and executive director of Islamic Speakers Bureau. 

7. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at youthSpark? The next volunteer and community ambassador orientations are Tuesday, July 31, and Tuesday, August 28, at 5:30 p.m. Space is limited, so visit the registration page today here. Next month, youthSpark will begin a new Social Media Safe "SMS" Course for youth who may be displaying risky online behaviors and will serve teens referred to the YSC. This is an excellent volunteer opportunity. Before working with the youth, all volunteers are required to complete a background check and participate in a trauma-informed volunteer orientation. If you are interested in volunteering to facilitate the new course, contact [e-mail].

8. First Friday at First! Are you ready for another evening of amazing great jazz at an affordable cost? Then mark your calendar and come wind down with delicious food, lots of fun, and great fellowship. August 3, the featured artist will be the amazing saxophonist, Mace Hibbard! Purchase your $15 ticket at the door or in the church office. Spread the word and bring a friend. First Congregational Church, 105 Courtland Street, Atlanta 30303.

9. Shallowford Presbyterian Church invites the community to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a weekend to honor and recognize those 60 memorable years of worship, fellowship, and faith at Shallowford. Saturday, August 4, at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment and travel through six decades to highlight events, services, activities, and special memories portrayed through skits and songs. Sunday, August 5, at 8:45 and 1 a.m. worship the Rev. Tom Are, Jr., son of Shallowford’s former senior pastor, Rev. Tom Are, will preach. He is a nationally recognized leader in the Presbyterian Church USA, who grew up at Shallowford. At 9:30 a.m., enjoy Celebrating Shallowford,” an informal, interactive program on Shallowford’s past, present, and future led by church members featuring photos, memories. and memorabilia. There will be a reception at 12:30. Shallowford Presbyterian Church , 2375 Shallowford Road, Atlanta 30345, .7 miles east of I-85 in central DeKalb County. Phone: [phone].

10. Papphililp Jabang of The Republic of the Gambia in West Africa will present An Introduction to African Theology at First Christian Church of Atlanta, 4532 Lavista Road, Tucker, Sunday, August 5, and Sunday, August 12, at 10:00 a.m. on both days. Jabang, MSC Management from Ashworth College, BA Biblical Studies from All Nations University, Dip. Theology from Maranatha Bible University, is currently pursuing a second degree from Luther Rice University. He is a pastor, missionary, and founder of the Christian Endeavor Youth Unlimited.

11. Inaugural First Sunday Jazz Showcase and Brunch hosted by First Congregational Church of Atlanta, UCC, Sunday, August 5, 2 – 5 p.m., 105 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta 30303. More information here.

12. The 61 Exchange Conference is back for the women of Atlanta on Saturday, August 11.
This one-day event will have a beautiful time of sharing, community, and faith-building! Click here to purchase tickets.

13. Athens-Atlanta Chefs Collaboration Dinner, Monday, August 13 from 6 – 10 p.m.,
Creature Comforts, 271 W. Hancock Ave., Athens 3060. This is the 3rd annual Athens-Atlanta Chefs Collaboration Dinner to benefit Giving Kitchen hosted by Creature Comforts Brewing Company. Athens chefs meet Atlanta chefs to feature their best dishes. More info.

14. Join Morningside Presbyterian Church, 1411 N. Morningside Drive NE, on August 18 at 7 p.m. and August 19 at 3 p.m. for the annual Gala concerts and celebrate the music of one of Broadway’s finest composers, Jerry Herman. Music like, “Hello, Dolly”; “Mame,” and “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” will feature singers and musicians from MPC. Donations will be received to benefit the Music and Missions ministries of MPC. Doors open 30 minutes before the performances. No tickets necessary. 

15. German Organist, Stephan Donner will perform at Morningside Presbyterian Church, 1411 N. Morningside Drive NE, on Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m. Mr. Donner is organist at St. Pieterskirche in Vienna, Austria, where the MPC choir will perform in June of 2019. The concert will include works by Bach, Brahms, and Reinberger. A suggested donation of $15 will be received at the door. All are welcome.www.morningsidepc.org.

16. "Dealing with Dementia" is a four-hour course to help family members and caregivers learn how to help those who are experiencing Dementia. Lois Ricci, Ph.D., N.P., the Tucker Civic Association/Tucker Lifelong Community committee will be conducting this training at First Christian Church of Atlanta, 4352 Lavista Road, Tucker 30084 on three dates: (1) Saturday, August 25 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., (2) Monday, August 27 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., and (3) Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and This program is being funded by the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving and is being offered to the community at no cost. However, participants must R.s.v.p. Contact [e-mail] to reserve your spot. Please specify your name and which date you plan to attend.

17. Save the date for “Nothing is Impossible” the first stage play of Nothing is Impossible Disabled in Action, Inc., 6:00 p.m., Saturday, August 25. This play is based on the autobiography of the Rev. Calvin E. Peterson, spiritual and social activist for disability rights and the independent living movement. At 3-D Complex, 2244 Panola Road, Lithonia 30058. Tickets are on sale now at this website. There are senior and kid discounts and group rates are possible. Contact [e-mail] or [phone] if you have questions.

18. This fall, strengthen your pastoral care skills — in the city and in your parish… The Training and Counseling Center at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church offers a unique Clinical Pastoral Education for clergy that combines clinical, reflective, and integrative experiences. TACC’s program for active ministers lets you split your CPE clinical hours between urban ministry with the homeless and social justice work in your own parish. This CPE Learning Program offers a rich learning environment that combines clinical, reflective, and integrative experiences. All the details are here.

19. "Color Me Free" to free child victims of trafficking, Saturday, September 8, Due West United Methodist Church, 3956 Due West Road, Marietta, 30064. Day of race registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Race starts at 8. Pricing July 16-August 31, $35; Sept 1 -6, and race day, $40. Registration available at Active.com.

20. Antioch Baptist Bible College has announced the Fall 2018 Schedule. This is the 50th year of this Bible institute. If you would like more information go to www.abbcis.com.

21. Here are some young preachers from the Academy of Preachers reflecting on their favorite preaching resources... books, classes, videos, mentors, and more. See what has influenced other young preachers, and maybe find a new resource for yourself. Read it here.

Visit our website for a complete community calendar, links to the Toolbox for Mental Health Ministry, websites for daily devotionals, and many other resources.

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter
The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.
[e-mail]