Church Action eNewsletter Week of June 29, 2026

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

1. The celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence seems an important time to reflect on the promises of that document and the progress we have made toward those ideals. To help with that conversation, Pitts Theology Library invites you to listen to Howard Thurman's 4-part reflection on the key phrases in that document: "Created Equal," "Life," "Liberty," and "Pursuit of Happiness." Thurman gave these talks at Fellowship Church in 1951, and they are available online at the link below. Digital Highlight

2. In honor of 250^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Cathedral of St. Philip presents a free recital by the world-renowned Chenault Duo, Chase Loomer, & Nolan Anthony, organists. July 3, 7:30 p.m. Visit Concert for the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independenc... to see that inspiring and stirring array of music that will be offered.
3. Applications are open for the New American Pathways Civic Pathways Leadership Program 2026–2027 --a 9-month leadership program in partnership with the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute. The program supports emerging immigrant and refugee leaders across Georgia through monthly leadership sessions, personal and professional growth, civic engagement activities, public speaking, networking, and hands-on community impact projects. They are currently looking for passionate individuals who care about leadership, advocacy, community impact, and supporting immigrant and refugee communities. Applications are due by July 5. APPLY HERE
4. From Mental Health America Georgia Outreach Wellness Learning (OWL): Mental Health Crisis, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. This program discusses the signs and symptoms of different mental health crises, and ways to support. REGISTER HERE
5. On July 2, Gregg v. Georgia turns fifty — the case that handed America its modern death penalty, and one that began here. On July 7 at 7:00 p.m., Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, with the Georgia Catholic Conference, will hold a virtual, moderated conversation that lays the fifty-year record before the public and makes the case for why the death penalty must end. This is not a recitation of case law. It is three voices, each bringing a different vantage to that evidence:  Terrica Redfield Ganzy, Executive Director of the Southern Center for Human Rights; Daniel LaChance, Emory historian and author of Executing Freedom— which asks how a country so distrustful of government nonetheless entrusts it with the power to take a life; Jason Fabrikant, who teaches capital punishment and constitutional law at American University. Every other government action can be revisited; an execution cannot. There will be time for audience questions. This July 7 conversation is the first of two. Click here to register for event via Zoom.
6. If you are headed to higher ground for some cooler air, you might be interested in the July 11
   31st annual John C Campbell Folk School Singing, 1 Folk School Rd, Brasstown, NC 28902, Davidson Hall Music Studio. Introductory session at 9:00 a.m., singing: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dinner on the grounds at Noon. Come sing, learn the shapes, contemplate the poetry, and relish the power of voices raised together in song. First-timer and experienced shape note singers are welcome.. All shape note singings are free and open to the public. https://www.folkschool.org/calendar/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eve...
7. Mobile Food Pantry at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, Saturday, July 11, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Folks in need are welcome to come on foot or by car to pick up free and fresh produce – no registration or documentation needed. 2715 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta 30305.
8. Bring your children for a joyful and engaging story time experience as The King Center hosts a children’s book reading with Amora the Puppet, featuring It Starts With Me. Families are invited July 13 from 1–2 p.m. for an afternoon of imagination, laughter, and heart‑centered learning as this empowering story is brought to life. Held at 449 Auburn Ave NE, this event offers young readers a fun, memorable way to explore themes of kindness, community, and positive change. Learn more at thekingcenter.org.
9. Are you interested in finding a spiritual director? Let Ignatius House help you select the right one for your spiritual goals.  A Virtual Spiritual Direction Inquiry Session will be Thursday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. You’ll get a chance to learn more about the ministry of spiritual direction and meet several of our Ignatian-trained spiritual directors. This is a great opportunity to get connected with a companion for your spiritual journey! There is no charge, but registrations in advance are requestedso that theZoom call login details can be sent to all registrants ahead of time.
10. “The Song Arising.” the Summer Group, directed by Allen Baston, offers a free concert at Kingswood United Methodist Church, July 19, 3-4:30 p.m. Unplug for an hour - sit back, relax and enjoy the music. The group is… very excited about the selections for this year's concert. Be part of a live experience and listen as birds soar, rainbows appear and music is in the air! 4896 N Peachtree Rd Dunwoody 30338.
11. St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1015 Old Roswell Rd. Roswell 30076, invites the community to a Plática Comunitaria / Community Talk on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Mass begins at 1:15 p.m. and the community talk begins at 2:30 p.m. Topics include migration, consular services, planning and wills. Consultants, attorneys, experts, the Mexican Consulate, immigration lawyers, social workers, and children, youth, and family workers are expected to be present. Everyone is welcome. Contact: the Rev. Mimi Guerra, [phone].
12. Are you writing poems? St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in State College, Penn., is currently accepting entries to its 2026 Poetry Contest on the theme “Bearing Witness.” The deadline is August 15. Contest information and submission details can be found at artsat.standrewsc.org. This contest is open to people of any faith or no faith. Contact Allison Shea at [e-mail] further details.
13. Interfaith America’s Faith in Elections Playbook equips faith-based and civic groups with accessible, actionable resources for constructive engagement with elections. The playbook outlines ways faith and community leaders can join the critical work of democracy-building across America. With this curated information, organizations can identify engagement opportunities that best align with their communities’ needs, interests, and skills. View the Playbook Here
14. Visit HOME v.2: Homeland, on view at the Fourth Floor Gallery of Decatur Library through July 18. Presented by the Decatur Arts Alliance, Decatur Land Trust, and the Georgia Center for the Book, this free exhibition explores the meaning of home, homeland, housing, belonging, culture, displacement, and community. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. The exhibition is especially meaningful for communities shaped by migration, memory, place, and belonging.

          15. Volunteer Opportunity: Mental Health America of Georgia will host a virtual mock-                interview workshop with the Leadership, Empowerment, and Access Program this fall. Your support will help participants gain confidence, refine their interview skills and prepare for career success. Participants will be between the ages of 16-26 from all over Georgia. They seek volunteers ages 21+ that have experience interviewing people. SIGN UP HERE

16. Not feeling like yourself lately? It's okay to check in. Mental Health America offers free, confidential online screenings. Click HEREfor your free screening.