Church Action eNewsletter Week of May 23, 2016

[RCCAtl]

 

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

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Church Action eNewsletter Week of  May 23, 2016

 

Spotlight on our churches

We explored the oldest church in Atlanta, Collins Memorial UMC, established 1821, in a previous newsletter.  The oldest church in the Atlanta Presbytery PC (USA) is Fairview Presbyterian Church, established August 9, 1823, when 13 people ". . . desiring to enjoy the privileges and discipline of a church as soon as possible" gathered on a hill west of Lawrenceville to “cheerfully and solemnly pledge ourselves to each other and to the great Head of the Church to endeavor henceforward to walk in all the commitments of the Lord." Today, some 190 years later, worshipers gather in the original building on the same site. As communities in the surrounding area grew, members or pastors of Fairview moved on to establish other congregations. What is now Norcross Presbyterian was founded by Fairview members, as was Lawrenceville Presbyterian. Longtime Fairview pastor Rev. John S. Wilson became pastor at Decatur Presbyterian, and subsequently founded First Atlanta Presbyterian. For more than 190 years, from what began as forest outpost to what has become a sanctuary in the midst of a bustling metropolitan area, Fairview Presbyterian Church remains a contributor to the community and a refuge for worshipers. All are welcome at Fairview Presbyterian Church, 857 Duluth Highway in Lawrenceville.

1. The Rev. Chase Peebles, minister of Country Club Congregational Church of Christ in Kansas City, is the featured preacher on Day 1 this Sunday, May 29. His sermon “Imperfect Community” is based on Luke 7. Visit Day1.org  to find your local station or hear or read the sermon and thought-provoking posts on current issues, theological questions, and spiritual practices, and much more.

 

2. The Church of the Incarnation and The Neighborhood Arts Ensemble presents The Big Band Concert featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Duke Pearson, and many others.  Sunday, May 29, 4:00 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 2407 Cascade Rd, SW, Atlanta 30311. Admission: adults $15.00; students: $10.00.  Tickets can be purchased at  BIG BAND CONCERT AT EVENTBRITE.COM

 

3. One in five Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. They die from the disease at a rate that is greater than men of all other ethnic and racial groups. The Health and Wellness Ministry at Ben Hill United Methodist Church, Dr. Byron Thomas is pastor, 2099 Fairburn Rd. SE, Atlanta 30331, invites the community to the 3^rd annual Prostate Health Symposium on prostate cancer risk, treatment, and support strategies for survivors and their loved ones. Sponsored by Prostate Health Educational Network, Saturday, June 4, breakfast at 8:30 followed by symposium and free screening.

 

4. June Plant Sale at the Seedtime & Harvest Gardens & Greenhouse at Holy Comforter Church, 737 Woodland Ave. SE Atlanta 30316, [phone], Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spruce up your summer garden with beautiful annuals and perennials, including irises, daylilies, coreopsis, goldenrod, ferns, hostas, hellebores, and more. And, there will be vegetables and herbs for a late or second planting - -basil, cucumbers, squash, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes. Come stroll around the gardens and admire the just completed Eagle Scout Project— 6 state of the art cedar raised beds and 3 compost bins. And, of course, enjoy luscious baked good either on the spot or take home for later. Friendshipcenter-atlanta.org ; Holycomforter-atlanta.org

 

5. Do you know about Reloom? If not, you should. Read the story here. Join Reloom for an Open House with coffee and Cinnabon on Saturday, June 4, 10 to 2, 3032 North Decatur Road, Scottdale 30079.

 

6. Diana Butler Bass, leading commentator on religion, politics, and culture, follows up her acclaimed book Christianity After Religion by arguing that what appears to be a decline in religion actually signals a major transformation in how people understand and experience God. Grounded explores this cultural turn and Lake Oconee Community Church will explore the book in two sessions, June 5 and June 12, 5:30 p.m.  For more information or to register for the discussions click to email Becky Matheny

 

7. The JUSTGeorgia coalition of children's policy and advocacy organizations contributed significantly to public policy discussions on juvenile justice reform that led to the passage of a new juvenile code in 2013.  The institute is exploring next steps to advance juvenile and social justice in Georgia. Faith leaders, community activists, government officials, policy experts, and others with a passion justice for the children of Georgia will come together at the JUSTGeorgia Institute, June 8, 10-3, at the UGA Griffin Campus. Please register today at JUSTGeorgia Institute; seating is limited.

 

8. Georgia Supportive Housing Association second conference on the status of reentry housing and services in Georgia for people returning to the community from jails and prisons is Wednesday, June 15, from 9-4 at the State Bar of Georgia. Get more information or register now.

 

9. The Choir School at St. Peter’s will be in concert on Wednesday, June 15, at 7 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree Street. This concert of American music— from Copeland and spirituals to Cajun folk songs —is free and open to the public.

 

10. Empowerment Resource Center, 100 Edgewood Avenue, is a non-profit organization that provides health-related programs and services to the general public, with a priority focus on women. Their Take Charge. Get Tested Health Fair is Thursday, June 23. This event is expected to reach more than 500 Atlantans with free HIV testing and associated resources. Volunteers are needed to staff the event and orientation is required. Three opportunities for orientation will be held in the next couple of weeks. If you can help call Sherrie Powell at (404)-526-1145 to sign up.

11. Rainbow Village will celebrate 25 years of serving homeless families with children at a free outdoor concert and celebration including food and family fun and music at Duluth Town Green, 3142 Hill Street, Duluth, on Sunday, June 26 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Old friends and new of all ages  are welcome to join in the birthday bash. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew will offer BBQ for sale and the renowned Banks and Shane will entertain with their lively musical show.  Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and appetites! Registration is free, but required. More information here. Register at here.

12. Neshama Interfaith Center and the Atlantic Institute invite you to the fourth consecutive jointly-sponsored Iftar Dinner, an inspirational evening including a delicious dinner.  Free and open to the community.  Sunday, June 26, 7-10 p.m., at the Istanbul Cultural Center, 591 N Main St, Alpharetta 30009.

13. Color Me Free 5k Color Run is July 30 at Due West United Methodist in Marietta. Running, volunteering, sponsoring, however you help, will aid Georgia Cares in freeing children from the abuse and horror of sex trafficking. Click here for sponsorship levels.  Check out the website for more information. If you would like to request postcards for outreach or for information on volunteering, please contact [e-mail].  If you are interested in volunteering during race day there are several great opportunities. Email [e-mail] if you can help.

14. A priority of Georgia Cares is to raise awareness of the issue of DMST and to train community members and professionals on warning signs and resources. On a monthly basis, they provide free training open to the public in communities across Georgia. Upcoming DMST Community Trainings include June 25 at Shiloh Baptist Church, McDonough; July 16 Pillars of Faith Seventh Day Adventist Church, Lithonia; and August 8 Cornerstone Church, Athens.  To request a community training near you, please contact [e-mail].

Check out our website at www.rccatl.org and remember we will be happy to put your announcements of special musical events, educational opportunities, volunteer needs, etc. in the newsletter. Just send announcements in the body of your email,  no attachments please; be sure to include all contact information and pertinent links.

Peace,

 

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

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