Church Action eNewsletter Week of May 4, 2026

[RCCAtl]

Church Action eNewsletter Week of May 4, 2026

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

1. Feet on the Street Ministries (FOTS) seeks a mission-driven Executive Director to lead and grow this nonprofit that brings mobile shower services and compassionate outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Atlanta area. They will set the organization’s strategic direction, oversee day-to-day operations, lead fundraising efforts and serve as the public face of FOTS in the community. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable building donor relationships in a boardroom and serving alongside volunteers on the street.  Work Location: Hybrid remote in Atlanta. LINK to apply.
 2. To celebrate the beginning of summer, Pitts Theological Library offers some Martin Luther (1483-1546) sermons online. Click on the link below to see a 1526 collection of Luther’s postils for the church year between Easter and Advent, edited by Stephan Roth (1492-1546) and published by Heinrich Stayner (c. 1548). Digital Highlight.

3. Waiting for people to show up at church can feel polite, safe, and even faithful, but it may be the quickest way to lose real connection. In this episode of “For People”, Bishop Rob Wright has a conversation with The Rev. Joseph Yoo, an Episcopal priest and creator known for talking about God with rare plainness, to explore what it looks like to take the Great Commission seriously as “come and see” and “go therefore” instead of “wait and welcome.” Joseph shares his journey as a Korean immigrant kid raised in a family where ministry is almost a birthright, and how seminary forced him to sort out what belonged to his parents’ expectations versus what belonged to his own call.  Listen Here
 
4. Mental Health Awareness Lunch & Learn Series, presented by The One Lamb Initiative for Mental Wellness, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Each of these four online Lunch & Learn sessions will cover a different mental wellness topic and be presented by a clinical professional. Thursdays, May 7 – May 28, 12 – 1 p.m. on Zoom. More information and registration at https://peachtreeroadumc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/892/responses/new

5. Singing from The 2025 Sacred Harp (this singing will use the 2025 revision for the next few months) at Emory Presbyterian Church, 1886 North Decatur Rd, Atlanta GA 30307. Thursday, May 7, 7-9 p.m. Park behind the church, off Westminster Way.   If you have questions contact Jim Williams-Neal, [e-mail].

6. For more than 30 years, HomeStretch has walked alongside families experiencing homelessness, guiding them toward economic independence and a brighter future.  Their Annual Peachtree Tea is Friday, May 8, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Club, Alpharetta. This “High Tea” will feature an inspirational message from human rights activist and philanthropist, Martin Luther King III. You can help uplift families and change lives – one home at a time. Go to www.homestretch.org to buy tickets or for information.

7. Project Understanding is a weekend leadership retreat for Black and/or Jewish professionals. Through interactive sessions and difficult conversations, participants will deepen understanding and strengthen bonds that shape a future of trust and unity. Saturday, August 22,-Sunday, August 23, this year's retreat will have two cohorts: Marvin C. Goldstein Project Understanding Retreat for Emerging Leaders (ages 25-39); Project Understanding Over 40 Retreat (ages 40-60). Participants will hone their community leadership skills and gain access to a network of local leaders in law, education, government, real estate, nonprofits, finance, and small business, among other industries. The retreat is open to professionals aged 25-60 who identify as Black and/or Jewish and live in Metro Atlanta. Applications are due by Friday, May 8, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more and apply at Marvin C. Goldstein Project Understanding Retreat | AJC

8. A car show fundraiser to benefit the Cherokee County 911 Foundation is set for May 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Ga. 92, Woodstock. Car owners can enter their vehicles in the show for $30 at the door. Those who register in advance should bring PayPal payment confirmation to check in. There will be barbeque, touch a truck, and music. For more information, to register, or to inquire about vendor and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://forms.gle/WekeKReihRj7ubBq8 or contact [e-mail].

9. 18th Turkish Food Festival! Join Istanbul Center for a mouthwatering weekend as they bring the rich flavors of Turkey to Alpharetta! From sizzling kebabs to sweet, flaky baklava, Turkish coffee and tea, there’s something delicious for everyone. A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with comfortable seating offers also opportunity for great conversations with fellow food lovers. Free admission and shuttle service. Istanbul Cultural Center of Georgia, 591 N Main St #100, Alpharetta 30009. Saturday, May 9, 11:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, May 10, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Parking is at Alpharetta Elementary School, 192 Mayfield Rd, Alpharetta 30009. More details at https://turkishfoodfestga.com/.

10. The Rev. Dr. Scott Rennie, Church of Scotland, is the featured preacher on Day1 for May 10. His thoughtful sermon speaks to spiritual searching in a world hungry for certainty and control. Tune in to WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sunday at 7:05 a.m. for a rich word for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Visit https://day1.org to read or hear the sermon now or find it wherever you get your podcasts.

11. A conversation and book signing, May 10, 2:00 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 105 Courtland St NE, Atlanta 30303, with David Levering Lewis, author of The Stained Glass Window: A Family History as the American Story 17... (2025), a memoir and historical, genealogical study, using his family's history—spanning from enslaved ancestors to free people. Lewis found the muse for this book as he sat in First Congregational Church admiring stained glass windows installed to honor families crucial to its construction. One pane featured the Madonna and child dedicated to Lewis’s grandmother, Alice King Bell. He was inspired to find out more about her and his past.  
 
12. Organist John Richardson will perform at the Cathedral of St. Philip in person and livestreamed on the Cathedral Website Sunday, May 10, at 3:15 p.m.  He will play works of Christian Praestholm and Maurice Duruflé. Richard is organist and music associate at Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte.  A graduate of Clayton State University and the Curtis Institute of Music, he has performed all around the country. Choral Evensong will follow the recital. 

13. Risk Reduction: 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain. This event is presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation as part of a four-part series exploring brain health, caregiving, and planning for the future. Thursday, May 14, 6:00 p.m., dinner included, Peachtree Christian Church, 1580 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta 30309. This session will be led by Cloud Conrad, a dementia educator, caregiver trainer, and advocate who brings both professional expertise and personal caregiving experience. View Details & Register Here

14. Come for an evening of shape note singing, Friday, May 15, 7-9 p.m., at the Frank Hamilton School (Gillespie cottage) in Legacy Park of Decatur.  Singing will be from the 2025 Revision of the Sacred Harp. The singing will begin with a singing school, loaner books will be available. Contact James Burrell for additional information, [e-mail].

15. Stone Mountain Chorus - Songs on the Lighter Side! Saturday, May 16, 3- 5 p.m., Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 30087. This show will feature songs of wit and whimsy from barbershop classics to popular songs over the decades. With special student pricing, this would be a great way to introduce youngsters to some musical fun and harmony.  Discounts for seniors, military and students!  Kids under 12 free with adult! As with all Stone Mountain Chorus productions, a portion of ticket sales is donated to FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress)  supporting children with difficult medical or developmental conditions and their families. Buy tickets here.

16. Georgia Brass Band Season Finale, May 16, 6:00 p.m., at Acworth United Methodist Church, free admission; donations are appreciated! Come to 4340 Collins Circle, Acworth 30101.

17. Walker Burroughs will be in concert at Second-Ponce Leon Baptist Church, Saturday, May 16. 7 p.m. on the Plaza, 2715 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta 30306. Burroughs, a singer songwriter based in Nashville, is known for his top 8 finish on season 17 of American Idol and, perhaps more importantly, for being the twin brother of Second-Ponce’s Milligan Hall. Bring your own lawn chair—bleacher and picnic table seating will also be available. Click the button below because tickets are required! Get yours today (and hear the latest album). $10 Tickets and More

18. Hope Atlanta, Atlanta’s oldest homelessness prevention organization, has many volunteer opportunities. To see how you can help visit Volunteer to Help Homeless Neighbors | Hope Atlanta.

19. Adult Mental Health First Aid, Tuesday, May 26, 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This 5-hour training from Mental Health America Georgia provides a comprehensive understanding of mental health crises, substance abuse, how to respond in crisis situations, and more. The training contains 1-2 hours of self-paced pre-work that must be completed. REGISTER HERE
 
20. Lifespan’s mission is forming new community groups that bring generations together and help lessen social isolation. They offer two weekly online conversations. Tuesday Talk from 10:30–11:30 AM on Zoom. This is a welcoming space for conversation, connection, and community. And Friday Forum, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Zoom, featuring guest speakers from the community sharing helpful resources. Sessions are designed to keep you informed, inspired, and connected. Register for Continuing Connection. Click Here. 

21. The mission of Project Restart is to reduce recidivism and increase successes among formerly incarcerated individuals through education, entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and capital. Applications are open for the Summer 2026 Program. Visit www.projectrestartatl.org
 
22. A Home for Everyone in DeKalb is looking for volunteers to help with water and food distribution this summer. Weekdays: Help distribute water only on very hot days (over 90°); Weekends: Help distribute food and water every weekend, no matter the temperature. Meeting at the park behind the Decatur Rec Center, work will be from 4-4:45 p.m.  That’s it—it’s simple and very meaningful work. Sign up here. Sign up for the day that works for you and there will be backup volunteers if you need time off. It’s an easy way to make a real difference for our neighbors in need.

Peace, 
Ethel Ware Carter