Church Action eNewsletter Week of November 11, 2013

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

   Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta 

Check the community calendar on our website 

 

This is Georgia Gives Day. The Regional Council of Churches was created by clergy over a century ago to support faith leaders and nurture a collective mission. The Council continues to be led by clergy and to be used by them for community response to issues of justice, reconciliation, and want. It also continues to enable lively, generative, unified Christian leadership where clergy whose forms of worship may differ respond to the same gospel. If your congregation or you have been informed by our eNewsletter, been enriched by our website, or found connections through our work please support us with a small gift on Georgia Gives Day. If you are glad we are here please show us on Georgia Gives Day.  

 1. This Friday, November 15, is the last day to register for the Supportive Housing Conference, November 19 and 20. This is a once-a-year gathering of persons interested in expanding the availability of supportive housing for persons with disabilities.  It is your chance to see what is coming and how you can shape the change. See the Website for the full program and registration.

2. The Ben Hill UMC Christian Academy Advisory Board hosts the Anniversary Gala celebrating 40 years of academic excellence in training tomorrow's leaders, Friday, November 15, 7 p.m., Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel. Deidre Dukes will emcee this formal evening of dining and dancing. Tickets are available at the Academy office this week.

3. The Jung Society of Atlanta presents Richard Tarnas, Ph.D., in a lecture, “Understanding Our Moment in History: An Archetypal Perspective,” on Friday evening, November 15, 7:30 p.m.; plus a workshop, “Synchronicity and Its Larger Implications,” on Saturday, November 16, 10 am – 5 pm.  This is a rare opportunity to learn from Tarnas in Atlanta.  His first major book is The Passion of the Western Mind which Huston Smith calls, “The best intellectual history of the West in one volume I have ever seen.” Read more about Tarnas  Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3003 Howell Mill Rd., NW, Atlanta 30327.  Fee and CEU  information is available at www.jungatlanta.com .

4. The Forum Ministry of Friendship Baptist Church is sponsoring a forum on "Health Care Reform: Information and Application of the Affordable Care Act," on Saturday, November 16, at Friendship Baptist Church, 437 Mitchell Street, SW, Atlanta.  This forum will include a dynamic presentation and discussion of the Affordable Care Act and community health issues by health policy experts, well-informed health care advocates, and community based health practitioners.  The program begins at 10 a.m. and is free to the public.  For more information, contact the church at 404-688-0206, or visit the website at fbcatlanta.org.

5. The Rev. Amy L. Gearhart, senior pastor of Missouri United Methodist Church of Columbia, Mo., is the featured speaker Nov. 17 on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally syndicated ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org. In her sermon “Words and a Wisdom” Gearhart explores Jesus’ teachings in Luke 21 on finding hope in difficult times. For more information, call toll free 888-411-Day-1 or check the program’s website. 

6. Pat Conroy, bestselling author of The Prince of Tides and The Lords of Discipline has written an intimate and insightful memoir about himself and his father, The Death of Santini: The Story of a Father and His Son. Out of years of Conflict and towards the end of father Donald Conroy’s life, the relationship between father and son was healed through the power of forgiveness and love chronicled in this.  Talk and signing November 17 at 7:30 p.m. the Marcus JCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Ticket Information.

7. President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law in 1830, giving him authority to remove the Native Americans of the Southeast to lands west of the Mississippi. The Trail of Tears premiers on AIB-TV Monday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m.

8. A special 3-day event for seniors 55+ is next week, Monday – Wednesday, November 18, 19, and 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Seniors in your congregation might enjoy Jump-start Your Mind, Body, and Spirit with health screenings and information, games, and arts and crafts, Butler Park Recreation Center, 98 William Homes Borders Dr, Atlanta 30312. . For more information call [phone].

9. The Aquinas Center will present a dramatic reading of the play "Doubt" on Tuesday, November 19, at 2 p.m. at the Oxford Road Building auditorium at Emory University. A discussion will follow. Email Beverly Osterbur if you are coming at [e-mail].

10. The Georgia State University Singers will appear at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Tuesday, November 19, at 7:30 p.m. Conducted by Deanna Joseph, who was awarded the "Most Outstanding Conductor" in the 2013 Florilège Vocal de Tours International Choral Song Competition in Tours, France, the singers are Georgia State's top-tier vocal ensemble of auditioned students.  Tickets are $15 or $10 for students and seniors (65+). More information can be found at allsaintsatlanta.org/music/concert-series/.

11. Trinity Community Ministries is holding the Fall 2013 Honorary Board Breakfast on Wednesday, November 20, at Northside United Methodist Church from 7:30 – 8:45 a.m.  Doors open at 7:00 a.m.  You’re invited to hear stories about those making a difference in the Atlanta community by helping homeless men reclaim their lives. Come for breakfast, fellowship, and networking.  Special guest and Keynote Speaker is Dr. Mark P. Becker, President of Georgia State University. The event is free.   For more information and to register, please visit www.tcmatlanta.org/

12. Wednesday, November 20 will be a special shopping day at the Cathedral Book Store, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. The bookstore will be open from 9 – 7 offering decorations, children’s book and gifts, lots of beautiful cards and music,  and an amazing selection of adult books on spirituality, theology, other religious matters. Everything will be discounted 20%!

13. Atlanta Friends Meeting invites you for a Global Growers Cocktail Fundraiser the second annual Toast to the Culture in Agriculture. The event will be held on Nov.20 from 6 - 8 p.m. at All Souls, 647 East College, across from Umurima, the women’s’ farm where some Burundi women from the meeting work. Suggested donation for tickets is $40, which covers one farmer's travel for a month. Purchase tickets at www.globalgrowers.net

14. The Temple and Trinity Presbyterian will co-host a screening of the documentary “Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence” with a discussion afterward on Wednesday, November 20 at 7:30 pm at Trinity.   The entire community is welcome. Signatures are being collected on an online petition asking state elected officials to oppose legislation that would allow non-law enforcement persons to carry firearms in places of worship, schools, bars, and on college campuses. You can find the petition here  http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1598162-KegVXva6YH

15. The day after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Washington, D.C., the Rev. C.T. Vivian will visit Emory University to take part in a conversation about his life and his experiences in the civil rights movement and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Jones Room at Emory's Robert W. Woodruff Library. The event is open to the public at no charge. Vivian's visit will coincide with the exhibition "And the Struggle Continues: The Southern Christian Leadership Confe...," on display in the Schatten Gallery at the Woodruff Library until Dec. 4.

16. Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children Training.  Here are 2 trainings to prevent child abuse and promote awareness from Southern Crescent Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center.  CEU’s are available. The Stewards of Children program is the only nationally available program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child-protective behaviors. This program is for any responsible adult who cares about the welfare of children and is also appropriate for youth-serving organizations (sports leagues, day care centers, after school programs, children's clubs, church groups and more). Select the following links to register. November 23, 2013 from 10am to 1pm at the Big Green House in Hampton  http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001DidOL8Fo_p40U2ZOan8nnhr4pmen5xfy5pNn... at the Big Green House in Hampton

17. This Thanksgiving Break, Action Ministries Smart Lunch Smart Kid will provide lunches on November 25 and 26 to children of the South Fulton communities who receive free or reduced-price lunches during the school year. Volunteers are needed to assemble lunches, deliver them to the children, and lead enrichment activities. Delivery/Driver volunteers must complete a background check and provide copies of their license, registration, and insurance. Enrichment volunteers must also complete a background check. South Fulton lunches are packed and loaded into vehicles at College Park First United Methodist Church, located at 3726 East Main Street College Park, Georgia 30337-3708. If you can help contact Zamira Hume at [phone] or [e-mail]

18. City of Atlanta District 10 Ministerial Alliance will continue its tradition of hosting an annual Thanksgiving Day Worship Service. Thursday, November 28, at 9 a.m., this year’s host church is the Greater Mountain Baptist Church, where Rev. D. D. Prather serves as the Senior Pastor. The service will be held at the Concord Baptist Church, 3270 Boulder Park Drive, Atlanta 30311 where the Rev. Leroy Doe is the Pastor.  The Guest Speaker will be Rev. Mack Simmons of the Welcome all Baptist Church. For additional information please contact 404-696-5125.

19. A Pre-Advent Quiet Day and Blue Christmas Service are planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Atlanta. This day of reflection, dialogue, and shared silence offers participants a place for stillness and reflection that brings perspective and renewal. A Blue Christmas Service, 12:30 p.m., is "a service designed to minister to the needs of persons who, for one reason or another, simply cannot enter into the joy of the Christmas season," said the Rev. Arlette Benoit. Lunch will be provided. For more information please contact the St. Paul's Office, [e-mail].  To R.s.v.p. click http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Ft6Go5kSBqRTW5boFSmawVhTcOFrWTU1Wuy5....

20. Dr. Raphael Warnock will be signing his new book all day on Sunday, December 1, at Ebenezer Baptist Church where he is Senior Pastor. The Divided Mind of the Black Church traces the historical significance of the rise and development of black theology as an important conversation partner for the black church. Is the mission of the church to save souls or to transform the social order? Calling for honest dialogue this fresh theological treatment demands a new look at the church’s essential mission. Ebenezer is located at 407 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta 30312.

21. The Regional Council and a number of congregations in the community are a part of Community Health Interfaith Partnership (C.H.I.P.) a coalition that works to insure a meaningful place in the community for those who suffer from mental or addictive illness. We are pleased to have a part in offering a Capacity Building Workshop presented by SAMHSA  on December 2, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The gathering will be for faith-based and other service agencies. There is no charge for this valuable training.  It will be at the Hilton Garden Inn in Midtown Atlanta. Building community partnerships will be one focus of the meeting with information on fundraising, marketing your services, and SAMHSA initiatives and grant opportunities. Please register as soon as you know you d can participate in this great opportunity to increase your knowledge, competence, and contacts. Register Here.

22. Northside Artist and Craft Holiday Market at Northside Drive Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, December 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Hand-crafted products for sale by the artists ranging from photography, paintings, handmade garments, high-end crafts, to woodworking items will be available. For more information, go to northsidedrive.org or contact Shannon Moore at [e-mail].

23. Advancing Human Rights 2013: Dignity. Justice. Action. from U.S. Human Rights Network, Friday, December 6, to Sunday December 8, Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta   30346. REGISTER NOW  Keynote Speakers     Featured Speakers     Workshops and Panels

24. Chef Anne Stiles Quatrano of Bacchanalia, Floataway, Star Provisions, and Abattoir introduces and signs “Summerland,” December 7, 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral Farmers Market, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta 30305.

25. State Capella of Russia presents a Russian Christmas in Atlanta with seasonal favorites, folksongs, and other works by Walton, Poulenc, and Casals conducted by Valeri Polyansky, Saturday, December 14, 7:30 p.m. Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta 30305. Tickets are available through the Cathedral Book Store or www.stphilipscathedral.org/concerttickets

26. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” opening in Atlanta on Christmas Day,  tells the story of man full of flaws and human defects who nonetheless grows through  his repented sins and his sufferings to champion the resistance against the unjust system of apartheid in South Africa. This is not a film depicting a plaster saint, nor even a particularly religious man, but one who nonetheless discovers through experience many of the great truths Jesus teaches about in the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount.  Read through Allied Faith & Family’s Film Guide here. To request Film Guides for your church or group, contact AFF.

27. Grief and Loss Support Group Seminars meet each third and fourth Monday from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at St. Philip AME Church on Candler Road. Call Delbra Thomas at [phone] for information.

28. Columbia Theological Seminary’s Lifelong Learning is offering two contemplative retreats, one for men and one for women, in May 2014.  Both retreats will take place in Cullman, Alabama.  If you are thinking of a spring retreat check them out here RCCA.org

29. Well-being and Excellence in Ministry is a free downloadable resource from Cooperative Baptist Fellowship that tells the stories of ministers and congregations committed to ministerial excellence through clergy care. It offers questions for reflection to help congregations think about the needs of ministers and how they might implement policies and procedures to better care for their staff members. The resource also invites the minister’s personal reflection on his or her own practices of self-care. See it here. Well-Being and Excellence in Ministry: a practical resource for ministers and caring congregations

A special message about mental health and congregations

The Compassionate Congregations Toolkit was created by C.H.I.P. a coalition of clinicians, nonprofit organizations, faith-based and secular agencies, public agencies, and congregations,  to put into the hands of clergy and faith leaders the tools they need to promote faith communities where awareness, welcome, support, appropriate referral, and spiritual care for individuals and families facing mental illness are provided, where barriers of fear and stigma are broken down by openness, education, and personal connection. The first focus in the Tool Box preparation, what do you need to help when you encounter someone who needs your help. Please have a look on www.chipgeorgia.com, select Compassionate Congregations Clergy Tool Box.

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

[e-mail]

404-201-6448