Church Action eNewsletter Week of November 8, 2020

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

   

1. The Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan wants those who battle depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, and mental illnesses to know that they can not only survive but can thrive. “The Courage to Thrive,” a free virtual book talk will be tomorrow, Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. This virtual, free event is hosted by the Cathedral Bookstore. The link that you need to participate is https://zoom.us/j/9759051955 Order a copy on the Cathedral Bookstore's website.
2. Spirituality and the Life-time Course of Mental Illness: Support for Patients, Caregivers, and Family by the Faith Community from HHS Partnership Center, Nov. 10, 12 noon. Register here. Presenters include Kay Warren, Co-founder, Saddleback Church, Founder, Saddleback's Hope for Mental Health Initiative; Harold Koenig, M.D, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center and Co-Founder, Duke's Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health.
3. Join the Rev. Dr. Robert Franklin and Friends for a virtual Interfaith Dialogue to discuss “2020: Where Do We Go From Here?” Tuesday, November 10, from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. www.facebook.com
4. International Human Trafficking Institute Boots on the Ground Conversation with Law Enforcement. No cost. Thursday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m., with Kaitlin Huffman, Paulding Country Sherriff’s Office, and Joanne Southerland, Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services. First responders share their experiences addressing increased vulnerability of youth during the pandemic.

Registration and more information.

5. Alliant Health Solutions offers QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), a suicide prevention training. This virtual training at no cost and is made possible through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  Click Here to Register for Nov. 10, 2- 3 p.m.; Click Here to Register for Nov. 13, 10 – 11:30 a.m.; Click Here to Register for Nov. 16, 12 – 1:30 p.m. Registration is required. One CEU through the National Board for Certified Counselors is available for attending the session the entire session. If you would like to schedule a training for your organization, please email [e-mail].
6. Interfaith Atlanta–Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta [FAMA]offers us a weekly 30-minute midday time of respite, a “time out” from all the noise and nuttiness with a focus on peace, compassion, and kindness. Spend time in contemplation and meditation every Wednesday, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88627008776 Passcode:060135
7. Restorative Justice Advocates of Georgia monthly meeting Wednesday, Nov. 11, 7:00 p.m., Joe Cotton will speak about Restorative Justice Peacemaking Circle in King County, Washington. Here's the link & passcode: https://zoom.us/j/94159383493; Passcode  800260
8. Luke A. Powery, dean of Duke University Chapel and associate professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School, will present the annual Howard Thurman Lecture on November 12, sponsored by Candler School of Theology Black Church Studies program, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. “A Homiletical Sankofa: The Spirituals and the Future of Ministry” will focus on the Black church’s vital practices of music and preaching. Learn more and register
9. The Monastery of the Holy Spirit offers Zoom programming. Call if you are interested.  The office is open M-F, 8:00-1:30, the number is [phone].

Conversations with a Monk – Thursday Nov. 12 – 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. with Br. Mark. This is a time for sharing and answering questions. So be sure to have your questions ready!  Zoom Retreat. 

 Boundaries – Saturday November 14 – 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with Br. Michael.  Boundary issues-- the purpose of having boundaries is to protect and care for ourselves and respect others, establishing healthy relationships. Zoom Retreat.  Two sessions on Saturday Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

10. Georgia Supportive Housing Conference Thursday, Nov. 12 and Friday, Nov. 13, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  Virtual Conference offering 4 CE hours on Nov.12 and/or 4 CE hours on Nov. 13 for LCSW, MSW, LPC, LMFT via UGA School of Social Work Continuing Education Department under the auspices of the Georgia Composite Board of Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.  Click here for info and registration.
11. “Listening to Jung in These Troubling Times,” Jeffrey Kiehl PhD., November 14, Saturday Zoom Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Members: $20; non-members $25; students $10. We find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic with great loss and tremendous suffering. We also face the disturbing reality of climate chaos. We fear for our safety and wonder what the future will bring? When will we get back to ‘normal? Do we want to return to business-as-usual? What does Jungian psychology have to teach us in these troubling times?  To register and for more information go to jungatlanta.com.
12. The Rev. Dr. Donna S. Mote, Missioner for Engagement and Innovation for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and Episcopal chaplain to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is the featured preacher Nov. 15 on “Day 1.” Mote is also chaplain to the 76^th Support Brigade, State of Ga. Dept. of Defense, and visiting professor of world religions at The School of Theology, Sewanee.  “Day 1” has been broadcast every week for 75 years and features outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations. For more, check Day1.org. Hear Day1 in Atlanta on WSB News 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m.
13. Coming next week, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., launch party for the 75^th anniversary Day1 book “Bread Enough for All” with 7 powerful Day1 preachers including Atlanta favorites Joanna Adams, William Flippin, Anna Carter Florence, and Charley Reeb. Free event. Event Facebook page.
14. First Congregational Church, UCCpresents “A Midweek Musical Meditation” with Trey Cleggat 12 noon on Wednesdays. Go to one of their social media platforms below to see this inspirational organ recital.  www.facebook.com/firstchurchatl ; www.youtube.com/user/firstchurchatl; Live Stream at firstchurchatl.org/sunday-service/  The YouTube Channel also has previously recorded performances.
15. Odyssey IMPACT! brings us “Top of Form

Election Extremism: Hope & Healing in the Aftermath of Nov. 3, 2020.” Though no one can predict exactly how the post-election American landscape will look, our need for national healing seems a sure bet. When registering, you are encouraged to submit a question for the panelists! The chat feature will open for questions & discussion throughout the event. Nov. 19, 2:00 p.m. ET  Registration.  

16. Visit the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Facebook page for updates and uplifting photos on the Nov. 19 virtual event. www.facebook.com/Ecumenical-Thanksgiving-Celebration-119602054760740/
17. Registration is open for the Saturday, Nov. 21, 10:00 a.m. free virtual lecture from Mountain Top Lectures and the University of North Georgia featuring Dr. Peter Enns, Biblical scholar and theologian who has written widely on Christianity, science, and Old Testament interpretation. To register for "Reimagining God" follow www.mountaintoplectures.org. If you are an Annual or a Lifetime Sponsor of Mountain Top Lectures or become one before the event you will be invited to join a separate Q&A session with the speaker following the lecture. You will also receive a free copy of Dr. Enns’s latest book. Interested? Become A Sponsor.
18. 2020 Atlanta Music Festival, November 21, 7:30 p.m., from First Congregational Church. This year’s event will be virtual, check back for information on how to connect. http://www.atlantamusicfestival.org/ Featuring opera star Morris Robinson, Dwight Andrews, Yinzi Kong of the Vega String Quartet, Meridian Chorale, and Steven Darsey.
19. Adults are invited to a silent day of reflection, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Ignatius House, 6700 Riverside Dr. NW, Atlanta 30328. Take time to pause and give thanks for what is right in your world. Through scripture and music and informed by the wisdom of St. Ignatius, Kay Satterfield offers new ways to appreciate your lived experience. $65 includes presentations, lunch, use of 20 acres, and concluding Mass. Limited to the first 22 registrants. Register.
20. Know a teen interested in Black-Jewish relations? The Black – Jewish Coalition announces the inaugural 2021 Project Understanding Initiative for Teens. This program is open to high school juniors and seniors who live in Metro Atlanta and identify as Black and/or Jewish. Applications are due by Nov. 29. Sessions will focus on the history of Black-Jewish relations, racism and antisemitism, diversity within the Black and Jewish communities, how to utilize relationship building in advocacy, and more. For information, including dates and times, click here. Questions? Contact Julie Katz at [e-mail] Apply Here
21. Prepare for the holidays and Advent with a silent retreat at Ignatius House. Come for a day or stay overnight, or enjoy new online prayer experiences with a retreat director from wherever you are. Visit www.IgnatiusHouse.org/advent2020 for information. See how the staff guards your wellbeing during COVID: bit.ly/RetreatSafety
22. Daniel Headrick, associate pastor at Northside Drive Baptist Church wrote this thoughtful reflection--not-that-kind-of-baptist/the-churchs-role-in-a-toxic-culture-of-par...
23. Online, On-Demand: Guided Prayer-- If you are sheltered at home, Ignatius House is with you through guided prayer online. Visit enrichment.ignatiushouse.org to choose a prayer experience with a retreat director – watch online at your pace. Each offering includes three video reflections, prayer exercises, and/or music for meditation. Discounted and free selections are available. More content added throughout Advent. Be well, be safe, and keep hope!

 

24. Atlanta news media announced the pope’s appointment of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Atlanta’s former archbishop, to the College of Cardinals. He was a friend and supporter of the Regional Council of Churches. Here is an article from “The Georgia Bulletin.”

 

25. Do you know The Meetinghouse Radio with the Rev. Dr. Dwight Moody? It airs each Thursday at 1 p.m. and is repeated at 7 a.m. on Sundays. You can listen live here. The radio programs are recorded, edited, and uploaded as podcasts on The Meetinghouse Podcasts page. Read more about The Meetinghouse.

 

Advent

We plan an Advent section on our website and would like to include your activities and ideas. We do not usually list Sunday morning adult formation classes but we will during this Advent season.  We can all get good ideas from each other. Send your Advent offerings and special programs to [e-mail]

 

Today we feature Office Hours, First Presbyterian Church Advent study “Mary in the New Testament and Beyond.”

Join Chris Holmes, Scholar in Residence at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, and Brennan Breed, Old Testament professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, for an in- depth and interactive study at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom or Facebook Live.  A thematic study on the figure of Mary with topics: Mary in the New Testament with Dr. Susan Hylen, Candler School of Theology, November 29; Mary in early Christian thought with Dr. Brittany Wilson, Duke Divinity, December 6; Mary in the Qu’ran and Islam with Dr. Zeyneb Sayilgan, Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies, December 13; and Mary in Orthodox Christianity and Christian art with Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities,  December 20. Visit firstpresatl.org/office-hours for more information, or join the Facebook Group here. 

The ELCA Faith Formation team curates many resources for children, youth, and families.  Lots of good ideas here. Click here to find some ideas for the upcoming Advent and Christmas...