Church Action eNewsletter Week of October 28, 2013

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

Check the community calendar on our website 

 

1. Dr. Ben Moravitz was installed as Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 1200 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta 30068, Sunday, October 27. Read more>>

2. In response to proposed cuts by both the House and the Senate to the nation’s primary food assistance program, top religious leaders from around the Southeast are speaking out in support of this vital program, responding to the assumption of some federal lawmakers that faith communities can pick up the cost of cuts to the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 11:00 a.m. EST these leaders will host a media briefing conference call to discuss concerns about the effect of SNAP cuts on the poor and working poor in the region with the highest rates of poverty. Rev. Scott Weimer, Pastor of North Avenue Presbyterian Church, is a part of this initiative. Call in information:  [phone] using access code 1044250#

3. A regional launch of “Images of Israel” was held this week at the McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University.  “Images of Israel” is a six-part adult study program developed by an ecumenical team of Christians and Jews at the Shalom Hartman Institute that introduces American Christians to Israel.  Participants work with texts, ideas, images, fellow learners, and leaders to explore Israel as a state, a people, a nation, and a land, and to clarify the commitment of Christians to work for justice and peace among Palestinians and Jews.  The program materials include a 124-page leader guide in .pdf file, a 105-page participant book in .pdf file to copy or distribute to participants, and 14 video interviews and presentations.  For more information go to www.newpaths.org.il, or contact Alan Culpepper at [e-mail] Read more>>

4. The Rev. William Flippin Jr., Senior Pastor, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta, will preach at Reformation Day Chapel at The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta, GA. The service will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.  

5. Cascade UMC Hallelujah Festival! Cascade UMC's Young People's Division invites you and the entire family for family fun at the Trunk or Treat. Parents should accompany children, no drop offs please, Thursday, Oct. 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 3144 Cascade Road S.W., Atlanta 30311.

6. Domestic Abuse and the Church, Healing the Hurt with Rev. Malika De Longoria of Unity South and Janie Deadwyler of Angels In Distress, Friday, November 1, Merle Manders Conference Center, 111 Davis Street, Stockbridge, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $15 - includes a light lunch. No Registration at the door. Register at www.Healingthehurt2010.com

7. Mindful Eating has created two workshops to provide a delightful and nourishing reprieve during the holiday madness. Cooking with Gratitude Saturday November 2, 2013, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Amerson House, Cost  $65 (includes lunch and recipes.) Cooking with Love, Saturday December 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Amerson House. Spend the morning making pear preserves, learning the basics of canning and preserving, then enjoy reflection and conversation and a light lunch. You will leave with containers of preserves to give as holiday gifts.  Cost:  $85 includes lunch and canning supplies. Receive a $15 discount when you register for both! Enter BOTH in the promo code box when registering for Cooking with Love. Register here.

8. The Georgia Korean Lutheran Association will gather on November 2 at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Lawrenceville. Special guests from Atlanta Daily News, Christian Times in Atlanta and JoongAng Daily News will report on the meeting t, 10:00 a.m., 1001 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

9. St. Michael and All Angels, 6740 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, will host a Fall Harvest Festival from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Featured will be a silent auction, games, "bounce house," and crafts for all ages. Food and drinks for sale, free admission and fun for the whole family.  

10. The Choral Guild of Atlanta will present its first concert of the 2013 -2014 season, Saturday, November 2, at 4:00 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3480 E. Main St., College Park. The concert is free and open to the public. The "A Benjamin Britten Birthday Concert," will feature works by the composer in this, the 100th anniversary year of his birth. For more information about the concert and the Choral Guild of Atlanta, click here.

11. The Choral Guild of Atlanta  presents a Benjamin Britten Concert, Northside Drive Baptist Church, November 3, at 4 PM in the Chapel, 3100 Northside Drive, Atlanta 30305.  This celebration of the 100th anniversary birth year of the renowned English composer features his festive cantata for chorus Rejoice In the Lamb. For tickets email [e-mail] or call 404-223-6362.

12. Festival of Young Preachers is a preaching series that originated from the Academy of Preachers Fourth Annual National Festival of Young Preachers that was held in Atlanta during in January, 2013.  From that occasion, AIB brings you a glimpse of the impressive theological offerings that young preachers bring to 21st century ministry. Each week tune in on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and watch young men and women share the gospel. For details on the series and encore presentations go to aibtv.com and click on the Original Series Programming schedule. 

13. Discovering God’s Prophecy: Scripture, Wonder, Response, Nov. 7-10, a learning retreat that offers you a new way to hear the story of the prophets, a chance to wonder how the prophets connect with our lives today, and the invitation to respond to God’s Word by creating something new.. Details and Registration. Instructor: Christine Erskine – director of Children’s Formation at St. Bartholomew’s in Atlanta and Certified Godly Play©Trainer.

14. The Southeastern Institute on Chemical Dependency is sponsoring a Lunch and Learn about “Today’s Drugs and Our Youth,” which will be hosted at Atlanta First United Methodist Church on November 7.  Marcos Sanchez, CAC, CADC, will be our speaker.  According to a recent SAMHSA report, in one year 22,000 ER visits were linked to “bath salts,” a dangerous synthetic drug that is readily available to youth.  The fee is only $20 and includes lunch and a continuing education certificate.  Parking is free.  Visit the website   www.thesicd.org for details.  

15. Sonia Nazario, the veteran journalist whose  Los Angeles Times newspaper series “Enrique’s Journey” won Pulitzer Prizes will speak Nov. 7 at Emory University. Her presentation, "The American Immigration Battlefield: 'Enrique’s Journey' and the Search for a New Path to the Future," comes as the White House and Congress appear to be preparing for another battle on immigration reform. The event is 7 p.m., at Emory’s Center for Ethics, on the university’s main campus, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta. It is free and open to the public.

Nazario’s itinerary also includes "Public Scholarship at the Border: A Conversation with Sonia Nazario," hosted by the Center for Women at Emory. Free and open to the public, the dialogue is scheduled for 1-2 p.m., Nov. 8, in Candler Library, 550 Asbury Circle, on the campus. The Center for Women invites academics, students, and others to join a public scholar and leader for a conversation on engaging with the media as a tool for affecting change in our communities.

16. Rock Spring Presbyterian Church Homecoming 2013, November 10. The Rev. Susan Takis, baptized at Rock Spring and now serving Orange Park Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville will be guest preacher. Festivities include baptisms, bagpipes, and potluck (with haggis!) 1824 Piedmont Avenue, NE, Atlanta 30324. Need a ride? Call 404-875-7483. www.rspc.org

17. Expect savory noodle kugel, a traditional dish served on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, and sweet karah prashad pudding, served at Sikh services, along with other holiday delicacies, at Atlanta’s inaugural “Holy Smoke: An Interfaith Community of Faith & Food Fundraiser.” The event gathers a cross-section of worship communities and celebrates the diversity of faith and ethnic traditions in the metro area.   Sponsored by Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., at the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Dr. SE, Smyrna 30080.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and can be purchased here. Proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank and FAMA’s interfaith initiatives. Read more>>

18. Monday November 11, 2013 is the most important day in Atlanta Community Ministries’ year! No bells or whistles—just lunch and prayer together around tables. In the Annual Day of Prayer ACM asks every ACM stakeholder to devote extra time to praying for ACM and our city. Join the gathering, noon to 1:30 p.m., for prayer and free lunch, Fellowship Hall of Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta 30305. R.s.v.p. to Tula Blackwelder at 404-841-0800; Ext. 203, or to [e-mail]

19. “Band of Sisters” documentary about the remarkable history of Catholic women religious in the United States will show at Emory University, white Hall 208, November 12, 7 – 9 p.m. There will also be a discussion with a panel of sisters. View Directions & Map Tickets are free but required. Get tickets http://emory.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a046aede1fe263adec8a.... http://emory.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a046aede1fe263adec8...

20. Inhabiting Advent, November 16, Columbia Theological Seminary. Begin your Advent journey with a morning for prayer and reflection centered on Advent themes. Let advent inhabit your waiting through worship, art, silence, and quiet reflection in community. Led by Debra Weir, spiritual director, Program Fee is $20. If you have questions contact [e-mail]  Register here.

21. 3rd Annual Georgia Supportive Housing Conference, November 19 and 20, Georgia Supportive Housing Education Day 2013, Tuesday, November 19,  Register  Georgia Supportive Housing Policy Day 2013, November 20,  Register State Bar of Georgia Conference Center, 104 Marietta St. NW, Suite 100, Atlanta.

22. The Temple and Trinity Presbyterian Church will co-host a screening of the documentary "Trigger:  The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence" with a discussion afterward, Wednesday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity.  They hope that you will encourage members of your congregation to attend and add their voices to the continuing discussion on how people of faith can respond to gun violence.  The entire community is welcome.

The leaders of this group also ask for your help in collecting signatures on the online petition asking our 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 at this link. The signatures will be presented at a clergy meeting with Lt. Governor Casey Cagle on November 5 and a future meeting with Governor Nathan Deal.

23. Ninth Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving in Cobb, Thursday,  November 21, 7 p.m. at Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30062. Get all the details and see participating congregations Here.

25. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors offers a free e-journal called Sacred Spaces. They also welcome submissions for future issues. Read more>>

26. There are still some events coming up in this month of Domestic Violence Awareness. Read more>>l

A special message about mental health and congregations

The Regional Council of Churches has been working with C.H.I.P., a coalition of clinicians, nonprofit organizations, faith-based and secular agencies, public agencies, and congregations, to bring together in one place resources to help faith leaders effectively minister to those in their congregations and their communities who have mental or addictive illness. A majority of those with a mental illness turn first to a spiritual leader for help or are first recognized by clergy as someone who needs help. Yet, clergy are frequently not equipped with the resources to provide appropriate support and referral information. 

We are more aware than ever before of the importance of caring for those with a mental illness and the consequences of our failures to properly diagnose and treat mental illness. The Compassionate Congregations Toolkit was created by C.H.I.P. to put into the hands of clergy and lay leaders the tools they need 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. Please have a look www.chipgeorgia.com 

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

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404-201-6448

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