Faith Community Event Calendar Reminders

[RCCAtl]

Faith Community Event Calendar

Local Interfaith Calendar Here

Aug. 21ff. All are invited to join Pastor Roger Vest, Douglasville UMC, in a hybrid (in person and via zoom) book study on some of the essentials of the United Methodist theology and practice. This is an 8 week session beginning Wednesday, August 21, from 5:30 till 6:30pm, “Unrelenting Grace: A United Methodist Way of Life.” Bishop Ken Carter shows us how to come together and embrace grace, seek holiness, and build meaningful connections promoting strength and healing. The book evokes insights and courage to overcome feelings of isolation, loneliness, and alienation. Go here to find out more and sign up - https://form.jotform.com/242057090730046

August 23. Music in the Horseshoe Garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3480 East Main Street, College Park 30337. Coming up next is Nero Simon and the Sunsetters on August 23, 7-8 p.m.

Aug. 23-25. Faith & Grief Retreat at Shallowford Presbyterian Church Have you recently lost a loved one? Are you grieving a loss from long ago? You are not alone, and you are invited to join this multi-session workshop as we explore grief and our own stories in a supportive environment with others. Participants will meet on Shallowford's campus, 2375 Shallowford Road, Atlanta 30345, the weekend of August 23-25. Facilitators will be Shelley Craig, Carolyn Shaffer, and Lindsey Thames. Click here for more details and to register. 

August 24. Join Sandy Springs Eco-Stewards in helping remove invasive species from this unusual old growth forest remnant, which still thrives despite being located near highly developed areas.  Saturday, Aug. 24, Chestnut Oak Ridge. For more information and to register click here 

August 24. “The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis,” Saturday, August 24, optional boxed supper ($10) at 6 p.m., Movie (free) begins at 7 p.m., Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church. Come for dinner and a movie! Spanning C.S. Lewis’ bitter childhood, WWI, and his life-changing friendships at Oxford, the movie depicts the events that shaped his early life and journey from hard-boiled atheism to prolific Christianity. After the movie, you are invited to stick around for discussion. The movie (PG) runs 1 hr and 13 minutes. The entire event will end 8:30–9 p.m. Supper and free childcare (through age 12) are available by pre-registration only. We also ask that you register for the free viewing to ensure adequate seating. Registration is required for all options by Friday, August 16 to ensure space. Sign up now! Questions or need help registering? Email [e-mail].  

August 24. Morningside Sings! Final Performance! Saturday, August 24 at 7 p.m. All are invited to celebrate the tenth - and final year - of Morningside Sings! They’re revisiting songs of the past nine years - memorable favorites from Jerome Kern, Jule Styne, Stephen Schwartz, and more - while supporting the congregation’s music and mission ministries.. All donations go to Morningside Presbyterian's music ministries and to support mission partners. Donate Here!

August 25. African Gospel Celebration, a free concert and workshop followed by a reception at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Athens, Sunday August 25, 2-4 p.m. A free concert/workshop on African choruses and songs for the Athens community, the event will introduce a free web resource with sheet music based on the oral traditions of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Reception to follow with culturally relevant dishes. 1065 Gaines School Rd, Athens 30605.

Aug. 23-25 Faith & Grief Retreat at Shallowford Presbyterian Church, Aug. 23-25.  Have you recently lost a loved one or are you grieving a loss from long ago? You are not alone, and you are invited to join this multi-session workshop to explore grief and your own stories in a supportive environment. Click here for more details and to register. 

 August 25. The Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto, Princeton Theological Seminary, is the preacher August 25 on “Day 1” with host Katie Givens Kime, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible as a podcast and online at Day1.org. “The God narrated in the Scripture is a promise maker. The God narrated in the Scriptures is also a keeper of these promises, for God indeed has drawn close to us,” he says. “God has abided among us. And that abiding changes everything.” Hear Day1 in Atlanta on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. For more information, check the http://day1.org.   

August 25. 3. Christian Harmony singing, Tickanetley Primitive Baptist Church, Ellijay, August 25, Singing 10-11; Preaching 11-12; Lunch 12-1; Singing 1-3. From Ellijay take Highway 52 east for about 16 miles. Turn left at Stanley Grocery onto Roy Road. Follow it for about 8 miles as it winds. Turn right on Tickanetley Road. Watch for church signs. The church is on the right

Aug. 26-28. Center for LifeLong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary offers ”What’s Next for Me? Discerning your next ministry career or calling? August 26-28.  Whether you are looking to discover your vocational passion, change your ministry context, enter a new field, or discern a post-retirement second career, this course will provide both method and process to discover your next calling. REGISTER HERE

Aug. 28. “Raise your digital ministry I.Q.” August 28, 12-1:30 p.m., in person and online from Mercer School of Theology, with Dr. Stacy Dandridge, associate pastor of digital ministry and technology, and the Rev. Kristian A. Smith, host of Holy Smokes. This is a free event with lunch for in-person attendees.  To register contact [e-mail].

Aug. 28. Today, Wednesday, August 28, at noon, will be the final Midday Respite from Interfaith Atlanta. This program was a started as a way for the Interfaith community to stay connected on line during Covid and it has been an enriching and helpful program to people from California to Maine. The presenter will be Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, the President of Interfaith Atlanta. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83721314279?pwd=eEdrcVRpRGcrdGNScDQ5Rm80a....

August 28.  Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University shares Faith in Law, Law in Faith: Reflecting and Building on the Work of ...(Brill), recently published in honor of John Witte, Jr. This milestone will be celebrated with a reception co-hosted by the Emory University School of Law Dean’s Office on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 4-6 p.m. Please register here.

Aug. 28. Save the date for “raise your digital ministry I.Q.” August 28, 12-1:30 p.m., in person and online, with Dr. Stacy Dandridge, associate pastor of digital ministry and technology, and the Rev. Kristian A. Smith, host of Holy Smokes. This is a free event with lunch for in-person attendees from Mercer University McAfee School of Theology.  To register contact [e-mail].

August 29. Join Faith in Public Life for a town hall on the state of comprehensive reproductive healthcare in Georgia on August 29 from 9 -11 a.m. in Atlanta. They will be joined by state legislators and local policymakers from across the greater Atlanta area. Participants are invited to bring their questions and prepare to engage in meaningful dialogue. Breakfast and snacks will be provided. Location details will be provided upon registration. Register to reserve your spot at secure.everyaction.com/DtKmIViLJkeutULm5J4SXg2.

August 29. Ellen Koneck, Executive Director of Commonweal Magazine, will speak on August 29 at Christ the King Cathedral on the topic of young people leaving the church. Details about and registration for this free event can be found here. To learn a bit more about her and about her approach to young people, check out this article she wrote for “America Magazine” called "How Modern Technology Helped me Teach Theology to Uninterested Coll...."

Sept. 1.  Youth LEAD Georgia is open to students in 10th and 11th grade during the 2024-25 academic year who demonstrate leadership potential, academic commitment, and personal motivation. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 1. There is no cost for student participants. Meals, lodging, transportation for tours and program activities, and program materials are available through generous donations from Chick-fil-A. Students will be required to arrange transportation to the sessions. Those selected for the 2025 Youth LEAD Georgia class will be expected to attend all sessions. Session dates are available here. Nominate a young person today for Youth LEAD Georgia 2025! Learn more about Youth LEAD Georgia. Nominate a Youth Today for Youth LEAD Georgia 2025

Sept. 1. “So why wouldn’t we want to listen up for God’s instructions for our lives… believing that the One who created us knows best that which leads to life?” the V. Rev. Martin Fair asks in his Day1 sermon for Sept. 1. “Maybe someone wants to object, asking, ‘But aren’t we free from all of those commands and rules and regulations? Doesn’t the New Testament tell us that Christ has set us free… that we can live now how we want?’”  The program includes interviews with Fair conducted by Katie Givens Kime, who is also executive producer. Hear Day1 in Atlanta on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. “Day 1” has been broadcast every week for 79 years. Featuring outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day 1” is currently distributed to radio stations across America and overseas, and the “Day1 Weekly Program” is on all podcast apps and online. For more information, check day1.org .    

Sept. 3. Join Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 737 Woodland Avenue SE, Atlanta 30316, Tuesday, September 3, at 8 p.m. for a service of sung compline, a time of peaceful nighttime prayers. The service will be entirely sung by professional singers, inviting you to sit in a candlelit church, say your prayers, meditate, or simply let the experience wash over you. After the service, stay for an optional time of refreshments and community. Come and unplug—put away screens, work, stress, and all the rest of it before you fall asleep.

Sept. 6-8. Kennedy Creek Old Time Music Festival in Suches, a couple of hours north in the cooler mountains, is Sept. 6-8. , Saturday will feature Sacred Harp singing and there will be a Gospel Jam on Sunday. Find out more at morgan-ellis.net/kennedy-creek.

Sept. 6. First Friday at First presents Lori Williams, September 6 at 6 p.m. People who hear Lori Williams sing will never forget her. A music critic calls her voice “stunning, supple, subtle, sumptuous, and soulful.” She is much more than a vocalist, she is an educator, producer, and songwriter, among other things. Ticket available on Eventbrite, The Commons at First Congregational, 125 Ellis Street, Atlanta 30303.

Sept. 6-7. Lawrenceville Spiritual Retreat with Immaculée Ilibagiza, Sept. 6-7, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 319 Grayson highway, Lawrenceville. For information call Elizabeth at [phone] or Angella [phone]. giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/34f886e7-c667-4bf7-93d9-939df5a6a85d

Sept. 6-8. Ignatian Intergenerational Women’s Companion Retreat, Sept. 6-8, will embrace the wisdom and opportunity that exists between generations. In a society that sometimes discourages us from bringing our full selves to intergenerational spaces, this weekend offers a unique invitation to openly lean into a community of women spanning different ages and life stages. Whether you come with your mother, daughter, aunt, niece, mentor, mentee, friend, or partner, this retreat is an opportunity to find companions who accompany you on the journey of understanding and becoming “you.” Register is open here.

Sept. 7. Atlanta Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages continue on the first Saturday of each month. Each is a 2.7 mile loop starting and ending at Old Water Tower Park, Auburn Avenue, starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7. For information contact [e-mail]

Sept. 7. 2024 Spirituality and Emotional Wellness Conference, Saturday, September 7, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Elizabeth Baptist Church, 4245 Cascade Rd, SW, Atlanta.  The conference features Dan Gillison, Jr., the Global CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest mental health advocacy organization in the world. The conference also features Willie Moore, Jr., radio personality, host of a nationally syndicated radio show with over two million listeners. Registration is now open for this free conference. Register - FREE!!

Sept. 7. Join The King Center, the MLK, Jr. National Park Service, and the Atlanta Consular Corps for the 4^th Annual Beloved Community International EXPO, an educational, inspirational, and entertaining experience, Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., in the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.  Open to all ages and free to attend, the Expo will transform The King Center’s campus and the adjacent street into a representation of the Beloved Community, representing five of seven continents. The EXPO is a snapshot of what Dr. King called the World House, which exists as a beloved community and includes a worldwide fellowship that lifts neighborly concerns beyond one’s tribe, race, or class.   

Sept. 8. Cathedral of St. Philip Greek Classes resume on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1:15 p.m. Open to walk-ins and beginners, classes include long-term members who share user-friendly resources and welcome newcomers to enjoy how the Greek text reveals nuance and depth in scripture. Using a Bible study format, no previous knowledge of Greek is needed. Classes meet Sundays from 1:15-2:45 p.m., in-person in room 239 and via Zoom. More at www.cathedralatl.org/  and contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith, 404-365-1093 or [e-mail] for the Zoom link and weekly notices. Parking at the Cathedral of St. Philip is easily accessed at the Rumson Rd. intersection with Peachtree Rd. across from Fellini’s and La Fonda’s restaurants, 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. Directions & information: www.cathedralATL.org

Sept. 8. The mission of the Interfaith Children's Movement (ICM) is to build a multi-faith grassroots advocacy coalition that works to create a Georgia where all children thrive. This year "Piecing Together a Better Tomorrow" will feature: Inspiring interfaith and intergenerational prayers; Compelling Teen Talks, where two Youth Advocacy Interns will share their calls to action regarding issues that matter to them; Marian Wright Edelman Awards; Youth Recognitions; FUN ways to help ICM put the pieces together for Georgia's children! Sunday, Sept. 8, 2:30 -5:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other individuals and faith communities who have a heart for children and the work of ICM. Register here!

Sept. 8. An important tool in caring for our people is the 988 suicide lifeline. Sunday, September 8, is SAMHSA's 988 Day. 988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and emphasizing the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. Here's a full toolkit of materials to help share and promote 988 Day. Remember the Share Hope Interfaith Social Media Contest for your creative youth groups. Create a post, flyer, or bulletin that promotes the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to win a Pizza Party. For guidelines visit 988ga.org/faith. The Regional Council of Churches is working on this with the Ga. Dept. of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities.

Sept. 8. Music at St. Luke's is honored to host The Mosaic Quartet and ensemble vim in residence. Formed in 2023, The Mosaic Quartet is committed to presenting music composed by BIPOC composers. ensemble vim is a contemporary chamber music collective dedicated to the performance of music by under-represented living composers, especially those with strong ties to the southeastern US.  The first performance will be The Mosaic Quartet, Sunday, September 8, at 3:15 p.m., 435 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta 30308.

Sept. 8. “Christians Against Christian Nationalism," is part of the McComb Lecture Series at Northside Drive Baptist Church. On Sunday, September 8 at 4:00 p.m., Amanda Tyler, the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, will speak in the sanctuary. This is unique Baptist contribution to the national election-year conversation. Tickets are $15 and registration and more information is at northsidedrive.org.

Sept. 9. Are you interested in volunteering with Respite Care Atlanta, a day program for people with dementia? Volunteers are essential to the success of this program that offers fellowship, meaningful activities, and a good meal while allowing caretakers respite. There will be an information session Sept. 9, 10-11 a.m. at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Buckhead. Contact Jane Brann at [e-mail] to reserve a spot. 

Sept. 9. 2024 Election Season: An Update on Democracy and how to Preserve What United Us, Monday, September 9, 7-8:30 p.m. at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309.  A panel moderated by Rickey Bevington includes Dr. Alan Abramowitz, professor of political science at Emory and an authority on American politics and Edward Lindsey, former Republican House Majority Whip and partner at Dentons Law Firm, recently an official with the Georgia State Elections Board.

Sept. 9-12. Hundreds of women from all across the country who serve as pastors, preachers, teachers, faith based leaders, Christian educators, advocates, activists, ministers, scholars, professors, authors, psalmists, evangelists, chaplains, associate ministers, administrators and seminarians will gather to be spiritually renewed, refocused, revived and refreshed at the Women in Ministry Conference, Sept. 9-12. Registration is open at Conference Registration. Conference Hotel; Conference Schedule.

Sept. 12 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Road, Marietta 30066, renowned author and publisher, Robert Ellsberg, will speak on what studying the saints has meant to him (details here). 

Sept. 13-15. A translation of Ignatius’ “First Principle and Foundation” ends with the line, “Our only desire and our one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening his life in me.” So often the deep desires we have for our life and the choices we make on a daily basis conflict. In this Sept. 13-15 weekend retreat at Ignatius Retreat Center in Sandy Springs, directed by Sarah Otto and Fr. Bill Noe, you’ll explore the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality alongside the ancient monastic practice of living a “rule of life.” By creating our own rhythm or rule, we build a trellis that helps to sustain our own spiritual growth, aligning our desires and choices to lead us closer to God. Registration is open now here.

Sept. 14. Visit Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 737 Woodland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316, on Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for the fall garden sale with a selection of houseplants, perennials and saplings, including Japanese Maples, Dogwood, Redbuds, Ferns, Begonias, Key Lime, Overbearing Raspberries, Blue Wild Indigo, and Columbine. Buy some of home-baked goods while you're there to reward your efforts after planting your new greenery. Proceeds from our plant sales support the work of the Friendship Center which offers programming for adults living with mental illness. The garden gives employment for some of the adults in the Center's community while providing much needed funds. 

Sept. 14. Tickets are available now for the Saturday, Sept. 14, Annual Intown Family Garba which financially supports Georgia Interfaith Power & Light’s work with faith communities across Georgia to engage issues of environmental justice. Get tickets at gipl.org/garba24 and come to Decatur to celebrate Navaratri with good food, music, dancing,

Sept. 14.  2024 15th Annual Mary Ruth Weir Celebration and Awards: Chimes of Freedom, September 14, from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.  Georgians for an Alternative to the Death Penalty works for an end to the death penalty in Georgia. Buy your ticket here.

Sept. 15. Georgia Interfaith Power & Light reminds us that Sunday, Sept. 15,  is World River Day. They are partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and Ismaili CIVIC to clean up five river sites in metro Atlanta. Register at gipl.org/worldriverday. 

Sept. 16. Peachtree Christian Church honors the homiletical legacy of Rev. Dr. Fred Craddock by offering a second set of lectures in his name on September 16, with the General Minister of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Rev. Dr. Theresa Hord-Owens. The theme of the lectures is preaching in an increasingly "secular world." Dr. Owens thinks about the role of church decline and church splintering in relationship to the value of remaining at the table. Her focus is on the centrality of table fellowship as a tool and ethic that bonds us together in times of polarization and division. You are invited, see more at  https://peachtree.churchcenter.com/.

Sept. 17-Oct. 25. The Muslim American community is too often misrepresented in our society. The Inspired Generosity project seeks to tell the complex story of American Muslim generosity by creating opportunities for Muslim American donors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and so many others, to share their own stories of generosity inspired by faith. These stories will be collected virtually and shared through an interactive, placed-based display. Stories have the power to create connections, inspire action, and catalyze change. Curating stories of generosity into a community centered display will help Muslim Americans understand their own identity as philanthropists, while at the same time helping institutional philanthropy see the tremendous value of engaging with this diverse community. We are looking forward to Inspired Generosity at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, Sept. 17 – Oct. 25. Events are planned the opening week and the closing week and philanthropy, schools, media, faith institutions and the larger community are urged to visit and ask questions.

Sept. 18. How comfortable are you when someone approaches you with a pastoral concern? If this question makes you uneasy, consider joining Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary for this online lunchtime series, guided by mental health experts. You’ll have the chance to refresh your pastoral care skills and learn new insights into how to respond compassionately and appropriately when people come to you and ask if you have a minute. The first in the series is Sept. 18. See the entire schedule at the link above or CLICK HERE.

Sept. 19. Registration is open for the 2024 Morgan Forum "When Translation Really Matters: Momentous Decisions in the History of the English Bible." This Thursday, September 19, event at Pitts Theological Library, Candler, Emory University, a celebration of and engagement with the library's J. Michael Morgan English Bible & Psalmody Collection, will feature a public screening of the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture. The day's program will include updates on and displays of the collection, presentations from this year's cohort of Morgan Fellows, and a panel discussion of the film, considering the issues in the church it highlights and current issues in Biblical translation. We hope to see you there! Learn more and register here

Sept. 20-21. Northside Church’s Jesus for President conference features Shane Claiborne, prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author. He worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living “as if Jesus meant the things he said.” Talks will include topics such as The Upside-Down Kingdom, Holy Nonconformists, and The Jesus Way in the World Today. In addition to the three main talks by Claiborne, breakout sessions will be taught by Northside staff. Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. and Saturday. Register.   For more, contact Dr. James Johnson [e-mail]

Sept. 20-22. Women’s Spiritual Renewal Retreat Rest for the Weary September 20- 22, Lake Junaluska, NC. How can we rest at a time like this? WE CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO! If we want to be of service, we need to be healthy, centered, and clear on what is ours to do.  You are invited to come away   for a time of rest, renewal, and nourishment. Join Kimberly Broerman and a community of women for prayer, reflection, time around the table and in nature, and searching conversation on staying in a balanced rhythm of spiritual rest and nourishment, not just when  on retreat, but in busy lives.  Click here for more details, or email Kimberly.

Sept. 22. The Bells of 1906. Coalition to Remember the 1906 Race Massacre invites your congregation to join in this year’s commemoration (1906AtlantaRaceMassacre.org). Here’s a ready opportunity to foster more civic unity in our city by including an event in your race and reconciliation programs that marks the annual Days of Remembrance. At 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, participating congregations throughout the city will toll their bells 25 times for each of the twenty-five known victims of the massacre. Contact Rev. Dr. Brendan A. Jenkins, at [e-mail] or 770-690-0915 to confirm your congregation’s participation.

Sept. 22. Save the date: Unity Atlanta Church in Peachtree Corners, proudly announces its milestone 100^th Anniversary. The culmination of the yearlong observance takes place in September. The community is invited to the Sunday morning Centennial Celebration Service on Sep. 22, 11:00 a.m. This historic event features a “Bridge of Faith Ceremony” and special music by the church’s Soulful Harmonics Band and choir. A southern-style potluck immediately follows the service. From its humble beginnings as one of the first Unity study groups in 1924, Unity Atlanta Church has grown into a flagship congregation of Unity Worldwide Ministries. Unity Atlanta Church is at 3597 Parkway Lane in Peachtree Corners. For more information please call 770-441-0585 or visit the website, www.unityatl.org.

Sept. 22. Love your neighbor. See the stranger. Celebrate diversity. Be the change, grounded in faith.  Interfaith Atlanta invites you to participate in the fourth annual Interfaith Festival, Sunday, September 22, 2 - 5:30 p.m. on the campus of Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA, 30030. Would you like to be a sponsor? Find out more at Sponsor Request link

Sept. 26. The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 45th annual Fall Event is for members, partners, allies, and the community to celebrate advocates who have made a tremendous impact in the movement to end domestic violence in Georgia. While this event is focused on these heroes, it also raises crucial funds for the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, enabling the important work of supporting domestic violence programs, advocates, and our allies across the state. Sept. 26, 6-8 p.m., Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Rooftop Patio, 201 17th Street NW #1700, Atlanta 30363. Tickets and Sponsorship.