Church Action eNewsletter Week of December 1, 2025

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

 

1. This is World AIDS Day, an opportunity for every community and individual to honor the more than 32 million people who have died worldwide from AIDS-related illness. December 1 is a day for voices to unite by sharing experiences, remembering those lost, and standing together in the fight against HIV.

 

2. Atlanta city warming centers information is at, visit the city’s website. For information about centers offered by DeKalb County and its community partners, visitdekalbcountyga.gov/weather.

 

3. One more Advent resource: This one from St. Mary’s Sewanee, each Sunday leading up to Christmas, a short video, a written reflection, and a gentle practice will be offered. This first week, we begin with Hope. You’ll find this week’s video, reflection, and practice on the Advent page linked below. Practice hope. www.stmaryssewanee.org/advent

 

4. Do you know about the Advent Conspiracy Movement – worship fully, spend less, give more, love all? Learn More About the Advent Conspiracy MovementTop of Form

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5. 
   The final Kessler Conversation for this season from Pitts Theological Library is Wednesday, Dec. 3 at noon. Enter a virtual conversation with Serena Strecker, a PhD candidate at Yale University. She has used machine learning algorithms to transcribe thousands of pages of 16th-century printed text, opening up a new corpus for analysis. Come learn how she did it and how she sees scholarship in the early modern era changing because of new technologies. Kessler Conversations are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register.

 

6. Intro to Restorative Justice Workshop Catholic Mobilizing Network: Are you interested in learning about ways to repair harm and rebuild damaged relationships in a way that centers those who have been harmed and upholds the dignity of all? Are you curious about ways to transform our approach to justice, from punitive to restorative? CMN's 2-hour Intro to Restorative Justice workshop is the best place to start! The next workshop is Thursday, Dec. 4, 12-2 p.m. ET. Register now and invite a fellow ministry leader or friend. Intro to Restorative Justice Workshop (December 2025) - Catholic Mo....

 

7. From the Jung Society: “Narcissism and the Psychology of Envy” with Kaye Lindauer, aZOOM online lecture on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. EST. Disconnected from a relationship with Self, some people suffer from the pain of narcissism and envy. This lecture will bring a Jungian perspective to the exploration of the psychic phenomenon of narcissism and envy that seems to be so prevalent on multiple levels in our present culture and will offer participants a deeper understanding of those that suffer from unfortunate personality disorders. Spiritual development offers hope. For specifics and to register, go to jungatlanta.com. The Carl Jung Society of Atlanta provides workshops and lectures for mental health professionals and anyone interested in the body of thought derived from the work of C.G. Jung.

 

8. Quaker witness for public action has stood in silent opposition to cruel and authoritarian actions in our country before. They invite us to show this love in action again. Join the American Friends Service Committee and Atlanta Friends to bear witness to the destruction and dehumanization that federal immigration actions are inflicting in our communities. Saturday Dec. 6, at 2:00 p.m., they will gather at the ICE Field office at 180 Ted Turner Dr. SWfor one hour of silent public worship. Their hope is that this presence will give heart to all who see - including through media and online - and remind everyone of our moral obligations to one another. This is the first of what they hope will become ongoing in future months across our country, showing love in action as a public witness of our Quaker values. Register here.

 

9. Join Song of Atlanta for “All I Want for Christmas,” an a cappella holiday showcase with special guest appearances from Atlanta Vocal Project and Front Page News Quartet! Saturday, Dec. 6, 3-5 p.m., at Riverstone Church, Stilesboro Rd NW, Kennesaw 30125. Find tickets at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/song-of-atlanta-show-

 

10. The Festival Singers of Atlanta invite you to “The Very Best Time of Year.”  The concert theme is taken from John Rutter’s song of the same title plus other music to brighten the winter holidays of Chanukkah, and Christmas.  The program will feature A Consort of Choral Christmas Carols by P. D. Q. Bach and more traditional carols. Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m., St. Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St, Atlanta 30308. A reception will follow the concert. Concert tickets are $10 for general admission, Seniors 65+, students & military with ID, $5. Tickets may be purchasedin advance or at the door. Free parking with ticket purchase in the deck behind the Sanctuary. Access the parking deck from 5th Street.

 

11. A beloved Atlanta tradition, the Holiday Gala returns for its 28th year, featuring over 200 student performers from the Georgia State University School of Music. This festival event includes a range of ensembles and special guests performing holiday favorites, new seasonal gems, and collaborative pieces with the College of the Arts. Enjoy an afternoon of music, celebration, and community to ring in the holiday season. Sunday, Dec. 7, 3:00 p.m., Rialto Center for the Arts, Atlanta. Visit here for information 28th Annual Holiday Gala.
12. Kanjani Concert, December 11, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Featuring beloved carols reimagined through the artistry of these young singers, this concert invites the community to experience the warmth, hope, and joy of the season. We would be honored to have you join us! Dobbs Chapel, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3003 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta.
13. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Dec. 12, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Jeffords Fellowship Hall. Enjoy an evening filled with faith, joy and community featuring Mariachis, Aztec dangers, folkloric performers and delicious traditional food. We celebrate the Lady of Guadalupe to honor Mary as the Mother of the Americas, a symbol of unity, compassion, and faith. (en español). Questions? Contact Mimi Guerra.
14. There will be a Blue Christmas Service at Woodstock Community Church, 237 Rope Mill Rd, Woodstock, Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6:00 p.m. The church is opening its doors for all those who hurt this season and offering a time of prayer and worship, as well as experiences of expressing grief through art and writing. We know God’s heart is to walk with you through your pain, and it is our intent that this is a time of hope and healing for you. Come as you are. All are welcome.
15. Celebrate the holiday season with the timeless sounds of jazz at the 2025 Holiday Jazz Vespersat historic First Congregational Church in downtown Atlanta, a highly anticipated treat and an annual favorite. The vespers will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Featured guest artists include Kathleen Bertrand, Doc Powell, Will Scruggs, Phil Davis, Dwight Andrews, and the Atlanta Jazz Chamber Chorus. Come early and stay late to shop the Holiday Extravaganza, filled with an eclectic mix of extraordinary gifts! All proceeds benefit the Education and Outreach Programs of the First Church CDC. Contact the church office [phone] for additional information. 105 Courtland Street, NE, Atlanta 30303. Find tickets at 2025 Holiday Jazz Vespers Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.
16. Cantata for Christmas: Hope Has Downed by Mary McDonald, performed by The Nett United Methodist Church Choir, Sunday, December 14 at 9:30 a.m. at The Nett UMC Bethesda Campus, 444 Bethesda Church Rd, Lawrenceville 30044.
17. The Atlanta Ministry with International Students (AMIS)will host Amis students and volunteers at Christmas with AMIS. Amis students love meeting and interacting with Atlantans and learning about your background and experiences. Sunday, Dec. 14, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington St. SW. This event includes a meal, holiday crafts and games, and a tour of the historic church. For many international students, it will be an introduction to American Christmas traditions, and it's a great opportunity to reminisce about holiday experiences from childhood as students and volunteers decorate cookies, get creative with crafts, and play games together. Please register hereif you're able to come.
18. Atlanta Sacred Harp Christmas Singing, Dec. 14, 3:30 – 7 p.m., Church of our Saviour in Va-Highlands, Atlanta. Supper on the grounds at 5 p.m.
19. Hope for the Holidays Service, a time of reflection and hope for anyone who struggles to find joy during the holiday season. Rekindle your hope in Christ at The Church at Wieuca, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. In the Chapel, 3626 Peachtree Rd Ne, Atlanta 30326.
20. Enjoy an uplifting celebration of the season while helping our neighbors in need. Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Your presence not only fills the chapel with Christmas spirit, but also directly supports the Outreach and Advocacy Center’s mission of compassion and hope. All ticket funds will go directly to the OAC. Tickets at tinyurl.com/christmaswishconcert. Rand Chapel, Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington St SW, Atlanta 30303.
21. The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra invites you to be part of the 2025–2026 “Imagine” Season by joining the inaugural performance of the Christmas Voices of Johns Creek! Practices Dec. 15 and 18, attend one, and performances on Dec. 20. Join the Johns Creek Christmas Community Sing-Along. Dress is all black. Location for rehearsals and performances is Mount Pisgah Church.
22. AMIS needs volunteers for the upcoming Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA), Jan. 21 - March 9. More than 20 select teachers from other countries will participate in this program, and AMIS needs volunteers to match with them as short-term friendship partners. What's required? As a volunteer, you will be matched with 2-3 scholars. AMIS asks that you get together with your scholars (as a group, no need for individual meetings) several times over the 6 week period. Inviting your scholars to eat at a restaurant, go on a hike, come to your home, or explore the city together are just some of the ways you can get together! What's optional? There will be some events organized by Georgia State University that you will be invited to attend, but are not mandatory. Many volunteers are quite busy! Additionally, AMIS will invite the TEA participants to some events, and you are welcome, but not required, to attend with them. Are you ready to volunteer for this special short term Amigo volunteer opportunity? Email [e-mail] questions and fill out the 2025-2026 Amigo Volunteer Application, found here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5174870.

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter