Church Action eNewsletter Week of January 20, 2014

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

   Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta 

 

Speakers are available from the C.H.I.P. coalition to present Creating Compassionate Congregations Clergy Tool Box for Mental Health Ministry to your congregation or ministers group. Email us at [e-mail]

1. A prayer vigil and requiem Eucharist for the holy innocents of today will begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, and continues through the night at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, Atlanta, concluding with a Requiem Eucharist at 4 p.m. Sunday.     Volunteers will read the names of more than 600 children who died from violence and abuse in Georgia last year. Also remembered will be the children whose names are unknown.  All are welcome. 

2. Spend a Saturday morning with other couples, focusing on the challenges and joys of the marriage relationship with emphasis on communication, conflict resolution, and mutual respect at Roswell United Methodist Church Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. – noon. Rev. Ron Greer, director of the Pastoral Counseling Service at Peachtree Road UMC, will lead the workshop. He is the author of three books and a frequent speaker at conferences and churches. Registration ($25/couple) deadline is today, Jan. 22. For information or childcare reservation contact the Rev. Julie Wright, [phone] or [e-mail] . Directions and information .

3. Ishmael Beah, “Radiance Of Tomorrow”, tonight, January 22, 7:00 p.m., Jimmy Carter Library & Museum. Beah's memoir of his experiences as a child soldier in Sierra Leone, A Long Way Gone, was a literary sensation. Now, Beah returns with a novel, an affecting, tender parable about postwar life in Sierra Leone.  He is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Division Advisory Committee and has spoken before the United Nations and many other panels on children affected by the war.

4. Atlanta is the site for an interfaith coalition that advocates for Atlanta and other metro cities to become more compassionate. AIB Presents explores the Compassionate Cities. The program will also take a look at the medical research in progress at Emory University that shows how people can become more compassionate and how that can result in health benefits.  This show aired Monday, Jan. 20, but you can watch an encore presentation Thursday at 9:00 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

5. The Young Africans are coming to Hillside Chapel and Truth Center, Thursday, January 23, 7 p.m. with a vibrant musical program of songs old and new.  These singers, dancers, and musicians, now 18-21, were part of the African Children’s Choir. There is no admission charge but an offering will be collected for Music for Life which has relief and development programs in 7 African countries. Hillside is at 2450 Cascade Road, SW, Atlanta 30311. You can call the church office for more information [phone].

6. Sing the Wind—Folk Songs with Steven Darsey will be presented Saturday, January 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the Atlanta History Center’s Kennedy Theater.   The one hour concert is free and open to all audiences (there is no charge for entering the History Center). Donations will be accepted to support Meridian Herald.  Free parking is available at the Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta.  More information. Steven Darsey believes that folk music carries fundamental cultural truths; he strives to make these real for contemporary listeners. He sings little-known songs such as “Leather Winged Bat,” comic songs, spirituals, classics, and his own compositions.  He enjoys singing songs about varmints. A seventh generation Georgian, between songs he shares southern wit and wisdom.

7. The Rev. Samuel G. Candler, dean of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, is the featured preacher Jan. 26 on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally syndicated ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org. In his sermon entitled “Is Christ Divided?” Candler explores the frequent divisions in church life in light of the Apostle Paul’s teaching. “Exclusivist faith is dangerous, whether that faith is conservative or liberal,” he says. “The more exclusivity we claim, the smaller we get….Jesus came to give us life—life above these absolutist polarities.”

8. Rob Radtke will preach the sermon at both the 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. services at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta 30305, this Sunday, January 26, and speak between the services. Rob has served as president of Episcopal Relief & Development since 2005. He leads and oversees several major efforts including extensive Church Engagement programs, fundraising, board development, and international and domestic program evaluation and monitoring. Read more. 

9. Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta’s Board of Directors invites you to the 2014 State of the Community Address and Installation Ceremony of the Officers and Board of Directors, Monday, January 27, at the Community Church of God located at 850 Cascade Rd., SW Atlanta 30311 at 10 a.m. There will be a reception immediately following at the VICARS Community Center adjacent to the church. For additional details, visit www.concernedblackclergy.org or call [phone].

10. What are the conversations we must have to live together in peace and harmony? Dr. Robert Nash , McAfee School of Religion, Mercer University, Tuesday, January 28, 7 p.m., Lake Oconee Community Church, Reynolds Landing. One of the great religious and political challenges of the 21st century will be the growth of Christianity and Islam around the globe. Both claim to worship the God who first entered into covenant through Abraham with the people of Israel. This lecture will focus on the challenges of both traditions particularly in the United States. Reynolds residents may R.s.v.p. through the concierge. Non-Reynolds residents may click to R.s.v.p.

11. Ecumenical Celebration at Old Church, Oxford College, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, features Stacey Abrams (D-Atlanta), House Minority Leader in the Georgia Legislature. Performances by student groups Voices of Praise gospel choir and Oxapella as well as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Interdenominational Choir, composed of singers from the Covington area will provide the music. For more information, please contact Rev. Lyn Pace, College Chaplain, at [phone] or [e-mail]; Directions

12. The US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, in partnership with the Interfaith Children’s Movement, the US Department of Justice, Community Relations Service, and others will hold a forum on “Human Trafficking: Addressing Services for Exploited and Trafficked Children and Youth” on January 30 at The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, 818 Pollard Blvd., SW, Atlanta  30314, from 9:00 until 3:30.The  focus  is to build greater awareness and better response to the problem of child trafficking. National leaders, community activists, law enforcement agencies, lawyers, and local experts will provide workshops. Registration is free, but is required.  Lunch will not be provided; however there is a cafeteria onsite and a restaurant within walking distance of the venue for your convenience.  For more information and to receive a registration form by email contact Koneta Perkins at [e-mail] or  [phone]. Register by Friday.

13.  Arts, Texts, and Music: Half Day Prayer Retreat February 1, 9 a.m. to noon. This will be an opportunity to practice lectio divina with art, words, and music. Led by Chris Glaser the author of twelve books, five of which are for daily use for meditation. He has previously taught courses on Henri Nouwen for the Spiritual Formation Program. Columbia Theological Seminary, Harrington Center Chapel, Program Fee:  $20 Contact [e-mail]

14. The William Baker Choral Foundation in Georgia presents “A Tribute to the American Black Composer” with the Lynn Swanson Festival Singers featuring the Georgia Spiritual Ensemble, Oral Moses, Director and Phil Crumbly, Scot Joplin Ragtime, and Black Gospel Piano, Saturday, February 1, 7 p.m., St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church, Smyrna. www.FestivalSingers.org

15. DeKalb County Public Library, The Community Foundation’s One Region Atlanta initiative, and the Georgia Humanities Council offer programs focusing on Muslim history, culture, and faith. The Library will host a reading and discussion series called “Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys” at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library. For information about registration call the branch at 770-270-8234. All book discussions, the first is Feb. 4, begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. Find out more about the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf.

16. New Americans Celebration 2014: Celebrating Georgia's Refugee Community at the Capitol, Wednesday, February 5, 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m., Find out more and register.  

17. Dr. Barbara L. King, and noted relationship experts Dr. Janet Page and Dr. Alduan Tartt   present "Spiritual Love Lessons" for Singles and Couples, Friday, February 7, 7 p.m., at Hillside International Truth Center. Real Love is a Party – In fact, it’s a Spiritual Event. Find out more and register. Telephone [phone]; Email [e-mail]

18. The recently reinstated Morehouse School of Religion at ITC welcomes all to their 147^th Founders’ Convocation, the 70^th C.D. Hubert Lecture Series and Third Baptist Leadership Conference, the week of February 11-13 on the ITC Campus. Two chapel services will take place that week, Tuesday, February 11, at 11 a.m. when the Rev. Jasper Williams will deliver the message, and Thursday, February 13, 11 a.m., with the Rev. Marcus Crosby. Contact Morehouse at [phone] for more information.

19. Armed Forces Mission will offer the I Will Intervene Challenge at the Bridge in Peachtree City February 12 and 13. 1 in 20 people will have suicidal thoughts this year. This workshop will benefit people from all walks of life, homemakers, coaches, educators, ministers, law enforcement professionals, and medical and mental health professionals—anyone seeking the skills that can save those at risk of suicide. Learn more or register at www.iwillintervene.com

20. St. Olaf Choir will be at Emory on February 13 and we announced that last week. . If you are interested in the entire 2014 tour schedule it is Here.

21. Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course for Spring 2014, Gwinnett Medical Center, registration deadline is February 20, 2014. This course is for RN’s with at least 3-5 years of experience who feel called to utilize nursing gifts in the faith community. The course provides 39.42 contact hours. Please visit the website for all information and registration. www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org

22. National Geographic Entertainment and the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem introduce The Jerusalem Challenge in conjunction with the North American launch of the giant screen film JERUSALEM. What ideas do you have or what are you already doing to make the world a better place by bringing people together from different cultures, backgrounds, or beliefs?   The grand prize in each of two age categories, 15 and under and 16 and older,  is a trip for two to Jerusalem and $2,500 to put toward the work being done by the winner or to help make the winning idea a reality. Now through March 2, entrants can submit applications online at the Facebook page for JERUSALEM .

 At that page test your Jerusalem I.Q. by answering trivia questions about Jerusalem every week for the opportunity to win prizes. JERUSALEM in Atlanta, Read more>>

23. High school students and adults (18+ in age) in Georgia are encouraged to submit their essays for entry into the Cesar Chavez Essay Contest. The winners will read their essays at the State Capitol on Monday, March 31,  at the 7th Annual Cesar Chavez Ceremony .To download the contest rules, entry and consent forms, please visit  Click PDF HERE for Rules & Entry Form.   You may also send an email to [e-mail].  Entries may be in either English or Spanish and the deadline for submissions is  March 7, 2014.The Cesar Chavez Essay contest and Annual Cesar Chavez Ceremony at the Capitol have been coordinated and led by the GALEO Leadership Council.    

24. Coming in March from Bill Mallard Lay Theology Institute, “Disciple Scholars: The Apostle Paul: Oppressor or Liberator?” March 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Candler School of Theology, Atlanta 30322. The Apostle Paul is easily the most controversial figure in the history of Christianity. For those who despise Christianity, Paul is despised above all. His letters are read as instruments of oppression by a wide spectrum of critics who delight in opposing a "good Jesus" to a "bad Paul." This class explores the elements in Paul that cause him to have such a bad reputation and suggests ways in which Paul's letters can actually serve as instruments of liberation. More information and registration.

25. The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta is a non-profit, apolitical, educational organization that provides Muslim speakers to promote awareness about Islam and Muslims. Working through volunteers the ISB provides hundreds of presentations, training seminars, workshops, and panel discussions annually in schools, colleges and universities, law enforcement agencies, healthcare facilities, and community organizations as part of cultural diversity curricula and programs. ISB is building bridges among Americans of all backgrounds. Visit www.isbatlanta.org and select presentations for more information and an online speaker request form.

26. Op Ed Columnist David Brooks offers good advice for those called to counsel grieving people in "The Art of Presence."

 

 

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

[e-mail]

404-201-6448

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