God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta Weekly Church Action eNewsletter Week of October 27, 2014 Remember that all events are in the Community Calen…

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
Weekly Church Action eNewsletter
Week of October 27, 2014

Remember that all events are in the Community Calendar on our website. Rccatl.org

1. The Rev. Dr. Kathryn Love is the preacher for the 17th Reformation Service at the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta located on the campus of Interdenominational Theological Center, 700 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta, GA 30314. The worship service begins at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, (previously advertised as Thursday, October 30) followed by a light lunch and discussion of the role of prayer in today's world.

2. Southern Crescent Child Advocacy Center Free Fall Carnival, Oct. 31, 3-6 p.m., The Big Green House, 2 West Main Street, Hampton 30228. Games, prizes, candy and special appearance of Disney characters. Plus, Trick or Treat in downtown Hampton from 4-6 p.m.

3. Fall Youth Development Workshop for 9th-12th grade students, male and female, Saturday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Cliftondale UMC Fellowship Hall, 4095 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park. This workshop is designed to give college-bound high school students important information they need to continue their pursuit of higher education and an opportunity to engage in dialogue with students and representatives from local area colleges. Space is limited. Register here. Cost is $15 and includes lunch and materials. For more information call Ms. Bennefield at 770-846-1115.

4. ChangeFest wants to help make the world a better place and rock out in the process. Six bands provide the soundtrack to an afternoon of positive social change. It all takes place Nov. 1, 2014 in the parking lot of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Presented by Redeemer's Red Door Concert Series. 731 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 1, 2014, FREE; Parking: FREE (in Redeemer lot at Peachtree and 4th)

5. The 23rd MJCCA Book Festival will feature more than 40 of this year’s most talked-about authors, celebrities, and influencers. The festival starting Nov. 1 features speakers, author meet-and-greets, book signings, panel discussions, and more. Most events will be at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Purchase tickets by calling [phone] or visit www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.

6. Science and the Spiritual Encounter - East and West, Sunday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m., Emory Presbyterian Church, 1886 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta, 30307 A Tibetan Buddhist and a Christian neuroscientist will be featured speakers. No pre-registration or charge is required for attendance. Members and friends are always welcome.

Last Minute: Neshama Interfaith Center presents:  Prayer Bead Workshop, Sunday, November 2, 2014, 2.30-5 p.m., Roswell Community Masjid, 345 Market Place, Roswell, GA 30075. Did you know that prayer beads are featured in many faith traditions?  Learn more about the use of prayer beads in Christianity, Islam and eastern religions, and find out about Jewish practice that uses knots without beads. Do you use beads when you pray? Bring them along to share your personal practice with the group. Following the formal discussion, we’ll make our own prayer beads while enjoying dessert and informal conversation. The workshop will be led by Rabbi Pamela Gottfried. Refreshments will be served. A suggested minimum donation is $10. For more information about Neshama Interfaith Center, please visit www.neshamainterfaithcenter.org.

7. The Volunteer Service Guild of Radcliffe Presbyterian Church presents Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society, Sunday, Nov. 2, 5 p.m. There is no admission charge for this concert, 286 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr., Atlanta 30318. Call the church office is you need more information [phone].
8. 26th Annual Homeless Memorial Day & Requiem, Monday, Nov. 3. This day began in 1988 when 17 homeless people froze to death on the streets of Atlanta. Breakfast at Peachtree-Pine with Cascade UMC begins at 10 a.m.; transportation by Task Force for the Homeless to the Cathedral of St. Philips begins at 4 p.m.

9. Dr. Dwight D. Andrews and musical colleagues will offer "Jazz, Spirituality, and the Church" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, for the Woodall Lecture at All Saints' Episcopal Church,  634 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta. There is no fee or registration required for this event.

10. Remember the Public Policy Forum with Presbyterians for a Better Georgia invites you to 2014 Public Policy Forum, next Thursday, November 6, 8-10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309. This event is free and open to everyone. Your voice matters!

11. “When to Refer?” is the topic for a complimentary clergy bagel brunch Thursday, Nov. 6, 10-11:30 am at the Care and Counseling Center of Georgia. Dr. Bob Gary (former chaplain director of Emory Hospital, Candler pastoral care professor) and Brady Radford (counselor and working pastor) will co-lead on topics including the limits of clergy counseling, common symptoms seen in the pews, legal issues, and when to successfully refer. As we continue this clergy resiliency series, clergy self-care is also on the agenda. The Center is at 1814 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 (just down from the VA Hosital). RSVP [e-mail]

12. The Higher Ground group, comprised of four long-time Atlanta faith leaders will explore what it means to be a person of faith within a diverse social system via a panel discussion entitled Christians, Jews and Muslims: Let’s Talk – Opening the Dialogue Amongst all Peoples of Faith. The panel discussion will be introduced by Harry Barrow, senior pastor, Newnan Presbyterian, and moderated by Alicia Philipp, president, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Newnan Presbyterian Church, 38 Greenville St., Newnan 30263, Thursday, Nov. 6 from 7 – 8 p.m. Groups from all faith institutions and walks of life are encouraged to attend.

13. The Friendship Center at Holy Comforter Church in East Atlanta will host Mental Health First Aid Training on Friday, November 7 from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. “You are more likely to encounter a person in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Mental disorders are more common than heart disease or cancer combined.” The course teaches a 5 step action plan encompassing skills, resources, and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate care. See www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org for more information. There is no fee for this class but registration is required and is first-come first-serve. Attendees are asked to bring lunch. Drinks will be provided. Please register by Wednesday, November 5 by emailing Liz Mitchell at [e-mail] or by calling 404-627-6510. There is no one for whom this class would not be of benefit.

14. The Safe America Foundation has been providing educational programs that address pressing youth health and safety issues for 20 years. This November 8 they have teamed-up with the Allstate Foundation, Clayton County Public Schools, and the Clayton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jeff Turner to host the first annual Brain Camp™ – a fun filled educational safety expo for High School and Middle School aged youth and their parents at the Delta Flight Museum. Read more>>

15. Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church invites you to the first annual Praise to Raise Awareness in Cancer Concert, Nov. 8 at 4:00 p.m. at the church, 2870 Headland Dr., East Point 30344. There will be guest choirs, soloists, and mime ministries in honor of two breast cancer survivors and one prostate cancer survivor. Suggested donation is $5 with a portion of the proceeds given to Pretty In Pink Foundation and American Cancer Society. Please contact Zeneta Stinson at 404-781-3047 for additional information.

16. L’Arche Atlanta Potluck and All Saints Gathering: "Giving thanks for the great souls in our lives" L’Arche Atlanta invites you to enjoy a potluck supper, live music, and a chance to create a visual token of remembrance for a special person in your life in the tradition of the Mexican Ofrenda, Nov. 8, 6-8 p.m., St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 1790 LaVista Road NE, Atlanta, 30329. Please bring a dish to share with 6-8: R-Z Bread, appetizer, dessert, A-G Salad or side dish, H-Q Main Dish or casserole. R.S.V.P. to [e-mail]. This is part of a series of social events for adults with intellectual disabilities and all who choose to come and enjoy these times together. All are welcome! Questions? Call Martha Moore-Keish [phone].

17. Zion Hill Baptist Church invites everyone to witness the 2014 Rites of Passage Program “Oukumo” Closing Ceremony. Now in its’ 19th year, the program is offered through the Outreach Ministry of Zion Hill to youth throughout the church and the surrounding community at no charge. The goal is to educate and inspire youth to appreciate the significance of their African heritage in harmony with their awareness of God and their connectedness to others. Afro-centric attire is welcome or simply come as you are and salute the Class of 2014, Sunday, November 9, at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where The Reverend Dr. Aaron L. Parker. Food, dancing, fun at 6175 Campbellton Road, SW, Atlanta 30331. Go to www.zionhill.org or call 404-691-8025 for additional information.

18. Monday November 10, 2014 is the most important day in ACM’s year! No bells or whistles—just lunch and prayer together around tables. 2014 Annual Day of Prayer-a day in which every Atlanta Community Ministries stakeholder is asked to devote extra time to praying for ACM and our city. Prayer meeting and free lunch in the Fellowship Hall of Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church; 2715 Peachtree Rd. NE; 30305, noon to 1:30 p.m. Though the lunch a head count is needed. Please R.s.v.p. to Tula Blackwelder by Thursday November 6 at 404-841-0800; Ext. 203, or to [e-mail]

19. Did you miss the SOLD OUT screening at the 2014 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival of Jews and Muslims: Intimate Strangers? Now’s your chance to experience it and promote Muslim-Jewish Dialogue in Atlanta. Reserve your seats today. American Jewish Committee received a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, to enhance the dialogue between the Jewish and Muslim communities. Series begins on Nov. 11, 6 p.m., Temple Sinai. JEWS AND MUSLIMS: INTIMATE STRANGERS is an astonishing four-part documentary series that explores 14 centuries of rich history shared between Jews and Muslims. You may purchase tickets to attend all four parts, or purchase tickets individually for each.

20. Earlier this year, ProMedica and the Alliance to End Hunger hosted a national summit on hunger and health on Capitol Hill and are now hosting a series across the nation. You are invited to “Come to the Table” Summit on November 14 at the Carter Center. The Summit is free of charge and will run from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. To register, please contact [e-mail]. More information promedica.org/cometothetablesummit. For questions, please contact Barbara Petee, ProMedica’s Chief Advocacy and Government Relations Officer, at 419-469-3894 or [e-mail].

21. Seventh Annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast is Nov. 18. President Jimmy Carter author of “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power” will lead a discussion and a question and answer session on the systemic issues preventing women, and as a result, local, national and global communities from reaching their full potential. Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady, President of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, co-founder of The Carter Center will receive the Women’s Excellence in Community Service Award. More information.

22. The Cathedral Book Store brings Martha Sterne to the Cathedral of St. Philip, Child Hall, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305, November 18, at 7 p.m. Martha will begin the evening reading from and discussing her latest book, Tell Me A Story: Preaching With the Holy Innocents. This will be followed by a book signing. There is no charge for this event but please email [e-mail] if you plan to attend indicating the number in your party. This will be a fun and inspiring evening!

23. Fundraiser for Ahli Hospital in Gaza, an Evening of Music with violinist Michael Dabroski performing Bach and an original suite for Gaza, Monday, November 17, 7 p.m., St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 1790 LaVista Road, NE, Atlanta 30329. R.s.v.p. by Nov. 15, suggested donation is $20, $10 for students. Reserve your spot by mailing a check made to AFEDJ to Rev. Fahed Abuakel, 2774 Jasmine Ct NE, Atlanta, GA 30345. If you have questions email [e-mail] If you are unable to attend, your donations are still welcomed!

24. Grieving During the Holidays: A Workshop with Time for Reflection and Prayer, Eucharist with Candle Lighting ,and the Naming of our Loss, Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Guided by Doyle R. Hamilton, III, Pastoral Counselor, and the Rev. Lynnsay A. Buehler, Director, The Julian of Norwich Center. The Julian of Norwich Center, St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 2601 Henderson Mill Road, NE, Atlanta 30345; $40; Lunch provided. Please call 770-938-9797 ext. 27 to register for the day.

25. The Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Elizabeth Eaton will visit the Atlanta area in November. On Sunday, November 23, Bishop Eaton will preach at the three morning services in the nave at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Worship services are at 8:15 a.m. (traditional), 9:45 a.m (jazz) and 11:00 a.m. (traditional). Redeemer is located at 731 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta.

26. Thanksgiving Service —The congregations of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, St. Anne's Episcopal, Northside Drive Baptist, New Hope A.M.E., Northside Drive United Methodist, and Trinity Presbyterian churches will join together to celebrate the annual interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service, Sunday, November 23, 6:30 p.m., Trinity Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. James Lamkin of Northside Drive Baptist Church will preach. All are invited to share in this celebration of gratitude.

27. Webinar series. “Bringing Your Community Together to Bring Our Veterans Home,” discussing practical ways that communities can come together to get Veterans and their families the support they need and “Rural Clergy and Confidentiality — An Ethics Review,” exploring commonly occurring ethical issues surrounding confidentiality and privacy for rural clergy can be viewed online, at any time. For more information, view the RCTP Webinar page.

28. How is your faith community addressing mental illness among your members and the community at large? Do you need help with this? The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for DeKalb County has a program that will help your community get up to speed on issues facing those living with mental illness and their significant others and how to start a program of your own and how to get involved in NAMI DeKalb. For more information contact Alisa at [e-mail]. Or see Namidekalb.com.Visit www.CHIPGeorgia.comfor more ideas on welcoming those with a mental illness into your community of faith.

29. Heirs to Forgotten Kingdoms. Listen to story from NPR’s Fresh Air on religions that are disappearing.

30. Jewish Family & Career Services offers Employment Workshops every month. Read more>>

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter
The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.
[e-mail]
404-201-6448