Church Action eNewsletter Week of October 13, 2014

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

   Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta 

Weekly Church Action eNewsletter

We have such a grand opportunity to celebrate God’s gift of art and music this fall. Three marble panels from Italian sculptor Luca della Robbia’s famed organ loft created for Florence Cathedral will travel to the U.S. for the first time for “Make A Joyful Noise”: Renaissance Art and Music at Florence Cathedral at the High Museum of Art, The exhibition, on view from Oct. 25 through Jan. 11, will place the marble panels in the musical environment for which they were originally created by displaying them with other musical objects. Live musical performances will also take place at select times. Get all the details.  

1.  How does the Bible address violence against women? Come to Atlanta Friends Meeting Bible Discussion, 701 West Howard Ave., Decatur 30002, Thursday Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., for an exploration of theologian Phyllis Trible’s book “Texts of Terror.” This week will focus on David’s daughter Tamar whose rape at the hands of her brother goes unpunished by her father the king.  How do we respond to anti-woman stories being in the Bible, and how do these stories affect our response to violence against women today in families and communities here and around the world? Books are available at the discussion or bring your own.  Contact Julia Ewen at [e-mail] for more information.

 2. The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass originated as a commission by the Minneapolis-based choral ensemble VocalEssence, directed by Phillip Brunelle.  (Brunelle and this ensemble are frequently heard on A Prairie Home Companion.) Monroe Crossing was the bluegrass band commissioned to premiere the work. This bluegrass mass has been performed widely across the country, including three times at Carnegie Hall. Monroe Crossing will be joining Griffin Choral Arts in concert on Thursday, October 16, at the First United Methodist Church in Griffin.  Monroe Crossing and Griffin Choral Arts will each perform a section of works and join forces for the bluegrass mass.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door. 

3. NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus is on the road to mobilize people to vote. The Georgia this Thursday and Friday events are here.The Town hall for the 100% is a space for a diverse group of community members to talk about the issues that are most important to them. To learn more about this tour go to www.nunsonthebus.org. To R.s.v.p. for this event, call Shantha Ready Alonso at [phone], or email her at [e-mail].

4. Simple Needs Donation Drive, Saturday, October 18, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.   It's starting to get cold outside so Simple Needs is collecting winter items to support Simply Sheltered the program to help people experiencing homelessness. Please donate your gently used blankets, sleeping bags, sheets, tarps, tents,   camping supplies, coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, candles (new or used), boots, and long underwear. Warm clothes for kids or teens will go to the school district. Visit Facebook for updates. If you need directions to the warehouse or have any other questions,  email [e-mail].

5. Bring your family and friends to this year’s Halloween for Haiti, which promises to be the best ever. October 18, 4:30-10:00 p.m., Christ Church Norcross, 400 Holcomb Bridge, Norcross 30071—a band, delicious food, art tent, haunted walk, kids carnival, miniature ponies, cake  walk  every hour and half hour, games, story telling,  and giant slides until 7:30. The Sewing Guild has created several beautiful quilts which will be raffled. Call the church for more information [phone].

6. Hear Dr. Ruth Hamilton, pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta, this Sunday, October 19, on Day1, which has been broadcasting an inspiring message of faith each Sunday since 1947. Find your local station here.

7. Old fashioned field day at Play Day on the Atlanta BeltLine a day for the whole family to show off skills in everything from soccer, ultimate frisbee, flag football, kickball to dance, circus arts, martial arts, and more! This event is free but please register.  Sunday, October 19, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. http://beltline.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=238d9b7ba6462433febba5349&id=40f0a102b4&e=b112e5adae" href="http://beltline.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=238d9b7ba6462433febba5349&id=40f0a102b4&e=b112e5adae" target="_blank"">Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, 830 Willoughby Way, Atlanta 30312.   http://beltline.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=238d9b7ba6462433febba5349&id=f5ab380451&e=b112e5adae" href="http://beltline.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=238d9b7ba6462433febba5349&id=f5ab380451&e=b112e5adae" target="_blank"">Register!

8. A Sacred Harp singing practice will be offered at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Church of Our Saviour, Atlanta, to be followed by singing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  The early instruction is for people new to shape notes or new to singing.  All are welcome.  For more information call [phone].

9.  Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 1875 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. N. W., Atlanta, invites you to join them in celebrating 55 years of ministry on Sunday, October 19 at 4:00 p.m.  There will be an uplifting message, liturgical dances, songs, and more.  Rev. Ronald Bonner is pastor of Atonement. There will be a reception following the service.

10. The role of the faith community in bringing healing to families fractured by incarceration of members, the difficulties in returning to community, and crime may have never been more crucial than it is today. The community has an important role to play -- a role ensured by the participation of its faith leaders. Come to an Introductory Meeting of Healing Communities of Georgia. October 23, Georgia Technical Research Institute, Conference Center, 250 14th Street, NW, Atlanta 30318, 6:30-8:30 p.m. R.s.v.p. to Anita Cloud at [e-mail]

11. 8th Annual Domestic Violence Conference, The Conasauga Family Violence Alliance, Friday, October 24, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., 6.5 FVIP CE Hours, Rock Bridge Church, 121 W Crawford St, Dalton, GA 30720. For More Information and to register click here.  or contact [e-mail] or (706)-272-2258 ext.2153

12. The High Point Civic Association and the Church of the Atonement annual Fall Fun Fair, Sunday, October 26 from 2 - 5 p.m.   A Chili Cook-off is one of the new events.  If you would like to enter the contest, please call the church office to get a registration form.  Everyone is invited.  Make plans to come and enjoy this annual event. Atonement, 4945 High Point Road, Atlanta 30342, [phone].

13. The Atlanta Creole Heritage Society presents Reconstructing Creole, Film Screening and Zydeco Dancing , Sunday, October 26,   3-6 p.m., a family event,  food from Couteau and Sweet-n-Salty, Zydeco dance lessons by Anthony Lewis , General Admission $10 . Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 25 Boulevard, NE, Atlanta 30312, free parking. For more information: email [e-mail]

14. The Men of Radcliffe Presbyterian Church annual Men's Day Program, Sunday, October 19, during the 11 a.m. morning worship service. "Leaning in with a Commitment to Justice, Advocacy, Service and Discipleship" will feature the Rev. Dr. C. T. Vivian, Sr., civil rights activist and the 2013 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, as preacher. Pastor Andrew L. Stephens, Jr. joins the men in invitating all who may wish to visit to hear this world renowned minister, author, and legend.  The church is located at 286 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive, NW, Atlanta 30318, formerly Hightower Road, across from Frederick Douglass High School, [phone]. There will be a reception following the service, giving all an opportunity to greet the speaker.

15. Don’t forget to register for Interfaith Children’s Movement 2014 Prayer Breakfast with Deborah J. Richardson, Executive Vice President, National Center for Civil and Human Rights.  Wednesday, October 22, 7:30 a.m., The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta 30309. Register.

16. DHS Ministerial and Faith Community Alliance Meeting, Macon Meeting, Wednesday, October 22, 10:00 to noon. Faith leaders are invited to join Keith Horton, DHS Commissioner, and Bobby Cagle, Director, DFCS, for this gathering regarding the state of our children and families.  The Alliance is an interfaith nondenominational group that meets to share in the responsibility for Georgia’s most vulnerable children and families. Hephzibah Children's Home, 6601 Zebulon Rd., Macon 31220. Please R.s.v.p. by email to [e-mail].   Consider becoming a Department of Human Services Host Church.

17. St. James', Clayton, will host its eighth Flower and Liturgical Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, at the church. "In God's House There are Many Dwellings" is this year's theme for décor both inside and out. Featured will be the major renovation of the church's interior spaces. Read http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eCO4qOSowTX_uMzH4DySK7Dfa20qOFSwQobG8XyvSLruiGXq3kKADgjjP0FojqaSvVaVLEtV0QSJMWVWJ5m3O23B4bqIX_51I4pEWa6XP2uD6tN3dW4MHBfOYLK2vUnzQDpWR16_mrfRCIW2bb8k79hSCjWPWjHj4XQNZjyG2R7ZfqVwGnp2JXw8cTXQ6fuKadb54tD_ZPG_O2XYDOqF6W36s_tGK6bj" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eCO4qOSowTX_uMzH4DySK7Dfa20qOFSwQobG8XyvSLruiGXq3kKADgjjP0FojqaSvVaVLEtV0QSJMWVWJ5m3O23B4bqIX_51I4pEWa6XP2uD6tN3dW4MHBfOYLK2vUnzQDpWR16_mrfRCIW2bb8k79hSCjWPWjHj4XQNZjyG2R7ZfqVwGnp2JXw8cTXQ6fuKadb54tD_ZPG_O2XYDOqF6W36s_tGK6bjQpXlFpT8VF27KqIGOgnUqB71JxFrPAK_TWGccHwEA7M=&c=nbdlnN7WvoCB3J-gLj_4EzyZd3zDMPwaoYXwA1COaDj7c-7E-OHayg==&ch=snJXNlJSj7-TZJhpfxW16BtJkZkFNBybzX9S8-WCNVqngAnHyNbPMQ==" target="_blank"">more.

18. A Fall Harvest Festival is planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at St. Mary and St. Martha of Bethany, Buford. It will provide fun for all ages from children's activities to on-site-prepared barbeque, to quilts, crafts, a white elephant sale and some outside vendor booths. For information on the event, including reservations for vendor tables, contact the parish office [phone] or  [e-mail]. All are welcome.

19. LobsterFest, an annual fund-raising event at St. Teresa's, Acworth, is from noon till 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and tickets must be purchased by Oct.20. Full meals are $25; lobsters only are $20.  All proceeds go to fund the church's Live Nativity production for the local community and other missions at St. Teresa's. Click for details and to purchase tickets http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eCO4qOSowTX_uMzH4DySK7Dfa20qOFSwQobG8XyvSLruiGXq3kKADgjjP0FojqaSRHF1rVS-OKxxP5XuXWk8aHu3SeHzop8mYbzmm7UOtIBwpZtgRUFag09O_ZpVQ96CEF_1w249HDZfdVYd3Ibkz9XIq4wn4x3rVhVXSnwLGmWGOLB9pEEqnW2Jw3T3YNn_-DrCOkMIKTjlV8XyOM9fmO_64hj73Pxf" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eCO4qOSowTX_uMzH4DySK7Dfa20qOFSwQobG8XyvSLruiGXq3kKADgjjP0FojqaSRHF1rVS-OKxxP5XuXWk8aHu3SeHzop8mYbzmm7UOtIBwpZtgRUFag09O_ZpVQ96CEF_1w249HDZfdVYd3Ibkz9XIq4wn4x3rVhVXSnwLGmWGOLB9pEEqnW2Jw3T3YNn_-DrCOkMIKTjlV8XyOM9fmO_64hj73PxfpNxKC4EPMPsVmlrYJ_KzlNjOS-G0OLOq&c=nbdlnN7WvoCB3J-gLj_4EzyZd3zDMPwaoYXwA1COaDj7c-7E-OHayg==&ch=snJXNlJSj7-TZJhpfxW16BtJkZkFNBybzX9S8-WCNVqngAnHyNbPMQ==" target="_blank"">here.  Call [phone] for more information.

20. United Nations Day, 2014, “Ukraine: Can there be peace with Russia?” a presentation by Arden Stone, recent Ukraine Peace Corps returnee, Sunday, October 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Reception to follow program.  Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 1911 Cliff Valley Way, NE, 30329, co-sponsored by Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office and Peace Network R.s.v.p. to Betsy Rivard, (404)261‐9696 or [e-mail].

21. Street Grace invites you to Fostering Hope, Duluth on October 29 or Atlanta on October 30, to hear leaders in the fight against human trafficking discuss Foster Care and Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. Panelists will include Laura Lederer, JD, former State Department Senior Advisor on Human Trafficking, and Alex Trouteaud, PhD, lead researcher on the 2009 Schapiro Group Demand Study.   Entrance to this event is free of charge, but seating is limited, so register soon.

Wednesday, October 29, 7 p.m., The John C. Maxwell Center for Leadership at 12Stone Church Click here to register

Thursday, October 30, 7 p.m., Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Click here to Register

22. A Pre-marital Workshop will be held at the Training and Counseling Center at St. Luke’s ( 98 Currier Street)  on Saturday, November 1 from 8:30-1:30.  The workshop is led by Episcopal Priest, Rebekah Hatch, and is open to all denominations. It meets the requirement for pre-marital counseling by the Episcopal Church.  Cost is $125.00 per couple.  Snacks are provided and a free couple counseling session is offered to those who participate in the workshop. Registration is on line at www.trainingandcounselingcenter.org or by calling Meg Moye at 404 876-6266 x 2003. The next workshop is January 24, 2015.

23. Science and the Spiritual Encounter - East and West, Sunday, November 2, 3-5 p.m., an opportunity to explore the often challenging questions surrounding the interfaces between science and spiritual life. Tibetan Buddhist Geshe Lobsang Tensin NegI, Director of the Emory University – Tibet Partnership, and Dr. Lisa Schrott, a neuroscientist who is pursuing a ministerial degree at Columbia Theological Seminary, will be featured speakers. Tom Buchanan, Emory Presbyterian Church, will host and moderate the event. Presentations will be followed by a Q&A and discussion period to address audience questions and areas of particular interest,  hosted by Emory Presbyterian Church, 1886 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta 30307.No pre-registration or charge is required for attendance. Members and friends are always welcome.

24. 2014  Viva Villa , the major annual fundraising event for Villa International Atlanta, will honor well-known Atlanta businessman and civic leader Tom Gay with the Global Community Service Award in recognition of his many years of selfless service to the Atlanta community. The CDC Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor of this event. John Weatherford, COO, WABE 90.1 FM, will be the guest master of ceremonies. Carol Dew of First Presbyterian Church and Lindley Small of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church are co-chairs of the event.  Sunday, November 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Villa International Atlanta, 1749 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta 30329. A variety of wines and cheeses will be served and a silent auction will be held, featuring roundtrip airfare to Hawaii, weekend getaways, restaurant meals and much more. A ticket is $75 per person.  To purchase tickets, call Villa International at [phone] or visit villainternational.org.

25. Practices, Peoples, Partnerships, and Politics: A Conference on Religion as a Social Determinant of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, November 5-7, Religion and public health are not often considered together.  Yet, religious practices and communities around the globe have a daily impact on the health of their populations of all ages, and in some quarters there are long-standing partnerships between faith communities and public health agencies.  This conference brings together scholars in public health, religious studies, theology, medicine, nursing, law, ethics, anthropology, and sociology to discuss the new book, Religion as a Social Determinant of Public Health and to map the sometimes contentious, sometimes cooperative intersection of these two sectors.  Speakers include Nancy Ammerman, William Foege, Amy Laura Hall, Ted Karpf, Lydia Ogden, Ahmed Ragab, Emilie Townes, Linda Waite, and David Williams.  Events will be held on the Emory Campus.  Registration required; register here.

26. A sale of donated costume jewelry will be held at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, November 7 & 8.  Proceeds from the sale of vintage and contemporary items will benefit the Shepherd Center SHARE Military Initiative, a program for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan needing treatment for PTSD and mild/moderate brain injuries.  These bargains will give your wardrobe a new look. Cash or check only. 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta 30305. For more information call Lucy Perry at [phone].

27. 84^th Year of Heaven Bound at Big Bethel AME Church; Nov. 7, 8; 7 p.m.; 220 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta 30303. Ticket information.

28. A Sacred Pause: Preparing for the Advent Journey Prayer Retreat, Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Click here to register by mail. Amid our many distractions, is there a path in this season to a deeper awareness of God’s presence? This half day prayer retreat is designed to find a way to say YES. Through prayer and reflection seek ways to develop a more intentional rhythm for the  Advent journey, and avoid getting caught up in the “Christmas rush.”  Harrington Center Chapel. Led by Deedra Rich, Baptist minister, spiritual director, and retreat leader, formerly the Associate Director of Spirituality at The Center for Lifelong Learning.  Program Fee is $20. If you have questions contact [e-mail]

29.   "Not One More: Ending Gun Violence in Georgia," a multifaith event of advocacy and action, is planned Friday evening, Nov. 14, at The Temple, Atlanta, and Saturday, Nov. 15, at Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. The event features the Rev. Jim Atwood, Presbyterian minister and author, and Joshua Horwitz of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. To download a save the date flier and sign up to receive more information, click here.  To download a fact sheet, click http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eCO4qOSowTX_uMzH4DySK7Dfa20qOFSwQobG8XyvSLruiGXq3kKADgjjP0FojqaSJsmnZ1f9_iHLw9cyRGx79dYm6ztLKYwTsu8tL-FYgiXfQHGeJfxlU-GHG-mTnZ-abqSfP7oaYx3hPv7uu5qekhhF-ngwxlNNBP6CJ6KUK4aG8clL6gzVoyNCrnam9WPvO3TiNjKSI9XkKkuOueV24Ih0xr4UCYkW" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eCO4qOSowTX_uMzH4DySK7Dfa20qOFSwQobG8XyvSLruiGXq3kKADgjjP0FojqaSJsmnZ1f9_iHLw9cyRGx79dYm6ztLKYwTsu8tL-FYgiXfQHGeJfxlU-GHG-mTnZ-abqSfP7oaYx3hPv7uu5qekhhF-ngwxlNNBP6CJ6KUK4aG8clL6gzVoyNCrnam9WPvO3TiNjKSI9XkKkuOueV24Ih0xr4UCYkWv7GJ9a4cMk4Fh6kBX5STY0c7bpZhlMZyxL96sWkC2x5PeK-VanvsJA==&c=nbdlnN7WvoCB3J-gLj_4EzyZd3zDMPwaoYXwA1COaDj7c-7E-OHayg==&ch=snJXNlJSj7-TZJhpfxW16BtJkZkFNBybzX9S8-WCNVqngAnHyNbPMQ==" target="_blank"">here. 

30. GratitudeAmerica, a nonprofit organization, is hosting a FREE retreat for current and prior service members and their primary support persons at the Winshape Retreat Center in Rome GA, Thursday afternoon through Sunday, Nov. 20-23. To learn more and to apply visit GratitudeAmerica.org/retreats or call Executive Director John November at (904)-525-3042. Applicants must live within 4 hours of Rome Georgia and must have been enlisted since 9-11. The retreat is designed to support veterans and their families impacted by their experience in the military by providing a holistic and supportive approach that allows participants to reconnect with themselves, their families, and their community. 

31. 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of L'Arche in our world. On August 4, 1964, Jean Vanier welcomed Raphaël Simi and Philippe Seux into a small home in Trosly-Breuil, France, and planted the seeds of what has become a worldwide movement of 146 L’Arche communities in 35 countries. Find out about L’Arche Atlanta and the new Executive Director Tim Moore at larcheatlanta.org

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

[e-mail]

404-201-6448

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