Church Action eNewsletter week of September 29, 2014

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

Week of September 29, 2014

1. Visit RCCAtl.org for a piece on voting and the prayers of the people, and see this for posters to let your people know about Sunday and early voting, voting registration, suggestions for bulletin inserts and emails, and more. When you reach out with our materials please do not include your personal feelings about the election or candidates. These resources are posted on the non-partisan Regional Council of Churches website. It is not enough that the resources are non-partisan, the messenger must be non-partisan. Thanks to Jill Morehouse Lum for the essay on prayer. Monday October 6 is the deadline for voter registration.

2. “The Good Lie” starring a number of South Sudanese and Reese Witherspoon depicts the experiences of several of the "Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan" during the second Sudanese civil war (1983-2005). Their stories reflect those of 20,000 children who traveled as many as a thousand miles on foot to reach refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, and the nearly 4,000 who eventually resettled in the United States. Separated from their families by the war, these children grew up together as refugees and came to be known as the “Lost Boys” of Sudan. The movie opens in Atlanta this weekend. Find a location near you here.

3. Interfaith Children’s Movement brings together people of all faiths to work together to improve the well-being of all children. On Religion Roundtable on AIBTV, Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins discusses major issues that children are facing Rev. Toni Belin-Ingram and Rev. Dawn Britt, two Interfaith Children’s Movement board members, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. For additional air-dates and times, visit www.aibtv.com.

4. Get a taste of that “old time religion” as AIB takes viewers into the Blue Ridge North Georgia Mountains for the 17th Annual Higher Ground Camp Meeting in Epworth, Ga. sponsored by the Meridian Herald. This year’s featured preacher is the renowned Rev. Fred Craddock. Tune in Higher Ground Camp Meeting on AIB and witness some of the best of old-time preaching, singing, music, and prayer on Friday, October 3 at 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 4 at 9:30 a.m. For more information, go to aibtv.com.

5. Dr. Barbara King and Hillside International Truth Center's 43rd Anniversary celebration presents Gary Zukav, author of "The Seat of the Soul" and Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer/actress/songwriter, Jennifer Holliday, leading "The Soul Journey of a Songstress and Her Song" Saturday, October 4, at Hillside, 2450 Cascade Rd. SW, Atlanta, GA 30311.The morning "Soul Talk" with Gary Zukav starts at 9:30 a.m. and the afternoon "Soul Session" with Jennifer Holliday starts at 3:00 p.m. One ticket allows admission to both events. Tickets online at www.HillsideInternational.org. Use promo code RC43 and get tickets for only $43 each.

6. The Rev. Dock Hollingsworth, senior pastor of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta, preaches on Day1 this Sunday, October 5. His sermon this week, based on Matthew 21:33-46, is entitled "Trouble at the Festival." Download, stream or read online... "Trouble at the Festival" Find a station

7. The Rev. Dr. Joseph L. Roberts, Pastor Emeritus, Ebenezer Baptist Church, will be the Guest Preacher for World Communion Sunday, October 5, at 10:00 a.m. worship at Midway Missionary Baptist Church, Godby Road, college Park.

8. Bassist and chamber musician Sam Casseday will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 4393 Garmon Road, NW, Atlanta 30327. Casseday is in his third year of studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and has performed widely. There is no charge for the concert, one of several events celebrating the parish's 50th anniversary.

9. Classical guitarist Michael Nigro performs at 3:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305. A graduate of the University of California and Indiana University, and currently serving as assistant professor of music at Vanguard University, Nigro will perform four pieces.

10. Lake Oconee Community Church Support Group for Families Dealing with Addiction is now meeting on the first and third Mondays of each month, 6:30 p.m. at The LOCC, 1001 Village Park Drive – Suite 107, Greensboro 30642. click to email Pastor Becky Matheny All who are in need of support, without regard to church affiliation or faith tradition, are welcome and urged to participate. Please inquire if the Monday is a holiday.

11. Statewide Prayer Breakfast, Georgia Department of Human Services Ministerial and Faith Community Alliance, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 8:30-0:30a.m., Atlanta Community Food Bank, 732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW, Atlanta 30318. R.s.v.p. The purpose of the Prayer Breakfast is for ministers, the faith community, elected officials, judges, child advocates, and the community at large to meet in the spirit of interfaith Compassion, to undergird vulnerable children and families in Georgia. For more information, contact Dr. Willie Myles, Statewide Coordinator at [e-mail], or [phone].

12. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) DeKalb will host the 2nd Annual Candle Light Vigil in honor of those living with mental illness in observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week. The event will be October 9, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at Downtown Decatur Square. Come light a candle for yourself or someone you care for. For more information check out www.namidekalb.com

13. The Care and Counseling Center of Georgia offers a Steps of Faith: Therapy and Recovery Group at the CCCG Decatur Location, 814 Clairmont Road, every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.This is an open therapy group comprised of using a biblically based 12-Step Model. This group welcomes people of different walks who desire to work through the stages of recovery. For more information, contact Edith at [e-mail] or [phone], ext. 442.

14. The Community Health Interfaith Partnership, C.H.I.P., of which the Regional Council of Churches is a part, will meet on Thursday, October 9, at 9:30 a.m.-noon, at Ebenezer Baptist Church. C.H.I.P. created the Toll Box for Mental Health Ministry at www.CHIPGeorgia.com We will discuss next steps and would welcome the involvement of faith community leaders who are concerned with mental health service delivery, faith and mental health, and stigma reduction. Please R.s.v.p. to [e-mail] or email any questions you may have.

15. Read about My Children! My Africa! coming to the Theatrical Outfit October 9-November 2.

16. Flea Market! United Methodist Children’s Home Auxiliary, Oct. 10 and 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur 30030. Find treasures including furniture, jewelry, china, clothing (vintage too!), baby gear, toys, books and electronics. The sale supports the mission of the United Methodist Children's Home. Find a great bargain and support our community’s children at the same time. CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.

17. Zion Hill Baptist Church SIS Ministry (Sisters in Sync) will fight to “Can Cancer” hosting its annual Cancer Awareness Weekend October 10-12. The three-day event will focus on cancers that affect women. SIS Ministry will encourage women to become involved in the fight to “Can Cancer.” Friday, October 10, Church Sanctuary, 6:30 p.m., “Let’s Can …Cancer” Program and Praise Service. A panel of physicians joins other professionals for an educational presentation and Q & A discussion. Fox 5 Atlanta News Anchor Deidra Dukes will serve as moderator. Saturday, October 11, Cancer Awareness Walk at the church campus, 7 until 10 a.m., registration at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, October 12, ZHBC Annual Women in Christ/Worship in Pink Sunday will emphasize a spirit of unity and spiritual support, Services 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., sanctuary. All events will be held at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 6175 Campbell ton Rd SW, Atlanta, and are free and open to the public.

18. St. Anthony's Episcopal Church’s celebration of 50 years of ministry in Barrow County will include a festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, at the church, 174 St. Anthony Drive, Winder. Come enjoy arts and crafts booths, homemade barbecue, a children's carnival, the Brenau College Gospel Singers, The Side Winders bluegrass band, and "recycled treasures." Proceeds will benefit Camp Mikell and local outreach. Driving Directions [phone]

19. Midway Missionary Baptist Church, 2280 Godby Road, College Park, is celebrating Pastor’s Appreciation Month in October with great worship celebrations. Sunday, October 12, 4:00 p.m., in honor of the birthday of the Rev. Edward S. Reynolds and his 39 years of service in the gospel ministry, the guest preacher will be the Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, with the M. L. King Choir and Midway Mass Choir. Pastor Reynolds served 12 years as associate at Ebenezer before being called to Midway in 1999. Sunday, October 26, 10 a.m., Midway salutes and honors both Rev. Reynolds and the Rev. Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, Associate Pastor/First Lady, for 15 years of dedicated service. Guest preacher will be the Dr. Maisha K. Handy, Pastor, Rize Community Church, Atlanta. Pastor Reynolds and Rev. Judge Penny have been recognized as one of Atlanta’s Power Couples by The Atlanta Tribune, The Urban League Guilds Faith Team Service Award, and are recipients of The Spiritual Enlightenment Award presented by The Trumpet Foundation. For more information please contact the church at 404-768-5648.

20. An Evensong service featuring the St. James' Parish Choir directed by Dr. Stan Engebretson of Washington, D.C., is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at St. James' Episcopal Church, 161 Church Street, Marietta. Engebretson is director of the National Philharmonic Chorale and director of choral studies at George Mason University. All are welcome.

21. Job Networking Ministry Hosts “Mini” Job Fair on Oct. 13 at Roswell United Methodist, More than 35 employers will attend the fair, including employers from Alpharetta’s newest development at Avalon. No advance registration is required. For a full-day agenda and all details visit RUMCjobnetworking.com.

22. Evening with Ambassador Andrew Young: Prophetic Faith in the Public Arena, Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:30 p.m. Program, Central UCC, 2676 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Young served as US Ambassador to the United Nations, U..S Congressman from Georgia’s 5th District, Mayor of Atlanta, Co-Chair of the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games, and many other offices. However, his first call to serve was as an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (1955). As a pastor and community organizer, Ambassador Young was an influential leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. As part of Central’s Progressive Christianity Initiative, Ambassador Young will speak about the intersection of “faith and politics.” The evening will begin with a reception and attendees will be invited to submit questions for the program that follows. The event is free and open to the public (donations accepted to fund future events). Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

23. Atlanta First UMC is hosting a dinner/author event on Wed., Oct. 15, from 6-8 p.m. Carolyn Curry, the author of “Suffer and Grow Strong: The Life of Ella Gertrude Thomas 1824-1907” explores the diaries of Gertrude before, during and after the Civil War, chronicling life as a Southern woman during a tumultuous time. Gertrude was a member of Atlanta First UMC. Supper is $10. Please R.s.v.p. to [e-mail].

24. Oak Grove United Methodist Church 53rd Annual Barbecue, Saturday, October 18, 2014. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Old fashioned pit smoked barbecue, chips, bread, pickles, Brunswick stew, and iced tea or lemonade, $10 adults, $6 children. Great fun for the whole family! Proceeds benefit many local and international charities. Bake Sale, Book Sale, and Crafts Sale along with free live Bluegrass music from the Tucker Station String Band. www.ogumc.org 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur 30033.

25. Latest details about Caring for the Care Giver: A Celebration of Spiritual Care Week at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, October 20-23. Read in the Community Calendar.

26. Shedding Light on Addiction, a free day-long symposium focused on strengthening families, Saturday, October 25, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Featured speakers are Dr. Donald L. Hilton, Jr., Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, and Rhyll and Steven Croshaw co-founders of the S.A. Lifeline Foundation. Visit sheddinglightonaddiction.eventbrite.com for an up-to-date agenda and to register for the event to be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 500 Norcross St., Roswell 30075

27. Reminder that registration is open for the 2014 Spirituality Conference, Cathedral of St. Philip, 2014 Spirituality Conference at Cathedral of St. Philip. Lauren Artress: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth: Spiritual Nourishment in our Challenging Time, Saturday, October 25. To register and pay by credit card, click here. To register and pay by check, click here.

28. Tickets may be purchased now for the second annual Camp Mikell Pig Roast, to be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, Alpharetta. There will be food, fun, music and games for all ages. Please email [e-mail] with any questions or if you wish to contribute towards the event by donating supplies or time as a volunteer. Purchase tickets here.

29. “Self Reflection in Pastoral Care: The Power of Insight,” National Clinical Training Seminary-South, a 2 day clinical training event, will be held at Simpsonwood Retreat Center, Norcross, GA October 27 and 28, 2014. This is an intense training event designed to enhance understanding and practice of pastoral care for ministers, chaplains, practitioners in pastoral counseling and supervision. The keynote speaker is Dr. Francine Hernandez, Hopewell, NJ. For information and registration contact, Chaplain Bob Griffin, 404-444-8248 or [e-mail].

30. Some prominent faith leaders are calling for an interfaith response to the crisis of mass incarceration in October saying that the church and other faith groups must step up with clarity and a new vision for America if we are to be who our God has purposed us to be. They urge churches, synagogues, and Mosques to include sermons and special programs on this topic. For suggestions and information, please go to stopmassincarceration and scroll down and on right click on "Faith Based Initiative." There you can also see events happening around the country including Atlanta. You can also add your own group's event.

31. The Georgia Supportive Housing Association 4th Annual Conference is coming up November 18 and 19, in Atlanta. If your ministry is with the homeless, the underemployed, those with a mental illness or disability, the formerly incarcerated, or those at risk of being unsheltered you will be interested. Read more>>

32. Three-Day Advent Centering Prayer Retreat by the Rev. Tom Ward, December 12-14, St. Mary’s Sewanee: The Ayres Center for Spiritual Development. Centering Prayer is the opening of the mind and heart – our whole being – to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. This retreat is a great extended introduction to Centering Prayer or to deepen a daily practice and will offer a taste of the longer Centering Prayer Retreat experience. Click HERE to register for programs and retreats.

33. The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network are pleased to announce a new partnership that will better equip churches and faith-based organizations to address the needs of older participants. Beginning in April 2015, the CLL will be the host location for the Older Adult Ministry Certificate Program (OAM). Watch for more about this.

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

[e-mail]

404-201-6448

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