God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. Church Action eNewsletterWeek of August 6, 2018Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta 1. The final session in “Christ and Criminal Justice” series at …

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

Church Action eNewsletter
Week of August 6, 2018
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

1. The final session in “Christ and Criminal Justice” series at Greater Turner Chapel AME tomorrow, Aug. 7, will be about jury nullification (the principle that we can sit on a jury and vote not-guilty even when the evidence says otherwise). 5 – 7 p.m., 4650 Cascade Road, Atlanta 30331.

2. Regular monthly meeting of the End New Jim Crow Action Group Wednesday, August 8, at 7 p.m., Atlanta Friends Meetinghouse. Those interested in restorative or healing justice are especially invited to attend. A working group is forming to promote restorative justice in the area. Plans will be made to show the film, Healing Justice. All formerly incarcerated people and family members of incarcerated people are welcome to bring their concerns. 701 West Howard Ave., Decatur 30030, about 1/2 mile east of East Lake MARTA station.

3. The World Council of Churches invites all churches to observe a Sunday of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula on August 12. Prepared by the National Council of Churches in Korea and the Korean Christian Federation, the prayer is traditionally used each year on the Sunday before 15 August every year, celebrated as Liberation Day in both North and South Korea, marking the date in 1945 when Korea won independence from Japan. It is also the day when the peninsula was divided into two countries. Read more.

4. Dr. Diana Butler Bass, scholar, speaker, and best-selling author of books on American religion, politics, and culture, is the featured preacher Aug. 12 on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org. and on podcast. “Bread Enough for All,” her sermon for Aug. 12, is based on John 6:35, 41-51, verses in which Jesus proclaims himself the bread of life. Hear it in Atlanta Sunday morning at 7:05 a.m. on News 95.5 and 750 AM WSB. 

5. A priority of Georgia Cares is to raise awareness of domestic minor sex trafficking and to train community members and professionals on warning signs and resources. On a monthly basis, they provide free training to the public across Georgia. Next training is August 18, Sign up here. Due West United Methodist Church, Marietta. To request a community training near you, contact [e-mail].

6. Business by the Book, Saturday, August 18, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A class for anyone who has a passion to start a business, nonprofit, church, 501c3, charity, retail, or any business. Network with other business people and people who want to start a business. Spend a Saturday afternoon, learn something new, and enjoy networking, coffee, tea, sweet treats, snacks, prizes, gifts, and fun. Pathway Home Foundation Center, 101 Kenwood Road, Bldg. 50, Fayetteville 30214. Call [phone] for more information or to R.s.v.p.

7. A reminder of the concert celebrating God’s gift of music and Jerry Herman, one of Broadway’s finest composers. Join Morningside Presbyterian Church, 1411 N. Morningside Drive NE, on August 18 at 7 p.m. and August 19 at 3 p.m. for fabulous favorites from “Hello, Dolly” and “Mame” and more with singers and musicians from MPC. Donations will be received to benefit the Music and Missions ministries of MPC. Doors open 30 minutes before the performances. No tickets necessary.www.morningsidepc.org.

8. “Desolation, Invention and Bearing Witness to Hope,” the Jung Society of Atlanta welcomes Catherine Meeks PhD, Saturday, August 18, for a lecture and discussion, 7:30 p.m., members free, non members $20, students $10, Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Rd NW Sandy Springs 30328. For more information go to www.jungatlanta.com

9. The Christ Church Players proudly present their annual summer show, a production of “Smoke on the Mountain” August 24 and 25 at 7:00 p.m. This production tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Tickets are available for $10 through the church office at [phone]. For more information, see the website at www.ccnorcross.org. This production is also in honor of the yearlong celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the founding of Christ Church Episcopal in Norcross. The congregation has grown to more than 300 families with over 30 different ministries.

10. “Beloved Community International Expo” The King Center invites the community to join in commemoration of the 55th Anniversary of Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the March on Washington, in 1968. Come for a day of fun, entertainment and cultural exchange, Aug. 25, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., at The King Center. It will be packed with exciting performances, music, activities and delicious food from the seven continents of the world, as well as a “Kid’s Zone.” If you have questions or comments contact Barbara A. Harrison, [e-mail] or [phone].

11. The mission of Mountain Top Lectures at the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, is to foster a better understanding of religion, theology, spirituality, and science and how that impacts our lives in the 21st century. The Rev. Greta Vosper is a self-described atheist who believes in a metaphorical God instead of the traditional theistic vision of god. She is a minister in Scarborough Canada. Saturday, Aug. 25, lectures are at 10:00, 1:00 and 3:00 with a 4:00 book signing. The event costs $60 in advance or $70 at the door. To register, call [phone] or register at www.mountaintoplectures.org.

12. Interfaith Children’s Movement Annual Meeting, Tuesday, August 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE. Bring a friend who loves children like you do.

13. Alternatives to Violence Basic First Level Workshop, Saturday, August 25-26, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Emory Faculty Office Building, 49 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta 30303. In this hands-on, experiential, conflict resolution workshop you will connect with others, laugh, and share while exploring ways to reduce conflict with your family, at work, and in the world. Information and registration.

14. "Fact or Fiction? Dispelling Suicide Myths," Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office and Emory University, Thursday, August 30, 9- 1 a.m. Mount Pisgah UMC, North Campus - Sanctuary Building, Third Floor - Room S305, 2850 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek . This link is for replying "yes."

15. This September Hillside International Truth Center will celebrate the 47th Anniversary of Dr. Barbara King and Hillside. The theme is “Spiritual Growth: Consciousness, Compassion, Commitment” and many exciting activities are planned. Visit www.hillsidechapel.org for tickets and information.

16.  The Training and Counseling Center at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church offers a unique Clinical Pastoral Education for clergy that combines clinical, reflective, and integrative experiences beginning Sept. 4. TACC’s program for active ministers lets you split your CPE clinical hours between urban ministry with the homeless and social justice work in your own parish. All the details are here. 

17. CBCT® is a cognitively-based compassion training that deliberately and systematically works to cultivate compassion. Wednesday evening courses for the public begin Sept. 5 at Emory University. Find more information and registration here.

There will also be training for nurses providing 20 CNE credits. More information and registration is here.

18. International students are returning to Atlanta as a new school year begins. The AMIS 41st Annual Welcome Reception for International Students and Scholars will be on Saturday, September 8, from 2- 4 p.m. at the Georgia Tech Student Center Ballroom. There will be a special musical performance by The Trey Clegg Singers, a 60 voice chorus, to help us welcome the students with multicultural, international, and American music. There will be delicious food. Join AMIS to show hospitality to the students. R.s.v.p. here. 

19. The start of the new school year also means it is time to sign up to be an Amigo Friend to a new international student. This program matches an international student to an American family/individual in the Atlanta community for friendship and the sharing of cultures. Your support will help a student adjust to American life, culture, language, and our city. AMIS asks you to meet at least once for a meal, event, or outing and your friendship can continue over the school year as you have time and opportunity. Please sign up to be an Amigo here. 

20. Oasis Women’s Conference will be at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 13-15 , at Solid Rock Pentecostal Church in College Park. More about this...

21. Save the date: Joining Hands for Justice in Palestine and Israel invite you to a discussion and book signing “What Jerusalem Means to Us: Christian Perspectives and Reflections” with Carole Monica Burnett, Ph.D. and Father George Makhlouf, Sunday, September 16, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Harrington Center Auditorium, Columbia Theological Seminary. R.s.v.p. by Thursday, September 13, to Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel by text [phone] or [e-mail].

 
22. Food Waste Weekend is Sept. 21-23. If you are involved in a worshipping community of any faith this is a wonderful opportunity to touch more people with the message that we are throwing away food when our neighbors are hungry. Materials created by Ample Harvest are free and available here. Speak to your pastor, your social justice committee, your outreach committee. How about involving your youth in this? This would be a great children’s Sunday School topic.

23. The 7th annual Caregivers’ Conference at Due West UMC offering help, hope, inspiration, and dementia education will be Sept. 22, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Find out more about the speakers and registration at caregivers.echurchevents.com.  If you have questions contact Kristin Smialek at [e-mail]

24. The "Voices of Hope: Speaking Out About Mental Health in the African American Church and Community" conference, Saturday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with registration/check-in: 8:00 - 8:45 at The House of Hope, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur 30016. Tanya A. Roster, MD Director, Washington DC Dept of Behavioral Health will be the keynote speaker. The conference will also include music, drama, a panel discussion with mental health experts, workshops, and lunch. More than 500 attendees are expected. To register, go to faithbasedmentalhealth.org.

25. Women’s Empowerment Conference, Saturday, September 29, a movement toward a better life, better relationships, and a better walk with God. . . you will leave this experience with a "Blueprint for Better." Keynote speaker is Dr. Kathi Chavous, founder of K. Renee Ministries. Other speakers will include Rev. Krista Forbes (Interim Pastor, Pilgrimage UCC Church), and Dr. Billie Boyd – Cox. Cost is $55 for students who submit a copy of their student ID with a payment. Admission is $99 until Aug. 30. Make checks payable to Faith Connection, mail to 117 London Way, Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122 or pay online at here. Breakfast and lunch are included in the registration.Crowne Plaza Hotel, Atlanta Airport,1325 Virginia Avenue, East Point 30344.

26. Serving as a leading voice of witness to the living Christ in the public square since 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA brings together more than 35 million Christians in a common expression of God’s love and promise of unity. The Christian Unity Gathering is the signature annual event of the National Council of Churches. This year’s event, Oct. 15-17 in Washington, continues the theme A.C.T. to End Racism: Hard Truths in Beloved Community. More about this...

27. New Baptist Covenant offers a number of free resources from Bible studies to be used in small groups to litanies to be used in worship. The newest offerings include A Litany for the Children of Immigrants.

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter