Church Action e Newsletter Week of June 23, 2025

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

As a crippling heat wave sweeps into the region, we looked for information on cooling centers.

City of Atlanta cooling centers are at Selena Butler Recreation Center, 98 William Holmes Borders, Atlanta 30312, and English Park, 1340 Bolton Road, Atlanta 30331.

In DeKalb County, Frontline Resources, partnering with A Home for Everyone DeKalb, opened a center Sunday at 2585 Gresham Road SE and plans to keep it open at least through next Sunday.

In Cobb County, MUST Ministries Hope House will open its doors as a cooling center through June 24.  Cooling center hours are between 12:00  and 6:30 p.m. The Hope House shelter is at 1297 Bells Ferry Road, Marietta 30066. Cobb County is partnering with MUST Ministries to provide transportation to individuals in need of shelter services.

This is Affordable Housing Week in Atlanta. The correct link for all information is https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/hous...

2. What happens when we strip away centuries of religious interpretation and confront the actual teachings of Jesus of Nazareth? This Jesus isn't the gentle, apolitical figure often presented in modern Christianity, but rather "a holistically spiritual freedom fighter" deeply concerned with poverty, exploitation, and injustice. In a For People episode, Bishop Rob Wright has a conversation with Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr., research scholar at Columbia University and former professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. Listen Here
3. The Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls, senior pastor of Franklin Baptist Church in Franklin, Va., is the featured preacher for June 29, on “Day1” the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org and by podcast. Hear “Day1” in the Atlanta area on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. This is episode 4,188 of “Day1.” Before accepting the call to Franklin in 2017, Qualls was associate pastor of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta for 16 years. “Day1” has been broadcast every week for 80 years, formerly as “The Protestant Hour.” Featuring outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day1” is currently distributed to radio stations across America and overseas. For resources and more information, check http://day1.org.  
4. Central Presbyterian Church Summer Series is Criminal Justice & God’s Justice. Notable speakers will address various topics, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m., on June 29 Mary Catherine Johnson of New Hope House will speak on Capital Punishment in Georgia. Series is in the OAC atrium, the church is located at 201 Washington Street SW, Atlanta 30303, across the street from the Capitol.
5. On Sunday, June 29 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST, the Interfaith at Work Religious Leaders cohort will gather on Zoom for a fascinating talk: "Re-Indigenizing Christian Practices in the Korean Diaspora through Folk Magic Practices : a Q&A with Author Christine Hong." All are welcome to join us, but you'll need to R.s.v.p. to attend at https://tinyurl.com/IAW062925.
6. The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healingenters a new season of growth under the leadership of Acting Executive Director Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright. Visit episcopalatlanta.org/news/new-resources-center/ for a message from Dr. Wright and program information.
7.  Virginia Theological Seminary offers a new resource to help faith leaders navigate the current political climate. Inspired by the sermon preached by VTS graduate the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde at the Service of Prayer for the Nation, “Have Mercy” is a series of essays and accompanying discussion questions that examine how foundational Christian commitments take on political significance. An essay on a new topic will be published every week during the summer of 2025. You can read the essays at  https://vts.edu/have-mercy-initiative/.
8. Did you know that June 28 is the 322nd birthday of John Wesley? As a part of a Methodist seminary, Pitts Theological Library has incredible holdings related to the Wesley family and the founding of the Methodist movement on both sides of the Atlantic. One jewel in the collection is the daily journal that John Wesley kept while he was here in Georgia in 1736. And the great news is that the journal has been digitized and is accessible for anyone to see read (warning: much of it is written in a cipher!). Check it at View Wesley's journal.
9. Music at St. Luke's welcomes Yoonmi Lim, organist at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, for the 2025 Atlanta Summer Organ Festival. Wednesday, July 9, 7 p.m. 435 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta 30308. She will play works of J.S. Bach, Albert Travis, Josef Rheinberger, Petr Eben, Noel Rawsthorne, and Charles-Marie Widor. A suggested $15 contribution is requested at the door. A reception honoring Ms. Lim follows in J. Coleman Budd Hall.
10. The 30th Annual Sing at Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, is July 12 and will be in Open House, the pavilion by the Folk School’s garden. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., there will be an introduction to singing for beginners. Some loaner books are available. Singing is 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Potluck dinner on the grounds at Noon. Come sing, learn the shapes, contemplate the poetry, and relish the power of voices raised together in song. These events welcome first-timer and experienced shape note singers to sing from the tune books Christian Harmony and The Sacred Harp. Experience the beauty of singing 4 parts unaccompanied. All shape note singings are free and open to the public. View Event
11. Mary Magdalene: The Apostle to the Apostles, July 18 - 20, back by popular demand at Ignatius Jesuit Retreat Center, Sandy Springs. As a friend to Jesus, an important figure in the resurrection story, and a woman of great faith, Mary Magdalene has much to teach us, men and women. Maria Cressler, Kimberly Nettuno, Fr. Bill Noe, SJ, and Sarah Otto will share how this incredible woman can help us all grow in freedom, develop intimacy with Christ and cultivate the courage to be witnesses in the world. Come rediscover not just your best self but your truest self – as God created you to be. Register
12. Trinity Community Ministries is a transitional housing program for men who are experiencing homelessness and suffering from substance abuse. The men of Trinity are committed to changing their lives for the better through acquiring stable employment, establishing savings, and securing permanent housing before rejoining their families and loved ones. While in the program, participants are required to give back to the community through community service. Would your group like to host a T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) Dinner and witness the power of this program? Host a dinner and hear stories of triumph, struggle, and undeniable inspiration as you break bread in fellowship with the men who are currently residents of the program. You’ll nourish more than your body, you’ll nourish your soul. T.E.A.M. Dinners can be hosted in person with up to 15 people. Please contact Felicia Jones at [e-mail]                                      Peace, Ethel Ware Carter