Church Action e Newsletter Week of June 16, 2025

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

1. Tackle the Shackles is a community-based movement to reduce prison recidivism by empowering returning citizens. They partner with NFL players, reentry resource providers, law enforcement & community stakeholders to change the narrative of formerly incarcerated men and women coming OUT 4 LIFE as they share their success stories. Podcast live tonight, June 16, 7 p.m. Watch
2. Remember the Sounds of Freedom Juneteenth Concert, the Atlanta Music Project, is tonight, June 16, 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation $15 at the door.  No tickets necessary, but RSVPs are appreciated. This cabaret-inspired show features students performing in solos and chamber ensembles, across musical genres and styles. The Atlanta Music Project operates in under-resourced communities to provide world-class music training and performance opportunities that support youth growth and development. All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree, Atlanta. Learn more atlantamusicproject.org. 
3. From Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center: The United States Senate will soon submit to the United States House of Representatives a version of the budget reconciliation bill that would strip federal funding from our state we rely on to create and retain jobs and provide other critical services. The bill proposes deep funding cuts for food assistance, healthcare, housing, education, and childcare programs while placing new costs on our state. Combined, the proposed cuts and new costs will mean the loss of jobs, healthcare, housing, childcare, and a variety of other economic impacts for millions of Georgians. Here is what you can do to make your voice heard. 1. Call your U.S. Representativeand urge them not to accept the Senate version of the budget reconciliation bill without amendments. 2. Reach out to local officials to ask them to speak about the economic harm that will befall your community under the proposed bill. 3. Encourage your friends and family to act by calling their elected officials at every level of government to express their concerns. To contact your United States House of Representatives member, please click here. The Georgia Center for Nonprofits has shared this valuable toolkit for any who would like to advocate for changes to the budget. gcnp.sharepoint.com/sites/GCNResourceLibrary/
4. Amid ongoing unrest and rising national tension, EXHALE returns as a sacred pause—a space to breathe, reflect, and stay grounded in purpose. Whether you're protesting, praying, or processing, join Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary June 18 at 7:30 p.m. for an hour of thoughtful conversation and spiritual renewal. Guest speaker is Melanie Harrington, senior director at ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) and a nationally respected voice in equity and organizational transformation. With nearly 30 years of experience in justice-centered leadership, Melanie brings deep insight into the intersection of community, equity, and meaningful change. EXHALE is free and open to all—however, registration is required. Click below to register today. Register
5. From the Jung Society: “Dreams, the I Ching, and the Tao” with Dennis Merritt, PhD,a ZOOMlecture on Saturday, June 21, 7:30–9:45 p.m. The I Ching, a Chinese book of wisdom, goes back over 5000 years. Jung recognized numbers as the purest forms of the archetypes. Chinese sages put words and metaphoric descriptions to numbers to make the I Ching into what Jung called a compendium of archetypal constructs. This lecture will make a case that dreams and answers from the I Ching arise from the same source: the Tao. For specifics and to register, go to jungatlanta.com. The society provides workshops and lectures for mental health professionals and anyone interested in the body of thought derived from the work of C.G. Jung.
6. The Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas, First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, Neb., is the featured preacher for June 22, 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 4,187 of “Day1.” “The Journey Will Be Too Much” is drawn from 1 Kings 19:1-15a, recounting Elijah’s flight to Horeb when his life is threatened by Jezebel. After twice being fed in the wilderness by an angel, he encounters the voice of God, not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, not in something loud and spectacular, but in a gentle whisper. “If only we can give divine life an opportunity,” Huertas says. “If only we can let go of the many expectations, of how we have tended to believe God speaks, works, acts in history . . .” “Day1” has been broadcast every week for 80 years. For more information, check the program’s website, http://day1.org.  
7. Affordable Housing Week 2025, June 23-25, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, 824 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta 30316. The Depart of City Planning offers an opportunity for the public and the development community to learn about essential aspects of affordable housing. Registration is not required. All sessions are free and open to the public. To find out all about this opportunity and see the schedule of sessions, visit https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/hous...
8. You are invited to the Brave Space Forum, a powerful community dialogue event presented by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ Culture Connections program in partnership with A Long Talk and generously presented by Gallagher. This engaging, interactive forum is designed to explore actionable strategies that help build stronger, more inclusive workplaces and communities. Monday, June 23, 2-4 p.m., The Cyprus Room, The Carter Center. The Brave Space Forum brings together DEI professionals, community leaders, and engaged citizens for open, honest conversations about the issues that shape our shared culture. You’ll leave with fresh perspectives, actionable insights, and a deeper connection to the work of equity and inclusion.  This event is free and open to the public—but space is limited, so we encourage you to register today.Click here to RSVP
9. Atlanta Regional Commission Aging & Independence Services offers Virtual Powerful Tools for Caregivers 6-week workshop meets once a week on Tuesdays 4-5:30 p.m. Register here : Virtual Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop Tickets, Tue, Jun 24...

You can also find all classes throughout the state of Georgia on the Georgia Health Matters website  Georgia Health Matters – Life Enriching Programs

10. Some family fun in Clarkston: Join local artist Meg at Clarkston Library for a fun art experience. Create your own "mashable" creature by blending two animals. Learn as Meg draws live and guides you through the process. Perfect for all ages—come imagine, draw, and explore together! Wednesday, June 25, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
11. Atlanta Summer Organ Festival presents Paul Jacobs at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta 30305, Wednesday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. Jacobs is the first organist to receive a Grammy Award. He is currently chair of the Julliard School organ department. A donation of $15 is suggested. Dessert reception will follow.
12. Union Sacred Harp Musical Convention, Sweetwater Memorial Chapel, 1000 Pleasant Hill Road, Lawrenceville, June 29-30. https://sweetwatermemorialch.wixsite.com/sweetwater-memorial/direct... 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., dinner on the grounds at noon. If able, please bring a covered dish to share. Contact [e-mail] or  [e-mail]
13. Have you ever driven by and wanted to “turn in” to find out more about Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center? Come for a one-hour, no cost, behind-the-scenes look at Ignatius House on July 6, 3-4 p.m. Take a guided tour and hear how this mission serves thousands each year. Register at  https://bit.ly/3TjNRa7
14. Are you interested in finding a spiritual director? Join Ignatius House Retreat Center Tuesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. for a Virtual Spiritual Direction Inquiry Session. You’ll get a chance to learn more about the Ignatius House ministry of spiritual direction and meet several Ignatian-trained spiritual directors. This is a great opportunity to get connected with a companion for your spiritual journey! There is no charge, but registrations in advance are requested so that the Zoom call login details can be sent to all registrants ahead of time: https://bit.ly/3SEL4YX
15. Step away from the noise of everyday life and give yourself the gift of stillness. A Day to Call Your Ownat Ignatius House is a gentle invitation to rest, reflect, and simply be—with no agenda, no expectations, and no scheduled programming. Coffee, tea, light snacks, and filtered water will be available throughout the day (please bring a refillable water bottle). Bring your own lunch. No spiritual director is required or provided—just time, space, and silence to be with God and your own soul. Come as you are. July 17, Ignatius House Retreat Center, Sandy Springs. Leave a little more grounded, a little more centered, and with a renewed sense of presence. Register at https://bit.ly/4dP1mIz
16. The landscape of refugee resettlement has shifted significantly, New American Pathways to adapt and refocus resources to ensure new Americans receive the support they need to thrive in Georgia. In response to these changes, they have introduced a new campaign and reimagined the annual fundraising gala, Red, White & New. Their website has many ways you can help. https://newamericanpathways.org/red-white-do/
17. Early bird registration is open: Catholic Mobilizing Network hosts the biennial National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice to bring together Catholic ministry leaders, academic and legal professionals, restorative justice practitioners, and people directly impacted by harm, crime, and incarceration to build capacity within communities and the Church to advance healing approaches to harm, crime, and injustice. This year’s gathering, September 25-27 at Emory University, takes on the theme“Tangible Signs of Hope.” In collaboration with The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta and The Aquinas Center of Theology, Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Visit www.catholicsmobilizing.org/conference-2025 for more information and registration.

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter