Church Action eNewseltter Week of August 22, 2016

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
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Church Action eNewsletter Week of  August 22, 2016

Welcome to the Reverend Timothy N. Wrenn, installed as pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, 176 West Sandtown Road, Marietta, on Sunday, August 21. Christ Lutheran worships at 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. on Sundays with adult Bible study and children and youth education between the services.  Read more>>

1. Women Working Ahead: An Economic Opportunity Agenda for Georgia Women. Friday, August 26, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  Georgia Budget and Policy Institute staff will be joined by national and local leaders who will discuss various policy solutions that will unlock the potential for Georgia women and put them path on a path to economic security. Free parking. Kosher continental breakfast and lunch provided. To be held at the offices of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, 1440 Spring St NW, Atlanta, 30309. If you want to purchase tickets or sponsor, go to more info here.

2. Get out of the city this Saturday, Aug. 27, and enjoy all the goodness that the Earth has to offer, a special day with two great outings (best experienced together!) Tour 1: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., beautiful Lake Lanier on a 40 ft. catamaran with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. - Ticket info here.  Tour 2: after a short but beautiful westward drive across the lake, join Georgia Interfaith Power & Light for Happy Hour and a tour of a solar house, 3:30-5:30 p.m.  Ticket info here. 

3. Macy's stores will partner with local organizations to raise funds for ongoing charitable efforts in Shop For a Cause. The Atlanta Children’s Shelter invites you to purchase a $5 savings pass to receive 10-25% off at Macy's and support the shelter, Friday, August 26-Sunday, August 28. Every $5 from the purchases of passes will go to the shelter. At each Macy's store, savings pass holders are also eligible to win a $500 gift card, no purchase necessary. Purchase Now!  

4. REMEMBER those who have died. BUILD community. ACT for change. Bandstand in Decatur Square, Saturday, August 27, 7:30 p.m. Speakers include Rev. Brady Radford, Oakhurst Presbyterian Church; Sarah Walton, Quakers for Racial Equality; La Trina Jackson, National Chair of Fellowship of Reconciliation and Board Member of Muslims for Progressive values; Rabbi Josh Lesser, Congregation Bet Haverim; Rev. Melanie Vaughn-West, Oakhurst Baptist Church. Organized by Create Community 4 Decatur: Black Lives Matter; Co-sponsors: Jewish Voice for Peace;  Compassionate Atlanta;   Oakhurst Baptist Church Racial Justice Mission Group; End New Jim Crow Action Group; Quakers For Racial Equality;  Congregation Bet Haverim  Black Lives Matter; Fellowship of Reconciliation; Muslims for Progressive Values; Atlanta Unity Mosque; Interfaith Peace Builders; Columbia Seminary Outreach.

5. The Rev. Matthew Ruffner, pastor of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, is the featured preacher on Day 1 this Sunday. He served four years as associate pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. His sermon, based on Luke 14:17-14, is entitled "What Do the Eyes See?" Click here to download, stream, or read the sermon online. Find a station

6. Atlanta Friends Meeting, 701 West Howard St., Decatur 30030, is celebrating Women’s Equality Day, the anniversary of the 19th Amendment which gave women the legal right to vote. On Sunday, Aug. 28, enjoy coffee and some “birthday” cake and share literature and family stories about the courageous women, and supportive men, who struggled for women’s equality. Come for worship at 10 a.m. and for the celebration at 11:30 a.m.

7. Remember that Archbishop Wilton Gregory invites brothers and sisters of all faiths, to “An Evening Prayer for Peace” to remember those martyred for their faith. Monday, August 29, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Marist School, 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE, Atlanta 30319.   Parking is free; there is no cost to attend. Discussion will focus on how to live our faith in this world more peacefully and effectively.

8. AJC Decatur Book Festival is Sept. 2-4, keynote event will be a tribute to beloved author Pat Conroy.   The festival will feature lectures and signings with more than 300 national and local authors. For more information and a complete schedule see decaturbookfestival.com.

9. Coming up in the “Radical Conversations on Race, Black Prophetic Traditions, and Shambhala Traditions” series, open to all communities, Atlanta Shambhala Center, 1447 Church Street, Decatur 30030. September 3, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Black Prophetic Tradition and “Black Lives Matter” with Rev Brady Radford, Associate Pastor, Oakhurst Presbyterian Church.

10. Practicing Joy: at Deep Waters Center for Prayer & Exploration, Amerson House, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, this season's Women's Spirituality Group, will engage in a Joy Diet sharing the joys and celebrations of each participant and reading Martha Beck’s  The Joy Diet. Seven session meet every other Tues. morning starting Sept. 6, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. To register contact Kimberly at [phone] or [e-mail] Space limited to eight women; sign up by September 1

11. In America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege and the Bridge to a New America, Jim Wallis offers a prophetic and deeply personal call to action in overcoming the racism ingrained in American society. Explore this book with the Ignatius House Book Group, 6 consecutive sessions, Trinity Room, Wednesdays, September 7 - October 12 from 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. The facilitators are Cathy Crosby & Marian Monahan. To register click here
The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is studying this book on Sunday mornings between services August 21, 28; September 18, 25; October 2, 9:45 - 10:55 a.m., 48 MLK Jr. Drive Atlanta 30303.  If you have questions contact Marian Monahan [e-mail]

12. “Faith & Politics in the 21st Century” Candler School of Theology’s James T. and Berta R. Laney Legacy in Moral Leadership fall lecture series on the intersection of faith and politics in the current climate begins Sept. 7 and continues on selected Wednesdays. Lectures are free and open to the public; registration is required. "The End of White Christian America and Its Implications for the 2016 Election" is the first lecture. Find Information on all 7 lectures and speakers in chronological order at  www.candler.emory.edu.

13. Candler's Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation concentration will screen In Our Son's Name, a documentary about the transformative power of reconciliation in the face of tragedy, Thursday, Sept. 8, 6-9 p.m. A free event; registration is required. The film is an intimate portrait of Phyllis and Orlando Rodríguez, whose son, Greg, dies in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. They choose reconciliation and nonviolence over vengeance, beginning a transformative journey that both confirms and challenges their convictions. Food will be provided for those who register by September 1 at 5:00 p.m. Register here , navigate to September 8. Candler School of Theology, Emory University, 1531 Dickey Dr., Atlanta 30322.

14. Repairing the World: Our Responsibility for Tolerance, AJC Atlanta and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta cordially invite you to this annual program on Thursday, September 8 at The Temple. Our guest speakers include Dr. Marie Friedmann Marquardt, Scholar-in-Residence at Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and Dr. Paul Wolpe, Director of Emory University's Center for Ethics. The reception is at 6:00 pm and the discussion will begin promptly at 7:00 pm. Please click here to register.

15. “A Most Perilous Journey: Erasmus’ Greek New Testament at 500 Years”  Pitts Theology Library’s current exhibit open through Sept. 15 focuses on the fifteenth century Dutch humanist and his production and publication of the first Greek New Testament. The exhibit runs during regular library hours, and features all five editions of the Greek New Testament produced during Erasmus’ lifetime, allowing visitors to trace how the text changed over his decades of work. A final guided tour will be held on September 9 at 2:00 p.m. For more information or to sign up for the tour, call 404-727-0645 or visit pitts.emory.edu. Pitts Theology Library is located on the campus of Emory University at 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322.

16. Christ Church Players at Christ Church Norcross, 400 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross 30071, presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious “Trial by Jury” Sept. 9 and 10 at 7:00 p.m., a reception follows the show. Get the details here.

17. Bayer is presenting a September community conversation on prostate cancer, early detection, and education with co-sponsors Georgia Urology, Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, and Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition. Take advantage of the free prostate cancer screenings available over the weekend of September 10 and 11. September 10, Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Decatur, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., features a free lunch. Click learn more. September 11, Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, Lawrenceville, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes a free breakfast. Click here to learn more.  See Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition's calendar for other free screening events. 

18. September 11th Commemoration: From Horror to Hope: A special worship service seeking God’s solace, healing and guidance. Sunday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta 30324. This service will honor those who serve our community as first responders. More info at www.rspc.org.

19. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Alpharetta invites the community to participate in "God's work. Our hands.” Sunday, Sept. 11, gather to make mats for the homeless from recycled plastic grocery bags. It takes 500-700 plastic bags to make each mat. For more information about “God's Work. Our Hands” and how you might help in other ways, click here.

20. Life Transition Support Group for Women, Members of this group are often dealing with some type of loss. This could include the loss of a spouse (through divorce or death), a loved one, a career, or the loss of something that was significant in life. Tuesdays, Sept. 13- Oct. 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m., the Summit at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, Learn more about this group

21. Sponsorships and exhibitors spots are still available for the New Baptist Covenant Summit in Atlanta. This is a perfect place for organizations who care about justice and reconciliation to connect with ministers from across the country.    The gathering will be Sept. 14-16. Keynote speakers are President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Traci Blackmon, Dr. Frederick Haynes III, and Dr. George Mason. Learn more here.

22. GriefShare will be offered on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 13, at Roswell United Methodist Church. The class will meet 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary building, room 250. This 13-week biblically based healing program is open to church members and the community. Fee is $15 for workbook. Details/registration: rumc.com/grief or De Lee Udelson, [e-mail] or [phone].

23. “Scaffolds for the Sacred: Interrogating the Role of Architecture in Generating Spiritual Experiences” a seminar Sept. 15, 12—3 p.m., Georgia Institute of Technology, Ferst Center, West Lounge. Free; registration required. The Leadership and Multifaith Program (LAMP), a partnership between Candler School of Theology and Georgia Tech, presents lectures on the intersections between art, architecture, and spirituality. Panelists include Hazem Ziada of Emory University, Laura Hollengreen of Georgia Tech, Sonit Bafna of Georgia Tech, Ashraf Botros of the University of Cairo, Elizabeth Corrie of Candler School of Theology, and Deanna F. Womack of Candler School of Theology. Lunch will be provided at 1:00 p.m. for those who register online here.. Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center, 349 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta 30332. 

24. The Guild of Ten Talents at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 1790 Lavista Rd NE, Atlanta 30329, is excited to announce the Fine Arts Gallery. Friday—Sunday, September 16—18, a juried event will showcase fine art creations by parishioners. Gallery opens at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16.

25. Joining Hands in Wellness Fun Run in Austell is Sept. 17. Registration information here.

26. Empowering The Caregiver 2016, Sept. 17, offers help, hope, and insight into dementia care. Lunch is provided at this free event offered by Due West United Methodist Church, 3956 Due West Rd, Marietta 30064. Of particular interest to caregivers will be guest speakers, neurologist Dr. Daniel Potts and his wife Ellen Potts, along with Carolyn Cook, offering valuable dementia care insight and knowledge to all caregivers. Reservations are requested. Contact Sheila Welch at [e-mail] or [phone]. 

27. The Chosen Generation & Eagles’ Young Adult Ministries of The Body of Christ Church International , U.S.A., invite all youth and young adults ages 13 – 35 to EM:POWERED: E2L –Equipped to Lead, Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Body of Christ Church, 3650 Flat Shoals Road, College Park 30349. The purpose of this conference is to equip and empower young people to be successful in every area of their lives -- personal, home, school, community, and business/career. Special guest speaker will be Pastor Marcus Tankard, Star of Bravo TV’s “Thicker Than Water” and Guest Chart Topping Artist, Wildheart!   For more information, visit www.boccius.org or call [phone]. 

28. Mark your calendar for the Shepherd Center Free Falls Prevention Awareness Day Health Screening/Demonstration Event, Friday, September 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This free, fun, informative event is for anyone who is aging especially those 55+. 2020 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta 30309. Free lunch, free parking, health assessments, flu shots (bring your Medicare card), and prevention activities like the tango, Tai Chi, and music therapy, door prizes. This is a great activity for your senior group and there will be bus accommodation. It is crucial to R.s.v.p. so there is enough food for everyone! Reply to [e-mail]  or call her at [phone] or to [e-mail].

29. H.O.P.E.  For Our Community, a Heroin and Opioid Prevention Education Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Summit Counseling at Mount Pisgah United Church. A Brief Window of Opportunity: Heroin in North Fulton County report confirmed what was happening in our North Atlanta suburbs, referred to as the Heroin Triangle.  The national headlines of heroin and opioid use reaching unprecedented levels is now the story of our own community. This workshop will cover current state laws, education surrounding treatment options, and a Narcan training program.  Attendees will receive a Narcan training certificate and information regarding Narcan availability in our community. Workshop is free to the community, but registration is required. Learn more about this event

30. Registration is open for the Cathedral's 8th Annual Spirituality Conference welcoming back the Rev. John Philip Newell, who will share Listening for the Heartbeat of God: The Vision and Practice of Celtic Spirituality. Newell is a poet, peacemaker, minister, and scholar, widely known for his work in the field of Celtic spirituality. To learn more about him, visit his website or listen to this interview. Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., the Cathedral of St. Philip.  The cost of this daylong conference is $60 per person and will include lunch. A group rate of $55/person is available for groups of 4 or more. Registration deadline is October 23. Please visit the website for links and more information. Register Now!

Check out our website at www.rccatl.org and remember we will be happy to put your announcements of special musical events, educational opportunities, volunteer needs, etc. in the newsletter. Just send announcements in the body of your email, no attachments please; be sure to include all contact information and pertinent links.

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter
The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.
[e-mail]