Church Action eNewsletter Week of October 30, 2017

[RCCAtl]

Church Action eNewsletter

Week of October 30, 2017

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

website with Community Calendar

 

Does your church or organization operate a food pantry? Are you involved as a manager or volunteer? If you have not been contacted by us or the Emory students who are doing a MPH project on food scarcity in our area please let me know at [e-mail]

 

1. Stand in Solidarity for DACA Recipients, Thursday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m., Columbia Presbyterian Church, 711 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur 30030. A gathering to announce a mental health support program to provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness of DACA students who waiting to learn whether or not they can continue to live in the U.S. Click here for more info.

 

2. An Interfaith Devotional Gathering to promote understanding and encourage relationship takes place every Sunday from 4-6 p.m. in the Dunwoody area. If you are interested send an email to Sherry at [e-mail].

 

3. 10^th Annual Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale at First Christian Church of Decatur, 601 West Ponce De Leon Ave, proceeds benefit church and community missions, including the First Christian’s Decatur Toy Park.  Sale starts Friday, Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. and continues until sold out. We are telling you early because there is a 5% discount on all orders received Nov. 1 - Nov. 22. Visit www.DecaturDisciples.org.Volunteers needed and appreciated!  Call [phone] for information on how you can help & get a long-sleeve t-shirt and a home-cooked meal. 

 

4. Cascade UMC Young Adult Ministry meets selected Saturdays and Tuesdays for a variety of programs with Bible Study and Adulting 101 on nutrition and on financial literacy coming up in November. Contact [e-mail] for information or check out www.facebook.com/CascadeYoungAdultMinistry 

 

5. Spirit of David is a non-profit organization celebrating 20 years with its 96th show, Kaleidoscope, at the Balzer Theater. This family friendly event is Saturday, Nov. 4, at 4 and 7 p.m. The show will highlight the issues of bullying, homelessness, and disability and will feature people impacted by these issues. Contact [e-mail] or visit www.3dancingmen.com to learn more.

 

6. The community is invited to attend a concert by the award-winning bluegrass gospel band The Farm Hands Quartet on Saturday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Powder Springs First United Methodist Church, 4329 Marietta Street. There will be no admission charged, but a love offering will be taken. For more information, contact Roger Vest at [phone] or Patty Lindley at [phone].

 

7. Dr. Paul Tellstrom, Irvine United Congregational Church UCC in Irvine, Cal., is the featured preacher for All Saints’ Sunday on Day 1. Hear this sermon in the Atlanta area on Sunday morning, Nov. 5, 7:05 a.m. on News 95.5 and 750 AM WSB. Visit Day1.org to read or hear it and find much more.

 

8. Immigration and Sanctuary 101, Sunday, November 5, 2 – 4 p.m., Columbia Presbyterian Church, 711 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur 30030. Why don't they just become legal? The myths and the reality. An interfaith gathering of faith communities and advocates supporting our Atlanta immigrant sisters and brothers. For more info contact [e-mail]

 

9. Anyone who is interested in the relationship of inner silence and contemplation with spirit-led social justice work is invited to a free educational series on the life and work of  Howard Thurman offered by Kirkwood United Church of Christ and Charis Books/Charis Circle. It is not necessary to attend all four sessions to find much of value in this exploration. The last two sessions are Nov. 6 and 13, 7-8:30 p.m., at Kirkwood UCC, 100 Rogers Street, Atlanta. Please register at The Living Wisdom of Howard Thurman.  

 

10. Agnes Scott College 2017 James Ross McCain Faith and Learning Lecture “Expanding Sanctuary: Moving Beyond Church Walls Towards An Ethic of Solidarity” by Rev. Alison J. Harrington.  Rev. Harrington is pastor of Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona, which plays a central role in the immigrant rights movement in southern Arizona, and a national leader in the Sanctuary Movement.  Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in Letitia Pate Evans Hall, Terrace Level. More information.

 

11. "Still Reforming: A national conference to empower church culture, innovation, and sustainability” will be held Nov. 8-10 at First Congregational Church in downtown Atlanta. This conference will help you and your ministry understand and reach millennials, seed innovation in your ministry, and share best practices for 21st century ministry sustainability. Hear from leading thinkers sharing their ideas and convening conversations nurturing creativity and learning. Optional free pre-conferences on Theological Education and Discerning God's Call for the Future of Your Church. www.progressiverenewal.org/still-reforming. Pastors can register at the discounted rate of $25 per day by visiting https://goo.gl/eQJ8J2.

 

12. A reminder of the Countering the Language of Violence Workshop from Faith in Public Life, Nov. 9,  The Temple. More information.

 

13. The Green Knight and Other Stories of Magic and Transformation. A Storytelling Program with live music from the C. G. Jung Society of Atlanta, Saturday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m., with John Gentile Ph.D. And Henry Scott, Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Rd. Sandy Springs 30328. See specifics at www.Jungatlanta.com.

 

14. The Big Bethel A.M.E. Church Family and Music Ministry invite everyone to the 87th production of “Heaven Bound”. Since 1930, “Heaven Bound”—a morality play which depicts through song pilgrims doing battle with Satan while trying to get into heaven – has witnessed through powerful and timeless music and spectacle. Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at 220 Auburn Avenue, NE Atlanta. A traditional production is  Friday night and a contemporary version on Saturday. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and senior citizens, ($12 for groups of 10 or more) and $10 for children and students with identification. You are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as they do sell out quickly.  Tickets

 

15. Did you know that 85% of today’s jobs are filled through networking? The Linked In Workshop at Cascade UMC is Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. Seating is limited so register at www.cascadeumc.org or contact [e-mail] is you want to come.

 

16. An important education program from North Decatur UMC and the Alzheimer’s Association, Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. until noon.  As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey, and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. Come explore how this communication takes place , learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you communicate at each stage of the disease. This free community event will be hosted by North Decatur UMC, 1523 Church Street (across from Suburban Plaza, next to DeKalb Medical), Decatur 30030. To register call [phone] or Janet Faust [phone] ext 108. 

 

17. Mindfulness and Breathe Workshop, Saturday, Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., St. Edward's Episcopal Church, 737 Moon Rd, Lawrenceville 30046.  Quiet the noise as we get into the thick of the holidays.   Join St. Edward's Episcopal Church Women on November 11. Bring an item or token that has special meaning to you.

 

18. Mayor’s Cup All-Star Celebrity Basketball Challenge observes National Homeless Youth Awareness Month to benefit The Center for Children and Young Adults on Sunday, Nov. 12. The time has been changed to noon. Custer Park Sports and Fitness Center, 545 Kenneth E. Marcus Way, Marietta (off Fairground Street).  Find out more about CCYA and the game and the featured Hip Hop Gospel performer Canton Jones here.

 

19. All God's critters have a place at Covenant Presbyterian! Bring your beloved or furry friends Sunday, Nov. 12, at 4 p. m. to the Terrace Patio and parking lot for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Local neighborhood pet store, Red Bandanna Pet Food, is providing free pet treats. All animals are welcome, though please do see that they are properly leashed/contained for other pets' safety, 2461 Peachtree RD NE, Atlanta 30305. Need to know more? Call [phone],  M-Th, 8a – 12p).

 

20. National Youth Summit on Education, Justice, and the U.S. Economy is meeting in Atlanta. The November 13 plenary sessions, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with civil rights legends and keynote speakers in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel and are open to the public. http://www.thenys.com/

 

21. Remember that the Interfaith Community Initiatives 2017 Friendship Luncheon Celebrating Uncommon Friendships is Wednesday, Nov. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., The Carlos Center Ballroom, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta 30342. Tickets are $60.  Click here to purchase. For more visit www.interfaithci.org

 

22. If you are concerned about DACA you will be interested in a workshop Public Narrative How to Be a Compelling Story Teller and Build an Interfaith Movement led by Laura Emiko Soltis, executive director of Freedom University, presented in partnership with the New Sanctuary Movement, Nov. 15, 6 – 8:30 p.m., at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree, Atlanta, Ross Room, Ellis Hall. Please contact Rev. Kim Jackson at [e-mail] to R.s.v.p.

 

23. An interfaith panel will discuss Pope Francis’ call to interfaith cooperation based on respect, an honest recognition of difference, and the exploration of areas of cooperation. Four graduate student panelists will explore from different perspectives the call for interfaith engagement. From the Aquinas Center, Emory University, Nov. 16, 8:30 p.m. More information at aquinas.emory.edu 

 

24. First Congregational Church and Meridian Herald in partnership with the National Black Arts Festival and Emory University present The Atlanta Music Festival 2017 featuring Agnes Scott Collegiate Chorale, Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society, Meridian Chorale, First Church Chancel Choir, Saturday, Nov. 18, 7:00 p.m. The Atlanta Music Festival is a revival of the First Church ‘All Colored Music Festival’ of 1909, celebrating the concert music of African American composers and musicians. For information call [phone]. Tickets at AMF2017.eventbrite.com

 

25. Word for Reformation season from a Methodist sent to us by the Lutheran Suicide Prevention Ministry on Martin Luther and mental health with sermon ideas and more here.  

 

26. Atlanta Nativity Celebration, December 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m., and Dec 3^, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with Nativity Sets from Around the World, Live Christmas Music, Live Nativity, Crafts for Kids, Christmas Carol Sing-Along, Temple Grounds Open. There is no charge and everyone is invited. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 6449 Glenridge Dr NE, Atlanta 30328​​​. For more see  AtlantaNativityCelebration.org

 

27. Youth Ensemble of Atlanta’s annual holiday classic “Colors of Love” will be Dec.12- Dec. 15. This is the perfect musical for kids and families. The Wednesday morning show is sold out. To reserve tickets for your school, day care center, or family, call Debi Barber at [phone]. The show is a 7 Stages in Little 5 Points. www.youthensemble.org

 

28. Mark your calendar for the fabulous Christmas on Clairemont to benefit DEAM, the Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry. This collaborative holiday spectacular hosted by Daniel Solberg at First Baptist of Decatur with full orchestra, organ, piano, and a festival chorus of a hundred local voices will be Sunday, December 17, at 7 p.m., and will feature Broadway lead Caroline Bowman and Grammy award winner tenor, Thomas Young--an evening of elegant, timeless music performed by world-class artists.  Singers, come join the choir, and enjoy the best view in the house!  Sign up to sing at christmasonclairemont.com

 

29. Koinonia is taking applications for the 2018 internships. Three sessions: February-May, June-August, and September-January. Adults of all ages and walks of life to come to the farm and pray, work, study, serve, and fellowship alongside the community. It is perfect for anyone interested in intentional community, Christian hospitality, sustainable farming, peacemaking, and justice. Apply online here.

 

30. Michelle Alexander, the author of “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness“, spoke at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference, Atlanta, Oct. 12. Hear it.

31. CenterForm is a Christian co-working space and innovation hub located downtown. Conceptually, it is a neutral space at the intersections of church and world, gospel and culture, work and vocation, faith and life. Practically, it is a space for people to work, meet, explore, collaborate, incubate, and accelerate. Programmatically, it provides structure, process, resources, and networks needed for Christian leaders to develop innovative ideas into actual ministries that have the potential to transform the world. Preacher Day is Thursday. Find out about this opportunity will be at no cost for a couple of months so you can give it a try Read more>> Register and they’ll buy you lunch.  

32. Born This Way Foundation is spreading kindness with Mental Health First Aid. The goal is to train 150,000 more people in Mental Health First Aid by the end of the year by holding a course along every U.S. stop on Lady Gaga's Joanne World Tour.  The Regional Council of Churches is part of C.H.I.P., a coalition of organizations, professionals, and individuals working to improve mental health services and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Are you interested in being a part of the Lady Gaga movement? Contact Mary Wilson to find out about a C.H.I.P. Mental Health First Aid course in Atlanta.  [e-mail]

Visit our website for a complete community calendar, links to the Toolbox  for Mental Health Ministry, websites for daily devotionals, and many other resources.

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

[e-mail]