Church Action eNewsletter Week of April 17, 2017

[RCCAtl]

Church Action eNewsletter

Week of April 17, 2017

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

website with Community Calendar

 

 

1. Dr. Irwin Ray’s final concert with the Oglethorpe University Singers and Chorale, Friday, April 21, 8:00 p.m., Conant Performing Arts Center, Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta, featuring Henry Purcell's Come, Ye Sons of Art and Franz Joseph Haydn's Te Deum in C with guest soloists and the Oglethorpe Chamber Orchestra plus many favorites from the last thirty years. Reception following. 

 

2. Not One Step Back! Saturday, April 22 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Morehouse School of Medicine, Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care, Auditorium Building A, 720 Westview Drive, SW, Atlanta 30310. A one day strategy session on the drug war, mass incarceration, and public health. Free and open to the public. Lunch is provided. For further information, please contact Asha or Nyoka at [e-mail].

 

3. 2017 Clarkston Culture Fest, Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 3666 Market St., Clarkston, 30021. This festival will be a day of education, celebration, cultural entertainment, children and youth activities and interactive booths celebrating the diversity in the community. Click here for more info.

 

4. North Avenue Presbyterian Church is immersed in its 60th Annual Mission Conference. Sat., April 22, run in the Refugee Coffee 5K and attend the Clarkston Culture Fest. Sun., April 23, Wayne Gordon will preach at 9 and 11 a.m. At 4:30 p.m. a conversation will expand on the sermon and explore community development principles. 5:45 p.m. will be a “Ted Talk” style presentation with four Atlanta-based justice advocates. Sat., April 29 will feature guided prayer and a walking tour of the Clarkston community. Sun., April 30, Marilyn Borst will preach at 9 and 11 a.m. Living Justice: Our Call to Prayer is the theme of the 5:45 p.m. interactive prayer service focused on praying for the Middle East including communion Read more>> 

 

5 Charles Eisenstein on From Commodities to Community, Saturday, April 22 from 7:15 - 9:15 p.m., Atlanta Friends Meeting, 701 West Howard Avenue, Decatur 30030.  Eisenstein will speak on a gift economy as a part of the societal transformation that is taking place. Eisenstein is a public speaker, self-described "regrowth activist" and the author of several books. Click here for more info.

 

6. Dr. Everett Worthington Jr will preach on Day 1 in a special program produced in association with the Episcopal Preaching Foundation. Hear “Just Forgiving” April 23 at 7:05 a.m. on News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB. 

 

7. Sunday, April 23, 12:15 p.m. Our Urban Setting: Evolution from Planned Residential Community to Vibrant Midtown, this architectural walking tour is free, lunch will be available for purchase. First Presbyterian Church, 1328 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta 30319. For information call [phone].

 

8. Join Northside Drive Baptist Church in becoming an Upstander, Sunday, April 23, 2-4 p.m. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing Edmund  Burke. Free, however registration is required http://atlanta.adl.org/upstander.

 

9. For 25+ years, Urban Recipe has provided food for those who need it in a way that affirms dignity and builds community through its unique member-run food co-op model, by which those in need become members of a 50 family co-op, meet every other week throughout the year, and work together to distribute over a ton of food at every co-op meeting. This year's inaugural Tummy and Soul has a special dual focus--to celebrate Urban Recipe's 25th anniversary and to honor the work and leadership of Founder and long-time Director, Chad Hale, Sunday, April 23, 4 – 7 p.m., at the beautiful gallery Mason Fine Art. The more information and to purchase tickets see Tickets here.

 

10. The Healing Communities End Mass Incarnation initiative will hold an open meeting, Monday, April 24, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, 56 Mitchell Street,
Atlanta 30303. More info>>

 

11. Loving Your Neighbor(hood) an Immersion-based Symposium on Community Ministry, April 24-25, McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. Keynote speaker is Julia K. Dinsmore, a writer and storyteller and the author of the poem “My Name Is Not Those People.” Registration here.  Free for students.  If you are wondering how to create deep and sustainable change in your neighborhood then this conference can be your catalyst.

 

12. 6. Be inspired by Amal Nassar from The Tent of Nations, stories of creative and nonviolent resistance in Palestine and what you can do. Monday, April 24, 7 p.m., Rita Ann Rollins Bldg., Room 102, Candler School of Theology, Emory, 1531 Dicky Drive, Atlanta. Tuesday April 25, noon, Spellman College, Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center, 350 Spellman Lane, Atlanta. Wednesday, April 26, 12 – 2 p.m., lunch with Presbytery Joining Hands for Justice in Palestine-Israel, Villa International Atlanta, 1749 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, 30329. R.s.v.p. is necessary; please text or call Fahed at [phone] or email [e-mail]

 

13. Egg-Onomic  Breakfast Series with Jerry Gonzalez, founding Executive Director of Georgia Association  of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO). This statewide nonprofit, non-partisan organization’s mission is to increase civic engagement and leadership development of the Latino/ Hispanic community, Tuesday, April 25, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree.  Cost is $5. Proceeds go to the Men of Hope at Covenant Community.  A hot buffet breakfast will be served.  All are invited to attend Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel. Sign up with Lauri Begley at [e-mail]

 

14. The grieving process differs for everyone -- sometimes we are angry, sad, or in denial. No matter what you experience, you are not alone. Join Seeds of Hope Counseling and journey for eight weeks through grief and forward. You will explore the clinical perspectives and the theological understandings of grief comparing them to your personal experiences. Group meets weekly, Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., beginning April 25 at Sandy Springs UMC.  Reserve your spot at here.  

 

15 A Closer Walk with God for People on the Run, Barbara Crafton will be at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, on Wednesday, April 26, 7 p.m., for reading from her new book with a reception and book signing to follow. This is a free event but kindly let them know if you are coming. Visit www.stphilipscathedral.org

 

16. Kavarna Coffee Shop in Oakhurst Village will be the scene of a Building Compassion for Ourselves and Our Community Meetup, Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m., 707 East Lake Dr. B, Decatur 30030. Speaker will be Compassionate Atlanta founding Board member, Rob Johnson. He will highlight 19 factors that are proven to lead to more effective collaborations, and then share several examples of emerging greater Atlanta collaborations where Compassionate Atlanta has “joined the table.”  Everyone is welcome! Click here to RSVP and join our team.

 

17. The Annual Richard D Winn, Sr. Men’s Spiritual Retreat, April 28-30, will enlighten your spirits with fellowship and worship.  Stand firm and walk in the direction that pleases God during trying times.  Dr. Dan K. Williams, Sr. Pastor of New Life Fellowship of Coatesville, Penn., is keynote speaker.  If you are interested in this retreat offered by the Men of Ben Hill United Methodist Church contact Von L. Logan, [phone] or  [e-mail] 

 

18. Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Blessing of the Animals, Saturday April 29. You are invited to bring your pets for a blessing from one of the pastors anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. We'll be located outside, under the portico entrance into the sanctuary with a brief service at 10:30 a.m. Coffee, donuts, pet treats, water provided. Bring your own pooper scooper materials. 3700 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth 30096, phone is (770(497-0233. Questions, contact Rev. Jody Andrade, [e-mail], or Rev. Andy Acton, [e-mail].

 

19. Powder Springs First UMC will to host a livestream event on Saturday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and include the text, snacks, and lunch.  Blended & Blessed™ is a one-day live event and livestream for stepfamily couples, single parents, dating couples with kids, and those who care about blended families. With some of today's most trusted and respected experts, Blended & Blessed will challenge, inspire, and encourage you. More>>

 

20. The link was not correct for the NAMI Northside Atlanta Annual Mental Health Fair announced last week to be held April 29 at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 3434 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta   30305.  To register visit http://naminorthsideatlanta.org/

 

21. Open House at the Cathedral Bookstore, Saturday, April 29, 2-4 p.m. Come see your neighbors and explore, there will be cathedral and labyrinth tours, stories for children, and refreshments, 2772 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta 30305. If you have questions call [phone].  

 

22. Just Voices a cappella chamber chorus presents The Power of Music, songs representing the full range of ways music serves humankind. Whether playing, praying, falling in love, preparing for war, grieving a loss, or protesting an injustice, the human family gathers together in song. The concert will include classical works, spirituals, folk songs and other genres. Adults $10 – Students $5. Two performances, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 29, Virginia Highland Church, 743 Virginia Avenue NE, Atlanta 30306; and 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 30, Holy Trinity Parish, 515 East Ponce de Leon, Decatur 30030.  

 

23. Do you have congregants who need help with Fulton County misdemeanor arrests that did not result in a conviction? Find out about expungement at a community meeting hosted by the Rev. Raphael Warnock at MLK Sr. Community Resources Complex, 101 Jackson Street, Atlanta 30312. Call (404) 61CLEAN or visit http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/record-restriction-summit

 

24. Worship at historic Zion Episcopal Church in Talbotton April 30, 4 to 5:30 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Don Wimberly, assisting bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, will be the celebrant and preacher. Zion Episcopal Church was erected in 1848. The choir loft has the only working Pilcher organ in existence, which was installed in 1850 and is still in use.  Facebook page. Zion is available for events. Contact Fr. Jeff Jackson (706)-761-0115 for information. 

 

25. The Rev. Dwight Andrews will be honored on Sunday, April 30, 5:00 p.m., during “An Evening of Enchantment,” a concert with Ms. Bertha Hightower-Smith, flutist, and featuring vocalist Tony Hightower. The event will benefit the Samuel H. Johnson SSSP Foundation scholarships fund for undergraduate minority students. The Rev. Richard Allen Farmer, pianist and pastor of Crossroads Presbyterian will make a guest appearance. Click here for tickets. Southwest Arts Center Performance Theatre, 915, New Hope Road, Atlanta 30331.       

 

26.  Spring Life Enrichment Day at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church with Christian comedian Kay Dodd Stokes, Tuesday, May 2, noon.  Tickets are $15. Call Sue Stumm to reserve yours today, 2715 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta.

 

27. The Hart Readers will tackle Engaging the Powers by Walter Wink on May 4, note this group has moved to Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. in the Walthour Library, Cathedral of St. Philip, 2774 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta 30305. Wink explores the problem of evil today and how it relates to the New Testament concept of Principalities and Powers. This book is winner of numerous awards. Discussion will be led by the Rev. Thee Smith. Click here to order Engaging the Powers

 

28. Stephen Tobolowsky, legendary character actor who has appeared in more than 100 movies and 200 television shows, wrote My Adventures with God.  He feels that we all have powerful creation myths, tales of our childhood and family, our first battles, and discusses how the stages of our lives fit into the template of the Old Testament.  The book provides a structure to evaluate our own lives and relationship with God. Talk and signing May 4, 7:30 p.m., Marcus JCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody.  For ticket information, visit www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival or call [phone].

 

29. Youth Mental Health First Aid Training is for adults who regularly interact with youth. Participants will learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges common to adolescents. A free training including lunch is being offered by Summit Counseling Center Friday, May 5 or Saturday, May 13, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Participants will receive a YMHFA manual and become certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders. Seating is Limited. Call [phone] to register.

 

30. Exploring Desire and Imagination, a retreat led by Martin Smith, May 5, 5-7 p.m.; Sat. May 6, 2-4 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 422 Brenau Ave., Gainesville 30507. Clergy and lay leaders are invited to share in this retreat with the renowned author, Episcopal priest, and teacher.  Retreat will explore facets of spiritual leadership within parish ministry. R.s.v.p. to Elizabeth Howington at [phone] or [e-mail]  by April 28. The cost is $25 for Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and snacks. Please bring a check or cash with you.  

 

31. Sunflower Wisdom for Mothers and Daughters: Improving Mother Daughter Relationships, Saturday, May 6, 2, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 105 Courtland Street, NE, Atlanta 30331. In partnership with C.H.O.I.C.E.S., One Talent, Delivered Vessels, and B3B Enterprises, Sunflower Life offers a day for mothers and daughters to renew, remember, revisit, restore, and strengthen the sacred bond of mothers and daughters. For ages 5 and up, $25 per mother daughter couple, additional people $10. For more or to register, contact Barbara Baylor at [phone] or email [e-mail].

 

 

32. The Brotherhood of St. Timothy men’s group at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Loganville will host the 13^th annual charity golf tournament Monday, May 8, at Stone Mountain Park. All proceeds benefit the Pregnancy Resource Center of Walton County and Shepherd’s Staff  Food Pantry of Loganville, a Christian ministry providing food, clothing, housing and financial assistance to qualified local families.  Organizers are signing up sponsors and player registration has begun and is open to the public. The best-ball scramble tournament will take place on Monday, May 8. A catered luncheon is included, awards ceremony will follow. Deadline for registration is May 1, 2017. Information is available at the Brotherhood’s tournament website hcanglican.org/brotherhoodgolf, and includes player registration forms and contact details.

 

33. The Living and Learning Justice Project will equip community leaders, faith leaders, and educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the complexity of racism. This pilot project is an abbreviated version of the two-week certificate program. Families First, Inc., Building, 80 Joseph Lowry Blvd., NW, Atlanta 30314 Register here. If you prefer to register by USPS mail.  Simply print your registration and mail your check marked Re: LTCA Living and Learning Justice Project to ELCA Southeastern Synod, 100 Edgewood Avenue, NE, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30303. Last day to register is April 30.  Course is Monday, May 8 – Friday, May 12, 4:30.

 

34. Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 session of SUMMA Debate Camp at the University of the South, July 18–26, open to high school students of any faith entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2017. It offers a unique opportunity to explore faith through intellectual channels. No previous debate experience or formal theological study is necessary. A limited number of scholarships are available for students with demonstrated financial need. For more information and to apply, visit summa.sewanee.edu.

35. For those of you who minister to veterans the April 2017 issue of The Clergy Connection focuses on a spirituality, forgiveness, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  sharing  information and excellent resources from the National Center for PTSD. Did You Know? and Research Review address how healthy spirituality in those with PTSD contributes to a higher quality of life. Practical Pastoral Tips offers a simple technique that may reduce stress and other PTSD symptoms, and the Horses for Heroes Cowboy Up! Community Success Story shows how a hands-on program is helping Veterans in New Mexico.

 

36. Dr. Charles Harper was recently interviewed about the rain garden under construction at Paradise Baptist Church, 1711 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, Atlanta 30318, in Proctor Creek’s Grove Park neighborhood. Read more>>

 

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]