Church Action eNewsletter Week of April 20, 2026

[RCCAtl]

Church eNewsletter Week of April 20, 2026

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

1. Due to recent SNAP cuts, many of New American Pathways clients do not have access to Food Stamps anymore. Food is more than nourishment. For refugee families rebuilding their lives here in Georgia, the ability to prepare familiar meals brings a sense of stability and home during a time of transition. Through the Snap Back Food Box Drive, NAP is providing culturally appropriate groceries to the families they serve. And they need help now. Can you pack a full food box using a 
curated cultural grocery lists— thoughtfully designed around the traditions and foods families recognize and love. This is the perfect opportunity for offices, friend groups, teams, or organizations to come together and give back in a meaningful way. Email [e-mail] to coordinate.
 
2. The Justice Center for Sacred Theological Studies (historically known as Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary) has a new catalog of some 80 self-paced, online courses. Content ranges from biblical studies to critical thinking to women in ministry --and so much more!   Visit jcsts.org/programs to check it out. Now through October 30, 2026, all courses are free. Take as many as you like and let us know what you
3. Your voice matters in shaping the Atlanta RiverLands and the Chattahoochee Brick Company site. You’re invited to a community engagement event focused on the future. Atlanta RiverLands is a citywide initiative to improve access to the Chattahoochee River through new trails, parks, and public spaces that support environmental restoration and community use. The Chattahoochee Brick Company site is a historically significant area along the river that is part of this effort. This event continues visioning and design conversations and shares updates on progress at the Chattahoochee Brick Company site. What you share will help shape next steps. April 25, doors open 10:30 a.m., event 11 - 1 p.m., Jean Childs Young Middle School, 3116 Benjamin E. Mays Dr SW, Atlanta 30311. Register at
eventbrite.com/e/chattahoochee-brick-co-and-atlanta

4. AMIS Afternoon of International Tea fundraiser! The Overlook at North Avenue Presbyterian Church is the lovely setting for the Saturday, April 25, 2-4 p.m., event bringing the AMIS community together with new and old friends to exchange stories of international friendship and cultural exchange, while enjoying a sampling of international beverages and bites from around the world. Tickets at amisatlanta.org/tea. For more information on AMIS visit www.amisatlanta.org.

5. Change Agent Adventure: Children’s Gallery opens April 25, and you’re invited to experience it. Designed for children ages 12 and under, this immersive “secret headquarters” is where young changemakers step into action—and where grown-ups are just as welcome to join the adventure. Center for Civil and Human Rights. Buy Tickets Here.

6. Day1 episode 4231 for April 26 features the Rev. Jim Keat from the Riverside Church in New York. Preaching on John 10:1-10, he invites us to participate in resurrection here and now. Hear Day1 in the Atlanta area on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. Visit https://day1.org to read or hear the sermon now and find many other resources.

7. Civil Rights History at Covenant Presbyterian Church On Sunday, April 26 at 12:30 p.m., 2461 Peachtree Rd. NE, is hosting a special presentation on the church's role in Atlanta's Civil Rights history. Ethel Ware Carter from the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta will discuss the legacy of former pastor Rev. Dr. Herman Turner who courageously led 80 white clergy members to sign the historic Minister's Manifesto during the school integration period. The community is invited to learn about this stabilizing force in southern desegregation. Lunch will be provided. All are welcome! R.s.v.p. to [e-mail]

8. Organist Sean Vogt will perform at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Sunday, April 26, at 3:15 p.m. in person and livestreamed on the Cathedral Website. Vogt is the newly hired director of choral conducting at the Piteå Musikhögskolan (Sweden) — Luleå Tekniska Universitet. He recently served as director of music at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Sandy Springs. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and Southern Methodist University. He will play works of Dietrich Buxtehude, Johann Sebastian Bach, Keith Chapman, Max Drischner, Lynnwood Farnam, Dan Locklair, and Vincent Persichetti. Following the recital, the Cathedral offers its weekly service of Choral Evensong at 4 o’clock, sung by the Cathedral Schola.

9. Turkish Coffee Night with Atlantic Institute, Sunday, April 26, 2026 • 9 Iyar 5786, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Do you like good coffee? ....then this is worth the attending for the good flavor and smell. And do you want to learn more about your neighbors of a different faith? Come for a heartwarming evening where souls connect over rich Turkish coffee, timeless wisdom, laughter-filled and deep, meaningful conversations with our friends from the Atlantic Institute. Enjoy different coffees. Hear the stories. And share common experiences about being part of a minority religion in Georgia. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.   Please R.s.v.p. here.

10. Join AJC's Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition for a screening of The Grand Alliance, an episode from the new PBS docuseries, Black and Jewish America. On Wednesday, April 29 at 7 p.m., in Morningside. Register Now

11. You are invited to join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith for a webinar, “ From Incarceration to Integration: The Role of Faith in Successful ...,” on Thursday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. ET on Zoom. This discussion will explore how faith and community partnerships can help individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration—strengthening families, enhancing public safety, and contributing meaningfully to their communities. The conversation will feature panelists with lived experience sharing strategies, personal stories, and insights at the intersection of faith, restoration, and community support, highlighting the transformative impact of second chances and the lived realities of reentry. Designed for faith leaders, people of faith, and professionals seeking to partner with faith communities, this webinar will highlight practical ways houses of worship, ministries, and community organizations can walk alongside returning citizens with dignity and purpose. Register now to join this conversation that impacts every American community.

12. Community Power in Ending Homelessness, May 4–6, Marietta Conference Center. This year’s conference will bring together frontline case managers, nonprofit leaders, state agencies, housing providers, and advocates working across Georgia to strengthen collaboration and build solutions to homelessness. Featured speakers and trainers include: Paul Webster, Cicero Institute; Dawn Peel, Georgia DBHDD; Jennifer Dulong, Homeless Authority; Andi Lannom, The Compassion Center; Josh Gray, DCA; Whitney Mitchell, Dept of Education. See more at  https://www.gahomeless.org.

13. Lighting the Journey Empowering the People Dementia Symposium 2026.  Exploring Dementia: Living and Loving Through the Journey.  Discover how dementia alters the journey of life for those living with dementia and the people loving them through it. This is a free event and lunch is provided. For the full agenda see dacc.life. Tuesday, May 5, doors open 9 a.m., program 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Church at Liberty Square, 2001 Liberty Square Drive, Cartersville 30120. Register at http://dacc.life Contact Diane Gasaway if you need more information. Send Email

14. Community Assistance Center partners with City Springs Theatre Company for the annual Night of Hope, Wednesday, May 8, an evening that brings neighbors together to enjoy the magic of live theater while lifting up CAC’s work to prevent homelessness and hunger and empower people to thrive in our community. Friends of CAC will gather for a special night out watching a performance of “Mean Girls.” From comedy-legend Tina Fey, MEAN GIRLS is the brutally-hilarious hit musical based on the popular 2004 film of the same name! PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

15. Join NETWorks' Fourth Annual Golf Tournament Putting Out Hunger for a day of friendly competition and meaningful impact! By participating in this May 11 event at Heritage Golf Links in Tucker, you are joining NETWorks Cooperative Ministry to respond with the hospitality of Christ to the food and financial needs of residents and to partner with them to find long-term solutions to poverty. Sign Up to Golf. Volunteer Here. Be A Sponsor. Volunteers are needed. Sign up by sending an email here.  If you have questions contact Chris Rollins, Golf Committee Chair 404-532-8317 or Stephanie Shapiro [e-mail]. Golfers can sign up thru May 5! 4-person scramble, shotgun start.

16. Georgia Justice Project’s impact over the past 40 years has been made possible by the support of those committed to strengthening our community and expanding access to opportunity. This year's Grass Roots Justice Awards is a special milestone celebrating four decades of service while looking ahead to the future. This evening of celebration will highlight the transformative work happening at GJP. Thursday, May 14, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., The Trolley Barn. Secure your tickets today!

17. Applications are being accepted for a variety of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2026–2027 academic year. The deadline to apply online is Friday, May 15. All applicants must be Episcopalians.

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter