Church Action eNewsletter Week of April 7, 2014

[RCCAtl]

 

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

   Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta 

 

34th Annual Good Friday Pilgrimage, the Urban Way of the Cross, April 18, an Ecumenical Journey of Reflection & Walking Prayer Peace Ministries. Read more>>

Remember that Children’s Mental Health Week is coming up, the first full week in May. The theme this year is Building Circles of Care; the circle is not complete without the faith community. See www.CHIPGeorgia.com for a couple of good suggestions for observance. We can also find you a speaker.

Another farmers market open — First Baptist Decatur hosts the Decatur Farmer’s Market on the front lawn every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur 30030

1. "Gaza Writes Back," North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock, Decatur. Thursday, April 10. The editor and three of the authors of this book of stories by young writers from Gaza will discuss the conditions in Gaza.

2. "Preserving a Legacy, Inspiring a Future: A Tribute to Nelson Mandela," Georgia Gwinnett College, 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville 30043. Friday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. A cultural showcase. For information see  www.facebook.com

3. April Plant Sale at Holy Comforter, 737 Woodland Ave SE, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Basil lovers: Here’s your chance! Along with other herbs, there are 6 varieties of basil: Genevese, Lemon, Lime, Sacred, Amethyst, and Minette— also vegetable plants - squash, cucumbers, melons, eggplant, tomatoes, okra, and  peppers and flowers.  Naturally, all the plants are organic. Time to plant!

4. The Rev. Marek Zabriskie, rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Penn., is the preacher for Palm Sunday, April 13, on “Day 1.” Zabriskie founded the Center for Biblical Studies to develop and promote The Bible Challenge, a ministry to help people read through the entire Bible in a year. His sermon, based on Matthew 21 is “Everyone Loves a Parade. He says. “God’s love doesn’t explain it all away, it just makes those things more possible to bear, to see in them the hand of God reaching out to redeem us and make us whole.” For more information check day1.org. 

5. Sunday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m., the Greater Mountain Baptist Church will hold its 2014 Annual Women’s Day Worship Service. The theme is, "Christian Women Walking Boldly in Christ!"   Guest speaker for the morning will be the renowned, respected, and retired career educator, Mrs. Wilma Nichols. Greater Mountain is at 3346 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, in the chapel of the historic Herschel Thornton Mortuary; the Rev. Douglas Demetrius Prather serves as Senior Pastor. For additional information contact First Lady Mrs. Elizabeth Prather at [phone] or visit the church website www.GreaterMountainBaptist.org

6. The Cathedral Schola will present its annual "Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols" at 4 p.m. on Palm Sunday, April 13, at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta. This service consists of various scriptural readings of the season - some chanted and some read - punctuated by anthems, antiphons, and congregational hymns. Canon Dale Adelmann will conduct an African-American spiritual arrangement he composed, plus works by Niles, Shaw and Britton.

7. Southern Folk Passion will be at historic Druid Hills Baptist Church on Palm Sunday with Dr. Gary S. Hauk, author, theologian, and preacher, reading the Passion of Christ from St. Mark, Palm Sunday, April 13, at 4 p.m. The church is at 1085 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, the corner of Highland and Ponce de Leon. Admission is free and no tickets are required. A free-will offering will be taken. Southern Folk Passion interweaves southern folk hymns with the Gospel narrative central to the Christian faith and is modeled on historic musical Passion settings. Conductor and folk music scholar Steven Darsey will lead the Meridian Chorale and the congregation in folk hymns from Georgia’s famous 19th century tunebook, The Sacred Harp. Tunes will be sung by the chorale and its soloists — comprising some of Georgia’s finest vocalists. These southern folk tunes embody and express a haunting spirituality, affording a uniquely American interpretation of the Passion. For directions and information about Meridian Herald, Steven Darsey, and The Meridian Chorale, please visit www.meridianherald.org

8. The Usherette Board #2 of Big Bethel AME Church will host their annual Palm Sunday Concert on this Palm Sunday evening April 13 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The guest choir will be Uzee Brown Society of Choraliers. All are invited to attend at the church with the “Jesus Saves” sign on the steeple, 220 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta 30303.

9. Dr. Joe Roberts, who served as senior pastor of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta for 30 years,  is the Holy Week Preacher at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. A light lunch will be available in the courtyard following the 12:05 p.m. Holy Week service, Monday through Thursday. Please contact Lauri Begley at 404–267– 4273 or [e-mail] reserve a lunch - $6.

10. Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children, Monday, April 14, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. This program is a nationally available program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child-protective behaviors. It is for any responsible adult who cares about the welfare of children. It is appropriate for youth-serving organizations (sports leagues, day care centers, after school programs, children's clubs, church groups, and more). Register Now!" href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register... The Big Green House, 2 West Main Street, Hampton 30228. 2 CEU hours. Don't wait to save a child. Contact Christie D. Wooten at [e-mail] to schedule your training.

11. Everyday Ethics on AIBTV explores critical contemporary issues through the lens of ethical considerations with scholars from Emory University's Center for Ethics defining ethical decision-making as it applies to life - from decisions made in the privacy of our homes to the public arena. AIB partners with Emory's Ethics Center to produce this weekly program. It airs on Mondays at 6 p.m. with encores on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.

12. The Rev. Lee Curtis, rector of The Church of the Incarnation, and the Rev. Charles L Fischer III, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, invite you to a Tenebrae service on Wednesday April 16, at the Church of the  Incarnation, 7 p.m. Tenebrae is the Latin word for "darkness" or "shadows." One of the most conspicuous features of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle, a symbol of our Lord, remains. As it gets darker and darker we will reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus. Incarnation is located at 2407 Cascade Rd. Atlanta  30311. For information please call 404-696-3620. 

13. More than 49,000 veterans died of suicide between 2005 and 2011; since 2011 the number of losses every year has increased 20%.  Armed Forces Mission will offer the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop April 16 and 17 at the Bridge in Peachtree City.  The workshop is open to any one with a carrying heart who wants to make a difference.  Additionally, 13 hours of CE is available for nurses, mental health and personal fitness professionals.  Register at www.Iwillintervene.com

14. Calvary Baptist Church of Austell is launching a workshop series designed to help jobseekers focus and improve their job seeking skills! The first class in the series started in February; the list of remaining classes is below. Attend the ones you feel will benefit you and invite a friend, colleague, neighbor. The classes are free and you never know who you may run into at these meetings who will provide you with your next opportunity! The church is located at 4780 Flint Hill Road, Austell GA 30106. Call 770-941-8445 or contact Kathy Grosskurth for more information at [e-mail].  Networking/Building Self-Confidence –April 17 ; Internet / Social Media / Marketing Yourself – May 1 ; Dress for Success –– May 15; Workplace Practices / Keeping Your Job –June 5

15. Providence Missionary Baptist Church will host Cascade Ministers Fellowship 7 Last Words Good Friday Program, April 18, at Noon.  Pastors and congregations from along the Cascade Corridor will gather for a joint Worship Service where 7 Cascade Corridor pastors will each preach briefly on one of the seven last words of Jesus Christ.  Music will be provided by Providence Missionary Baptist Church Choir. Co-sponsors for this event include: Rev. Charles Fischer of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rev. Dr. Bernice Kirkland, Pastor of Hoosier Memorial UMC, and Rev. Damon P. Williams, of Providence. All are welcome. For more information, visit www.providenceatlanta.org or Face Book at www.facebook.com/providenceatl  2295 Benjamin E. Mays Drive, SW , Atlanta 30311, telephone [phone].

16. 2014 Grass Roots Justice Awards, a benefit for Georgia Justice Project, April 24, 6 p.m., Greystone Hall at Piedmont Park. Support or Buy Tickets Now

17. You are invited to the Atlantic Institute Annual Peace & Dialogue Awards ceremony on Thursday, April 24, when exceptional community leaders who actively promote diversity and intercultural exchange in the workplace will be honored. For her long term leadership of World Pilgrims, Jan Swanson will receive the Peace and Dialogue Award. Jan has also served as a major participant in leadership of countless other Atlanta interfaith endeavors.  The evening will begin with a reception showcasing the student winners from the annual Georgia 2014 Art & Essay Contest. Reception 6:30 p.m. dinner 7 p.m. Cobb Galleria Centre,   Ballroom F & G,  Two Galleria Parkway SE,  Atlanta, GA 30339. Dress is business attire.  R.s.v.p. here.

18. Did you know 160,000 children in Georgia suffer from a serious mental condition? Mental Health America of Georgia is hosting two April events to combat this and other mental illness statistics in Georgia.    An Evening of Wine, Cheese and Chocolate will be hosted by Monica Pearson April 24 at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in Atlanta Station. There is a $50 suggested donation.    The 23rd annual Tee Off for Mental Health golf tournament will be at beautiful Château Élan in Braselton April 28. Certain levels of sponsorship include mental health trainings in Atlanta.    For inquiries or to register, contact mailto:[e-mail]" href="mailto:[e-mail]"">....

19. Raw Food Cooking Workshop, Sat., April 26, 10 a.m. to noon. Spring into summer by learning how to add live, raw, soul food to your family's diet with Chief Femi on Sat., April 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. W.I.F. Excellence Church, 266 Robin Street, Decatur, across the street from Decatur High School. Registration is $25 and includes materials and taste testing. You'll learn how to prepare delicious dishes and  assorted chocolate and fruit truffles and a BLISS smoothie. Organic raw and living foods provide you with more nutrition, help boost your immune system, and regulate your body to better eliminate waste and toxins. Seating is limited so you must pre-register by April 25 at [phone]. The workshop is sponsored by Mothers Voices Georgia, Inc and its community partners.

20. Just Voices presents “Journey and Transformations,” the annual spring concert of choral music. The theme is the changes life brings - the joy of falling in love, nostalgia for the road not taken, the grief and dislocation caused by war and famine, and the final mystery of death. A wide variety of a cappella musical styles will be included such as vocal jazz, show tunes, folksongs, gospel, shape note tunes, and classical works. The concert will feature distinguished texts by Shakespeare, John Donne, Robert Frost, Christina Rossetti, and Sully Prudhomme. With special guests Soprano Alison Mion, pianist Eh Soe Moo, and singer/songwriter Elise Witt (Sunday only.) Adults $10, Students $5. For information call [phone] or email [e-mail].

Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. at Virginia Highland Church, 743 Virginia Avenue NE, Atlanta 30306;

Sunday, May 4, 4:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 515 Sycamore Place, Decatur 30030.

21. Seriously Funny - An Evening of Magic, Music and Merriment Believe Ministries Benefit Celebration Chicago humorist/comedian Dale Irvin will join illusionist/musician Greg Davidson to benefit Roswell's own Believe Ministries for an incredible evening of serious fun! Coffee & desserts, comedy, magic, music, message, and more! Your donation at this event will support the Christian outreach work of Believe Ministries. Order tickets by May 3 from [e-mail]  Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m., Roswell United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Information.

 

22. Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Atlanta, May 8, is an elegant black tie optional evening of gourmet food and wine featuring chefs from 50 of Atlanta’s top restaurants, live entertainment and live, silent and wine auctions. 100% of the net proceeds benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Genesis Shelter and Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters Georgia. Get your tickets today!

23. Is your Teen Ready to Drive? Find out at the ninth annual SafeTeen Georgia Driving Academy, Saturday, May 10, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Doors open at 9:00, main program 10 - 12, exhibits all day. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta 30339.Teens and their parents will: Learn about Georgia Driving Laws, Distracted and Impaired Driving, Trauma Care, Car Maintenance & much more; Experience a simulator distracted driving course designed to highlight the dangers of texting while driving; Watch the traffic court drama unfold in front of a judge; Interactive exhibits showcasing safety equipment; See area High School students compete in a “Chalk-Off” anti-texting and driving art contest Help your teen get ready for the roads! Police, Fire and EMS professionals participate.  Register at www.safeamerica.org/drive2014 or call 770-973-7233 for more information.

 

24. 21st Century Strategies Mini Tour 2014 is coming to the Atlanta area in September. Bill Tenny-Brittian and Bill Easum of 21st Century Strategies are taking to the road for the Only Four Things Grow a Church tour. These one day seminars, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., are designed for church leaders who are committed to seeing their churches become increasingly effective, faithful, and sustainable. The event content is suitable for clergy, staff, and laity – in other words, everyone in your church. Bring a team and save $10/ticket when registering 3 or more participants on a single order. Register at effectivechurch.net, Powder Springs First United Methodist Church, 4329 Marietta St. Powder Springs 30127 .

25. Bread for the world is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. www.bread.org  This year marks the 40th Birthday of Bread. It was one of the first nonprofits to show us how organized individual advocacy can effectuate policy change.

26. Greatest Stories of the Bible on TV for the Easter season.   

27. Created by a panel of distinguished experts, “Principled Pluralism: Report of the Inclusive America Project” discusses proven strategies for managing America’s religious diversity in a way that promotes informed respect and social cohesion. Dr. Robert Franklin, former Board President of the Regional Council of Churches and holder of the James T. and Berta R. Laney Chair in Moral Leadership at Emory, was on the distinguished panel that created this report and his response essay is featured in the publication. Read more>>

28. Browse the archives of the Princeton Lectures on Youth, Church and Culture – featuring scholarship related to youth and the church from thinkers like Kenda Creasy Dean, Andy Root, Jim Fowler, Shane Claiborne, Evelyn Parker, Miroslav Volf, Jurgen Molmann and Stanley Hauerwas. Browse by authors, themes and titles.

29. Passport, Inc. is a national non-profit whose goal is integrated, ecumenical, inspirational weeks of summer camp that model important lessons like service in the name of Christ. PASSPORT’s theological perspective respects the various church groups that are represented. Further, they understand the particular developmental needs of children and youth and will not allow any manipulation or pressure in any context during camp. It is not too late to consider an experience for your youth. Visit http://passportcamps.org/about-us

30. Information for anyone who might encounter someone in crisis. Behavioral Health Link is the crisis intervention arm for the Georgia Crisis and Access Line or GCAL 1-800-715 - 4225. The team responds to episodes when individuals are behaving erratically.  Severely depressed individuals, dangerously intoxicated people, or youth with behavioral outbursts can be engaged by a Mobile Crisis Teams to evaluate the individual and make the appropriate referral or intervention.  The number is the one to call in a crisis and remember that the crisis does not have to be acute for you to talk with a person and make an appointment to get needed help.    

31. If you have a ministry that works with victims of domestic abuse you will be interested in the 2013 Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review Report, click here.

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

[e-mail]

404-201-6448

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