Church Action eNewsletter Week of December 3, 2018

[RCCAtl]

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.
God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.
Church Action eNewsletter Week of December 3, 2018

1.Shallowford Presbyterian Women invite the community to "God Lifts the Lonely," based on Mary's song found in the annunciation story in Luke, led by Amanda Burns Kemery, director of Youth Ministries at Northwest Presbyterian Church, Wednesday, Dec. 5. R.s.v.p. to [phone]. Shallowford Presbyterian Church Chapel, 2375 Shallowford Road, Atlanta 30345.

2. Northside Drive Baptist Church has its beautiful Advent Devotional online here.

3. “Following the Star,” the devotional series for Advent and Christmas, is now on Passport’s d365.org. This series features scripture, prayer, and reflection accompanied by gentle music. It sponsored by Passport, Inc., Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Presbyterian Mission Agency, and The Episcopal Church.

4. Historic First Congregational Church, UCC, presents an extraordinary holiday musical experience —one of the first downtown Atlanta holiday festivities of the season, and it includes “Hanging of the Greens,” and Holiday Jazz Vespers. Church sanctuary, 105 Courtland Street, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8, at 7:30 p.m. Featured artists include Kathleen Bertrand, Alex Latimore, and Tyrone Jackson. The Atlanta Jazz Chorus and The Third Sunday Band will complete the holiday mood. General admission is $30; student admission is $20 at the door with i.d. Free parking. For more information about the program, contact the church office at [phone].

5. Clarkston Community Center will host a Holiday Craft & Vendor Fait, Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., 3701 College Avenue, Clarkston 30021. Free and open to all. 

6. Christopher Wells will be at St. Anne’s Church, Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., for an exploration of the life and work of St. Augustine. This event is open to the public and especially designed to serve clergy as a continuing education opportunity. 3098 St. Anne’s Lane NW, Atlanta 30327. If you have questions contact Scott Miller at (404)237- 5589 or [e-mail]. Register here

7. For the 23rd season the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany presents an exhibit of nativity scenes from around the world from Saturday, Dec. 8, to Sunday, Dec. 16. From the elegant to the eccentric, the nativity is presented in materials from carved wood to volcanic ash. See the schedule and find out more here.

8. The community is invited to Advent Lessons and Carols, an offering of stories and seasonal music to help us prepare for the birth of Christ, Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 – 5:30 p.m., St. Teresa's Episcopal Church, 5725 Fords Road, Acworth 30101.

9. This Sunday evening, Dec. 9, the soloists and choir of Peachtree Lutheran Church will present excerpts from “The Messiah” and the majestic sounds of Christmas with the Willcocks Carol settings at 5:00 p.m. in Lessons and Carols by Candlelight. This will be followed by The Lights at Peachtree and The Living Nativity, with strolling carolers beginning at 7:00 p.m. All events are open to the public. Peachtree Lutheran is located at 3686 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta. More information may be found at peachtreelutheran.com.

10. Remember the Live Nativity at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Saturday, Dec. 8, 5-8 p. m. Participate in the greatest story ever told at Peachtree & 4th St. with live animals, shepherds, angels, music, artisans with quilting, spinning, wood-working, and more! Neighbors are invited to come help celebrate a new Midtown tradition. More details www.redeemer.org.

11. A well-loved tradition in the Chastain Park neighborhood, the Live Nativity at Sardis UMC is a dramatic presentation of the story of Jesus' birth featuring live animals and all the characters from the Christmas Story. Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, December 9. At 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. on both days. Sardis UMC, 3725 Powers Ferry Rd. Atlanta 30342. Free and fun for all ages! Christmas carols and refreshments. Bring the whole family. For more info, call [phone] or email [e-mail].

12. St. Paul UMC Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes is December 8 and 9. For more than 30 years, residents have welcomed visitors from near and far to their historic neighborhood for the much anticipated candlelight tour showcasing homes representing a myriad of architectural styles. Find out more here.

13. Day 1 preachers will explore Christmas with the gospel writers during Advent. Scott Black Johnston, the preacher for Dec. 9, is senior pastor of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, NYC. Earlier, Johnston was senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. His sermon is “Christmas at Matthew’s House.” “Look closer,” he says. “It’s not your typical Christmas tree. It’s a family tree. Matthew’s Christmas, you see, is a family reunion.” Hear it in our area on News 95.5 and WSB 750 AM, Sunday at 7:05 a.m. Visit Day1.org for more.

14. A Christmas Story with storyteller Gwen Napier and the New South Festival Singers at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2461 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305, Saturday, Dec. 9, 4:00 p.m. This wondrous celebration of the nativity features classical works, beloved carols for choir and audiences, sight, and story— a unique holiday celebration. Tickets.

15. Remember the Christmas Cantata at St. Timothy UMC Sunday, December 9, at 4:00 p.m. A festive reception will follow. 5365 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.

16. Blue Christmas Service, December 12, 6:30 p.m., Ormewood Church, 1071 Delaware Ave SE, Atlanta 30316. This service is designed for any for whom the season may be difficult. Perhaps this is the first year you’re celebrating the holiday without a loved one. Perhaps circumstances in your life have changed, or you just can’t seem to get yourself in the spirit of the season. This service is a way to be with others and to find light in the midst of the darkness. Childcare is provided.

17. Coro Vocati returns to All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 W. Peachtree St, Atlanta 30308, for what has become an annual holiday tradition and a delight for the aural senses in the midst of a beautiful space. Sunday, Dec. 16, 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 General Admission / $25 Students & Seniors. Click here to purchase tickets for Coro Vocati

18. Advent Quiet Night “Emmanuel: God's Me Too,” Sunday, Dec. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Amerson House Spirituality Center. Come away from the holiday rush for a nourishing meal and a time of contemplative worship, sacred readings, quiet reflection, and community sharing of how we long for and experience God-with-us, not just in theory, but in the flesh. To register Email Kimberly. Cost is $25 and includes dinner.

19. If you attended the first two Christmas on Clairemont concerts, then you know that this is a night not to be missed! December 16, 7 p.m., Decatur First Baptist Church. This is not a ticketed event but you are encouraged to bring a donation for Decatur Cooperative Ministry. Photos and more information here.

20. HOME, an Atlanta-based collective, will be hosting the Richmond Peace and Education Center for a Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities Workshop from Sunday, Dec. 16-Tuesday, Dec. 18. Based equally on trauma theory and in-the-field experience, this 3-day workshop focuses on recognizing and understanding extreme trauma and its effects on the individual, family, and community and how to start rebuilding. Find out more here.

21. There will be caroling at the North Avenue MARTA Station, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 5 – 5:30 p.m. If you are on your way home or want to make a special trip to join All Saints’ Episcopal Church clergy, choir, and fellow saints, you will be welcome. Festive attire such as reindeer antlers or elf hats will be delightful. There will be refreshments afterwards in the parish hall, 634 W. Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30308.

22. Blue Christmas celebration shines light into darkness. For many of us, Christmas is a tough time and can be the occasion for “feeling blue” in the midst of the culture focused on being happy and celebrating. At such times, we need to take time to acknowledge our sadness, loss, and grief. You are invited to move from “feeling blue” to experiencing the wonder and hope of Christmas. St. Mary's Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta 30305, at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19.

23. Adam English, chair of the Department of Christian Studies and professor of Christian Theology and Philosophy at Campbell University, “The Saint Who Would be Santa Claus.” Find out more about St. Nicholas in this interesting CBF blog. Hear it here.

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Peace, Ethel Ware Carter