Church Action eNewsletter Week of February 10, 2020

[RCCAtl]

1. Gateway Center is looking for volunteers who can assist one three hour shift a week, Monday-Friday, 9-5, with administrative tasks, working directly with those experiencing homelessness, or assistance with the clothing closet. For more information visit www.gatewayctr.org/volunteer or email Bec Cranford [e-mail].

2. Wildgoose Festival is now accepting volunteers for the 2020 festival in Hot Springs, N.C. Volunteer to serve in every aspect from silent disco, to recycling ambassadors. Enjoy conversations with Bishop Yvetter Flunder, Barbra Brown Taylor, Lenny Duncan, Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, Tony Campolo, Shane Claiborne, and many others. Come volunteer, and get free admission and free tent-camping space find out more at Wildgoose Festival.

3. Georgia Anti-Sex Trafficking Lobby Day scheduled for Feb. 13. Has been postponed to March 12. Stand with fellow community members, advocates, and elected officials to support legislation that protects our children from sex trafficking. Lobby Day Partner Organizations will offer a lunch and learn following the morning session. Find registration and buy a ticket for the lunch here. h

4. World Trust film “Healing Justice” explores the causes and consequences of the current North American justice system and its effect on marginalized communities. Showing and discussion of the film this Thursday, Feb. 13, from 7 – 9 p.m., The Church of the Transfiguration, 1815 Blackwell Rd, Marietta 30066. Mark Harmon and Bert Skellie will lead the discussion. See Feb.15 for downtown location. From Skellie, “See below a link to the web site for this film that I have been showing as a way to help us all imagine and advocate for a "criminal justice" system that really provides justice, not just punishment. It was directed by a person of color, and features mostly people of color, both formerly incarcerated people, and professionals. It's full of art, poetry, dance and incredible stories!” You will find the trailer near the top of world-trust.org/product/healing-justice/

5. Game Night at Neighborhood Church on Valentine’s Day, 1561 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta 30307, Friday, Feb. 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

6. A showing and discussion of World Trust film “Healing Justice,” with Cathy Harmon and Bert Skellie, 5:15 - 7:15 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW, 30303. A light supper will be shared starting about 5 p.m. Description under event on Feb. 13. See this link for parking www.catholicshrineatlanta.org/location

7. The Rev. Dr. O. Wesley Allen Jr., Perkins School of Theology at SMU is the preacher Feb. 16 on “Day 1” the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also online at Day1.org and by podcast. His sermon is based on Micah 6:1-8. “I’m a nice, decent person,” he says. “But this text from Micah says that God requires more than decency, indeed that God requires more of us than just being concerned about justice.” “Day 1” has been broadcast every week for 75 years and is distributed to more than 200 radio stations across America and overseas. Hear it on News 95.5 and 750 AM WSB Sundays at 7:05 a.m. For more information Day1.org.

8. Celebrate 109 years of impressive history, music and tradition with the Morehouse College Glee Club, Sunday, Feb. 16, 4 – 5:30 p.m. This free "Around the A" performance features the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Please note: Seating is first-come, first-served, arrive early at the Ray Charles Performance Arts Center early to secure a spot. No tickets required. 900 West End Ave SW, Atlanta 30310. More . . .

9. A reminder that Inspiritus hosts presents well- known author Jeanine Cummins and her new book “American Dirt,” which has been listed on New York Times’ top 10 list of books to read this year. Monday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Atlanta, 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave, Atlanta 30307. Tickets include a copy of the book. Tickets at Eagle Eye Book Shop..

10. A peaceful evening of prayer and contemplation, with music from the monastic brothers of Taizé. Bring friends, family, and your whole selves to rest and be restored in God's presence. All Saints’ Quiet Night, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m., 634 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30308. For more information, contact The Rev. Sarah Stewart at [e-mail].

11. The North Fulton Mental Health Collaborative presents “Mental Health and the Faith Community” Thursday, Feb. 20, 9-11 a.m., 2750 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek 30022. Studies show that when people are struggling with mental illness, they turn first to their minister, priest, rabbi, or imam. How can you be ready? Join in this networking event and panel discussion. Register here.

12. You are invited to the Black Worship Experience in celebration of Black History Month, Thursday, February 20, 11 a.m. and the grand opening of the Gammon Theological Seminary Center for Religion and Race. Come hear the WORD of God from Gammon student preachers.
653 Beckwith Street, SW, Atlanta 30314.

13. The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary new exhibit featuring North Carolina artist Ally Markotich. “Layer by Layer: Unearthing” paintings on inward exploration around the theme of Sacred Feminine. Available Feb. 20 - May 16. You are invited to an artist’s reception Feb. 20 from 12:00–1:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., M–F. For more information, call [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

14. Organ and Orchestra Concert featuring Georgia State University Symphony Orchestra, Thursday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309. The orchestra will perform Poulenc’s “Concerto for Organ, Timpani, and Strings” featuring First Presbyterian organist and GSU artist affiliate, Jens Korndörfer, as soloist. Free admission and parking. No tickets needed. Lanier Lot, 1337 Peachtree.

15. A free poetry reading by Nikki Giovanni hosted by Emory Libraries and Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library , Saturday, Feb. 22, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. More . . .

16. Capitol Conservation Day with the Georgia Water Coalition, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Georgia State Capitol. More . . .

17. “Who Is an Evangelical? The History of a Movement in Crisis” a guest lecture by Thomas S. Kidd, Distinguished Professor of History, Baylor University, sponsored by Pitts Theology Library, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., register at www.pitts.emory.edu/kidd-lecture .

18.Justice Day at the Capitol, Feb. 27, will bring together a wide array of community member organizations to show Georgia lawmakers the ongoing need for criminal justice reform and the still-needed changes to promote healthy and safe communities. Check the link above for more information and register here.

19. “The Power of Prayer in the Testimony” Prayer Breakfast, will be Wednesday, Feb. 29, from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Ben Hill United Methodist Church with Mrs. Duwanna Thomas. Tickets are available on the church website and a $5 donation per person is requested. Donations can be through the giving portal. For more, contact Gail Stafford at [e-mail]. Register here bit.ly/BenHillPrayerBreakfast2020

20. “Still and Still Moving: Exploring the Intersection of Contemplation, Creativity, and Action” Friday, Feb. 28, 7 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Mary and Martha’s Place, 4393 Garmon Road, Atlanta 30327. Explore across generations with Brie Stoner, focusing on how contemplation and action co-exist not as a dichotomy, but as a whole. You may participate in part of all. Go to the website www.maryandmarthasplace.com/specialevents/ for more specifics and to purchase tickets.

21. Atlanta Master Chorale ponders the big questions: Why are we here? Is there a God? “Questions and Queries,” Friday March 6 and Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m. Tickets and information at www.atlantamasterchorale.org/concerts

22. FaithMatters: Living a Resurrection-Shaped Life, March 6-7, The University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn., presented by the Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, bishop of the Episcopal Church in Western Louisiana and author of “A Resurrection Shaped Life: Dying and Rising on Planet Earth.” He will deliver a Friday-evening lecture and facilitate a Saturday workshop. All are welcome, and CEUs are available. Register here. The March 6 lecture is free and open to the public.

23. Georgia WAND hosts “The REAL State of the Union,” Saturday, March 7, 3 – 6 p.m., 9 Gammon Ave SE, Atlanta 30315. Please R.s.v.p. for a special screening and then discussion of the documentary “Suppressed: The Fight to Vote,” that features experts, poll watchers, and everyday Georgians speaking to the reality of voter suppression and the threat it poses in 2020.

24. The third annual” Multi-Faith and Community Leaders Workshop: Serving Families Facing Dementia” is about a month away. Caregivers are also welcome at this conference. Registration is open for this free event, a gift to the community from Dementia Ministry at Due West United Methodist Church, Thursday, March 19, at Due West UMC, 3956 Due West Road, Marietta 30064. Details and registration http://lovingthroughdementia.org/# . You can also register by emailing [e-mail]

25. Historic Pews & Pulpits Spring Ramble, March 21, Tickets go on sale Feb. 14. This scenic bus tour through rural east Georgia offers tours of five historic churches tucked away but not forgotten. Not only will you get to go inside the churches and hear about their humble beginnings, you'll be inspired by songs and words from some of the chancels and pulpits. Snacks & lunch are included. Buy Tickets .

26. NAACP DeKalb County Essay contest. Students can win $17,000 in this essay contest on the DeKalb lynching marker. High school and college students are encouraged to participate. Deadline is March 15. More Details.

27. Lenten booklet “Renewed by Living Water” from the Society of St. Andrew is available to order or download or you can sign up for a daily Lenten message by email. More here.

28. The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary offers courses to equip those working in ministry with older adults, “Spiritual Formation and Older Adulthood,” is Apr 29 to May 1. Click here to register or learn more.

29. Lilly Endowment Inc. opportunity for organizations that support Christian congregations to participate in a national initiative to strengthen churches by helping them understand and adapt their ministries to rapidly changing social and cultural contexts. Eligible organizations may submit proposals for up to $1 million that may be used for up to a five-year period to plan and implement their programs. A letter of intent is due by April 17, with completed proposals due by June 1. Learn more.


Visit our website for the complete community calendar, a tool box for mental health ministry, and more . . .

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter