Church Action eNewsletter Week of February 20, 2012

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

 Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta 

Ash Wednesday 

     RCCAtl.org  

 

Remember that all events listed in the eNewsletter are placed in the Community Events Listings on our website .  Newsletters are archived there at  eNewsletters --- with the most recent featured below the slide show of member churches on our home page under Featured RCCA Activities.

Lenten Resources including community events, series, and study and liturgical aids.

 

 1. Another workshop for seniors from Fulton County. “Home Sweet Home” Important Tax Exemption Information for Seniors, Thursday, February 23, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at  New Beginnings Neighborhood Senior Center,  66 Brooks Street in Fairburn  30296. For more information or assistance with special accommodations to attend the workshop, residents may contact Florence Brooks at 404-612-9184.

 

2. Contemplative Practice:  Soaking in Word and Silence, Thursday, February 23, 7-8:30 p.m., Deep Waters Center for Prayer and Exploration, Suggested donation $10. Come relish some quiet and stillness among a gentle community of souls.  No prior experience necessary. Just show up.   Learn.  Sit.  Listen.  Share.  Contact Kimberly at 404-275-3328 or [e-mail], Spiritual Director, Deep Waters Center for Prayer and Exploration, Amerson House at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 1790 LaVista Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30329

  

3. Author Deborah Scroggins will deliver a public lecture on her new book, “Wanted Women: Faith, Lies, and the War on Terror,” at Emory University on Thursday, Feb. 23. Part of The Halle Institute’s Speaker Series, the free event begins at 5:30 p.m. in Cox Hall Ballroom, 569 Asbury Circle. “Wanted Women” tells the story of militant Islam, Muslim women’s rights, and the war on terror through the lives of two women on opposite sides: critic of Islam Ayaan Hirsi Ali and religious extremist Aafia Siddiqui.. Admission is free, but guests should register  here. Read the complete release.

 

4. Excerpts from favorite African, African-American and Caribbean authors will be read at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 2005 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, as part of Black History Month. Sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women, the ECW Literary Parlor is open to all and to all ages.

 

5. Sunday, February 26, 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services, the All Saints' Choir will sing Jean Langlais' Missa Dona Nobis Pacem within the context of The Great Litany and service. Written by the 20th century blind French Organist Jean Langlais this beautifully dissonant mass setting will set a solemn tone for Lent. All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta.

 

6. An opportunity for people in your congregation to be their own advocates. Citizens are encouraged participate in public hearings to assist the County in finalizing amendments to the 2012 Action Plan concerning housing issues in the community.  Comments will be provided to Fulton County Board of Commissioners.  Find dates and locations and a little more information here https://rccapilgrims.ning.com/profiles/blogs/housing-issues-fulton-...

  

7. Update on the Georgia Interfaith Power & Light’s March 1 Awards Ceremony: Dr. William P. Brown, professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, will sign copies of his book. The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology ... examines the seven biblical perspectives on creation and argues for a new way of reading the Bible in light of current scientific knowledge and with consideration of the needs of the environment. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 435 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta  30308 Click here to RSVP

 

8. The Church Women United in Atlanta will observe a World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 2, 2012, at 10:00 AM, at Peachtree Christian Church, Peachtree and Spring Streets, Atlanta.  All interested women are invited to attend. CWU is a national movement through which Protestant, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and other Christian women may express the dimensions of their faith and work.  CWU is open to all Christian women wishing to manifest their unity by building through worship, study, and cooperative action.  For further information, please call 770-789-1503, P. Martin, or 678-938-2580, J. Tillman. See RCCAtl.org for a little on Church Women United .

  

9. Meeting God in the Wilderness:  A Lenten Quiet Day, March 3, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Amerson House, located at Saint Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 1790 LaVista Road, Atlanta. Quiet Days offer a time and space apart to hear ourselves and God more clearly and to receive the wisdom and grace we need to sustain us.  Join Rev. Beverley Elliott from St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church and Spiritual Director Kimberly Broerman from Deep Waters at Amerson House Spirituality Center for this time of quiet and stillness, prayer and reflection.Cost for the day is $30, which includes lunch.  Contact Kimberly at 404-275-3328 or [e-mail] to register.

 

10. The Tony Blair Faiths Act Fellows present Faith as a Force for Good: Joining the Fight Against Malaria, March 8, at RCCA member Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 2295 Benjamin E. Hays Drive. SW Atlanta 30311. Hear three faith leaders share why their faith inspires them to tackle malaria. Rabbi Analia Bortz, Congregation Or Hadash;  Dr. Gerald Durley, Providence Missionary Baptist Church; Tayyibah Taylor, Editor in Chief of Azizah Magazine. A program of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, Faiths Act is a multi-faith global movement which mobilizes people of faith to eliminate deaths from malaria. This year, Faiths Act is partnering with MedShare to raise funds for two containers of medical supplies to go to Sierra Leone, a country devastated by malaria. Confirm your attendance on Facebook here.  For more information see www.thestitchproject.weebly.com Contact [e-mail] if you have questions.  

 

11. Sign up your group for the March 11 Hunger Walk  

  

12. Do you want to preach a better sermon? Register now for a free 180 minute live online seminar to help you prepare and deliver better sermons. Charles Stanley, Jeff Henderson,  Register,  March 15, 1 – 4 p.m.

 

13. Unity North Atlanta Church invites the interfaith community to an evening of inspiration and teaching with Bishop Carlton Pearson.  Bishop Pearson is a shining beacon in the arena of interfaith dialogue and cooperation and will be joined by the Unity North Atlanta music ministry for a truly empowering evening of oneness and revival!  March 17. Unity North is located at 4255 Sandy Plains Rd. in Marietta and tickets can be purchased on line at www.unitynorth.org or by calling the office manager at 678-819-9100.  

 

14. An opportunity for your Health Ministry, youth group, seniors group, or any one in your congregation touched by diabetes: FOCUS-Stop Diabetes (formerly Diabetes EXPO),  Cobb Galleria, March 31, 9 a.m. -3 p.m.  FOCUS is the largest diabetes education program in the SE USA welcoming 3200+ people to a full day of free workshops, cooking demos by celebrity chefs, screenings, and over 60 exhibitors -- a senior pavilion addressing the concerns of seniors and a Youth ZONE serving children with diabetes featuring a fun area committed to healthy living for kids. For brochures in English or Spanish contact Carole Helms at American Diabetes Assoc. [e-mail].  Further, ADA will provide FREE GAS for the church bus to transport the people they serve.  Again contact Carole Helms at ADA to participate.

 

 Series and ongoing events

 

15. Visiting Nurse Health System , Hospice Atlanta Center Clergy Outreach Initiative -- a series of  four 2-hour seminars developed to help clergy minister to congregants who are facing a life-limiting illness, end of life, or grief.  The philosophy of hospice and concept of palliative care will be explored. There is limited space in these sessions. You may elect to take one or more of the sessions. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity do register soon.  See the website for more information and to register

 

 16. Sandy Springs Christian Church invites the community to a Wednesday night Lenten series "Journey to Hope" led by the Rev. Danny Gulden -  Wednesday nights for 6 weeks from 2/22- 3/8. Join SSCC following the remarkable journey of Jesus during his last week in Jerusalem according to the gospel of Mark.  Dinner starts at 6:15, donations welcome, worship at 7 p.m. and the Lenten series at 7:30. Please sign up if you plan to be there for dinner [e-mail]. Mark uniquely follows that last week day by day and the group will explore a new day each Wednesday. Read a bit about Danny Gulden who was really coming home when he assumed the pastorate of SSCC this January.

   

17. Celebrate the Lenten Season with Faith AME Zion Church. The theme for this year’s season is “A Model Prayer…A Model Community” – Matthew 6:9a. Guest preacher for Ash Wednesday service will be Rev. Ralph L. Thompson, Pastor of Keeney Memorial United Methodist Church. Services will be held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. featuring guest preachers. Rev. Jawwad Love will bring the message on Maundy Thursday, there will be a special noonday service on Good Friday, and Resurrection Day Service will begin at 10a.m. Faith is located 38 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr. Atlanta 30311.For more information, visit Faith AME Zion  or contact the church office at  404-691-4075.

 

18.  A Lenten Concert Series to be followed by Evensong will be presented at St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, 2160 Cooper Lake Road,  Smyrna, at 4 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 26-March 25. The series opens Sunday with the Kazanetti String Quartet.

 

Exploration of Immigration Issues at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta , free and open to the public     directions  

 

19. The Other Side of Immigration" documentary screening and discussion, Thursday, February 23 at 7:00 p. m.  at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta in Room 209/210.  This documentary is based on over 700 interviews and asks why so many Mexicans leave home to work in the United States and what happens to the families and communities they leave behind.   Subtle and thought provoking, the film challenges audiences to imagine more creative and effective immigration policies.   

 

 20. "Which Way Home" film screening and discussion on Thursday, March 1 at 7:00 pm at the UUCA in Room 209/210.  This film shows the personal side of immigration through the eyes of children who face dangers with enormous courage and resourcefulness as the endeavor to make it to the United States.  It follows several unaccompanied child migrants as they journey through Mexico en route to the US on a freight train.  These are stories of hope and courage, disappointment and sorrow.   

 

 21. "Sentenced Home" film screening and discussion on Thursday, March 8 at 7:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta in Room 209/210.  This film follows three young Cambodian Americans who came to the US as refugee children.  Raised in inner city Seattle, they pay an unbearable price for mistakes they made as teenagers.  Under strict anti-terrorism legislation enacted in 1996, even minor convictions can result in automatic deportation.  For some, this means being permanently separated from families and homes because of a minor offense.  

 

 22. The Cathedral Choir and Schola of the Cathedral of St. Philip invites you to join them for a choral pilgrimage through Lent this year with contemplative choral worship services on Sundays at 4 p.m., March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25. On April 1 the “Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols” will be one of the most moving services of the year. 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305

 

23. First Presbyterian Atlanta is introducing a new worship service. An hour long service in a new style -- acoustic music, inspired prayer and preaching, and a casual atmosphere. This service will be held in the Reception Room at 5 p.m. beginning on February 26. There will be childcare. The church is located at 1328 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309

 

24. The Governor's Office for Children and Families is pleased that many of you are interested in the training for mental health providers on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC).  We have new links for the registration.  If you have trouble clicking on the link, please copy and paste directly into your address bar.http://www.children.ga.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/41/58/1814645...  

 

 25. A treat --Georgia State University and Theatrical Outfit  Present: Southern Writers Onstage 2012 bringing the lives and work of southern writers to the public through a variety of presentations: lecture, music, readings, dramatizations, discussions. No Charge, open to the Public. Doors open at 7 p.m. 

Zora Neale Hurston, March 12, 7:30, Kim Brockington presents her one-woman show Zora! 

William Faulkner, April 23, 7:30, John Maxwell performs his play Oh, Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write?

Balzer Theater at Herren’s, Home of Theatrical Outfit, Luckie Street, Atlanta 

 

Of interest 

 

26.  The Gospel of the Prayer Breakfast is an interesting reflection on prayer, church and state, and how political leaders express their faith.

 

27.  LOCC Lake Oconee Community Church, a member of the Regional Council of Churches, has a new logo and has issued a beautiful statement about its meaning.

 

28. The National Festival of Young Preachers will be in Atlanta in January 2013. Each young preacher must be accompanied by a mentor.  In Standing on Strong Shoulders Kadri J. Webb discusses mentoring on  www.academyofpreachers.net    

  

29. Words Matter. If you want to sign up for a daily Lenten prayer from the National Council of Churches go to WordsMatter . 

  

30. The Cathedral Bookstore alerts us to recommended reading for Lent available from their shelves at  the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta 30305.The store is open 10 to 5 on weekdays, and 10 to 1 on Saturday and Sunday. Call if you need more information. 404-237-7582 or 800-643-7150. The booklist is at  RCCAtl.org   or see a variety of Lenten resources here . The bookstore is on line at http://www.cathedralbookstore.org/

 

31. Just for fun:

Anyone who considers Lent boring or deadly serious never met the Rev. Tim Schenck. While others may be contemplating whether to give up chocolate or alcohol, or which spiritual discipline to take on for a solemn 40 days, Schenck is busy pondering whether Augustine or Lancelot Andrewes would match up better with Joan of Arc in a saintly sparring match. In 2010, Schenck started Lent Madness, a saint-vs-saint online competition on his blog modeled after college basketball’s March Madness tournament. The idea caught on, and the madness has spread to include celebrity bloggers and, this year, its own website and Facebook fan page and a partnership with Forward Movement. http://bit.ly/A43Ro4

 

 32. The time for spring planting is fast approaching. Atwood Community Gardens, West End Urban Agriculture Training Site, needs help to get their gardens in order. Every first and second Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.  For more info, contact Dana Jewel Harris djharris@nextstepsyep.

 

Join Twitter and follow us as we tweet the Bible one chapter at a time. We are @RCCAtl   

 

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

404-538-0246

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