Church Action eNewsletter Week of January 1, 2017

[RCCAtl]

Church Action eNewsletter
Week of January 1, 2018
God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
website with Community Calendar

1. Dr. Patrick Keen, pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, is the featured preacher on Day 1, Sunday, Jan. 7. His sermon “Taking Baptism Seriously” can be found at Day1.org. Hear it Sunday at 7:05 a.m. on News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB.

2.On January 8 Atlanta will host the College Football Championship Game and according to local ministry leaders involved in rescuing victims of sex trafficking, when major sporting events like the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and championship games come to Atlanta, sex trafficking increases. Will you be praying for freedom from trafficking and healing for those affected by sex abuse/sex trafficking in our community? Find out more at Atlantaprays.org.

3. Interfaith Children’s Movement General Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 2089 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta 30307. Join this group of concerned citizens who are working to ensure the well-being of Georgia's children. Networking at 6:30; program kicks off around 7. All are welcome. Please R.s.v.p. your attendance to [e-mail].

4. Dr. Peter Rhea Jones will lead a study of the Sermon on the Mount, Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Jan. 10-Feb. 7, Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta 30305. Dr. Jones has taught New Testament at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and McAfee School of Theology.

5. Health Care Unscrambled 2018, January 11, 7:30 - 11 a.m., the Freight Depot, 65 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Atlanta 30312. This annual tradition, during the first week of the Georgia Legislative Session, provides an opportunity for health care advocates and stakeholders to hear from state policymakers about what they plan to tackle in the year ahead. Also hear from Robin Rudowitz, associate director of the Kaiser Family Foundation's Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured. Tickets to Health Care Unscrambled are $50. Contact Laura Colbert for more information about the event or register on the link above.

6. Advocacy for Anyone! Make a Difference by Sharing Your Story. Wednesdays, January 10 and 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m., St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 2601 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, 30341. If you are concerned about issues like mental health, criminal justice, mass incarceration, the death penalty, domestic violence, equal rights, racism, and immigration, now is the time to get involved. The Ga. Legislative Session begins Jan. 8. Be prepared to contact your policy maker; learn to tell them the issues and facts important to you so they will listen and act; speak up for those who struggle to speak for themselves. Not interested in politics? You can be an advocate in many venues – learn the skills and see where they lead you! Please let them know you are coming, email Tommie Thompson [e-mail]

7. January 13 Wine, Cheese & the Spoken Word at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta features Scott Thomas Outlar and Ryan J. Outlar’s work has appeared in over 250 literary venues and been translated into Afrikaans, Albanian, Persian, and Italian. Ryan co-founded Mercer University's premiere spoken word organization and is dedicated to community and youth outreach through performative arts. Opening music by Shawna Floyd. An Open Mic session will be held offering local poets a chance to be heard. Underground Theatre, UUCA, 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE, Atlanta 30329 (alternate address for the parking lot 1597 Interstate-85 Frontage Rd, Atlanta 30329). Doors open at 6:45. Suggested admission donation $5. Shows may contain adult content and language. Direct questions to Carol Welter at [e-mail].

8. St. Catherine's Concert Series: The Summit Trio, Sunday, January 14, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., 16:00 17:30 St. Catherine's Episcopal Church, 571 Holt Road NE, Marietta 30068 (map)

9. Neshama Interfaith Center presents Morning of Reflection: "All the Great Religions of the World,” Monday, January 15, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Ignatius House, 6700 Riverside Drive NW, Atlanta 30328. In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, women and men of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to Ignatius House to reflect on what Dr. King called "A New Definition of Greatness." Guest speakers Fr. Jeffery Ott, Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, and Mr. Kemal Korucu will offer some thoughts on the legacy of Dr. King from the perspective of their own faith traditions.

10. Ben Hill United Methodist Church Annual Community MLK Program, Monday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. The guest speaker this year is Dr. W. Franklyn Robinson, senior pastor of the historic Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, community builder, distinguished theologian, and author. Ben Hill UMC, 2099 Fairburn Road, Atlanta 30331.

11. DivorceCare a biblically based 12-week course, will be offered on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 16 at Roswell United Methodist Church. This support group for people who have been hurt by divorce helps develop hope for the future and begin a healing journey. The class will meet from 6:15-8:15 p.m. in and is open to church members and the community. The only charge is $15 for the workbook. Info/ Registration at rumc.com/divorcecare or contact Jennie Martin, [e-mail] or [phone].

12. GriefShare, a biblically based 13-week course, will be offered Tuesdays beginning Jan. 16 at Roswell United Methodist Church. GriefShare is a support group where participants can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one. The class will meet at 6:30 p.m. and is open to church members and the community. The only charge is $15 for the workbook. Information/ Registration at rumc.com/grief or contact Jennie Martin, [e-mail] or [phone].

13. Join singer-songwriter and author of “Glory Happening,” Kaitlin Curtice in conversation with bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson at First Baptist Decatur, Carreker Hall, Thursday, Jan. 18, at 7:00 p.m., 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur 30030. Her book of stories and prayers reminds us take a closer look at our everyday circumstances to find the magical beauty in everyday experiences. It is an invitation to live deeply into every moment with the expectation that something good will find you. This event is sponsored by Conversations at First Baptist in partnership with Georgia Center for the Book. No tickets or reservations are required. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

14. The 7th Annual Old City Flower Festival will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, at the corner of College and Forsyth Streets in Macon. “Consider the Lilies of the Field,” will showcase the work of flower guilds from more than 15 Macon churches. The show will be open, at no charge, on Saturday, January 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, January 21, from 1:00 to 4:00, and Monday, January 22, 10 to 4. Complementing the show will be free, mid-day organ recitals Saturday and Monday, an evensong service Sunday at 5 with special music, an art exhibit and gift shop, and a free flower arranging workshop Monday at 10. Reservations, $10, are required for luncheons on Saturday and Monday. The festival was begun in 2012 by St. Joseph Catholic Church as part of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.”

15. Kinnara Ensemble Concert at Grace Church, Saturday, Jan. 20, 7 – 8 p.m., 422 Brenau Avenue NE, Gainesville 30501. Join renowned professional chamber choir Kinnara Ensemble on a musical journey from darkness into light featuring works by Johannes Brahms, Henry Purcell, Morton Lauridsen, and selections from Shawn Kirchner’s Heavenly Home. Comprising some of the nation's finest ensemble and solo singers, under the direction of J.D. Burnett, who also serves as associate director of Choral Activities at the University of Georgia, the group performs a wide variety of standard choral repertoire from all eras. More>

16. Would you like to educate others about your faith tradition? Would you like to participate in interfaith panels and promote pluralism and diversity? Are you able to stand in front of an audience and answer questions about your tradition effectively? The Interfaith Speakers Network New Speakers Training is for you! The training is an interactive session offered by ISN skilled speakers and includes a meal and refreshments. Sunday, Jan. 21, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., the Weber School, 6751 Roswell Rd, Atlanta 30328. Register here for the Atlanta training.

17. GriefShare is for those hurting after the loss of loved one: A grief support group begins January 21 at Northlake Church of Christ, 1625 Cooledge Road, Tucker 30084. Seminar sessions meet each Sunday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. For more information visit www.griefshare.org or call [phone] ext. 11 or email [e-mail].

18. Am Yisrael Chai Atlanta Annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Westin Perimeter on Sunday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. Join with members of many Metro-Atlanta synagogues and churches in attendance for “Conscience and Action” featuring Holocaust survivor, Leo Malemed and Chihiro Sugihara recounting the selfless, humanitarian effort of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese Consul who saved 6,000 Jews during the Holocaust. You can R.s.v.p. for free tickets at www.2018remember.eventbrite.com

19. End Mass Incarceration/ Healing Community Meeting, Monday, January 22, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Interdenominational Theological Center, 700 Martin Luther King Junior Dr. SW, Atlanta 30314. Through Healing Communities training we can transform faith communities across Georgia into Stations of Hope for people affected by the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Please R.s.v.p. your attendance to [e-mail].

20. St. Benedict's is reading “Shadow of the Lions” a brand new thriller and coming-of-age story about friendship, redemption, and what it means to lay the past to rest by local author Christopher Swann. They will host a talk with the author on January 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 2160 Cooper Lake Road, Atlanta 30380.

21. GBPI’s annual Insights Policy Conference is Jan. 25, bringing together stakeholders passionate about pressing policy issues facing Georgia. It provides the most up-to-date analysis of state policy through briefings on budget proposals, salient speakers, and thought-provoking discussions. Learn what’s working in Georgia’s public schools where poverty is concentrated and what more can be done to serve students better. Hear ways the state can improve access to mental health treatment. Be among the first to hear a new comprehensive vision for a Georgia where everyone can thrive. Registration is available for $135, which includes breakfast and a hot lunch. Thursday, Jan. 25, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Georgia Tech Global Learning Center (Directions and Parking)

22. The Alzheimer’s Association will present a workshop “Know the Ten Signs: Early Detection Matters,” Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, Lake Oconee Community Church, 1001 Village Park Drive, Suite 107, Greensboro 30642, Call [phone] for information.

23. Interfaith Children’s Movement Celebration of Children 2018 Conference is Thursday, February 1, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. "Creating Hope in Georgia's Children." What are the effects of early childhood trauma on a child's development? What should our response be to children who experience violence? In the midst of trauma, do we create a sense of hope? This conference is an educational event that focuses on improving the well-being of Georgia's children. Marietta First UMC. Click HERE to register, $10 fee includes lunch and 1 hour of CE Credit. Keynote speaker is Rockdale County Juvenile Court Judge Maureen Wood.

24. Author Discussion and Signing with the Rev. Peter Wallace, “Getting to Know Jesus (Again) Meditations for Lent,” February 1, at 6:30 p.m., St. Philip's Cathedral Gould Room. Wallace joins the Hart Readers to discuss his new book at just the right time to prepare for a meaningful Lent. Details may be found here. Other titles by Wallace here. Ensure your seat here.

25. Yes, an opera for the dogs! A recital at the First Baptist Church of Decatur featuring world renowned Tenor Gianluca Sciarpelletti who has appeared at Lincoln Center, The Met, Chicago, San Francisco etc. and will be accompanied by local pianist Daniel Solberg. He is touted as the next Pavarotti! This special recital will benefit Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, Inc. a charity established 2009 in Atlanta. Saturday, February 3, 4 to 6 p.m., FBCD, 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur 30030. After Party at Taiyo restaurant across from the church. Ticket information here.

26. The Leadership and Multifaith Program (LAMP) announces its annual symposium will be Feb. 17, "Religious & Scientific Perspectives on the Future of Life" will generate a multifaith discussion among scholars, clergy, community leaders, and students about science, spirituality, and the future of life on earth and elsewhere. Speakers will address this theme from diverse disciplinary perspectives. The keynote address by Dr. Arri Eisen, of Emory University, will be followed by three panel sessions: Life of the Mind-Body-Spirit, Life Here on Earth, and Life in the Cosmos. This symposium was organized in partnership with Georgia Tech Astrobiology and is co-sponsored by Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur. The event is free and open to the public and registration is required. Register here by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 6.

27. Justice Day, hosted by Georgia Justice Project, will provide a unique opportunity for local residents to discuss the criminal justice reforms that will have the most impact in 2018, and how we can get involved. February 26, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Georgia Freight Depot, 65 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta 30303.

28. New American Pathways Young Women’s Leadership Program helps high-school aged refugee women learn life skills and build self-empowerment as they work towards goals of long-term employment and college readiness. They’ve partnered with Vox Teen Communications to help these young women tell their own stories in a new way. One of the members recently had her story picked up by WABE – a powerful tale of leaving Iraq and finding a new home in Atlanta. Find a great and inspiring read at the link above.

29. One of Kanuga’s highlights each year is the Lansing Lee Conference and this year, March 16-18, it will address the role of civil discourse in America. Featuring members of the U. S. House of Representatives, Republicans and Democrats, along with nationally recognized voices from the church, this conference asks how we pivot from our current milieu to a place of cooperation and collaboration. In plenary sessions our representatives will share personally from their own stories and break-out workshops will include topics to equip attendees to be agents of goodness in the world. This conference is expected to be in high demand so early registration is suggested. People of all denominations are welcome. Moist of what you need to know.

30. Save the date, April 4, for the “Act Now: Unite to End Racism” rally on the National Mall in Washington, DC, http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/actnow/ sponsored by the National Council of Churches, the Conference of National Black Churches, the African American Clergy Network, and Sojourners.

31. Mercer University's Center for Theology and Public Life in partnership with the American Baptist Historical Society and Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies announces a conference in recognition of the centenary of Professor Walter Rauschenbusch's death. The Legacy of Walter Rauschenbusch will be held April 9-11, on the Atlanta campus of Mercer University. Rauschenbusch was a Christian theologian and clergyman who is considered the father of the Social Gospel movement of the first two decades of the 20th century. His work to bring about the Kingdom of God by "transforming the life on earth into the harmony of heaven' has inspired countless clergy and social reformers including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Desmond Tutu. Speakers include Dr. Bill Brackney (Acadia University), Dr. Christopher Evans (Boston University), Dr. David Gushee (Mercer University), and many more. For more and to register, go here or contact Edwina Cowgill at [e-mail].

Visit our website for a complete community calendar, links to the Toolbox for Mental Health Ministry, websites for daily devotionals, and many other resources. And, send us your announcements to [e-mail].

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter
The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.
[e-mail]