Church Action eNewsletter Week of January 7, 2019

[RCCAtl]

Church Action eNewsletter Week of January 7, 2019
God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

Check the Community Events Calendar on our website for opportunities announced in earlier newsletters.

1. In the U.S., according to the CDC, more than 25% of the population has a disability . . . physical, intellectual, developmental; some disabilities are visible and others are invisible. If you live long enough, you will probably acquire a disability. Consider this: since 1 in 4 adults have disabilities, then it is highly likely you have a person with a disability in your faith community. Are you aware of who they are? Would you like to welcome them into your faith community? Should your faith community have this conversation? Stephen Taylor, Associate Caring Pastor, Mt. Pisgah UMC, has sent us this information and he has developed programs and initiatives to welcome and include people with disabilities as full members of your congregation. Please contact me at [e-mail] if you would like an opportunity to have this important conversation in your faith community.

2. Congratulations to AIB Network on 50 years of programming. Read AIB’s story and find scheduling at AIBTV.

3. Premieres January 8, at 8 p.m., on AIB Network, “The Teachings of Jesus from Aramaic." Aramaic scholar Dr. Rocco Errico provides an overview of this intriguing six-part series offering a deeper understanding of the culture and geography of the ancient Near East. This episode includes a reading in the Aramaic language of the "The Beatitudes," the opening verses of the "Sermon on the Mount." Dr. Errico translates and interprets the sacred text for a rare opportunity to hear the words of Jesus spoken in the language of Jesus. The second episode will be Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. More https://aibtv.com/

4. This is National Migration Week. St. Thomas More in Decatur is hosting a screening of the documentary “Human Flow” in honor of this observance on Thursday, Jan. 10. Filmmaker Ai Weiwei examines the staggering scale of the refugee crisis and its profoundly personal human impact. All Are Welcome! R.s.v.p.

5. Survivors Brunch for survivors of sexual abuse is Saturday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Good Samaritan Health Center, 1015 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta 30318. To R.s.v.p. click here.

6. “Temple Bombing,” Janice Rothschild Blumberg speaks to students on a range of topics highlighting southern Jewish history in another classic from AIB Network, Jan. 12, 9 p.m.
7. . Everyone is invited to Unity in the Community: An Ecumenical Worship Service of Hope, Peace, and Unity, January 13, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., McDonough First United Methodist Church, 151 Macon St, McDonough.

8. “The Jesus Fatwah: Love Your (Muslim) Neighbor as Yourself,” Jan 16 and 30, Feb 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Cathedral Book Store, 2744 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta 30305, led by The Rev. Thee Smith along with guest speakers. This program is free and open to the public. This three-night series will examine the basic tenants of Islam, separate fact from misinformation, and explore how to build bridges and relationships across differences of faith. January 16, Ms. Soumaya Khalifa, Executive Director, Islamic Speakers Bureau; January 30, Dr. Abdullahi An-Na'im, Candler Prof. of Law, Emory University Law School; February 6, Imam Plemon El-Amin, Imam Emeritus of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam.

9. King Holiday Week observance kick-off reception and Dream Forward Awards Presentation, Jan. 15, 6 – 8 p.m. The King Center-Freedom Hall, 449 Auburn Ave., NE, Atlanta 30312. This event is free and everyone is invited.

10. Representative Mary Margret Oliver and Senator Elena Parent will be at Wednesday night supper at Glenn Memorial UMC for a legislative preview, January 16 at 6:30 p.m.

11. Great Decisions Lecture Series meets at Dunwoody United Methodist Church every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., January 17 – March 14, 1548 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody 30338. GCIV is statewide coordinator for the Great Decisions Program helping facilitate discussion groups and lecture series that give participants the opportunity to expand their understanding of world affairs. Topics change annually and are based on the Foreign Policy Association’s nonpartisan briefing book. Contact Farah Amir for more information. Click here for more details on the lecture series and how you can register online.

12. The Atlanta – North Georgia Labor Council invites you to the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Breakfast, Friday, January 18, 8:30 a.m., Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree NE, Atlanta 30303. Speakers are Stacey Abrams and IUPAT General President Kenneth Rigmaiden. Tickets are $65. Contact Dominique Robinson at [e-mail] or [phone].

13. New ELCA Southeastern Synod Office and the Troutman Gordy Pavilion Ribbon Cutting, St. John's Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Saturday, Jan. 19, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Tours and refreshments will follow the ribbon cutting. Please R.s.v.p. by January 12 to [e-mail] or call (404)-589-1977.

14. Service of Commemoration: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Epiphany Lutheran Church, 2375 GA Highway 20 SE, Conyers 30013, January 20, 2019, 3:00 p.m. Praise Music begins at 2:30 p.m., the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, Bishop, ELCA Southeastern Synod is preacher for the day. All are invited to participate in this annual event sponsored by the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta and the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

15. 2019 Lutheran MLK Day of Service, a day of service to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, Monday, January 21, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here for information and registration.

16. MLK Day Parade, NAACP DeKalb County Branch, is January 21. Parade line-up begins at Green Pastures Christian Church at 10 a.m. Call the NAACP for more information [phone] or email [e-mail].

17. The Shadow Reigns! Archetypal Effects of the First Two Years of the Trump Presidency, lecture by Steven Buser, M.D., Saturday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m. this is free for Jung Society members, non-members $20, students $10. Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Road, Sandy Springs 30328. In 2017, Dr. Buser led a packed seminar looking at the early months of Trump's presidency. A lot has happened over the subsequent year. See www.JungAtlanta.com for more.

18. The Vega String Quartet, quartet-in-residence at Emory University, is cultivating a new generation of chamber music lovers through dynamic performances and innovative community engagement. The quartet has won numerous international awards and performed in venues and at festivals around the world. They will play at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 W. Peachtree, Atlanta 30308, Monday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 General Admission; $25 Students & Seniors (65+). Click here to purchase tickets for Vega String Quartet.

19. Mental Health Day at the Capitol 2019 will be January 29. This day of learning and advocacy is hosted by the Behavioral Health Services Coalition. More later…

20. “The Thriving Mystic: A Brain-Based Self-Care Conversation for Seekers” with Dr. Jerome Lubbe, Saturday, February 2, 9:00-1:30, Mary & Martha's Place, Register here. More on Dr. Lubbe here.

21. We’re all excited about the Super Bowl coming to Atlanta. The night before the big game will be exciting, too. Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose®, February 2, Cobb Galleria, is an annual strolling wine and food event featuring a chef from each NFL city serving their signature dish alongside a current or alumni NFL player. Guests will visit food stations, meet chefs and NFL greats, and dance to the sounds of a live band while raising funds for Feeding America food banks in each of the 32 NFL team cities. As the Super Bowl host city for 2019, the Atlanta Community Food Bank will receive the largest percentage of funds raised. Get your tickets and VIP tables today.

22. Save the Date for Second Chance Day at the Capitol! Expanding Expungement of Convictions in Georgia, February 5, 2019, 9:30 a.m., Georgia State Capitol, Room 406. Register Now. More information later.

23. The New Americans Celebration, Feb. 14, 2019, is the annual day of education and outreach for refugees, immigrants, and Georgia community members who support them. Every year the Coalition of Refugee Services Agencies welcomes over 300 volunteers to the Georgia State Capitol to engage with legislators and share why refugees and immigrants should continue to be welcome in Georgia. Guests are asked to register in advance here.

24. At Ajicast You are invited to eavesdrop on incredible conversations and performances at the intersection of art, inspiration, and justice. Host Marthame Sanders talks to musicians, photographers, pastors, activists, dancers, and more! Guests include the Rev. Aisha Brooks-Lytle, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. Subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, Overcast, TuneIn, or the rss feed. Visit the website for all information and to listen in.

Visit our website www.rccatl.org for the community calendar, the Clergy Tool Box for Mental Health Ministry, daily devotionals sites, and much more…
Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter