Church Action eNewsletter Week of January 9,, 2023

[RCCAtl]

As people of faith, we are called to live out our mutual values of love, justice, mercy, and hospitality. An easy way to do this is to become a constituent of the state-wide Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center. The Center will track legislation at the state level and alert you by email if your voice is needed on issues you care about. In addition, the Center offers educational opportunities across the state throughout the year. Learn more and sign up at gippc.org.

This is a notice that application information for Phase 40 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for the Atlanta/Fulton/DeKalb and Gwinnett jurisdictions is posted at www.efsp-atl.org.  Unfortunately, the application is not live right now on Fluxx due to a technical delay, but at the website you can find information on how to register in Fluxx, how to have an application added to your account and how to register for upcoming application TA sessions.  Applications will go live early this week. Because of this delay, the application deadline is extended through Monday, January 30. 

 

 In a climate of deep partisan antagonism and widespread misinformation, confidence in our elections has been declining for many reasons. The real-world implications of this moment cannot be overstated.  Join The Carter Center for a special event with the Ford School of Public Policy and the Gerald R. Ford Foundation, Thursday, Jan. 12, 4:00 p.m. This event is in Ann Arbor but you can join virtually Register Here. Join a discussion of how to bolster voter confidence in our democracy in this heightened environment with former Michigan U.S. Representatives Andy Levin (D-MI) and Peter Meijer (R-MI) and Amb (ret) Susan D. Page, Michigan Law and Ford School professor from practice and Carter Center trustee

The King Center 2023 Beloved Community Global Youth Summit, Thursday, January 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., online.  RegistrationT

The King Center 2023 Beloved Community Global Summit, Thursday, Jan. 12, General Session, 12.00 – 5:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13 General Session: 10.00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

RegistrationDiamond in the Rough Village, a Virtual Parent Café, offers “From Pain to Purpose,” a personal journey of child exploitation and human trafficking with Dr. Dorsey Jones, Saturday, Jan. 14, 10:30 – 12 noon, Cannon Church, 2424 Webb Ginn House Road, Snellville 30078.

The King Center 2023 Beloved Community Awards and Afterglow, Sat, Jan 14 at 7:30-11:59 p.m., 265 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta 30303. Tickets are on sale at 

RegistrationThe Emory University Urban Health Initiative’s Rolling Suitcase Drive continues on MLK weekend, January 14-16. Rolling suitcases & backpacks help Atlanta’s unhoused population transport their valuables more securely that in trash bags, and they increase personal dignity. Cold weather is particularly challenging leading to higher rates of domestic violence over the holiday season. Suitcases can be delivered to the Atlanta Mission, 2353 Bolton Rd NW, Atlanta 30318. Please ensure all donated suitcases have wheels, are empty, & new or lightly used. Questions? Please reach out to Will Newman ([e-mail]), Madison Li ([e-mail]), or Ella Kaufman ([e-mail]) of Emory’s UHI.

The Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls, pastor of Franklin Baptist Church in Franklin, Va., is the preacher Jan. 15 on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also online at Day1.org and podcast. Qualls was associate pastor of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta for 16 years. His sermon is based on John 1:29-42, John the Baptist’s public testimony that Jesus is the Son of God. John’s disciple Andrew and another unnamed disciple turn and follow Jesus. Qualls says, “If Jesus asked what we are looking for, could we answer like they did?”  “Hear the program on WSB 750 AM and 95.5, Sundays at 7:05 a.m. For more information, check the program’s website, http://day1.org. 

Join the Emory community, Jan. 15-22, for its annual series of programs honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. A full listing of events can be found here. 

Organist Charles Tompkins will perform at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Sunday, Jan. 15, in person and livestreamed on the Cathedral website. The 3:15 p.m. program includes works by Franck, Bach, Kim, DeCosta, Elliott, Price, and Jongen. Tompkins is Distinguished University Organist and Professor of Music Emeritus at Furman University in Greenville, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Eastman School of Music. Following the recital, the Cathedral offers a service of Choral Evensong.

MLK Weekend Tree Planting, Brook Run Park, 4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody 30338, Monday, January 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Help plant 100 new trees near the multi-use to help sustain our urban forest. These trees will provide cleaner air, cool shade, and all around improved habitat for humans and wildlife living in our community. Planting tasks include digging holes with shovels/mattocks, untangling roots with your hands, mulching, watering, and cleaning up your area. Physical activity such as bending, lifting, and kneeling is required. Register Here

Bryan Stevenson is keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service, and Dr. Bernice King will deliver the Call to Commemoration, in-person at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta. Monday, Jan. 16, 10:00 a.m., doors open at 8:00.

Find out about the King Day of Service, Jan. 16, at Events - The King Center

Oxford College of Emory University presents A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King Jr. on Tuesday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m., at Old Church, 1011 Wesley St., Oxford 30054. This free event will include music from Oxford College groups as well as an Interdenominational Community Choir from Newton County. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Marla Frederick, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Contact Rev. Dr. Lyn Pace, College Chaplain, at [e-mail] if you have questions. 

Georgia Budget & Policy Institute experts will discuss their findings ahead of the 2023 Legislative Session and share ways that leaders and advocates can work together to create an equitable and inclusive state budget that reflects the needs and priorities of Georgia’s communities. You can click below to view the conference schedule and sign up for the kick-off reception. Register Now. Virtual program starts Thursday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m.

Widowed Helping Others (WHO), meets the first and third Thursdays; 6 p.m.; at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw. Widows and widowers are invited to join in fellowship and activities. Email [e-mail] call 770-833-8088 for more information.

An Evening with Jane Pauley, Monday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. Pauley, one of broadcasting’s most respected journalists and host of CBS Sunday Morning, is a powerful advocate in the field of mental health. She has spoken candidly about being diagnosed with mental illness at the age of 50.  Her subsequent journey of self-reflection and wellness will be the focus of this special evening presented by The One Lamb Mental Wellness Initiative.  A donation of $20 per person will benefit One Lamb.  Online registration with complete details is available at www.prumc.org/register.

The Aquinas Center at Candler School of Theology will host its annual Aquinas Day events on campus, Jan. 26. Craig A. Ford, Jr., assistant professor of theology and religious studies at St. Norbert College, will preach in worship at 11:05 a.m. and at 12:00 p.m. will present the Aquinas Day lecture, “Whose Aquinas? Which Natural Law?” Learn more and register for the lecture.

Candler Foundry, Jan. 26-Feb. 23, Short Course "Walking Together: A Catholic Dialogue on Sexual Orientation and Gender" taught by Provost-Candler Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow in Catholic Studies Ismael Ruiz at Candler School of Theology. Learn more and register.

Turn in Tours at Ignatius House begin this month. Have you ever driven by and wanted to “turn in” to find out more about this ministry and retreat center? Join a one-hour, no cost, behind-the-scenes look at Ignatius House. Take a guided tour and hear how this mission serves thousands each year. They look forward to welcoming you!  https://bit.ly/3UB60yF. Free.  

There are a couple of spaces left in “Finding Our Quiet Center” Women's Spiritual Renewal Retreat, February 3-5, Lake Junaluska, NC. For more information or to register, contact Kimberly - 404-275-3328.

Hunger Walk Run is back for 2023 - both in person and virtually. This year marks the 39th anniversary of this incredible event as we take steps together to end hunger in our community. Register today to show your support for our neighbors in need.Have questions or interested in becoming a corporate sponsor? Email

[e-mail].

This year Mercer University McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta welcomes Dr. Karoline Lewis, the Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary, to deliver the William L. Self Preaching Lectures, Feb. 27-28. The theme for this year’s lectures is A Generous Homiletic. Register Here 

You might be interested in finding out about Wild Wonder Camp from A Rocha USA, a community of Christians working in biodiversity conservation to protect and restore vulnerable habitats, species, and communities. Their programs and conservation projects focus on applied scientific research, environmental and theological education, and environmental action. Key areas of work in the USA are marine conservation, climate action, and habitat preservation. As a part of the worldwide family, they are committed to restoring people and places by providing resources and community for those interested in biodiversity conservation and caring for creation. More here . . .

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8 is the direct line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline counselors for those seeking help in a mental health crisis. Please reach out if you or your loved one is in need. Contact Maggie Rousseau, director of the Disabilities Ministry, at [e-mail], for other resources.