Church Action eNewsletter Week of July 20, 2026

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

 

1. The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage. Patient care is at risk. Visit www.redcrossblood.org to find a location where you can make a donation.
2. On the Pitts Theology Library blog, you can learn about Columbia Theological Seminary student Kwon Hosey’s exploration of the history of the translation of the Psalms into English in the 16th century. Click on the link below to learn about this fascinating history. Read the blog
3. What makes loving our neighbors so difficult? On the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship podcast, Andy Hale sits down with Katherine M. Douglass and Brittany M. Tausen, co-authors of Love Your Neighbor: How Psychology Can Enliven Faith and Transform Community, to explore how psychology and faith can help us cultivate deeper empathy, stronger relationships and more connected communities. Find the podcast here.
4. From Mental Health America Georgia: Outreach Wellness Learning (OWL): Caregiver Wellness Tuesday, July 21, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. This program centers on the importance of stress management for caregivers, whether formal or informal. REGISTER HERE
5. Singing at Emory Presbyterian Church ‘Christmas in July’ singing, Thursday, July 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m., in the fellowship hall at Emory Presbyterian Church, 1886 North Decatur Rd, Atlanta 30307. Park behind the church, off Westminster Way. Singing will be Christmas songs from the Sacred Harp and An American Christmas Harp. Feel free to bring copies of any 4-shape Christmas songs you like. Holiday snacks and attire encouraged!  Get information from [e-mail] in receiving more information about or signing up for the Johns Creek Chorale Summer Choral Project? Please email [e-mail] visit The Johns Creek Chorale | choir | 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns .... July 23-26, Simpsonwood United Methodist Church.
6. 5. From Ignatius House: Join renowned retreat leader, speaker, and author Carl McColmanfor a silent weekend retreat exploring the spiritual wisdom of sacred poetry from around the world, July 24-26. Drawing from voices as diverse as Saint John of the Cross, Rumi, Basho, Mary Oliver, and David Whyte, participants will engage poetry as a doorway to prayer, contemplation, and deeper awareness of the Spirit's presence in their lives. Through silence, reflection, discussion, and a lectio divina-inspired approach to reading, this retreat offers a welcoming invitation into the beauty, mystery, and wisdom of the world's great spiritual traditions. Register
   6. Prayer Service for Venezuela. Everyone is invited to Hope in the Midst of Suffering, a prayer service organized by the Re-Church Project, ESL class partners. Come at 10 a.m. to the Sanctuary of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree Road E, Atlanta 30305, Saturday, July 25, for a time of prayer, reflection, solidarity and hope for the people of Venezuela.
   7. GetFit Expo, July 25, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lake Spivey Recreation Center, 2300 Walt Stephens Rd., Jonesboro 30236, with health screenings, adult and youth fitness, and financial literacy. For more information contact Braylon Finch [phone].
   8. Self-Help Credit Union – a nonprofit credit union with a focus on economic justice in underserved communities – is hosting an event on Tuesday, July 28 in Atlanta’s West End (921 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd) called “Building Bridges: Faith, Finance and Community.” The event will bring together local faith leaders, community members, and nonprofit partners for meaningful conversation, relationship-building, and collaboration over coffee. Anyone is welcome drop in anytime from 11am-3pm to enjoy great conversation while connecting with others who are committed to strengthening our community. If you're interested in attending, please email [e-mail] or R.s.v.p. here.
   9. Question, Persuade, and Refer from Mental Health America Georgia, Wednesday, July 29, 2026 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. This training teaches participants how to recognize the signs of a suicide crisis, how to persuade the person to get help, and how to refer them to appropriate resources. REGISTER HERE
   10. The Support Group for the Families and Friends of Alcoholics/Addicts in Greensboro meets every other Wednesday at 6:15-7:45 p.m. at First Methodist Church, 202 W. Broad St., Room 206, Greensboro 30642. For more information, contactLarryor Joyce. This is a welcoming and confidential discussion group. The purpose is to share wisdom, strength, and hope, drawing from firsthand experiences in coping with the challenges of having a loved one who struggles with addiction.
   11. Grants for Ministry: Where Generosity and Capacity Meet from Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Seminary. In this online course, you will learn whether grants are the right way to fund your ministry project and, if so, how to write a persuasive proposal. Wednesdays, Sept. 23- Oct. 14, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Register and find out more here.
   12. Interfaith America’s Faith in Elections Playbook equips faith-based and civic groups with accessible, actionable resources for constructive engagement with elections. The playbook outlines ways faith and community leaders can join the critical work of democracy-building across America. With this curated information, organizations can identify engagement opportunities that best align with their communities’ needs, interests, and skills. View the Playbook Here
   13. Rising day Ministries of the Lord’s Day Alliance invites us to discover the sweetness of slowing down in this 8-part blog series inspired by bees, honey, and the God-designed rhythm of Sabbath. Through personal stories, Scripture, and practical encouragement, you’ll explore how stepping away from constant busyness can help us rediscover rest, delight, and the deep sweetness of God’s presence. New posts will be added each Wednesday. Read the series here: Sweeter Than Honey Blog Series.
   14. The Emerging Leaders for Community Change Cohort — an initiative of the Faith Forward Democracy network and the Carter Center— is now accepting applications. Designed to empower the next generation of peacemakers and drive lasting positive impact across metro Atlanta, the program welcomes applicants ages 18–30 from all backgrounds, traditions, and ideologies. For questions, please view our FAQ page here. Apply by August 18. Apply Here
   15. Free English as a Second Language Classes for Adults at Buford First United Methodist Church, 285 E. Main Street, Buford 30518. Classes begin in the fall and meet on Sundays 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. For information or questions call the church office at [phone] or email [e-mail]. Free Childcare for children, 4 years and older.

   Clases de Inglés gratis para adultos, La Iglesia de Buford First United Methodist. 285 E. Main Street, Buford 30518. Domingos de otoño y primavera. Para más información o preguntas: llame a la oficina [phone] o puede comunicarse via correo electronico [e-mail]. Cuidado de niños proporcionado para niños de 4 años en adelante.

   18. As we prepare for the upcoming midterm General Election, please save the date for the fourth Service of Prayer event on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at The Carter Center. Join faith and youth leaders from Georgia for this unique multi-faith convening to help us all reflect on the values that connect us ahead of the election. More details forthcoming.
   19. Faith-Based Senate District Elections Coalition: This non-partisan initiative is designed to engage and organize faith leaders and institutions across Metro Atlanta to help ensure that every eligible citizen can safely, confidently, and freely participate in the election. The process can be duplicated anywhere in the state. For more information, please contact Andrew Lewis at [e-mail].
   20. Leadership in Ministry (LIM) Workshops. Find a trusted cohort that nourishes whole-self formation, not just your role, through the Center for Lifelong Learning’s Leadership in Ministry workshops. November 9-11, 2026 Leadership in Ministry Atlanta.