Church Action eNewsletter Week of July 6, 2026

[RCCAtl]

Church Action eNewsletter Week of July 6, 2026

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

1. DeKalb County and New Life Community Alliance celebrated the opening of a day center in south DeKalb that will provide shelter and wraparound services to homeless individuals during the daytime hours. The South DeKalb Day Center is designed to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with the services they need to regain stability and independence. New Life Community Alliance is at 3592 Flat Shoals Road in  Decatur. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and offers breakfast and lunch.

2. A reminder of the invitation from the Atlantic Institute to Fountain Forum at Woodward Academy, Thursday, July 9, dedicated to reflecting on meaningful themes and writings inspired by leading scholars and intellectuals. “Understanding Across Shared Values: The Architecture of Trust” invites us to examine how diverse perspectives can construct structural trust and cohesion within our communities. RSVP

3. Over the past week, several U.S. Supreme Court immigration decisions have reshaped the legal landscape surrounding asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and birthright citizenship. In response, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Advocacy reflects on what these rulings mean for immigrants, churches and communities, while reaffirming our commitment to walk alongside our neighbors. A new pastoral resource is also available to help congregations support individuals and families affected by changes to TPS, with versions in both English and Spanish. Read more here.Disponible en Español aqui.

4. The second Monday of every month there is a Free Food Pantry at Gateway Restoration Church, 4981 Phillips Drive, Forest Park 30297. Open to all residents; ID required. There will be non-perishable groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, and essential pantry staples.

5. From Mental Health America Georgia: Outreach Wellness Learning (OWL): Stress Management, Thursday, July 16, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. This program discusses the impact of stress on the brain and body, and discusses stress management techniques we can use in our day to day lives. REGISTER HERE

6. Tutu School Decatur and Brown Girls Do Ballet invite children ages 4 to 12 to a free community ballet class at Clarkston Community Center on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This beginner-friendly class will introduce young dancers to basic ballet technique, creative movement, and the joy of dance in a fun and welcoming environment. No prior ballet experience is required. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and be ready to move. Space is limited. To register for the class, click here.

7. The Community Foundation of Greater Atlantaoffers a free webinar series and online resources, nonprofit leaders can access practical guidance on topics including financial resilience, cash flow planning, scenario planning, and long-term sustainability. More than 100 organizations participated in the first session, Financial Foundations for Uncertain Times. Additional learning opportunities will continue throughout the year. Watch the free webinar. Next Webinar is Preparing Your Financial Story and Financial Information for External Audiences, Wednesday July 22, 1-2:30 p.m. It will cover: How to craft a compelling financial story for external audiences like funders, boards, and the general public – as well as for staff; What to include in external financials, with examples of best practices; What NOT to share: common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Ther will be time for Q&A. Register for the free webinar.

8. The Georgia Worship Choir is a community choir of diverse Christians united by their love for Jesus and Passionate about creating worship experiences that inspire people to draw closer to him. Registration for this fall is now open at Georgia Worship Choir

9. The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Street NW, welcomes concert organist Nathaniel Gumbs, director of music at The Riverside Church in New York City, as  a part of the Atlanta Summer Organ Festival, July 22, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.  Atlanta Summer Organ Festival: Dr. Nathaniel Gumbs. Donation of $15 at the door suggested.

10. Get Fit Expo, July 25, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lake Spivey Recreation Center, 2300 Walt Stephens Road, jonesboro 30236. Health screenings, adult and youth fitness, financial literacy. For more information visit www.claytonparks.com.

11. Each month Pitts Theology Library features an item from their Special Collections in the 30-Day Display case on the library’s second floor. Click on the link below to read about the 19th century Methodist conference minutes and their relevance to a decision the church made just last month. The item is available to see in person any time the library is open. Read the blog.

12. Would you like to volunteer with Crossroads Community Ministries. This organization empowers people experiencing  homelessness to progress on the road toward economic and personal stability. They have new opportunities for those looking to lend a hand.  Please reach out to Katrina Cheek [e-mail] for more details on how to get involved.

13. There will be a Three-Night Ignatian Weekend Retreat directed by Fr. Jim Fleming, SJ, and Andy Otto, MA, From Thursday, July 30, 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, August 2, 12:00 p.m. at Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center. Retreats at Ignatius House introduce participants to principles of Ignatian prayer and engage them in meditations based on key aspects of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This is a silent retreat. Find out more at Three-Night Ignatian Weekend Retreat

14. The Introduction to Contemplative Spirituality course focuses on how contemplative practices can foster daily healing and acceptance of God’s presence. Contemplative and Centering prayer are used in the course, along with other reflective practices. August 5-26 from the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary.REGISTER HERE

15. Save the date for the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center September 17-18 event  bringing together faith-based organizations, real estate developers, academics, national and local funders, and policy leaders to advance a shared vision for community development anchored by faith-based institutions.  Inaugural Community Development Symposium, will be held on September 17-18, 2026, at the Loudermilk Conference Center in Atlanta, GA.  

16. Planning has begun for the annual AMIS Welcome Reception where all international students and scholars in metro Atlanta's colleges and universities are welcomed to our community, meet other students, and learn about the friendship programs AMIS offers. This Sept. 26 event is the 48^th annual welcome. Last year more than 300 attended! The event buzzed with live music, catered food, a photo booth, international line dancing, door prizes, and icebreaker activities while fostering smiles and interactions across cultures. Atlanta City Council was there to present AMIS with a proclamation and welcome the students. Don’t you want to help? A lot of help is needed and it is fun! You can register at amisatlanta.org/welcome.

 

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter