Church Action eNewsletter Week of June 13, 2016

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
website
Church Action eNewsletter Week of June 13, 2016

Prayer Vigil for Orlando tonight, Wednesday, June 15, 7:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2461 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. The community is invited to the safe harbor of Covenant’s sanctuary for a service of healing and prayer over the events in Orlando. (We posted announced events happening before our publication on our website. You can always check in times demanding response to see what faith communities in the area are doing.)

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Litany for Gun Violence Prevention is written by the Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane offered for use in liturgies this coming Sunday or at any other time. It is appropriate for churches of any denomination and is available as downloadable bulletin inserts in English here and in Spanish here. A full Eucharistic liturgy, prepared by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, is available here. Hymn written for Presbyterians but appropriate for all. This hymn is particularly compelling as it is set to Ebenezer a tune we are accustomed to singing as “Once to every man and nation comes a moment to decide.”

Special summer sermon and lecture series at area churches have their own page on our website. Last week we explored Second-Ponce de Leon’s Wednesday night offerings and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta’s adult religious classes. This week take a look at Reformations – Past, Present, and Future, Glenn Memorial UMC Summer Lecture Series, Sundays, June 5 thru August 14, 9:45 a.m., 1660 North Decatur Road NE, Atlanta 30307. Emory University’s Candler School of Theology faculty will be back for another round of interesting theological topics. This Sunday, June 19, Brent Strawn will speak on The Old Testament and Re-Formation, Part 2: Deuteronomy and (Other) Kings. See the full schedule and other offerings at our website.

1. North Springs UMC invites you for a great day of shopping, Saturday June 18, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. You will find something that you love at the annual garage sale. If you need it we got it! Vendor tables can be rented for $10; contact the church office if you are interested. North Springs UMC, 7770 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, [phone].

2. Sip and Stroke or Strum and Sing RIA Style. June 18, from 4-8 p.m. Help say good bye to Reclaim It Atlanta’s 900 Wendell Court address by supporting a community arts fundraiser. Canvases will be old pallets, windows, doors, furniture-- turn them into beautiful works of art. Admission is a $5.00 donation and includes 1 beverage. Enjoy the warehouse atmosphere and creativity and celebrate six years of operation on the Fulton Industrial Boulevard Corridor. Simple designs will be available or you may design your own masterpiece. Musicians, come for a warehouse jam session. Bring your instrument, stools, and sound (if needed). Get a ticket here.

3. Iftar@Alif this Saturday, June 18, 8 p.m. gathering, 9 p.m. dinner. Prepurchased tickets $25 adult, $15 child (12 and under); tickets at the door $30 adult, $20 child. People of all faith traditions are invited for a traditional Ramadan iftar. Come learn about different Ramadan customs, discuss the impact of Ramadan on the Arab world and beyond, and share a delicious meal with old friends and new. To find out more or to volunteer to help call [phone] or email [e-mail].

4. The Rev. Dennis Patterson, associate priest at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta, is the featured preacher on Day 1 this Sunday, June 19. His sermon “The Power of Showing Up” is drawn from the story of Jesus and the man possessed by demons found in Luke 8:26-39. Visit Day1.org for blogs, podcasts, sermon transcripts, and recorded sermons.

5. Multi-generational Bible School at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 3050 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta 30311. This year's theme is "Running the Race with Jesus: Emmanuel Olympics 2016. Mon., June 20 – Fri., June 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m. This activity is free and dinner is served at 5:30.

6. Labyrinth and Taizé to Remember Victims of Orlando Shooting at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305. The Taizé service, Monday, June 20 at 8 p.m., will be a service of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the massacre in Orlando on June 12. Originating in Taizé, France, this simple service of scripture, music, and candlelight takes place every third Monday in Mikell Chapel. Prior to the service, from 6:30-8 p.m., the outdoor labyrinth will be open for all to walk and pray, with music.
7. Benefit Iftar sending food and relief to Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, Wednesday, June 22, 8 p.m., at the Alif Institute, is catered by Olive Mediterranean Grill and features Palestinian comedian Amer Zahr. Tickets are $40 and $35 for students; $45 at the door. Please R.s.v.p. to Emad Deeb at [phone] or Hani Almadhoun at [e-mail].

8. The annual Take Charge: Get Tested Health Fair is Thursday, June 23, Hurt Park, 100 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta 30303, 12-6 p.m., with fun, food and free testing hosted by the Empowerment Resource Center, the City of Atlanta, and STREETZ 94.5, Atlanta’s new hip hop station.

9. From the Edge Connection, Kennesaw, a workshop on branding your business, June 23, 6-9 p.m. The fee is $20 for this opportunity from a nonprofit that exists to provide comprehensive entrepreneurial education, support, and resources targeting low- to moderate-income individuals, women, minorities, and veterans. Register Now!

10. Roswell United Methodist Church invites the community to the 35th Annual Roswell Patriotic Celebration Concerts on Friday, June 24, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 26, at 3 p.m. RUMC Sanctuary Choir and the Atlanta Wind Symphony will present a program filled with favorites such as America the Beautiful, God Bless America, Stars and Stripes Forever, and the rousing Armed Forces Salute. Following the Sunday performance, RUMC will honor our veterans and their guests at a reception. If you are serving or have served in the Armed Forces, please come. Concert tickets are complimentary but necessary to ensure seating. For ticket information, go to rumc.com/concerts or call [phone].

11. While the global refugee crisis is a geopolitical issue, it also can provoke questions about values, ethics, and humanity on a personal and collective level. Seeking Refuge, an Emotional Intelligence Network sponsored event for UN World Refugee Day. Saturday, June 25 at 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., The Center for Love and Light, 1145 Zonolite Rd NE, Ste 10, Atlanta 30306. This event is one of hundreds of public discussions in 62 countries to raise awareness about the global refugee crisis. Space is limited, register here today!
12. Alternatives to Violence Basic/Advanced Workshop, Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Clarkston Women’s Club, 3913 Church St, Clarkston 30021. Learn how to respond nonviolently to situations where injustice, prejudice, frustration, and anger can lead to violent behavior. Learn proven strategies and methods for implementing nonviolent alternatives in your life. Open to all. Suggested donation: $20.00. Lunch is provided both days. No one excluded due to lack of funds. More information at www.avpusa.org and Facebook at “AVPAtlanta” You may call Heather at 315-263-1502. Register by email to [e-mail]

13. Fifty years in ministry! The C.E.T. gospel choir of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church is having a concert on June 26 at 3:00 p.m. honoring Rev. Clayton E. Taylor, Sr. and First Lady Sis Christine E. Taylor for 50 years of servant work. Larry Tinsley will be the guest MC and there will be special guest choirs, soloists, and praise teams. The church is located at 2870 Headland Dr., East Point 30344. Contact Patricia Redding or Zeneta Stinson at [phone] for more information.

14. Support the Atlanta Community Food Bank at the Summer in Spain with The Iberian Pig Simple Abundance Class Named for the Jamón Ibérico – a type of cured ham produced in Spain and Portugal – The Iberian Pig boasts authentically Spanish cuisine right in the heart of downtown Decatur. Executive Chef Eric Roberts’ offerings during this class will transport you overseas as he showcases a meal highlighting summer in Spain. Evening includes wine tastings sponsored by Sherlock’s Wine Merchant and a chance to win tasty door prizes. $55; Monday, June 27, 7 to 9 p.m., The Cook's Warehouse Decatur, 180 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur. Register

15. Interfaith Community Initiatives plans Immersion to Explore Clarkston Community in mid-July. Immersions offer individuals and organizations an opportunity to learn about other cultures, faiths and identities. During Immersions, we share meals, visit sacred spaces, and hear each other's stories. An Immersion is an experiential encounter program that creates new relationships and understanding. Watch for details or email ICI for more information.

16. If you are interested in the Disaster Chaplaincy Training in August, find more here.

17. High school graduate or young adult? Trying to figure out just where God is calling you to use your gifts and talents? Need a place to live and serve while you figure it all out? Then consider the Passion Collective, a gap-year program of service and spiritual direction in intentional Christian community. The Passion Collective is a part of Grace House and Lutheran Campus Ministries, Atlanta. Passion Collective missioners live at Grace House rent-free, in exchange for part-time service in campus ministry. Applications are now being accepted for the 2016-17 school year. Contact Devin Strong at [e-mail] or visit GracePeople.org to learn more.

18. What Does the Lord Require? Exploring the Tension of Doing Ministry in Changing Times! 2016 Women in Ministry Conference, 19-22, early registration ends today. For more information and to register, click here.

19. Mindfulness on the Mountain: An Insight Mediation Retreat at St. Mary’s Sewanee with Gordon Peerman and Paloma Cain, Nov. 11-13. Sitting meditation alternating with walking meditation form the basic structure of this retreat in the Insight Meditation tradition. Guidance in these practices along with evening teaching talks will be offered. This retreat is open to beginners as well as more experienced practitioners. To register, click here.

Check out our website at www.rccatl.org and remember we will be happy to put your announcements of special musical events, educational opportunities, volunteer needs, etc. in the newsletter. Just send announcements in the body of your email, no attachments please; be sure to include all contact information and pertinent links.
Peace,

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