Church Action eNewsletter Week of March 12, 2012

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

 Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta 

 

Remember that all events listed in the eNewsletter are placed in the Community Events Listings on our website .  Newsletters are archived there at  eNewsletters --- with the most recent featured below the slide show of member churches on our home page under Featured RCCA Activities.

Lenten Resources including community events, series, and study and liturgical aids. 

 

1. Come hear the Eckerd College Concert Choir as they perform the first concert of their spring tour at Covenant Presbyterian Church 2461 Peachtree Rd Atlanta 30305 Parking behind church or along Terrace Drive. The Eckerd College Concert Choir and Eckerd Ringers travel around the world to perform and they are in Atlanta this week. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 15.

 

2. You are invited to an upcoming financial education workshop that Wells Fargo is co-hosting with Concerned Black Clergy on March 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church, 2540 Campbellton Road, Atlanta. Wells Fargo team members and partner CredAbility will deliver presentations on developing a savings plan, banking products and services which support financial stability, credit scores, mortgages, and steps to take to become a homeowner. The workshop is free and all are welcome.

 

3. Interfaith Sisters Dialogue, Monday, March 19, 6:30--8:30 p.m. Two women will present “Women’s Gnostic Spirituality and the Gospel of the Beloved Companion. " Please bring your own supper. Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. For more information call 404-875-7483.

 

4. Stillman College Men's Choir Concert at Columbia Presbyterian Church, 711 Columbia Drive, Decatur 30030. Monday, March 19, 7 p.m. Come out to hear some wonderful music for a great cause. Contact Rev. Tom Haygood for more details at  404-284-2441 or [e-mail].

 

5. Communication is Key: Healthy church strategies for email, websites, social media,  and communication, Tuesday, March 20, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with an optional tutorial available from 3-4 p.m., at Mercer University, Atlanta, presented in partnership with the Center for Teaching Churches. Learn why communication is a key practice for a healthy congregation. $125/person - lunch is included. For a group of 3 or more from the same congregation  or staff, cost is reduced. Registration is limited, so please register early. Learn more and register or contact Robin Danner [e-mail] or 336-716-9722. 

 

5. Is your senior group in need of some tax advice? The Fulton County Office of Housing and Community Development and the Fulton County Tax Assessors Office will host two more Home Sweet Home Important Tax Exemption Information for Seniors workshops. Tuesday, March 20, 1 - 2 p.m. at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive; Sandy Springs 30328;

Tuesday, March 27, Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., SE, Atlanta  30312.

For more information and assistance with special accommodations to attend the workshop, contact Florence Brooks at 404-612-9184.

 

6. Anne S. Emanuel, author of Elbert Parr Tuttle: Chief Jurist of the Civil Rights Revolution, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in Ellis Hall at All Saints' Episcopal Church, Atlanta. A graduate of the Emory University College of Law where she served as editor in chief of the Emory Law Review, Emanuel clerked with Judge Tuttle when he served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Tuttle (1897-1996) was an All Saints' parishioner and vestry member. For more information contact the Rev’d Noelle York-Simmons at [e-mail] or 404-267-4276.

 

7. Candler School of Theology presents an evening of song with John Bell, Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel.  Renowned for his ability to get an entire church singing, Bell is a minister in the Church of Scotland and a member of the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian group known for its commitment to the renewal of worship. He has composed numerous hymns and songs, including "The Summons," and is known for integrating songs from around the world into a congregation's repertoire. Tickets are $20, free with student ID, s read MORE...

   

 8. It is not always easy to reach across cultural and linguistic boundaries and reach out to our neighbors. These are skills that are acquired through learning and practice. The Internationals Cluster is offering an opportunity for you to do just that. On Wednesday March 21 at 6:30 p.m. EST and then again at 6:30 CST a webinar on Women in Islam will be offered. Come prepared to have stereotypes challenged as you meet two engaging women. If you would like to participate in this event please email Nell Green at [e-mail] or indicate your participation on the facebook event. You will receive information necessary to log in and an opportunity for a practice session if you are not familiar with the technology.

 

9. Church and Race Dialogue, March 22, 7 p.m., Columbia Theological Seminary, Harrington Center, 701 S. Columbia D.... Speakers from the Columbia Seminary community and connected pastors, Rev. Dr. Joe Roberts, retired pastor of Ebenezer Baptist, professor of Preaching at CTS; Rev. Dr. Nibs Stroupe, pastor of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church; and Rev. Dr. Jin S. Kim, pastor of Church of All Nations, Minneapolis, will speak from their own experience, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dean Deborah Mullen and a time of Q&A. There will be refreshments and time for fellowship afterward. For more information, contact Hanna Kim [e-mail].

 

10. Are you preparing to apply to a doctoral program?  If so, the Ministry of Scholarship dinner is for you! Presented by the Office of Black Women in Church and Society in conjunction with the Black Women in Ministerial Leadership Program at ITC this dinner will be March 27 at ITC.  Faculty from various academic institutions and representatives from the Fund for Theological Education will discuss the application process and success indicators. People from Candler School of Theology at Emory, McAfee School of Theology at Mercer, Columbia Theological Seminary, and The Interdenominational Theological Center who are seriously considering doctoral studies are invited.  Space is limited; if you would like to receive an invitation email the Black Women in Church and Society office at [e-mail] no later than March 19.  Please indicate your desire to participate in the Ministry in Scholarship dinner and include the name and email address of a faculty member with whom you have been in conversation about your plans.

 

11. Second Annual Women’s Herstory Event, An unforgettable evening with a human rights champion. This event is sponsored by Women of AT&T Atlanta Chapter who welcomes Malika Saada Saar, Managing Director, Human Rights Project for Girls, March 27, 6 – 8 p.m., AT&T Conference Center, 725 West Peachtree Street, 2nd Floor, Atlanta 30309,  enter at 3rd and Cypress Streets. Free and open to the public.  Middle school age and up are welcome.  Registration is required.  Click here to RSVP

 

12. Brother Sun in a Community Concert, Saturday, March 31, doors open at 7:00, concert begins at 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett, 12 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, Just north of the intersection with Ronald Regan Parkway. Reservations are encouraged. Send checks payable to UUCG to UU Congregation of Gwinnett, Attn: Brother Sun Concert, 12 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30044. Calling upon contemporary songwriting, and informed by the deep roots of gospel, blues, and folk, this trio weaves a tapestry of harmony that is brilliantly fresh and yet familiar.. three rich voices blending on a well-crafted foundation of guitar, slide guitar, and piano. Non-smoking wheelchair accessible facility with handicapped parking. No alcohol available. Recommended donation: $15 when paid in advance; $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit the artists and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett. More at www.brothersunmusic.com and more about UUCG at www.uucg.org.

 

13. Pinch 'n' Ouch Theatre plans to open its 2012 season with David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, April 6-29, in the 100-set venue in the basement of Druid Hills Baptist Church at Highlands and Ponce de Leon. More about this in-town church in one of the most dynamic and interesting sections of Atlanta at  DHBC.org    

 

14. The 27th Annual College of Ministers & Laity, sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College, is open to clergy and laypersons of all faiths. The conference will be April 9 – 15 at the Chapel at Morehouse.   “howing Up in the World: Answering the Call to Learn, Serve and Lead," features keynote speakers Rev. Suzan Johnson-Cook, US Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, and Professor Michelle Alexander, civil rights advocate and author. Also featured is an Intergenerational Festival of Preaching, with an emphasis on women in ministry, and a pre-conference gospel concert. Read more and see registration information at www.mlkchapel.org.   

 

15. Foundations: An Innovative Training Series to End Homelessness at MUST Ministries Foothills Administrative Office, 1407 N Cobb Pkwy NW, Marietta 30062, Tuesday April 10, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this is the first in the Foundations series: Core Skills in Homeless Services. CEUs  will be available. This workshop is designed to help frontline staff, counselors, and outreach workers develop the core knowledge and skills they need to work effectively. Get more information and register now .    

 

 16. Live B4U Die Summit:  A Wake-Up Call for Teenagers and Youth, Saturday, April 14, 11:00 a.m., at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 407 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta 30312 . Every day, young people are losing their lives to violence, homicide, suicide, HIV, automobile accidents, poor choices, and risky behavior. This is a free program presented by the Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Reservations are suggested to confirm seating. Group reservations can be made for up to 30 persons. R.s.v.p. to 404-935-5859 For information contact the Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta at 404-221-1222, 404-935-5859, or [e-mail].

 

17. A Night to Remember. Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the annual Emmaus House Gala scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at the Foundry at Puritan Mill, Atlanta. The evening, on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, features a three-course dinner, live music by a swing band and a silent auction. Read more about the event and purchase tickets  here...   

 

18. Franciscan Mysticism: Why is it Unique? What are the specific characteristics of a Franciscan spirituality? How would Francis and his followers have met God in a way any different than anyone else? Fr. Richard Rohr sees Franciscan mystical tradition as "the incarnation taken to its logical conclusion, and to a sometimes shocking world view." It has created an alternative orthodoxy that both invites and threatens Christianity, and all religion, to this day. Register for a live webcast  on Franciscan Mysticism, Saturday, April 21, 10-noon mountain time here..  If you are going to be in Albuquerque you can go in person.

 

19. God’s Chosen Women presents DeVine by Design Living According to God’s Plan & Purpose for Your Life, Friday, April 20, 5:30 – 9 p.m., and Saturday April 21, Saturday 6:00a.m. – 4:00 p.m., The Lodge on Lake Oconee, Eatonton Georgia 31024. $77.50 includes hotel, meals and conference materials for double occupancy; $160.00 for single occupancy. Payment is due by Sunday April 1. For tickets please contact D. Vanessa Bryant-Jackson at 706-816-0018.

 

20. Silver School of Social Work, The Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health, has a downloadable program Families Talking Together which has proven effective in delaying inappropriate adult behavior in teens and reducing the incidence of teen pregnancy National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is less than two months away! A congregation is an appropriate place for families to have these conversations.   Read more...  

 

 21. St. Luke's Episcopal Church offers free docent-led tours of its famed stained glass collection to church groups of ten or more persons. Perfect for senior groups, women’s chapters or circles, and groups interested in church windows, art, or church history, the tours offer a glimpse into the life of the congregation behind the beautiful red doors on Peachtree Street. Tours can be scheduled for most Tuesdays or Thursdays (except 1st Thursdays) at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.   The stained glass collection is based on the stories of the Life of Christ from Birth to Ascension with a corresponding story from the Old Testament in the smaller aisle windows.  Franz Mayer Studios of Munich, Germany;  Heaton, Butler & Bayne of London, England,  and the Willet Studios of Philadelphia designed and crafted these windows over a period of nearly eighty years.   All tours are offered only by a pre-arranged appointment.  For more information contact Bobby Mays at 404 583-9449 or Susan Butterfield Brooks at 404-351-8662. Additional information is also available on the St. Luke's web-site www.stlukesatlanta.org.  Click the "Our Church" tab and scroll to "Tour Historic St. Luke's.   

 

22. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has announced the start of the CBF Fellows program, which is designed to provide support, resources and encouragement for individuals in their first years of full-time ministry. Applications for the program are available online, and the deadline to apply is April 30. For more information or to apply, go to www.thefellowship.info/fellows.

 

23. There is an institution called Freedom University that offers university-level courses to undocumented students unable to attend the state universities. Besides teaching them, these courses deter depression and keep hope alive for these kids.  Read more...  

 

 24. If your congregation is considering observing or helping your families observe Screen-Free Week, April 30–May 6, you will be joining people all over the country. Children, families, schools, libraries, health centers, youth groups, and entire communities are pledging to zap off screen-based entertainment (and the ads that go with it) and spend 7 days playing, daydreaming, creating, reading, exploring nature, and spending time with family and friends.  A free Screen-Free Week Organizer’s Kit is available!  Click here to download it today. 

25. Congratulations to two Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta members! During the recent annual meeting in Atlanta of the Episcopal Church Urban Caucus, the Episcopal Network for Economic Justice recognized the Friendship Center at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church for its service to people with mental illness, and the Rev. Kimberly Jackson, Absalom Jones Episcopal Center and Chapel chaplain, was honored for her work in support of campus food service workers. Find out about volunteering at Holy Comforter  here...   

  

26. Remember to R.s.v.p. this week for the AMIS program at St. James UMC. Join the celebration of 34 years of ecumenical ministry and mission with 9000 International students from 160 nations studying in 30 Metro Atlanta colleges! Rev. Fahed AbuAkel, Executive Director and Founder, will share the story of AMIS, the longest running ecumenical ministry in Metro Atlanta. Reply to the AMIS office 404-846-4396 or email at [e-mail]

 

Find out about campus Preaching Festivals at  Academy of Preachers  and be thinking about what young person in your congregation may be called to preach. National Festival of Young Preachers in Atlanta January 2013!!

 

Join Twitter and follow us as we tweet the Bible one chapter at a time. We are @RCCAtl   

 

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

404-538-0246

[e-mail]

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