Church Action eNewsletter Week of March 18, 2019

[RCCAtl]

Terror has no race, religion, and ethnicity. All are invited to an interfaith vigil at Istanbul Cultural Center, 591 N Main St, Suite 100, Alpharetta 30009, Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. with the representatives of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other faith communities.

1. End Money Bail DeKalb / NAACP Criminal Justice Reform on Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 1890 Second Ave 30032.

2. Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia; an education program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. Come to learn about the impact of the disease, disease stages and risk factors, current research and treatment, available resources. Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m., Highpoint Episcopal Community Church. To register, call 800-272-3900.

3. Centering Prayer Workshop Saturday, March 23, Highpoint Episcopal Community Church,
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Centering Prayer is a form of Christian silent mediation where one lets go of thoughts during periods of prayer. The effect on those who practice it is an ever-increasing awareness of God’s action and presence in the course of ordinary life. Led by Maggie Winfrey of Contemplative Outreach Atlanta, this workshop will teach beginners the fundamentals of the practice. Breakfast and lunch included. Workshop cost is $35. Reserve your spot through https://www.contemplativeoutreachatlanta.com/book-online/intro-to-c...

4. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half of all Americans between the ages of 40 to 59 find themselves caring for two generations. This can bring financial, emotional, and physical challenges. As part of Pilgrimage UCC’s community outreach program, their Sandwich Club is hosting a workshop for the community. “Who Cares for the Caregiver?” Saturday, March 23, from 3 - 4 p.m. at Pilgrimage in Marietta. While there is no fee for the event, workshop planners ask that you complete the registration form at www.pilgrimageucc.org/events.

5. The Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Montgomery, pastor of Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis, is the preacher March 24 on “Day 1,” the nationally broadcast program also accessible at Day1.org and on podcast apps. His sermon, “The Voice of the Gardener,” is based on the parable of the barren fig tree. “Have you ever noticed how many of Jesus’ parables of the Kingdom lean heavily on the language of growth and development?” he asks. “They are always about something new and good coming into being.” Hear it in at 7:05 a.m., Sunday, on NEWS 95.5 and 750 AM WSB. Visit Day1.org for audio, video, and text resources.

6. Tucker Rotary club is holding "A Conversation on Addiction Prevention in our Community, " and invites faith communities, scouting groups, civic organizations, etc. to send leadership representatives. It will consist of an informational meeting, then a gathering where organizations that promote prevention, education, or recovery will be available to discuss resources and connect with the community. Tuesday, March 26, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., First Christian Church of Atlanta, 4532 Lavista Rd, Tucker 30084. [phone]. While the event is free, an accurate count is needed; please R.s.v.p. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversation-about-addiction-prevent...

7. Clergy Breakfast, Thursday, March 28, 7:30 a.m., Columbia Theological Seminary, Richards Center, Rev. Dr. Stephen Sizer, www.stephensizer.com, will speak about Christian Zionism- it is not in the Bible- Clergy are guests but must R.s.v.p. to Fahed, [phone].

8. You are invited to a Community Conversation on Mental Health, Thursday, March 28, 9 – 11 a.m., Mount Pisgah UMC, Sanctuary Bldg., Room S305, 2850 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek. According to the CDC, mental illness can increase the risk for many different physical problems. The presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness. Join The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority for this conversation that will provide background, understanding, and resources for those affected by mental illness. Attendees will have a chance to ask some of their most pressing questions Register here.

9. Clergy Lunch, First Iconium Baptist Church, 542 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta 30316, Thursday, March 28, 11:30 a.m. Dr. Stephen Sizer will speak about “Christian Zionism & the Black Church. Please R.s.v.p. with Fahed [phone]

10. Midway Missionary Baptist Church, 2280 Godby Road, College Park, invites the community to join them in celebration of annual Women’s Day Worship, Sunday, March 31, 10:00 a.m. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Dr. Billie Boyd-Cox, senior pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Conyers. Rev. Cox made history when she became the first woman Pastor of the historic Baptist congregation. The Pre-Women’s Day Breakfast will be Saturday, March 30 at 9:30 a.m. and will feature the Hon. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Ga. House of Reps, Dist. 91. Please call the church office at [phone] for ticket information.

11. Park Avenue Baptist is excited to host its first Open Pulpit Night: Preach Your Truth on March 31 at 5 p.m., an evening of worship featuring sermons from four Atlanta area seminary students and recent seminary graduates. . . a time to pass the mic and make space to amplify diverse voices, empowering young preachers to preach their truth! You are invited! Learn more at parkavebaptist.com/openpulpitnight.

12. We all tend to believe that clarity of purpose in our jobs, families, relationships, connection to God, is a huge part of what makes life in this world worth living. But how do we discover our purpose? And how can I actually live out my purpose? Orchard's first fully online class. “Purpose Over Performance,” April 1 – May 6, focuses on helping discover and live out life’s purpose. Space is limited, register at www.orchardinstitute.com

13. Lenten Day for Reflection at Ignatius House, "In the Quiet of the Heart, God Speaks" April 3, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., childcare available. Directed by Sarah Otto. Come away for a day to sit, rest, pray, and listen for God’s voice and experience an intimacy with God that leads to conversion, renewal, and rebirth. Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center, 6700 Riverside Dr. NW, Atlanta 30328. For more information go to IgnatiusHouse.org or phone [phone].

14. Candler’s Pitts Theology Library will host a screening of the new documentary “Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story” Wednesday, April 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Room 252, Rita Anne Rollins Bldg. Lunch will be provided for those who register in advance. Doblmeier, Smith, Ellison, and Fluker will serve as panelists, along with Lerita Coleman Brown, Ayse I. Carden Distinguished Professor Emerita of Psychology at Agnes Scott College, who is also featured in the documentary. For information, contact Anne Marie McLean [e-mail]. Register here.

15. Courage to Lead Retreat: The Soul of Aging, Fri, Apr 5, 5 p.m. to Sun, Apr 7, 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Sewanee. This retreat offers a soul-safe space in community to explore relationship with God and expand capacity to love, serve, forgive, and seek peace. It invites us to become true Elders with meaningful contributions to make, and ultimately to embrace the deep mystery we will ente. Scholarships are available. For more information or to register, call [phone] by March 29.

16. Lenten Quiet Day: By the Grace of God I am who I am, Saturday, April 6, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., an opportunity to reflect and center in the gardens and setting of St. Clare’s, Blairsville. Materials for creativity, literature, opportunities to worship, beverages, light refreshments, and lunch will be provided. Liz Schellingerhoudt, rector at St. Clare’s, and John Hamilton, rector at St. Elizabeth’s, Dahlonega, will give a meditation. The time will end with Eucharist. R.s.v.p. by Thurs., April 4. If you have any questions email [e-mail] or call [phone]. Register Now

17. NAMI Homefront is a free education program for family and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions. The course is designed to help them understand and support their loved ones while maintaining their own well-being. The trained teachers of this course have experience with military culture and know what it is like to have a loved one living with mental illness. Every Tuesday, April 9 – May 14, six sessions, Cumming 30040. Registration is required, contact NAMI Georgia Homefront Instructor Carol LaBranche at [phone] or [e-mail].

18. The Unity Seder sold out last year. The Temple invites you for a unique experience in celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover, which tells the story from the book of Exodus of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, from slavery into freedom. The Seder will include participants representing Atlanta's diverse religious, ethnic, and international communities. $50 per person and $36 for students and young professionals Reserve Your Seat at the Table, The Temple, Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. Kosher dietary laws observed.

19. Musical program featuring members of the Candler School of Theology and Columbia Seminary communities held Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. in Emory University’s Canon Chapel in collaboration with Pitts Theology Library's new Exhibition "Word for Word, Sense for Sense: The English Bible in History & Worship.” No registration is required, and all are welcome! Canon Chapel is located on the campus of Emory University at 515 South Kilgo Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30322.

20. Save the date for Southern Folk Passion, Sunday, April 14, 4:00 p.m., The Church at Ponce and Highland, 1085 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta 30306.

21. Save the date for the sixth annual Cheers for Change benefitting Central Outreach and Advocacy, April 28, 3 – 6 p.m., Sweetwater Brewery.

22. Mark your calendar for “”Beyond Sandwiches: A Symposium on Poverty, Race, and Homelessness,” hosted by Church of the Common Ground at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, May 18. All of the info, including a registration link, may be found https://www.churchofthecommonground.org/stories/2019/3/5/beyond-san....

23. Sewanee Church Music Conference, July 8-14, visit www.sewaneeconf.com with Huw Lewis, St. John’s Detroit and Hope College, Jack Mitchener, McAfee institute of Church Music, Mercer, and St. Philip’s, and the Rev. Barbara Crafton, chaplain.

24. Summa Theological Debate Summer Camp will be July 16-24 at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn., www.summa.sewanee.edu.

25. To learn more about how you can take action to protect refugees and immigrants at the state and federal level, sign up for CRSA Action Alerts here.

26. If you are concerned with welcoming people with disabilities into your congregation and community as full contributing members, you will be interested in hearing Dr. Lex Frieden, disability rights activist and architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as he shares his personal story and his passion for independent living by people with disabilities https://www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations/lex-frieden Infrastructure, Inclusivity, and the ADA with Dr. Lex Frieden from the CDC

27. First Congregational Church will hold a 6:30 Monday Night Bible Study Group on Liberation Theology for the next 6 weeks. Focus of the discussions will be on its relevance to today’s socio-economic conditions and their relevance to the Christian faith. Downtown, 105 Courtland Street, Atlanta 30303.

28. The purpose of Speaking the Gospel in Public is to equip Christians to speak and demonstrate Christ's teachings in arenas beyond the church's four walls. This course from Johnson C. Smith Seminary is self-paced course and can be completed in as little as four months or as many as twelve. For more information, visit www.smithseminary.org. To register, click below. Register Now