Church Action eNewsletter Week of March 26, 2012

[RCCAtl]

 

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

   RCCAtl.org  

 

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.  Go to www.rccatl.org and click on Join the Regional Council to open an application.  

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

 

1. Gospel without Borders: Immigration, Faith, and Us, Thursday, March 29, 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Social Hall, 4300 King Springs Rd., Smyrna 30082. Explore what the Gospels and the church say about immigration and hear real life stories of how churches in our community are responding to one of the most pressing issues of our time.  Presenters are the Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, and Dr. Marie Friedmann Marquardt, Scholar-in-Residence at Candler School of Theology and author of the book Living “Illegal”.  Contact Michael Okuto at 770-432-8579 Ext. 122 or [e-mail].

 

2. The East Point NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) is collaborating with Georgia Cares to answer questions about Medicare and Medicare supplement programs. Seniors will learn about: Medicare options, free preventive services, and Medicare assistance programs. The information session will be held Friday, March 30, 2012, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at East Point Christian Church.  The church is located at 1706 Washington Road in East Point, GA. For more information, or to register, contact Leslie Bridges at 404-762-2094.

 

 3. The premiere vocal ensemble of the Georgia State University’s School of Music performs under the direction of Dr. Deanna Joseph. The Singers’ tours have taken them throughout the U.S., including two performances at Carnegie Hall, and many international concert venues. They will perform Haydn’s Mass in D minor with orchestral accompaniment. Friday, March 30, 7:30 p.m., All Saints’ Church, 634 West Peachtree, Atlanta. Tickets and information at General & Student/Senior

 

 4. Eggstravaganza at Brookhaven United Methodist Church! Saturday, March 31, from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Rain or shine. Egg hunt, visit the Easter Bunny, crafts, bouncy castle, stories, singing, and more! All friends and neighbors are invited. This is a free event. Donations are welcome. Bring your camera! Please register if you plan to attend - - online at www.brookhavenumc.org  We understand that Brookhaven UMC, a small but lively and diverse congregation, has a music position or two open. Contact the pastor Sara Webb Phillips at [e-mail] or 404-237-7506. Visit the website www.brookhavenumc.org to submit resume.

 

 5. Dr.  Lawrence Carter, Dean of the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College will be the guest preacher at St. Paul’s on Palm Sunday, both morning services. We hear there will be a petting zoo for children. St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located at 306 Peyton Road SW, Atlanta  30311

 

 6. A Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 1, at the Cathedral of St. Philip. The annual service will be sung by the Cathedral Schola. This service consists of various scriptural readings of the season - some chanted and some read - punctuated by anthems, antiphons and congregational hymns. There is no admission fee. 

 

7. Renowned actress Brenda Bynum will read the Passion of Christ from the Gospel of St. Mark at the upcoming Southern Folk Passion service on Palm Sunday, April 1, at 4:00 pm at the historic Druid Hills Baptist Church, 1085 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, corner of Highland and Ponce de Leon. Admission is free and no tickets are required. A free-will offering will be taken. Wondrous Love: Southern Folk Passion interweaves southern folk hymns with the Gospel narrative central to the Christian faith and is modeled on historic musical Passion settings. Conductor and folk music scholar Steven Darsey will lead the Meridian Chorale and the congregation in folk hymns from Georgia’s famous 19th century tunebook, The Sacred Harp. Tunes from The Sacred Harp, some of which were featured in the major motion picture Cold Mountain, will be sung by the Meridian Chorale and its soloists. These southern folk tunes embody and express a haunting spirituality, affording a uniquely American interpretation of the Passion of Christ.

 

  8. Gabriel Faure’s Requiem in a concert presented by the combined choirs of North Decatur Presbyterian and Church of the New Covenant Presbyterian. The choirs are joined by guest soloists Celia Jacobs Shore and Edgie Wallace, Jr., and guest musicians. This concert is free and open to the public. Sunday, April 1, 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock Road (corner of N. Decatur Rd. and Scott Blvd.) in Decatur.

 

 9. Sign up for the final First Tuesday at Candler of the season, Tuesday, April 3, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Prospective students are invited explore seminary education at Emory University's Candler School of Theology and enjoy a casual dinner with Dean Jan Love, members of the Admissions team, and current students. Dr. Arun W. Jones, Dan and Lillian Hankey Associate Professor of World Evangelism, will present a talk entitled, "Are You Speaking in Tongues?: The Appeal of Global Pentecostalism." The son of Methodist missionaries in India, Dr. Jones was raised in India and has also lived and worked as a missionary in the Philippines. Register online by Friday, March 30 at http://tinyurl.com/FirstTuesdayApril3.

 

 10. Members of the Atlanta community will have a chance to hear from some of those closest to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as Morehouse commemorates the anniversary of his death. Dr. Vincent Harding, historian and human rights activist, will moderate a public program commemorating King’s life and work. He will be joined by Ambassador Andrew Young, Dorothy Cotton, and the Reverend James Lawson who were all with King in Memphis before his death. Renowned writer, poet, and playwright, Sonia Sanchez will open the program. The event is free and open to the public. Wednesday, April 4, Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel, Morehouse College, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The event, which is sponsored by the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, is one of several initiatives to advance the teachings and nonviolent philosophy of King.

 

 11. Mysticism: Timeless, Relevant & Modern, Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m., Spiritual leaders Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder and spiritual director of the Agape International Spiritual Center, and Andrew Cohen, founder of EnlightenNext and author of "Evolutionary Enlightenment", will lead a public conversation on the inspiration we glean from great individuals like philosopher and theologian Howard Thurman, a classmate of Martin Luther King, Sr. at Morehouse College. They will share the impact that change-makers have had on their own lives and why an intentional, updated spirituality may be more needed now than ever. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, Morehouse College Campus, 830 Westview Drive, Atlanta.  www.mlkchapel.org.   

 

12. Founder’s Day will be celebrated April 10 and 11 at Johnson C. Smith Seminary at ITC. Read all the details at  RCCAtl.org  

 

13. Madeleine L'Engle's fantasy works are expressive of her Christian viewpoint. For 50 years, A Wrinkle in Time has been beloved by young readers and their parents and teachers alike. Theatrical Outfit will present a play based on the L’Engle novel starting April 11. Read more   

 

14 . Just Voices (an a cappella chamber chorus) conducted by Liz Frazer, and Pandora (a women’s chorus) conducted by Thomas Eisnor will present a joint concert on Sunday, April 15 at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, 515 East Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur. The program will include works by Morley, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Francis Poulenc, and Eric Whitacre on the theme “Sleep, Dream, Reverie.” Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students. For more information visit www.justvoices.org, or call Liz Frazer at (404) 875-266. Videos of Just Voices in performance are posted on YouTube at "JVandMSchorus." 

 

15 . Sabbath Rest mini-silent retreat,  noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesday April 17, at Ignatius House, 6700 Riverside Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. The cost for the afternoon including lunch is $22, and a generous donor has made it possible for anyone who can not afford this charge to participate. No one need be deterred by the cost. Just email Becky Shoaf [e-mail]  if you need a scholarship. Find out more and register at

http://www.atlantacommunityministries.org/files/media/documents/sr-...

 

16 . Roswell’s entertainment-based Believe Ministries will host the 2012 "Believe Benefit Celebration" Thursday, April 26, 7-8:45 p.m. at Roswell United Methodist Church. This fund-raising event will be filled with magical illusions, music, multi-media, and message featuring "Magic Boy" Greg Davidson – master illusionist and funny guy. Special guest, monster-guitarist, and vocal recording artist, Tony Sims, will also be there rockin’ the house. President of Believe Ministries, Greg Davidson says, "So far in 2012, we’ve already seen God change thousands of lives through this ministry, and our work continues. …For this year’s benefit event we’re not charging for tickets, but this is a fund raiser. The donations from this evening will allow us to reach even more for Jesus Christ." Reserve your seats by April 20. Call 770-587-1292 or e-mail [e-mail]. Information www.BelieveMinistries.org

 

 17 . We are looking forward to the 7th Annual SafeTeen Georgia Driving Academy at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Saturday, May 5, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  More than 1,000 Metro-Atlanta teens and parents are expected and over 70 Police, Fire and EMS professionals will participate. Teens and their parents will learn about Georgia Driving Laws, Distracted and Impaired Driving, Trauma Care, Car Maintenance, Railroad Crossing Safety and much more in a series of “pit stop” classes. Experience driving on an obstacle course using fatal vision goggles or while texting. Watch what happens in a roll-over accident; take a braking test on simulators. Witness a car crash extraction using the Jaws of Life and a live Helicopter Rescue. Register at www.safeamericadrivers.org or call 770-973-7233 if you have questions.

 

 18. Is there a young person in your congregation destined to be a leader? The Fulton County Office of Children and Youth in the H HS Department seeks young people, 9^th to 11^th grades in Fulton County schools, interested in becoming community leaders.  The deadline for submission is Friday, May 18, at 5 p.m. Students accepted into the program will affect policies and legislation, interact with elected leaders on the local and state levels, and speak out on behalf of all Fulton County youth.  Submit applications to Reginald Crossly, Fulton County Youth Commission, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Suite 200, Atlanta  30349. For more information, contact Reginald Crossley at 404-612-7386 or email [e-mail]. 

 

 19 . Diabetes is one of the most serious health issues facing older adults.  Metro Atlanta RSVP, sponsored by the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, is conducting classes to help older Georgians “Get a Jump on Diabetes,” with the Medicare Diabetes Screening Project. Participants will learn about the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes and pre-diabetes; the importance of detection and prevention; services covered by Medicare to promote screening, detection, and prevention of diabetes and pre-diabetes; and special scholarships available for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.  Trained educators are available to come and speak to your church or community group.  Contact Merna Kent at 404-463-3119 or mkent @atlantaregional.com to schedule a presentation.

 

 20. Do you have one hour per week to help an elementary school student succeed? Communities in Schools, our nation's leading dropout prevention organization, is currently seeking elementary school tutors to help in the Marietta/Cobb County area. Studies have shown that a child who reads proficiently by 3rd grade is more likely to graduate from high school. Literacy tutors help students increase their confidence as well as improve upon their reading level. Training is provided and tutor matches are based on the tutor's preference. If you are interested in helping a student achieve in school, please contact Meghan Wilson at [phone] or [e-mail]

 

21. Each year, The Beatitudes Society honors prophetic preaching with the Brave Preacher Award. This year, the cultural context of the Brave Preacher Award is violence.  Sermons will be considered with attention to the preacher’s context, content, craft and connection to scripture. Emerging preachers—those who are under age 45 and in their first 10 years of ministry—are encouraged to apply, and listeners encourage your preacher to apply. Send written manuscripts or written outline with audio file of a sermon preached during Holy Week or the seven Sundays of the Easter Season and completed application, by June 1, 2012. Questions?  Please contact Anne Howard at [e-mail] Application   

  

22. Bill Foege, who may have saved more lives than any other person on earth, was recently honored with Georgia Tech’s 2012 Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage. Foege was a Lutheran missionary doctor in Nigeria in 1966 when the United Nations planned the campaign to try to eradicate smallpox.  Foege has been director of the CDC, executive director of the Carter Center, senior fellow at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and co-founder of the Task Force for Global Health. Read about our local hero  here 

 

23. As you observe Lent and prepare for the joy of Easter, visit the Cathedral Book Store for inspiring resources.  And don’t forget other important religious events so common in spring:  baptisms and confirmations.  You will find a wide and exciting array of children’s and adult books, music, cards, jewelry, religious items and so much more for the perfect gift.  The Cathedral of St. Philip Book Store, 2744 Peachtree Road NW

Atlanta 30305 www.cathedralbookstore.org  404-237-7582.

 

 24 . Action Ministries is launching a statewide child nutrition initiative in May 2012! This ambitious initiative will provide 100,000 healthy meals and educational enrichment opportunities to children in need during the summer months in designated Georgia communities. How can you help? By agreeing to become a sponsor, volunteer, donor, and/or participant in Smart Lunch, Smart Kid.  Contact Mark Hellman at [e-mail] for more information.   Check out the website  All across north Georgia, Action Ministries works to meet the hunger, housing, and education needs of people in our local communities."www.actionministries.net

 

25. What a grand idea! Read about Art that Feeds  here 

 

26 .  Local Education and Renewal Network (LEARN) Seminars offer education and renewal experiences for both laity and clergy. To register for a seminar, click on the yellow sign-up square following its description. You may register for as many as you wish and pay by check or credit card. No application other than registration and payment is required. If you have any questions please contact the Learn Administrator at [e-mail].  Website   

 

27. Earth Day (April 22) is right around the corner! To help you celebrate the season and protect the Earth, Interfaith Power & Light announces a special Sow a Cool Harvest gardening kit for congregations. Read more and find tips on greening your pantry and hosting a local farmers’ market at http://action.interfaithpowerandlight.org/site/c.dmJUKgOZJiI8G/b.66...

 

28. Zion Episcopal Church in Talbotton is one of the oldest buildings in our area. It has no congregation and it is in constant need of repair and care. The people of St. Nicholas, Hamilton, led by Rector Jeff Jackson and vestry member Bill Caudill, will sponsor a work day Saturday, March 31, to clean and repair the 164-year-old church and grounds. Food from the Hamilton Café will be provided. Please R.s.v.p. to Bill Caudill at [e-mail]. People with any questions about Zion or who would like to make a donation to the Zion Fund, may call Fr. Jeff at 706-761-0115. Learn more about this historic building here. http://www.gpb.org/georgiabackroads/talbotton#

 29. Read about Peace Camp for elementary aged children at Central Congregational Church on Clairmont this summer at http://www.central-ucc.org/.

We have information about two area churches that offer tours to groups on our website  . Let us know if you would like information about tours your church offers put on this page.

Holy Week all over town, these are just the special announcements sent to us.

 

32nd annual Good Friday Pilgrimage is an interfaith, walking reflection based on the traditional Christian prayer experience called Stations of the Cross. People of all faiths will visit 14 urban sites throughout downtown Atlanta and reflect upon Christ’s suffering in relation to current social justice issues. This multilingual walking prayer includes scripture readings, reflections, prayer and music. This year’s pilgrimage will take place April 6. Gather on the steps of the State Capital at 8:45 a.m. to begin the journey with prayer by Archbishop Gregory.  Walk will end at approximately 12:30 p.m. at the crypt of Martin Luther King, Jr. and buses will return participants to the starting point.  Download the flyer Volunteers are needed to help with the scripture readings and music.  Adult and teen lectors, parish musicians, and school music groups are encouraged to contact Kat Doyle, Director of Social Justice Ministries, at [e-mail] for more information or to volunteer. Read all about it at  RCCAtl.org 

Holy Week with Luke Timothy Johnson at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Monday – Thursday of Holy week, April 2-5, 12:15. Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson is Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Candler School of Theology, Emory University.  A former Benedictine monk, Johnson is a highly sought-after lecturer, the recipient of numerous fellowships and awards, a member of several editorial and advisory boards, and a senior fellow at Emory University's Center for the Study of Law and Religion. 634 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta.

 

Holy Week at First Presbyterian Church. Noon Holy Week services will be in the chapel of First Presbyterian at the corner of Peachtree and 16th street. Good Friday services will be in the sanctuary. Preaching will be Monday, Rev. Connie Lee; Tuesday, Rev. Kevin Knab; Wednesday,  Rebekah LeMon; Thursday, Rev. Chris Moore-Keish; Friday,  Rev. George Wirth. Free parking is available across the street in the church lot by the Reid House.  Lunch is available at the church.

 

Brookhaven Christian Church will observe Maundy Thursday with a Passover Seder Celebration, April 5, 6:30 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Their Good Friday Prayer Vigil will be noon until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 6. Brookhaven Christian is located at 4500 Peachtree Road, Atlanta.  www.BrookhavenChristian.org  

 

Palm Sunday Parade on Capitol Hill with Central Presbyterian Church, Trinity UMC, and the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 10:15, Sunday, April 1.  Meet in the Central Courtyard. Central is at 201 Washington Street, SW.

 

Here’s the Holy Week schedule from Atlanta First UMC, 360 Peachtree Street NE , Atlanta 30308,  http://www.atlantafumc.net/holyweek/index.html

 

 Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd.,  Dunwoody 30338, will hold  Holy Week services daily Monday through Friday, at 12:05 p.m., Call 770-394-0675 for more information.

 

Covenant Presbyterian will hold the Tenebrae Service, Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m. Soup and salad supper before at 6 p.m. In this Maundy Thursday service of hymns, anthems, and communion, portions of the Passion narratives from the Gospels are read.  After each reading from scripture, a candle is extinguished, until the darkness is complete at the point of Christ’s death. The Service of Shadows ends with the strepitus, a sudden loud noise caused by the slamming of a door.  This is a powerful preparation for the celebration of Easter. 2461 Peachtree Road NE,

 

The Good Friday Service at Glenn Memorial UMC will be in the evening, April 6, 7 p.m.  A special service prayer, song, Scripture readings, and meditation are offered.  Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church is located on Emory University's campus, 1660 N Decatur Rd NE,  Atlanta 30307

 

Roswell Presbyterian Church will present “Requiem” by Mozart as its Concert for Good Friday, April 6, 755 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. The concert is free and open to the public, with pre-concert lecture at 7:10 p.m. and the concert starting at 7:30 p.m. The RPC Chancel Choir and 24-piece orchestra will perform “Requiem” by Mozart. Childcare is available with reservations through the church office. 770-993-6316

 

Hillside International Chapel and Truth Center, 2450 Cascade Road, SW, will reenact the Last Supper and Foot Washing with Dr. Rocco Errico and 12 Hillside Men. Thursday April 5 at 7 p.m. On Good Friday the Prayer Service will be at noon with Dr. Barbara King and at 7 p.m. the service of the Seven Last Words. All are welcome.  

  

 

Read  Why Do I Preach at  Academy of Preachers  and be thinking about  that young person in your congregation who needs your support.  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

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