Church Action eNewsletter Week of March 4, 2019

[RCCAtl]

Week of March 4, 2019
The Regional Council of churches of Atlanta, Inc.

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

The temperatures are deadly tonight for the unsheltered. You will find updated information on emergency cold weather shelters in two places, as a poster on our home page and as a featured blog. here.

Advocacy Days Legislative Action Alerts are on our website at here. Georgia Justice Project has issued an alert for needed advocacy on bills dealing with expungement.

1. On AIB Network, Comcast Channel 295, AT&T U-verse 6, this week:
“Spiritual Journey” March 5 at 7 p.m. featuring Bishop Vashti McKenzie. An electrifying preacher, author, mentor, teacher, blogger, history-maker, she is an AME Church bishop, the first woman elected to episcopal office in more than two centuries of the denomination. In this AIB studio interview, she describes her call to the ministry, those who inspired her, and how she is called to lead in an era of technological and social change.
“Best of” features an eye opening episode of “A Woman’s Place,” honest and personal accounts of what it is like to live through female genital mutilation and what the consequences are for the women and communities who continue this harmful tradition. March 7 at 9 p.m.
“AIB Classics” “The Oak: Art Linkletter” Rev. John Allen sits down with Linkletter to discuss congregate living, the aging population, and his book “Old Age is not for Sissy’s.” Saturday, March 9 at 9 p.m.

2. Just in time for Lent, “The Last Week” is available from Faith and Reason. This digital download, 8 audio episodes for individual or group listening, features dialogue with John Dominic Crossan based on his book with Marcus Borg, “The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem.” Part historical exploration and theology, part reflection, the series vividly brings to life the key moments leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Even if you know the story, this series will enhance your understanding and create the space to reflect on its meaning in today’s world. Though you may listen at your leisure, the episodes map to an 8-day Lenten study, beginning on Ash Wednesday. Here's more. 

3. The Rev. Scott Gunn, executive director of Forward Movement, is the featured preacher March 10 on “Day 1.” “My Life Has Never Been the Same,” his sermon for March 10, is based on the story of the temptations of Jesus found in Luke 4:1-13. “Day 1” is currently distributed to more than 200 radio stations across America and overseas. For more information, check Day1.org. Hear it in Atlanta on Sundays at 7:05 a.m. on NEWS 95.5 and 750 AM WSB.

4. Join GIPL's ED, Kate McGregor Mosley for Religious Studies at Georgia State University's “Religion & Public Life Lecture: Interfaith Perspectives on Climate Change & Sustainability.” Joined by The Temple's Rabbi Lydia Medwin and Islamic Speakers Bureau member Amin Tomeh, the panel will discuss: How are faith communities participating in meaningful environmental action in the 21st century? What are the ways sacred texts inform our shared response to climate change impact and building resilient communities? What are tools available to faith communities to respond? More here. Tuesday, March 12, at 6:00 p.m., Rialto Center for the Arts. Email [e-mail]

5. Film screening and exhibition will include an in-depth exploration of the exhibit “Our Home is the Holy Land” and a screening of the documentary “Imprisoning a Generation” with discussion to follow. Tuesday, March 12, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Harrington Center Auditorium, Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur 30030. Enter campus from Inman Dr. Park in parking lot on the left behind the library. The combination portrays the diversified experience of life in the Holy Land today. Artist, Katie Archibald –Woodward.

6. The High Tech Virtuoso: Lecture and Recital, Tuesday, March 12, 7:30– 9 p.m. How organ building has influenced organ music and performance since 1850 by Dr. Jens Korndörfer. The program includes music by Louis Vierne, Bach, Rheinberger, Beethoven, Valéry Aubertin, Thierry Escaich. First Presbyterian Church, 1328 Peachtree St. NE. Free admission and parking, Lanier lot, 1337 Peachtree St. NE.

7. Advocacy Day with Faithful Locals, Wednesday, March 13. The morning will start at 9:00 a.m. with a brief training on the citizen advocacy process. Coffee and doughnuts will welcome you. Reps. Mary Margaret Oliver and Matt Wilson and State Senator Elena Parent have been invited to discuss legislation currently under consideration. Then a walk across the street to the Capitol and advocacy will begin. Contact Suzanne Wakefield at [e-mail] for meeting specifics.

8. Come join Faith in Public Life at the state Capitol on March 13 for coffee and conversation about the biggest issues affecting people of faith and then walk across the street to talk with your legislators. At 9:30 a.m., Greene Conference Room, Central Presbyterian, 201 Washington St SW. Email Graham Younger at [e-mail] if you're interested in coming. He can help you connect with your legislators and make your day as productive as possible.

9. Northside Drive Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Drive, offers midweek services on Thursdays. Starting on March 14, gather in the Chapel for worship, 6:45-7:25 p.m., with silence, prayer, hymns, and a brief homily. The theme is “Characters Around the Cross.”

10. David Sheen, independent journalist and filmmaker, “Judeafricamerica: Our Racial Relationship History and the Crisis in Israel/Palestine,” Friday, March 15, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Harrington Center Auditorium, Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur 30030. Enter campus from Inman Dr. Park in parking lot on the left behind the library. Sheen’s work focuses primarily on racial tensions and religious extremism. He was named a “Human Rights Defender” by the Ireland based Front Line Defenders. Local sponsors include Jewish Voice for Peace, Atlanta Chapter, and Joining Hands for Justice, Palestine/Israel.

11. Northside Drive Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta 30305, welcomes the Rhodes Singers of Rhodes College in Memphis in concert on Friday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. The 50 voice choir is touring Georgia under the direction of Dr. William Skoog. The Rhodes Singers originated in 1937. The choir will take a love offering to help defray their expenses and will have CDs available for sale.

12. Plant Sale at the Friendship Center at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 737 Woodland Ave, SE Atlanta 30316. If warm weather and spring blossoms have you ready to plant your garden, the first Seedtime & Harvest plant sale of the season is for you. Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. There are perennials for sun and shade; cilantro, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme; hot peppers, sweet peppers, eggplant, and more than thirty varieties of tomatoes -- from Fox Cherry to Big Rainbow, Black Beauty to Green Giant, Roma to Arkansas Traveler. Come find your favorites.

13. “Symbols of the I Ching: Their Origin and Today’s Application,” Harmen Mesker, Saturday, March 16, Lecture 7:30 p.m., Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Rd NW, Sandy Springs 30328. Members Free, non-members: $20; Students $10. For more information go to www.jungatlanta.com

14. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, 2019 Unspoken Wounds Conference: One Team. One Battle. Many Victories! March 17 – 19. Come to hear dynamic speakers, network with colleagues from other veteran and military family serving agencies, and learn about the many ways that the behavioral health, criminal justice, and reintegration needs of veterans, service members, and their families are being addressed. Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Info, registration DBHDD.cvent.com

15. Interfaith Food Security Dinner, 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church invites you to an interfaith event to examine our call as people of faith to feed the hungry and combat food insecurity in our local community. This event is co-hosted by Immaculate Heart of Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Social Justice Committee. To R.s.v.p. call the church office at [phone] or email Nikki VanDerGrinten at [e-mail]

16. Lenten/Spring Bible Study at The Lake Oconee Community Church, 3 p.m., Wednesdays, Mar 20, Apr 3 & 17, May 1 & 15. “Entering the Passion of Jesus.” Jesus’ final days were full of risk. Every move he made was filled with anticipation, danger, and the potential for great loss or great reward. This study explores the texts of the story and how ethical and spiritual questions are raised for all of us in our everyday experience. Becky Matheny leads the study of in a format of open discussion. For more information email Becky Matheny.

17. Ministering to Families Facing Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias, sponsored by the Caregiving Ministry of Due West United Methodist Church, a workshop for faith and community leaders. Thursday, March 21, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 3956 Due West Road, Marietta 30064, free event with lunch. Contact Sheila Welch at [e-mail] for details.

18. Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) invites you to a Birthday Bash celebration in honor of its 50th year of service in DeKalb County. Friday, March 22, 5 – 8 p.m., at the Solarium in Oakhurst, guests will enjoy dessert samples (from places like Tiff’s Treats and Butter and Cream), live music, and an auction (including the chance to win an international getaway!). Proceeds benefit DCM and its work to prevent and alleviate homelessness for families in DeKalb. To buy tickets (or see how else you can help celebrate)click here.

19. Touch a Truck will benefit the Preschool at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., cars and trucks and things that go and balloons, bouncy house and slide, face painting, nail and hair painting. 2715 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305.

20. Greer Lyle, a rising young operatic soprano, made her professional opera debut with Opera Theater of Saint Louis in April 2018. She will be in concert, Sunday, March 24, 3:00 p.m., at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 student/senior. Purchase tickets online at allsaintsatlanta.org/concert-series or at the door based on availability. For more info, contact Kirk Rich at [e-mail].

21. Piano Recital by Margarita Shevchenko, Hosted by Chopin Society of Atlanta, Sunday, March 24, 6 – 8 p.m., Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, 30097, Find Tickets www.chopinatlanta.org

22. Mix-It-Up Midtown Networking will benefit the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. March 28, Canopy by Hilton Atlanta, 1414 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta 30309, will host the first Midtown Alliance networking event of 2019, 5:30– 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here with 100% of proceeds benefiting the shelter.

23. Georgia Interfaith Power & Light and Central Presbyterian Church welcome The Crossroads Project, a collaboration of the Fry Street Quartet with climate physicist Dr. Robert Davies, to Atlanta. Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m., at Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington St., Atlanta 30303. This performance about global sustainability weaves art and science together through music, prose, and stunning visual imagery — photographs by renowned environmental photographer Garth Lenz and paintings by Rebecca Allan and the quartet’s commission of “Rising Tide” by American composer Laura Kaminsky. Music by Haydn and Janacek will also be featured. Rising Tide Trailer Tickets are only $15. Reserve your tickets today!

24. You Are Invited Rev Dr. Stephen Sizer “Why Christian Zionism is not Biblical,” Sunday, March 31, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Harrington Center Auditorium, Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur 30030. Enter campus from Inman Dr. Park in parking lot on the left behind the library. Please R.s.v.p. to Sarah Humphrey, [e-mail], Sizer is a pastor, photojournalist, Director of Peacemaker Trust, UK, and author, “Christian Zionism: Road Map to Armageddon and Zion’s Christian Soldiers.” Sponsor: Joining Hands for Justice, Palestine/Israel.

25. Faith-based community members & leaders are invited to meet with behavioral health service providers to hear stories of hope and recovery from people who have been diagnosed with mental health and/or substance use conditions and are thriving in their community. This event will highlight the importance of understanding behavioral health challenges and how stigma and faith impact the recovery process. Participants will learn how to access Georgia’s publicly funded behavioral health crisis intervention and treatment services. There will be opportunities for skill-building and workshops to equip faith communities to address needs. Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and Shanti Das’ Silence the Shame initiative, Thursday, April 4, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Capitol North Conference Room of the Sheraton Hotel Atlanta, 165 Courtland Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. The event is free, but please register at https://cvent.me

26. Experiencing Poverty: An interactive simulation, Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. St. Andrew's in the Pines Episcopal Church, 316 N Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree City 30269. $15 registration includes lunch. The Episcopal Community Foundation for Middle and North Georgia has partnered with the United Way of Greater Atlanta to conduct an immersive experience that will introduce you to the day-to-day struggles of living in perpetual poverty. Read more.


27. Atlanta Prays 2019 Survivor Brunch, survivors share, listen, pray, and help, engaging with other to reclaim voice and truth. April 13 registration is open now. Please complete the registration form below. There is no cost for this event but they need an accurate count of those attending. R.s.v.p. here.

28. Lace up your sneaker. Sunday, April 28, is the annual Hunger Walk Run. If you raise $500 or more individually, you'll be a part of Atlanta Community Food Bank Champions Club which has perks such as access to a VIP tent on the day of the race, a lapel pin to show off to friends and more! Register today, get a start on your fundraising goals, and help end hunger in our communities. https://acfb.org/about/our-programs/hunger-walk-run

29. Inspiritus formerly Lutheran Services of Georgia offers volunteers opportunities to work directly with people in need. Find out about ways to help unaccompanied children and more at here.

30. United Way’s Kids Home Initiative is Friday May 3, eight o’clock until midnight, The Roof at Ponce City Market. Early bird tickets pricing ends March 12. Register now here. Email [e-mail] if you have questions.

31. NAMI Northside's 2019 Mental Health Fair, Saturday, May 11, 1 0a.m. – 2 p.m., Mt. Pisgah Church, 2850 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek 30022. This event will provide attendees the opportunity to interact directly with Atlanta area mental health providers and service organizations to obtain information about treatment and recovery support options. Find out about sponsorship opportunities and register here.

32. Atlanta Public Schools Power Up Summer Programs registration is now open. Science, cooking, technology, sports, physical activities, music, art, games, or drama, there is a session for every child. Spread the word about these great programs for APS students, most are free or low cost and provide lunch and transportation. Registration is open. More here.

32. The Wildgoose Festival in Hot Springs, NC is looking for volunteers July 11-14 or beforehand onsite. They need everything from administratively gifted people, folk to work with youth, greeters, first aid, all the way to those motivated to keeping the space clean and green. If you sign up, you'll receive free admission to the main festival. Come and hang out with Nadia, Bishop Flunder, Brian McLaren, Otis Moss III, Jackie Lewis, Barbara Brown Taylor, and many others. You'll also receive a free space to camp (bring your own tent), a t-shirt, and breakfast during the festival. Sign up is available now here.

33. For your youth group . . . a great opportunity! The Food Bank is offering opportunities this summer to get involved and serve the community. Youth Leadership Summit, Youth Service Summit, or our Youth Learn and Serve Days. Space is limited so apply today!

Remember that all events previously announced go into the Community Calendar on our website. Visit www.rccatl.org for the calendar, the Clergy tool Box for Mental Health Ministry, and more.
Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter