Church Action eNewsletter Week of May 11, 2026

[RCCAtl]

Church Action eNewsletter Week of May 11, 2026

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

 

1. Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12, is the last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills that passed through the legislature this year. If he takes no action, a bill will become law.  Presbyterians for a Better Georgia urges us to call the governor’s office asking that he veto HB 295. The organization says, “a mean, unnecessary, and expensive bill that criminalizes homelessness. It would make cities liable for their failure to enforce criminalization of panhandling, loitering, and public urination. It is not only inhumane, but it is more expensive for cities to arrest and incarcerate unhoused citizens than it is to provide support and housing. Georgia should do better by our unhoused neighbors than arresting them. Governor Kemp knows this—it’s why he increased funding support in the state budget for homeless services this year. Ask him to be true to his own values and veto HB295. Call Governor Kemp’s office at [phone].

2. Georgia Parent Support Network is now accepting applications for the upcoming Certified Peer Specialist –Youth (CPS-Y) Training. This training is designed for youth with lived experience who are interested in using their knowledge and skills to support other youth navigating children’s mental health services. Space is limited. Apply today to secure your spot. May 25-29, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Apply here, Deadline to apply is MAY 11, 2026

3. Salvation Army Summer Hunger Food & Fund Drive. Donate nonperishable food items and help fill shelves—and hearts—with hope. Donations will be accepted May 11–15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following Salvation Army locations: Atlanta Peachcrest Corps, 3500 Sherrydale Lane, Decatur 30032; Atlanta International Corps, 3771 Central Avenue, Doraville 30340; Cobb/Douglas County Corps, 202 Waterman Street, Marietta 30060; Gwinnett County Corps, 3455 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville 30044; Jonesboro Citadel Corps, 130 Spring Street, Jonesboro.

4. Power bills are going up, a pipeline is being expanded across the state, and wildfires are spreading throughout South Georgia. Communities across our state are feeling firsthand the impacts of climate change and the true cost of fossil fuels. Georgia Interfaith Power and Light responds with belief that this moment, while urgent, is redeemable through the power of faith in community. At the virtual Green Team Roundtable Tuesday, May 12 at noon, they kick off the 2026 Summer of Advocacy.

5. Georgia Parent Support Network invites you to join the Statewide Parent Education and Support Group meeting on Tuesday, May 12, at 2 p.m.  to hear from Commissioner Kevin Tanner and Dr Christy Doyle. Tanner serves as Commissioner of the Ga. DBHDD leading major efforts to strengthen Georgia’s behavioral health system through expanded crisis services, workforce investments, and mental health reform initiatives, while supporting statewide opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Meeting Registration - Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID: 897 8791 2551

6. Mental Health Awareness Lunch & Learn from One Lamb at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, Thursdays, May 14, 21 & 28. May 14 is Spirituality and Mental Health exploring the science behind how spiritual practices affect the body with Dr. Andrea DeWalt, PRUMC Counseling Service, by Zoom at noon. Find registration at https://www.prumc.org/event/mental-health-awareness-lunch-learn-series-4/.

7. Protect Your Energy, Partners in Change invites you to an empowering and impactful session focused on emotional wellness, healthy boundaries, and recognizing relationship patterns that affect our daily lives. This is a safe and encouraging space designed for personal growth, reflection, and connection. Thursday, May 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register Here!

8. Spend an evening on the lawn with live jazz, storytelling, and the music of Louis Armstrong. Join the fun Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. for Jazz on the Lawn at Log Cabin Community Church. Bring chairs, blankets, food, and soft drinks. All are welcome!  2699 Log Cabin Drive SE, Atlanta.
 
9. Join The King Center for a powerful conversation as Dr. Bernice A. King and Dr. Vonnetta L. West explore how nonviolence and faith remain essential methodologies for building peace in our communities and our world. Streaming live on Saturday, May 16 at 11:30 a.m. This fireside chat, presented by Better Together in partnership with HWPL Georgia, offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding, strengthen your commitment to justice, and engage with leaders carrying forward the transformative legacy of The King Center.  www.TheKingCenter.org.

10. From the Jung Society: “Soul-Making: The Inner World and the Spiritual Perspective” with Christina Becker MBA RP, a ZOOM online lecture on Saturday, May 16, 7:30 - 9:45 p.m. The events of the world are vehicles for creating soul, for building our capacity for interiority, for creating meaning by looking at things symbolically. We are in soul, and it is in us. Through looking at life in hindsight, we can recognize the moments where intuitive wisdom and soul light our path. For specifics and to register, go to jungatlanta.com. The Carl Jung Society of Atlanta provides workshops and lectures for mental health professionals and anyone interested in the body of thought derived from the work of C.G. Jung.

11. The Rev. Dr. Chris Holmes, pastor of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, is the featured preacher on Day1 for May 17. His sermon, “Jubilant With Joy,” is based on Psalm 68:1-10. Tune into WSB 95.5 or 750 AM Sunday at 7:05 a.m. or visit Day1.org to read or hear this sermon now. Also find it wherever you get your podcasts.

12. Hear Elizabeth & Raymond Chenault, duo organ (Organists & Choirmasters Emeriti, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Atlanta), in concert at St. Philips Cathedral, Sunday May 17, at 3:15 p.m. Works include the world premiere of Raymond Chenault’s Variations on Urbs Beata Jerusalem and the world premiere of Chase Loomer’s Sortie on Ton-y-Botel.

13. Feel the Spirit: A Concert of Spirituals, Sunday, May 17, at 2:30 p.m. Join the Chancel Choir and instrumental ensemble of Morningside Presbyterian Church for a concert of spirituals arranged by John Rutter. Pianist Jonathan Crutchfield directs this concert, featuring Atlanta soprano, Jeanné Brown. Since her debut with Robert Shaw, Ms. Brown has moved audiences with her lyrical, vibrant vocal beauty. The Chancel Choir is known for their powerful choral tone, singing both choral repertoire and church anthems with equal excitement and lyricism.

14. Atlanta Singing, Monday, May 18, 7:00 p.m. in The Barn behind St. John the Wonderworker 543 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta 30312 (near Grant Park and the Atlanta Zoo). The Barn- off of Orleans Avenue, walk up drive way behind the church. No musical experience needed. Contact info: Anna Hinton [e-mail].

15. Join The Avenue at North Avenue Presbyterian Church Tuesday, May 19, to socialize and meet new friends while learning about financial safety, day-to-day safety at home, and more! The North Avenue Resurgens Security Team will provide awareness training and group discussions. The meeting is from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Overlook. Bring your own lunch or order lunch when you register. Cost of the event is $5.00. Lunch is $10 extra. Snacks and drinks will be provided! Questions? Contact Roxie Chess at [e-mail] Sign up HERE.  The Avenue is a community-building program of North Avenue Presbyterian Church. The purpose is to learn together, explore Atlanta, promote health and well-being, serve the community – and have fun! They meet at North Avenue Presbyterian Church, 607 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta 30308.

16. The Athens area monthly “Teenth Tuesday” singing has resumed! The next meeting is May 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m., at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1040 Gaines School Rd, Athens 30605. There will be a brief introductory lesson at 6:30 p.m. for beginners. Singing will be from the Sacred Harp (2025) and Christian Harmony (2010). Books to borrow will be available on site.  Note: Look for signs for the entry.  There will be a phone number to call, if the door is locked when you arrive.

17. Memorial Evensong for Pentecost at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta 30308, May 21, 7 p.m. Hear music by Charles Wood, Philip Radcliffe, and C. Hubert H. Parry in a service filled with prayer and reflection. You are invited to light a candle in memory of loved ones. Whether you come seeking peace, beauty, or simply a quiet moment in God’s presence, you are welcome. Invite a friend and share this sacred space together.

18. The Pave Foundation, Inc. is happy to offer another edition of STEAM Summer Camp "Preparing our Girls for Centerstage" at the Commons, First Congregational Church, from July 6-10, 2026. This year, girls are invited to discover "The Science Behind the Lenses" and tell their stories. Registration is now open on Eventbrite for girls aged 9-14 years old. Sibling discounts and campership are available.

19. Can you help with a meal? Feeding the community is at the heart of the work at Holy Comforter & the Friendship Center. Sign up to help with a meal on Sunday or Wednesday. Sunday Meal Sign Up. Wednesday Meal Sign Up.

20. It’s graduation time and Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University offers an opportunity to listen to the wisdom of Howard Thurman and his concept of the “Sound of the Genuine.” In this recording, Thurman speaks at the baccalaureate ceremony of Spelman College in 1980, one of the last public talks he gave. Click on the link below and listen to this advice that is appropriate for new graduates and for all of us. Digital Highlight.

21. Georgia’s Roman Catholic Bishops released a statement to promote mindful participation in the political process. In the message, the bishops remind all that the November election will shape Georgia’s future for years to come. The bishops wrote, “This call to participation is at the very core of our existence as human beings. It is founded in our creation in the image and likeness of God, who is himself in relationship with all living beings, and developed through our faithfulness to Jesus’ commandment to ‘love one another as I love you.'”

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter