Church Action eNewsletter Week of October 13, 2025

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

1. A message from Peachtree Christian Church: At Peachtree Christian Church, The Legacy Club is an act of love and service to the Atlanta community—a haven of life-giving respite for caregivers and their loved ones experiencing dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, and other cognitive challenges. It’s a day spa for the soul, where challenges take a back seat and friendship, joy, and purpose take center stage. Each gathering is filled with music, laughter, creativity, and care from volunteers who believe in loving people for who they are—not what they can or cannot do. As the need for respite grows, our waitlist has too, and we’re praying for more compassionate, fun, joy filled volunteers to join this meaningful ministry. Come be part of something beautiful—where lives are enriched, hearts are lifted, and the love of Christ shines in every smile. Contact Rev. Katie Bond at [e-mail] or 404-876-5535 to learn more.
2. Silence is Golden (and Free) Life moves fast—especially when you're juggling school, work, relationships, and more. In the middle of all that noise, it's easy to lose touch with your own voice... and with the Divine. That’s why Ignatius House offers free weekend retreats for young adults ages 18–25 and any student age 18+. Many young people today describe themselves as spiritual but are unsure where to explore that side of life. These retreats offer space to be still, reflect, and experience something deeper—without pressure or expectations. Thanks to the generous support of donors who believe in the next generation, this opportunity is offered at no cost to participants. If you or someone you know could benefit from a spiritual reset, contact Andrew Forrester,to learn more and sign up.
3. The Party Problem: Keeping Kids and Parents Safe, a community conversation to address questions and concerns about alcohol and other drug misuse when youth gather in private spaces. A panel of local experts will help parents explore how we can work together to make Decatur safer for all youth. Wednesday, October 15, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Decatur High School-The Learning Commons (Library/Media Center). Enter at Bus Drop Off Area off Commerce Dr., Decatur. Adults Only. Registration is required. CLICK HERE.
4. Pitts Theological Library at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, has new items from the Special Collections to show off in the library’s 2nd-floor display case. Drop by to see a collection of Protestant tracks that were written in China in the 19th century by Divie Bethune McCartee (1820-1900). More information is available at the Pitts blog. Read the blog.
5. El Refugio presents An Evening of Music & Solidarity, Thursday, October 16, 6:30 p.m.
   Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, 118 Second Ave, Decatur 30030, featuring performances by Rebekka Goldsmith, guiding communal singing as a path to healing and justice and Will Robertson, Atlanta-based producer and chorus director blending folk, roots, and soul. All are welcome. Donations are appreciated. All proceeds will directly support the work of El Refugio. Find out about the mission and work of El Refugio here.
6. Witness to Belief: Conversation with Russell Levenson, Jr., Thursday, October 16, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree St, Atlanta. Don't miss this book talk with Russell Levenson, Jr. and Pastor Tony Lowden, moderated by Bishop Robert Wright. The talk will be followed by Q&A with audience, book signing, and reception. Read more about Witness to Belief here.
7. Will Buthod, pianist, organist, composer, and conductor has worked in church ministry for the past 30 years. A labor of love, the St. John’s Episcopal Church organ is restores, ready to shine under his touch and the tones of soprano Maria Gikas. Come for the Huffstetter Dedication Concert and reception, St. John’s, 34380 E Main St, College Park, Oct. 18 4-6 p.m. https://www.stjohnscollegepark.org
8. From the Jung Society: “Ancestral Soul Work” with Sandra Easter, a ZOOM online lecture on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. EST. The lecture will explore the possibility and the transformative benefits of being in a more conscious relationship with the ancestors. According to Jung, the collective unconscious is “the mighty deposit of ancestral experience accumulated over millions of years.” At its heart, being in a more conscious dialogue with the ancestors is about following the path backwards to create a new forward in service to “well being.” Our story is part of a larger story. 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.
9. The Rev. Grace Imathiu is the featured preacher on Day1, Sunday, Oct. 19. Hear it in the Atlanta area on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m. In “Prayer as Prophetic Imagination,” rooted in Luke 18:1-8, she invites us to see prayer not as passive pleading but as a resilient, justice-seeking life with God. Drawing on themes of lament, hope, and persistence, she explores how prayer strengthens us against despair—especially in this season after Pentecost. The program is also accessible now online at Day1.org, on the “Day1” YouTube channel and on Appleand Spotify podcasts.  
10. Peachtree Road United Methodist Church is offering an unusual opportunity as All Saints Day approaches. The All Souls' Post Office, Sunday, Oct. 19, 10:00- 11:00 a.m., Hospitality Suite, and Sunday, Nov. 2, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Grace Hall. Participants will explore the transformative process of writing a letter to a deceased loved one finding space for honoring grief, expressing loss, and finding catharsis through writing. Time and resources will be provided to begin your letter during the workshop, or you may choose to write and “post” it later in the Resource Room at Peachtree Road. All letters will be received and blessed during Choral Evensong for the Feast of All Saints service on November 2.
11. “Returning to Classic ‘Mystical Theology’: Why Contemplation and Apophasis Are Important for Contemporary Political Theology” In her second lecture, Candler School of Theology, Oct. 21, 4 p.m., Sarah Coakley will probe the origins of “Mystical Theology” in the patristic period and beyond, and compare its demanding ascetical vision with current perceptions of mysticism in churches and wider culture. Coakley proposes that classic apophatic “contemplation” has, today, a very particular challenge and application to our current political world circumstances. Visit bit.ly/coakley-mcdonald-oct-21for details and to register. These events are made possible by the McDonald Agape Foundation.
12. Bonhoeffer for Today? Things to learn—and maybe not learn—from his political writings October 23, 2 – 9 p.m. During complicated political times, few theologians get weaponized more fiercely or misread more easily than Dietrich Bonhoeffer. But who was Bonhoeffer? What did he say and do? And how might we interpret him thoughtfully, accurately, and usefully for our present political moment? This symposium draws together an international group of scholars to address these and other questions. Join us for workshops, a keynote lecture with Lori Brandt Hale, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society, a screening of the Journey Films movie Bonhoeffer, and a panel discussion exploring the legacy and current relevance of this compelling figure at the intersection of faith and politics. Columbia Theological Seminary. Bonhoeffer for Today? Things to learn--and maybe not learn--from hi...
13. In celebration of October as the Month of the Holy Rosary, Ignatius House invites you to two special half-day SoulCore mornings on October 23 (full) and 30. SoulCore is a unique prayer experience that unites body, mind, and soul through the meditative rhythm of the rosary, gentle core-strengthening movements, reflection, and stillness. Guided by Catherine Fuss, these sessions are adaptable to all fitness levels—no mats or prior experience needed. Come away for prayer, movement, and quiet reflection, and care for your whole self while honoring Our Blessed Mother. Learn More here.
14. 5th Annual Rosemary Kittrell Lecture at Trinity Presbyterian Church with Valarie Kaur, Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Kaur will deliver the lecture “Revolutionary Love is the Call of Our Times” in the Sanctuary (with overflow in Williams Hall). There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required. Kaur is a civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, educator, and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project. She has led visionary campaigns to tell untold stories and change policy on issues ranging from hate crimes to digital freedom. Her work ignited a national movement to reclaim love as a force for justice. Today, the Revolutionary Love Project is seeding networked communities of practice across the country to build the beloved community. Register Here. Questions? Email Lucy Strong.
15. Post-Kittrell Lecture Workshop, Friday, October 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Trinity Presbyterian Church, Williams Hall. Valarie Kaur will offer a workshop and discussion on Experiments in Liberation: The Revolutionary Love Compass. The workshop will take place from 11am to 2pm in Williams Hall at Trinity Presbyterian. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required for this unique learning opportunity. Register for the Workshop
16. Second-Ponce Fall Fest, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2-4 p.m. All are invited to Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta 30305, for trunk or treat, chili cook off, pumpkin carving, inflatables, and food. This event is allergy friendly.
17. Fall Festival at Marietta First United Methodist Church, Saturday, October 25, from 4-6 p.m. There will be trunk-or-treating, hay rides, yard games, food, and a cake walk! 56 Whitlock Avenue, N.W., Marietta 30064. More information at Fall Festival 2025.
18. Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, 1026 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta 30306, announces an organ concert, Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. -- Nosferatu (1922) featuring John D. Schwandt on organ. Schwandt is one of the most multi-faceted organ professionals working today. At home in many genres of music, he can be encountered in concert across America, on many episodes of American Public Media’s syndicated program Pipedreams, accompanying silent films in churches, concert halls, and theaters, on a CD by the rock band Shiny Toy Guns, as leader of hymn festivals, consultant on organ projects, as a voicer and tonal finisher, and as judge and clinician in many settings. Dr. Schwandt established the American Organ Academy, a private and cooperative educational venture offering training in all aspects of organ building and playing. The AOA is poised to meet the emerging needs of a rapidly changing organ landscape.
19. Rev. Drew D. West, associate pastor at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church began a poetry project recently. He offers each week an original poem given rise to by the Revised Common Lectionary. Each poem is written to inspire wonder, invite imaginative reflection on scripture, and encourage fresh ways of engaging with the biblical text. He hopes these poems can serve as a resource both for sermon preparation and for personal devotional reading. He has given us permission to share them with you. Visit Sunday Poems | Drew D. West | Substack.
20. The Metro Atlanta Food Consortium is a digital collaborative effort between food serving and food rescue organizations in the metro Atlanta area. Formed to promote information sharing, product sharing, best practices and useful information in an attempt to distribute more food to those who are in need and to waste less. If you are interested in participating, please email Enid Draluck at [e-mail]. You must be a registered 501c3 to participate
21. The date has been announced for the 8th-annual Christmas on Clairemont. You won’t want to miss it. Put December 21 on your calendar, 6 p.m., First Baptist Church of Decatur. More details later. More info now at  https://www.fbcdecatur.com/christmas-on-clairemont.
22. St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Stone Mountain held its Annual Taize Service on Friday, Sept. 26, and we had the date wrong. The church is at 6780 James B. Rivers Drive, Stone Mountain 30083. St. Michael and All Angels is celebrating its 75^th anniversary. Did you know they offer a 2 p.m. Dinka service every Sunday? They also have a healing service on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel.
23. Atlanta Regional Commission Aging and Independence Services offers many workshops and classes across the region. VisitAGING WELL: ARC's Life-Enriching Workshops | Eventbrite to find a helpful and fun class near you.                        Peace, Ethel Ware Carter