Church Action eNewsletter Week of October 14, 2019

[RCCAtl]

1. The Blue Dove Foundation Interfaith Mental Health Conversation, is this Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:30 until 8:45 p.m. Panelists include Rabbi Bradley Levenberg, Temple Sinai, Nabile Safdar, Islamic Speaker’s Bureau Atlanta, and the Rev. James Lamkin, Northside Drive Baptist Church. This is a free event; R.s.v.p.

2. Human trafficking, modern-day slavery, involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. It is second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of crime — a $290 million illegal underground industry in Georgia alone! The Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Justice and Peace Ministries, in partnership with All Saints Catholic Church Faith in Action Ministry, offers “Knowing the Signs to Fight Human Trafficking” Thursday, Oct. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., Health Ministry room, parish center. All are welcome to come increase their understanding of what it is, why it’s happening, and how to get involved in the fight to end it. Suitable for teens and older. All Saints is at 2443 Mt. Vernon Rd. Dunwoody.

3. Dementia-Friendly Workshop for Church Leaders, Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, 501 Mitchel St SW, Atlanta 30314. Free. Faith Village Connections works with churches and community partners to develop villages to support families caring for persons living with dementia. Workshops include: 1. Supporting a congregation to live well beyond the diagnosis, 2. Re-engaging families and persons living with dementia, and 3. The church as a key member of the care team. Free Confidential Memory Screening and a Simulated Dementia Experience. Lunch provided and door prizes. Register here.

4. The Rev. Jenny McDevitt, Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, NYC, is the preacher Oct. 20 on “Day 1.” Her sermon is based on Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow who continued to bother a judge until he gave her justice. She says, “Maybe what we need to remember is that rather than prayer yielding a desired answer, prayer yields a divine connection.” Hear it in Atlanta Sunday at 7:05 a.m. on News 95.5 and 750 AM WSB. For more information and resources see http://day1.org.

5. Paul Wallace will discuss his new book “Love and Quasars: An Astrophysicist Reconciles Faith and Science” Monday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. at First Baptist Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur 30030. He shows how the standard ways of reconciling faith and science don’t work, then proposes a reasonable, thoughtful approach that will appeal to people of faith and students of science alike. The dialogue will be followed by a reception and book-signing. Come early for a telescope observing opportunity on the front lawn beginning at 6:00 p.m. No tickets or reservations are required for this event from Conversations at First Baptist in partnership with Georgia Center for the Book.

6. “College Behind Bars” and a discussion on incarceration reform featuring filmmakers Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein, hosted by Rose Scott, Wednesday, Oct. 23. Join Atlanta PBA at the Morehouse School of Medicine auditorium for a screening of this new documentary from Ken Burns. What is prison for? How can we have justice without redemption? This is the story of a small group of men and women struggling to earn college degrees and turn their lives around in one of the most rigorous and effective prison education programs in the U.S. Registration required but does not guarantee entry. Audience members will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. “College Behind Bars” airs on ATL PBA Nov. 25 & 26.

7. Welcoming Community Dialogue Summit, Thursday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave., Clarkston, 30021. The dialogues are poised to shift culture and attitudes so that everyone is able to regard others with empathy and compassion, and people feel welcome and develop a sense of belonging. Free and open to the public.

8. Joining Hands for Justice in Palestine and Israel invites you to a luncheon presentation with the Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, Oct. 24, 12:15 p.m., Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Drive, Richards Center, Ellis Room, Decatur 30030. Parking lot on Kirk Road. R.s.v.p.to Sarah Humphrey by October 21 at [e-mail] JHJPI says “Lunch is on us!”

9. “How Our Food Choices Can Save the Planet,” webinar, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2-3 p.m., To mark World Food Day, Catholic Climate Covenant invites you to join them in an information packed webinar examining: How we can take action, both individually and as communities, to reduce our damaging “foodprints” on our common home. The webinar is especially timely as we approach the holiday season’s many food-centered celebrations. Click here to register today!

10. Trunk or Treat all over town next weekend for candy, spooky games, costume gazing, and lots of fun! We got word of these:
St. James United Methodist, 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta 30342, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. Email [e-mail] for more info.
Shallowford Presbyterian, 2375 Shallowford Road, NE, Atlanta 30345, Saturday, Oct. 26, 12 – 2 p.m., for more info email [e-mail]
Northside Drive Baptist, 3100 Northside Drive, Atlanta 30305, Saturday, Oct. 26, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
St. Anne’s Episcopal, 3098 St. Anne’s Lane, Atlanta 30327, Sunday, Oct. 27, 4 – 5:30 p.m. For more info call [phone] ext. 143 or email [e-mail].
Second Ponce de Leon Baptist, 2715 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta 30305, Sunday, Oct. 27, 5 – 7 p.m.
Sandy Springs Christian, 301 Johnson Ferry Rd, Sandy Springs 30328, Sunday, Oct. 27, 3–7 p.m. Cascade United Methodist, 3144 Cascade Rd, Atlanta 30311, Thursday, Oct. 31, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

11. An eye opening experience of human trafficking, come experience an immersive simulation of the exploitation happening in plain view across Metro Atlanta. Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., National Center for Civil and Human Rights, 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW, Atlanta 30313. Admission is free. Sign up here.

12. A special invitation to Big Bethel AME Church’s 14th Annual National Children's Sabbath Observance, this year focusing on diversity and bonding. There will be "age-appropriate" rap sessions facilitated by professional adults partnering with the young and an adult forum exploring issues children and youth face in today. Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Big Bethel AME Church, 220 Auburn Ave, Atlanta 30303. Multicultural dishes will be shared at lunch.

13. A day with Lerita Coleman Brown, Oct. 26, at the Cathedral of St. Philip, “From Contemplation to Compassionate Social Action: The Creative Encounter of Howard Thurman.” Come for a day journeying through the life and writings of Thurman and dipping into his contemplative practices. More information and registration.

14. “Requiem: For Us Living” by Alfred Fedak, Sunday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2461 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, 30305. Offering collected to sponsor a panel display from the names project on World AIDS Day.

15. Harry Potter and the Theological Imagination, a magical evening of Harry Potter-themed worship, fellowship, and fun. Celebrate Eucharist in the Great Hall, eat a Hogwartsstyle feast, and enjoy the movie “Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets” afterward. All ages welcome. Costumes encouraged! Sunday, October 27, 5:30 p.m., All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 W Peachtree St, Atlanta 30308. For more information, contact The Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring at [e-mail].

16. The 32nd annual Reformation Day at Emory is Tuesday, Oct. 29, "The Story of Our Books: Producing, Collecting, and Owning Books of the 16th Century." The includes exhibition item features, lectures, a luncheon, and musical performances. Speakers include Professor Nick Wilding, Georgia State University; Ms. Caroline Duroselle-Melish, The Folger Shakespeare Library; Professor Ulrich Bubenheimer, University of Heidelberg, and Rev. Kevin Strickland, Bishop-elect of the ELCA. Register here. If you have registration questions, call [phone].

17. Faith Leaders Breakfast, hosted by Inspiritus (formerly Lutheran Services of Georgia and Lutheran Services in Tennessee), Wednesday, Oct. 30, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta 30308. The topic of conversation will be "How to Have Hard Conversations - The Practice of Empathetic Listening" with the Rev. Blair Boyd Zant and the Rev. Yvette D. Massey, associate directors, Center for Congregational Excellence, North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. For more information contact Melanie Johnson, Director of Community Engagement, at [e-mail] . View details and reply

18. “How They Made It In America: Success Stories and Strategies of Immigrant Women,” Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at 184 S Candler St. Decatur 30030. Dr. Fiona Citkin, who immigrated to America from Ukraine, examines the individual experiences of eighteen immigrant women who today serve as models of success. In sharing their stories, Citkin demonstrates how these women succeeded in America under exceptionally difficult circumstances through drive, grit, intelligence, compassion, and leadership skills and presents specific advice that will inspire others. Event is co-sponsored by Charis Books and the McCain Library at Agnes Scott College. Suggested donation is $5 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

19. There are some new dates for Mental Health First Aid Training in Nov. and Dec. Visit our website to see. If you want to attend, email [e-mail]. Be sure to specify the desired date.

20. Here’s an opportunity to discover best practices to help those experiencing homelessness. Discover that there are negative consequences to good deeds. Become part of the network and have access to all needed resources available in the metro Atlanta area. Earn your “Certified Homelessness Advocate” pin. Friday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m., in Atlanta. Register here to reserve a seat. Training conducted by the GSU-Police H.O.P.E. Team with Continuum of Care partners, SafeHouse, Gateway, Covenant House, Good Day – Good Deeds and assisted by GSU faculty & staff.

21. Understanding Dementia in the African American Community, Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Allen Temple AME, 1625 Joseph E. Boone Blvd, Atlanta 30314. Free. Faith Village Connections is working with Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter, SageNavigator, AARP Georgia, churches, and community partners to spread awareness and develop villages to support families caring for people living with dementia. Participants will be able to sign up for a Free Confidential Memory Screening. Light refreshments and door prizes. Register here.

22. Greg Epstein, Mountain Top Lectures Fall Lecture, Hoag Auditorium, University of North Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 2. Public online registration is now open. Click here to register. Surveys tell us that an increasing number of Americans list their religious affiliation as "none." As a Humanist chaplain at Harvard, Epstein is well qualified to provide insights into this trend. He also has important thoughts on ethics and technology.

23. The Atlanta Music Festival is an annual event that draws on concert music and spirituals of African Americans, an enduring legacy now shared throughout the world. This year the festival returns to its historic roots at First Congregational Church and brings back the Fisk Jubilee Singers who sang in the original festival in 1910. Saturday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Congregational Church, UCC in downtown Atlanta, 105 Courtland Street, NE. Other performers include Bass/Baritone Calvin Griffin, Tenor Timothy Miller, the Meridian Chorale and soloists. All the details. To find out about the VIP Reception and Recording Drop Party and buy tickets visit here.

24. The Training and Counseling Center at St. Luke’s presents a workshop on Divorce Mediation, St. Luke’s “Hamilton Room” Tuesday, Nov. 12, 11:30 -1:00, presented by Ginny Kingston, Psy.D. The presenter will share information regarding options related to the divorce process while focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of mediation, which circumstances are appropriate for mediation, and the process of mediation from start to finish. Issues relating to child custody will be discussed. $15 for attendance and lunch, or $5 without lunch suggested donation towards the mission fund for counseling services. Everyone is welcome to attend. To register for this event, please contact [e-mail] or call [phone] Ext. 2003.

25. Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society and The Temple in concert present “Annelies: The Diary of Anne Frank,” Tuesday, Nov. 12, The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta 30309. 7:06 p.m., free admission, Kayla Harriott, soprano; James Whitbourn, composer; Curtis Everett Powell, conductor.

26. Bestselling author Wm. Paul Young, author of “The Shack,” “Eve,” and “Lies We Believe About God,” will deliver a public lecture Fri., Nov. 15 in All Saints' Chapel at the University of the South and lead an all-day workshop Sat., Nov. 16. This gathering will be a conversation about the nature of God in an increasingly secularized world. The lecture is open to the public. Please register to ensure a seat; a “love offering” will be collected to support the event.

27. Mark your calendar for the 2019 Legislative Forum "Faith-Based Civil Discourse: Bridging the Divide in 2020." Join Presbyterians for a Better Georgia in a discussion with state legislators about public policy, learn about issues central to this year's legislative session and how to be equipped for the 2020 election cycle. The 2019 Legislative Forum is free and refreshments will be served. Nov. 14, Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m. This event is free and open to all. You do not need to be a member of Presbyterians for a Better Georgia or affiliated with a PCUSA congregation to attend. Park in the rear lot and adjacent streets. Refreshments will be served! Register and invite a friend! Register here.

28. “Are We Our Brothers’ Keepers?: 14th Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration, Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Rd, Marietta 30062 Participating faiths include Baha’I, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Judaism, Muslim, Sihkism, Unitarian Universalist. More.

29. A reminder of the opportunity to sing with the combined choirs for the 15th Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration, Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. This dynamic evening is filled with humor, music, and inspiration— celebrating both unity and diversity. Any singer may join! All skill sets welcome! Just show up for three fun rehearsals. Details are here on our website.