Church Action eNewsletter Week of October 19, 2015

[RCCAtl]

                                                               God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

                                               Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

                                                            Church Action eNewsletter Week of October 19, 2015

 

Information about denominational responses to the Syrian refugee crisis and some ways to help are at RCCAtl.org

1. The Rev'd. Dr. John Philip Newell will speak in Atlanta. Poet, peacemaker, scholar, and author, Dr. Newell is Companion Theologian for the American Spirituality Center of Casa del Sol at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and was formerly Warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland. The lecture and the dessert reception and book signing following it are free and open to the public, no reservations required. All Saints' Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree, Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:00 p.m.

2. Join Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta (CBC) for the Annual Salute to Black Mothers ”Wind Beneath Our Wings” Saturday, October 24, noon, at the Atlanta Marriott Gateway Hotel, 2020 Convention Center Concourse, Atlanta 30337. Tickets are $40. CBC under the leadership of President Rev. Frank Cornelius Brown, is a proactive and principle centered organization of mostly African American ministers and laity. Its mission is to provide leadership and advocacy to the homeless, helpless, and hopeless in our community. For more information visit www.concernedblackclergy.org, or call 404 755-4900.

3. "Songs of Love and Remembrance" will feature timeless sacred expressions of these themes by J.S. Bach and Herbert Howell and others in a concert by Coro Vocati, an Atlanta-based choral ensemble of professional musicians, Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m., in the sanctuary of Morningside Presbyterian Church, 1411 N. Morningside Dr., Atlanta 30306. The second half of the concert mirrors the themes through secular ballads, French chanson and madrigals. A suggested donation of $10 will be received at the door.  For information about Coro Vocati, visit corovocati.com.

4. The Rev. David Wood will preach on Day 1 Sunday, Oct. 25, in the continuing series “Faith & Science in the 21^st Century.” Wood, senior minister of Glencoe Union Church in Glencoe, Ill., is an ordained American Baptist pastor. “The Image of God and the Secret of Life,” Wood’s sermon for Oct. 25, based on Genesis 1:26-27, focuses on humanity in the image of God in the light of science. Find your local station and hear the sermon at Day1.org.

5. The Greater Mountain Baptist Church will dedicate their morning worship service Sunday, Oct. 25, to the Pastor Rev. Douglas Demetrius Prather and the First Lady Elizabeth Prather. The guest speaker will be the Rev. W.L. Cottrell, Pastor Emeritus of the Beulah Baptist Church. For addition information please call [phone].  3346 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta 30331.

6. New Life Presbyterian Church will host a screening of the film Armor of Light Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1:30 p.m. Trailer. Documentary producer Abigail Disney's directorial debut follows the journey of the Rev. Rob Schenck, an evangelical minister who finds the courage to preach about the toll of gun violence in America. He eventually meets Lucy McBath the mother of Jordan Davis, an unarmed teenager who was murdered in Florida whose case has become a landmark in the fight against "Stand Your Ground" laws. Through their stories, the film asserts that even in the face of heartbreak, outrage, and political affiliations, it may be possible for people to find common ground. Mrs. Lucia McBath will be present at the screening for Q/A. 6600 Old National Highway, College Park 30349.

7. Proctor Creek Roundtable. Rev. Larry Hill, the Word of God Ministries, and Rev. Dr. E. L. Jones, First Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, are supporting community outreach efforts for a roundtable discussion, Thursday, Oct. 29, at First Corinth, 2165 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW, Atlanta 30318. The pastors expect a great turn out of Proctor Creek residents to hear proposals and provide input. Proctor Creek impacts more than just water quality and flooding in Rev. Hill and Dr. Jones' neighborhoods. Proctor Creek impacts transportation, public safety, housing, and other important issues of life for the watershed residents.

8. Are you ready for a creatively-charged run/walk? You will be entertained as you navigate the course by fine artists, musicians, dancers, circus acts, and more! Come dressed in your brightest and most creative gear! Second Annual drawchange 5k. Run for Art, Run for kids, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. For more information and to register click here. For the official Facebook page for the 5k click here.

9. 16th Annual Creating Opportunity Conference Home Preservation Seminar, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta 30303, Saturday, October 31, Time:  9:00 -10:30 a.m. Cynthia Harrison from HomeSafe Georgia will discuss funds available through Hardest Hit Fund established by the federal government to provide foreclosure help. For more information contact Trina Heathington at [phone] or [e-mail]  Click Here For Free registration.

10. The Volunteer Service Guild of Radcliffe Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) cordially invites you to enjoy the sounds of the Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band in concert at Radcliffe Presbyterian Church, 286 Hamilton E. Homes Drive NW, Sunday, Nov. 1, 5:30 p.m. the concert is free but donations are appreciated! Come and join in the fun!

11. On November 2, people will come together for fellowship and worship to commemorate the lives of homeless individuals who have died during the past year.  Homeless Memorial Day and Requiem is supported by the many faith communities and service agencies that provide meals, housing, employment, and invaluable support to our neighbors who are living without housing.  Partners are Cascade United Methodist Church, the Cathedral of St. Philip, Zion Hill Baptist Church, and The Community at Peachtree-Pine. You are invited to be a part. The event opens National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month.  Read more>>

12. American Jewish World Service and the LGBT Institute at the National Center for Civil Rights invite you to The Global-Local Connection for LGBT Rights, a community conversation about protecting and respecting the rights of LGBT people worldwide and here at home. Monday, November 2, 6:30-7:00 p.m. Reception; 7:00-9:00  Panel discussion followed by Q&A, Center for Civil and Human Rights, 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta  30313. Tickets for this event are $10 and space is limited. Parking is available at the World of Coca-Cola or Georgia Aquarium parking garages for $10. Buy tickets here.

13. Waiting in Joyful Hope: An Advent Experience, Tuesday mornings at Ignatius House, November 3, 10, 17, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Come for three November mornings of prayer and preparation.  Facilitator:  Lalor Cadley. Fee is $75. To Register email [e-mail].

14. Come for lunch and an exploration of the future of preaching with faculty and students of McAfee School of Theology Nov. 6, 12 – 1:30 p.m. Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305 $25 Fellowship Hall.  Call [phone] or visit here to make your reservation for The Proclaimers of God’s Word: Voices of the New Generation. Hosted by Day 1 and James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University.

15. Atlanta Legal Aid Society Run for Justice in Oakhurst is Nov. 7.  Don't fall behind - register now! Early registration ends October 26. Get more information.  Sign me up!  For the team worksheet, please email Angie Tacker at [e-mail]

16. The Awakening, the Lynn Swanson Festival Singers— classics, inspiring works of our time, rousing spirituals, and American folk songs. Two opportunities to hear music from the group called “the South’s premiere a cappella choir” by the Charleston Post & Courier.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m., Decatur First United Methodist Church, 300 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur 30030

Sunday, Nov. 8, 3 p.m., St. John United Methodist Church, 550 Mt. Paran Road, Atlanta 30327.  Tickets at the door or online.

17. Cognitively-Based Compassion Training: Implications for Mind, Body, and Heart, Emory Presbyterian Church, 1886 North Decatur Road, N.E., Atlanta, 30307, Sunday, November 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. For more information click here. 

18. Advent, a Season of Prophecy, Politics, and Practice, four incredible classes from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary with Dr. Randall C. Bailey, Andrew W. Mellon Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible, retired, and Dr. Tony McNeill, The Broyles Leadership Center, Columbia Theological Seminary, beginning Nov. 9, register by Nov. 2 for a scholarship discount. Read more>>

19. “Being the Moral Voice" Interfaith Clergy Breakfast Nov. 9 at the Temple. Clergy and congregational faith leaders are invited to join Georgia Interfaith Power & Light for breakfast and to explore ways the collective voice of faith can spur moral action on climate justice in our communities. Facilitated by Dr. Mark Douglas, Ethics Professor at Columbia Seminary and Chairman of GIPL's Board of Directors. For more info, contact [e-mail]. 

20. The most important day of the year for Atlanta Community Ministries is Monday, Nov. 9.  No bells or whistles—just lunch (free) and prayer together around tables. On the Annual Day of Prayer each ACM stakeholder is asked to devote extra time to praying for ACM and our city. Gather 12 Noon to 1:30 p.m. for prayer and lunch in the Fellowship Hall of Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church; 2715 Peachtree Rd. NE; 30305. Parking is free in the parking lot adjacent to the church. Put it on your calendar, invite your friends and R.s.v.p.  to Tula Blackwelder at 404-841-0800; Ext. 203, or to [e-mail].

21. Chris De Pree, the Charles A. Dana Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Bradley Observatory at Agnes Scott College, is the next lecturer in Columbia Theological Seminary’s “Science for Seminaries” program sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). November 11, 11:00 am, Dr. De Pree will present his talk on "The Origin and Evolution of the Universe" on the seminary campus, 701 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur. This event is open to the public.

22. The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta has announced that tickets for the 2015 Building Bridges Awards Gala, Nov. 14, at the Hyatt Regency can be purchased online here.  The organization is committed to bridging gaps between faiths and across communities. Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is the keynote speaker. Charles Kuck, Managing Partner of Kuck Immigration Partners, LLC will serve as the Honorary Chair. Questions? Contact [e-mail]

23. Sue Grafton will discuss her new book, X, on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur 30030.  This event is sponsored by Georgia Center for the Book and hosted by Conversations at First Baptist.  No tickets or reservations are required.

24. The Friendship Center at Holy Comforter Church in East Atlanta will host Mental Health First Aid Training on Friday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Those who take the course learn a 5 step action plan encompassing the skills, resources, and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate care.   See www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org for more information. There is no fee for the class, registration is required, first-come first-serve. Please register by Thursday, November 12. There is no one for whom this class would not be of benefit. To register, email Liz Mitchell at [e-mail] or call [phone].

25. Atlantic Institute 10th anniversary Art & Essay Contest 2016.  For more information visit artessay.org. The contest challenges middle and high school students to submit either/or both art and essay compositions based on a yearly theme. The top twelve winners receive the grand prize of a student-teacher ambassador trip to Turkey. The goal of Art & Essay Contest is to inspire the winners to explore the fruitful nature of cultural diversity. In addition, participants have the opportunity to learn about three thousand years of history, as well as enjoying the rich culture and savory cuisine. Deadline is Dec. 4. The 2015 - 2016 theme is: Ten Days, Teen Weeks, Ten Months, Ten Years: What Can YOU Accomplish?

26. Lord’s Day Alliance calls for entries in the 2015 Lowndes Sermon Competition. The Jack P. and Doris T. Lowndes Sermon Competition encourages preparation of a sermon for a local Christian congregation that highlights the importance of Sabbath in the life of Christians. Building an Intergenerational Community, preaching on the Fifth Commandment in the Light of the Fourth Commandment is the topic. Deadline is Dec. 31, 2015. Visit the website and scroll to page 19.

27. This year at Trinity Institute 2016, a group of provocative experts, activists, and authors will talk about structural racism, mass incarceration, and policy change. TI attendees will practice having conversations about race that can be used to create change in our communities and beyond.  There are two ways to attend TI2016: in New York City, or register as a Partner Site and stream the full conference at your church, seminary, or organization. Either way, it's affordable. TI offers a sliding scale. Scholarships also are available.   LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

Peace,

Ethel Ware Carter

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc.

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