Church Action eNewsletter Week of September 12, 2011

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone.

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
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1. News from Georgians for an Alternative to the Death Penalty on scheduled execution of Troy Davis. On Friday, Sept. 16 International Day of Solidarity with Troy Davis, 6 p.m. Too Much Doubt To Execute march leaves from Woodruff Park (Peachtree between Auburn and Edgewood) and proceeds to Ebenezer Baptist Church, 407 Auburn Ave., a 7 p.m., program of speakers, music, prayer includes Davis family members, exonerated prisoners, national and local civil rights, community and faith leaders. Organizations are encouraged to bring their banners and signs. Demonstrations are taking place in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, Providence, Detroit, Houston, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Chicago, and other cities.

Monday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m., prayer vigil in advance of Pardons and Parole Board hearing on clemency for Troy Davis. Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, 2 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr (across the street from the Capitol; adjacent to Ga. State MARTA station). The Board hearing is not open to the public. The vigil will remain throughout the hearing. Although the petitions collected to date will be turned in on Thursday, online petitions can still be sent as well as faxes, e-mails and phone calls. For more information, go to www.justicefortroy.org or www.iacenter.org or www.gfadp.org


2. Interfaith Developments Around the World, Sunday, September 18, from 3 to 5 p.m., Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 2375 Shallowford Road Northeast, Atlanta 30345. The speaker and honored guest, Dr. John Azumah, Associate Professor at Columbia Seminary and former Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at the London School of Theology, will bring perspectives on interfaith efforts which are of importance to world peace but rarely reported in the U.S. The meeting will open with a reception period during which attendees will have an opportunity to personally greet Dr. Azumah. Time for questions is scheduled after the presentation.


3. The Rev. Karen Lyons and Cliftondale United Methodist Church invite you to their 2011 Fall Revival Preparing for Spiritual Warfare on Sunday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Rev. Telley Gadson, St. Mark UMC, Sumter, SC. Monday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Rev. Olu Brown, Impact Church, and Tuesday, Sept. 20, Rev. Gregory Pollard, Enon Baptist Church. The church is located at 4095 Stonewall Tell Road, Atlanta 30349. For more information call 770.964-4912.

4. Spanish Classes with the Latin American Association Need to brush-up on your Spanish, or simply want to communicate with more people in the world? Improve your Spanish language skills with weekday Weekday Classes
or Saturday Spanish classes Saturday Classes at the Latin American Association! Regular course price for new students—$240. Contact Jennifer Solano at 404-638-0393 or [e-mail] and mention that you read the RCCA eNewsletter and get 10% off your first course!

5. Mary Ann Glendon, Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard University and former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, will tackle the challenges of the universal right to religious freedom in a world of diversity, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Emory University School of Law. This year’s Harold J. Berman lecturer, Glendon headlines the 2011-2012 “When Law and Religion Meet Lecture Series” presented by Emory University’s Center for the Study of Law and Religion. Her lecture, Religious Freedom – A Second Class Right?, is co-sponsored by Emory’s Aquinas Center of Theology and is a highlight of the Aquinas Center’s silver anniversary celebration. This event is free and open to the public. You will find more information about the lecture, the series, and parking at Info

6. The Cathedral Book Store presents the 5th Annual Jane Baird Lecture with Sam Portaro on Age Appropriate: Exploring Lifelong Vocation, Thursday, September 22, 7:00 p.m. There is no charge, but please register! www.cathedralbookstore.org

7. Visit the Atlanta Music Festival website www.atlantamusicfestival.org for information on all the wonderful opportunities to celebrate God’s gift of music coming up next week. Two free events on Friday September 23 will feature favorites Dr. Dwight Andrews, pastor of First Congregational Church and acclaimed musician, and Dr. Steven Darsey, composer, director, and founder of Meridian Herald.

8. Radcliffe Presbyterian Church will hold its Annual Fall Revival Friday, September 23 - Tuesday, September 27. The theme is 'A Total Spiritual Renewal: Mind, Body and Soul.' Come and celebrate Fun and Fellowship on September 23, Visual and Performing Arts on September 24, Worship, September 25 and 27, and Music Fest on September 26. Times vary depending on date. Call the church office at 404-799-8286 for more information.

9. The United Methodist Women of Cascade are excited to present their 2011 “Never the Same” Women’s Conference, September 23-25. This 3-day forum will empower, enrich, and enlighten women seeking spiritual transformation so they will never be the same! The conference begins Friday, September 23, at 7 p.m. with Evangelist Ty Adams producer of “The Real Housewives of the Bible” and Veda Howard, The HaHalujah! Christian Comedian. Saturday morning at 9, The Honorable Glenda Hatchett – Author of Dare to Take Charge, and Rev. Felecia Pearson Smith, First Lady of Atlanta’s Community Church of God will encourage and enlighten. The conference culminates on Sunday, at 11 am with Patricia Russell McCloud, J.D., author of A is for Attitude: An Alphabet for Living and Darlene McCoy, guest Psalmist and radio personality from Praise 102.5 FM. Cascade United Methodist Church, 3144 Cascade Road, SW, Atlanta 30311. On-line Registration: $30 (now through September 22) | On-site registration: $30 cash only (Sept. 23) http://cascadewomensconference.eventbrite.com/

10. Earth Covenant Ministry's Harvest Moon Party, Saturday, September 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a delicious local organic food feast and music by the Bluegrass Bonanza Band. The event will be held at East Lake Commons Co-Housing Community in Decatur. Folks are invited to tour this intentional community and eco-village that is built around Atlanta's first urban organic farm, Gaia Garden, in operation since 1997. All ages are welcome to the Harvest Moon Party! Tickets cost $30/person or $75/family 4-pack. Contact [e-mail] or 678/362-7639. To learn more about this faith-based environmental program, visit www.earthcovenantministry.org


11. September 24–25 (Sat–Sun), 2011: Sixth Annual Fair Trade Sale . Join friends and neighbors at Holy Trinity Parish, Episcopal, in Decatur for the sixth annual Fair Trade Market Sale to benefit indigenous artisans and local refugees. The market will be open on the open air plaza from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 24, and again on the plaza after each service on Sunday, September 25. Please plan to shop and make "a world of difference" - your purchases support international artisan partners in Guatemala, India, and Ghana, allowing them to create an economic system that provides fair wages, education, and personal autonomy. Your purchases also support Bhutanese refugees who have relocated to Decatur (and who happen to make beautiful baskets out of our local supply of kudzu vine!). This market is entirely "fair trade," and although all of our items are priced to honor the skill and labor of the artisans, there are beautiful items to be had at reasonable prices - so we invite you to get your Christmas shopping done early! Holy Trinity is located on the east side of Decatur at 515 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA, 30030. Please call the church office at 404 - 377-2622 for more information .


12. Women’s Day Celebration at Central United Methodist Church, 501-7 Mitchell Street, Atlanta 30314. the Rev. Byron E. Thomas, Senior Pastor, invites the community for this year’s event exploring the theme A Woman’s Worth. On Sunday, September 25, Aungelique Proctor will speak at the 7:45 a.m. service and Shirley Sherrod will speak at the 10:45 a.m. service. www.centralumcatl.org


1 3 . Serving the homeless community for 31 years, Clifton Sanctuary Ministries will honor their recent graduates and volunteers on September 25. This fund raising event is a time to recognize those who have successfully worked to eliminate the sigma associated with being homeless as well as publically thank some fabulous volunteers! The event is scheduled for 6:00pm at North Avenue Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta. The cost of an individual ticket is $40.00 and a table of eight is $325.00. For further information please contact Mayme at 404-373-3253 x305 or visit the website at www.cliftonsanctuary.com.


1 4 . Sabbath Rest mini silent retreat on Monday September 26, 2011 from 12-4 at Ignatius House on the banks of the Chattahoochee. Lunch is included, then a brief introduction to keeping silence so as to listen to God; the remaining time is yours to be with God and nature in this lovely 22 acres dedicated to contemplation and experiencing God. Over the last 5 years of these events, hundreds of busy Atlantans have found peace -and even miracles- through the blessings of silence at Sabbath Rest. The cost is $22 which covers the food and rental cost to Ignatius. There are scholarships available for those unable to pay. Contact Dan Hayes or Becky Shoaf , Sabbath Rest Team Leader . To register go to Sabbath Rest or email [e-mail]


1 5 . Join Cobb Faith Partnership for the General Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, at Turner Chapel AME Church, 492 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Lunch will start at 11:45 a.m. Be sure to bring a guest or two with you - the one way to experience what CFP is all about is to attend a meeting. For more information, please email [e-mail] or like CFP on Facebook.

1 6 . October 1 is the date for the 3rd annual Good News for Gainesville bike ride, benefiting ministries of Good News at Noon, Good News Medical, and Action Ministries Gainesville. The list of different churches and denominations is very impressive and encouraging, as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Assemblies of God, and Presbyterian Churches are joining hands to “do something that blesses our community.” In just two years, using all-volunteers this group has raised and given away $8500 to minister to the community. The bike ride this year is $40. The ride begins at 9:00 a.m. and includes a BBQ lunch afterward. Riders have their choice of 25, 35, or 60 mile rides, with rest stops every 15 miles. Read more and register at Bike Reg.

1 7 . Renovacion Juvenil Teen Workshop, teens age 13 to 18 are invited to live a unique experience. This workshop is prepared for Latino teens by Latino teens, an opportunity to find oneself, receive leadership and communication training, and improve the relationship with parents--- profound and fun. North Springs High School, 7447 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta 30328, October 1 and 2. Cost is $50 and this includes materials and meals for both days. For more information, please call 678-363-3979 or email [e-mail]

1 8 . Popular author Patti Digh returns to the Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Library Auditorium on October 4 at 7:15 p.m. with a new book,” What I Wish For You: Simple Wisdom for a Happy Life” filled with thoughtful advice for anyone facing a transitional period in life. Critics hail its combination of caring, poignancy, wit, and lovely writing.

19. Vested Glory, the flower festival at the Cathedral of St. Philip will be held on October 4-5. Find out all about it at Festival

20 . Emory University’s nationally acclaimed preaching teacher Thomas G. Long of Candler School of Theology admits that for most people, the words “boredom” and “sermon” are a proper pair, like “horse” and “carriage. People are waiting for preachers who feel the strong wind, who sense the heights above them and the abyss below and take a deep breath and preach a life-changing gospel,” says Thomas G. Long. Long and seven other preaching stars will share their creative processes and techniques for delivering a great sermon at “The Art of Preaching in the 21st Century,” Candler’s Fall Conference designed for clergy and laity, Oct. 10-12. The event takes place at Candler and Cannon Chapel on the Emory campus. Registration is $250. For more information, go to The Art of Preaching

2 1 . Find out about Homeless Awareness Week at Kennesaw State University, October 10-14 conference and activities including a sleep out. KSU

2 2 . "Living Into Sabbath" is the theme for Wayne Muller, author and founder of Bread for the Journey, who will be at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Oct. 30-Nov. 4. He will be part of three tracks of instruction. Read about this event and the three tracks, creative sabbatical planning, certificate in spritiual formation course, and this year’s Guthrie Scholars which still has a couple of openings. CTS For additional information, please contact the Lifelong Learning Registrar at 404-687-4587 or [e-mail]. Visit CTS

23. Explore possibilities for your seminary education at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Sign up for First Tuesday at Candler, an event for prospective students on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 6:30-8:00 p.m. You are invited to visit Candler’s campus for a casual dinner with Dean Jan Love, members of the Admissions team, and current students. Dr. Carl R. Holladay, Charles Howard Candler Professor of New Testament Studies, will present a talk entitled, “Deepening the Church’s Sensibilities: Reflections on Acts." Register online by Friday, Sept. 30 at www.candler.emory.edu.

24. Inner Faith and Inter-Faith: How does the interfaith journey affect one's personal faith? Join the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta to discuss! Four experienced panel members from four different faiths. Lunch is $15. Start a great interfaith dialogue among friends! Panelists include Mark Crenshaw, Center for Leadership in Disability, Georgia State University; Imam Plemon El-Amin, Imam Emeritus, Atlanta Masjid; Shelley Rose, Associate Director, Anti-Defamation League; Gareth Young, Red Clay Sangha. Wednesday October 5, noon to 1:30 p.m., Shambhala Meditation Center of Atlanta, 1447 Church St., Decatur 30030. R.s.v.p. to [e-mail]

25 . The work of six artists who are members of the Atlanta Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America is featured through Nov. 25 at the Gallery at St. Edwards, in the chapel at St. Edward's Episcopal Church, 737 Moon Rd, Lawrenceville. Mikki R. Dillon, curator, says, "These 24 drawings fully show the range of styles available in this medium. From feathers to huge birds, from flowers to portraits, there is something for everyone to enjoy." The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sunday mornings. For information call 770-963-6128.

2 6. Special Learning Opportunity – at Columbia Theological Seminary The S3 (Sabbath, Study and Service) Project is still accepting proposals for peer learning group projects to begin in 2012. Groups (4-6 members) accepted will receive $500 per person to help underwrite a project of their own design incorporating elements of Sabbath, Study and Service. The application deadline for this program is also extended until 9/30. Complete information about this program may be found at CTS.

27. New Immigration Curriculum: Becoming the Church Together is designed to facilitate constructive discussion with a flexible format, guiding small groups through the many aspects of immigration with an emphasis on studying the Bible together. Learn more, free PDF, order hard copies at Curriculum

28. Commemoration Don’t miss this article on the Interfaith Commemoration of 9/11 in Decatur.

30. You may find useful the Cokesbury guide to Biblical translations See it at https://rccapilgrims.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cokesbury-offers-a-gui... It can also be found at https://rccapilgrims.ning.com/profiles/blogs/resources-1 along with many other Bible related resources.

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