Church Action eNewsletter Week of September 23, 2024

[RCCAtl]

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 

1. Planning continues for the Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration on today, Monday, 7-8:14 p.m. at Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Rd, Marietta 30062.

 

2. How comfortable are you when someone approaches you with a pastoral concern? Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary online lunchtime series continues Sept. 25 with Brady Radfordon “Conflict.” You’ll have the chance to refresh your pastoral care skills and learn new insights into how to respond compassionately and appropriately when people come to you and ask if you have a minute. Click below to register for the series and enhance your pastoral care skills. Register here.
3. The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 45th annual Fall Event raises crucial funds for the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, allowing the important work of supporting domestic violence programs, advocates, and allies across the state to continue. Thursday, Sept. 26, 6 – 8 p.m. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Rooftop Patio, 201 17th Street Northwest #1700 Atlanta 30363. (Directions/Parking Instructions) TICKETS 30% OFF DISCOUNT CODE: GCADV30 Discount only applies to General Admission Tickets’
4. Are you interested in the latest on the Atlanta Beltline Transit Study? Join a virtual Citywide Conversation on Sept. 26, 6:30 – 8 p.m. The study is shaping the future of Atlanta's transit and identifying preferred routes and station locations to enhance regional connectivity and ensure equitable transportation solutions for all. Your engagement is essential to the success of the study and delivering on its goals and objectives of connectivity, sustainability, equity and inclusion, and future implementation and operations. Register for the Meeting Webinar ID: 865 3308 4646, Phone [phone].
5. Virginia Theological Seminary welcomes the Rev. Jim Wallis, author of “The False White Gospel,” to campus for a lecture on Faith and Democracy, in which he will talk about white Christian nationalism, the countermovement of people of faith, and how concerned people can respond to this year’s election uncertainty. You are invited to join online at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Sign up for the free the livestream link at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rev-jim-wallis-faith-and-democracy-tic....
6. First Presbyterian Church invites you to “Bach’s Lunch: The Enchanted Harp,” Friday, Sept. 27, at noon, co-presented with The Emory Chamber Music Society. You will bask in the romantic and sensual sounds of French harp music along with an exploration of tango. This concert features works by Ravel, Debussy, Piazzola, and Tournier performed by harpist, Elisabeth Remy Johnson; flutist, Christina Smith; the Vega Quartet; and bassist, Jonathan Colbert. Admission is free, but please R.s.v.p. here.
7. Interfaith Community Initiatives - Sacred Spaces gathers at Hillside International Truth Center for the Ubuntu Morning Interfaith Assembly, on Friday, Sept. 27, 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Come and immerse yourself in the profound spirit of Ubuntu, the African philosophy of shared humanity, as spiritual leaders from various traditions gather to reflect on the essence of "I am because we are." Several times a year - ICI Sacred Spaces provides an opportunity for persons of different faiths to join in worship and celebration of various congregations in the area.  Hillside is an inclusive spiritual community and looks forward to your visit.  Let  them know you are coming by R.s.v.p.ing at interfaithci.org. Enjoy a powerful keynote by Imam Plemon El-Amin and the soulful sounds of Ukulele Griot Angela Davis. Hillside International Truth Center is located at 2450 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30311. 
8. Church Women United of Atlanta, Inc. Human Rights Celebration Program is Friday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. on ZOOM. To register, email [e-mail]. Church Women United remember that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” (excerpt from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, written by the UN in 1948). This has been the message of Church Women United since 1943 and will continue to be a pillar that supports and drives the movement. Individuals being honored for their work and service in Atlanta communities are: Dr. Fayron Epps - associate professor at Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and founder of Alter, the only nurse-led dementia-friendly congregation program that collaborates with African American faith communities, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to support families facing dementia; Mr. Johnny “Ray” James, head of the Boyce L. Ansley School in Atlanta, a tuition-free privately funded school for children experiencing homelessness. Principal James helps to fulfill the mission to break the cycle of generational poverty through collaborative family support and a complete academic program that empowers children and families to thrive beyond their circumstances; Rev. Angela Harrington Rice, executive director of Interfaith Community Initiatives, an organization that creates experiential programs to bring diverse people together to develop friendships and work together. She plans and provides guidance and leadership for World Pilgrims and Immersions programs where she has led pilgrimages and traveled the world with Jews, Christians, Muslims and other persons of faith.

 

9. 154th session of the Union Sacred Harp Musical Convention,  Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta 30009, Sept. 28 and 29, 10 a.m. Covered dish at noon.  Parking is in front and to the side of the building and there is also a free parking deck. Please enter through the door nearest the parking garage (small kitchen area).  For info contact Faye Holbrook, [e-mail], or [e-mail]. Find map and more at https://www.facebook.com/share/CktUNkLSVaqyWr3h/
10. “The Church has always made grave errors in judgement when we judge people for not following us,” says the Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, senior pastor of the Chautauqua Institution, in his Sept. 29 Day1 sermon, “Here Comes the Judge.” Hear it in Atlanta on WSB 95.5 and 750 AM Sunday at 7:05 a.m. The nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program with host Katie Givens Kime is also accessible as a podcast and online at Day1.org.  “Day 1” has been broadcast every week for 79 years, formerly as “The Protestant Hour.” Featuring outstanding preachers from the mainline denominations, “Day 1” is currently distributed radio stations across America and overseas, and the “Day1 Weekly Program” is on all podcast apps. For more information, check http://day1.org.   
11. Organist Justin Maxey will perform at the Cathedral of St. Philip in person and livestreamed on cathedralATL.org Sunday, Sept. 29 at 3:15 p.m. He will play works of Sigfrid Karg-Elert,Edvard Grieg,  Preston Ware Orem, César Franck, and David Bednall. Maxey serves as associate director of music and organist at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Atlanta. He is a graduate of Eastman School of Music, Mercer University, and Shorter College. Following the recital, the Cathedral offers a service of Choral Evensong, sung this week by the Cathedral Choir.
12. Did you know that Pitts Theological Library at Candler runs a program called “Hands on History,” focused on introducing K-12 students to the treasures of the library, the history of the book, and the development of theological conversations? Even if your group is a bit older than K-12 students, that’s okay too. They tailor tours to the interests of groups, and often include a chance for everyone to make a print on an antique printing press! Learn more at Pitts' Hands on History Program
13. Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church, 1150 Jefferson Avenue, East Point, has an exciting long weekend coming up Wednesday, Oct. 2, - Sunday, Oct. 6, with 5:30 supper Wed. – Friday. Join them for these events including a Gospel Concert Friday at 6:30, a Fall Festival Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., followed by a Lantern Event for youth at 6, then a Next-Gen Worship Service at 8 p.m. with contemporary music. You can call [phone] if you have questions. Worship on Sunday, Family and Friends Day, is at 10:30. Lunch on the grounds folllows.
14.  Wright Thompson, author of “The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi”  in conversation with Condace Pressley in the author talks series at the Atlanta History Center, Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m., McElreath Hall.  Tickets for members are $6, nonmembers $12. Tickets

15. Crossroads fundraiser is October 3, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the beautiful Wild Heaven Garden Club, 1010 White St SW, Atlanta 30310. It’s a fantastic evening filled with great food, great company, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals and families they serve. If you don’t have your tickets yet, there’s still time! Get Tickets
16. Love historic churches and hidden gems? Join the Historic Pews & Pulpits Ramble bus tour this October, cruisin' through Taliaferro, Warren, McDuffie, and Hancock Counties to uncover the coolest churches and soak up some local history. Visit St. Paul CME; Church of the Purification Heritage Center and cemetery; Wrightsboro; Fountain Campground. Local experts will be there to tell the story of each church's unique past. Lunch is provided. October 4.  Starts and ends at Flying J Travel Center, 3600 GA-77, Union Point 30642.  Heads out around 8:30 a.m. back by 5(ish). Spots are limited. This tour is brought to you by the tourism organizations from all four counties. Buy Tickets
17. October 6 is World Quaker Day and the community is invited to join Atlanta Friends Meeting for 10 a.m. worship followed by a potluck lunch and celebration, Atlanta Friends Meeting 701 West Howard Ave, Decatur 30030. For those unfamiliar with Quaker Worship a nice description can be found at Quakers & Quakerism – Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (pym.org). For more information contact David Small at [e-mail].
18. Music at St. Luke's presents ensemble vim, a contemporary chamber music collective dedicated to the performance of music by under-represented living composers, especially those with strong ties to the southeastern US. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m., 435 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta 30308.
19. Agnes Scott College's Fifth Annual Women's Global Leadership Conference (WGLC) is Wednesday, October 9. Continuing to engage today's critical issues, the conference turns to health equity and inclusion - advancements, barriers and communities making change. Find more information at Event Website (whova.com)
20. Does your ministry work with veterans? Mental Health America Georgia offers Supporting Veterans and Their Families, Tuesday, Oct. 9, 12 – 1 p.m. Often mental health and mental illness are misunderstood due to lack of knowledge, stigma associated with mental illness, and avoidance of conversations regarding mental health and wellness. It is important to understand that everyone has mental health, but not everyone is diagnosed with a mental illness. Through this seminar, participants will gain an understanding of the scope of suicide among veterans and recognizing risk factors to administer immediate intervention is crucial to supporting veterans suffering with experience-related mental health challenges. REGISTER HERE
21. Oct 10 is World Day Against the Death Penalty. This year, faith leaders (ordained or not) are gathering at Central Presbyterian Church (across from the Georgia Capitol) at 9 a.m. for a morning of conversation, collaboration, strategic thinking, and action. This time will be followed by a press conference on the steps of the Georgia Capitol at 12:30pm with Sen Rev Kim Jackson. If you are a person of faith who wants to put your faith into action against the death penalty, please join us! R.s.v.p. here.
22. Women’s Work (Online) Oct. 10, Nov. 14, 2024; Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 13, 2025. The poet Julia Alvarez asks, “Who says a woman's work isn't high art?” The capacity to do this work over time requires interior renewal as much as it demands external engagement. But when do women have the space and time to stop and appreciate art and artist, tell stories, and ask of themselves, “Is this (still) the work that is mine to do these days?” Join Lifelong Learning at Columbia Seminary for a series of five monthly sessions - an online “micro-retreat,” a time set apart with conversation, practices, and community-building in excellent company. Schedule:Online live, synchronous sessions, Thursdays 7:30-9:00 p.m. Chanequa Walker-Barnes– Oct. 10 Claiming Your Wisdom; Mai-Anh Le Tran – Nov. 14 The Art of Not Giving a ****; Eileen Campbell-Reed – Jan. 9 Grief and vocation; Christine Yoder – Feb. 13 Sophia:  Embodied Wisdom; Carrie Newcomer – Mar. 13 The Book of Questions. Program Fee: Pay What You Can. $100 recommended for the series. ontact: [e-mail]
23. Join the Training and Counseling Center (TACC) for the "Introduction to Mindfulness" Saturday Retreat on October 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Led by Rev. Dorothea Lotze, Executive Director of TACC, an ACPE educator, pastor, licensed marriage and family therapist, and yoga teacher, this day-long retreat will guide participants through mindfulness practices, yoga or stretching, meditation, solitude, journaling, resting, and creative expression. The retreat will focus on understanding how trauma and grief affect the nervous system and how body and brain functioning change due to stress. Through mindfulness and nervous system balancing, participants can begin the journey toward healing and restoration. The cost is $350, with limited scholarships available, and lunch and snacks are included. To register, call 404-876-6266 (#1) and leave a message for a callback. After the retreat, participants are encouraged to continue their healing journey, with TACC offering counseling and additional retreats as support options. Future retreat dates include March 1, 2025.
24. Big Bethel AME has an anniversary coming up and they invite the community to join the celebration. Under the pastorship of the Rev.John Foster, Ph.D., they celebrate 177 years of being "Anchored in God’s Grace, Empowered by God’s Love" Heb. 6:19-20. These years have been marked by significant contributions made to the academic, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing of hundreds of citizens in the Greater Atlanta Community.  In commemorating these contributions, several services are scheduled for the month of October.  Tuesday – Thursday, Oct. 15-17, at 7:00 p.m. nightly, they will host a Fall Revival featuring guest preachers: Rev. Dr. Andrea Lewis, Holly Grove AMEC, Peachtree City; Rev. Dr. Reginald Cleaver, Jr., Mt Carmel AMEC, Atlanta:, and Rev. Dr. Alvelyn Sanders-Swafford, Gaines Chapel AMEC , Phenix City, AL. Sunday, October 20, 10:00 a.m., is the 177th Church Anniversary Celebration featuring the Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry, 122^ndElected and Consecrated Bishop (retired) as guest preacher. For more information about the exciting and spirit-filled activities scheduled to celebrate the church’s anniversary, visit, www.bigbethelame.org  or contact the church office at 404-827-9707.
25. Registration is now open for the Mental Health symposium for Georgia Faith Leaders. “Peace of Mind Through Brain Science and Spiritual Practices” will be held Nov. 15 at The Carter Center.  Keynote speakers will share how our brains are impacted by faith and how a mental health focus can increase our caring communities of faith. After lunch, a dynamic and diverse panel will discuss the power of faithfulness and spiritual practices in our lives. This panel will be moderated by Jaye Watson, Co-Executive and Founder of "Your Fantastic Mind" on PBS and former TV Journalist on 11Alive.  Space is limited. $80.  Register now at https://peachtreeroadumc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/403/responses/new