Church Action eNewsletter Week of September 28, 2020

[RCCAtl]

The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc. 

God calls us to some things we cannot do alone. 
 

This month is Suicide Prevention Month. If someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1(800) 715-4225 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “Hello” to 741741.

Please help spread the word about the City of Atlanta Covid Rental Assistance Program for residents within the Atlanta city limits. Find out about the requirements at  relief.uwga.org/ or www.unitedwayatlanta.org.  Text C19-ERA to 898-211. Dial 2-1-1 to talk to a live agent.
 
1.Do you know about Conversation Pieces from the High Museum? This Tuesday event features a work of art and a conversation with a curator. This week Ben Shahn’s “The Church is the Union Hall” will be the subject. Read more . . .
 
2. International Human Trafficking Institute: “Learn, See and Do Something,” training session online, September 29, 12 – 1 p.m.; “Protect Vulnerable Youth” online training 7 – 8 p.m., Sept. 30.  And Parent Training coming up.  Contact [e-mail] for registration information for these free training events.
 
3. First Congregational Church, UCC presents “A Midweek Musical Meditation” with Trey Clegg at 12 noon on Wednesdays. Go to social media platforms below to experience this inspirational organ recital. The YouTube channel has previous performances. Facebook: Facebook;   Youtube; Live Stream: Live Stream.
 
4. Annual Convening Metro Atlanta Coalition to End Human Trafficking, Thursday, Oct. 1, 12 noon, With special guests, Callahan Walsh and D. Victor Reynolds, the discussion will explore the successes of the collective efforts and the way forward to accomplish the mission: no child is exploited for labor or sexual purposes. Register here.
 
5. “Building on the Success of The Carter Center; Global Security & international Relations” featuring CEO Paige Alexander, Thursday, October 1, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. With President and Mrs. Carter retiring earlier this year to Plains, the Carter Center is at a turning point in its efforts to wage peace, fight diseases and build hope around the world.  World Affairs Council of Atlanta welcomes Paige Alexander to discuss her plans to build upon the Carter Center’s 38 years of work around the world on behalf of those in need, eradicating diseases, fighting for human rights, and strengthening democratic institutions.  Free of charge and open to the community. A contribution is appreciated.  Register here. $10 contribution. Registration required. Zoom details will be sent the morning of the program. Trouble Registering? Email LaDarrien Gillette, Program Manager, [e-mail]

6. Mercer Preaching Consultation will be October 1 from 9:45 a.m. to noon. The theme is “Post-COVID Preaching: Maximizing the Now.” Four outstanding preachers have agreed to share their expertise on how and what we preach in a post-COVID world. Dr. Shaun King, Dr. Darian Duckworth, Rev. Kristian Smith, and Rev. Chelsea Waite bring innovation and creativity to the pulpit of the 21st century that will help all the preachers, proclaimers, and witnesses attending this Consultation. Find hope, learn new strategies, exchange ideas, and think beyond the pandemic with a vision for the future at this free online event. For more information, visit the web page.

7. The Rev. Dr. Julie Boone, senior minister of First United Methodist Church of Marietta, Ga., is the featured preacher Oct. 4 on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org and by podcast. Her sermon, “A True Romance,” is drawn from Philippians 3:4b-14. “St. Francis gives up everything, wealth, prestige, honor, all to follow Jesus, taking on even Jesus’s suffering,” she says. “We have come to expect this of St. Francis, but I don’t imagine that anyone would expect this from any Christian today or indeed not from anyone we sit next to in our pew or eat our weekly church supper with.” For more information, check the program’s website.  Hear Day1 in the Atlanta area on WSB News 95.5 and 750 AM Sundays at 7:05 a.m.
 
8. The Cathedral of St. Philip’s Sunday afternoon recital series continue at 3:15 p.m., Oct. 4. Oliver Brett, associate organist & choirmaster, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, playing Herbert Howells, Rhapsody No. 3 C sharp minor; John Ireland, Elegiac Romance; Edward Elgar, “Andante espressivo” from Organ Sonata in G; William Walton, Coronation March “Orb and Sceptre” Recitals are livestreamed at cathedralATL.org/recitals and on the Music at the Cathedral Facebook page. 
 
9. Pitts Theology Library Kessler Conversation will be with Professor Erik Heinrichs, Winona State University, historian of medieval and early modern Europe with research interest on medical and cultural responses to plagues, particularly in German-speaking lands. He is the author of “Plague, Print, and the Reformation: The German Reform of Healing, 1473-1573 (Routledge, 2018).” The Kessler Conversation with Professor Heinrichs, entitled “Plague in the Reformation Era,” will be livestreamed at noon Wednesday, October 7. Register for free at pitts.emory.edu/erikheinrichs.
 
10. The 10th Annual Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture, “Climate Justice Globally: Now and for the Future,” is Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. online. Featured speakers will include 23-year-old Vanessa Nakate, a climate activist from Uganda who has been leading a drive for justice related to race, media representation and climate justice; and internationally known Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Click here to register for the 10th Annual Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture.
 
11. Forward Movement National Faith and Blue Weekend is October 9-12. Law enforcement entities and faith-based organizations are key pillars of the community, and when they work together, neighborhoods thrive. To find out more and/or to sign-up to host and participate in the activities, visit www.faithandblue.org . You can download the toolkit as well as customizable marketing materials to bolster your involvement. 
 
12. Join the Alliance of Baptists on Saturday, October 10, at 12 pm for Devoted to Justice, a 90-minute online gathering to consider issues of justice and liberation. The keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. Registration is required.
 
13. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the Monastery of the Holy Spirit retreat house is closed.  The monastery is offering Zoom retreats. Call the retreat house if you are interested in joining one of the Zoom Conferences.  The office is open Monday-Friday 8:00-1:30, the number is [phone]. Unstuck-Finding Hope When Life Breaks Down, Saturday October 10 – 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. with Martha Gross What can you do when life doesn’t go according to plan?  Hope is a tool we can leverage to pull us through the obstacles that get us stuck and propel us into the future we desire.
 
14. Online Workshop: What Is God’s Will? Adults are invited to a three-part online workshop meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights (Oct. 13, 20, 27) via Zoom with Andy Otto, M.T., in partnership with St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Explore the tools of Ignatian discernment for making life’s important decisions – big and small. All faiths welcome. Suggested offering of $10 per session. Register via http://bit.ly/GodsWillWorkshop
 
15. Restorative Justice Advocates of Georgia, the next meeting is Wednesday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m. Here's the link & passcode: https://zoom.us/j/94159383493  Passcode  800260 Maria Olmedo Jimenez will speak about a restorative justice application in Yolo County, California.  Neighborhood Court is an adult criminal diversion program initiated by the Yolo County District Attorney in 2013. The court uses the principles of restorative justice to address criminal violations that impact the quality of life in neighborhoods. It is a collaborative effort between the cities, residents, and local law enforcement.
 
16. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia Council Against Domestic Violence staff, volunteers, and partners made the decision to postpone the annual 5K race. The new race date is Sunday, November 22. Plans are for an in person race with modifications.     You can register at http://tinyurl.com/RFE2020  . This 5k benefits GCADV. Representing domestic violence agencies, advocates, allied individuals and survivors.
 
17. New Baptist Covenant offers a number of free resources, from Bible studies to be used in small groups to litanies to be used in worship. Click the resources tab on the website.
 
18. From the Southeastern Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America comes this information about the Poor People's Campaign.  If you are looking for opportunities for your congregation to have the experience of living out the content of their faith within the arena of public policy. If you are interested in expanding your tools for moral reflection on social issues If you believe that building relationships with diverse members of your community is foundational to understanding the issues and critical to advancing justice. If down in your bones you know that we as a nation, can and should be better than what we are right now… then learn more about the Poor People’s Campaign at www.poorpeoplescampaign.org
 
19. As a spiritual extension Trinity Church Wall Street, Trinity Commons offers resources and high-quality programs for the community—residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds. While in-person activities are suspended, they offer a number of online classes and events, including movie nights, fitness classes, book talks, art workshops, academic support for youth, cooking classes, and more. Check them out at www.trinitywallstreet.org
 
20. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers are needed to advocate for children. Many CASA programs offer training online. Find your local CASA program here https://www.gacasa.org/directory-search/
 
21. As Covid 19 restrictions are easing some, GSU Police HOPE chaplains are now offering three Masses during the week, Monday, Wednesday & Friday at the stadium chapel at noon.  GSU-Police H.O.P.E. Team has helped train and will continue working with the newest team. Welcome to the Emory Police H.O.P.E. Team. H.O.P.E. stands for Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement.
 
Visit our website for a tool box for mental health ministry, and more . . . 

Peace,
Ethel Ware Carter