Haiti

To assist in the saving of lives, the protection of the survivors, and the rebuilding of a safe environment for all the people of Haiti, making financial contributions to the groups with strong track records seems the best avenue to take.
Select Read More and see a list of reliable highly rated relief and charitable organizations already at work in Haiti, many are faith-based. The underlined names are live links. Just click on the underlined names to go to the websites.

See Feel Act

Welcome New Regional Council of Churches Member

First Congregational Church of Atlanta

The First Congregational Church of Atlanta is holding 11 a.m. services every Sunday during renovations at 125 Ellis Street, right downtown behind the legacy sanctuary at 105 Courtland. The congregation came into existence as a “gathered church” on May 26, 1867. As one of the oldest African American Congregational churches in the United States, the early history of First Church is embedded in the history of the American Missionary Association. Founded on February 18, 1846, the A.M.A. was an ecumenical group of abolitionists, missionaries, and former students of Oberlin College

Select Read More for a word from Senior Minister Dr. Dwight Andrews and First Congregational Church about its journey of revitalization. At First Church you will find information about services and ministries at this historic house of worship and about the music with which Dr. Andrews has delighted the city.

Roll of RCCA MEMBERS

Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 812

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

404-523-5554 ext 231

Become a member of the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta and help us buld ecumenical community across our region. Request a brochure from JohnnettaMorris.

Click Here to take survey about the RCCA eNewsletter

Doug Gatlin, Executive Director
Ethel Ware Carter, Program Director

Send your email address to ecarter@rccatl.org

Select Read More for Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering in Georgia Profile

Select Read More for calendar.

Morehouse School of Medicine will host our Pastors Breakfast Dialogue. We are fortunate to be able to hear from Dr. Michael Leo Owens, Associate Professor of Political Science, Principal Investigator, Prisoners of Democracy Project, Emory University.

Directions and parking at Morehouse School of Medicine

The monthly RCCA Pastors Breakfast provides a time for discussion, fellowship, and renewal. The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta is the metro community’s ecumenical Christian association where individuals, churches, and organizations share rejuvenating fellowship, network, find partners for collaborative ministry, and explore issues and ideas of interest to the greater community from the perspective of our faith.

R.s.v.p. to ecarter@rccatl.org

The Souper Bowl of Caring

Turn Super Bowl weekend into a fun way to mobilize youth to fight hunger and poverty in our local communities. Almost every member church of the Regional Council of Churches participated in 2009 in this simple program with an inspiring outcome.
Click on the image to go to the website.
Select Read More for a little more.

Georgia United Methodists to Gather at State Capitol in Defense of Children February 11, 2010

Interfaith Children's Movement will meet with UMC and Presbyterian groups.

February 25, 2010

Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Georgia State Capitol

Catholic Day at the Capitol

PRESBYTERIAN RALLY DAY February 11, 2010

Hundreds of congregations across the nation are joining Interfaith Power & Light on Valentine's Day to preach about loving our neighbors and the effects of climate change on our poorest communities.

Select Read More for information.

Latino Immigration to Atlanta:Connecting Faith Communities and Addressing Critical Issues

The conference will present the findings of a three-year study of Brazilian, Guatemalan, and Mexican immigrants in the metro Atlanta region and bring together community leaders, activists, policymakers, students, and scholars to discuss the challenges and opportunities that Latino immigration poses for congregations and civil society at large.

Keynote speech by Dr. George Yancey

Friday, March 19-Saturday March 20, 2010

Candler School of Theology, Emory University

For more information or to register, please visit
LatinoImmigration

Select Read More to download or view the flyer.

Help for Church and Synagogue Libraries

Please encourage the members of your faith community to complete and mail back their 2010 Census forms.

In March more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a 2010 Census form. Every person living in the United States must be counted. This includes people of all ages, races, ethic groups, citizens, and noncitizens. The Atlanta region has a lot at stake; the data will directly affect how more than $400 billion in federal funds are distributed each year.

LENT 2010

You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you. Amen

The Book of Common Prayer

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Season of Lent
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Holy Week

Select read more for Lenten daily devotionals and resources including Spanish language.

The Elders

An independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

Click on the name to go to their website and read about recent work on Haiti, peace, women's issues, and more.

Increase your awareness of global issues during this eight-week discussion series. GCIV serves as the state coordinator for the Great Decisions Program. In this role we organize discussion groups and lecture series that give participants the opportunity to expand their understanding of world affairs. Topics change annually, and are based on the Foreign Policy Association’s nonpartisan briefing book.
GCIV.org
Select Read More

An ecletic assortment of resources for education, training, and other uses in congregations.

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Volunteer Tax Assistance Program

Want to help provide thousands of dollars to your neighbors in need? Sign-up now to become a volunteer with VITA for the 2010 Tax Season! The Atlanta Prosperity Campaign is recruiting volunteers now to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for upcoming tax season. Volunteers helped prepare over 12,200 tax returns with $15+ million in refunds during 2009 Tax Season; with your help we could do much more to serve Metro-Atlanta low-to-moderate income working families. Volunteer opportunities are available at more than 40 VITA sites in 10 metro counties. No prior financial experience necessary, but required training will be offered for all volunteer positions except interpreters.
For specific information on volunteer positions, requirements, and training please select Read More and click on the links.
Visit

Select Read more for information on qualifying for this help.

Peace Next an interreligious movement from the Parliament for World Religions.

Looking for Work?

Select Read More for a list of career ministries in the area.
Unemployed? Beware of Self Blame from Tikkun Daily.

Read an Article on FaithWorks

If you are unable to attend the entire conference you are welcome to come for a portion of the program. The agenda will feature three dialogues with Q&A following each.

MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE FOR FAITH LEADERS
Metro Atlanta clergy of all faith traditions--including seminary faculty and students, as well as Stephen Ministers of all denominations—are invited to attend the Faith, Family and Mental Health Conference on Thursday, November 19, 2009.

The Furniture Bank provide free essential household furniture to individuals and families that are moving out of homeless shelters, living with HIV/AIDS or fleeing domestic violence situations.

Emergency Flood Information

Deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is November 23

If you are in need of assistance and live in one of the designated disaster counties, please apply as soon as possible by registering online at FEMA or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. Additional information, including locations of Disaster Recovery Centers, can be found at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's website at GEMA or by calling (404) 635-7000.
Select Read More for updates.

Juvenile Sexual Exploitation in Atlanta

A Future. Not A Past. Stop the Prostitution of Children in Georgia

Legislative Update 2010 Legislative Priorities are located at Read More. Lots of hard work made headway in garnering support for Georgia's children. Please remember to thank your legislators and keep the conversation alive for the well-being of Georgia's children. The Regional Assessment Center was saved as the funds were unfrozen. In January, the Governor's Office of Children and Families stepped up to fund the assessment phase for girls who've been sexually exploited.

City of Atlanta Dear John Hotline 404-379-3602
To Report any information about exploitation of children in our area.

Hidden in Plain View:The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Girls in Atlanta Click on link for the Report commissioned by the Office of the Mayor.

As a national transportation center, Atlanta unwittingly provides a venue for child sexual forced labor. There are countless convenient ways to traffic children in and out of the city to be exploited by a revolving market of customers who travel to and from Atlanta for business and sporting events.

Emory’s Candler School of Theology has released A Thrill of Hope: The Christmas Story in Word and Art, a new DVD presentation that blends the school’s extensive collection of the art of John August Swanson with the well-known biblical narratives of Christmas presented by beloved teachers and scholars from the faculty.

Roll Up Your Sleeve: Arm Yourself Against the Flu

Click here for a location near you giving flu shots.

Read the latest updates for individuals, families, and school or child care facilities or download a flyer or video at Read More.


Updated November 9.

In unity, we must utilize our individual churches to Create a Culture of Consciousness, Concern and Cooperation regarding public safety in our neighborhoods.

Chiefs of police from police departments across metro-Atlanta and prominent clergy are coming together to fight the increase in violent crime that is victimizing neighborhoods of every economic class in the region. You may have seen some of the news coverage about an initial meeting held last week. The group is seeking leadership and participation from senior pastors in this effort. The first meeting was historic and uncommonly productive. Please select Read More for an executive summary of the meeting and an invitation to get involved.

A Guide to the Health-Care Reform Debate
An excellent, brief, accurate summary of the key issues on health-care reform. An excellent tool for individual congregations.
Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action

People of all nations, all faiths, all backgrounds, submitted their words to the Charter of Compassion. By recognizing that the Golden Rule is fundamental to all world religions, the Charter for Compassion can inspire people to think differently about religion.

DeKalb County and Fulton County Back-To-School Health Services for Children

Select Read More to download or read information.

The Georgia Volunteer Health Care Program (GVHCP), of the Department of Community Health (DCH), provides Sovereign Immunity protection to licensed health care professionals who volunteer to treat uninsured individuals at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The goal is to increase access to quality health care for underserved Georgians through volunteerism and state-sponsored liability protection.


Select Read More for clinic locations and specifics.

Visit the website

Important information for renters in your congregation or community: A new federal law called “The Tenants in Foreclosure Act” can help. The Act protects tenants who are renting property that changes ownership through a foreclosure sale . . .

Also, Catholic Charities Housing Counseling Program.
Select Read More

The Regional Council of Churches is a part of this coalition dedicated to the creation of a political and business climate that leads to wages that are adequate to afford the basic necessities of life and hope for the future for the working people of the Atlanta region.

Living Wage on Youtube

Fairness for Georgia Families

OpEd by Doug Gatlin Raising the minimum wage helps the economy.

A higher minimum age is good for the economy

HAN Letter.doc (28.67 Kb)

Health Action Network: Grady Advocates for Responsible Care letter on the closing of dialysis program.

For more information contact Dorothy Leone-Glasser, RN, HHC, dlg@wisdomofwellnessproject.com, Phone: (678) 778-3614, Fax: (404) 321-5952
The letter can be downloaded above or select Read More to see a copy.

Children's Sabbath Weekend

October 16-18, 2009

Select Read More for information and link to download manual. And find out there about our Atlanta ICM Children's Sabbath Observance and Back-to-School Drive on College Campuses across Georgia.

A Call to Spiritual Formation

Renovaré - a nonprofit organization that advocates, encourages, and resources intentional living and spiritual formation. Drawing from the example of Jesus Christ and the historical Church, Renovaré encourages people to develop renewed, sustainable, and enriched spiritual lives.

Article on FaithWorks from Saints Alive

Faithworks announces

Faith, Family, and Mental Health:

A Conference for Faith Leaders

Visit FaithworksConference for information.
Visit FaithWorks for information on this faith-driven initiative to help Georgia’s citizens who suffer from mental illness.

1-800-715-4225

Select Read More for prayers for those suffering from mental illness, a semon delivered by Rabbi Segal, and one family's story of living with mental illness.

Monks, Mandalas, and Sacred Music Sacred Dance

At Unity North Atlanta Church in Marietta

Georgia Urgent Action Coalition
Jewish Celrgy on Rolling Darfur Fast
Download Senate Hearing Info and Letter July 29, 2009
Select to read online Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing TOMORROW





Select read more for the joint statment from Presiding Bishops of the Episcopal Church and the Evngelical Lutheran Church in America and for the Dafur Diary Selection from the first week in May. Coalition updates, web resources, and a list of the members of the Darfur Urgent Action Coalition of Georgia and The Darfur Epistle to the Black Church .

The Bible Online

Select Read More for several versions and information on Codex Sinaiticus and the African American Lectionary Project and a fresh take on Old Testament stories with new voices reading Torah stories each week.
Now a subject index for the Psalms.

Real People, Real Needs

June 20 is World Refugee Day, a day to remember the millions in our world who have been forcibly uprooted by persecution and violence. Many will never be able to return home. Many will never be able to live in safety – unless a U.S. community takes them in. These are real people with real needs for protection:

Select ReadMore for resources and information.

Do you spend most of your day at your computer or sitting at a desk? Do you begin the day by checking your Email? If the days just get away and you find little time for prayer or meditation, visit some of these web sites designed for daily devotions. We have included the prayer site of the Irish Jesuits, Forward Day by Day, a group of Carmelites who pray over the news, and other interesting and inspiring sites. We would love to hear about your favorite on-line prayer site. Select Read More to find the sites.

What is JustFaith?

Who participates in this program?

JustFaith Ministries creator Jack Jezreel will lead an introductory workshop for Christians of all denominations. Are you looking to encounter your faith in a way that challenges you? Explore what Scripture, social teaching, and faith tradition reveal about our call to care and advocate for our brothers and sisters in need. The workshop is co-hosted by Parish & Social Justice Ministries and St. Thomas the Apostle in Smyrna.

Please select Read More for two moving statements about the transforming effect of this program, a link to its website, and information and registration for the Atlanta workshop.

DIAKONIA World Assembly 2009 is happening this summer in Atlanta and you’re invited to get involved. Diakonia:Crossroads of Grace…Revive & Reconcile

What is DIAKONIA? DIAKONIA World Federation today constitutes an ecumenical network of diaconal groups. It was founded in the Netherlands in 1947 as a symbol of reconciliation after the experience of World War II. Diaconal work establishes a connection between church and society. It overcomes denominational boundaries. It is committed to furthering mutual relationships of respect and solidarity by working together. For information or to register for the assembly, go to Diakonia. Select read More to find out about volunteering.

CareForTheTroops

The mission of CareForTheTroops is to develop a network of civilian faith communities, civic organizations, and networks of therapists all trained and able to work with the military members, veterans, and their families as they adjust to the changes experienced during and after returning from deployments and combat.

Veteran'sHeartGeorgia

Veteran’s Heart Georgia fosters the healing of veterans of all wars by attending to the spiritual and emotional needs of veterans, their families and our communities. They are addressing the effects of war by creating a community-based network of services, resources and education.

Rabbi Scott Saulson created Moving Parents to support and guide family members through the challenges of Parents' life changes in order to sustain the quality of life - with respect, integrity, and compassion.

Select Read More for more on this service and its various offerings, also a wonderful article Rabbi Saulson wrote on love and care-giving.

A Mother's Day Proclamation

by Julia Ward Howe, 1870




Faith Seeking Peace A Curriculum for People of FaithThird Edition of this resource primarily for the Christian Community as well as study and facilitator guides available for download.

As news pours in of the devastation in Haiti, we watch and pray for all the people affected by this tragedy. It is important for the Church to be a part of this discussion as well. Unfortunately, many resources have little or no reference for talking about natural disasters from a Christian perspective…or worse yet, they offer frighteningly simplistic solutions to complex situations where there simply are no easy answers.

Select Read More for more of this letter from the Executive Director of Leader Resources and links to suggestions for talking with children and youth about natural disaster.