Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 812

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

404-523-5554 ext 231
Doug Gatlin, Acting ED
Ethel Ware Carter, Program Director
Dawn Price, Temple Testimonies
Courtney Hodges, Homeless Ministry Connection
Send your email address to ecarter@rccatl.org

Select Read More for calendar.

Select Read More for Volunteer Opportunities

The Homeless Ministry Connection Repository and Repository Companion provide contact information and specific services offered by various agencies and churches to the homeless community throughout the Metro Atlanta area. Repository
Additionally, the repository provides:

• updated information about collaborative groups
• educational opportunities among homeless services providers
• advocacy connections
• monthly updates and event postings

Coming Soon

Congregational Resources including

• Bible Study suggestions
• Sermons
• Suggestions for church projects that will engage your community in serving the homeless.

If you provide services to the homeless and are not listed in the Homeless Ministry Connection repository please fill out a brief survey (six questions) at Read More. The survey will enable us to add your congregation or agency to the repository. You can access the survey by clicking on the link. If you are unable to download the document please email Courtney Hodges at chodges@rccatl.org

Signs on the Way: Bible Studies from the Gospel of John

The Inaugural H.E.A.L.ing our Communities:What You Can Do

Cancer Summit/Health & Wellness Expo July 12, 2008

Presented by H.E.A.L. and Georgia Cancer Foundation A day of education, screening, information. and leadership development for everyone. Free of charge. Select Read More to download the flyer.

Background on Darfur

Genocide Then, Genocide Now A Call for Immediate Action in Darfur

NYT OpEd commentaries on Darfur, week of July 7, 2008
ENOUGH comments on warrent issued for Al-Bashir
Opinion Piece from the Wall Street Journal by the Chairman of the Sudanese Liberation Movement

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.

China has begun shifting its position on Darfur, stepping outside its diplomatic comfort zone to quietly push Sudan to accept the world’s largest peacekeeping force, diplomats and analysts say. New York Times article

Globe for Darfur
Dream 4 Darfur

An Eyewitness Account:My Camera Was Not Nearly Enough

Select Read More for 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 .

Original Baldy cartoons from Atlanta Journal and Constitution owned by Covenant Presbyterian Church.

AIB-TV Presents Ministers Manifesto: A Declaration of Equality June 14 12:30 PM

80 Atlanta Pastors Sign Manifesto on Racial Beliefs

THESE ARE DAYS of tremendous political and social tension throughout our entire world, but particularly in our nation and beloved Southland. The issues which we face are not simple, nor can they be resolved overnight. Because the questions which confront us are on so many respects moral and spiritual as well as political, it is appropriate and necessary that men who occupy places of responsibility in the churches should not be silent concerning their convictions. . .
Photos from Commemoration Breakfast
Article in New Georgia Encyclopedia

Link to Time Life Article of November 11, 1957

Prayers for Myanmar and China and those facing floods and disasters in the US
maintained by the Board of Discipleship
United Methodist Church.

A Declaration of Evangelical Identity and Public Commitment issued May 8, 2008.

...We must find a new understanding of our place in public life. We affirm that to be Evangelical and to carry the name of Christ is to seek to be faithful to the freedom, justice, peace, and well-being that are at the heart of the kingdom of God, ...

Select Read More for details.

World Wide Earth Day Celebration

Since the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world for all of us. There are many ways you can get involved. Volunteer. Go to a festival. Install solar panels on your roof. Organize an event where you live. Change a habit. Help launch a community garden. Communicate your priorities to your elected representatives. The possibilities are endless! Do something nice for the earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference.

Select Read More below for helpful links with good ideas for projects, sermons, and a wealth of information.

FAITH AND THE CITY AWARDS AVAILABLE FOR CONGREGATIONAL BEST PRACTICES IN PUBLIC MINISTRY

The Taize Community is an international, ecumenical community founded by Brother Roger in 1940. Prayer in the Taize Community is characterized by meditative singing of simple, easily learned songs in many languages. The Taize Community is a pilgrimage destination and its worship practices have spread throughout the world. At the heart of Taize is peace and reconciliation. Visit The Taize Community and attend a Taize service in our area.

Select Read More for some local opportuniities to experience Taize and labyrinths.

The Bible Online

Select Read More for several versions.

In September we will meet at First Presbyterian Atlanta to hear Ambassador Andrew Young speak on The Poor People's Campaign 40 Years Later and tour the Civil Rights exhibit at the High Museum next door. September 30, 2008.


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.

Temple Testimonies

AIDS Stats for GA

Select Read More for the workshop concept and information on Clergy Women Leading the Way. Over four hundred young people have already participated in Temple Testimonies workshops through their congregations.

Contact Rev. Dawn Price at the Regional Council of Churches to schedule a workshop or retreat for your congregation. dprice@rccatl.org 404-523-5554 ext 230.

Since 1960, The Center for Family Resources has provided comprehensive services and opportunities for individuals, families and communities to improve their lives and increase their economic capacity. The non-profit organization offers education and employment services, housing services, direct financial aid and community building programs. 995 Roswell Street, NE, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30060
Select Read More for a schedule of classes.

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.

Juvenile Sexual Exploitation in Atlanta

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

May 15, 2008, Today Governor Perdue signed the 2009 budget containing $560,000 new state dollars for an Assessment Center to serve adolescent girls who've been prostituted and Senate Resolution 445 creating the joint study commission on the commercial sexual exploitation of minors into law. An official signing ceremony for SR 445 is expected within the next 2 weeks.

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

Update select Read More

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.

Article on national pressure to eradicate exploitation in travel industry at Read More

A Call to Action on Climate Change

Select Read More

Select read more for some prayers for Grady Hospital and send us your prayers. ecarter@rccatl.org
Also - 9 reasons why Grady the health of Grady Hospital matters to us all and Questions and Answers with 2 Grady Hospital doctors.

Denominational and Judicatory Websites

US Religious Landscape Survey from The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life Part II is now available

Bread for the World is a Christian voice for ending hunger. Now more than 56,000 people of faith including 2500 churches, Bread members help hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision makers on legislation that addresses hunger in our communities and around the world. Find out about how your congregation or Sunday School class can accompany our prayer for daily bread with action. select Read More

Rev. Art Simon's visit to Atlanta at Read More

Day of Prayer for World Peace is September 21

International Day of Peace Website offers information on participation in global and local events.
Kids for Peace offers wonderful activities for schools and Sunday School groups including Peace Pals and Pinwheels for Peace.

Click on read more for links to peace organizations and groups which offer peace activities, camps, trips and initiatives for young people.

Interview on our work by the Rockefeller Institute of Religion and Public Policy

Worship Resources for Observation of World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day was established by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to commemorate the spirit and courage of refugees each year on June 20.
Select Read More for suitable prayers and scripture references

Odyssey Online For Kids

an interactive journey through ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East; the ancient Americas; and sub-Saharan Africa- explore works of art from the collections of Emory University's Michael C. Carlos Museum and the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester. These objects--made from stone, clay, wood, metal, and fiber--tell us fascinating stories about the people who made them, in distant lands and times! Start the Journey

Immigration The facts The challenges The moral response

Select Read More for action steps from Light of Love

An Interfaith Call for Informed, Humane, and Civil Public Dialogue on the Issue of Immigration

Select Read More for the declaration

Peace X Peace Introduces

Be a part of inspiring live weekly conference calls with women from around the world. Select Read More

Regional Council of Churches Announces Dr. Herchel H. Sheets Ecumenical Intern Scholarship

January 2007 Report by Edwin Turnipseed, Herchel Sheets Ecumenical Intern

A few words from past and present interns

Resources that will help our churches provide pastoral care to returning veterans and families of persons serving in the military.

Slect Read More
Almighty God, we comment to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen
Book of Common Prayer

Reformation Day 2007

Select Read More

The Spirituality of Congress

by James L. Evans
Reprinted from Sightings

Earth Day and other Environmental Resources

Do not miss Climate Connections from NPR and National Geographic

Growing a Greener Region from the Regional Commission

What People of Faith are Saying about Climate Change


Why the Faith Community is Involved in Green Energy and Energy Conservation by the Rev. Woody Bartlett

Earth Day Network has projects, downloads, stories, events, and more.

A set of tips on including environmental issues in worship throughout the year from Eco-Justice

Emanating from the United Nations Millennium Declaration, the eight Millennium Development Goals bind countries to do more and join forces in the fight against poverty, illiteracy, hunger, lack of education, gender inequality, child and maternal mortality, disease and environmental degradation.UN MDG Site

Select 'read more' to find ways to participate locally and prayers for each goal shared with us by Bread for the World.

UNICEF Report on the state of the world's children

MDG Site from Episcopal Church

Simple compelling resource:The Poverty Tour

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for People Who Are Homeless

Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith Make History

Read what these old friends have to say about their faith. Beyond the Ultimate

SMALL MINISTRIES MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE

The Regional Council of Churches will help you plan your community's own Ministry Fair.

A Ministry Fair is a time to showcase unique ministry opportunities, to promote networking among local ministries, and to inspire and empower those who attend.

Info on Planning Your Own Small Ministry Fair

Messiah: The Interfaith Dialogue

Meridian Herald exists to promote the interaction of worship, music and culture, bridging communities and traditions of the past and present. Through worship services, concerts, programs, and publications of exceptional quality and artistic character, Meridian Herald seeks to challenge the church and society to higher ideals of creativity and moral purpose. Meridian Herald's unique worship services, science and theology programs, lectures, storytelling events, commissioned music, and historical documentaries, address contemporary society's need for imagination and spiritual depth, while emphasizing the indigenous traditions of the South. Established in 1997, Meridian Herald has distinguished itself as a creative force in the cultural life of Atlanta and the Southeast.
Meridian website

If you hear a great sermon or deliver one send it to us.

Harvard Commencement Address 2008.
This article features a sermon on hope by the Rev. Kevin Martin, Dean of the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Dallas and one on reconciliation with which Bishop Michael Bruce Curry of North Carolina opened Trinity Institute's National Conference.
Read a reflection on ecumenism.
Read the closing homily on fear from the Episcopal General Convention.

What is the implication of the fact that Jesus has told us what the greatest commandment is? Read Barbara Crafton on Love God and love your neighbor.


Read a few words from the first sermon preached by the new Presiding Bishop ECUSA on MDGs and mission of the church as well as a reflection from the former Presiding Bishop.

Homily of Cardinal Justin Rigali on Immigration Reform

Counter Culture Jesus

Faith

The National Council of Churches Environmental Sermon Award winner

Join a Great Decisions discussion group! GCIV is the state coordinator for the Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions program. The series helps participants develop an informed opinion on the role the United States plays in world affairs. Participants purchase the Great Decisions briefing books, published annually by the Foreign Policy Association. Discussion groups meet across the state of Georgia for an eight-week series, with each week focusing on a different topic. Select Read More below to find the best group for you, or contact Ashley Mastin at GCIV to start a new group. ashley@gciv.org

Read about the history of the Brethren

Read More will give you details of the training.

2007 Christmas Message from Presiding Episcopal Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori Where will you meet Jesus this Christmas?

The CBF offers a useful

Guide to accompany The Nativity Story

Click on this link and select save as to download this Adobe Acrobat file to your computer.

In a new letter Sgt.Leland Jones, former pastor of Greater New Light Baptist Church, writes about coming home and caring for our veterans.

Almighty God, we comment to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen
Book of Common Prayer

Photos from the Pastors Breakfast Manifesto of 1957 Commemoration

October 25, 2007

Tibetan Monks 2007: Spiritual Wisdom Unfolding

Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery will take part in a variety of sacred performances and demonstrations, including the creation of the Wisdom Mandala, sacred sand art constructed with millions of grains of colored sand; a series of talks; and the Sacred Music Sacred Dance performance with multiphonic chanting, ancient instruments and magnificent costumes
Ticket Prices: Free to $15, depending on the event

November 25- December 9, 2007, Unity North Atlanta Church in Marietta
Tibetan Monks
Select Read More for event listing