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EP Corner
by Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Executive Presbyter
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For over 75 years, our denomination has been raising funds to make a difference across the globe. It is a blessing to know that with every coin collected in the fish boxes, with every QR code scanned, and with every check put in those special envelopes—God is calling on us to work together for the good of God’s glory and justice in the world. Please take a moment to learn about the life changing stories that happen because of your generosity. Learn more by clicking here.
We invite you to also watch and share the link celebrating 75 years of generosity through the work of PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance), SDOP (Self Development of People) and the Hunger Program. Watch the video here.
May this Lenten season be filled with peace, reflection, renewal, and the reminder that we are the hands and feet of Christ every time we share what we have with others. Thank you in advance for your gifts.
ABJ
#FindingMeaning #InsideAndOut
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The Rev. Dr. Kathy Dawson poses during last month’s APCE Annual Event with Gracie and the new book, “Gracie’s Journey.” (Photo by Margaret Boone) | |
Kathy Dawson - The Gentle "Sole" Behind the PC(USA)'s Gracie
excerpt from Presbyterian Mission Agency artcile
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When the Rev. Dr. Kathy Dawson was first invited nearly 20 years ago to write a new curriculum around a “little fish” designed to interpret the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) Offering to children, she found herself hooked.
Although the ecumenical One Great Hour of Sharing Offering had been calling Presbyterians and other Christians since 1949 to share God’s love with their neighbors in need, nothing had yet been created to specifically help children to engage with the Offering until Dawson tested the waters.
And, once she joined the project in 2007, the celebrated Christian educator fell for the challenge hook, line and sinker.
But when Dawson discovered that the new mascot — which was intended to complement the Offering’s beloved fish coin boxes — was originally hatched in 2006 without a name or much of a back story, she immediately dove into the kind of meticulous research for which she is well known.
“When you read through the first story, you didn’t know whether it was a boy fish or a girl fish,” said Dawson, the Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education and project director for the Wonder of Worship grant project through Lilly Endowment at Columbia Theological Seminary. “You didn’t know where the fish was located or even what pronouns to use.”
Click here to continue reading the story.
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Winter Stated Meeting Highlights
by C. Anderson James, Stated Clerk
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The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta gathered for its Winter Stated Meeting on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Roswell Presbyterian Church. Over 250 people from across the Presbytery and beyond gathered for this time of fellowship, sharing, worship, and work as we introduced our theme for 2024, “Finding Meaning: Inside and Out” and welcomed the Co-Moderators of the General Assembly as our guest preachers and worship leaders.
Revs. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace and Shavon Starling-Louis, Co-Moderators of the 225th General Assembly (2022) were our special guests for this meeting. They brought greetings on behalf of the commissioners of the General Assembly and shared a message based on Psalm 139:1-4 and Acts 2:40-47 entitled “The Ins and Outs of Searching.” They joined with Executive Presbyter Aisha Brooks-Johnson and Stated Clerk Andy James to lead the Presbytery in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Read more from the Presbyterian News Service about their visit to Atlanta and their stop at Memorial Drive Ministries.
Roswell Presbyterian Church provided generous hospitality for the Presbytery’s work and worship in their traditional and modern worship spaces. Their worship and music leaders offered beautiful reflections in word and song throughout the meeting that deeply enriched our work of discernment.
Click here to continue reading the highlights.
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Hunger Walk 2024 - March 10, 2024
by Destiny Williams, McDonough Presbyterian Church
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Since 1984, the Hunger Walk/Run has been an annual 5K/“fun run” of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and its partners. Proceeds benefit the ACFB and other local nonprofits, programs, and ministries focused on hunger relief. These benefiting partner organizations help recruit participants and receive a percentage of the funds raised to support their direct hunger relief programs.
As a benefiting partner, the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta keeps 60% of the funds we raise as a presbytery, which supports our Diaconal Grants program. All Presbytery of Greater Atlanta churches are eligible to apply for a Diaconal Grant to support hunger initiatives within their congregation. The remaining 40% that we raise goes to the Atlanta Community Food Bank where - among many other outstanding results - they leverage every $1 into $9 worth of groceries for hunger relief (enough for 4 meals!).
How it Works:
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Register as part of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta (link below). If you do not register as part of the presbytery, funds raised do not contribute to the presbytery’s grant fund.
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Start a Team, Join a Team, Reactivate a Team, Register as an Individual, and/or Donate toward a team/individual’s goal. Your team may be called the “{Church Name} Team” or you can get creative! Churches may have multiple teams.
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If you register as a team, your Team Captain will need to register first to Start/Reactivate the Team. Then, additional team members may Join the Team.
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Leading up to the Walk/Run, invite people to donate toward your team or individual goal.
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Return to the link below to track team/individual progress and monitor the presbytery’s collective fundraising toward hunger relief.
Questions? Contact Destiny Williams - destiny@mcdonoughpresbyterian.com
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Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Partnerships
by Cassandra Morrow, Congregational Consultant
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The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta will host a gathering of all PGA Partnerships to celebrate their ministry and hear about collaborative opportunities for congregations on March 20, 2024, at the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta office.
Definition of Partnerships/Affiliated Organizations
Presbytery Partnership - individuals and/or congregations working together to achieve a common mission within the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.
Affiliated Organization - an organization not under the authority of PGA, but endorsed by PGA to work with its member congregations.
Current Presbytery Partnerships/Affiliated Organizations
Atlanta Ministry with International Students (AMIS)
Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM)
Central Outreach and Advocacy Center
Earth Covenant Ministry (ECM)/Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL)
Evangelical Coalition of Korean American Ministries (ECKAM)
Joining Hands for Justice in Palestine & Israel (JHJPI)
La Gonâve Haiti Partners, Inc.
Memorial Drive Ministries
Peace and Global Witness Partnership (formerly Peacemaking Partnership)
Presbyterians Caring for Federal Chaplains/Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies
Presbyterians for a Better Georgia (P4BG)
Presbyterian Youth Ministry Collaboration of Atlanta (PYMCoA)
Street Grace
Ukirk Atlanta
Westminster Christian Fellowship (WCF) at GA Tech
World Mission Partnership (now part of Peace & Global Witness Partnership)
For more information about PGA Partnerships, contact Council Partnership Liaison, Rev. Beverly Markham beverly@alpharettapres.com or PGA Congregational Consultant, Cassandra Morrow cmorrow@atlpcusa.org.
Access partnership information at www.atlpcusa.org/partnerships
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in a Partnership or an Affiliate Organization belong solely to the Partnership or Affiliate Organization and do not necessarily represent the views of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.
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Clerk of Session Training
by C. Anderson James, Stated Clerk
| Clerks of session are invited to attend a training session on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00pm. Join your colleagues from around the presbytery to learn about this important work of keeping records, organizing the work of a session, and reporting the actions of the local church to the presbytery and beyond. A recording will be available if you are unable to attend. Register at the link below! Contact Stated Clerk Andy James at cajames@atlpcusa.org for additional information. | |
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MDM is collecting Welcome Kits for newly arriving refugee families. Welcome Kits make a big and immediate difference for these newest arrivals to GA, and MDM would love to raise over 1,000 welcome kits through this effort!
Step 1: Purchase towel, wash cloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, disposable razors, toilet paper (at least 4 rolls), & bath soap.
Step 2: Assemble these into a container (either bag or box).
Step 3: Deliver to Memorial Drive Ministries - 5140 Memorial Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 - on Sunday April 14 between 2pm – 4pm.
The above delivery window is when the Welcome Co-Op truck will be available onsite at MDM to directly receive these items. MDM is not able to accept donations early or late.
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Clergy Day of Reflection: The Gift of Three
by Jane Hubbard, Congregational Consultant
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Join your fellow leaders in a day of reflection…
Presented by the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and SumTeo www.ibreathingspace.com
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 12
Cost: $20 - Limited scholarships available
Contact: Jane Hubbard - jhubbard@atlpcusa.org - 404-200-6283
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Join Central Outreach and Advocacy Center for In Their Shoes on April 21st
by Kimberly Parker, Executive Director, Central Outreach and Advocacy Cent.
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In Their Shoes: 10 Mile Challenge is a four week fundraising event benefiting Central Outreach and Advocacy Center (COAC). Participants of all ages, stages and skill levels commit to walk a total of 10 miles at their own pace between March 24 and April 21 while reflecting on the distance people experiencing homelessness walk each day. On April 21, we will gather together at Central Presbyterian to walk the last mile together. All proceeds benefit the COAC. If you would like to participate and/or make a donation, you can find more information here.
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Youth and Young Adult Grant Applications Now Available
by Andy Hill, Director of Finance and Property
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The Grants Committee is pleased to announce that we are currently receiving applications for Youth & Young Adult Grants. The application form is now a fillable .pdf file that can be completed without printing and scanning. (If you are unable to complete the online application, please send a request to grants@atlpcusa.org and a text copy of the application will be sent to you.)
The application, available here, is due by 12am on Monday, April 22. The committee will meet soon after that date to review grant submissions.
We look forward to learning about the innovative and life-changing ministries taking place in our midst.
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Morrow Presbyterian Church Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary
submitted by Dianne Hooten, Morrow Presbyterian Church
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Sixty years ago, Presbytery envisioned a Presbyterian Church on the Southside of Atlanta. Forty-four charter members began meeting in its first home on Lee Street on January 5, 1964. On April 5, 1964, the Morrow Presbyterian Church was declared a duly constituted congregation of the Presbyterian Church under Atlanta Presbytery. The first Session was elected and met on April 12th, and the late Rev. Frank C. Havlicek was installed as the first Pastor on May 10th.
We have had wonderful pastors during these years including The late Rev. Thomas M. Dews, Rev. Jerry Tabler, Rev. James McNaull, the late Rev. Moss Robertson, Rev. Dr. Earl Bland, the late Rev. Dr. Earl Stewart, and Rev. Dr. John V Callahan Jr. Now sixty years later, under the leadership of Pastor John we are still a strong, loving, and busy congregation serving the Morrow area with many of the same members from the early years of the church. Due to the pandemic, COVID-19, we began having online virtual via Facebook services in addition to in person services. We have people from all over the world joining us on Sundays through Facebook. Our page can easily be found by going through our church website (www.morrowpresbyterian.org).
We are looking forward to celebrating 60 vibrant years of serving God with a Homecoming Celebration the weekend of April 26-28. We will begin on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m.by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life as many of our flock have been touched by cancer over the years. On Saturday, April 27, we will gather at 4 p.m. for fun, fellowship, music, reminiscing, and a Pig Roast to raise funds for our Food Pantry that serves the Clayton County Community each week. The weekend will culminate with a special Worship Service and Reception on Sunday, April 28 at 11 a.m.
We would love to have everyone join us as we celebrate 60 years of loving and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and bringing His message to the Clayton County community. You may register for any of the weekend events by clicking here. We hope to see you there!
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Transitional Ministry Training in April | |
As part of the Transitional Ministry Educational Consortium, The Art of Transitional Ministry Week One at Calvin Center is church leadership training designed for Clergy and other church staff sensing a call to transitional or interim ministry. Every vibrant church or ministry is or should be in transition right now if they hope to not only survive but thrive moving forward.
Learn more and register: calvincenter.org/art-of-transitional-ministry
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Rice Memorial's 100th Anniversary
submitted by Rice Memorial Presbyterian Church
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On December 1, 2023, Rice Memorial Presbyterian Church turned 100 years old. Originally founded as a mission of Central Presbyterian, the church was named for Theron Rice, one of Central’s former pastors.
In the spring of 1919, the “Presbyterian Colored Mission” which later became Rice Memorial, started its work at 216 Fraser Street. Its activities focused on children and included a kindergarten, Sunday School, Boys and Girls clubs, and classes teaching arts & crafts. The ministry moved to a new location at Mary and Coleman Streets in the Pittsburgh neighborhood, as the program continued to grow. The “Pittsburgh Mission” held its first meeting in September 1920, in what eventually became the manse for Rice Memorial. Rice Memorial Presbyterian Church was built on an adjoining lot and chartered on December 1, 1923.
One hundred years later, Rice has a full and active story to tell. Many of the ministries and children’s activities started in 1919 continued for years at the building at Mary and Coleman drawing children and adults from the neighborhood to the steps of Rice. When the original building could no longer accommodate the activities, ideas were sought for ways to increase the church’s space. These were hampered by the fact that there was a street that divided the sanctuary building from the land that would logically be best to build an annex.
To solve this problem, the small church, with help from its neighbors and the Presbytery, convinced the City of Atlanta to abandon a block of Mary Street. A new fellowship building was erected, and Rice continued to serve the community with classes, free breakfasts, and a food pantry from that building until moving to 1515 Brewer Boulevard in 1998.
In recognition of a century of ministry, the congregation at Rice is creating a “Centennial Celebration Wall” to recognize and remember those who labored through its first 100 years. Contributors can give a donation of $100 to add a name to the wall. So far, more than 60 names of past and present members, pastors, and friends, have been collected. A committee is currently determining the design and location for the monument which will be unveiled later this year.
Merry Kaletta Mahone, daughter of Calvin Houston and Etta Houston, former pastor and first lady of Rice Memorial said “This is a wonderful way to pay tribute to my parents who served the church, the Presbytery, the community, and the school system for so many years. I am glad to support this project.”
If you would like to add a name to the Centennial Wall, please contact Dianne Bryant at dbryant1112@bellsouth.net or (404) 713-2427.
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Volunteer at Mission Haven
submitted by Mission Haven
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Do you sometimes wonder how you can be part of God’s great commission to
“Go, and make disciples?” Do you know about Mission Haven?
Do you know … ?
- Many mission co-workers have no home in the U.S.
- Mission Haven provides affordable short-term housing and friendly hospitality to mission co-workers of the PC (USA) between assignments.
- Missions Haven is adjacent to Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur and was built by Presbyterian Women (formerly Women of the Church) in 1950. A friendly volunteer staff manages it.
Do you have a heart for mission? You can support our mission co-workers by volunteering a few hours a week. We need help to maintain our three houses and six apartments:
Opportunity #1 Receive reports of maintenance issues and seek solutions before calling professionals. Make repairs if possible. Meet on-site with contractors who provide services such as carpet cleaning, painting/pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and yard work.
Opportunity #2 Manage arrivals of incoming mission co-workers: provide keys, orient new residents to the campus, and share information about local facilities. Oversee departures: explain cleaning expectations, record needed repairs, and obtain mail forwarding address.
Opportunity #3 Prepare houses and apartments for new occupants.
Individuals or groups can staff these opportunities. Please share the attached flyer with your congregation and mission committee chair. We invite you to become part of the Mission Haven family!
Connect with us at missionhavendecatur@gmail.com.
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Clergy Gatherings
by Jane Hubbard, Pastor-to-Pastor Team Coordinator
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Clergy Gathering Dates for 2024
- Save The Date/location that suits you.
- Mark your calendar.
- RSVP to Jane no later than noon on the day before the gathering.
Northside - 2nd Thursdays – 12:30-2 PM - Rotate Roswell/Duluth
- Thursday, May 9
- Thursday, August 8
- Thursday, October 10
OTP Eastside – 3rd Thursdays –12-1:30 PM Rotate Churches
- Thursday, May 9
- Thursday, August 15
- Thursday, November 21
Southside – 5th Thursdays – 12-1:30 PM - Positano Pizza Napoletana
- Thursday, May 30
- Thursday, August 29
- Thursday, November 21
Young Pastors - 4th Wednesdays 1130-1pm Fox BBQ, Dekalb Ave.
- Wednesday, May 29
- Wednesday, August 28
- Wednesday, November 20
Decatur - 2nd Wednesdays – 12-2 PM – North Decatur PC
- Wednesday, April 10
- Wednesday, July 10
- Wednesday, October 9
For the Decatur group, Catered Lunch is by Baddabing. Please RSVP by the Friday before the gathering and pay $15 here.
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Gifts of Women Sunday, March 3
To help celebrate Gifts of Women Sunday on March 3, the denomination has published a liturgical resource. Click here to view "Wonder Woman: Real or Myth?" and the accompanying worship resource.
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Installation of Grace Rohrer
Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2:00pm
Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church
3700 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30096
Join us as we celebrate the Installation of Grace Rohrer as pastor at Atlanta Taiwanese Presbyterian Church. The service will take place at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2:00pm. An offering is to be received to benefit the Emergency Fund for Pastors.
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1st Wednesday SACK Lunch
South Atlantic Community Knowledge
A monthly Zoom for sharing across the synod! Join, learn and share: experience, resources, and best practices on a new topic each month. April 3rd's meeting is on Young Ministry. More information can be found here.
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Welcoming Asylum Seekers
April 6, 8:30-4 PM
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta
2650 N. Druid Hills Rd.
New Sanctuary Movement of Atlanta (PGA Peace and Global Witness Partnership) and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee invite you to Welcoming Asylum Seekers: A Call to Bold Action. It will be a day of grassroots collaboration on housing, legal, medical, childcare, mental health, social adjustment, education, and ESL. Coffee and lunch are included. Cost is $15. Click here to learn more.
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Food Pantry Volunteers Needed
Presbyterian Church of the Resurrection
3676 Highway 20 N.E.
Conyers, GA 30012
The Presbyterian Church of the Resurrection needs volunteers to serve in our remarkable Food Pantry. We currently serve an average of 40 families a week and each family receives around 115-120 pounds of food. Duties range from assisting with unloading deliveries from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, pickup from one or more of our community partners, stocking and distributing food to clients.Our pantry does a remarkable job providing food to individuals in and around our community. For more information please contact Pastor Greg McMinn at 678-485-4715 pcrpastor@gmail.com, Sandra Ramsey, Coordinator at 770-918-1606 or church office, 770-922,5553.
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Click here to read Peace and Global Witness partnership's latest newsletter. | |
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Each month we are taking the time to pray for our churches and new worshiping communities throughout the year. Please take a moment each week to lift up the following communities in prayer:
3/3 - Bremen, Buford, *Atlanta Mizo
3/10 - Carrollton, Central, *Atlanta Oikos Church
3/17 - Church of the Master, Clairmont, *Breathing Space/SumTeo
3/24 - Columbia, Conyers, *Casa Brasil Church
3/31 - Covenant, Covington, *Centro Familiar Cristiano
*Denotes New Worshiping Communities
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The Presbytery Staff will never email or text you asking for money or gift cards. If seeking donations, staff will direct you to the Presbytery website or invite you to mail a check. If you have any suspicion, please reach out to one of us directly before responding! Stay safe in cyberspace! | |
Click here for CTS's Center for Lifelong Learning courses and events.
Click here for the Calvin Center's programs.
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The presbytery advertises employment opportunities within our congregations and partnerships. If you would like to browse opportunities or submit a new opening click here.
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The next newsletter will go out March 29. Articles will be accepted through March 18. The following newsletter will go out May 1. To request space for an article, email your Congregational Consultant or Mark Sauls at msauls@atlpcusa.org. Click here to view submission guidelines.
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Top Graphic Attribution:
Ten Commandments, illustrative wood relief carving, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55124 [retrieved February 21, 2024]. Original source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/feargal/5096148585/ - CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
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