​NE​WS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Just Women Bible Study

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The 2020 Just Women Bible Study “Hope, Healing, and Wholeness,” published by Disciples Women, is available for pre-order now!  If you order by Dec. 1, 2019, postage is free.  This Bible study includes 8 sessions which will give you new perspectives on biblical stories of healing and new insights for your own life.  One of the writers may be familiar to Georgia Disciples - Rev. Dr. Janice Johnson Hume. Order now for only $15 at

https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/product/2019-just-women-bible-study-2/.

2020 RYA Early Bird Registration now open

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Registration for Regional Youth Assembly 2020 is now open for early bird rates. Click HERE to visit the event registration page for RYA. Early bird registration ends December 1st.

2020 Request for Standing form now available

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2020 Request for standing forms are now available in both online format and PDF download. Click HERE to visit the Commission on Ministry page for clergy to access the forms and links to request standing. Forms are due by December 31st!

Ray of Hope Transformers Men's Retreat Nov 15-16th

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"B.A.D. Boys: Bold, Anointed, and Driven to Impact and Transform." The cost of the conference is $275 and includes one night's stay at Callaway Gardens Resort, all meals, a Transformers 

Men's Ministry T-shirt, and admission to the golf course. For more information and to register, click HERE.

Installation of Rev. Richard Williams 

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Rev. Richard Williams was installed as the Senior Pastor of First Christian Church of Lawrenceville on November 3rd, 2019. Congratulations to the new Reverend on another milestone accomplished in his ministerial journey!

Ordination of Rev. Bethany Apelquist

Rev. Bethany Apelquist was Ordained on November 2nd, 2019 at First  Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia. Congratulations to the new Reverend on another milestone accomplished in his ministerial journey! She is also the new church planter at First Christian Church in Warner Robins, Georgia!

YAC held 2019 Youth Rally on November 3rd!

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On Sunday, November 3rd, over 80 youth from across the Region gathered at Sandy Springs Christian Church for our Fall Youth Rally. New and old friends met for an afternoon of games and worship.  We learned together what it means to be a community--to be a part of the Christian Church in Georgia-- and that we can always count on each other.  New relationships were formed as members of our Youth Activities Council met individually with the youth to tell them all about being on YAC and their favorite parts of Regional Youth Assembly. It was a wonderful afternoon of fellowship and faith. We can't wait to do it all again from February 21-23, 2020 at Regional Youth Assembly at Epworth by the Sea. See you there!

Recruiting for openings for DPF Peace Interns

Applications accepted beginning November 15th.

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Click HERE to go to the General Church News page to get more information.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Worship Service - Nov. 14th

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You and yours are invited to join Unity Fellowship Church Greater Atlanta, Gentle Spirit Christian Church, and First Christian Church of Decatur for a shared worship service dedicated to honoring, remembering and celebrating the transgender community, those who have passed away, and the love God has for each and all of us, just as we are.  Here All Means All.  Preaching:  Jennifer Hasler, Ph.D.  

10:30 AM in the Sanctuary of 

First Christian Church of Decatur 

601 West Ponce de Leon Avenue  

Decatur, Georgia 30030

ATTENTION DISCIPLES MEN - Laymen of the year nominations

Deadline extended to December 1st!

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Click HERE to make your nomination today or visit the Disciples Men page to get more information.

ATTENTION PASTORS /LEADERS- GAMHI needs church information

Deadline November 12th!

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We are conducting a mental health services survey about YOUR congregation. Please click the link below to answer 5 short questions so that we know what programs & services are offered at your church and what we can do to help!

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Georgia's Open and Affirming Christian Churches Co-Sponsor Booth at Atlanta Pride Festival 

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Beneath a bright banner featuring a red Chalice and rainbow colors that proclaimed: "WELCOME HOME!  OPEN AND AFFIRMING CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN GEORGIA", 50,000 Atlanta Pride participants were greeted warmly, loved as they are, and offered stickers, brochures, and Holy Communion.  On Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13, 2019, three Disciples congregations (Chestnut Ridge Christian Church, Decatur First Christian Church, & John's Creek Christian Church) and the Disciples on Campus at UGA Athens co-sponsored a booth on a busy thoroughfare in Piedmont Park.  Dozens of church members and friends shared shifts to serve as Greeters, including clergy, elders, deacons, seminary interns, and members of our Disciples youth and young adult ministries. 

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Standing in the pulpit at Decatur FCC, Sr. Pastor James Brewer-Calvert preached on Sunday morning, saying, "Mission is not what we do; it is who we are.  We live our mission and identity in Christ from the inside-out.  I was not sure what to expect at Atlanta Pride. To my surprise and joy, my personal encounters and open invitations were received with curiosity, gratitude, delight, and even a tear. Two young adult women holding hands and in matching t-shirts accepted the stickers, read the brochure, and listened to this modeler of Jesus Christ say that God loves them as they are, love always wins, and that all means all. “It’s only 10 AM,” one said, “and I’m going to start to cry.”  

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Thank you, one and all, for your prayers and participation.  

Change of venue for Healthy Boundaries 201 - November ​5, 2019

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Healthy Boundaries 201 will be held at Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, GA 30034 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Click HERE to go to the Regional Events page to register. 

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Also, UCC is providing one final Healthy Boundaries 101 on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at

Kirkwood United Church of Christ 100 Rogers Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30317 Click HERE for more information and to register for the event!

2020 Regional Assembly - Call for Workshop Proposals

Deadline October 27th!

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The 2020 Regional Assembly will be held in Macon GA on April 24-25! Our theme is "LIFT: Together for Strength and Wholeness" with Scripture as Ephesians 3:16-19. We want you to showcase your talents and skills by proposing a theme-relative workshop that you would like to host at Regional Assembly. Click HERE to submit your proposal and be a vital part of our Regional Assembly

Ordination of Rev. Richard Williams 

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Rev. Richard Williams was Ordained on October 13th, 2019 at Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia. Congratulations to the new Reverend on another milestone accomplished in his ministerial journey!

Message from Chalice Press

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BACK TO SCHOOL!!!! As we welcome our children and teachers back to school in each of our churches and communities, how can we all learn more about our faith, God, and church. Did you know the Christian Church Disciples of Christ has a publishing house in Chalice Press and Christian Board of Publication? A good resource for us to educate ourselves in God’s eyes. A GREAT resource for your congregation for Advent devotionals and other resources.  

Does your church provide Advent devotionals for your members? Do you have members or groups within the church that might donate proceeds to purchase devotionals for the congregation? This may be a good service project for a group in your church to provide spiritual growth for your members. See below new titles from Chalice Press. These are many other titles can help educate in who we are as people of God and people of the Chalice as we approach the birth of Him who came to save.

Special October offer. Speaking of His Saving Grace, you can get FREE shipping from chalicepress.com in October by using the coupon code ADVENT19. Order your devotionals or Christmas gifts that help one grow through reading and studying before 10/31/19 to SAVE.

October is Clergy Appreciation Month!

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Given everything that the people who serve pastorally do, we should

take time to appreciate and encourage them and their staff members.

Whether you choose to honor your spiritual leaders and their staff

during Clergy Appreciation Month or another time of year, here are

7 ways to show your gratitude for their service and sacrifice:  

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1. Send your religious leader a clergy appreciation greeting card 

       or hand-written note with a message of gratitude for him or her.

2. Ask your children to draw a picture or create other artwork for a clergy member or            Sunday school leader.

3. Lend your pastor a hand by volunteering at the organization where he or she                      ministers, such as a hospital or nursing home.

4. Take a group photo with fellow church-goers in front of the church or other                         organization where the clergy member works. Present the photo as an already-                 framed gift.

5. Give your religious leader a “thank you basket” filled with his or her favorite brand of          coffee, favorite snack, or hard-to-find allergy-friendly food items.

6. Create a photo calendar with a picture of saints or inspiring Bible passages for each           month of the year.

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2019 Fall Men's Rally - October ​5, 2019 - VIDEO POSTED

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Disciples Men hosted their Annual Fall Rally at Liberty Christian Church in Newnan. Rev. Richard Williams of FCC Lawrenceville was the Keynote Speaker. Click HERE to go to the Disciples Men Page to check out his message!

Homecoming Sunday at Central Christian Church of Augusta

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Homecoming Service was held at CCC Augusta on October 6th at 11:00 am at 220 Crawford Ave. Augusta, Georgia

First Christian Church of Griffin hosts food drive collection

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         Griffin First held a collection drive during June and July to benefit the local Food Pantry. The food pantry director met with church members Mary Grant and Lisa Smith to specify most-needed items. The congregation brought items such as dried beans, rice, soap, and shampoo; and teams collected almost 436 lbs. of items to benefit the work of the Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry!

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Loganville Christian Church 135th Anniversary Festival (8/10-11)

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Loganville Christian Church celebrated their 135th Anniversary with a 2-day Homecoming Festival on August 10th &11th. Saturday's events began at 10:00 am and wrapped up around 3:00 pm. Sunday included a special worship service at 11:00 am, followed by a Homecoming Meal in the Fellowship Hall. 

Stewardship Workshop August 24, 2019 in Athens, GA

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First Christian Church in Athens hosted our Stewardship Workshop on August 24th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. Bruce A Barkhauer, Executive Director of the Center for Faith and Giving. 

Brookhaven Christian Church seeks Senior Pastor

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Brookhaven Christian Church is congregation located in Brookhaven GA, just outside of the Atlanta area. The community is rich with diversity, new development, and recreation. They are looking for a senior pastor to provide pastoral leadership and congregational care to lead the church to more relevant and vibrant ministry that matches the growing community. They are a wonderful church.

First Christian Church of Lawrenceville names new Pastor

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The congregation of one of Gwinnett County’s oldest churches has approved a new pastor.

The Rev. Richard Williams will assume the post in July at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) which began in 1909 as a tent meeting in Lawrenceville. Click HERE to read the News Release.

St. Andrew's Christian Church in Macon​ - 70th Anniversary

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On September 22nd, they hosted  their 70th Anniversary Celebration at 10:30 a.m. followed by a meal.

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Music Director Opening @ Cherry Log Christian Church:

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Cherry Log Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is beginning a search for a new Music Director. The position will responsible for overseeing all musical content of our worship services. The position will begin at half-time, with a potential to grow into a full-time position. We hold two services, one at 8:25am and the second at 10:55am on Sunday mornings. The second service is currently a more formal Disciples service which features a weekly volunteer choir and the occasional special music from individuals, our handbell ensemble, and our men’s chorale.

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The best candidate will be able to help us modernize our music by diversifying styles and expressions. This person would also bring with them excitement about building the music program in new and creative ways. This person would work closely with the Pastor to align music with overall thematic movement of the liturgy and sermon focuses.  In addition to Sunday morning services, the best candidate will be available one night a week for choir rehearsals (currently Thursday evening), and at least one day per week to meet and coordinate with the pastor on worship planning.  Availability for special events and services is ideal (funerals, weddings, special mid-week worship services, etc).

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We would expect the best candidate to have formal educational training in the field of music, ideally choral direction. It would be a plus to have theological training as well. If you are interested in working with a loving and welcoming congregation, in an incredibly beautiful setting…we look forward to receiving your cover letter and resume.

Got more news? 

Submit it to us at news@gadisciples.org!