Resilience: 
“We have so many examples of people who have personally and collectively overcome decades if not centuries of oppression. I am an optimist and believe that the Blue Wave will sweep across the country. I am also a realist. There is a deep and abiding fear of difference and progress.”
Franklin Abbott has been a practicing psychotherapist in Atlanta for nearly forty years. He is also a poet, musician, community organizer and amateur oral historian. His connection to the Congregation and Old Stone Church goes back more than 40 years to early urban radical faery gatherings held in the sanctuary before First E became its steward. He has spoken at First E many times, performed music and poetry there, and coordinated events and memorials.
Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Aviva and the Flying Penguins
Please join our Day of the Dead Celebration this Sunday when we remember those loved ones who have passed from this earth but not from our hearts and memories.
On September 23, 2018, Rev. Angela Denise Davis will speak at First Existentialist on the topic “On Death.” Angela Denise Davis, M.Div., M.S., is an ordained minister, writer, public speaker, and digital media creator interested in the life tasks of work and spiritual issues located at the intersection of race, class, gender, sexual identity, and disability. Her call in life is to facilitate conversations and theological reflections along the fence line of those differences. She is a black, blind, lesbian clergywoman who understands how all of her identities gift her presence in the world. She wants to share what her presence in this world brings, and celebrate the gifts of others as we hold space for the emergence of peace and grace in the world. In May 2010, she founded a spiritual collective called Sister Harriet. This was a spiritual landing pad for “holy rollers, heretics, heathens, hell raisers, and all other persuasions.” In addition to monthly gatherings, Sister Harriet offers listeners inspiring messages via a weekly podcast. Angela is also the creator, host, and producer of the ZAMI NOBLA Podcast, a bi-weekly digital offering targeted at black lesbians 40 years and older. Angela speaks to educational institutions, communities of faith, conferences, and organizations on topics ranging from personal motivation, career development, spiritual reflection, spiritual activism, social justice, LGBT and religion, Black lesbian health and well-being, and disability awareness and advocacy. In addition, she will wax poetically on all things related to the ukulele if given the chance. She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University where she earned a B.A. in Art. She also holds a master of divinity from Vanderbilt University Divinity School, and a master of science in rehabilitation counseling from Georgia State University. The service facilitator will be Robert Stewart, and the musician will be Bill Chelton. We hope you can attend.
