Author: 1stexistentialist

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Minister

“In my role as minister, I am available to perform/assist in weddings, commitment ceremonies, baby naming/dedications, memorials/funerals and other special occasions.

As an existentialist, I believe that each service should reflect the unique meaning that it holds for the couple, family, friends involved. I meet with the couple (for example) in an informal setting to learn something about who they are and what they want to achieve.

My goal is to provide information and guidance to facilitate the development of the service. I provide resources and material as appropriate. There are no requirements for what must be included; only the honoring of each individual.

My spiritual life began as a Christian in middle Georgia . During my teen years I began to question the concept of “one truth”. Through personal exploration and with three years of guided study by Rev. R. Lanier Clance, I have come to believe that there are many paths to truth, each valid to the believer. Our journey through life is a unique, subjective experience that is enhanced and supported as we share with others our authentic self. It is a joy to serve the First Existentialist Congregation and the greater community.”

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Sponsored Programs

First Existentialist hosts and sponsors many programs on behalf of the community. The focus is generally educational, but may include social justice or other causes which we may sponsor or support.

For more information on any of these programs, please contact the church office at:  office@firstexistentialist.org  or call us at 404-378-5570.

Childrens Program

During services, there is a children’s program held downstairs run by a hired childcare professional (usually also a member or friend).  The children have play time, have an opening ceremony, usually perform an activity from the Moral Tales curriculum, and have a snack before being picked up by their parents.

BiRacial History Project

More info here.

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July 1, 2018: Rev. Angela Davis

We Ain’t New at This

Reverend Angela Denise Davis, Speaker

Libby Ware- Facilitator, Charli Vogt- Music

Angela Denice Davis will speak at First E’s Celebration of Life about the continuing struggle for human freedom and thriving under oppressive forces and how each passing generation has the option to stand against injustice.

Angela Denise Davis, M.Div., M.S., CRC is a skilled workshop facilitator, public speaker, and preacher. Her preaching engagements have included a variety of settings from small congregations to large denominational gatherings. She speaks to educational institutions, communities of faith, conferences, and organizations on topics ranging from art as a means of 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 an effective trainer and conversation partner with a keen sense of how intersectionality affects conversational space. This capacity supported her creation and facilitation of the “Them, Us, & We” workshop, which presents opportunities for individuals and congregations to assess their position as voyeur, celebrant, or coalition builder.

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.

She lives in East Point, Georgia, with her partner, Mary Anne Adams, and their canine dog, Kasi.

Social Period 10:30-11, come have Pastries & Coffee with Friends.

First E is building its new web-site & wants photos to show who we were, are, and plan to be. If you have pictures you’d would like to share, please send them to Edith Covington, office@firstexistentialist.org . If you have a large number of pix or big files, please put them on a thumb drive and drop them off by June 30.

Coming Events at First Existentialist

  1. Art Opening on Saturday evening 6 to 8 PM, the Art of Filiz Durmaz, with music from George Trotter and Glenn Anthony Music. Free, Refreshments available
  2. Next Sunday, July 8, the Celebration of Life will feature Reverend Kim Sorrells, “Practicing a Life of Love”. Please join us!
  3. The Book & Bake Sale will be on Saturday, July 14, from 9:00–2:00. We need donations of all kinds of books, music, videos, puzzles, and baked goods.
  4. On July 15 there will be a Circle of Healing at 1st E, 3-4:30, with musical and guided meditation, led by Franklin Abbott. Please see attached flyer.
  5. Looking farther ahead to September, we’re planning a Congregational Retreat at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Highlands, NC, September 7-9, Friday evening thru Sunday midday. Total cost is $199/ per person, based on double occupancy and includes all meals. Please put on your calendar.
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Concerts, Shows and Dances

Concerts are held in our building in the main sanctuary upstairs, which seats 150 and can hold 200 standing. We have chairs, several large folding tables as well as some card tables available for rentals on request.  We also have a handicap accessible bathroom upstairs and two bathrooms downstairs.  The stage in the main sanctuary has a sound room and a basic speaker system for vocal amplification.  For any other purpose, you will need to bring your own sound equipment.  There is also basic, independent ambient lighting for the stage, art gallery areas on the walls, general room area, foyer, and upstairs kitchen.  You will probably need to bring your own lighting for concerts or other special events requiring a sophisticated setup.

Upcoming Shows

Cledus Jeremiah Jones

Recurring Shows

Fiddler’s Green

 

 

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Our Facilities

As part of our unyielding support of the community and family, we extend our invitation to make use of building facilities to host event gatherings, and we make every effort to accommodate their needs. Life events include weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals, memorial services, etc. Our beautiful sanctuary provides a unique space for a variety of special occasions and includes:

  • Wonderful acoustics, original hardwood floors, and original tin ceiling tiles add to the charm and historic warmth of the sanctuary.
  • A concert quality baby-grand piano by Mason & Hamlin is available for the experienced musician. The stage and versatility of the space also make lectures, civic meetings and workshops very comfortable.
  • Capacity of 150+ with padded folding chairs for 110 allowing for a variety of seating configurations in the Sanctuary.
  • Main Sanctuary space – approximately 1500 square feet, plus a 12’ x 20’ stage – all with original hardwood floors!
  • Tables for serving or displays are available – 6 ft, 5 ft, and card tables.
  • Building Access – wheelchair ramp to the main entrance. Accessible restroom provided on the main floor and in the great room downstairs.
  • Sanctuary Art Gallery featuring local artists. Parking on-street parking – abundant and free!
  • Alcohol Policy allows serving, but not selling of alcoholic beverages.
  • Climate Controlled with central heat and air conditioning for your comfort.

See our gallery of photos!

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Organizations

The First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta is an active participant in our greater Community, supporting, and often hosting, a diverse range of individuals and organizations sharing values and ethics similar to our own.  From the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization (CPNO) to Sunday Assembly Atlanta, to ZAMI-NOBLA and Sankofa/Interplay Atlanta, to Mary Lin School and the Primavera Preschool and Aftercare Programs, to the Atlanta Area Friends of Folk Music (AAFFM), to various 5 Rhythms/Ecstatic Dance groups, we host organizations of a broad variety of interests.

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Life Events

Of course, Community means people, and the truest depth of our commitment to our community comes down to the life events of the people around us.  Weddings and the joys around our many individual commitments to each other are one of the underpinnings of our lives, and we certainly support and make space available to couples wishing to formalize their lives together.  And of course we host Celebrations of Life ceremonies and memorials that naturally follow at the ends of loved ones’ lives.

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Board

John Smith, President

The Board of Directors at First E is a volunteer group of active members who serve for one year at a time in an elected capacity. The Board is legally responsible and liable for overseeing all aspects of the First E organization and facilitates the core activities of our mission.  All are welcome to come to our meetings.  They are usually on the first Monday of every month at 7 pm in the basement. Typically, the time and place will be confirmed by email in the main weekly email the week before the meeting.

At our meetings, please be aware that we try to address all walk-in issues raised by members toward the beginning to respect your time.

Duties and Functions of the Board

Subject to limitations which are provided elsewhere in these By-laws, the duties and functions of the Board shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:

  1. Maintain custody and management of all property and operations of the Congregation; and maintain accountability for the expenditure of all funds;
  2. Adopt, amend, rescind and implement policies, rules and regulations which are consistent with the duties and functions of the Board and with decisions of the membership;
  3. Work closely with the professional congregational staff to ensure that the needs of the membership and its stated goals are adequately met;
  4. Establish and provide direction to such committees and/or guilds deemed appropriate, define their duties and prescribe their powers.
  5. Develop and approve the annual Congregation operating budget and make it available to the Congregation;
  6. Submit a full statement of financial condition to the membership on an annual basis and conduct an annual audit;
  7. Appoint, as appropriate, delegates and alternates to represent the Congregation at meetings of the Unitarian Universalist Association and other denominationally-related bodies;
  8. Maintain accurate and open records of all its meetings, except Executive Sessions;
  9. Oversee all publications of the Congregation, including but not limited to Sunday bulletins, monthly newsletters, brochures, press releases, other promotional materials, and website;
  10. Recommend revisions to the By-laws as appropriate.

Board Charter from the ByLaws