DeKalb’s Pastor Sherry Gaither welcomed as ‘Chaplain’ at state Capitol

Sen. Gloria Butler  (D-Stone Mountain) and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle welcomed Pastor Sherry Gaither  to serve as the Chaplain of the Day this month in the Georgia State  Senate.  

“It was an honor to host Pastor Sherry Gaither in the  Senate Chamber,” said Sen. Butler. “Pastor Gaither is a true woman of God whose resounding message of courage struck a chord in all of us  today.”

Dr. Gaither’s message focused on courage under fire and  the importance of working together through times of crisis and  tribulation.

“Courage is unyielding strength in the midst of  opposition,” said Pastor Gaither. “If we are going to overcome the many  challenges that we face as a state and nation, we need to do it  together.”

“It was an honor to welcome Mrs. Gaither to the Senate  today.

The tradition of the Senate to begin each day with a devotional  and prayer allows us to set our mind and heart in the right direction as we  make important policy decisions. As we face daunting challenges during  this session, I’m confident that the Senate will answer the call to serve.  Today, Mrs. Gaither encouraged Senators and inspired each of us to lead our  state in the right direction,” Lt. Governor Casey Cagle said.

Pastor Gaither co-labors in ministry with her husband, Pastor Benjamin Gaither, at Stronghold Christian Church, located in Lithonia.

Dr. Sherry Gaither is referred to by many as “Dr. G” and is a multi-gifted  pastor, educator, motivational speaker and author.

Pastor Gaither  travels extensively throughout the United States and Africa proclaiming the word of God.

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation welcomes

Newark Boys Chorus

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 2407 Cascade Road, S.W., Atlanta, will welcome the Newark Boys Chorus to sing gospel selections at its worship service on Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m. 

Approximately 40 members of the choir will be participating in the service. They are currently attending the Newark Boys Chorus School, a 42-year-old arts and academic institution serving fourth through eighth grades.

The Newark Boys Chorus performs throughout the state and Mid-Atlantic region more than 50 times each year. Additionally, the Chorus travels abroad every three years, visiting countries from China to Australia, South Africa and Japan. The visit from Newark, N.J. to The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation is part of an eight-day tour of the Southern U.S.

For more information, call 404-755-6554.

ITC to host annual family convocation, Faithfest set

The Interdenominational Theology Center will host The 19^th Annual Youth and Family Convocation at two Atlanta churches.

The event starts on Feb. 24, 7 – 9:30 p.m., with the Action Fest, a community-wide anti-bullying rally held at First Iconium Baptist Church, 542 Moreland Ave., S.E., Atlanta. The theme is “Bold Voices, Courageous Steps Against Bullying.” The rally serves as a call to the Faith community to get into action by learning about, engaging in bold dialogue, receiving resources, and setting in motion concrete steps to end the mounting community-negating, and life-defeating scourge of bullying plus acts of harmful and life-threatening hazing.

The event concludes on Feb. 25 with the FaithFest at Friendship Community Church, 4141 Old Fairburn Road, College Park, 8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The theme is “Designed to Shine: Showing Christ’s Light in a Texting, Google, I-Pad, Facebook World.” The event includes workshops for all ages, a talent showcase, lunch and much more.

Admission to both events is free. A $10 registration fee is due on the Saturday event to pay for lunch. For more information on both sessions, contact the Youth Hope-Builders Academy office at 404-527-7739 or 404-614-6321.

Scottdale church asks women of all ages: “Can We Talk?”

Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church, 3096 North Decatur Road, Scottdale, will host “Can We Talk?” an open panel discussion for women of all ages and teen girls on Feb. 18, 12 – 2 p.m.

The Church’s Daughters of Excellence Women’s Ministry will lead the discussion, which will focus on a range of subjects that women are challenged with daily. Participants are encouraged to learn with Pastor Kathern Thomas and Elder Alicia Cardwell-Brown the ways to handle life’s issues and concerns, based on the Word of God.

For more information, visit www.worshippersintercedingforexcellence.com or call 404-455-6678.

Conyers church sets College Career Day for youths

Christian Growth Cathedral, 1655 Irwin Bridge Road, Conyers will host the College Career Day on Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., for students and their families.

The event is open to the public and all are welcomed to visit with representatives from several colleges and universities such as Morehouse College, the University of Georgia, Le Cordon Bleu, Spelman, Brown Mackie and Clark Atlanta. Other colleges and universities in attendance include Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Clayron State, Georgia Southern, West Georgia and Georgia Perimeter College.

For more information, call 770-760-8255 or visit www.cgcintl.net.

VOF to host parents’ seminar, carnival

Voices of Faith Ministries’ Christian Daycare, 2500 Rockbridge Road, Building C, Stone Mountain, will host “Maximizing Your Child’s Learning Potential” on March 3, 9 – 11:30 a.m. The workshop is free for parents to attend.

The daycare center is also preparing for its community Spring carnival on April 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Vendor booths are available. For more information, call 770-465-4172.

St. James Episcopal Church marks Lenten

St. James Episcopal Church, 161 Church Street, Marietta, will mark the Lenten period with the Lenten Quiet Day service on Feb. 25, 9 a.m. – noon.

The theme of the service is “A Reflection on Our Starting Lent the Way God Started the World,” and will be led by Fr. Brian Sullivan of the Benedict’s Episcopal Church in Smyrna. During the Quiet Day, the ministry will be looking at the beginning of Lent to the end, and how participants can dedicate themselves and their families to learning more about this historical religious period.

Donations will be requested for lunch and study materials. Participants are asked to reserve attendance with Susan Rouse at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by Feb. 22. 770-428-5841.

On Common Ground News is an independent African-American owned community resource newspaper serving residents and businesses in DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Henry counties.

These are the areas we focus our efforts in reporting on. DeKalb county areas consist of Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Tucker, Clarkston, Stonecrest, Decatur, Avondale, Estates, Eastlake, and Pinelake. Gwinnett county areas consist of Lawrenceville, Snellville, and Buford. Henry county areas consist of Ellenwood and Stockbridge. Fulton county areas consist of Atlanta, College Park, and East Point. Rockdale county area consist of Conyers.

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