Macon Peace

A Call to Prayer with the President of the United States and Leaders of the World

Used by permission
Center for Worship Resourcing The General Board of Discipleship

by Taylor Burton-Edwards

This litany of prayer combines President George W. Bush's address to the nation today (October 9, 2006) in response to North Korea's announcement that it had successfully tested a nuclear weapon with intercessions from the Christian community. You may wish to offer this as a special call to prayer, as part of your worship this coming Sunday (October 15), or share it via newsletters or e-mail. It may be best for a person other than the pastor to read the words of the President and for a deacon or lay leader to lead the people in their response. This prayer is intended to be prayed, not merely read. Be sure to invite people to pray as they can, in their hearts or with their voices, and allow time for silent and spoken prayers as indicated throughout.

Last night, the government of North Korea proclaimed to the world that it had conducted a nuclear test. We're working to confirm North Korea's claim.

We pray for the safety and healing of all who may have experienced the physical effects of this test: the people there, the people who may experience fallout or other effects, the trees, plants, animals, earth, water, and air.

(silent and spoken prayer)

Nonetheless, such a claim itself constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The United States condemns this provocative act.

We pray for international peace, and we look for your mercy and judgment.

(silent and spoken prayer)

Once again North Korea has defied the will of the international community, and the international community will respond.

We pray especially for the leaders of China, South Korea, Russia, and Japan, with all who may be most immediately in harm's way.

(silent and spoken prayer)

This was confirmed this morning in conversations I had with leaders of China and South Korea, Russia and Japan. We reaffirmed our commitment to a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. And all of us agreed that the proclaimed actions taken by North Korea are unacceptable and deserve an immediate response by the United Nations Security Council.

We pray for the United Nations Security Council, for prompt, wise, appropriate and effective response.

(silent and spoken prayer)

The North Korean regime remains one of the world's leading proliferators of missile technology, including transfers to Iran and Syria.

We pray for all nations and peoples everywhere who seek security through violence or the threat of violence. Deliver us all, O Lord!

(silent and spoken prayer)

The transfer of nuclear weapons or material by North Korea to states or non-state entities would be considered a grave threat to the United States, and we would hold North Korea fully accountable for the consequences of such action.

We pray for terrorists and all who wish us harm. Protect us and all people. May all know and see the power and security found in your redeeming love.

(silent and spoken prayer)

The United States remains committed to diplomacy. And we will continue to protect ourselves and our interests.

We pray for all who seek the way of diplomacy, that they may be strengthened in their resolve and not lose heart.

(silent and spoken prayer)

I reaffirmed to our allies in the region, including South Korea and Japan, that the United States will meet the full range of our deterrent and security commitments.

We pray for integrity and truth in the leadership of our nation and all nations.

(silent and spoken prayer)

Threats will not lead to a brighter future for the North Korean people, nor weaken the resolve of the United States and our allies to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Give us all courage to work for peace and stability.

(silent and spoken prayer)

Today's claim by North Korea serves only to raise tensions, while depriving the North Korean people of the increased prosperity and better relations with the world offered by the implementation of the joint statement of the six-party talks.

Free us all, and especially those who work to respond to this new threat, from the debilitating power of anxiety and fear.

(silent and spoken prayer)

The oppressed and impoverished people of North Korea deserve that brighter future.

Open our eyes to the oppression and poverty of the North Korean people, and show us ways to declare and embody the liberation and wholeness of life you desire for them and all peoples.

(silent and spoken prayer)

Thank you.

Holy God, Holy Compassionate One, we thank you that your perfect love casts out fear. Transform us by your love and embolden us to witness to it always and everywhere, no matter the personal cost.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray:

THE LORD'S PRAYER

••••••

Taylor Burton-Edwards (tburtonedwardsgbod.org) is the Director of Worship Resources for the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.

This article may be reprinted and used for nonprofit local church and educational use with the inclusion of the complete copyright citation plus the words "Used by permission". It may not be sold, republished, altered, used for profit, or placed on a website.

http://www.gbod.org/worship/TextOnly.asp?item_id=20495

December 6th Atlanta Peace and Justice Calendar

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Featured Event
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Tuesday December 12th 7pm-9pm
Innocent on Death Row:
An Examination of the Death Penalty
Panelists, include…

- An innocent man who sat on death row

- A legal expert who studied patterns of error and bias

- A victims' advocate with an alternative vision for justice

Come join the discussion!

First Iconium Baptist Church
542 Moreland Ave.

(Moreland Ave. at Glenwood Ave. just south of I-20 in East Atlanta)
(Plenty of parking and accessible by Marta bus lines)

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General Events

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Thursday December 7th 6pm-9pm

The Georgia Employee Federation is hosting an Open House
and Educational Forum on "The State of Working Families -
A Legislative Out L - O - O - K"

Place: Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center
250 Georgia Avenue, SE, Suite 316

Presenters will lead a discussion on Employment Conditions
in Georgia, Health Care, the Minimum Wage, Affordable Housing
and the Beltline Economic Impact.

Contact: 404-588-2224
georgiaemployeeassociationyahoo.com

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Saturday December 9th 7pm

FAIR TREATMENT AND DIGNITY FOR FARMWORKERS

*Speaker - Aaron Jacobson, NC FLOC organizer
*Slide show - Francesca Coin, photographer
*FOR SALE - a limited number of 2007 FLOC calendars
with Francesca's photos and text in both English and
Spanish (great holiday gifts!)

@ Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church,
(25 Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, near MLK center)

Please join us to learn about the ongoing struggle
of farmworkers in North Carolina for fair treatment and
dignity. Aaron will speak about the current work of
The Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO (FLOC)
and Francesca will give us a sneak preview of her
photography of the farmworkers' lives in North
Carolina and Mexico.

FLOC, a union representing migrant farmworkers, signed a
historic contract in 2004, marking the first time that
guest workers have won union representation and a labor
contract and the largest contract in the history of North
Carolina, the least unionized state in the US.

Light refreshments will be served.
Free parking available.

Sponsored by: Atlanta Friends of FLOC

For more information contact: Beth Lavoie
bethlavoieyahoo.com or 404-783-1169

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Sunday December 10th 6pm-7pm

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PROTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PAUL WOLFOWITZ
World Bank President
Former Deputy Secretary of Defense
Architect of the Iraq War & Preemptive War

Peachtree Battle Ave. & Northside Dr.
Ahavath Achim Synagogue

December 10th is Human Rights Day and Impeachment Day plus
Paul Wolfowitz is in Atlanta. Come one, come all and protest
the illegal, immoral and criminal Bush regime. Bring creative
signs and props and Orange jumpsuits to protest the legalization
of torture. Signs will also be available.

On 9/11, Wolfowitz told senior Pentagon officials that Iraq might
have been responsible for that day's attacks. Intelligence
officials have said that Wolfowitz along with Cheney put
pressure on them to find "the right answers" linking Saddam
Hussein to 9/11. Wolfowitz said, "Our soldiers would be
greeted as liberators and our expenses would be paid by Iraq's
oil revenues". This man can not come to Atlanta without an
outpouring of righteous outrage at the crimes against humanity
his decision making has spawn.

Since the beginning of the Iraq war, 650,000 Iraqis have been
killed according to Les Roberts, author of the Johns Hopkins
study.

To map quest: the address is 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Atlanta, GA
30327.
Protest will take place on the sidewalk in front of the synagogue.
There is residential parking available.

Protest is sponsored by:
Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition/Atlanta
International Action Center/Atlanta and
The World Can't Wait - Drive Out the Bush Regime.

More info: World Can't Wait Atlanta
atlantaworldcantwait.org
866-377-5404

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Monday December 18th 2006 6pm-8pm

International Migrants Day In Atlanta!!

December 18 is a day when the international community recognizes
the rights of migrants around the world. On December 18, 1990
the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on
the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members
of Their Families (UN Migrant Workers Convention). The Convention
explicitly recognizes that migrants are entitled to all the rights
guaranteed to all human beings by international law - that migrants'
rights are human rights. The day was officially designated
International Migrants Day by the United Nations in 2000.

Do you enjoy drawing, making art? Are you artistic? Please
share your talents and join AFSC Project Voice and Alterna
Community for a special holiday card-making event in honor
of International Migrants Day on Monday, December 18th in
Atlanta, GA. We will be making holiday cards that will be
sent to state and national congressional leaders, calling
on them to STOP the criminalization and scapegoating against
immigrants in our communities through enforcement-only proposals
such as GA 529, and STOP the militarization of the US-Mexico border.

As part of this event, a special screening of the award-winning
documentary called Rights on the Line will be also be shown.
The documentary was filmed by legal observers and human rights
activists at the US-Mexico border and offers a provocative
look at the growing role of armed vigilante groups and their
attempts to play on anti-immigration scapegoating.

AFSC Atlanta office (92 Piedmont Avenue, NE/Corner of Piedmont & JW Dobbs)
For directions,
http://www.afsc.org/southeast/DirectiontoAFSCAtlantaoffice.htm

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The Georgia Progressive Summit 2007 happens January 5-6, 2007!

Get Involved in GPS 2007! We Need You!
Visit us at www.gps2007.org! Now is the time!

REGISTER for GPS online now! Become a sponsoring participant
or a sponsoring organization now! GPS 2007 is a self-funded
event by and for our progressive community. We have kept
costs down and made registration affordable:

* Sponsoring Participants $100
* Sponsoring Organization $250 sponsoring organizations
(includes 2 registrations + table)
* Registration $35
* Student/fixed income $15

SUBMIT A WORKSHOP PROPOSAL now! Available online at www.gps2007.org!!
Even though the first deadline has passed, we are still accepting
proposals on a rolling basis until all workshop slots are filled.

GET INVOLVED! Here are some ways you can help:

1. Outreach to organizations and individuals about registering,
sponsoring, and participating in GPS 2007:

* a) phoning partners and other contacts with information and
questions (script provided)
* b) distributing fliers or 4x6 cards in cafes, university
campuses, progressive stores, etc.
* c) other ideas?

2. Getting donations from progressive businesses for participant
bags and/or for drawing:

* a) 300 each for participants
* b) gift certificates or smaller numbers of items to
use in drawing

3. Offer a homestay for Friday and Saturday night to an
out-of-town GPS 2007 participant(s):

* a) provide accommodations for one or two nights

4. Become a logistics volunteer

* a) help with setup at Clark AU on Friday [2 needed]

* b) setup and manning sign-in/registration table at Paschal's
Friday evening 4pm-8pm [4 needed, rotating shifts]

* c) setup/registration at Clark AU on Saturday 7:30am-9am
[4 needed, 4 add'l on call during day]

* d) facilitator for interactive part of opening timeline
activity and process faciliators for workshops - note: must
attend 2-hour training on Wednesday, January 3, 2007
[12 needed, rotating shifts]

* e) driver for golf cart 8-8:30am, 7-7:30pm [2 needed, on call
during day]

* f) cleanup at Clark AU on Saturday 7-8pm [2-4 needed]

Please email gps2007gmail.com and let us know how you would
like to help. Thanks in advance for your commitment to making
GPS 2007 a success!!!

Susan Somach
Project Coordinator 2007
gps2007gmail.com
www.gps2007.org

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January 8th 2007 7:30pm

Brit Tzedek Atlanta is pleased to bring "Combatants for Peace" to Atlanta

Congregation Bet Haverim/Central Congregational Church
2676 Clairmont Rd
Atlanta GA 30329

Combatants for Peace
The Atlanta chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom

SPEAKERS: Sulaiman Al Hamri and Elik Elhanan, former Combatants,
and the Palestinian and Israeli coordinators for Combatants for Peace

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Bring the Mandate for Peace to Washington DC on Jan. 27, 2007

Tell the New Congress:
Act NOW to Bring the Troops Home!

Join United for Peace and Justice in a massive march on
Washington, D.C., on Sat., January 27, to call on Congress
to take immediate action to end the war.

Organizing Meeting, Durham, NC: Wednesday Dec 6th, 5:30 pm,
Mad Hatters Cafe 1802 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705.
jan27ncpeacejustice.org for info

On Election Day the voters delivered a dramatic, unmistakable
mandate for peace. Now it's time for action. On January 27,
2007, we will converge from all around the country in Washington, D.C.
to send a strong, clear message to Congress and the Bush
Administration: The people of this country want the war and
occupation in Iraq to end and we want the troops brought home now!

Congress has the power to end this war through legislation. We
call on people from every congressional district in the country
to gather in Washington, DC -- to express support for those members
of Congress who are prepared to take immediate action against the
war; to pressure those who are hesitant to act; and to speak out
against those who remain tied to a failed policy.

The peace and justice movement helped make ending the war in
Iraq the primary issue in this last election. The actions we
take do make a difference, and now there is a new opportunity
for us to move our work forward. On Election Day people took
individual action by voting. On January 27 we will take collective
action, as we march in Washington, DC, to make sure Congress
understands the urgency of this moment.

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The Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition is a volunteer organization,
funded through the contributions of our members and supporters.
We very much appreciate all those whose financial donations
make possible our campaigns and programs. Your support is
of great value to us.

Checks may be made out to -

Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition/Atlanta

P.O. Box 133016
Atlanta GA 30333

DONATE <http://www.georgiapeace.org/Donation.htm> online
http://www.georgiapeace.org/Donation.htm

If we, the peace and justice community, don't fund our actions,
who will?

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Ongoing Peace Rallies and Street Actions:
Contact Azi: aebrahimiafsc.org

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Tuesday weekly rallies
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12:45 pm
Weekly Campus Stand-Against-the-War Peace Vigil
In front of Woodruff Library adjacent to Asbury Circle,
Emory University, The groups calls the names of U.S. soldiers
recently killed in Iraq and exchanges war news and antiwar
activity announcements.

For more information: Thee Smith thee.smithemory.edu

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THURSDAY weekly rallies
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5:00-6:00 pm
In front of the CNN building at the Olympic Park Blvd.
entrance (a half-block from our old location)
Opposing the War and the US Media Bias & Mass
Deception

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5:00-6:00 pm, Scott Blvd x North Decatur Road x Medlock Road intersection
Join us for a repeat Impeach event Fridays through the
November elections

Join us!

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FRIDAY weekly rallies
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12:00-1:00 pm, Colony Square (Peachtree and 14th Street)
Stand for Peace! with WAND

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12:00-1:00 pm, Marietta Square (Cobb Court House)
Cobb County Citizens for Peace

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SATURDAY weekly rallies
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12:00-1:00pm
Dekalb Farmers Market –
3000 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur
We should gather around outside of the parking lot on
sidewalks near the entrance.

http://www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com/directions.html
Bring anti war signs, which show the connection
between war and economic hardship at home

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Sunday Weekly rallies
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12:00-1:00pm
Central Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
201 Washington St

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"Leave My Child Alone Campaign"

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED- To get involved contact
Susan susangeorgiafordemocracy.org

For more information,
visit the GA LMCA Campaign website at
http://campaignwindow.com/galmca

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LOCALLY Produced Progressive News and Programming:

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Airwaves:

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The Peoples Calendar on WRFG 89.3 Fm lets the
community know about events in the community like
film screenings, protests, vigils, forums, workshops,
and more. If your group or organization is having an
event, please e-mail: thepeoplescalendaryahoo.com

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Every weekday, Listen to DEMOCRACY NOW with Amy
Goodman On Radio Free Georgia - 89.3 FM WRFG, 5pm -
6pm Monday through Thursday 4:30pm - 5:30 PM on
Friday.

Every Monday night 8:30 - 9 pm tune in to LET"S TALK:
politics, religion, current events, activism. Hosted
by Rev. Albert E. Love on WAEC LOVE 86AM, The
revolution will not be televised" BUT it will be on
radio! Call in at 404-355--8652, 404-355-8659, or
404-355-8600 E-mail: letstalklove86am.com on line at
http://www.streamingfaith.com

Every Monday, 6-7pm, Check out "JustPeace" with
on WRFG Atlanta 89.3 fm. Contact:
Justpeacewrfgaol.com http://www.wrfg.org
Live Web stream
<http://wrfg.org/features/shows/shows-desc.asp?showid=36> :
http://wrfg.org/features/shows/shows-desc.asp?showid=36

Every Tuesday, 4:30p.m. Check out Labor Forum on WRFG
89.3 fm. http://www.wrfg.org

Every Tuesday, 6-7pm, "Community Forum with Billy
Mitchell" on WCLK, 91.9FM. The show is a topic show,
dealing with local issues, and in weeks to come other
guests include Mayor Shirley Franklin, the newly
elected officials of Clayton County, former mayor Bill
Campbell and others... Previous guests have included,
Tavis Smiley, Maynard Jackson, Rev Joseph Lowery and
many others. Contact: billymitchellbellsouth.net

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On the Tube:

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(ECAPC-TV).Every Church A Peace Church TV

Dear Friends: ECAPC-TV repeats a most powerful interview this
week with Billy Neal Moore, a convicted murderer and former
Georgia death row inmate. This is an interview about forgiveness,
redemption and hope. Now a minister in Rome, Georgia, Rev. Moore
pled guilty to a murder during a robbery, a crime he did commit,
and was sentenced to death. With prayer and faith in Psalm 118:17,
Billy was spared 7 hours from a date in Georgia's electric chair.
This program airs over the AIB Comcast Cable Channel Tuesday
December 5 at 10:00 AM and Saturday December 9 at 9:00AM.

Next week December 12 and 16, ECAPC-TV presents a new episode
featuring Dr. Frank Ostrowski. Dr. Ostrowski is a clinical
psychologist, former Catholic priest, and author of a new book:
Beyond Systems: Achieving Peace Through Our Share Humanity.
Frank's book title gives us some insight into our wonderful
interview about what it is required for us to become a more
peaceful and loving person, country and planet.

Please circulate this message to your friends as you don't often
see and hear in the media what ECAPC-TV airs each week, Tuesday
at 10:00 AM and Saturday at 9:00AM. All episodes of ECAPC-TV
appear on the AIB Cable network: Comcast Ch 5: BellSouth Americast
Ch. 14: Charter Roswell Ch 22: Charter Smyrna Ch. 14

No Cable? Live out of town? Nooo Problem! Watch selected episodes
of Every Church A Peace Church-TV including the Billy Moore
interview, on the web 24/7 at www.ecapc.org/video.asp .(Fast
Connection recommended) Fully tax deductible contributions to
continue the production and airing of ECAPC-TV can be made through
the ECAPC website: www.ecapc.org Help keep these messages of
forgiveness and compassion and peace on the air. Thank you for
your viewership and support.

The program airs 2 times this week:
Tuesday at 10AM
Saturday at 9AM

on the AIB cable channel Comcast Ch 5; Charter Roswell Ch 22;
Charter Smyrna Ch 14. Check your local listings (or
your cable search feature) for airings every week on
the AIB Cable network and visit the ECAPC website
<http://ecapc.org/video.asp> and downloadpast interviews

ECAPC-TV also airs on the Free Speech TV (FSTV) network on the
DISH Satellite network. Check listings for air dates.

Fully tax deductible contributions to continue the production
and airing of ECAPC-TV can be made through the ECAPC
website: www.ecapc.org Help keep these messages of forgiveness
and compassion and peace on the air. Thank you or your viewership
and support.

Contact Don Edwards
dedwardsaltlaw.com

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Another Media IS Possible on People TV, every Tuesday
on People TV at 1:00 PM Channel 12 or 24, and on WCAU
Clark Atlanta University TV channel 23 on Thursday at
8:30 P.M.

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On the Internet:

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Atlanta Progressive News
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com

APN covers progressive local and national issues.
Contact: Matthew Cardinale, Editor
matthewatlantaprogressivenews.com

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Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition

www.georgiapeace.org

Information regarding direct action campaigns demonstrating
opposition to the Iraq war can be found at the GPJC
website.

Contact: Azi
aebrahimiafsc.org

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Other Ongoing Events:

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Every Tuesday, 12pm, Georgia Coalition for the
People's Agenda at the Atlanta Life Building, 100
Auburn Ave. STAND UP! SPEAK OUT! BE HEARD! Contact:
GCPAgendaaol.com

Amnesty International meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month
The time and location for the meeting can be found at this url
http://amnestyatl.googlepages.com/events
For more information,
e-mail amnestyatlgmail.com or call 404-876-5661 ext 28

EVERY WEDNESDAY from Noon-1:30pm Circle of Scribes –
great talk and good food Atlanta Life Building-1st
floor cafeteria 100 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta 30303
Free parking in adjacent lot Come any time and/or
sign up for the E-Circle to keep current.
Contact: Atlanta WAND 404-524-5999

Third Thursday CINEMA meets every month, 7pm, at the
Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Atlanta in Room
209-210 with a lively discussion group and
refreshments following the film. 1911 Cliff Valley Way
* http://www.uuca.org (I-85 N Access road between N
Druid Hills & Clairmont) For directions and
information, call Michael Burke at 770-491-6817.

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We try to get the calendar out once a week, travel
schedules and network maintenance permitting. If you
have announcements you'd like posted, please send them
to gpjccalendargmail.com We'll do the best we can to
include them. Thanks!

**** Please visit our updated website, feedback very
welcome: http://www.georgiapeace.org
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Legislative Contact Information: Call early and often!
To find your representative: http://www.fcnl.org
click on Legislative Action Center, then click on

Elected Officials.
Sen. Saxby Chambliss: 202-224-5321/FAX: 224-0103
Rep. John Lewis: 404-659-0116/FAX 404-331-0947
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121or toll free

1-800-839-5276
White House Comment Desk: 202-456-1111

Macon Peace . org

Honor Dr. King’s commitment to peace as we celebrate his Jan. 15 birthday.

December 6th Atlanta Peace and Justice Calendar

Words of Peace: