Celebration and tea: The Servettes Club of First Congregational Church will hold a Juneteanth Heritage Musical and Tea at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, 105 Courtland St., Atlanta. The event will feature a turn-of-the-century-style tea and various Atlanta choirs and musicians. Proceeds benefit the food ministry, summer music camp and New Century Capital Campaign. The cost is $20. Tickets are available at the church. 404-659-6255, firstchurchatlanta.com.
Youth prayer party: High school and college age young people are invited to an evening of prayer and worship followed by a movie on the lawn from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 27 at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, 212 Riverside Parkway, Austell. Bring lawn chairs, pillows or blankets. woffamily.org.
Operation Oreo: Thanks to Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, two tons of Oreo cookies soon will make their way to the U.S. military in Afghanistan. The annual cookie drive provides service members with a taste of home. The treats will be sent to military chaplains in Afghanistan who will help distribute them to service members. Last year, the congregation donated more than 6,100 packages of Oreos. The drive runs through June 29, when stacks of Oreo packages will surround the altar, the choir will perform patriotic music, and military veterans will be honored. Those wishing to donate can drop off cookies at the church's office, 69 N. Main St., Alpharetta. Donors also can attach thank you notes. afumc.org.
Celebrate America concert: Dunwoody United Methodist Church will kick off the Fourth of July holiday week with a Celebrate America concert at 4 p.m. June 29 at the church, 1548 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody. The church's Chancel Choir and an orchestra will perform Howard Hanson's "Song of Democracy," based on a poem by Walt Whitman, and such classics as "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Salute to the Armed Forces." Pianist Thomas Pandolfi will perform with the orchestra. dunwoodyumc.org.
Noteworthy: David Gushee, professor of Christian ethics and director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University, recently was recognized during the 50th annual Georgia Author of the Year Awards at Kennesaw State University. Gushee, who has written 18 books, received the award in the inspirational-religious category for his book "The Sacredness of Human Life: Why an Ancient Biblical Vision Is Key to the World's Future."
