Free movie screening: At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, the Atlanta History Center will offer a free screening of the documentary "Love Is a Verb," which features people who subscribe to Hizmet, a social movement that advances interfaith dialogue, education and community service, inspired by the philosophy and teachings of Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish teacher and author. Terry Spencer Hesser, the film's director and producer, will be present for opening remarks and a post-show Q&A. Open to everyone, but RSVP; seats are limited. Complimentary parking available on site. McElreath Hall, 3299 Andrews Drive N.W., Atlanta. www.theatlanticinstitute.org.
Reposition yourself for greatness: Speak UP, Woman UP, a conference dedicated to health, happiness and praising God, will be hosted at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at New Life Presbyterian Church, 6600 Old National Highway. The event's founder, Ty Lewis, said the conference will teach women to understand their purpose. "I want them to be able to understand that repositioning yourself for greatness depends on your ability to be obedient to your calling in life. I want them to leave feeling empowered, changed and ready to impact the people of God." Tickets are $25 per person and open to all. For more information, visit www.speakerofthehouse14.com.
Animal kingdom: The North Avenue Presbyterian Church will honor the importance pets play in people's lives with a special service called Blessing of the Pets, which will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in their parking deck. According to Scott Weimer, the senior pastor, "We don't discriminate in pets! Our blessing team says they are prepared to bless a horse or elephant or whatever someone brings." Activities will include free pet portraits, a bandanna-decorating station for kids and of course, prayers for you and your pet(s). "We want people to know that we see them as a family more fully when we see them within their community of love, including their pets," Weimer added. The event is free, open to all and takes place rain or shine. 607 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. www.napc.org.
Women Thou Art Loosed 2014: For three days, Bishop T.D. Jakes, first lady Serita Jakes and a slew of special guests including Pastor Van Moody, Dorinda Walker, Vickie Winans, MC Lyte and James Fortune will deliver uplifting messages to help women transform their lives, overcome obstacles and maximize their potential at the annual Woman Thou Art Loosed conference. Themed "The Wait Is Over," the conference kicks off at 6:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Philips Arena (1 Philips Drive, Atlanta) with a fitness session followed by several days of financial planning, "girl talk," musical performances, and prayer. Tickets are $150 per person, and may be purchased at www.tdjconferences.org.
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