NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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Blessings of Christmas from the Council

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Flight Into Egypt

Mary speaks:
fear tracks our passage as we flee
from royal decrees, make our way
with the boy who began
in wonder at birth:
the star, the angel chorus,
visits by the wise and the poor

our flight from danger carries us
to the haven of Egypt, aware
of the irony to seek safety
in that land of ancient bondage
under a cruel pharaoh

now a cruel king seeks to kill
the redemptive hope of Israel
we trust in the protections of heaven
the assurance of dreams

By the Reverend Jean Rodenbough (PCUSA), former President of the NC Council of Churches

~Christmas blessings from the staff of the NC Council of Churches~
Rose, Aleta, Susannah, Joy, Shannon, Jennie, Ashley, Monica, Jennifer, Steve, Sandy,
Hana, Austin, Nicole, and Brian

About Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Aleta Payne first joined the Council staff in the spring of 2001 as the Communications Associate. She continues to oversee that work along with development, represents the Council in several partnership efforts, and serves in other administrative roles, as well. Aleta is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in government and foreign affairs and spent much of her early career as a journalist. She has three young adult sons who continue to come home to Cary for dinner, or at least groceries, and two young adult terrier-mix dogs who keep the nest from feeling too empty.

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