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chris

LGBTQ Faith Leader and HIV Advocate from WFU of Divinity to Appear at GLAAD Media Awards in NY

May 5, 2022 · YES! Weekly

At the GLAAD Awards, Rev. Dr. Jones will explain her work as a faith leader in the fight against HIV: “Ours is just one of many faith communities working to tell […]

LGBTQ Faith Leader and HIV Advocate from WFU of Divinity to Appear at GLAAD Media Awards in NY

May 5, 2022 · YES! Weekly Leave a Comment

At the GLAAD Awards, Rev. Dr. Jones will explain her work as a faith leader in the fight against HIV: “Ours is just one of many faith communities working to tell […]

Continue reading...

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: HIV

Churches urged to utilize solar rebates

April 25, 2022 · Wilkes Journal-Patriot

Faith groups such as the N.C. Council of Churches and Interfaith Power and Light are urging churches across the state to take advantage of Duke Energy’s solar panel rebate program, […]

Churches urged to utilize solar rebates

April 25, 2022 · Wilkes Journal-Patriot Leave a Comment

Faith groups such as the N.C. Council of Churches and Interfaith Power and Light are urging churches across the state to take advantage of Duke Energy’s solar panel rebate program, […]

Continue reading...

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Environment

TEST PHW Post

November 1, 2019 By chris

Just testing the header here….

TEST PHW Post

November 1, 2019 by chris

Just testing the header here….

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

Faith Leaders for North Carolina Children (FLFNCC)

May 15, 2018 By chris

The NC Council of Churches has a long history of supporting public education and recently recommitted to both support and advocacy for the state system of public schools. (See statement […]

Faith Leaders for North Carolina Children (FLFNCC)

May 15, 2018 by chris

The NC Council of Churches has a long history of supporting public education and recently recommitted to both support and advocacy for the state system of public schools. (See statement […]

Filed Under: Homepage Featured Tagged With: Public Education

Statement Affirming the Ministry of Sanctuary by Congregations

March 8, 2018 By chris

Statement Affirming the Ministry of Sanctuary by Congregations Approved March 6, 2018 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches The North Carolina Council of Churches: Reaffirms […]

Statement Affirming the Ministry of Sanctuary by Congregations

March 8, 2018 by chris

Statement Affirming the Ministry of Sanctuary by Congregations Approved March 6, 2018 by the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches The North Carolina Council of Churches: Reaffirms […]

Filed Under: Issue Statements Tagged With: Immigration

Worship Resources on Immigration

March 31, 2014 By chris

Date: Easter 3 - May 4, 2014
Topic: Immigration
Focus Text: Luke 24:13-35
The story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, unique to Luke’s Gospel, is central to the evangelist’s message about the resurrection of Jesus and its meaning. It is one of the more unusual stories we hear about encountering Jesus, but it is Luke’s way of conveying that the surprising and the unexpected are to be found in the wake of Jesus’ resurrection. One of the most surprising things, at least for those disciples within the story, is that the stranger they meet on the road turns out to be the risen Christ. At every turn this story is about revealing and discovering Jesus—through scripture, through the breaking of bread, and even through encountering a stranger on the road.

Worship Resources on Immigration

March 31, 2014 by chris

Date: Easter 3 – May 4, 2014
Topic: Immigration
Focus Text: Luke 24:13-35
The story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, unique to Luke’s Gospel, is central to the evangelist’s message about the resurrection of Jesus and its meaning. It is one of the more unusual stories we hear about encountering Jesus, but it is Luke’s way of conveying that the surprising and the unexpected are to be found in the wake of Jesus’ resurrection. One of the most surprising things, at least for those disciples within the story, is that the stranger they meet on the road turns out to be the risen Christ. At every turn this story is about revealing and discovering Jesus—through scripture, through the breaking of bread, and even through encountering a stranger on the road.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Immigration

It’s Not a Matter of If

March 29, 2014 By chris

Here at the North Carolina Council of Churches, I've had the distinct privilege of working alongside immigrant families, faith leaders, lay activists, and immigrant rights organizations across the state in pursuit of humane fixes to our broken immigration system. While my time at the Council is drawing to a close, I know that immigration reform for our country is not a matter of if, it's when. How long will we let political games take precedence over real human suffering? I believe that in 20 or 30 years issues that seem controversial today – like whether immigrants deserve human rights, due process, and the chance to become a part of society – will be obvious.

It’s Not a Matter of If

March 29, 2014 by chris

Here at the North Carolina Council of Churches, I’ve had the distinct privilege of working alongside immigrant families, faith leaders, lay activists, and immigrant rights organizations across the state in pursuit of humane fixes to our broken immigration system. While my time at the Council is drawing to a close, I know that immigration reform for our country is not a matter of if, it’s when. How long will we let political games take precedence over real human suffering? I believe that in 20 or 30 years issues that seem controversial today – like whether immigrants deserve human rights, due process, and the chance to become a part of society – will be obvious.

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Immigration

Worship Resources on the Death Penalty

March 19, 2014 By chris

Date: Good Friday - Apr. 18, 2014
Topic: The Death Penalty
Focus Text: John 18:1-19:42
Because Christians have come to understand the cross as a rich symbol of all that God has accomplished in Jesus it is sometimes easy to forget that the symbol of our faith is (or was) also an instrument of torture and execution (it is certainly more than that, but not less). The details of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion are a reminder that Jesus did in fact receive a form of capital punishment. As ethicist Glen Stassen writes, “Christians who remember that their Lord was unjustly and cruelly given the death penalty have a hard time being enthusiastic about imposing the death penalty on others.”

Worship Resources on the Death Penalty

March 19, 2014 by chris

Date: Good Friday – Apr. 18, 2014
Topic: The Death Penalty
Focus Text: John 18:1-19:42
Because Christians have come to understand the cross as a rich symbol of all that God has accomplished in Jesus it is sometimes easy to forget that the symbol of our faith is (or was) also an instrument of torture and execution (it is certainly more than that, but not less). The details of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion are a reminder that Jesus did in fact receive a form of capital punishment. As ethicist Glen Stassen writes, “Christians who remember that their Lord was unjustly and cruelly given the death penalty have a hard time being enthusiastic about imposing the death penalty on others.”

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Race/Ethnicity

Third Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Hunger

March 18, 2014 By chris

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten guide focuses on poverty and the ways we can respond to our sisters and […]

Third Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Hunger

March 18, 2014 by chris

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten guide focuses on poverty and the ways we can respond to our sisters and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Food, Hunger

Second Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Farmworkers

March 11, 2014 By chris

I’ll never forget how it felt to serve dinner to this group. About 30 hungry, tired farmworkers arrived back at their camp just as it was getting dark, and they were kind enough to welcome us into their humble space for a shared meal. This group of mostly young men had been busy harvesting sweet potatoes down East. Most were indigenous Mexicans who learned Spanish as a second language, who didn’t know any English. As we spooned out rice and beans and poured soda from two-liter bottles, I was struck at how rare it is for any of us to meet the people who actually produce and harvest the food we eat. From our history of slavery to our modern industrial context, our society has not really reckoned with the grim reality of those at the bottom of our food chain.

Second Sunday in Lent: Poverty & Farmworkers

March 11, 2014 by chris

I’ll never forget how it felt to serve dinner to this group. About 30 hungry, tired farmworkers arrived back at their camp just as it was getting dark, and they were kind enough to welcome us into their humble space for a shared meal. This group of mostly young men had been busy harvesting sweet potatoes down East. Most were indigenous Mexicans who learned Spanish as a second language, who didn’t know any English.

As we spooned out rice and beans and poured soda from two-liter bottles, I was struck at how rare it is for any of us to meet the people who actually produce and harvest the food we eat. From our history of slavery to our modern industrial context, our society has not really reckoned with the grim reality of those at the bottom of our food chain.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Farmworkers, Food, Immigration

Worship Resources on Restorative Justice

March 10, 2014 By chris

Date: 5th Sunday in Lent - Apr. 6, 2014
Topic: Restorative Justice
Focus Text: Psalm 130
If there were such a thing as a six o’clock news cast in the first century, Jesus the felon would appear walking down the street escorted by the police of his day—handcuffed—if you will. The announcer would tell us that the vandal who destroyed Temple property and repeatedly broke Jewish laws; the welfare king who relied on the generosity of unsuspecting middle class women to promote his suspicious doctrine; the man known to frequent the establishments of tax collectors and prostitutes—and claimed to be God, had finally been apprehended and was awaiting sentencing. Yes, in the minds of this first century felon’s accusers, he was little more than a common criminal.

Worship Resources on Restorative Justice

March 10, 2014 by chris

Date: 5th Sunday in Lent – Apr. 6, 2014
Topic: Restorative Justice
Focus Text: Psalm 130
If there were such a thing as a six o’clock news cast in the first century, Jesus the felon would appear walking down the street escorted by the police of his day—handcuffed—if you will. The announcer would tell us that the vandal who destroyed Temple property and repeatedly broke Jewish laws; the welfare king who relied on the generosity of unsuspecting middle class women to promote his suspicious doctrine; the man known to frequent the establishments of tax collectors and prostitutes—and claimed to be God, had finally been apprehended and was awaiting sentencing. Yes, in the minds of this first century felon’s accusers, he was little more than a common criminal.

Filed Under: Blog, Lectionary Tagged With: Criminal Justice

Worship Resources on Awareness of Those with Disabilities

March 6, 2014 By chris

Date: 4th Sunday in Lent - March 30, 2014
Topic: Awareness of Those with Disabilities
Focus Text: John 9:1-41
Jesus’ concrete actions in response to the man’s situation call into question not only the self-righteous judgment of the religious leaders, but also the comfortable distance maintained by the disciples. When they encounter this man in the city, they see it as an opportunity for theological reflection. But Jesus changes the nature of the conversation altogether. The disciples want to speculate; Jesus decides to act – to welcome the man as a person and a child of God, to offer those unique gifts that he has been given to heal the man’s suffering, that the glory of God might be revealed.

Worship Resources on Awareness of Those with Disabilities

March 6, 2014 by chris

Date: 4th Sunday in Lent – March 30, 2014
Topic: Awareness of Those with Disabilities
Focus Text: John 9:1-41
Jesus’ concrete actions in response to the man’s situation call into question not only the self-righteous judgment of the religious leaders, but also the comfortable distance maintained by the disciples. When they encounter this man in the city, they see it as an opportunity for theological reflection. But Jesus changes the nature of the conversation altogether. The disciples want to speculate; Jesus decides to act – to welcome the man as a person and a child of God, to offer those unique gifts that he has been given to heal the man’s suffering, that the glory of God might be revealed.

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Lectionary Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, People with Disabilities

Video: Immigrant Church Feeds Families in Need

February 20, 2014 By chris

Here's an immigrant congregation in Durham that is giving back to the community and making a real difference. It's a beautiful story about what it means to be the church together. Do you know any immigrant churches in your neighborhood? How are they fostering community? This video was produced by Uniting NC, a great organization working to make North Carolina a place in which all people, including immigrants, have the opportunity to thrive and to engage in their communities.

Video: Immigrant Church Feeds Families in Need

February 20, 2014 by chris

Here’s an immigrant congregation in Durham that is giving back to the community and making a real difference. It’s a beautiful story about what it means to be the church together. Do you know any immigrant churches in your neighborhood? How are they fostering community?

This video was produced by Uniting NC, a great organization working to make North Carolina a place in which all people, including immigrants, have the opportunity to thrive and to engage in their communities.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

A New Adventure

February 12, 2014 By chris

Dear Friends, I will be leaving the NC Council of Churches at the end of March to focus full-time on Tomatillo Design, my new communications shop that works with nonprofits to create amazing, affordable websites. Since I began working at the Council as an intern in the summer of 2006, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with the most dedicated, talented and likable group of coworkers imaginable. From its founding more than 75 years ago to today, the Council has worked on a wide range of progressive causes and I’m proud to be a small part of that legacy. Every day at the office I felt encouraged by the witness of recent saints like Sister Evelyn Mattern and Collins Kilburn.

A New Adventure

February 12, 2014 by chris

Dear Friends,

I will be leaving the NC Council of Churches at the end of March to focus full-time on Tomatillo Design, my new communications shop that works with nonprofits to create amazing, affordable websites.

Since I began working at the Council as an intern in the summer of 2006, I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with the most dedicated, talented and likable group of coworkers imaginable. From its founding more than 75 years ago to today, the Council has worked on a wide range of progressive causes and I’m proud to be a small part of that legacy. Every day at the office I felt encouraged by the witness of recent saints like Sister Evelyn Mattern and Collins Kilburn.

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Farmworkers, Immigration

Ash Wednesday Worship Resources on Human Rights

February 3, 2014 By chris

Date: Ash Wednesday - March 5, 2014
Topic: Human Rights
Focus Text: Isaiah 58:1-12
There are countless ways in which we can make these passages come to life in our own lives and in our society so that “We can be the change we want to see in the world.” Once again, following Jesus’ example is our best starting point. In Matthew 25, Jesus says the depth of our faith is measured by the depth of our relationship with those society labels “outcasts.” In Jesus’ day, outcasts were lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors to name a few. Today, outcasts include those with HIV and AIDS, gays and lesbians, Latinos, Muslims and prisoners, among others. Each of these groups of people faces scorn and vilification in our culture, but Christians must be different. We are called to provide love to those who are rejected and hated.

Ash Wednesday Worship Resources on Human Rights

February 3, 2014 by chris

Date: Ash Wednesday – March 5, 2014
Topic: Human Rights
Focus Text: Isaiah 58:1-12
There are countless ways in which we can make these passages come to life in our own lives and in our society so that “We can be the change we want to see in the world.” Once again, following Jesus’ example is our best starting point. In Matthew 25, Jesus says the depth of our faith is measured by the depth of our relationship with those society labels “outcasts.” In Jesus’ day, outcasts were lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors to name a few. Today, outcasts include those with HIV and AIDS, gays and lesbians, Latinos, Muslims and prisoners, among others. Each of these groups of people faces scorn and vilification in our culture, but Christians must be different. We are called to provide love to those who are rejected and hated.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Human Rights

Voices of Moral Mondays: No Longer Alone by Rebecca Cary

January 29, 2014 By chris

By Rebecca Cary, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Durham During the past winter and spring, as I followed the news, I grew increasingly dispirited. Our state government was taking more and more actions that I believed, as a Christian, to be fundamentally unjust. Christ healed the sick and fed the hungry. The legislature was blocking access to Medicaid and taking benefits away from those who had little, and claiming to be helping our state by doing so.

Voices of Moral Mondays: No Longer Alone by Rebecca Cary

January 29, 2014 by chris

By Rebecca Cary, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Durham

During the past winter and spring, as I followed the news, I grew increasingly dispirited. Our state government was taking more and more actions that I believed, as a Christian, to be fundamentally unjust. Christ healed the sick and fed the hungry. The legislature was blocking access to Medicaid and taking benefits away from those who had little, and claiming to be helping our state by doing so.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

The Wrong Side of History by Leonard Beeghley – Voices of Moral Mondays

January 25, 2014 By chris

By Dr. Leonard Beeghley, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Durham During the summer of 1969, I found myself in Fayette, Mississippi, where I met Mr. Charles Evers. Just elected the first Black mayor of a southern town since reconstruction, he proudly called himself “the most hated man in Mississippi.” His election symbolized the spread of democracy into the South.

The Wrong Side of History by Leonard Beeghley – Voices of Moral Mondays

January 25, 2014 by chris

By Dr. Leonard Beeghley, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Durham

During the summer of 1969, I found myself in Fayette, Mississippi, where I met Mr. Charles Evers. Just elected the first Black mayor of a southern town since reconstruction, he proudly called himself “the most hated man in Mississippi.” His election symbolized the spread of democracy into the South.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Bending the Arc by Chris Liu-Beers

January 21, 2014 By chris

By Chris Liu-Beers, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh I felt called to participate in Moral Mondays as a way to “bear witness” in this time and place. I believe that as a society we are judged by how we treat the most vulnerable people among us; and as a North Carolinian, I could not stand silent while the General Assembly passed bill after bill that harmed the marginalized and propped up the powerful.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Bending the Arc by Chris Liu-Beers

January 21, 2014 by chris

By Chris Liu-Beers, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh

I felt called to participate in Moral Mondays as a way to “bear witness” in this time and place. I believe that as a society we are judged by how we treat the most vulnerable people among us; and as a North Carolinian, I could not stand silent while the General Assembly passed bill after bill that harmed the marginalized and propped up the powerful.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Shining a Bright Light by Lorraine Ljunggren

January 17, 2014 By chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Voices of Moral Mondays: Shining a Bright Light by Lorraine Ljunggren

January 17, 2014 by chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

One State, One Rate: In-State Tuition for Young Immigrants

January 14, 2014 By chris

Education is one of the critical issues of our time. How we as a society choose to invest in our young people has dramatic implications for our future. Today, thousands […]

One State, One Rate: In-State Tuition for Young Immigrants

January 14, 2014 by chris

Education is one of the critical issues of our time. How we as a society choose to invest in our young people has dramatic implications for our future. Today, thousands […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Immigration, Public Education

Voices of Moral Mondays: Since 1920 by Mary Klenz

January 9, 2014 By chris

By Mary Klenz, League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg League of Women Voters members here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg spent several hours making signs for today’s Moral Monday in our home base. It is inspiring to see the energy, commitment and caring that people have around these issues of social justice, fairness and access to voting. The LWV has been fighting for voting rights for all people since 1920, and we’re not stopping now.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Since 1920 by Mary Klenz

January 9, 2014 by chris

By Mary Klenz, League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg

League of Women Voters members here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg spent several hours making signs for today’s Moral Monday in our home base. It is inspiring to see the energy, commitment and caring that people have around these issues of social justice, fairness and access to voting. The LWV has been fighting for voting rights for all people since 1920, and we’re not stopping now.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Worship Resources on the Beatitudes

January 8, 2014 By chris

Date: Epiphany 4 - Feb. 2, 2014
Topic: The Beatitudes
Focus Text: Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes reflect the eschatological – or ultimate – nature of Jesus’ mission and proclaim the effects of the establishment of God’s rule. They list eschatological reversals for the unfortunate and eschatological rewards for the virtuous. It would be a mistake, however, to see the beatitudes as having only future significance. In fact, the first (5:3) and last (5:10) of the sayings are in the present tense. By bookending these future promises with the present tense, Matthew emphasizes the imminence of the Kingdom.

Worship Resources on the Beatitudes

January 8, 2014 by chris

Date: Epiphany 4 – Feb. 2, 2014
Topic: The Beatitudes
Focus Text: Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes reflect the eschatological – or ultimate – nature of Jesus’ mission and proclaim the effects of the establishment of God’s rule. They list eschatological reversals for the unfortunate and eschatological rewards for the virtuous. It would be a mistake, however, to see the beatitudes as having only future significance. In fact, the first (5:3) and last (5:10) of the sayings are in the present tense. By bookending these future promises with the present tense, Matthew emphasizes the imminence of the Kingdom.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Children & Youth, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights

New Project – “Home to Me: Immigrant Stories from NC”

January 6, 2014 By chris

One of the most frustrating aspects of the immigration debate is how quickly the talking heads and politicians lose sight of the people whose lives are so deeply affected by […]

New Project – “Home to Me: Immigrant Stories from NC”

January 6, 2014 by chris

One of the most frustrating aspects of the immigration debate is how quickly the talking heads and politicians lose sight of the people whose lives are so deeply affected by […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Voices of Moral Mondays: From Asheville to Raleigh by Jeanne Finan

January 5, 2014 By chris

By Rev. Jeanne Finan, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Asheville Since that day others in my congregation made the long trek to Raleigh for Moral Mondays. People care. The church cares. We are called to care for the entire community, most especially the poor. How could I not go and make that stand?

Voices of Moral Mondays: From Asheville to Raleigh by Jeanne Finan

January 5, 2014 by chris

By Rev. Jeanne Finan, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Asheville

Since that day others in my congregation made the long trek to Raleigh for Moral Mondays. People care. The church cares. We are called to care for the entire community, most especially the poor. How could I not go and make that stand?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: The Work of the Holy Spirit by Jay Davis

January 3, 2014 By chris

By Jay Davis, Rougemont United Methodist Church In 1959, I graduated from Central High School in Charlotte in what I believe was the first integrated graduating class in the state. A brave young African American named Gus Roberts suffered two years of living hell to make that kind of dramatic progress for North Carolina. I was not among the students that hit him or spat on him or verbally assaulted him during that time. I, also, was not one of those who befriended him, or supported him, or stood up for him. At least once during those two years I could have said to the bullies attacking him, “Leave him alone. He is not bothering you,” but I didn’t. By my silence I, in effect, held the coats of the cruel students that daily accosted Gus. In later years I would be haunted by that silence, but, at that point in my life, my eyes were blind to the evils of prejudice and racism.

Voices of Moral Mondays: The Work of the Holy Spirit by Jay Davis

January 3, 2014 by chris

By Jay Davis, Rougemont United Methodist Church

In 1959, I graduated from Central High School in Charlotte in what I believe was the first integrated graduating class in the state. A brave young African American named Gus Roberts suffered two years of living hell to make that kind of dramatic progress for North Carolina. I was not among the students that hit him or spat on him or verbally assaulted him during that time. I, also, was not one of those who befriended him, or supported him, or stood up for him. At least once during those two years I could have said to the bullies attacking him, “Leave him alone. He is not bothering you,” but I didn’t. By my silence I, in effect, held the coats of the cruel students that daily accosted Gus. In later years I would be haunted by that silence, but, at that point in my life, my eyes were blind to the evils of prejudice and racism.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Worship Resources on the Unity of the Church

January 2, 2014 By chris

Date: Epiphany 3 - Jan. 26, 2014
Topic: The Unity of the Church
Focus Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
The list of issues facing the Corinthian church included ethnic diversity, economic disparity, geographical and cultural difference, allegiances to different spiritual leaders, and theological disagreements as well as sinful behavior like idolatry and sexual immorality. Despite the historical gap between Paul’s day and the present, these remain common challenges to church unity.

Worship Resources on the Unity of the Church

January 2, 2014 by chris

Date: Epiphany 3 – Jan. 26, 2014
Topic: The Unity of the Church
Focus Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
The list of issues facing the Corinthian church included ethnic diversity, economic disparity, geographical and cultural difference, allegiances to different spiritual leaders, and theological disagreements as well as sinful behavior like idolatry and sexual immorality. Despite the historical gap between Paul’s day and the present, these remain common challenges to church unity.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Christian Unity

Turn On the News, Stay Calm by Leigh Sanders – Voices of Moral Mondays

December 30, 2013 By chris

By Leigh Sanders, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh In the beginning, I was hesitant to attend Moral Mondays because I thought it was a strictly religious response and not being devoutly anything, I assumed I wasn’t invited. Then I attended a Moral Monday meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh and understood that not only was I invited, I was late!

Turn On the News, Stay Calm by Leigh Sanders – Voices of Moral Mondays

December 30, 2013 by chris

By Leigh Sanders, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh

In the beginning, I was hesitant to attend Moral Mondays because I thought it was a strictly religious response and not being devoutly anything, I assumed I wasn’t invited. Then I attended a Moral Monday meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh and understood that not only was I invited, I was late!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: A Small Thing by Natalie Boorman

December 26, 2013 By chris

I am a social worker by profession and am especially concerned about cuts to health care for as many as 500,000 particularly vulnerable people in North Carolina. I am confused by politicians who say people should be allowed to have guns, and those who are mentally ill should seek treatment. How are they going to do that when hospitals and other treatment options are having their budgets cut, thus fewer resources are available?

Voices of Moral Mondays: A Small Thing by Natalie Boorman

December 26, 2013 by chris

I am a social worker by profession and am especially concerned about cuts to health care for as many as 500,000 particularly vulnerable people in North Carolina. I am confused by politicians who say people should be allowed to have guns, and those who are mentally ill should seek treatment. How are they going to do that when hospitals and other treatment options are having their budgets cut, thus fewer resources are available?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Where Do We Go From Here by William Jeffries – Voices of Moral Mondays

December 22, 2013 By chris

By Rev. William Jeffries, retired United Methodist Minister, Durham It has been a refreshing experience to participate in Moral Monday rallies. It has given voice to those who are frustrated by the North Carolina General Assembly’s turning the clock backward on social programs. A key to reversing this “race to the bottom” is rescuing the elections process from suppressive measures, so that young, elderly, and poor voters do not have their votes denied

Where Do We Go From Here by William Jeffries – Voices of Moral Mondays

December 22, 2013 by chris

By Rev. William Jeffries, retired United Methodist Minister, Durham

It has been a refreshing experience to participate in Moral Monday rallies. It has given voice to those who are frustrated by the North Carolina General Assembly’s turning the clock backward on social programs.

A key to reversing this “race to the bottom” is rescuing the elections process from suppressive measures, so that young, elderly, and poor voters do not have their votes denied

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Without Hesitation by Patricia B. Anthony

December 20, 2013 By chris

On June 10, I chose to exercise my Constitutional right to petition my legislature, to express my concerns about legislation they had passed and were considering. To be clear, we did not go there to be arrested, we went to present our grievances to the legislature. I chose to remain standing when the police ordered us to disperse, and I was arrested, handcuffed, and brought to the Wake County Detention Center. My reasons for feeling so strongly are many.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Without Hesitation by Patricia B. Anthony

December 20, 2013 by chris

On June 10, I chose to exercise my Constitutional right to petition my legislature, to express my concerns about legislation they had passed and were considering. To be clear, we did not go there to be arrested, we went to present our grievances to the legislature. I chose to remain standing when the police ordered us to disperse, and I was arrested, handcuffed, and brought to the Wake County Detention Center. My reasons for feeling so strongly are many.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Worship Resources on Racism & Reconciliation

December 19, 2013 By chris

Date: Baptism of the Lord - Jan. 12, 2014
Topic: Racism & Reconciliation
Focus Text: Acts 10:34-43
This joining and reconciliation of people, Jews and gentiles, but also strangers and enemies of all kinds, has already begun with the work of Christ. In Christ, God invites us on the journey of reconciliation, the same journey of the church in Acts: a journey that includes the hard work of speaking someone else’s language (Pentecost), sharing food, resources, money, and space (Acts 2), transgressing social divides (Acts 10), dismantling discrimination (Acts 6:1-6), forming new intimacy and identity (Acts 11:19-26), and speaking out against injustice (Gal. 2:11-14).

Worship Resources on Racism & Reconciliation

December 19, 2013 by chris

Date: Baptism of the Lord – Jan. 12, 2014
Topic: Racism & Reconciliation
Focus Text: Acts 10:34-43
This joining and reconciliation of people, Jews and gentiles, but also strangers and enemies of all kinds, has already begun with the work of Christ. In Christ, God invites us on the journey of reconciliation, the same journey of the church in Acts: a journey that includes the hard work of speaking someone else’s language (Pentecost), sharing food, resources, money, and space (Acts 2), transgressing social divides (Acts 10), dismantling discrimination (Acts 6:1-6), forming new intimacy and identity (Acts 11:19-26), and speaking out against injustice (Gal. 2:11-14).

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Race/Ethnicity

Voices of Moral Mondays: Meet Me on the Corner by W. Gaye Brown

December 17, 2013 By chris

I am the vicar of a small Episcopal congregation in Elkin. When I first heard about Moral Mondays, I yearned to participate, but time was short and Raleigh was almost three hours away. As I reflected on this, I realized that one didn’t have to go to Raleigh to participate — that we could have our own Moral Monday in Elkin. So I sent an email to the congregation and another to the local ministerial association inviting folks to join me and our senior warden on a street corner in Elkin on the following Monday, June 10, at 5:00.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Meet Me on the Corner by W. Gaye Brown

December 17, 2013 by chris

I am the vicar of a small Episcopal congregation in Elkin. When I first heard about Moral Mondays, I yearned to participate, but time was short and Raleigh was almost three hours away. As I reflected on this, I realized that one didn’t have to go to Raleigh to participate — that we could have our own Moral Monday in Elkin. So I sent an email to the congregation and another to the local ministerial association inviting folks to join me and our senior warden on a street corner in Elkin on the following Monday, June 10, at 5:00.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Join the Fast for Immigrant Families

December 13, 2013 By chris

In these waning days of 2013, when the outlook for winning comprehensive immigration reform looks rather bleak in the short term, many of you have been asking me: what can we do? While the pace of progress on immigration reform has been appallingly slow, we need to keep speaking up and taking action to show elected officials that this movement isn't going away. I will be participating in the North Carolina Fast for Immigrant Families on December 17. Here is a detailed invitation by our friends at FaithAction International House.

Join the Fast for Immigrant Families

December 13, 2013 by chris

In these waning days of 2013, when the outlook for winning comprehensive immigration reform looks rather bleak in the short term, many of you have been asking me: what can we do?

While the pace of progress on immigration reform has been appallingly slow, we need to keep speaking up and taking action to show elected officials that this movement isn’t going away. I will be participating in the North Carolina Fast for Immigrant Families on December 17.

Here is a detailed invitation by our friends at FaithAction International House.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Worship Resources on Refugees

December 11, 2013 By chris

Date: Christmas 1 - Dec. 29, 2013
Topic: Hope for Refugees
Focus Text: Matthew 2:13-23

This story reminds us both of the circumstances of refugees and displaced peoples and of Israel’s story of suffering and hope, bondage and deliverance. As followers of Jesus we are also listeners to the story of Israel, because his story is their story. To listen to Israel—to hear her story—is to listen to the suffering of slavery, exile, and diaspora. Yet, it is also to listen to a story of God’s faithfulness in spite of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s deliverance in the face of their persecution.

Worship Resources on Refugees

December 11, 2013 by chris

Date: Christmas 1 – Dec. 29, 2013
Topic: Hope for Refugees
Focus Text: Matthew 2:13-23

This story reminds us both of the circumstances of refugees and displaced peoples and of Israel’s story of suffering and hope, bondage and deliverance. As followers of Jesus we are also listeners to the story of Israel, because his story is their story. To listen to Israel—to hear her story—is to listen to the suffering of slavery, exile, and diaspora. Yet, it is also to listen to a story of God’s faithfulness in spite of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s deliverance in the face of their persecution.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Immigration

Voices of Moral Mondays: It’s Personal by Jonathan Kotch

December 11, 2013 By chris

It has been very gratifying to meet fellow health-care reform advocates, including Physicians for a National Health Program and Health Care for All NC members, on Halifax Mall on the several Mondays I managed to make it. Some of you helped hold our banner. Others, like our treasurer, Robin Lane, addressed the 1,000 or so participants from the podium. My own experience, when I was arrested on June 3, was very personal.

Voices of Moral Mondays: It’s Personal by Jonathan Kotch

December 11, 2013 by chris

It has been very gratifying to meet fellow health-care reform advocates, including Physicians for a National Health Program and Health Care for All NC members, on Halifax Mall on the several Mondays I managed to make it. Some of you helped hold our banner. Others, like our treasurer, Robin Lane, addressed the 1,000 or so participants from the podium. My own experience, when I was arrested on June 3, was very personal.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Maintaining My Sanity by Robert Kennel

November 30, 2013 By chris

By Rev. Robert Kennel, Covenant Christian Church, Cary Moral Mondays helped me maintain some sanity through this unbelievable legislative session. I was able to make nine Moral Mondays but did not get arrested because my wife sincerely asked me not to, perhaps because we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in July. William Barber is a friend and a fellow Disciple of Christ clergy brother. He has done a great job in leading the organization of effort and in keeping it on target and respectful. Over the spring, I met both old friends and new friends who have their heads screwed on straight and with whom I will work on upcoming elections to right so many wrongs.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Maintaining My Sanity by Robert Kennel

November 30, 2013 by chris

By Rev. Robert Kennel, Covenant Christian Church, Cary

Moral Mondays helped me maintain some sanity through this unbelievable legislative session. I was able to make nine Moral Mondays but did not get arrested because my wife sincerely asked me not to, perhaps because we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in July.

William Barber is a friend and a fellow Disciple of Christ clergy brother. He has done a great job in leading the organization of effort and in keeping it on target and respectful. Over the spring, I met both old friends and new friends who have their heads screwed on straight and with whom I will work on upcoming elections to right so many wrongs.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Furious by Judy Occhetti-Klohr

November 26, 2013 By chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Voices of Moral Mondays: Furious by Judy Occhetti-Klohr

November 26, 2013 by chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: It Takes A Village to Eat Breakfast by Stephen Boyd

November 22, 2013 By chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Voices of Moral Mondays: It Takes A Village to Eat Breakfast by Stephen Boyd

November 22, 2013 by chris

The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Advent Worship Resources for Vulnerable Mothers

November 20, 2013 By chris

Date: Advent 4 - Dec. 22, 2013
Topic: Vulnerable Mothers
Focus Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Drawing on the Old Testament, James speaks of the prophets who endured suffering and, for their steadfastness, are called “blessed." This is the same word used in the beatitudes, another text which brings comfort to those who are suffering or longing for justice in light of God’s future reign. James also goes on to invoke Job, a proverbial figure of faithfulness and long-suffering in times of trial. These figures exemplify faithfulness even in the face of oppression.

Advent Worship Resources for Vulnerable Mothers

November 20, 2013 by chris

Date: Advent 4 – Dec. 22, 2013
Topic: Vulnerable Mothers
Focus Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Drawing on the Old Testament, James speaks of the prophets who endured suffering and, for their steadfastness, are called “blessed.” This is the same word used in the beatitudes, another text which brings comfort to those who are suffering or longing for justice in light of God’s future reign. James also goes on to invoke Job, a proverbial figure of faithfulness and long-suffering in times of trial. These figures exemplify faithfulness even in the face of oppression.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Children & Youth, Gender

Voices of Moral Mondays: My 150 New BFFs by Laurel Green

November 18, 2013 By chris

By Laurel Green, Charlotte There is a bond between people who are arrested together performing civil disobedience. It grows from a soil of shared experience and blossoms into a garden of interwoven visions. There are way too many reasons I felt compelled to take a stand as a part of Moral Mondays. From the privatization trend in our state to the outrageous intrusions on women’s choices, from the dismantling of safety nets to the destruction of our environment, to the attempts at ripping away progress in civil rights, to the shredding of our public education system, the list is long and horrifying. North Carolina is being used as a petri dish right now by groups like ALEC; if we cannot stop them, surely other states will follow.

Voices of Moral Mondays: My 150 New BFFs by Laurel Green

November 18, 2013 by chris

By Laurel Green, Charlotte

There is a bond between people who are arrested together performing civil disobedience. It grows from a soil of shared experience and blossoms into a garden of interwoven visions.

There are way too many reasons I felt compelled to take a stand as a part of Moral Mondays. From the privatization trend in our state to the outrageous intrusions on women’s choices, from the dismantling of safety nets to the destruction of our environment, to the attempts at ripping away progress in civil rights, to the shredding of our public education system, the list is long and horrifying. North Carolina is being used as a petri dish right now by groups like ALEC; if we cannot stop them, surely other states will follow.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Immigration Reform: Time is Running Out

November 16, 2013 By chris

NC Policy Watch

This week, House Speaker John Boehner stated flatly that there will not be any conference with the bipartisan Senate immigration reform bill. We're hearing one excuse after another about how immigration reform is too complicated and there isn't enough time for a vote. After months of dithering, it's clear that House leaders are hoping to run out the clock on immigration. If it holds true that the House doesn't vote on any other immigration bills, then an amendment to deport DREAM-eligible immigrants — which passed with overwhelming GOP support in June — will be the only immigration measure to have received a vote on the floor of the House in 2013.

Immigration Reform: Time is Running Out

November 16, 2013 1 Comment

NC Policy Watch

This week, House Speaker John Boehner stated flatly that there will not be any conference with the bipartisan Senate immigration reform bill. We’re hearing one excuse after another about how immigration reform is too complicated and there isn’t enough time for a vote. After months of dithering, it’s clear that House leaders are hoping to run out the clock on immigration. If it holds true that the House doesn’t vote on any other immigration bills, then an amendment to deport DREAM-eligible immigrants — which passed with overwhelming GOP support in June — will be the only immigration measure to have received a vote on the floor of the House in 2013.

Filed Under: Blog, NCCC in the News Tagged With: Immigration

Voices of Moral Mondays: What Does the Lord Require of You by Ron LaRocque

November 15, 2013 By chris

Rev. Ron LaRocque, Metropolitan Community Church of Winston-Salem On May 20, I drove from my home in Winston-Salem to Raleigh to participate in the Moral Monday campaign. Part of my participation included voluntarily committing an act of nonviolent civil disobedience which resulted in my arrest. I admit I was not as calm on the inside as many of those arrested alongside me appeared to be on the outside. Still, the anxiety I experienced was a personal sacrifice I was willing to make in order to live out my faith.

Voices of Moral Mondays: What Does the Lord Require of You by Ron LaRocque

November 15, 2013 by chris

Rev. Ron LaRocque, Metropolitan Community Church of Winston-Salem

On May 20, I drove from my home in Winston-Salem to Raleigh to participate in the Moral Monday campaign. Part of my participation included voluntarily committing an act of nonviolent civil disobedience which resulted in my arrest. I admit I was not as calm on the inside as many of those arrested alongside me appeared to be on the outside. Still, the anxiety I experienced was a personal sacrifice I was willing to make in order to live out my faith.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Advent Worship Resources for Resisting Oppression

November 13, 2013 By chris

Date: Advent 3 - Dec. 15, 2013
Topic: Resisting Oppression
Focus Text: James 5:7-10
Drawing on the Old Testament, James speaks of the prophets who endured suffering and, for their steadfastness, are called “blessed." This is the same word used in the beatitudes, another text which brings comfort to those who are suffering or longing for justice in light of God’s future reign. James also goes on to invoke Job, a proverbial figure of faithfulness and long-suffering in times of trial. These figures exemplify faithfulness even in the face of oppression.

Advent Worship Resources for Resisting Oppression

November 13, 2013 by chris

Date: Advent 3 – Dec. 15, 2013
Topic: Resisting Oppression
Focus Text: James 5:7-10
Drawing on the Old Testament, James speaks of the prophets who endured suffering and, for their steadfastness, are called “blessed.” This is the same word used in the beatitudes, another text which brings comfort to those who are suffering or longing for justice in light of God’s future reign. James also goes on to invoke Job, a proverbial figure of faithfulness and long-suffering in times of trial. These figures exemplify faithfulness even in the face of oppression.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation

Voices of Moral Mondays: Let the Little Children Come to Me by Susan Steinberg

November 12, 2013 By chris

By Rev. Susan Steinberg, United Church of Chapel Hill “Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” As a pastor whose ministry has focused on children and their families for the past decade, these words of Jesus guide me, challenge me, and inspire me. They are words I strive to live by each day, words that shape my pastoral identity and inform my responses to events in the public sphere.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Let the Little Children Come to Me by Susan Steinberg

November 12, 2013 by chris

By Rev. Susan Steinberg, United Church of Chapel Hill

“Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” As a pastor whose ministry has focused on children and their families for the past decade, these words of Jesus guide me, challenge me, and inspire me. They are words I strive to live by each day, words that shape my pastoral identity and inform my responses to events in the public sphere.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Join the Fast for Family Unity

November 11, 2013 By chris

More than 10,000 people of faith committed to the FAST Action, 40 days Prayer and Fasting for Immigration Reform. As we closed the 40 days on October 18th, we recognize the need for action and escalation is only growing as we approach a shrinking timeline for legislation.We must continue to lift up the moral imperative of immigrants' rights and immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. Now many people of faith from all traditions are joining labor, immigrant and community leaders in setting the moral compass and raising our voices. Many faith organizations are joining the Fast for Family Unity beginning November 12th.

Join the Fast for Family Unity

November 11, 2013 by chris

More than 10,000 people of faith committed to the FAST Action, 40 days Prayer and Fasting for Immigration Reform. As we closed the 40 days on October 18th, we recognize the need for action and escalation is only growing as we approach a shrinking timeline for legislation.We must continue to lift up the moral imperative of immigrants’ rights and immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship.

Now many people of faith from all traditions are joining labor, immigrant and community leaders in setting the moral compass and raising our voices. Many faith organizations are joining the Fast for Family Unity beginning November 12th.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Advent Worship Resources on Responsible Leadership

November 6, 2013 By chris

Date: Advent 2 - Dec. 8, 2013
Topic: Responsible Leadership
Focus Text: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
If we are willing to read Psalm 72 with the early church as pointing to Christ and his kingship, we may see in the ministry of Jesus concrete steps which the church can take in serving the poor and needy among us in our local communities. In Jesus’ ministry and teaching, we come to glimpse a picture of the Kingdom of God with its eternal justice for the poor.

Advent Worship Resources on Responsible Leadership

November 6, 2013 by chris

Date: Advent 2 – Dec. 8, 2013
Topic: Responsible Leadership
Focus Text: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
If we are willing to read Psalm 72 with the early church as pointing to Christ and his kingship, we may see in the ministry of Jesus concrete steps which the church can take in serving the poor and needy among us in our local communities. In Jesus’ ministry and teaching, we come to glimpse a picture of the Kingdom of God with its eternal justice for the poor.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Good Government, Religion & Society, State Budget

Voices of Moral Mondays: The American Demonstrations by Wojciech Szczerba

November 4, 2013 By chris

I was amazed with the commonly made references to the civil rights movement. I was surprised to see many families with little kids. And most of all I did not expect to see policemen smiling and talking to the demonstrators in a friendly way. I could hardly believe in what I saw. I kept asking myself what it was. How- ever, in time, my initial disbelief and skepticism gradually gave way to a different feeling. I realized that this was a good example of one of the ways how stable, democratic society talks, conducts inner dialogue in a peaceful way initiated long ago by Gandhi, then carried on by Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the others.

Voices of Moral Mondays: The American Demonstrations by Wojciech Szczerba

November 4, 2013 by chris

I was amazed with the commonly made references to the civil rights movement. I was surprised to see many families with little kids. And most of all I did not expect to see policemen smiling and talking to the demonstrators in a friendly way. I could hardly believe in what I saw. I kept asking myself what it was. How- ever, in time, my initial disbelief and skepticism gradually gave way to a different feeling. I realized that this was a good example of one of the ways how stable, democratic society talks, conducts inner dialogue in a peaceful way initiated long ago by Gandhi, then carried on by Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the others.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

November 4, 2013 By chris

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, which is explored in other seasons of the Christian year, focuses on lifting up those whom society regarded as worthless or weak, including the poor, the ill, the foreigner, women, and children. Social justice was at the core of Jesus’ ministry. Based on the Advent readings for Lectionary Year A, this guide will assist you in slowing down this season by taking 20-30 minutes one night a week to focus on social justice.

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

November 4, 2013 by chris

Because the season of Advent is a time of awaiting the Christ child and the risen Christ, it is a perfect time to think about social justice issues. Christ’s ministry, which is explored in other seasons of the Christian year, focuses on lifting up those whom society regarded as worthless or weak, including the poor, the ill, the foreigner, women, and children. Social justice was at the core of Jesus’ ministry. Based on the Advent readings for Lectionary Year A, this guide will assist you in slowing down this season by taking 20-30 minutes one night a week to focus on social justice.

Filed Under: Blog, Resources Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

Voices of Moral Mondays: Six More Years by Madison Kimrey

November 3, 2013 By chris

For weeks, I heard about Moral Mondays.

Finally, I had time to go yesterday. I’ve been to several demonstrations, but nothing like this.This was like a rock concert for people who care about what’s going on in North Carolina and around the country. There were thousands of people there. One of the things I like best about going to any kind of demonstration or participating in different forms of activism is that I get to meet a lot of people and talk to them. One of the things that’s great about going to a huge event like yesterday’s is that people come out and demonstrate for a variety of reasons.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Six More Years by Madison Kimrey

November 3, 2013 by chris

For weeks, I heard about Moral Mondays.

Finally, I had time to go yesterday. I’ve been to several demonstrations, but nothing like this.This was like a rock concert for people who care about what’s going on in North Carolina and around the country. There were thousands of people there.

One of the things I like best about going to any kind of demonstration or participating in different forms of activism is that I get to meet a lot of people and talk to them. One of the things that’s great about going to a huge event like yesterday’s is that people come out and demonstrate for a variety of reasons.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Advent Worship Resources on Peace

October 30, 2013 By chris

Date: Advent 1 - Dec. 1, 2013
Topic: Peace
Focus Text: Isaiah 2:1-5
To take Isaiah’s words to heart is to envision a world without hunger, poverty, war, violence, or fear. The prophet’s oracle challenges our endless pursuit for bigger and better weapons, the perpetuation of hatred and violence, the ever-widening gap between the rich and poor, and our insatiable appetite for more resources and power.

Advent Worship Resources on Peace

October 30, 2013 by chris

Date: Advent 1 – Dec. 1, 2013
Topic: Peace
Focus Text: Isaiah 2:1-5
To take Isaiah’s words to heart is to envision a world without hunger, poverty, war, violence, or fear. The prophet’s oracle challenges our endless pursuit for bigger and better weapons, the perpetuation of hatred and violence, the ever-widening gap between the rich and poor, and our insatiable appetite for more resources and power.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Peace

Voices of Moral Mondays: Hot, Tired & Hungry by Craig Schaub

October 29, 2013 By chris

By Rev. Craig Schaub, Parkway United Church of Christ, Winston-Salem

We were tired, hot, and hungry as we wove our way slowly through the crowd to head back to our car for the journey home. Our eight-year-old daughter was holding my hand and looked up. She said, “Dad, that was sort of cool.” On our way from the final Moral Monday in Raleigh back to Winston-Salem, she fell asleep in the backseat. Arriving home, she put on her pajamas, hunted for a book in her bookshelf, and thrust it before me. “I want you to read this to me before I fall back asleep.” It was a book about how representative government works. Not my idea of a typical bedtime story, but clearly what she wanted. Something was planted within her that night. It was enough for me.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Hot, Tired & Hungry by Craig Schaub

October 29, 2013 by chris

By Rev. Craig Schaub, Parkway United Church of Christ, Winston-Salem

We were tired, hot, and hungry as we wove our way slowly through the crowd to head back to our car for the journey home. Our eight-year-old daughter was holding my hand and looked up. She said, “Dad, that was sort of cool.” On our way from the final Moral Monday in Raleigh back to Winston-Salem, she fell asleep in the backseat. Arriving home, she put on her pajamas, hunted for a book in her bookshelf, and thrust it before me. “I want you to read this to me before I fall back asleep.” It was a book about how representative government works. Not my idea of a typical bedtime story, but clearly what she wanted. Something was planted within her that night. It was enough for me.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Failure to Disperse on Command by Betsy Crites

October 25, 2013 By chris

After attending several Moral Monday protests at the NC Legislature, I finally decided to join the ranks of those who “trespass” and “fail to disperse on command.” I was by no means a groundbreaker. I may have been the 800th to face this encounter with the law while expressing disagreement with policies that punish the poor and reward the wealthy. On top of refusing federal unemployment benefits and Medicaid to people who are economically vulnerable, our legislators are setting up obstacles to voting that will cost millions of dollars to enforce while disenfranchising those who fail to jump the additional hurdles.

Voices of Moral Mondays: Failure to Disperse on Command by Betsy Crites

October 25, 2013 by chris

After attending several Moral Monday protests at the NC Legislature, I finally decided to join the ranks of those who “trespass” and “fail to disperse on command.” I was by no means a groundbreaker. I may have been the 800th to face this encounter with the law while expressing disagreement with policies that punish the poor and reward the wealthy.

On top of refusing federal unemployment benefits and Medicaid to people who are economically vulnerable, our legislators are setting up obstacles to voting that will cost millions of dollars to enforce while disenfranchising those who fail to jump the additional hurdles.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

How the “SAFE Act” Threatens Our Communities

October 21, 2013 By chris

We’ve seen our share of drama out of DC lately, with more to come. Immigration is one of the next main policy areas that the House of Representatives is likely […]

How the “SAFE Act” Threatens Our Communities

October 21, 2013 by chris

We’ve seen our share of drama out of DC lately, with more to come. Immigration is one of the next main policy areas that the House of Representatives is likely […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

An Uncomfortable Ministry

October 17, 2013 By chris

I was both excited and nervous as I unpacked my boxes in the parsonage to begin my first year as a pastor. It had been a busy day with people coming in and out of the house, but after a while I was sitting alone and I looked around my new home trying to decide how I was going to arrange my furniture. As I moved and pushed my furniture about, I felt prompted to look out through the front door to observe the community in which I would be living. I peered out of the window and there was a house diagonally across the street that caught my attention.

An Uncomfortable Ministry

October 17, 2013 by chris

I was both excited and nervous as I unpacked my boxes in the parsonage to begin my first year as a pastor. It had been a busy day with people coming in and out of the house, but after a while I was sitting alone and I looked around my new home trying to decide how I was going to arrange my furniture. As I moved and pushed my furniture about, I felt prompted to look out through the front door to observe the community in which I would be living. I peered out of the window and there was a house diagonally across the street that caught my attention.

Filed Under: Sermons Tagged With: Immigration, Rural Life

Voices of Moral Mondays: I Could Not Not Do It (Larry Gaissert)

October 16, 2013 By chris

I am an educated, financially secure, slightly-beyond-middle-age, healthy, white, heterosexual, southern male. In other words I am a person of privilege. As a teenager in the 1960s, I lived in Birmingham, Alabama and was an almost eyewitness to the events that occurred there during that era’s civil rights struggle. I am also a person of faith, and my faith tradition tells me that my privileged status is a gift that carries with it certain responsibilities. Primary among those responsibilities is to care for those whom we refer to as the least of these…those on the margins, the ostracized, the powerless, the voiceless.

Voices of Moral Mondays: I Could Not Not Do It (Larry Gaissert)

October 16, 2013 by chris

I am an educated, financially secure, slightly-beyond-middle-age, healthy, white, heterosexual, southern male. In other words I am a person of privilege. As a teenager in the 1960s, I lived in Birmingham, Alabama and was an almost eyewitness to the events that occurred there during that era’s civil rights struggle.

I am also a person of faith, and my faith tradition tells me that my privileged status is a gift that carries with it certain responsibilities. Primary among those responsibilities is to care for those whom we refer to as the least of these…those on the margins, the ostracized, the powerless, the voiceless.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Voices of Moral Mondays: Testimonies of Faithfulness and Civil Disobedience

October 11, 2013 By chris

Sign up below to download this free e-book. We will send you the e-book and add you to our regular email list. We won’t share your email with anyone, and […]

Voices of Moral Mondays: Testimonies of Faithfulness and Civil Disobedience

October 11, 2013 by chris

Sign up below to download this free e-book. We will send you the e-book and add you to our regular email list. We won’t share your email with anyone, and […]

Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: Moral Mondays

Worship Resources on Climate Change

October 10, 2013 By chris

Date: Proper 28 - Nov. 17, 2013
Topic: Climate Change
Focus Text: Psalm 98
Our lectionary texts, Isaiah 65:17-25 and Psalm 98, offer vision and hope for people of faith, a vision of ultimate peace among the whole of creation. The Hebrew word which implies such a state of being is shalom. The word shalom has a deep and rich meaning, implying not only a lack of hostility towards the creation and all God’s creatures, but also a state of general health and well being, a condition where there is “ecojustice” for all parts of creation.

Worship Resources on Climate Change

October 10, 2013 by chris

Date: Proper 28 – Nov. 17, 2013
Topic: Climate Change
Focus Text: Psalm 98
Our lectionary texts, Isaiah 65:17-25 and Psalm 98, offer vision and hope for people of faith, a vision of ultimate peace among the whole of creation. The Hebrew word which implies such a state of being is shalom. The word shalom has a deep and rich meaning, implying not only a lack of hostility towards the creation and all God’s creatures, but also a state of general health and well being, a condition where there is “ecojustice” for all parts of creation.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Environment

Marching for immigration reform in Charlotte on Oct. 5

New Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill Introduced in the House

October 7, 2013 By chris

It’s been 102 days since the US Senate passed a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill with overwhelming support. Since then, however, all progress has been stalled by the U.S. House […]

New Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill Introduced in the House

October 7, 2013 by chris

Marching for immigration reform in Charlotte on Oct. 5

It’s been 102 days since the US Senate passed a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill with overwhelming support. Since then, however, all progress has been stalled by the U.S. House […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Cheap Chicken, at What Cost?

September 27, 2013 By chris

As you'll see in the news clip and discussion above, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is about to implement major changes to how chickens are processed. These changes will harm workers and consumers alike. The USDA plans to implement a new rule to increase production speed and eliminate 75% of USDA inspectors in poultry processing factories. Companies will police themselves. During the comment period last year, the proposed rule was savaged by food safety experts, animal rights activists, and worker advocates. There was no credible rebuttal to their concerns. With faster production and less oversight, it’s no surprise that the pilot program found higher rates of salmonella.

Cheap Chicken, at What Cost?

September 27, 2013 by chris

As you’ll see in the news clip and discussion above, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is about to implement major changes to how chickens are processed. These changes will harm workers and consumers alike.

The USDA plans to implement a new rule to increase production speed and eliminate 75% of USDA inspectors in poultry processing factories. Companies will police themselves. During the comment period last year, the proposed rule was savaged by food safety experts, animal rights activists, and worker advocates. There was no credible rebuttal to their concerns. With faster production and less oversight, it’s no surprise that the pilot program found higher rates of salmonella.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food

Worship Resources on Gun Violence

September 26, 2013 By chris

Date: Proper 26 - Nov. 3, 2013
Topic: Gun Violence
Focus Text: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
What poverty of spirit causes Americans to so glorify their guns – in movies, on television, in video games, on the streets of our neighborhoods and in the halls of Congress? Where are the prophets who will condemn the religion of the second amendment which preaches a sacred right to own any and all kinds of firearms? Why are people of faith and conscience not protecting the sacred trust of children’s lives as vehemently as Congress protects the gun lobby? It is time for pastors, priests, rabbis, and imams to speak out against the blasphemy of gun violence.

Worship Resources on Gun Violence

September 26, 2013 by chris

Date: Proper 26 – Nov. 3, 2013
Topic: Gun Violence
Focus Text: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
What poverty of spirit causes Americans to so glorify their guns – in movies, on television, in video games, on the streets of our neighborhoods and in the halls of Congress? Where are the prophets who will condemn the religion of the second amendment which preaches a sacred right to own any and all kinds of firearms? Why are people of faith and conscience not protecting the sacred trust of children’s lives as vehemently as Congress protects the gun lobby? It is time for pastors, priests, rabbis, and imams to speak out against the blasphemy of gun violence.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Gun Violence

The Cost of Doing Nothing

September 25, 2013 By chris

In celebration of World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 24, Pope Francis said: Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more. Here in our own political context, we might re-word the Pope's powerful message to say: Immigrants are not pawns for Congress. It's been 90 days since the US Senate overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill, but the House has done nothing with it. In those 90 days, more than 100,000 immigrants have been needlessly deported.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

September 25, 2013 by chris

In celebration of World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 24, Pope Francis said:

Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more.

Here in our own political context, we might re-word the Pope’s powerful message to say: Immigrants are not pawns for Congress.

It’s been 90 days since the US Senate overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill, but the House has done nothing with it. In those 90 days, more than 100,000 immigrants have been needlessly deported.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Worship Resources Celebrating Native American Spirituality

September 20, 2013 By chris

Date: Proper 25 - Oct. 27, 2013
Topic: Celebrating Native American Spirituality
Focus Text: Joel 2:23-32
Is a better day coming for Lumbee Native Americans in North Carolina? Being an optimist, I believe that God’s words, “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh” (v.28), will become a reality in the last days. “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh” are encouraging words. These prophetic words speak of God sending help for my people, Native Americans in North Carolina. Help is a word meaning “aid,” “save,” and “relieve.”

Worship Resources Celebrating Native American Spirituality

September 20, 2013 by chris

Date: Proper 25 – Oct. 27, 2013
Topic: Celebrating Native American Spirituality
Focus Text: Joel 2:23-32
Is a better day coming for Lumbee Native Americans in North Carolina? Being an optimist, I believe that God’s words, “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh” (v.28), will become a reality in the last days. “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh” are encouraging words. These prophetic words speak of God sending help for my people, Native Americans in North Carolina. Help is a word meaning “aid,” “save,” and “relieve.”

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation

Farmworkers in NC

Farm Safety & Health Week: An Empty Proclamation?

September 19, 2013 By chris

Governor Pat McCrory recently issued a proclamation declaring September 15-21 to be "Farm Safety and Health Week." Here at the NC Council of Churches, we've been working with rural communities and farmworkers for decades, and we are well aware of the need for safety on our state's farms. Our friends at NC FIELD have issued a powerful press release calling attention to the need for not only words from the Governor's mansion but for real actions by all NC agencies and growers to make farmwork safer and to close the child labor loophole that puts kids in danger.

Farm Safety & Health Week: An Empty Proclamation?

September 19, 2013 by chris

Farmworkers in NC

Governor Pat McCrory recently issued a proclamation declaring September 15-21 to be “Farm Safety and Health Week.” Here at the NC Council of Churches, we’ve been working with rural communities and farmworkers for decades, and we are well aware of the need for safety on our state’s farms. Our friends at NC FIELD have issued a powerful press release calling attention to the need for not only words from the Governor’s mansion but for real actions by all NC agencies and growers to make farmwork safer and to close the child labor loophole that puts kids in danger.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food

For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Nothing

September 9, 2013 By chris

The Jefferson Post

Have you ever gone to bed hungry? Have you ever skipped a meal so that your children could eat? Have you ever waited in a long line to take home a bag of leftover groceries that was no longer fit for store shelves? Did you know that 1 in 6 North Carolina households reported serious problems affording adequate nutritious food at some point last year, according to new data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture today. Of the North Carolinians experiencing this food insecurity, some 5.5 percent experienced very low food security – meaning that one or more household members had to reduce their food intake at least some time during the year.

For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Nothing

September 9, 2013 Leave a Comment

The Jefferson Post

Have you ever gone to bed hungry? Have you ever skipped a meal so that your children could eat? Have you ever waited in a long line to take home a bag of leftover groceries that was no longer fit for store shelves?

Did you know that 1 in 6 North Carolina households reported serious problems affording adequate nutritious food at some point last year, according to new data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture today. Of the North Carolinians experiencing this food insecurity, some 5.5 percent experienced very low food security – meaning that one or more household members had to reduce their food intake at least some time during the year.

Filed Under: Blog, NCCC in the News Tagged With: Children & Youth, Food, Hunger

Fracking on Your Property Without Your Permission?

September 6, 2013 By chris

The controversial issue of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, or fracking, has many angles here in North Carolina. One of the most important and least talked about components deeply affects […]

Fracking on Your Property Without Your Permission?

September 6, 2013 by chris

The controversial issue of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, or fracking, has many angles here in North Carolina. One of the most important and least talked about components deeply affects […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Fracking, Rural Life

Act Now – New Food Safety Regulations Will Harm Small Farmers

September 4, 2013 By chris

Ever heard of the Food Safety & Modernization Act? It’s a 2011law that’s meant to help make our food safer and prevent contamination. While we all want safer food, the […]

Act Now – New Food Safety Regulations Will Harm Small Farmers

September 4, 2013 by chris

Ever heard of the Food Safety & Modernization Act? It’s a 2011law that’s meant to help make our food safer and prevent contamination. While we all want safer food, the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Food, Rural Life

Why I Went to the Prayer Vigil for Immigration Reform

August 29, 2013 By chris

Durham Herald-Sun On Sunday August 25, about a hundred Durham residents and faith leaders from seven different traditions gathered at the People’s Plaza to pray for our elected officials. As people with different stories, different colors of skin, even different faiths, we were united in our hope that Rep. Butterfield, Rep. Coble, Rep. Price and their colleagues in the House will support a just and moral immigration reform that offers a pathway to citizenship, unifies families, supports workers, and moves us forward together.

Why I Went to the Prayer Vigil for Immigration Reform

August 29, 2013 Leave a Comment

Durham Herald-Sun

On Sunday August 25, about a hundred Durham residents and faith leaders from seven different traditions gathered at the People’s Plaza to pray for our elected officials. As people with different stories, different colors of skin, even different faiths, we were united in our hope that Rep. Butterfield, Rep. Coble, Rep. Price and their colleagues in the House will support a just and moral immigration reform that offers a pathway to citizenship, unifies families, supports workers, and moves us forward together.

Filed Under: Blog, NCCC in the News Tagged With: Immigration

Disturbing the Peace

August 27, 2013 By chris

Rev. Cody Sanders, Ph.D. candidate in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling at Brite Divinity School

There is something in these furious, feverish words that beckons beyond a simple description of what life will be like if you choose to follow a peculiar call from Jesus and your closest friends and family don’t. Beyond description, there is something of a call in this passage trying to work its way inside of us. These words beckon us beyond a recounting of our inevitable losses on the journey, to embrace our sacred calling to disturbers the peace.

Disturbing the Peace

August 27, 2013 by chris

Rev. Cody Sanders, Ph.D. candidate in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling at Brite Divinity School

There is something in these furious, feverish words that beckons beyond a simple description of what life will be like if you choose to follow a peculiar call from Jesus and your closest friends and family don’t. Beyond description, there is something of a call in this passage trying to work its way inside of us. These words beckon us beyond a recounting of our inevitable losses on the journey, to embrace our sacred calling to disturbers the peace.

Filed Under: Sermons Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Equality & Reconciliation, Peace

Events for Immigration Reform Crop Up Across NC

August 22, 2013 By chris

If you've been following immigration reform, you know that this month is crucial to the effort for overhauling our nation's broken immigration system. While the US Senate passed a reform bill earlier this summer, the fate of millions of immigrant families lies in the House of Representatives. This month there are a number of key events happening across NC. When you participate in a prayer vigil or march, you're letting our leaders and the media know that North Carolinians are serious about reform. We hope to see you there.

Events for Immigration Reform Crop Up Across NC

August 22, 2013 by chris

If you’ve been following immigration reform, you know that this month is crucial to the effort for overhauling our nation’s broken immigration system. While the US Senate passed a reform bill earlier this summer, the fate of millions of immigrant families lies in the House of Representatives. This month there are a number of key events happening across NC. When you participate in a prayer vigil or march, you’re letting our leaders and the media know that North Carolinians are serious about reform. We hope to see you there.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Worship Resources on a Living Wage

August 19, 2013 By chris

Date: Proper 21 - Sep. 29, 2013
Topic: A Living Wage
Focus Text: Luke 16:19-31
We were on our tour bus, about to leave the dorm where we had been staying, when a few of us saw her. She looked about sixty years old, and she looked like she could have been my grandmother. She came quietly around the corner of the building, went straight to the big trashcan, and started digging out our thrown-away lunches. She put what she could find in a bag, and she was gone. Sheltered life that I had led, I had never before seen someone using a trashcan as a food source.

Worship Resources on a Living Wage

August 19, 2013 by chris

Date: Proper 21 – Sep. 29, 2013
Topic: A Living Wage
Focus Text: Luke 16:19-31
We were on our tour bus, about to leave the dorm where we had been staying, when a few of us saw her. She looked about sixty years old, and she looked like she could have been my grandmother. She came quietly around the corner of the building, went straight to the big trashcan, and started digging out our thrown-away lunches. She put what she could find in a bag, and she was gone. Sheltered life that I had led, I had never before seen someone using a trashcan as a food source.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Living Wage

The Ag Act: Congress Considers Turning Back the Clock to the Bracero Program

August 16, 2013 By chris

Somewhat lost this summer amidst all the conversation about comprehensive immigration reform is a little-known bill called the "Agricultural Guestworker Act" (or "Ag Act," HB 1773) that has already passed out of the House Judiciary Committee. This harmful bill is a thinly veiled attempt to strip farmworkers of the few rights they have on the job while propping up agribusinesses' bottom line.

The Ag Act: Congress Considers Turning Back the Clock to the Bracero Program

August 16, 2013 by chris

Somewhat lost this summer amidst all the conversation about comprehensive immigration reform is a little-known bill called the “Agricultural Guestworker Act” (or “Ag Act,” HB 1773) that has already passed out of the House Judiciary Committee. This harmful bill is a thinly veiled attempt to strip farmworkers of the few rights they have on the job while propping up agribusinesses’ bottom line.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food, Immigration, Living Wage, Organized Labor

Worship Resources on Mental Health Care

August 12, 2013 By chris

Date: Proper 20 - Sep. 22, 2013
Topic: Mental Health Care
Focus Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
The church must not forget either the biblical witness to suffering or the reality of Christian hope while caring for those who are mentally ill. Rather, the task of the church, in general terms, is both to suffer with and also, at the same time, to hope for those caught in the tangled web of mental illness. The first, to suffer with, is extremely important. “Weep with those who weep,” the scripture tells us (Rom 12:15); and yet the need of those who are mentally ill is so complex, the chasm so apparently deep and dark, that many would prefer, like priests and Levites, to pass by on the other side of the road (Lk 10:31-32). Christ, however, enters that chasm and commands us to follow.

Worship Resources on Mental Health Care

August 12, 2013 by chris

Date: Proper 20 – Sep. 22, 2013
Topic: Mental Health Care
Focus Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
The church must not forget either the biblical witness to suffering or the reality of Christian hope while caring for those who are mentally ill. Rather, the task of the church, in general terms, is both to suffer with and also, at the same time, to hope for those caught in the tangled web of mental illness. The first, to suffer with, is extremely important. “Weep with those who weep,” the scripture tells us (Rom 12:15); and yet the need of those who are mentally ill is so complex, the chasm so apparently deep and dark, that many would prefer, like priests and Levites, to pass by on the other side of the road (Lk 10:31-32). Christ, however, enters that chasm and commands us to follow.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health

New Bulletin Inserts in Support of Immigration Reform

August 6, 2013 By chris

We're proud to be publishing these brand new church bulletin inserts on comprehensive immigration reform. With large color pictures and up-to-date facts and figures, these 8.5x5.5 inserts explain where things stand with federal legislation and offer congregants many different ways to get involved.

New Bulletin Inserts in Support of Immigration Reform

August 6, 2013 by chris

We’re proud to be publishing these brand new church bulletin inserts on comprehensive immigration reform. With large color pictures and up-to-date facts and figures, these 8.5×5.5 inserts explain where things stand with federal legislation and offer congregants many different ways to get involved.

Filed Under: Blog, Resources Tagged With: Immigration

Fred Bahnson: On Food & Faith in the Washington Post

August 2, 2013 By chris

American spirituality is discovering itself anew as people of faith reconnect with the land. As I’ve traveled the country I’ve met fellow Christians who are falling in love with their faith all over again, and in every instance this love affair is tied to a place. Not a lofty cathedral directing the worshipper’s thoughts heavenward; these places draw the eyes—and the hands—down to earth, back to the soil from which Genesis tells us we were formed, and which we’re called to “tend and keep.” Our first and most basic human task, I’ve come to learn, is to care for the garden.

So begins Fred Bahnson's recent op-ed article in the Washington Post. If you don't know Fred already, you should. He's a gifted speaker and writer, a thinker and theologian, but most importantly, he's a gardener. After working for years with Anathoth Community Garden in Cedar Grove, NC, he now directs the new Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Forest University School of Divinity.

Fred Bahnson: On Food & Faith in the Washington Post

August 2, 2013 by chris

American spirituality is discovering itself anew as people of faith reconnect with the land. As I’ve traveled the country I’ve met fellow Christians who are falling in love with their faith all over again, and in every instance this love affair is tied to a place. Not a lofty cathedral directing the worshipper’s thoughts heavenward; these places draw the eyes—and the hands—down to earth, back to the soil from which Genesis tells us we were formed, and which we’re called to “tend and keep.” Our first and most basic human task, I’ve come to learn, is to care for the garden.

So begins Fred Bahnson’s recent op-ed article in the Washington Post. If you don’t know Fred already, you should. He’s a gifted speaker and writer, a thinker and theologian, but most importantly, he’s a gardener. After working for years with Anathoth Community Garden in Cedar Grove, NC, he now directs the new Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Forest University School of Divinity.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Food, Rural Life

Immigration and the Body of Christ

July 30, 2013 By chris

In these fever-pitch days of summer, with the once-in-a-generation chance at real immigration reform in Congress, we're hearing a lot about how reform is good politics (for both parties) and good for the economy. These are of course important factors, especially in the political context of a major legislative fight on Capitol Hill, but for Christians, should these be the most determinative considerations?

Immigration and the Body of Christ

July 30, 2013 by chris

In these fever-pitch days of summer, with the once-in-a-generation chance at real immigration reform in Congress, we’re hearing a lot about how reform is good politics (for both parties) and good for the economy. These are of course important factors, especially in the political context of a major legislative fight on Capitol Hill, but for Christians, should these be the most determinative considerations?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Help NC Farmworkers Participate in Democracy

July 26, 2013 By chris

Every four years the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) holds its National Convention, and this year it will be here in North Carolina on October 4th-5th. FLOC is both a social movement […]

Help NC Farmworkers Participate in Democracy

July 26, 2013 by chris

Every four years the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) holds its National Convention, and this year it will be here in North Carolina on October 4th-5th. FLOC is both a social movement […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers

Fighting for Farmworkers: Baldemar Velásquez talks with Bill Moyers

July 24, 2013 By chris

Since the end of slavery in America, no workers have been more exploited than the men and women who bend to the earth in backbreaking labor, picking fruits, vegetables, and tobacco. Despite miracles of agricultural progress and innovation over the decades, the harsh lives and working conditions of migrant laborers have changed very little. Their cause has been championed in the past by Edward Murrow, Cesar Chavez, and the United Farmworkers. But that list is incomplete without Baldemar Velásquez . Velásquez was among hundreds of thousands of children who joined their migrant parents working long hours in the fields. Inspired by that early experience, Velásquez founded the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) in 1967.

Fighting for Farmworkers: Baldemar Velásquez talks with Bill Moyers

July 24, 2013 by chris

Since the end of slavery in America, no workers have been more exploited than the men and women who bend to the earth in backbreaking labor, picking fruits, vegetables, and tobacco. Despite miracles of agricultural progress and innovation over the decades, the harsh lives and working conditions of migrant laborers have changed very little. Their cause has been championed in the past by Edward Murrow, Cesar Chavez, and the United Farmworkers. But that list is incomplete without Baldemar Velásquez . Velásquez was among hundreds of thousands of children who joined their migrant parents working long hours in the fields. Inspired by that early experience, Velásquez founded the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) in 1967.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food, Immigration

Lectionary: Hunger (Proper 16)

July 23, 2013 By chris

Date: Proper 16 - Aug. 25, 2013
Topic: Hunger
Focus Text: Isaiah 58:9b-14
God does not say here, “The poor you have with you always, so relax, take your time, pay your bills, balance your budget, play the lottery, fill up the SUV, take a vacation, and, if there are any crumbs left on the table, offer pennies to the hungry.” Rather, God clearly gives feeding the hungry top priority on the daily agenda of God’s people rather than fighting terrorism and protecting one’s job security, life insurance, college savings program, or retirement investment.

Lectionary: Hunger (Proper 16)

July 23, 2013 by chris

Date: Proper 16 – Aug. 25, 2013
Topic: Hunger
Focus Text: Isaiah 58:9b-14
God does not say here, “The poor you have with you always, so relax, take your time, pay your bills, balance your budget, play the lottery, fill up the SUV, take a vacation, and, if there are any crumbs left on the table, offer pennies to the hungry.” Rather, God clearly gives feeding the hungry top priority on the daily agenda of God’s people rather than fighting terrorism and protecting one’s job security, life insurance, college savings program, or retirement investment.

Filed Under: Lectionary Tagged With: Food, Hunger

Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law in NC Schools

July 22, 2013 By chris

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, Action for Children-NC, The Covenant with North Carolina’s Children, NAACP-NC, […]

Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law in NC Schools

July 22, 2013 by chris

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, Action for Children-NC, The Covenant with North Carolina’s Children, NAACP-NC, […]

Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Religion & Society

Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law for NC Government

July 22, 2013 By chris

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, NAACP-NC, and Southern Coalition for Social Justice, has […]

Lessons in Liberty: A Guide to Religion and Constitutional Law for NC Government

July 22, 2013 by chris

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, NAACP-NC, and Southern Coalition for Social Justice, has […]

Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Religion & Society

North Carolina supports immigration reform

Immigration Reform Depends on the House of Representatives – and You

July 19, 2013 By chris

Only in today’s Washington would legislation that grows the economy, reduces the debt, curtails illegal immigration, helps the GOP politically and enjoys public approval in the 80% range be seen as a problem for the House Republican caucus. With every flimsy excuse crumbling, it comes down to John Boehner. Actually his choice is pretty simple: a bipartisan majority for reform with a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in America exists right now; he should find a way to have that majority express its will.

Immigration Reform Depends on the House of Representatives – and You

July 19, 2013 by chris

North Carolina supports immigration reform

Only in today’s Washington would legislation that grows the economy, reduces the debt, curtails illegal immigration, helps the GOP politically and enjoys public approval in the 80% range be seen as a problem for the House Republican caucus. With every flimsy excuse crumbling, it comes down to John Boehner. Actually his choice is pretty simple: a bipartisan majority for reform with a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in America exists right now; he should find a way to have that majority express its will.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Immigration

Lectionary: Materialism & Consumerism (Proper 13)

July 18, 2013 By chris

Date: Proper 13 - Aug. 4, 2013
Topic: Materialism & Consumerism
Focus Text: Luke 12:13-21
“I have so much stuff—stuff that consumes me, consumes my time, and consumes my energy! As I’ve struggled in my faith journey with what to buy, how much to pay for it, and where to store it, I’ve come to realize that “stuff’ may not be a gift to enjoy but an obsession that begins to become all-consuming."

Lectionary: Materialism & Consumerism (Proper 13)

July 18, 2013 by chris

Date: Proper 13 – Aug. 4, 2013
Topic: Materialism & Consumerism
Focus Text: Luke 12:13-21
“I have so much stuff—stuff that consumes me, consumes my time, and consumes my energy! As I’ve struggled in my faith journey with what to buy, how much to pay for it, and where to store it, I’ve come to realize that “stuff’ may not be a gift to enjoy but an obsession that begins to become all-consuming.”

Filed Under: Lectionary

Congregations Around NC Host “Prayers for a Pathway” Vigils

July 8, 2013 By chris

People of faith from across North Carolina are invited to gather at houses of worship on Tuesday night at 7pm to pray for comprehensive immigration reform. Faith leaders will lead […]

Congregations Around NC Host “Prayers for a Pathway” Vigils

July 8, 2013 by chris

People of faith from across North Carolina are invited to gather at houses of worship on Tuesday night at 7pm to pray for comprehensive immigration reform. Faith leaders will lead […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

July 5, 2013 By chris

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I'm deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

July 5, 2013 by chris

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I’m deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Moral Mondays, Organized Labor, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

Senate Passes Historic Bipartisan Immigration Reform

June 28, 2013 By chris

June 28, 2013 — RALEIGH,NC With the U.S. Senate’s passage of S.744 – comprehensive immigration reform – yesterday was a historic day for all North Carolinians. Immigrants are an integral part […]

Senate Passes Historic Bipartisan Immigration Reform

June 28, 2013 by chris

June 28, 2013 — RALEIGH,NC With the U.S. Senate’s passage of S.744 – comprehensive immigration reform – yesterday was a historic day for all North Carolinians. Immigrants are an integral part […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

College Students Go Into the Fields

June 22, 2013 By chris

This summer one of our allies, Student Action with Farmworkers, will again host college students from around the country to participate in their successful internship program called “Into the Fields.” […]

College Students Go Into the Fields

June 22, 2013 by chris

This summer one of our allies, Student Action with Farmworkers, will again host college students from around the country to participate in their successful internship program called “Into the Fields.” […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food

News & Observer Story Highlights Immigrants’ Generosity

June 20, 2013 By chris

The questions surrounding immigration policy have sparked an intense debate across the United States and North Carolina. Society remains divided on specific policies, but we also remain divided about some […]

News & Observer Story Highlights Immigrants’ Generosity

June 20, 2013 by chris

The questions surrounding immigration policy have sparked an intense debate across the United States and North Carolina. Society remains divided on specific policies, but we also remain divided about some […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

A State of Urgency

June 19, 2013 By chris

As rabbis at this week’s event told reporters, the civil disobedience was not an option of first resort – Republican legislators repeatedly blew off meeting requests from clergy who are eager to discuss the impact the North Carolina GOP’s policies have on the common good. As the movement has gained steam, some politicians have resorted to insulting Moral Mondays participants. The governor dismissed it all as an effort led by “outsiders,” and one state legislator dubbed it “Moron Mondays.” It brings to mind Gandhi’s saying, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

A State of Urgency

June 19, 2013 by chris

As rabbis at this week’s event told reporters, the civil disobedience was not an option of first resort – Republican legislators repeatedly blew off meeting requests from clergy who are eager to discuss the impact the North Carolina GOP’s policies have on the common good. As the movement has gained steam, some politicians have resorted to insulting Moral Mondays participants. The governor dismissed it all as an effort led by “outsiders,” and one state legislator dubbed it “Moron Mondays.” It brings to mind Gandhi’s saying, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Elections, Moral Mondays, Religion & Society, State Budget

Marching toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform

June 18, 2013 By chris

In five or ten years, will we look back to the summer of 2013 as the moment when politicians from both parties stepped up to the plate, demonstrated real bipartisan […]

Marching toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform

June 18, 2013 by chris

In five or ten years, will we look back to the summer of 2013 as the moment when politicians from both parties stepped up to the plate, demonstrated real bipartisan […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Lectionary: Affordable Housing (Proper 8)

June 18, 2013 By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Proper 8 - June 30, 2013
Topic: Affordable Housing
Focus Text: Luke 9:51-62

From the pastoral reflection: “Churches can play a prophetic role and raise ethical questions when the complexities of homelessness and inadequate housing are being examined. When confronted with difficult challenges, first and foremost churches must always affirm the dignity of every human being and the right of every person to a habitat that allows him or her to grow into all God intended."

Lectionary: Affordable Housing (Proper 8)

June 18, 2013 by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Proper 8 – June 30, 2013
Topic: Affordable Housing
Focus Text: Luke 9:51-62

From the pastoral reflection: “Churches can play a prophetic role and raise ethical questions when the complexities of homelessness and inadequate housing are being examined. When confronted with difficult challenges, first and foremost churches must always affirm the dignity of every human being and the right of every person to a habitat that allows him or her to grow into all God intended.”

Filed Under: Blog, Lectionary Tagged With: Economic Justice, Housing

Through the Eyes of Faith

June 5, 2013 By chris

Rep. David Price (Binkley Baptist Church, Chapel Hill)

Religious ideas are crucial, both to understanding this history and to dealing with its current manifestations. Realism as to people's sinfulness and will‐to‐power figured directly in the Constitution's checking of political power—Madison in The Federalist sounds like a good Calvinist—but taking such beliefs to the extreme can erode all trust and hobble democracy. As for current politics, as Jim Wallis asks in his new book, why should Christians believe in sinless markets any more than they believe in sinless governments?

Through the Eyes of Faith

June 5, 2013 by chris

Rep. David Price (Binkley Baptist Church, Chapel Hill)

Religious ideas are crucial, both to understanding this history and to dealing with its current manifestations. Realism as to people’s sinfulness and will‐to‐power figured directly in the Constitution’s checking of political power—Madison in The Federalist sounds like a good Calvinist—but taking such beliefs to the extreme can erode all trust and hobble democracy. As for current politics, as Jim Wallis asks in his new book, why should Christians believe in sinless markets any more than they believe in sinless governments?

Filed Under: Sermons Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Religion & Society

Nuns on the Bus Travel Across America for Immigration Reform

June 5, 2013 By chris

This past week, the Nuns on the Bus national tour made stops in Durham and Charlotte to raise awareness about the need for just and humane immigration reform. In Durham, the Nuns visited the office of Church World Service, an amazing nonprofit that resettles refugees here in America.

Nuns on the Bus Travel Across America for Immigration Reform

June 5, 2013 by chris

This past week, the Nuns on the Bus national tour made stops in Durham and Charlotte to raise awareness about the need for just and humane immigration reform. In Durham, the Nuns visited the office of Church World Service, an amazing nonprofit that resettles refugees here in America.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Talking about Immigration with Bishop Curry…

May 30, 2013 By chris

I had the wonderful privilege of sitting down with Bishop Michael Curry to discuss this critical moment in the struggle for humane immigration reform. Millions of immigrant families are living in the shadows, afraid to drive to work or drop their children off at school. Here in North Carolina, thousands of children live with the constant fear that today could be the day that their parents don't make it home. Immigrants are our brothers and sisters, and when one part of the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer with it. That's why it's so crucial for faith communities to publicly support the US Senate's immigration bill.

Talking about Immigration with Bishop Curry…

May 30, 2013 by chris

I had the wonderful privilege of sitting down with Bishop Michael Curry to discuss this critical moment in the struggle for humane immigration reform. Millions of immigrant families are living in the shadows, afraid to drive to work or drop their children off at school. Here in North Carolina, thousands of children live with the constant fear that today could be the day that their parents don’t make it home. Immigrants are our brothers and sisters, and when one part of the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer with it. That’s why it’s so crucial for faith communities to publicly support the US Senate’s immigration bill.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Nuns on the Bus Coming to NC

May 27, 2013 By chris

Nuns on the Bus - a 6,500 mile odyssey exploring the need for humane immigration reform - is coming to North Carolina during May 31-June 1. Nuns on the Bus were welcomed last year by thousands of well wishers as they traveled from state to state in support of of federal budget priorities that address the needs of struggling families. This year, they are traveling across the Unite States–6,500 miles over 15 states–53 events in 40 cities–standing with immigrants, faith-filled activists, community organizations, and Catholic sisters who serve immigrant communities. Their message is clear: Congress must act now to implement commonsense immigration policies that reflect our values, not our fears.

Nuns on the Bus Coming to NC

May 27, 2013 by chris

Nuns on the Bus – a 6,500 mile odyssey exploring the need for humane immigration reform – is coming to North Carolina during May 31-June 1.

Nuns on the Bus were welcomed last year by thousands of well wishers as they traveled from state to state in support of of federal budget priorities that address the needs of struggling families. This year, they are traveling across the Unite States–6,500 miles over 15 states–53 events in 40 cities–standing with immigrants, faith-filled activists, community organizations, and Catholic sisters who serve immigrant communities.

Their message is clear: Congress must act now to implement commonsense immigration policies that reflect our values, not our fears.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Act Now to Make Immigration Reform a Reality

May 24, 2013 By chris

Now is the time to demand that North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan stand on the right side of history and publicly support the Senate’s immigration reform bill. Call 1-888-891-3271 and ask Senator Burr and Senator Hagan to publicly support immigration reform.

Act Now to Make Immigration Reform a Reality

May 24, 2013 by chris

Now is the time to demand that North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan stand on the right side of history and publicly support the Senate’s immigration reform bill.

Call 1-888-891-3271 and ask Senator Burr and Senator Hagan to publicly support immigration reform.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration

Energy Policy: Legislative Workshop by Fletcher Harper

May 24, 2013 By chris

This workshop on energy policy is also a continuation of Rev. Fletcher Harper’s plenary session (available here) at the 2013 Legislative Seminar. Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest.

Energy Policy: Legislative Workshop by Fletcher Harper

May 24, 2013 by chris

This workshop on energy policy is also a continuation of Rev. Fletcher Harper’s plenary session (available here) at the 2013 Legislative Seminar. Harper is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a New Jersey-based non-profit committed to building environmental leadership among people of faith. He is also an Episcopal priest.

Filed Under: Podcasts, Resources Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Environment, Religion & Society

Immigration Seminar

May 21, 2013 By chris

Details: Saturday, June 8, 2013 9 AM — Noon Durham Mennonite Church 603 Lynn Road, Durham, NC Free and open to the public RSVP on Facebook Join us for an […]

Immigration Seminar

May 21, 2013 by chris

Details: Saturday, June 8, 2013 9 AM — Noon Durham Mennonite Church 603 Lynn Road, Durham, NC Free and open to the public RSVP on Facebook Join us for an […]

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Immigration

Discriminatory Bill Won’t Deliver on Driving Permits for Undocumented Immigrants

May 21, 2013 By chris

North Carolina’s own Arizona-style, anti-immigrant bill is still alive in the House, but your voices can help defeat this bill. Click here to take action now. Recently, House Bill 786 was amended […]

Discriminatory Bill Won’t Deliver on Driving Permits for Undocumented Immigrants

May 21, 2013 by chris

North Carolina’s own Arizona-style, anti-immigrant bill is still alive in the House, but your voices can help defeat this bill. Click here to take action now. Recently, House Bill 786 was amended […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Immigration

Agricultural Policy: Legislative Seminar Workshop by Scott Marlow

May 15, 2013 By chris

This workshop on agricultural policy, from our 2013 Legislative Seminar on April 11, covers a wide range of topics - from the US Farm Bill to fracking to the meaning of "local" and "sustainable" food. Scott Marlow led the workshop. Scott currently serves as Executive Director of the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI). His specialty is financial infrastructure, including access to credit and risk management for value-added producers. He previously directed RAFI’s Farm Sustainability program, providing in-depth financial counseling to farmers in crisis, education on disaster assistance programs and access to credit, and addressing the needs of mid-scale farmers who are increasing the sustainability of their farms by transitioning to higher-value specialty markets.

Agricultural Policy: Legislative Seminar Workshop by Scott Marlow

May 15, 2013 by chris

This workshop on agricultural policy, from our 2013 Legislative Seminar on April 11, covers a wide range of topics – from the US Farm Bill to fracking to the meaning of “local” and “sustainable” food. Scott Marlow led the workshop. Scott currently serves as Executive Director of the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI). His specialty is financial infrastructure, including access to credit and risk management for value-added producers. He previously directed RAFI’s Farm Sustainability program, providing in-depth financial counseling to farmers in crisis, education on disaster assistance programs and access to credit, and addressing the needs of mid-scale farmers who are increasing the sustainability of their farms by transitioning to higher-value specialty markets.

Filed Under: Podcasts, Resources Tagged With: Community Gardens, Economic Justice, Food, Fracking

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