Council Voices

Educating the Littlest and the Least

September 25, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Recently, several counties in North Carolina have begun passing resolutions discouraging undocumented children, including unaccompanied minors, from attending schools in these counties. These children, who often have no family in […]

Educating the Littlest and the Least

September 25, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

PHW Success Story – Paradise Outreach Ministry, Greenville

September 25, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

We at Paradise Outreach Ministry are making great strides in involving our congregation in healthy initiatives. It is a pleasure to announce that we just completed our 2nd Annual CPR […]

PHW Success Story – Paradise Outreach Ministry, Greenville

September 25, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

We at Paradise Outreach Ministry are making great strides in involving our congregation in healthy initiatives. It is a pleasure to announce that we just completed our 2nd Annual CPR […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

September 24, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first held under a revamped set of rules making it less convenient for some citizens […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

September 24, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first held under a revamped set of rules making it less convenient for some citizens […]

Two Former NCCC Presidents Among Faith Leaders Meeting with US Labor Secretary

September 23, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On September 16, two former NC Council of Churches President were among a select group of 13 religious leaders who met with US Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez to discuss how […]

Two Former NCCC Presidents Among Faith Leaders Meeting with US Labor Secretary

September 23, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On September 16, two former NC Council of Churches President were among a select group of 13 religious leaders who met with US Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez to discuss how […]

Fun Ways to Drink More Water

September 22, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

We can all relate to the desire to drink more water. However, the reality is that it just doesn’t happen for most of us. We forget it. Or some of […]

Fun Ways to Drink More Water

September 22, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

We can all relate to the desire to drink more water. However, the reality is that it just doesn’t happen for most of us. We forget it. Or some of […]

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

September 16, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the Council’s curriculum, “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet,” I urge you to do so. You […]

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

September 16, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the Council’s curriculum, “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet,” I urge you to do so. You […]

Clergy Breakfasts on Immigration in October

September 15, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This year, the NC Council of Churches is continuing its successful statewide series of “Clergy Breakfasts” on immigration. These events are geared towards busy religious professionals and faith leaders, and they […]

Clergy Breakfasts on Immigration in October

September 15, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

An Election-Year Call to Faith Leaders

September 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our time to choose North Carolina’s 2014 general election will be held on Tuesday, November 4. Although this is an “off-year” election, without contests for president or governor, many important […]

An Election-Year Call to Faith Leaders

September 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

2014 Faith & Health Summit: Calling All Volunteers

September 15, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches’ 2014 Faith and Health Summit is now less than a month away, and we are delighted to have people of faith, public health professionals, faith […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit: Calling All Volunteers

September 15, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches’ 2014 Faith and Health Summit is now less than a month away, and we are delighted to have people of faith, public health professionals, faith […]

Healthy Eating Equipment Grants Are Cooking Up Thanks

September 11, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation partnered together to offer twenty churches Healthy Eating Equipment Grants. These churches received up to $5,000 […]

Healthy Eating Equipment Grants Are Cooking Up Thanks

September 11, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Corporations Model Taking Steps Toward Health

September 10, 2014 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

There are some exciting advances happening in the world of public health, and these are in the form of policies created by major corporations. Although it is right to hold […]

Corporations Model Taking Steps Toward Health

September 10, 2014 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

There are some exciting advances happening in the world of public health, and these are in the form of policies created by major corporations. Although it is right to hold […]

George Reed to Retire

September 10, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

North Carolina Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed has announced that he will retire at the end of June, 2015. George informed the Governing Board of his decision at […]

George Reed to Retire

September 10, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

North Carolina Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed has announced that he will retire at the end of June, 2015. George informed the Governing Board of his decision at […]

The Right Step At Home—A New Fitness Guide

September 9, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Forget the yoga mats and fitness tapes, and step your way to health in your home, while using less toxic products. I enjoy the work of Partners in Health and […]

The Right Step At Home—A New Fitness Guide

September 9, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Forget the yoga mats and fitness tapes, and step your way to health in your home, while using less toxic products. I enjoy the work of Partners in Health and […]

American Eating Habits

September 4, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

A 12-year study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that Americans improved their eating habits slightly over the years, but that was not the case for America’s […]

American Eating Habits

September 4, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

A 12-year study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that Americans improved their eating habits slightly over the years, but that was not the case for America’s […]

Peace In Music

September 2, 2014 By Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

As a teenage girl, pop culture, especially music, is seemingly everything. As a teenage girl growing up in the Presbyterian Church, David LaMotte was the epitome of cool. I was introduced […]

Peace In Music

September 2, 2014 by Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

As a teenage girl, pop culture, especially music, is seemingly everything. As a teenage girl growing up in the Presbyterian Church, David LaMotte was the epitome of cool. I was introduced […]

Natural Oral Health Tips That Can Even Help Your Heart

September 2, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

By taking care of your teeth, you can gain a beautiful smile, fewer cavities, fresh breath, and possibly, according to increasing scientific evidence, better heart functioning…did I surprise you with […]

Natural Oral Health Tips That Can Even Help Your Heart

September 2, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Blessed in the Small Things

August 30, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Bible states in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise the day of small things.” I have been constantly reminded of that verse lately. I saw it on Facebook, then I heard […]

Blessed in the Small Things

August 30, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Bible states in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise the day of small things.” I have been constantly reminded of that verse lately. I saw it on Facebook, then I heard […]

PHW Success Story – Savannah Missionary Baptist, Fayetteville

August 27, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Savannah Missionary Baptist Church is committed to developing a holistic ministry. For the past six years our congregation has made a concerted effort to improve the health of our members […]

PHW Success Story – Savannah Missionary Baptist, Fayetteville

August 27, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Savannah Missionary Baptist Church is committed to developing a holistic ministry. For the past six years our congregation has made a concerted effort to improve the health of our members […]

The 5K Challenge

August 26, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

When most people think of 5K, they think of running. Well, this time, not so much. This 5K challenge has to do with raising awareness of health and faith through driving. […]

The 5K Challenge

August 26, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

When most people think of 5K, they think of running. Well, this time, not so much. This 5K challenge has to do with raising awareness of health and faith through driving. […]

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

August 25, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, many people are thinking about beaches and barbeques. Amy Laura Hall, however, wants people to be thinking about something different: labor unions. Hall, a professor […]

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

August 25, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Healing Ceilings at West Raleigh Presbyterian

August 24, 2014 By Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

I was not granted the gift of creativity, so I am always in awe when I come across ideas like that of Healing Ceilings. This month at West Raleigh Presbyterian […]

Healing Ceilings at West Raleigh Presbyterian

August 24, 2014 by Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

I was not granted the gift of creativity, so I am always in awe when I come across ideas like that of Healing Ceilings. This month at West Raleigh Presbyterian […]

Pressing On

August 23, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

As you may remember, I pledged to make some healthy lifestyle changes of my own. I stated that these changes would be incremental so as not to be overwhelming and make me contemplate giving […]

Pressing On

August 23, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

As you may remember, I pledged to make some healthy lifestyle changes of my own. I stated that these changes would be incremental so as not to be overwhelming and make me contemplate giving […]

From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities

August 22, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The recent trial of Alamance County Sheriff Andrew Johnson has focused on alleged profiling abuses against Latinos. He is accused of detaining and arresting Latino drivers without probable cause. During the […]

From Broken Communities to Beloved Communities

August 22, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

NC’s Plan to Improve Health in Rural Communities

August 22, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

I had the pleasure of serving on the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Task Force on Rural Health, which was charged with creating a roadmap for better health in […]

NC’s Plan to Improve Health in Rural Communities

August 22, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

I had the pleasure of serving on the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Task Force on Rural Health, which was charged with creating a roadmap for better health in […]

Power Surge Hits Streams, Constitution

August 21, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly during its 2014 session – a session so rife with disputes among the majority Republicans that it smoldered on and on – has left many sour […]

Power Surge Hits Streams, Constitution

August 21, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly during its 2014 session – a session so rife with disputes among the majority Republicans that it smoldered on and on – has left many sour […]

Watershed Discipleship — Radical and Urgent Change

August 19, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Watershed Discipleship Course was held June 16-20 at in Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa. This conference was sponsored by the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Divinity with […]

Watershed Discipleship — Radical and Urgent Change

August 19, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Cold Weather Harvest — The Time is Now

August 18, 2014 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

I am already mourning the loss of the abundance of fresh produce that has been available this summer. It is a sort of anticipatory grief, particularly for those warm summer […]

Cold Weather Harvest — The Time is Now

August 18, 2014 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

I am already mourning the loss of the abundance of fresh produce that has been available this summer. It is a sort of anticipatory grief, particularly for those warm summer […]

Take Action For Health

August 15, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I am roughly halfway through my internship with Partners in Health and Wholeness, and the pressure is on. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes activities that make PHW successful. For instance, it can […]

Take Action For Health

August 15, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Workers and Justice — A Call to All People of Faith

August 15, 2014 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“There is nothing but a lack of social vision to prevent us from paying an adequate wage to every American whether he [or she] is a hospital worker, laundry worker, […]

Workers and Justice — A Call to All People of Faith

August 15, 2014 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“There is nothing but a lack of social vision to prevent us from paying an adequate wage to every American whether he [or she] is a hospital worker, laundry worker, […]

Connect and Share with Others in Planning for the People’s Climate March in September!

August 14, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The People’s Climate March is bringing together people with the urgency and power needed to address the climate crisis. Read more here. It is happening in New York and simultaneously in […]

Connect and Share with Others in Planning for the People’s Climate March in September!

August 14, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The People’s Climate March is bringing together people with the urgency and power needed to address the climate crisis. Read more here. It is happening in New York and simultaneously in […]

PHW Honors Helen Livingston

August 13, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Meet one of our community leaders, Helen Livingston, of Scotland County. I first met Helen through the phone when I started with PHW, and almost instantly we were kindred spirits. She […]

PHW Honors Helen Livingston

August 13, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Meet one of our community leaders, Helen Livingston, of Scotland County. I first met Helen through the phone when I started with PHW, and almost instantly we were kindred spirits. She […]

Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies

August 10, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We have all been touched by news of the growing Ebola crisis in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria, a crisis that so far has resisted efforts at containment. Those […]

Cary Congregation with Liberian ties Collects Medical Supplies

August 10, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We have all been touched by news of the growing Ebola crisis in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria, a crisis that so far has resisted efforts at containment. Those […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

August 10, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Please join the North Carolina Council of Churches at the 2014 Faith and Health Summit, which will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem (501 […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

August 10, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Please join the North Carolina Council of Churches at the 2014 Faith and Health Summit, which will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem (501 […]

Finding Amazement With Teens and Worms

August 9, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness continues to amaze me. I had a chance to visit Laurinburg Presbyterian Church where PHW is incorporating their program for healthier lifestyles. Of course this […]

Finding Amazement With Teens and Worms

August 9, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness continues to amaze me. I had a chance to visit Laurinburg Presbyterian Church where PHW is incorporating their program for healthier lifestyles. Of course this […]

How to Make a Diabetes Emergency Kit for Your Congregation

August 6, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Do you have people in your congregation with type 2 diabetes? Have you considered creating an emergency kit especially for them? PHW liaison, Dr. Renee Lea-Currie of Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist […]

How to Make a Diabetes Emergency Kit for Your Congregation

August 6, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Saving Our Souls

August 6, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

News about children at the border – what’s happening to them, what politicians believe or say about them, where they are going, what will happen to them — continues and […]

Saving Our Souls

August 6, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

News about children at the border – what’s happening to them, what politicians believe or say about them, where they are going, what will happen to them — continues and […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

August 5, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

August 5, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians […]

Change is Not Easy, But Necessary

August 1, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The human body naturally seeks homeostasis or balance. This course does not need any thought or action from the individual; it is a natural process. Recently, I took the Partners […]

Change is Not Easy, But Necessary

August 1, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The human body naturally seeks homeostasis or balance. This course does not need any thought or action from the individual; it is a natural process. Recently, I took the Partners […]

True Imaging Demonstration with PHW

July 31, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Wednesday, August 12, 1-2 p.m. Partnership for Children Building 404 North Main Street, #A, Troy One of our stellar volunteers for Montgomery County is hosting a curriculum demonstration two weeks […]

True Imaging Demonstration with PHW

July 31, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Great Tomato Festival

July 29, 2014 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

On Saturday I had the chance to attend the 5th Annual Great Tomato Festival, which is a collaboration between the Cooperative Extension of Guilford County and NC A&T University. Extension master […]

The Great Tomato Festival

July 29, 2014 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

July 29, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

July 29, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below […]

2014 PHW Youth Conference

July 29, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Lord raised up Laquanda Bowden of Empowering Word Ministries and her church crew to organize an incredible 2014 Youth Conference. Yes, Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted this event, […]

2014 PHW Youth Conference

July 29, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Lord raised up Laquanda Bowden of Empowering Word Ministries and her church crew to organize an incredible 2014 Youth Conference. Yes, Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted this event, […]

Raising the Faith Voice Regarding Climate Change Now

July 28, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

People of faith are coming together in more and more impactful ways to help create the future that we want with clean air, clean water, clean energy, and with greater […]

Raising the Faith Voice Regarding Climate Change Now

July 28, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

People of faith are coming together in more and more impactful ways to help create the future that we want with clean air, clean water, clean energy, and with greater […]

Food, Fairness and Faith

July 28, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

“How is this equal?!” I often articulate this simple phrase whenever I take a look at the world these days. Sometimes I mutter the sentence under my breath in disbelief, […]

Food, Fairness and Faith

July 28, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

“How is this equal?!” I often articulate this simple phrase whenever I take a look at the world these days. Sometimes I mutter the sentence under my breath in disbelief, […]

World Breastfeeding Week, August 1–7

July 26, 2014 By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Local North Carolina organizations are joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7. According to the WHO website, […]

World Breastfeeding Week, August 1–7

July 26, 2014 by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?

July 25, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week I have been focusing on the crisis of the thousands of refugee children at the border who are being held in detention centers. I have blogged about praying for […]

What Would Radical Hospitality at the Border Look Like?

July 25, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This past week I have been focusing on the crisis of the thousands of refugee children at the border who are being held in detention centers. I have blogged about praying for […]

Another Spirit-filled Weekend with Partners in Health and Wholeness

July 24, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted a youth conference on Saturday, July 12, with Empowering Word Ministries in Wadesboro. I was honored to be able to participate as a PHW intern. […]

Another Spirit-filled Weekend with Partners in Health and Wholeness

July 24, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted a youth conference on Saturday, July 12, with Empowering Word Ministries in Wadesboro. I was honored to be able to participate as a PHW intern. […]

The Earth and Its Fullness: NC Public Citizens’ Hearing

July 24, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

We wanted to share Rev. Richard Eden’s words of welcome from the hearing hosted by United Church of Chapel Hill: “First, welcome to United Church of Chapel Hill and the […]

The Earth and Its Fullness: NC Public Citizens’ Hearing

July 24, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

We wanted to share Rev. Richard Eden’s words of welcome from the hearing hosted by United Church of Chapel Hill: “First, welcome to United Church of Chapel Hill and the […]

PHW Welcomes Courtney Ward

July 23, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Courtney Ward is a summer intern with the Alliance of Baptists, working with Pullen Memorial Baptist Church and lending her aid to the Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative. Born […]

PHW Welcomes Courtney Ward

July 23, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Courtney Ward is a summer intern with the Alliance of Baptists, working with Pullen Memorial Baptist Church and lending her aid to the Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative. Born […]

Lord, Please Keep Making Me

July 22, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

With the Sidewalk Prophets singing “Keep Making Me” in the background, I sit here contemplating how to start the many blog posts running through my head. I am overcome with […]

Lord, Please Keep Making Me

July 22, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

With the Sidewalk Prophets singing “Keep Making Me” in the background, I sit here contemplating how to start the many blog posts running through my head. I am overcome with […]

Prayers and Letters for Children at the Border

July 21, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The issue of unaccompanied children at the border has caused great concern about the thousands of refugee children who have fled violence and poverty to seek a safe haven here in […]

Prayers and Letters for Children at the Border

July 21, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The issue of unaccompanied children at the border has caused great concern about the thousands of refugee children who have fled violence and poverty to seek a safe haven here in […]

National Priorities — What Would Jesus Say?

July 18, 2014 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Inequality for All,” a documentary with former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, considers the priorities of the US over the last century and offers some interesting observations. When has our country […]

National Priorities — What Would Jesus Say?

July 18, 2014 by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Here’s Johnny!

July 18, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is my pleasure to introduce you to PHW Intern Johnny Rogers. He is a UNC-Pembroke student, and you can read more about him in the staff section of the Council’s […]

Here’s Johnny!

July 18, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is my pleasure to introduce you to PHW Intern Johnny Rogers. He is a UNC-Pembroke student, and you can read more about him in the staff section of the Council’s […]

Internship with PHW More than Expected

July 16, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From this internship with Partners in Health and Wholeness, my main expectations were to strengthen my employment applications after graduation by adding additional experiences. However, after my first day in […]

Internship with PHW More than Expected

July 16, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Capital Clash over Education, Health

July 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

July 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main […]

PHW Success Story – Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness, Ramseur

July 10, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ramseur, NC received a grant earlier this year from the Randolph Hospital Community Health Foundation to build a walking track, which has since been […]

PHW Success Story – Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness, Ramseur

July 10, 2014 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Mount Nebo Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ramseur, NC received a grant earlier this year from the Randolph Hospital Community Health Foundation to build a walking track, which has since been […]

Twists, Turns on Teacher Pay

July 8, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If this year’s session of the N.C. General Assembly were a work of drama for stage or screen, the plot would be coming to a head. And we in the […]

Twists, Turns on Teacher Pay

July 8, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If this year’s session of the N.C. General Assembly were a work of drama for stage or screen, the plot would be coming to a head. And we in the […]

“A Conspiracy of Sunlight and Sugar”

July 5, 2014 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Blueberries, blackberries, persimmons and plums! What is your local fruit IQ? Do you know when local fruit is in season and where to get it? The blog below, written by […]

“A Conspiracy of Sunlight and Sugar”

July 5, 2014 by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Blueberries, blackberries, persimmons and plums! What is your local fruit IQ? Do you know when local fruit is in season and where to get it? The blog below, written by […]

Celebrating Our Shared History & Continued Prosperity

July 4, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As we head into a long Independence Day weekend, most Americans are anticipating a Friday off from work and a time to spend with their families celebrating the largest secular […]

Celebrating Our Shared History & Continued Prosperity

July 4, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As we head into a long Independence Day weekend, most Americans are anticipating a Friday off from work and a time to spend with their families celebrating the largest secular […]

Cy King’s Noble Example

July 3, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Cyrus Baldwin King, a gentle spirit with an iron resolve, was a hero of North Carolina’s peace and justice movement. The Council of Churches is honored to join in the […]

Cy King’s Noble Example

July 3, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Cyrus Baldwin King, a gentle spirit with an iron resolve, was a hero of North Carolina’s peace and justice movement. The Council of Churches is honored to join in the […]

Worship Resources on Ending Hunger

June 30, 2014 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Date: Proper 13 - Aug. 3, 2014
Topic: Ending Hunger
Focus Text: Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus’ feeding the multitudes is found in all four gospels. Both Matthew and Mark include two feeding stories. While Luke includes only the feeding of the five thousand, his gospel is filled with significant events surrounding meals. John’s extended account of the feeding of the multitude is interwoven with his account of the Eucharist. All of the evangelists saw in this story something crucial to the identity of Jesus and the life of the church.

Worship Resources on Ending Hunger

June 30, 2014 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Date: Proper 13 – Aug. 3, 2014
Topic: Ending Hunger
Focus Text: Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus’ feeding the multitudes is found in all four gospels. Both Matthew and Mark include two feeding stories. While Luke includes only the feeding of the five thousand, his gospel is filled with significant events surrounding meals. John’s extended account of the feeding of the multitude is interwoven with his account of the Eucharist. All of the evangelists saw in this story something crucial to the identity of Jesus and the life of the church.

Lake Chatuge GreenFaith Team to Launch Energy Saving Campaign

June 29, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The Lake Chatuge GreenFaith Team, a group of environmentally concerned churches from Northern Georgia and Western North Carolina will be publishing environmental tips in local papers and radio outlets as […]

Lake Chatuge GreenFaith Team to Launch Energy Saving Campaign

June 29, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

2014 PHW Youth Conference is July 12

June 28, 2014 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I hope that you have saved the date for the 2014 Youth Conference in Wadesboro. Partners in Health and Wholeness is joining Empowering Word Ministries to create a spectacular day […]

2014 PHW Youth Conference is July 12

June 28, 2014 by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I hope that you have saved the date for the 2014 Youth Conference in Wadesboro. Partners in Health and Wholeness is joining Empowering Word Ministries to create a spectacular day […]

The Moral Evil of Torture: Awareness and a Call to Action

June 27, 2014 By Matt Hoehn, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

This past Tuesday evening, the Council co-sponsored an event on the topic “Coming to Terms with Torture: Truth, Accountability, and Renunciation” at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh. The primary speaker […]

The Moral Evil of Torture: Awareness and a Call to Action

June 27, 2014 by Matt Hoehn, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

June 26, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart of North Carolina’s state government, the NC NAACP and its allies say they have concluded […]

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

June 26, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart of North Carolina’s state government, the NC NAACP and its allies say they have concluded […]

David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday

June 21, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Tune in to WUNC’s “The State of Things” on Tuesday, June 24, to hear David Gushee ahead of his evening presentation in Raleigh. “The State of Things” airs at noon, and […]

David Gushee on “The State of Things” and in Raleigh — Tuesday

June 21, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Tune in to WUNC’s “The State of Things” on Tuesday, June 24, to hear David Gushee ahead of his evening presentation in Raleigh. “The State of Things” airs at noon, and […]

National Day of Action #PutSolarOnIt

June 20, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On June 21, the longest day of the year, Interfaith Power & Light is joining a coalition of groups to come together for a National Day of Action to show support for switching […]

National Day of Action #PutSolarOnIt

June 20, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On June 21, the longest day of the year, Interfaith Power & Light is joining a coalition of groups to come together for a National Day of Action to show support for switching […]

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

June 20, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have implications for what is commonly known as social justice. What this often boils down […]

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

June 20, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have implications for what is commonly known as social justice. What this often boils down […]

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

June 18, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am admittedly a person who does not care about sports. However, the World Cup is one event that can even make a sports observer as apathetic as myself tune […]

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

June 18, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am admittedly a person who does not care about sports. However, the World Cup is one event that can even make a sports observer as apathetic as myself tune […]

An Interview with Mama Juggs’ Own Anita Woodley

June 17, 2014 By Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Anita will be performing her show, "Mama Juggs," at 3 p.m.on Sunday, June 22, at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E Martin St, Raleigh. This funny and informative show will be a kickoff event for the Breastfeeding Collaborative, an initiative of the NC Council of Churches that helps congregations to be breastfeeding friendly. Interviewed by Marnie Cooper Priest, project director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative. How long have you been performing the "Mama Juggs" show? On June 20 it will be the fifth anniversary of the "Mama Juggs" show. Did you have another show before...

An Interview with Mama Juggs’ Own Anita Woodley

June 17, 2014 by Marnie Cooper Priest, Former Project Director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative

Anita will be performing her show, “Mama Juggs,” at 3 p.m.on Sunday, June 22, at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E Martin St, Raleigh. This funny and informative show will be a kickoff event for the Breastfeeding Collaborative, an initiative of the NC Council of Churches that helps congregations to be breastfeeding friendly. Interviewed by Marnie Cooper Priest, project director for the Breastfeeding Collaborative. How long have you been performing the “Mama Juggs” show? On June 20 it will be the fifth anniversary of the “Mama Juggs” show. Did you have another show before…

Two New Resources on Public Education

June 15, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council has published two new resources for people of faith interested in supporting North Carolina’s public schools. One is an abbreviated version of the Council’s materials for holding a […]

Two New Resources on Public Education

June 15, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

June 13, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a badly needed raise while hamstrung by large tax cuts. Then the N.C. Senate took […]

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

June 13, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a badly needed raise while hamstrung by large tax cuts. Then the N.C. Senate took […]

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

June 13, 2014 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The June 9 Moral Monday sent a powerful message to state leaders about the value North Carolinians place on strong public schools. If you couldn’t be there, our friends at […]

Video from June 9 Moral Monday

June 13, 2014 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The June 9 Moral Monday sent a powerful message to state leaders about the value North Carolinians place on strong public schools. If you couldn’t be there, our friends at […]

EPA Takes Moral Action to Cut Carbon Pollution from Power Plants

June 13, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On June 2, the EPA acted on our moral obligation to address unlimited carbon pollution coming from the nation’s power plants, the single largest source of global warming pollution in the country. The […]

EPA Takes Moral Action to Cut Carbon Pollution from Power Plants

June 13, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Take Action for Justice in North Carolina Tobacco Fields

June 12, 2014 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Workers in tobacco fields suffer the same injustices that other farmworkers face, including the low wages, weak workplace protections, and harsh conditions. However, their work is even more unhealthy and […]

Take Action for Justice in North Carolina Tobacco Fields

June 12, 2014 by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Men’s Health Week and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

June 11, 2014 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

There’s lots to celebrate this month. Besides my birthday (smile), the month of June is when we observe Men’s Health Week and National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. These two issues, each important enough on their own, also overlap as men are encouraged to eat nutritious, well-balanced meals in order to remain healthy and strong. Our nation’s dietary guidelines are updated every five years, with the most recent set of guidelines released in 2010. In this report, the US Department of Agriculture advises both men and women to...