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Were You at the March on Washington?

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

On a hot Wednesday afternoon in August 1963, thousands of Americans from all parts of the nation converged on the Washington Mall, determined in mind and spirit, demonstrating collectively for jobs, freedom, and equality. This day would go down in history as the pivotal March on Washington and culminate in the delivery of the now […]

Were You at the March on Washington?

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

On a hot Wednesday afternoon in August 1963, thousands of Americans from all parts of the nation converged on the Washington Mall, determined in mind and spirit, demonstrating collectively for jobs, freedom, and equality. This day would go down in history as the pivotal March on Washington and culminate in the delivery of the now […]

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A group of clergy members is working to mobilize 1,000 of their colleagues to gather at Raleigh’s Bicentennial Mall on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and raise their voices against many of the policies of the North Carolina legislature. The group does not plan on entering the Legislative Building or on being arrested, but […]

Call to Mobilize 1,000 Clergy

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A group of clergy members is working to mobilize 1,000 of their colleagues to gather at Raleigh’s Bicentennial Mall on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and raise their voices against many of the policies of the North Carolina legislature. The group does not plan on entering the Legislative Building or on being arrested, but […]

Racial Justice Revisited

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The death penalty is troubling on many levels. Among them: The public must bear the extraordinary costs associated with death penalty trials and appeals. The penalty’s effectiveness in deterring other murders is ambiguous at best. There is no margin for the kind of errors that can result in a wrongful conviction. But if capital punishment […]

Racial Justice Revisited

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The death penalty is troubling on many levels. Among them: The public must bear the extraordinary costs associated with death penalty trials and appeals. The penalty’s effectiveness in deterring other murders is ambiguous at best. There is no margin for the kind of errors that can result in a wrongful conviction. But if capital punishment […]

A Challenge for People of Faith: Contact Congress like Pentagon Contractors Do

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

The Coalition on Human Needs is sharing sequester impacts and challenging people of faith to raise their voices for the less fortunate. Real cuts are harming our most vulnerable children. We need to remember that one in five children in NC is already living in poverty and many  in wrenching poverty. The Friends Committee on National Legislation […]

A Challenge for People of Faith: Contact Congress like Pentagon Contractors Do

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

The Coalition on Human Needs is sharing sequester impacts and challenging people of faith to raise their voices for the less fortunate. Real cuts are harming our most vulnerable children. We need to remember that one in five children in NC is already living in poverty and many  in wrenching poverty. The Friends Committee on National Legislation […]

Resources for Earth Sabbath Celebrations

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

As summer heads our way, consider hosting an Earth Sabbath Celebration. NCIPL has recently added several new services to the Celebration Resource Page and encourages you to check them out. These services can be replicated or modified, so they provide a great resource for anyone looking to host a Celebration. Both lay and ordained faith […]

Resources for Earth Sabbath Celebrations

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

As summer heads our way, consider hosting an Earth Sabbath Celebration. NCIPL has recently added several new services to the Celebration Resource Page and encourages you to check them out. These services can be replicated or modified, so they provide a great resource for anyone looking to host a Celebration. Both lay and ordained faith […]

Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cybala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cybala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Talking about Immigration with Bishop Curry…

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…

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.

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina NAACP, building on four weeks of Moral Monday demonstrations, has launched a 25-city statewide tour reaching from Elizabeth City to Hendersonville. The Forward Together Movement Local Organizing Tour began May 28 in Raleigh and ends June 7 in Durham. It is intended to mobilize local communities against the direction the General Assembly […]

NC NAACP Launches Statewide Tour

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The North Carolina NAACP, building on four weeks of Moral Monday demonstrations, has launched a 25-city statewide tour reaching from Elizabeth City to Hendersonville. The Forward Together Movement Local Organizing Tour began May 28 in Raleigh and ends June 7 in Durham. It is intended to mobilize local communities against the direction the General Assembly […]

Jailhouse Justice

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For all the Christian emphasis on forgiveness and redemption, many if not most churchgoers likely are comfortable with the old maxim, “Do the crime, do the time.” Law-breaking has its consequences in a just society, as it must. Still, the maxim can be dreadfully simplistic. How much time, under what conditions? What about mitigating factors? […]

Jailhouse Justice

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For all the Christian emphasis on forgiveness and redemption, many if not most churchgoers likely are comfortable with the old maxim, “Do the crime, do the time.” Law-breaking has its consequences in a just society, as it must. Still, the maxim can be dreadfully simplistic. How much time, under what conditions? What about mitigating factors? […]

Nuns on the Bus Coming to NC

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

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.

Senators Choose to Cut

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina General Assembly has no more critical task than enacting budgets that set state government’s scope and mission – programs to serve the public that must be financed with money from taxpayers. How much to spend, and where? Who pays? As they answer those questions, legislators showcase their priorities and values. This year, […]

Senators Choose to Cut

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina General Assembly has no more critical task than enacting budgets that set state government’s scope and mission – programs to serve the public that must be financed with money from taxpayers. How much to spend, and where? Who pays? As they answer those questions, legislators showcase their priorities and values. This year, […]

Moral Mondays Continue in June

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays continue (though they will take the day off on Memorial Day). This week’s protest had the largest number of participants (around 600) and of people taking part in civil disobedience and being arrested (57). I saw a lot of Council folks there – current and past Board members, pastors of congregations (including Covenant […]

Moral Mondays Continue in June

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Moral Mondays continue (though they will take the day off on Memorial Day). This week’s protest had the largest number of participants (around 600) and of people taking part in civil disobedience and being arrested (57). I saw a lot of Council folks there – current and past Board members, pastors of congregations (including Covenant […]

Act Now to Make Immigration Reform a Reality

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

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.

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 6

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 6

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

Talking on Water

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

We can’t go about our business as a society without messing up the environment to some degree. The challenge is to keep that damage to a minimum, ideally through steps that limit it at the outset. North Carolina’s Environmental Management Commission has had the task of crafting rules meant to safeguard the state’s water and […]

Talking on Water

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

We can’t go about our business as a society without messing up the environment to some degree. The challenge is to keep that damage to a minimum, ideally through steps that limit it at the outset. North Carolina’s Environmental Management Commission has had the task of crafting rules meant to safeguard the state’s water and […]

Please Pray for Oklahoma

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

All people affected by this week’s devastating storms, particularly those in Moore, Oklahoma, need our prayers. In addition, donations can be made to organizations providing assistance, including denominational relief agencies, Church World Service, and the American Red Cross. –Aleta Payne, Development and Communications

Please Pray for Oklahoma

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

All people affected by this week’s devastating storms, particularly those in Moore, Oklahoma, need our prayers. In addition, donations can be made to organizations providing assistance, including denominational relief agencies, Church World Service, and the American Red Cross. –Aleta Payne, Development and Communications

PHW Success Story – Islamic Association of Raleigh

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

The Islamic Association of Raleigh (IAR) is blessed to have a kitchen/restaurant facility which serves the entire community on different occasions. There is also the community’s school garden that is taken care of and well-groomed by the students, parents, teachers and staff of Al Iman School, which is one of the schools situated in the […]

PHW Success Story – Islamic Association of Raleigh

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

The Islamic Association of Raleigh (IAR) is blessed to have a kitchen/restaurant facility which serves the entire community on different occasions. There is also the community’s school garden that is taken care of and well-groomed by the students, parents, teachers and staff of Al Iman School, which is one of the schools situated in the […]

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

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 so that undocumented immigrants wishing to obtain a “restricted driving permit” have to show that they have pre-paid one year of car insurance, which statistics […]

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

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 so that undocumented immigrants wishing to obtain a “restricted driving permit” have to show that they have pre-paid one year of car insurance, which statistics […]

Introducing Interns from Bennett College

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

For the month of May, Partners in Health and Wholeness is working with three interns from Bennett College for Women. They are helping with networking and outreach in the Greensboro area, particularly with Latino churches and communities. The interns are: Estacia Crittle, who is majoring in psychology and is originally from San Francisco, California. She […]

Introducing Interns from Bennett College

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

For the month of May, Partners in Health and Wholeness is working with three interns from Bennett College for Women. They are helping with networking and outreach in the Greensboro area, particularly with Latino churches and communities. The interns are: Estacia Crittle, who is majoring in psychology and is originally from San Francisco, California. She […]

Faith Leaders for a Just Society in Asheville

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders in Asheville are adding their voices to those outraged by the actions of NC legislators. Rev. Joe Hoffman, pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ and an NC Council of Churches board member, is joining his colleagues as well as those from the non-profit community there for a press conference on Monday, […]

Faith Leaders for a Just Society in Asheville

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders in Asheville are adding their voices to those outraged by the actions of NC legislators. Rev. Joe Hoffman, pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ and an NC Council of Churches board member, is joining his colleagues as well as those from the non-profit community there for a press conference on Monday, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 5

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 5

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

Childhood Poverty is a Disease

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Pediatrician and author Perri Klass has written a powerful essay on childhood poverty as a disease. She writes in part: Toxic stress is the heavy hand of early poverty, scripting a child’s life not in the Horatio Alger scenario of determination and drive, but in the patterns of disappointment and deprivation that shape a life […]

Childhood Poverty is a Disease

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Pediatrician and author Perri Klass has written a powerful essay on childhood poverty as a disease. She writes in part: Toxic stress is the heavy hand of early poverty, scripting a child’s life not in the Horatio Alger scenario of determination and drive, but in the patterns of disappointment and deprivation that shape a life […]

Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

As many of you already know, Rev. William Barber and the state NAACP are organizing weekly protests at the General Assembly, voicing opposition to the direction our state is being taken during this legislative session (that direction being backwards). These protests include, for those who choose to take part, nonviolent civil disobedience and arrest. In […]

Moral Mondays – Clergy Issued Special Invitation for May 20

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

As many of you already know, Rev. William Barber and the state NAACP are organizing weekly protests at the General Assembly, voicing opposition to the direction our state is being taken during this legislative session (that direction being backwards). These protests include, for those who choose to take part, nonviolent civil disobedience and arrest. In […]

In Thanksgiving for the Life of Bill Smith

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I learned Tuesday morning of the passing of Bill Smith. I knew of Bill long before coming to the NC Council of Churches. He had been the state director of the Baptist Student Union before I came to work for the Baptist State Convention in 1978, but he was still remembered warmly by the progressive […]

In Thanksgiving for the Life of Bill Smith

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I learned Tuesday morning of the passing of Bill Smith. I knew of Bill long before coming to the NC Council of Churches. He had been the state director of the Baptist Student Union before I came to work for the Baptist State Convention in 1978, but he was still remembered warmly by the progressive […]

Lectionary: Gender Equality (Proper 6)

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Proper 6 - June 16, 2013
Topic: Gender Equality
Focus Text: Luke 7:36-8:3

From the pastoral reflection: “When I applied to divinity school thirty years ago, I was asked by my interviewer, “Why don’t you just be a good church member and serve the church that way?” That is, I was being advised to continue the traditional role of being a supportive woman to the men doing the “real work” of ministry. Ignoring that advice, I enrolled, and when I graduated and sought a call to ministry, the response was, “We don’t think our congregation is ready for a woman minister."

Lectionary: Gender Equality (Proper 6)

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Proper 6 – June 16, 2013
Topic: Gender Equality
Focus Text: Luke 7:36-8:3

From the pastoral reflection: “When I applied to divinity school thirty years ago, I was asked by my interviewer, “Why don’t you just be a good church member and serve the church that way?” That is, I was being advised to continue the traditional role of being a supportive woman to the men doing the “real work” of ministry. Ignoring that advice, I enrolled, and when I graduated and sought a call to ministry, the response was, “We don’t think our congregation is ready for a woman minister.”

Rev. Joe Brown: From the Church House to the State House

By chris

The Rev. Joseph Brown, Sr. is Presiding Elder, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He is a former Council president and a past recipient of the Council’s Distinguished Service Award. Rev. Brown is based in Fayetteville.  [powerpress]

Rev. Joe Brown: From the Church House to the State House

by chris

The Rev. Joseph Brown, Sr. is Presiding Elder, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He is a former Council president and a past recipient of the Council’s Distinguished Service Award. Rev. Brown is based in Fayetteville.  [powerpress]

Farmworkers Address Reynolds American: Do More to Protect Workers

By chris

Last week, members of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) joined allies and activists from across the state in protesting Reynolds American Inc.'s treatment of farmworkers. Last year, Reynolds earned $1.3 billion in profits, but the company has hesitated to take proactive steps in guaranteeing good housing and fair pay to the workers at the very heart of its supply chain. Here at the NC Council of Churches, we have long supported farmworkers' rights to living wages and dignity on the job. No one should have to work in slave-like conditions to provide for their family. Corporations should take responsibility for their supply chains, and the people whose labor makes possible their profits.

Farmworkers Address Reynolds American: Do More to Protect Workers

by chris

Last week, members of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) joined allies and activists from across the state in protesting Reynolds American Inc.’s treatment of farmworkers. Last year, Reynolds earned $1.3 billion in profits, but the company has hesitated to take proactive steps in guaranteeing good housing and fair pay to the workers at the very heart of its supply chain. Here at the NC Council of Churches, we have long supported farmworkers’ rights to living wages and dignity on the job. No one should have to work in slave-like conditions to provide for their family. Corporations should take responsibility for their supply chains, and the people whose labor makes possible their profits.

PHW Success Story – Pathway to Peace Ministries, Peachland

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYQamYonCoc Pathway to Peace Ministries, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Cary Rodgers and located in Anson County, received a PHW mini-grant for their efforts to improve the health of their members and wider community. Pathway to Peace used the funds provided by PHW to purchase a plow and disk harrow to expand their church […]

PHW Success Story – Pathway to Peace Ministries, Peachland

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYQamYonCoc Pathway to Peace Ministries, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Cary Rodgers and located in Anson County, received a PHW mini-grant for their efforts to improve the health of their members and wider community. Pathway to Peace used the funds provided by PHW to purchase a plow and disk harrow to expand their church […]

Gardeners: Make the Climate Connection

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

One thing that almost every congregation does is eat together. Coffee hour after worship, Wednesday dinners, pancake breakfasts—where there is a congregation, there is food. Over the past years, many congregations’ food ministries have inspired community gardens, in which people of faith are growing some of the food that they and their neighbors eat. Some […]

Gardeners: Make the Climate Connection

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

One thing that almost every congregation does is eat together. Coffee hour after worship, Wednesday dinners, pancake breakfasts—where there is a congregation, there is food. Over the past years, many congregations’ food ministries have inspired community gardens, in which people of faith are growing some of the food that they and their neighbors eat. Some […]

Three NCIPL Volunteers Receive Governor’s Award

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Three people active with NCIPL are being honored with a 2013 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award: Penny Hooper of Morehead City, Carl Sigel of Raleigh, and Jean Larson of Asheville. Each recipient is more than deserving of the award, and we are delighted that they are being recognized. Read about their work with NCIPL here. –Allison Reeves […]

Three NCIPL Volunteers Receive Governor’s Award

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Three people active with NCIPL are being honored with a 2013 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award: Penny Hooper of Morehead City, Carl Sigel of Raleigh, and Jean Larson of Asheville. Each recipient is more than deserving of the award, and we are delighted that they are being recognized. Read about their work with NCIPL here. –Allison Reeves […]

Rethink What You Eat

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

Who said change is easy? Or that it can only come as a result of well-meaning adults’ efforts? Well, a youth group in New Orleans, called the “Rethinkers”, would beg to differ. They saw a problem (unhealthy foods served in school) and made a difference

Rethink What You Eat

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

Who said change is easy? Or that it can only come as a result of well-meaning adults’ efforts? Well, a youth group in New Orleans, called the “Rethinkers”, would beg to differ. They saw a problem (unhealthy foods served in school) and made a difference

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 4

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 4

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

Come to the Table 2013

Come to the Table Comes to Your Home

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Everyone gets so hyped about attending conferences. You go there, you collect as many business cards as you can, you write down notes, quotes, and things to follow-up with. You instantly get empowered and invigorated with the amount of energy and ideas that flood your mind and new-found relationships. You struggle over which break-out session to […]

Come to the Table Comes to Your Home

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Everyone gets so hyped about attending conferences. You go there, you collect as many business cards as you can, you write down notes, quotes, and things to follow-up with. You instantly get empowered and invigorated with the amount of energy and ideas that flood your mind and new-found relationships. You struggle over which break-out session to […]

NCUC Challenges Duke Energy

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The North Carolina Utilities Commission issued an order on Friday challenging Duke Energy to back up its Integrated Resource Plan – its long-term business plan – with more facts. The order questioned whether Duke is overestimating the amount of electricity it must generate and whether it is adequately pursuing energy efficiency and renewable energy that […]

NCUC Challenges Duke Energy

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The North Carolina Utilities Commission issued an order on Friday challenging Duke Energy to back up its Integrated Resource Plan – its long-term business plan – with more facts. The order questioned whether Duke is overestimating the amount of electricity it must generate and whether it is adequately pursuing energy efficiency and renewable energy that […]

NC Legislators Can Reconsider and Expand Medicaid

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Early in the 2013 legislative session for North Carolina, our legislators decided not to expand Medicaid as allowed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In declining to accept this expansion, which would have been totally paid for with federal funds for three years, they have declined health insurance for 500,000 North Carolinians. There is nothing […]

NC Legislators Can Reconsider and Expand Medicaid

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Early in the 2013 legislative session for North Carolina, our legislators decided not to expand Medicaid as allowed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In declining to accept this expansion, which would have been totally paid for with federal funds for three years, they have declined health insurance for 500,000 North Carolinians. There is nothing […]

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors. Gene Nichol received the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II were recognized with Distinguished Service awards. All three were presented at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar which took place April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh.

New Videos: Legislative Seminar Awards

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors.

Gene Nichol received the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II were recognized with Distinguished Service awards. All three were presented at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar which took place April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh.

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 3

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 3

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Success Story – Ward Street Mission UMC, High Point

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

Since 2010, beginning with the spring growing season, Ward Street Mission United Methodist Church has implemented a concept called, “House Gardens Greening Project”. The concept is simple. Instead of having a “community garden” at one site at the church, we have created a “community of gardens” at individual homes around the Ward Street Mission Community. […]

PHW Success Story – Ward Street Mission UMC, High Point

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

Since 2010, beginning with the spring growing season, Ward Street Mission United Methodist Church has implemented a concept called, “House Gardens Greening Project”. The concept is simple. Instead of having a “community garden” at one site at the church, we have created a “community of gardens” at individual homes around the Ward Street Mission Community. […]

New Video: Gene Nichol Delivers Powerful Speech at Legislative Seminar

By chris

Speaking to 200 social justice advocates, Gene Nichol delivered a powerful luncheon address at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar held April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh. He received the Council’s Faith Active in Public Life Award at the Seminar for his “courageous, dedicated, humane and compassionate witness in the political arena.” […]

New Video: Gene Nichol Delivers Powerful Speech at Legislative Seminar

by chris

Speaking to 200 social justice advocates, Gene Nichol delivered a powerful luncheon address at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar held April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh. He received the Council’s Faith Active in Public Life Award at the Seminar for his “courageous, dedicated, humane and compassionate witness in the political arena.” […]

Ruth’s Journey: What Immigration Reform Means for Women

By chris

Last week about 150 women gathered from across the Triangle to hear the stories of "Ruth's Journey: Building Communi-TEA." This one of a kind interfaith tea and dialogue focused on conversation about the impact of immigration on women and their families.

Ruth’s Journey: What Immigration Reform Means for Women

by chris

Last week about 150 women gathered from across the Triangle to hear the stories of “Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEA.” This one of a kind interfaith tea and dialogue focused on conversation about the impact of immigration on women and their families.

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 2

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 2

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Success Story – First Baptist, Lumberton

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

First Baptist Church in Lumberton – under the leadership of Dr. TR Murray and PHW Liaison Jay Leggette – is participating in the Partners in Health and Wholeness Certification Program, demonstrating their commitment to health as a practice of their faith. They serve healthier food and beverage options at church meetings and events, maintain tobacco-free […]

PHW Success Story – First Baptist, Lumberton

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

First Baptist Church in Lumberton – under the leadership of Dr. TR Murray and PHW Liaison Jay Leggette – is participating in the Partners in Health and Wholeness Certification Program, demonstrating their commitment to health as a practice of their faith. They serve healthier food and beverage options at church meetings and events, maintain tobacco-free […]

NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with its mission of supporting peace, unity and social justice, the Council recently has signed on to three letters involving issues being addressed at the federal level. We have spoken out for a faithful budget, for preserving low-income tax credits, and for gun violence prevention and school safety. The call for a faithful […]

NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with its mission of supporting peace, unity and social justice, the Council recently has signed on to three letters involving issues being addressed at the federal level. We have spoken out for a faithful budget, for preserving low-income tax credits, and for gun violence prevention and school safety. The call for a faithful […]

North Carolina Says: Reform Immigration Now

By chris

With the introduction of the landmark immigration legislation by the Senate, the immigration debate continues to heat up. And North Carolina is paying attention. From faith leaders to business leaders to the state's leading newspapers, we are seeing very strong support for the bill. Now is the time for our elected officials to step up and help make humane immigration reform a reality. Below is a summary of recent perspectives on the bill.

North Carolina Says: Reform Immigration Now

by chris

With the introduction of the landmark immigration legislation by the Senate, the immigration debate continues to heat up. And North Carolina is paying attention. From faith leaders to business leaders to the state’s leading newspapers, we are seeing very strong support for the bill. Now is the time for our elected officials to step up and help make humane immigration reform a reality. Below is a summary of recent perspectives on the bill.

Lectionary: Peace (Pentecost Sunday)

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Pentecost - May 19, 2013
Topic: Peace
Focus Text: John 14:8-17, 25-27

From the personal vignette: “After returning from Iraq, we moved to Durham, North Carolina to start a house of hospitality in the summer of 2003. We said we wanted to try to practice in our daily lives the love we had seen in Iraq. So we called our little experiment the Rutba House. What we do here day in and day out is hardly as dramatic as rescuing enemies from a roadside while bombs are falling. We’ve tried to find ways to shape our community life together around receiving and sharing God’s love."

Lectionary: Peace (Pentecost Sunday)

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: Pentecost – May 19, 2013
Topic: Peace
Focus Text: John 14:8-17, 25-27

From the personal vignette: “After returning from Iraq, we moved to Durham, North Carolina to start a house of hospitality in the summer of 2003. We said we wanted to try to practice in our daily lives the love we had seen in Iraq. So we called our little experiment the Rutba House. What we do here day in and day out is hardly as dramatic as rescuing enemies from a roadside while bombs are falling. We’ve tried to find ways to shape our community life together around receiving and sharing God’s love.”

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For people of faith who believe in a kind and loving God and who may recently have celebrated the resurrection of the Prince of Peace, the tragedies have seemed endless. Horror in Boston, devastation in Texas, decisions around gun violence […]

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For people of faith who believe in a kind and loving God and who may recently have celebrated the resurrection of the Prince of Peace, the tragedies have seemed endless. Horror in Boston, devastation in Texas, decisions around gun violence […]

Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEA

By chris

Join fellow women of faith at "Ruth's Journey" as we discuss how relationships transcend barriers and the need for immigration reform.

When: 3:00pm on April, 26 2013
Where: Duke Memorial United Methodist Church 504 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham NC
RSVP & for more information: mblickman@faithinpubliclife.org

Ruth’s Journey: Building Communi-TEA

by chris

Join fellow women of faith at “Ruth’s Journey” as we discuss how relationships transcend barriers and the need for immigration reform.

When: 3:00pm on April, 26 2013
Where: Duke Memorial United Methodist Church 504 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham NC
RSVP & for more information: mblickman@faithinpubliclife.org

A Healthier NC: It’s All Up to Us!

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

Today marks the beginning of a very important journey for our state – a journey toward better health for all North Carolinians. A Healthier NC is a statewide campaign/challenge to engage 1 million North Carolinians in 15 hours of activity, to transform lives and to lose 10 million pounds. Congregations are already showing their commitment […]

A Healthier NC: It’s All Up to Us!

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

Today marks the beginning of a very important journey for our state – a journey toward better health for all North Carolinians. A Healthier NC is a statewide campaign/challenge to engage 1 million North Carolinians in 15 hours of activity, to transform lives and to lose 10 million pounds. Congregations are already showing their commitment […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 1

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 1

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

End Child Labor in NC: A Public Service Announcement

By chris

Growing up working on the family farm is an important tradition that should be preserved, but employing young children in hazardous work should not be a tradition any longer. Child labor laws should be the same for every industry. All children in North Carolina deserve a safe, healthy and bright future.

End Child Labor in NC: A Public Service Announcement

by chris

Growing up working on the family farm is an important tradition that should be preserved, but employing young children in hazardous work should not be a tradition any longer. Child labor laws should be the same for every industry. All children in North Carolina deserve a safe, healthy and bright future.

Prayers for Boston

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our prayers go out to our sisters and brothers in Boston and to all those affected by the horror of Monday’s bombing. Let us continue to work toward a path for peace.

Prayers for Boston

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our prayers go out to our sisters and brothers in Boston and to all those affected by the horror of Monday’s bombing. Let us continue to work toward a path for peace.

Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Many of you who attended the 2013 Legislative Seminar expressed an interest in having portions of the day available online, and we have started that process. Audio from the Rev. Joe Brown’s opening worship, the Rev. Fletcher Harper’s plenary “Communicating the Values We Believe,” and Gene Nichol’s luncheon address are now available on our seminar […]

Legislative Seminar Page Features Podcasts, Pictures and More

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Many of you who attended the 2013 Legislative Seminar expressed an interest in having portions of the day available online, and we have started that process. Audio from the Rev. Joe Brown’s opening worship, the Rev. Fletcher Harper’s plenary “Communicating the Values We Believe,” and Gene Nichol’s luncheon address are now available on our seminar […]

Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe

By chris

The Rev. Fletcher 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. Download his presentation slides here. [powerpress]

Rev. Fletcher Harper: Communicating the Values We Believe

by chris

The Rev. Fletcher 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. Download his presentation slides here. [powerpress]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading will come from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. The Daniel Plan is a six-week Bible study curriculum […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading will come from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. The Daniel Plan is a six-week Bible study curriculum […]

Tax Reform Cookies

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no telling how the tax cookies will crumble by the time the 2013 General Assembly closes shop. But chief bakers in both the House and Senate seem intent on some manner of “reform.” In sync with Gov. Pat McCrory, they’ve signaled their desire to cut income tax rates, and hopefully to replace lost revenue […]

Tax Reform Cookies

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no telling how the tax cookies will crumble by the time the 2013 General Assembly closes shop. But chief bakers in both the House and Senate seem intent on some manner of “reform.” In sync with Gov. Pat McCrory, they’ve signaled their desire to cut income tax rates, and hopefully to replace lost revenue […]

Gene Nichol: It’s Better Not to Be Poor in North Carolina

By chris

Speaking to 200 social justice advocates, Gene Nichol delivered a powerful luncheon address at the Council's 2013 Legislative Seminar held April 11 at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Raleigh. He received the Council's Faith Active in Public Life Award at the Seminar for his "courageous, dedicated, humane and compassionate witness in the political arena." Rev. George Reed, the Council's Executive Director, introduced Nichol by saying in part, "To know Gene is to see the embodiment of Catholic social teaching about social justice and the common good."

Gene Nichol: It’s Better Not to Be Poor in North Carolina

by chris

Speaking to 200 social justice advocates, Gene Nichol delivered a powerful luncheon address at the Council’s 2013 Legislative Seminar held April 11 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh. He received the Council’s Faith Active in Public Life Award at the Seminar for his “courageous, dedicated, humane and compassionate witness in the political arena.” Rev. George Reed, the Council’s Executive Director, introduced Nichol by saying in part, “To know Gene is to see the embodiment of Catholic social teaching about social justice and the common good.”

Free lectionary materials - Public Accountability

Execution Foes at Legislature

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A misguided push in the General Assembly to get capital punishment back on track is generating a well-deserved pushback. People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, a group that for years has helped focus the case against executions, is bringing religious leaders to the Legislative Building as the debate again heats up. PFADP got its […]

Execution Foes at Legislature

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A misguided push in the General Assembly to get capital punishment back on track is generating a well-deserved pushback. People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, a group that for years has helped focus the case against executions, is bringing religious leaders to the Legislative Building as the debate again heats up. PFADP got its […]

NCIPL LeadershipTransition

By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

As I gaze out of my study window at the bright spring birds and budding trees, I am at peace with and excited about the changes unfolding at NCIPL. As some of you already know, after two years as paid staff, I made the transition to volunteer status on January 1, 2013. For the first quarter […]

NCIPL LeadershipTransition

by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

As I gaze out of my study window at the bright spring birds and budding trees, I am at peace with and excited about the changes unfolding at NCIPL. As some of you already know, after two years as paid staff, I made the transition to volunteer status on January 1, 2013. For the first quarter […]

Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The National Council of Churches, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and others are sponsoring an Interfaith Call-in Day to ensure that the voices of faithful Americans are heard throughout the halls of Congress on April 9. You can call NC Senators Hagan and Burr at 1-888-897-0174 and urge them to act to prevent gun violence. As […]

Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence April 9

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The National Council of Churches, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and others are sponsoring an Interfaith Call-in Day to ensure that the voices of faithful Americans are heard throughout the halls of Congress on April 9. You can call NC Senators Hagan and Burr at 1-888-897-0174 and urge them to act to prevent gun violence. As […]

Free AEDs and CPR Training for Select Counties

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

The NC Council of Churches, American Red Cross and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC are partnering together to provide more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to places of worship in select counties. To date, 183 congregations have received an award. To learn more or to complete an application, please click here. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.

Free AEDs and CPR Training for Select Counties

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

The NC Council of Churches, American Red Cross and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC are partnering together to provide more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to places of worship in select counties. To date, 183 congregations have received an award.

To learn more or to complete an application, please click here. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.

Keep Telling Congress the Sequester is Immoral

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

At the Child Poverty Summit in Durham earlier this year, we were reminded that 25% of North Carolina children live in poverty. The National Council of Churches is reminding us that federal cuts caused by the sequester are increasing these rates. It is shameful in the wealthiest nation ever that children are hungry and at-risk […]

Keep Telling Congress the Sequester is Immoral

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

At the Child Poverty Summit in Durham earlier this year, we were reminded that 25% of North Carolina children live in poverty. The National Council of Churches is reminding us that federal cuts caused by the sequester are increasing these rates. It is shameful in the wealthiest nation ever that children are hungry and at-risk […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 7 (Reflection)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 7 (Reflection)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Next week, the United States Senate is expected to take up legislation intended to curb gun violence. Given recent mass atrocities at the hands of gunmen along with the daily loss of life by those who turn to guns as a surrogate for civil disagreement, progress on the issue should be inevitable. But it’s not. Lobbying by groups like […]

U.S. Senate Expected to Take Up Gun Legislation

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Next week, the United States Senate is expected to take up legislation intended to curb gun violence. Given recent mass atrocities at the hands of gunmen along with the daily loss of life by those who turn to guns as a surrogate for civil disagreement, progress on the issue should be inevitable. But it’s not. Lobbying by groups like […]

comprehensive immigration reform

NC Bishops: “Immigration Laws Need Reform”

By chris

On Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, the Raleigh News & Observer published a powerful full-length editorial in support of humane immigration reform by two of North Carolina’s leading religious figures, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh and Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of NC. Together, the bishops specifically called on […]

NC Bishops: “Immigration Laws Need Reform”

by chris

On Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, the Raleigh News & Observer published a powerful full-length editorial in support of humane immigration reform by two of North Carolina’s leading religious figures, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh and Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of NC. Together, the bishops specifically called on […]

Peace is Not Placidity

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend and Consultant for Peace, David LaMotte, will spend part of his Easter weekend in Memphis, where he will stand in the light with others against the darkness of a planned Ku Klux Klan rally. Not exactly an egg hunt, is it? And yet it is highly appropriate in this season that people of faith, […]

Peace is Not Placidity

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend and Consultant for Peace, David LaMotte, will spend part of his Easter weekend in Memphis, where he will stand in the light with others against the darkness of a planned Ku Klux Klan rally. Not exactly an egg hunt, is it? And yet it is highly appropriate in this season that people of faith, […]

Blessings of the Easter Season

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From the Staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches All who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine. –From Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; Lyrics by Henry J. van Dyke

Blessings of the Easter Season

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From the Staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches All who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine. –From Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; Lyrics by Henry J. van Dyke

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. About 500 twenty-somethings came together to talk about the social justice and environmental issues that are defining their generation. At its core, the national movement called for Christians to reconsider their […]

Shane Claiborne’s Challenge to Christians

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In 2008, the Council co-sponsored an event called Jesus for President, which took place at First Baptist Church on Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. About 500 twenty-somethings came together to talk about the social justice and environmental issues that are defining their generation. At its core, the national movement called for Christians to reconsider their […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 6 (Peace)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 6 (Peace)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

2013 Faith & Immigration Statewide Summit

By chris

SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, October 12, 2013, 10am - 2pm
Primera Iglesia Bautista (First Baptist Church)
2840 Cemetery Road
Sanford, NC 27332
Cost: FREE

Workshops and additional details coming soon.

2013 Faith & Immigration Statewide Summit

by chris

SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, October 12, 2013, 10am – 2pm
Primera Iglesia Bautista (First Baptist Church)
2840 Cemetery Road
Sanford, NC 27332
Cost: FREE

Workshops and additional details coming soon.

Council Awards to Be Presented at Legislative Seminar

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have been chosen to receive the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors. Gene Nichol will receive the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II will be recognized with Distinguished Service awards. All three will be presented at the […]

Council Awards to Be Presented at Legislative Seminar

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A leader against economic injustice and two longtime advocates on the Council’s board have been chosen to receive the North Carolina Council of Churches’ highest honors. Gene Nichol will receive the Faith Active in Public Life Award. Barbara Volk and Sydnor Thompson II will be recognized with Distinguished Service awards. All three will be presented at the […]

Lectionary: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients (4th Sunday after Easter)

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday after Easter - April 21, 2013
Topic: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-43

From the pastoral reflection: “Today, the reality is that HIV looks like all of us – regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. The epidemic is growing most rapidly, however, among minorities who have historically experienced a higher risk for poverty, lack of health insurance, co-morbidity, and disenfranchisement from the health care system. The result is a growing number of individuals living with HIV disease who are living at or below the federal poverty level and who have limited or no access to life-saving, life-extending medications."

Lectionary: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients (4th Sunday after Easter)

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday after Easter – April 21, 2013
Topic: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-43

From the pastoral reflection: “Today, the reality is that HIV looks like all of us – regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. The epidemic is growing most rapidly, however, among minorities who have historically experienced a higher risk for poverty, lack of health insurance, co-morbidity, and disenfranchisement from the health care system. The result is a growing number of individuals living with HIV disease who are living at or below the federal poverty level and who have limited or no access to life-saving, life-extending medications.”

Affordable Care Act’s Third Anniversary — A Reason to Celebrate

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On March 23, the Affordable Care Act celebrated its third anniversary. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported universal health care, and we remain committed to that goal and to celebrating the progress made through ACA. Our friends at Faithful Reform in Health Care have offered a number of ways to recognize this […]

Affordable Care Act’s Third Anniversary — A Reason to Celebrate

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On March 23, the Affordable Care Act celebrated its third anniversary. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported universal health care, and we remain committed to that goal and to celebrating the progress made through ACA. Our friends at Faithful Reform in Health Care have offered a number of ways to recognize this […]

A Step in the Right Direction: NC Drops Offensive Pink Driver’s License Stripe

By chris

Facing mounting criticism both statewide and nationally, the NC Department of Transportation has backed off from the now-infamous "pink stripe" design for driver's licenses that will be issued to young immigrants. The original pink design, which was an administrative decision made behind closed doors, ended up receiving national media coverage, including major outlets like USA Today, Reuters and the NY Times. The redesigned licenses will retain the problematic wording: "Legal Presence / No Lawful Status."

Dozens of faith communities and religious leaders from across theological traditions weighed in against the controversial license.

A Step in the Right Direction: NC Drops Offensive Pink Driver’s License Stripe

by chris

Facing mounting criticism both statewide and nationally, the NC Department of Transportation has backed off from the now-infamous “pink stripe” design for driver’s licenses that will be issued to young immigrants. The original pink design, which was an administrative decision made behind closed doors, ended up receiving national media coverage, including major outlets like USA Today, Reuters and the NY Times. The redesigned licenses will retain the problematic wording: “Legal Presence / No Lawful Status.”

Dozens of faith communities and religious leaders from across theological traditions weighed in against the controversial license.

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From the Easter Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 5:9-12 (NRSV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are […]

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

From the Easter Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 5:9-12 (NRSV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are […]

Got Food? Thank a Farmworker During Holy Week

By chris

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that the week in which we celebrate Jesus’ service and sacrifice for humanity is the same week that we celebrate the extraordinary gifts that farmworkers offer to our communities. As we prepare to celebrate Holy Week, we invite you to celebrate the many vital contributions that farmworkers make to our state. Join with faith communities, student groups, community organizations and many others who are taking this opportunity to lift up those who do some of the hardest work for the lowest pay.

Got Food? Thank a Farmworker During Holy Week

by chris

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that the week in which we celebrate Jesus’ service and sacrifice for humanity is the same week that we celebrate the extraordinary gifts that farmworkers offer to our communities. As we prepare to celebrate Holy Week, we invite you to celebrate the many vital contributions that farmworkers make to our state. Join with faith communities, student groups, community organizations and many others who are taking this opportunity to lift up those who do some of the hardest work for the lowest pay.

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 5 (Diversity)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 5 (Diversity)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Gun bills that extend the availability and use of guns flood the General Assembly.

Raleigh Report-Gun Bills Flood In

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Gun bills that extend the availability and use of guns flood the General Assembly.

Earth Day Weekend: Events and Resources for Congregations

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Earth Day weekend is the perfect time to direct attention, prayer, and action to Caring for Creation. This year, Earth Day is Monday, April 22. Visit NCIPL’s Earth Day webpage for resources your congregation can use to honor Earth Day, events occurring across the state, and details on how you can share your plans.

Earth Day Weekend: Events and Resources for Congregations

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Earth Day weekend is the perfect time to direct attention, prayer, and action to Caring for Creation. This year, Earth Day is Monday, April 22. Visit NCIPL’s Earth Day webpage for resources your congregation can use to honor Earth Day, events occurring across the state, and details on how you can share your plans.

NCIPL Energy Audit “How To” Webinar Recording Online

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

NCIPL hosted a webinar on how your congregation can obtain a free energy savings analysis (also known as an energy audit) on March 12. The recording of the webinar is now online. This service is offered to all North Carolina congregations at no charge. Share the webinar with others at your congregation and contact us at info@ncipl.org to schedule your congregation’s audit today.

NCIPL Energy Audit “How To” Webinar Recording Online

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

NCIPL hosted a webinar on how your congregation can obtain a free energy savings analysis (also known as an energy audit) on March 12. The recording of the webinar is now online. This service is offered to all North Carolina congregations at no charge. Share the webinar with others at your congregation and contact us at info@ncipl.org to schedule your congregation’s audit today.

Putting a Face on Legislation

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our state and nation are in a time of civil discord. My own preacher, the Rev. Betty Connette, challenged us a few weeks ago to be Citizens of Heaven and to live out a different set of values patterned after Jesus not Caesar…to serve others rather than lord it over them. Our voices are sorely needed […]

Putting a Face on Legislation

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Our state and nation are in a time of civil discord. My own preacher, the Rev. Betty Connette, challenged us a few weeks ago to be Citizens of Heaven and to live out a different set of values patterned after Jesus not Caesar…to serve others rather than lord it over them. Our voices are sorely needed […]

Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The folks at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have called House Bill 17 a “Recipe for Disaster.” That about sums it up. This is the bill that would allow anyone with a concealed carry permit for a handgun to take that weapon into eating establishments, including those serving alcohol. That’s a boost for drinkers and diners who enjoy […]

Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The folks at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have called House Bill 17 a “Recipe for Disaster.” That about sums it up. This is the bill that would allow anyone with a concealed carry permit for a handgun to take that weapon into eating establishments, including those serving alcohol. That’s a boost for drinkers and diners who enjoy […]

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

From the Palm Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 (NRSV) And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount […]

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

From the Palm Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 (NRSV) And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not end on urban streets in a hail of bullets. We wouldn’t need to parse the difference between automatic and semi-automatic. Just as taking away guns does not inherently make us safe from harm, we need to move beyond the lie […]

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not end on urban streets in a hail of bullets. We wouldn’t need to parse the difference between automatic and semi-automatic. Just as taking away guns does not inherently make us safe from harm, we need to move beyond the lie […]

Preparing the Way: Let the Oppressed Go Free

By chris

From Chapter 5 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:14-15 (NRSV) You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who […]

Preparing the Way: Let the Oppressed Go Free

by chris

From Chapter 5 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:14-15 (NRSV) You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who […]

Online Community for Faithful Climate-Change Activists

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Are you interested in what other faith-based communities are doing in terms of climate change? Do you want to invite them to your events? Do you have questions that others might be able to answer, such as how they started their congregational garden or what they do in terms of recycling? NCIPL is creating a […]

Online Community for Faithful Climate-Change Activists

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Are you interested in what other faith-based communities are doing in terms of climate change? Do you want to invite them to your events? Do you have questions that others might be able to answer, such as how they started their congregational garden or what they do in terms of recycling? NCIPL is creating a […]

Join the “Pink Tape Protest” Against Discriminatory Licenses

By chris

Young immigrants are about to be singled out by a radical new pink driver's license with the words "NO LAWFUL STATUS" on it. Learn more, sign the statement, and fight discrimination here.

Join the “Pink Tape Protest” Against Discriminatory Licenses

by chris

Young immigrants are about to be singled out by a radical new pink driver’s license with the words “NO LAWFUL STATUS” on it. Learn more, sign the statement, and fight discrimination here.

Preparing the Way: Nourishing God’s Children, Body and Soul

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

From Chapter 4 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 7:9-10 (NRSV) “Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give him a […]

Preparing the Way: Nourishing God’s Children, Body and Soul

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

From Chapter 4 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 7:9-10 (NRSV) “Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give him a […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 3 (Enough)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 3 (Enough)

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

The Table Was Packed

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is awesome how many people spend their days thinking of ways to make this world better. I was reminded of this during the latest Come to the Table Conferences. Both Kinston and Greensboro, the two locations for the Eastern NC and the Piedmont conferences respectively, brought together people of faith who love seeking justice. Both […]

The Table Was Packed

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is awesome how many people spend their days thinking of ways to make this world better. I was reminded of this during the latest Come to the Table Conferences. Both Kinston and Greensboro, the two locations for the Eastern NC and the Piedmont conferences respectively, brought together people of faith who love seeking justice. Both […]

Preparing the Way: Who Is Our Neighbor?

By chris

From Chapter 3 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV) Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus… [And] wanting to justify himself, he asked […]

Preparing the Way: Who Is Our Neighbor?

by chris

From Chapter 3 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV) Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus… [And] wanting to justify himself, he asked […]

Healthy Eating Equipment Grants

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The NC Council of Churches is partnering with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation to offer healthy eating equipment grants for places of worship in Anson, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Scotland, Stokes, and Surry counties. Places of worship that have a 501 (c)(3) public […]

Healthy Eating Equipment Grants

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The NC Council of Churches is partnering with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation to offer healthy eating equipment grants for places of worship in Anson, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Scotland, Stokes, and Surry counties. Places of worship that have a 501 (c)(3) public […]

Sí, se puede: Celebrating Holy Week & National Farmworker Awareness Week

By chris

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that the week in which we celebrate Jesus’ service and sacrifice for humanity is the same week that we celebrate the extraordinary gifts that farmworkers offer to our communities. It’s a time when we both remember and look for hope […]

Sí, se puede: Celebrating Holy Week & National Farmworker Awareness Week

by chris

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that the week in which we celebrate Jesus’ service and sacrifice for humanity is the same week that we celebrate the extraordinary gifts that farmworkers offer to our communities. It’s a time when we both remember and look for hope […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 2 (Creation)

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining us for week 2 of the PHW Book Club! We hope you enjoyed reading week 2 of the Eating Well Curriculum! We are going to focus on reading these well-known Biblical passages through the lens of the food that we eat. Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:4 The story of creation is beloved and familiar. […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 2 (Creation)

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining us for week 2 of the PHW Book Club! We hope you enjoyed reading week 2 of the Eating Well Curriculum! We are going to focus on reading these well-known Biblical passages through the lens of the food that we eat. Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:4 The story of creation is beloved and familiar. […]

New Movie Series Comes to Charlotte

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Monthly climate change action and education movie series have been popping up all over the state. NCIPL is pleased to announce that another movie series begins this month in Charlotte. “Speaking Truth to Power: The Justice Series” is co-sponsored by the Spiritual Activist Group at Unity of Charlotte, Charlotte Energy Solutions, and NCIPL. Discussion, with a […]

New Movie Series Comes to Charlotte

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Monthly climate change action and education movie series have been popping up all over the state. NCIPL is pleased to announce that another movie series begins this month in Charlotte. “Speaking Truth to Power: The Justice Series” is co-sponsored by the Spiritual Activist Group at Unity of Charlotte, Charlotte Energy Solutions, and NCIPL. Discussion, with a […]

PHW Funding Opportunity – Webinar Posted

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness, in partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation, recently conducted a webinar for places of worship interested in the new Healthy Eating Equipment grants. Please click here to access the webinar slides, audio and application forms. These grants are designed to support congregations in your efforts to […]

PHW Funding Opportunity – Webinar Posted

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness, in partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation, recently conducted a webinar for places of worship interested in the new Healthy Eating Equipment grants. Please click here to access the webinar slides, audio and application forms. These grants are designed to support congregations in your efforts to […]

Upcoming Webinar- Congregational Energy Savings Analyses

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

If you are interested in reducing your congregation’s utility bills, increasing your congregation’s efforts to care for creation, and taking a positive action in response to climate change, we invite you to participate in NCIPL’s upcoming webinar, How to Obtain a Free NCIPL Energy Savings Analysis for your Congregation. The webinar will be on Tuesday, […]

Upcoming Webinar- Congregational Energy Savings Analyses

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

If you are interested in reducing your congregation’s utility bills, increasing your congregation’s efforts to care for creation, and taking a positive action in response to climate change, we invite you to participate in NCIPL’s upcoming webinar, How to Obtain a Free NCIPL Energy Savings Analysis for your Congregation. The webinar will be on Tuesday, […]

Stories That Lean Toward Liberation: My Discussion with Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve

By Scott Schomburg, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Exploring the power of witness in the midst of a raging immigration debate, Scott Schomburg reflects on his experience interviewing Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve, pastor of Iglesia Hispana Emanuel in Durham, NC.

Stories That Lean Toward Liberation: My Discussion with Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve

by Scott Schomburg, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Exploring the power of witness in the midst of a raging immigration debate, Scott Schomburg reflects on his experience interviewing Rev. Julio Ramirez-Eve, pastor of Iglesia Hispana Emanuel in Durham, NC.

Protect the Vulnerable Against Federal Cuts

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

On March 1, new federal cuts will begin to take effect. If nothing is done, many hundreds of thousands of people will be hurt by across-the-board cuts to education, job training, home heating assistance, public health, and social services, to name only a few areas. In NC, 18,300 children and mothers would lose WIC nutrition aid […]

Protect the Vulnerable Against Federal Cuts

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

On March 1, new federal cuts will begin to take effect. If nothing is done, many hundreds of thousands of people will be hurt by across-the-board cuts to education, job training, home heating assistance, public health, and social services, to name only a few areas. In NC, 18,300 children and mothers would lose WIC nutrition aid […]