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Council Voices

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Eight

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Eight

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Passing of Bishop Gossman

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Bishop Joseph Gossman, who died yesterday, was a great friend of the North Carolina Council of Churches. He led the Diocese of Raleigh into full membership in the Council in 1977, when Catholic membership in ecumenical organizations was very unusual. He supported our work for social justice as he believed strongly in Jesus’ call to […]

Passing of Bishop Gossman

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Bishop Joseph Gossman, who died yesterday, was a great friend of the North Carolina Council of Churches. He led the Diocese of Raleigh into full membership in the Council in 1977, when Catholic membership in ecumenical organizations was very unusual. He supported our work for social justice as he believed strongly in Jesus’ call to […]

Elections bill: Return to senders

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory has said he’ll soon dispose of the 30 or so bills remaining on his desk following the General Assembly’s July 26 adjournment. He can either sign them into law, let them become law without his signature or veto them. Will the Republican governor take a hint from Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper […]

Elections bill: Return to senders

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory has said he’ll soon dispose of the 30 or so bills remaining on his desk following the General Assembly’s July 26 adjournment. He can either sign them into law, let them become law without his signature or veto them. Will the Republican governor take a hint from Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper […]

Worship Resources on Mental Health Care

By chris

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

Worship Resources on Mental Health Care

by chris

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

Congregations and Coal: Faith and the Riverbend Coal Plant

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

I travelled to the River Bend Coal Power Plant just outside of Charlotte to attend a press conference for the release of “Closing the Floodgates: How the Coal Industry is Poisoning our Water and How We can Stop It”. This extensive report, written as a collaboration between the Sierra Club, Waterkeeper Alliance, Clean Water Action, […]

Congregations and Coal: Faith and the Riverbend Coal Plant

by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

I travelled to the River Bend Coal Power Plant just outside of Charlotte to attend a press conference for the release of “Closing the Floodgates: How the Coal Industry is Poisoning our Water and How We can Stop It”. This extensive report, written as a collaboration between the Sierra Club, Waterkeeper Alliance, Clean Water Action, […]

Affordable Care Act — Get Informed, Get Covered

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Those who do not have health insurance can begin to enroll through the Affordable Care Act on October 1, and the Council is one of many organizations working to help folks understand their benefits and options. Get Covered America has just released some excellent information about the ACA and eligibility, including statistics specific to North […]

Affordable Care Act — Get Informed, Get Covered

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Those who do not have health insurance can begin to enroll through the Affordable Care Act on October 1, and the Council is one of many organizations working to help folks understand their benefits and options. Get Covered America has just released some excellent information about the ACA and eligibility, including statistics specific to North […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Seven

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Seven

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

New Bulletin Inserts in Support of Immigration Reform

By chris

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

New Bulletin Inserts in Support of Immigration Reform

by chris

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

Healthy Communities, Healthy Churches Summit

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness is co-sponsoring a Healthy Communities, Healthy Churches Summit on Saturday, September 7 from 10am-3pm in New Bern (Christ Episcopal Ministry Center, 311 Middle Street). The Summit will provide information on local health initiatives, funding opportunities for faith-based organizations, as well as information on the upcoming Affordable Care Act. Other participating […]

Healthy Communities, Healthy Churches Summit

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness is co-sponsoring a Healthy Communities, Healthy Churches Summit on Saturday, September 7 from 10am-3pm in New Bern (Christ Episcopal Ministry Center, 311 Middle Street). The Summit will provide information on local health initiatives, funding opportunities for faith-based organizations, as well as information on the upcoming Affordable Care Act. Other participating […]

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Salon

Every week prayers and gospel songs infuse the air and participants offer blessings to the latest batch of 100 or so activists entering the Raleigh General Assembly building to commit civil disobedience. If you’re not from here, it may all seem a little counter-intuitive: A movement for inclusive and just secular governance that is deeply inflected with Christian ethics and arguments.

The Liberal Protest that Would Shock the Right: Moral Monday

Salon

Every week prayers and gospel songs infuse the air and participants offer blessings to the latest batch of 100 or so activists entering the Raleigh General Assembly building to commit civil disobedience. If you’re not from here, it may all seem a little counter-intuitive: A movement for inclusive and just secular governance that is deeply inflected with Christian ethics and arguments.

Prejudice Against the Poor

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Bob Seymour, minister emeritus of Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, recently provided a powerful commentary in the News & Observer on how society views some of the most vulnerable among us. Binkley is a member congregation of the Council. He wrote in part: Whatever the case, in our free society there is a tendency for many […]

Prejudice Against the Poor

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Bob Seymour, minister emeritus of Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, recently provided a powerful commentary in the News & Observer on how society views some of the most vulnerable among us. Binkley is a member congregation of the Council. He wrote in part: Whatever the case, in our free society there is a tendency for many […]

Three for the Governor’s ‘No’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Gov. Pat McCrory goes along with the General Assembly’s partial “disassembly” of state environmental rules – and if North Carolina loses significant ground in the battle against pollution, as likely would be the case – he won’t be able to say he wasn’t warned. Fourteen of the state’s environmental groups have teamed up with […]

Three for the Governor’s ‘No’

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Gov. Pat McCrory goes along with the General Assembly’s partial “disassembly” of state environmental rules – and if North Carolina loses significant ground in the battle against pollution, as likely would be the case – he won’t be able to say he wasn’t warned. Fourteen of the state’s environmental groups have teamed up with […]

Fred Bahnson: On Food & Faith in the Washington Post

By chris

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

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

Fred Bahnson: On Food & Faith in the Washington Post

by chris

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

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

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Six

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Six

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Short Rations for Schools

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding in its commitment to public education, who could blame them? Teachers, many of them wearing distinctive red t-shirts, helped swell the crowd of several thousand at the July 29 “Moral Monday” protest in downtown Raleigh – the largest gathering […]

Short Rations for Schools

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding in its commitment to public education, who could blame them? Teachers, many of them wearing distinctive red t-shirts, helped swell the crowd of several thousand at the July 29 “Moral Monday” protest in downtown Raleigh – the largest gathering […]

Recent Poll Shows North Carolinians Want More Clean Energy

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Most North Carolinians oppose fracking, favor clean energy and think current regulations are sufficient or should be stronger. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released the North Carolina poll results on July 15, 2013. “From the mountains to the beaches, it’s clear that North Carolinians take special pride in their state, and see state environmental safeguards as protecting our heritage and ensuring that our children can enjoy this place we know and love,” said NRDC senior attorney Luis Martinez, who is based in Asheville. Among the poll’s key findings: 61% say state environmental standards and regulatory standards do more good than [...]

The post Recent Poll Shows North Carolinians Want More Clean Energy appeared first on North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light.

Recent Poll Shows North Carolinians Want More Clean Energy

by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Most North Carolinians oppose fracking, favor clean energy and think current regulations are sufficient or should be stronger. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released the North Carolina poll results on July 15, 2013. “From the mountains to the beaches, it’s clear that North Carolinians take special pride in their state, and see state environmental safeguards as protecting our heritage and ensuring that our children can enjoy this place we know and love,” said NRDC senior attorney Luis Martinez, who is based in Asheville. Among the poll’s key findings: 61% say state environmental standards and regulatory standards do more good than […]

The post Recent Poll Shows North Carolinians Want More Clean Energy appeared first on North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light.

Feed My Sheep: Healthy Food Pantry Workshop

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Many churches highlight feeding ministries and fighting hunger as one of their most important and holy missions, taking very seriously the call of Jesus to feed his sheep, as he commands Peter in John’s Gospel. We also know that Jesus said when we clothe, feed, visit and welcome the least of these we are doing it […]

Feed My Sheep: Healthy Food Pantry Workshop

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Many churches highlight feeding ministries and fighting hunger as one of their most important and holy missions, taking very seriously the call of Jesus to feed his sheep, as he commands Peter in John’s Gospel. We also know that Jesus said when we clothe, feed, visit and welcome the least of these we are doing it […]

Immigration and the Body of Christ

By chris

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

Immigration and the Body of Christ

by chris

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

More Damage as Session Ends

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The General Assembly has adjourned its 2013 session after a final cascade of disappointing and disturbing bills that now await review by Gov. Pat McCrory. Among the bills approved are ones that will make it less convenient for many citizens to vote and that weaken regulatory oversight of the environment. There was at least one bright spot, as the House rejected a last-minute push by the Senate to speed up the environmentally risky natural gas extraction process known as fracking. But on the whole, legislators succeeded in putting the crowning touches on a session devoted to a conservative agenda the likes of which modern North Carolina has never before seen.

More Damage as Session Ends

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The General Assembly has adjourned its 2013 session after a final cascade of disappointing and disturbing bills that now await review by Gov. Pat McCrory. Among the bills approved are ones that will make it less convenient for many citizens to vote and that weaken regulatory oversight of the environment.

There was at least one bright spot, as the House rejected a last-minute push by the Senate to speed up the environmentally risky natural gas extraction process known as fracking. But on the whole, legislators succeeded in putting the crowning touches on a session devoted to a conservative agenda the likes of which modern North Carolina has never before seen.

Help NC Farmworkers Participate in Democracy

By chris

Every four years the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) holds its National Convention, and this year it will be here in North Carolina on October 4th-5th. FLOC is both a social movement and a labor union that works to challenge the deplorable conditions of the broader workforce that remains voiceless, powerless, and invisible to mainstream America. To […]

Help NC Farmworkers Participate in Democracy

by chris

Every four years the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) holds its National Convention, and this year it will be here in North Carolina on October 4th-5th. FLOC is both a social movement and a labor union that works to challenge the deplorable conditions of the broader workforce that remains voiceless, powerless, and invisible to mainstream America. To […]

PHW Success Story – Sparta Presbyterian Church, Sparta

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

Our future PHW program is aimed toward achieving Gold Certification. As we uphold our Silver Certification we will continue to provide worship bulletin inserts on health. Also, healthy potluck lunches will be pursued and healthy snacks for children will be maintained. We have collected a set of recipes from our first healthy potluck luncheon for […]

PHW Success Story – Sparta Presbyterian Church, Sparta

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

Our future PHW program is aimed toward achieving Gold Certification. As we uphold our Silver Certification we will continue to provide worship bulletin inserts on health. Also, healthy potluck lunches will be pursued and healthy snacks for children will be maintained. We have collected a set of recipes from our first healthy potluck luncheon for […]

In the Shadows of Riverbend

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Across the street, a small, unassuming, idyllic Catholic church faces the Duke Power Riverbend Coal Plant at the center of litigation and outrage in response to consistent pollution and lack of effective coal ash pond treatment. For a new intern at NCIPL, the physicalized contrast contained powerful irony that drove home the nature of our relationship as faithful North Carolinians with utility companies; we will always be living side by side. While utilities provide us the basic comforts of modern life, we see the destructive nature of their work and feel called to act and react against it. Such was [...]

The post In the Shadows of Riverbend appeared first on North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light.

In the Shadows of Riverbend

by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Across the street, a small, unassuming, idyllic Catholic church faces the Duke Power Riverbend Coal Plant at the center of litigation and outrage in response to consistent pollution and lack of effective coal ash pond treatment. For a new intern at NCIPL, the physicalized contrast contained powerful irony that drove home the nature of our relationship as faithful North Carolinians with utility companies; we will always be living side by side. While utilities provide us the basic comforts of modern life, we see the destructive nature of their work and feel called to act and react against it. Such was […]

The post In the Shadows of Riverbend appeared first on North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light.

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Five

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Five

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Voter ID: We Get the Picture

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Democracy can become a farce if the rules by which votes are cast are skewed so that the voices of some citizens are muffled. That is the troubling prospect facing North Carolina as legislators move to require would-be voters to show photo identification and to trim the period for early voting. At the same time, […]

Voter ID: We Get the Picture

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Democracy can become a farce if the rules by which votes are cast are skewed so that the voices of some citizens are muffled. That is the troubling prospect facing North Carolina as legislators move to require would-be voters to show photo identification and to trim the period for early voting. At the same time, […]

Fighting for Farmworkers: Baldemar Velásquez talks with Bill Moyers

By chris

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

Fighting for Farmworkers: Baldemar Velásquez talks with Bill Moyers

by chris

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

Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We will never know if George Zimmerman would ever have gotten out of his car if he hadn’t had a gun. We do know that countless children of God have died in the last year alone because of gun violence. More guns and easier access to them do not inherently make us safer. Gail Neely […]

Call Legislative Leaders About Gun Measures

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We will never know if George Zimmerman would ever have gotten out of his car if he hadn’t had a gun. We do know that countless children of God have died in the last year alone because of gun violence. More guns and easier access to them do not inherently make us safer. Gail Neely […]

Lectionary: Hunger (Proper 16)

By chris

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

Lectionary: Hunger (Proper 16)

by chris

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

Squeeze on Education Spending

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A budget to carry North Carolina state government through the next two years is poised for approval in the General Assembly. It represents a triumph of diminished expectations. That is not because less money would be spent than if appropriations continued at currently authorized levels. In fact, spending would rise slightly – from $20.2 billion […]

Squeeze on Education Spending

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A budget to carry North Carolina state government through the next two years is poised for approval in the General Assembly. It represents a triumph of diminished expectations. That is not because less money would be spent than if appropriations continued at currently authorized levels. In fact, spending would rise slightly – from $20.2 billion […]

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

By chris

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, Action for Children-NC, The Covenant with North Carolina’s Children, NAACP-NC, the North Carolina Justice Center, and Southern Coalition for Social Justice, has created a new resource focused on the intersection of religion and North Carolina public […]

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

by chris

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, Action for Children-NC, The Covenant with North Carolina’s Children, NAACP-NC, the North Carolina Justice Center, and Southern Coalition for Social Justice, has created a new resource focused on the intersection of religion and North Carolina public […]

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

By chris

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, NAACP-NC, and Southern Coalition for Social Justice, has created a new resource focused on the intersection of religion and constitutional law. This free booklet is sponsored by the above organizations and intended for government […]

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

by chris

Click here to download now. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, NAACP-NC, and Southern Coalition for Social Justice, has created a new resource focused on the intersection of religion and constitutional law. This free booklet is sponsored by the above organizations and intended for government […]

Social Service Groups to Enroll NC Residents for Subsidized Insurance

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

Raleigh News & Observer

They plan to fan out across the state visiting community centers, school gyms, churches, libraries, waiting rooms and shopping centers. Their goal: Sign up as many North Carolina residents as possible for subsidized insurance under the nation’s health care law.

Social Service Groups to Enroll NC Residents for Subsidized Insurance

Raleigh News & Observer

They plan to fan out across the state visiting community centers, school gyms, churches, libraries, waiting rooms and shopping centers. Their goal: Sign up as many North Carolina residents as possible for subsidized insurance under the nation’s health care law.

Voter ID Showdown Looms

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the end of the 2013 legislative session in sight, Republicans in the General Assembly are making a final push to adopt photo identification as a requirement for voting. The Senate Rules Committee is expected early next week to consider a revised and in some respects toughened version of a voter ID bill that passed […]

Voter ID Showdown Looms

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the end of the 2013 legislative session in sight, Republicans in the General Assembly are making a final push to adopt photo identification as a requirement for voting. The Senate Rules Committee is expected early next week to consider a revised and in some respects toughened version of a voter ID bill that passed […]

North Carolina supports immigration reform

Immigration Reform Depends on the House of Representatives – and You

By chris

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

Immigration Reform Depends on the House of Representatives – and You

by chris

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

Medicare Turns 48 on July 30

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Dozens of organizations across the country are planning events to celebrate Medicare on or around the program’s 48th birthday on July 30. The North Carolina Council of Churches is among groups that have long advocated for health care for all God’s children. Find an event in your area or get the tool kit to plan […]

Medicare Turns 48 on July 30

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Dozens of organizations across the country are planning events to celebrate Medicare on or around the program’s 48th birthday on July 30. The North Carolina Council of Churches is among groups that have long advocated for health care for all God’s children. Find an event in your area or get the tool kit to plan […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Four

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Four

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Lectionary: Materialism & Consumerism (Proper 13)

By chris

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

Lectionary: Materialism & Consumerism (Proper 13)

by chris

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

Tax Cuts Take Shape

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It could be said that the elephant – symbol of the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly and governor’s office -- has labored and brought forth a mouse. But this is a mouse with sharp teeth. After weeks of effort, the legislature’s Republican majorities and Gov. Pat McCrory have agreed on a spate of changes to the state’s tax laws centered on cuts in personal and corporate income taxes. The cuts aren’t as deep as some conservatives wanted. Still, they will sap revenues that finance the entire portfolio of state programs and services.

Tax Cuts Take Shape

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It could be said that the elephant – symbol of the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly and governor’s office — has labored and brought forth a mouse. But this is a mouse with sharp teeth.

After weeks of effort, the legislature’s Republican majorities and Gov. Pat McCrory have agreed on a spate of changes to the state’s tax laws centered on cuts in personal and corporate income taxes. The cuts aren’t as deep as some conservatives wanted. Still, they will sap revenues that finance the entire portfolio of state programs and services.

How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The News & Observer

These are difficult times. We pray that our lawmakers and governor will demonstrate compassion for our fellow North Carolinians who need food, clothing, health care and shelter and for the many charitable nonprofit organizations that provide this support.

How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets

The News & Observer

These are difficult times. We pray that our lawmakers and governor will demonstrate compassion for our fellow North Carolinians who need food, clothing, health care and shelter and for the many charitable nonprofit organizations that provide this support.

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the articles is by Peter Carman, pastor of Binkley Baptist Church, a Council member congregation. Alliance of Baptists: ‘Not One Step Back’: Moral Mondays in Raleigh, […]

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the articles is by Peter Carman, pastor of Binkley Baptist Church, a Council member congregation. Alliance of Baptists: ‘Not One Step Back’: Moral Mondays in Raleigh, […]

Lines in the Wind

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina Republican legislators seem to be a little conflicted when it comes to their opinion of the federal Voting Rights Act. How many of them would disagree with the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority and allow the Act to continue to be enforced as Congress intended? It’s a fair bet, not many. But when […]

Lines in the Wind

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina Republican legislators seem to be a little conflicted when it comes to their opinion of the federal Voting Rights Act. How many of them would disagree with the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority and allow the Act to continue to be enforced as Congress intended? It’s a fair bet, not many. But when […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Three

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Three

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though brief, report on Moral Mondays, taking the word of North Carolina’s protest movement to a national audience. Council Communications Director Aleta Payne and I met […]

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though brief, report on Moral Mondays, taking the word of North Carolina’s protest movement to a national audience. Council Communications Director Aleta Payne and I met […]

Laurinburg Presbyterian Lets People Grow Food on its Property

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

The Fayetteville Observer

Sam Thompson was looking for a sunny spot to plant tomatoes. He ended up leading an award-winning community revolution. Thompson, an elder at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, pitched the idea of a community garden to the church six years ago. What began as a creative use for otherwise empty church property was recently awarded an equipment grant by the North Carolina Council of Churches and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. "We're using the grant funds to dig a well," Thompson said. "Wouldn't you know this would be the wettest June in years."

Laurinburg Presbyterian Lets People Grow Food on its Property

The Fayetteville Observer

Sam Thompson was looking for a sunny spot to plant tomatoes. He ended up leading an award-winning community revolution. Thompson, an elder at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, pitched the idea of a community garden to the church six years ago. What began as a creative use for otherwise empty church property was recently awarded an equipment grant by the North Carolina Council of Churches and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. “We’re using the grant funds to dig a well,” Thompson said. “Wouldn’t you know this would be the wettest June in years.”

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Two

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Two

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 Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Congregations Around NC Host “Prayers for a Pathway” Vigils

By chris

People of faith from across North Carolina are invited to gather at houses of worship on Tuesday night at 7pm to pray for comprehensive immigration reform. Faith leaders will lead prayers for immigrant families and North Carolina’s elected officials – including all NC members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Tuesday’s prayer vigils come at […]

Congregations Around NC Host “Prayers for a Pathway” Vigils

by chris

People of faith from across North Carolina are invited to gather at houses of worship on Tuesday night at 7pm to pray for comprehensive immigration reform. Faith leaders will lead prayers for immigrant families and North Carolina’s elected officials – including all NC members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Tuesday’s prayer vigils come at […]

President’s Climate Action Plan Could Increase Air Quality and Business for NC

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The President’s newly announced climate action plan calls for more funding for clean energy and limiting carbon emissions for new and existing power plants. This is good news for us here in North Carolina. According to the Center for American Progress, 61% of NC residents breathe dangerous levels of smog.  And in 2012, North Carolina […]

President’s Climate Action Plan Could Increase Air Quality and Business for NC

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The President’s newly announced climate action plan calls for more funding for clean energy and limiting carbon emissions for new and existing power plants. This is good news for us here in North Carolina. According to the Center for American Progress, 61% of NC residents breathe dangerous levels of smog.  And in 2012, North Carolina […]

UCC Divests from Fossil Fuels

By Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

As a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ (UCC), I feel so proud of my denomination’s actions on July1 when the national synod voted to divest from fossil fuels. The United Church of Christ has a tradition of leading in matters of faith and social change. Right here in Warren County, the UCC […]

UCC Divests from Fossil Fuels

by Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

As a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ (UCC), I feel so proud of my denomination’s actions on July1 when the national synod voted to divest from fossil fuels. The United Church of Christ has a tradition of leading in matters of faith and social change. Right here in Warren County, the UCC […]

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

By chris

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

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

by chris

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

Grant to Strengthen Community Garden Program

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

Winston-Salem Chronicle

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation has partnered with the North Carolina Council of Churches to provide grants to faith-based organizations to help them supply healthy eating alternatives to their members and underserved communities. United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church (UMMBC) is one of 20 faith-based organizations that have received a $5,000 Healthy Eating Equipment Grant. The church will use the grant to purchase much needed equipment and supplies to support the 10 gardens that now comprise the S.G. Atkins Community Gardens at Winston-Salem State University.

Grant to Strengthen Community Garden Program

Winston-Salem Chronicle

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation has partnered with the North Carolina Council of Churches to provide grants to faith-based organizations to help them supply healthy eating alternatives to their members and underserved communities.

United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church (UMMBC) is one of 20 faith-based organizations that have received a $5,000 Healthy Eating Equipment Grant. The church will use the grant to purchase much needed equipment and supplies to support the 10 gardens that now comprise the S.G. Atkins Community Gardens at Winston-Salem State University.

Through the Eyes of Faith

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

David Price is a multi-faceted person. In addition to representing the 4th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, he has taught political science and public policy at Duke University. He is also an active and faithful member of Binkley Memorial Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, one of the Council’s eight member congregations. His […]

Through the Eyes of Faith

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

David Price is a multi-faceted person. In addition to representing the 4th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, he has taught political science and public policy at Duke University. He is also an active and faithful member of Binkley Memorial Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, one of the Council’s eight member congregations. His […]

Piney Grove Baptist Ministries Helped with Healthy Eating Equipment Grant

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

Mt. Airy News

Piney Grove Baptist Church’s food ministries recently got a boost from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (BCBSNC) in the form of a $5,000 healthy eating equipment grant. The effort is a partnership between BCBSNC and the North Carolina Council of Churches to provide equipment for 20 faith-based organizations to bring healthier food to their members and communities. More than $90,000 in equipment grants are being used to provide canning and cooking supplies, expand church community gardens and increase storage for fresh produce.

Piney Grove Baptist Ministries Helped with Healthy Eating Equipment Grant

Mt. Airy News

Piney Grove Baptist Church’s food ministries recently got a boost from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (BCBSNC) in the form of a $5,000 healthy eating equipment grant. The effort is a partnership between BCBSNC and the North Carolina Council of Churches to provide equipment for 20 faith-based organizations to bring healthier food to their members and communities. More than $90,000 in equipment grants are being used to provide canning and cooking supplies, expand church community gardens and increase storage for fresh produce.

Tax Cards on the Table

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The saga that North Carolina legislative leaders like to describe as tax reform could be at the beginning of the end. Or is it the end of the beginning? After weeks of jockeying with the House, and with Gov. Pat McCrory sending signals of his own, the Senate now has approved a tax-cutting plan that […]

Tax Cards on the Table

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The saga that North Carolina legislative leaders like to describe as tax reform could be at the beginning of the end. Or is it the end of the beginning? After weeks of jockeying with the House, and with Gov. Pat McCrory sending signals of his own, the Senate now has approved a tax-cutting plan that […]

Let ‘Environment’ Bills Wither

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was a sure bet that the Republican majorities in both houses of the General Assembly, working in tandem with a new Republican governor, would seek this year to cut taxes and reduce government spending. After all, that’s what they campaigned on. Those misguided efforts would shift tax burdens toward citizens who earn less money. […]

Let ‘Environment’ Bills Wither

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was a sure bet that the Republican majorities in both houses of the General Assembly, working in tandem with a new Republican governor, would seek this year to cut taxes and reduce government spending. After all, that’s what they campaigned on. Those misguided efforts would shift tax burdens toward citizens who earn less money. […]

PHW and Community Transformation Grant Unity

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Community Transformation Grant Project is a state-funded initiative designed to promote tobacco-free living, active living, and healthy eating among residents of Anson, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond and Scotland counties. The following appeared in the CTG Region 6 newsletter: Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative of the North Carolina Council […]

PHW and Community Transformation Grant Unity

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Community Transformation Grant Project is a state-funded initiative designed to promote tobacco-free living, active living, and healthy eating among residents of Anson, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond and Scotland counties. The following appeared in the CTG Region 6 newsletter: Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative of the North Carolina Council […]

PHW Success Story – St. Timothy’s Episcopal, Winston-Salem

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

We have been busy growing in health and wholeness at St.Timothy’s! Our biggest venture towards a healthy congregation has been to start a parish garden. The garden has been a dream of the parish for some time, but this year we finally took the risk of getting it started. We are fortunate to have a […]

PHW Success Story – St. Timothy’s Episcopal, Winston-Salem

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

We have been busy growing in health and wholeness at St.Timothy’s! Our biggest venture towards a healthy congregation has been to start a parish garden. The garden has been a dream of the parish for some time, but this year we finally took the risk of getting it started. We are fortunate to have a […]

Reflection on Moral Mondays

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to social mobility and environmental stewardship. The June 18 Moral Monday focused on environmental justice, climate justice, and health care. Protestors throughout the event displayed signs […]

Reflection on Moral Mondays

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to social mobility and environmental stewardship. The June 18 Moral Monday focused on environmental justice, climate justice, and health care. Protestors throughout the event displayed signs […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter One

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, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter One

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, […]

Senate Passes Historic Bipartisan Immigration Reform

By chris

June 28, 2013 — RALEIGH,NC With the U.S. Senate’s passage of S.744 – comprehensive immigration reform – yesterday was a historic day for all North Carolinians. Immigrants are an integral part of the fabric of our communities, our economy, and our state. Passage of this bill at long last moves us toward modernizing our antiquated immigration […]

Senate Passes Historic Bipartisan Immigration Reform

by chris

June 28, 2013 — RALEIGH,NC With the U.S. Senate’s passage of S.744 – comprehensive immigration reform – yesterday was a historic day for all North Carolinians. Immigrants are an integral part of the fabric of our communities, our economy, and our state. Passage of this bill at long last moves us toward modernizing our antiquated immigration […]

We Are Called by Our Faith

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Tuesday, June 25, President Obama spoke of our moral obligation to address climate change on behalf of future generations.  He has not waited for Congress and we should not either. Writing a letter to the editor (LTE) and submitting it to your local newspaper is just one thing we all can do to build […]

We Are Called by Our Faith

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Tuesday, June 25, President Obama spoke of our moral obligation to address climate change on behalf of future generations.  He has not waited for Congress and we should not either. Writing a letter to the editor (LTE) and submitting it to your local newspaper is just one thing we all can do to build […]

Helping Support Healthy Pregnancies — Dinner and Discussion, June 28

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It feels as though I have been pregnant at least eight times. I have two children, ages four and two, whom I care for deeply, and at least nine more that I support in some way or other. In truth, none of those pregnancies was my own, but I believe that when my neighbor is pregnant, I […]

Helping Support Healthy Pregnancies — Dinner and Discussion, June 28

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It feels as though I have been pregnant at least eight times. I have two children, ages four and two, whom I care for deeply, and at least nine more that I support in some way or other. In truth, none of those pregnancies was my own, but I believe that when my neighbor is pregnant, I […]

Closer to Voter ID

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina Republican leaders who were waiting for a signal from the U.S. Supreme Court to forge ahead with a photo ID law for voters have gotten their wish. Sadly, the upshot is likely to be that the pool of low-income, elderly and minority voters will shrink. In partisan terms, that may suit Republican purposes, […]

Closer to Voter ID

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina Republican leaders who were waiting for a signal from the U.S. Supreme Court to forge ahead with a photo ID law for voters have gotten their wish. Sadly, the upshot is likely to be that the pool of low-income, elderly and minority voters will shrink. In partisan terms, that may suit Republican purposes, […]

Punishing the Jobless

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Upwards of 70,000 jobless North Carolinians are about to see their finances go from bad to worse as they lose their unemployment benefits. Those are the benefits that can help families rocked by the Great Recession muddle through, paying the mortgage or the rent, keeping a car in the driveway and food on the table […]

Punishing the Jobless

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Upwards of 70,000 jobless North Carolinians are about to see their finances go from bad to worse as they lose their unemployment benefits. Those are the benefits that can help families rocked by the Great Recession muddle through, paying the mortgage or the rent, keeping a car in the driveway and food on the table […]

Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years ago today, I became a mother—and in these last 35 years, I’ve spent a lot of time with children—as a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and as a friend and neighbor. Currently, I’m a Sunday School teacher of young […]

Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013

by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years ago today, I became a mother—and in these last 35 years, I’ve spent a lot of time with children—as a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and as a friend and neighbor. Currently, I’m a Sunday School teacher of young […]

The Lord’s Mission Pushes On

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Liaison, Sarah Dean, is a dynamic individual who runs a successful health ministry at her church in Anson County.  She applied on behalf of her church, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, for a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthy Eating Equipment Grant. Although they were not one of the grantees, Ms. Dean says, “I do […]

The Lord’s Mission Pushes On

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Liaison, Sarah Dean, is a dynamic individual who runs a successful health ministry at her church in Anson County.  She applied on behalf of her church, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, for a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthy Eating Equipment Grant. Although they were not one of the grantees, Ms. Dean says, “I do […]

The Good News on Hurricanes

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

As we enter into this year’s hurricane season, a recent blog, Building Community Resiliency for Hurricane Season, can give us hope. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy captures the positive side of hurricanes, and all natural disasters for that matter in their blog: The good news is that in spite of their destructive nature, hurricanes […]

The Good News on Hurricanes

by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

As we enter into this year’s hurricane season, a recent blog, Building Community Resiliency for Hurricane Season, can give us hope. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy captures the positive side of hurricanes, and all natural disasters for that matter in their blog: The good news is that in spite of their destructive nature, hurricanes […]

College Students Go Into the Fields

By chris

This summer one of our allies, Student Action with Farmworkers, will again host college students from around the country to participate in their successful internship program called “Into the Fields.” You can hear directly from the students about their experiences at their new blog. Last year, we were privileged to host a SAF intern. Daryn […]

College Students Go Into the Fields

by chris

This summer one of our allies, Student Action with Farmworkers, will again host college students from around the country to participate in their successful internship program called “Into the Fields.” You can hear directly from the students about their experiences at their new blog. Last year, we were privileged to host a SAF intern. Daryn […]

State’s Priorities in Play

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s state government leaders will make some heavy-duty decisions over the next few days. A new state budget is supposed to be in place by July 1, and the Republicans who control both chambers of the General Assembly and the governor’s office take pride in meeting budget deadlines. This year, the process of crafting […]

State’s Priorities in Play

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s state government leaders will make some heavy-duty decisions over the next few days. A new state budget is supposed to be in place by July 1, and the Republicans who control both chambers of the General Assembly and the governor’s office take pride in meeting budget deadlines. This year, the process of crafting […]

David LaMotte: Celebrating Dad’s Day By Taking Mine to Jail

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

David LaMotte, the Council’s Consultant for Peace, celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday with his four-year-old son and 82-year-old dad. David then traveled to Raleigh with his father so that the Rev. Dr. John LaMotte could become one of those arrested at Moral Monday. Having already been arrested in an act of conscience, David explained in […]

David LaMotte: Celebrating Dad’s Day By Taking Mine to Jail

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

David LaMotte, the Council’s Consultant for Peace, celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday with his four-year-old son and 82-year-old dad. David then traveled to Raleigh with his father so that the Rev. Dr. John LaMotte could become one of those arrested at Moral Monday. Having already been arrested in an act of conscience, David explained in […]

PHW Success Story – Shalom Community Christian Church, Greensboro

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

Our church has made a concerted effort to emphasize healthy living to our congregation in several ways. We have partnered with another church in our area to sponsor and host a Health and Wellness fair. We have made a conscious effort to utilize healthier snacks for our youth activities. The health and wellness information we […]

PHW Success Story – Shalom Community Christian Church, Greensboro

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

Our church has made a concerted effort to emphasize healthy living to our congregation in several ways. We have partnered with another church in our area to sponsor and host a Health and Wellness fair. We have made a conscious effort to utilize healthier snacks for our youth activities. The health and wellness information we […]

News & Observer Story Highlights Immigrants’ Generosity

By chris

The questions surrounding immigration policy have sparked an intense debate across the United States and North Carolina. Society remains divided on specific policies, but we also remain divided about some of the even bigger questions. For example, what does it mean to be “American”? Are immigrants generally intruders to be feared or new neighbors to […]

News & Observer Story Highlights Immigrants’ Generosity

by chris

The questions surrounding immigration policy have sparked an intense debate across the United States and North Carolina. Society remains divided on specific policies, but we also remain divided about some of the even bigger questions. For example, what does it mean to be “American”? Are immigrants generally intruders to be feared or new neighbors to […]

Judges and Campaign Cash

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The law setting up the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund is clear about its goals. Chapter 163, Article 22D of the General Statutes aims “to ensure the fairness of democratic elections in North Carolina and to protect the constitutional rights of voters and candidates from the detrimental effects of increasingly large amounts of money being […]

Judges and Campaign Cash

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The law setting up the North Carolina Public Campaign Fund is clear about its goals. Chapter 163, Article 22D of the General Statutes aims “to ensure the fairness of democratic elections in North Carolina and to protect the constitutional rights of voters and candidates from the detrimental effects of increasingly large amounts of money being […]

A State of Urgency

By chris

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

A State of Urgency

by chris

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

Still Accomplishing Great Things

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation announced the grantees for their Healthy Eating Equipment 2013 Cycle. Usually in any contest, you will hear about the proposals and work that the funded grantees are doing in their communities. However, within the same contest, you might not hear about the other applicants and […]

Still Accomplishing Great Things

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation announced the grantees for their Healthy Eating Equipment 2013 Cycle. Usually in any contest, you will hear about the proposals and work that the funded grantees are doing in their communities. However, within the same contest, you might not hear about the other applicants and […]

Marching toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform

By chris

In five or ten years, will we look back to the summer of 2013 as the moment when politicians from both parties stepped up to the plate, demonstrated real bipartisan leadership, and passed the most sweeping comprehensive immigration reform in more than a generation? Or will we look back and shake our heads at what […]

Marching toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform

by chris

In five or ten years, will we look back to the summer of 2013 as the moment when politicians from both parties stepped up to the plate, demonstrated real bipartisan leadership, and passed the most sweeping comprehensive immigration reform in more than a generation? Or will we look back and shake our heads at what […]

Lectionary: Affordable Housing (Proper 8)

By chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

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

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

Lectionary: Affordable Housing (Proper 8)

by chris

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

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

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

Raleigh Report: June 17, 2013

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Tax Reform: Not So Simple A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes and shrink government. With Republicans holding strong […]

Raleigh Report: June 17, 2013

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Tax Reform: Not So Simple A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes and shrink government. With Republicans holding strong […]

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s segregation and treatment of African-American citizens was somehow un-American, un-constitutional, un-Christian. And they could be dismissed (or worse) because they were an “outsider.” So it […]

Moral Mondays Are Home-Grown

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

“Outside agitators.” The very term reminds those of us of a certain age of the Civil Rights Movement, when anybody coming from outside the South to suggest that the South’s segregation and treatment of African-American citizens was somehow un-American, un-constitutional, un-Christian. And they could be dismissed (or worse) because they were an “outsider.” So it […]

PHW Success Story – Greater St. Matthews, Wadesboro

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

Greater St. Matthews has an aerobics class three times a week and offers quarterly nutrition classes. We have also held a fruit and vegetable luncheon to assist with making healthy choices and finding easier ways to include fruits and vegetables with every meal. The healthy recipes were written out and shared with others. This could […]

PHW Success Story – Greater St. Matthews, Wadesboro

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

Greater St. Matthews has an aerobics class three times a week and offers quarterly nutrition classes. We have also held a fruit and vegetable luncheon to assist with making healthy choices and finding easier ways to include fruits and vegetables with every meal. The healthy recipes were written out and shared with others. This could […]

Tax Reform: Not So Simple

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes and shrink government. With Republicans holding strong majorities in both the House […]

Tax Reform: Not So Simple

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes and shrink government. With Republicans holding strong majorities in both the House […]

Letter to Senator Burr Regarding Torture Report

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

While the U.S. does not condone torture, it has become clear that torture has been done by our citizens and in our name. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) has adopted a 6,000-page report on U.S. treatment of detainees in the post-9/11 period and will soon be deciding whether to make this report public. […]

Letter to Senator Burr Regarding Torture Report

by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

While the U.S. does not condone torture, it has become clear that torture has been done by our citizens and in our name. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) has adopted a 6,000-page report on U.S. treatment of detainees in the post-9/11 period and will soon be deciding whether to make this report public. […]

Clergy Letter on Keystone Published in Politico

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

The following letter was sent to NC House members’ Legislative Directors and Energy and Environmental Legislative Assistants: I wanted to be sure that you saw this letter, published as a full page ad in Politico, and signed by over 150 clergy from diverse faith traditions and regions urging the President to reject the Keystone XL […]

Clergy Letter on Keystone Published in Politico

by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

The following letter was sent to NC House members’ Legislative Directors and Energy and Environmental Legislative Assistants: I wanted to be sure that you saw this letter, published as a full page ad in Politico, and signed by over 150 clergy from diverse faith traditions and regions urging the President to reject the Keystone XL […]

Bishop Tonyia Rawls — Why She Chose to Be Arrested at Moral Monday

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

http://youtu.be/76z_kJURad4 Bishop Tonyia Rawls, a member of the NC Council of Churches Governing Board and founding pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, speaks powerfully in this video about why she chose to be arrested at the June 3 Moral Monday protest. Clergy have been encouraged to attend the weekly demonstrations organized by the NC […]

Bishop Tonyia Rawls — Why She Chose to Be Arrested at Moral Monday

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

http://youtu.be/76z_kJURad4 Bishop Tonyia Rawls, a member of the NC Council of Churches Governing Board and founding pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, speaks powerfully in this video about why she chose to be arrested at the June 3 Moral Monday protest. Clergy have been encouraged to attend the weekly demonstrations organized by the NC […]

Get Your Congregation on the Creation Care Map

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out NCIPL’s success story map. The stories you read are diverse in faith, demographics, geography, themes, and approaches. Each congregation responds to climate change in different ways — growing food for parishioners, growing food for neighbors, investing in energy efficiency, installing renewables, hosting educational series, and so on. […]

Get Your Congregation on the Creation Care Map

by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out NCIPL’s success story map. The stories you read are diverse in faith, demographics, geography, themes, and approaches. Each congregation responds to climate change in different ways — growing food for parishioners, growing food for neighbors, investing in energy efficiency, installing renewables, hosting educational series, and so on. […]

NCIPL Director and Volunteer on “Midday Interview” WHQR Radio Show

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Volunteer Ed Ablard and I discussed the work and mission of NCIPL, as well as the wonderful evening Ed organized at his church, St. Paul’s Episcopal. Thank you so much to Ed for arranging this interview; it was a pleasure to be with you and all of our coastal allies this week!

NCIPL Director and Volunteer on “Midday Interview” WHQR Radio Show

by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Volunteer Ed Ablard and I discussed the work and mission of NCIPL, as well as the wonderful evening Ed organized at his church, St. Paul’s Episcopal. Thank you so much to Ed for arranging this interview; it was a pleasure to be with you and all of our coastal allies this week!

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each other, the heads of Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United Methodist judicatories in North Carolina and seven Jewish leaders in the Triangle issued statements […]

Faith Leaders Voice Support for Moral Mondays

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith leaders from across the state and from different traditions continue to speak out in support of Moral Mondays, the weekly NC NAACP-led demonstrations in Raleigh. Within days of each other, the heads of Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United Methodist judicatories in North Carolina and seven Jewish leaders in the Triangle issued statements […]

Carrot-Coconut Bread Pudding

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

My dad has known for quite some time now that I’ve wanted a juicer. This particular weekend visiting my parents was no different from any other weekend, only this time my dad motioned for me to look in his car. He cautiously pointed to a juicer and asked me if I wanted it. He knows […]

Carrot-Coconut Bread Pudding

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

My dad has known for quite some time now that I’ve wanted a juicer. This particular weekend visiting my parents was no different from any other weekend, only this time my dad motioned for me to look in his car. He cautiously pointed to a juicer and asked me if I wanted it. He knows […]

Twenty Congregations Receive Funding to Increase Access to Healthy, Local Foods

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

The North Carolina Council of Churches has partnered with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation to provide more than $90,000 in Healthy Eating Equipment grants to twenty places of worship in our state. These equipment grants will be used to increase access to healthy, local foods – for example, for […]

Twenty Congregations Receive Funding to Increase Access to Healthy, Local Foods

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

The North Carolina Council of Churches has partnered with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation to provide more than $90,000 in Healthy Eating Equipment grants to twenty places of worship in our state. These equipment grants will be used to increase access to healthy, local foods – for example, for […]

Tax Cuts’ Painful Costs

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

“Moral Monday” demonstrators at the General Assembly bring a wide range of grievances. They charge the legislature’s Republican majorities with failing to uphold the interests of North Carolinians who count on robust public education programs as paths out of poverty and doorways to success. They say poor people’s health care needs are being neglected. They […]

Tax Cuts’ Painful Costs

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

“Moral Monday” demonstrators at the General Assembly bring a wide range of grievances. They charge the legislature’s Republican majorities with failing to uphold the interests of North Carolinians who count on robust public education programs as paths out of poverty and doorways to success. They say poor people’s health care needs are being neglected. They […]

Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

A brief summary of significant points in the Senate budget with additional commentary by Steve Ford.

Budget and Taxes Move Front and Center: Raleigh Report, June 7, 2013

by George Reed, Former Executive Director

A brief summary of significant points in the Senate budget with additional commentary by Steve Ford.

Underlying Factors Contributing to Poor Health

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

A person’s health is not only determined by genetics, their level of physical activity or how many fruits and vegetables they consume, but also underlying factors like poverty, education and housing. In North Carolina, we use tier county designations provided by the North Carolina Department of Commerce to signify the economic health of a community. […]

Underlying Factors Contributing to Poor Health

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

A person’s health is not only determined by genetics, their level of physical activity or how many fruits and vegetables they consume, but also underlying factors like poverty, education and housing. In North Carolina, we use tier county designations provided by the North Carolina Department of Commerce to signify the economic health of a community. […]

Through the Eyes of Faith

By chris

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

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

Through the Eyes of Faith

by chris

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

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

Nuns on the Bus Travel Across America for Immigration Reform

By chris

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

Nuns on the Bus Travel Across America for Immigration Reform

by chris

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

Youth Lead the Way to Better Health

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I am so honored to have met Tes Thraves almost three years ago. She is an organizer, a strong supporter of healthy local foods, and practices what she preaches. Her newest colleague, Jesalyn Keziah, and I have also become friends, first through email and recently through several face-to-face encounters. These are the two luminous beings […]

Youth Lead the Way to Better Health

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I am so honored to have met Tes Thraves almost three years ago. She is an organizer, a strong supporter of healthy local foods, and practices what she preaches. Her newest colleague, Jesalyn Keziah, and I have also become friends, first through email and recently through several face-to-face encounters. These are the two luminous beings […]

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, […]