Council News

I sought him dressed in finest clothes, where money talks and status grows; but power and wealth he never chose; It seemed he lived in poverty. I sought him in the safest place, remote from crime or cheap disgrace; but safety never knew his face; It seemed he lived in jeopardy.  I sought him where […]

The Council is excited to hold a shopping event at the Raleigh Ten Thousand Villages. Come visit with Council friends and finish some of your holiday shopping at a store committed to supporting artisans from 38 developing countries. These artisans depend on Ten Thousand Villages to sell their products and share their stories. A portion […]

Today is Giving Tuesday worldwide. Along with encouraging donors to support nonprofits, it’s also a chance for organizations like the Council to show our appreciation. Please know that we are sincerely grateful to all those who have already given to the Council’s fall appeal or to other organizations. You are part of a powerful force sustaining […]

For each new morning with its Light, For rest, & shelter of the night, For health & food, for love & friends For Everything Thy goodness sends. -Ralph Waldo Emerson Blessings of the Thanksgiving Season from the NC Council of Churches Staff and Interns George, Rose, Aleta, Susannah, Joy, Shannon, Jennie, Ashley, Collins, David, Sandy, […]

Members of the NCCC staff are looking forward to visiting Charlotte and Asheville in November and hope our friends there and in neighboring communities will join us for fellowship and conversation. Please come and feel free to bring someone new to the Council! Monday, November 17, Noon-2 p.m. Park Road Baptist Church 3900 Park Road, […]

Revival, Renewal, Resurrection Blessings of Easter from George, Rose, Willona, Aleta, Donna, Susannah, Collins, Joy, Shannon, Marnie, Trinh, Crystal, Sandy, Steve, Lauren, Amanda, and John

Congratulations to Steve Smith for being named as recipient of the 2013 Joseph Branch Professionalism Award, presented by the Wake County Bar Association. Steve is a close personal friend of mine and a friend of the Council of many years’ standing. He and his wife Rachel, a hospital chaplain and pastor, are long-time members and leaders […]

As 2013 draws to a close, the Council welcomes your year-end gift. Donations made online must be received no later than December 31. Those made by check will be counted for 2013 if they are dated on or before December 31 and received in our office by January 10. Our address is 27 HORNE St., Raleigh, […]

Emmanuel Brown baby boy Poor paperless precious Come to save us from ourselves If we will only heed your cries Blessed are you his mother Who ponder all things in your heart Young unwed immigrant God chose you ~Aleta Payne, Christ the King Sunday, 2013 With warmest wishes for a joyous and blessed holiday season […]

The Council is excited to hold a shopping event at the Raleigh Ten Thousand Villages. Come visit with Council friends and finish some of your holiday shopping at a store committed to supporting artisans from 38 developing countries. These artisans depend on Ten Thousand Villages to sell their products and share their stories. A portion […]

This Thanksgiving let those of us who have much and those who have little gather at the welcome table of the Lord. At this blessed feast, may rich and poor alike remember that we are called to serve one another and to walk together in God’s gracious world. With thankful hearts we praise our God […]

The Council staff is taking it on the road, visiting cities across North Carolina in September and October to discuss NCCC programs as well as the most recent legislative session. Please join us when we are near you. RSVPs are encouraged, but not required, so that we can plan for refreshments. Wednesday, September 18, 9-11 […]

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

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

The staff and volunteer program associates of the North Carolina Council of Churches wish you a blessed and peaceful holiday with words by Sr. Evelyn Mattern.

Last week, North Carolina lost a religious leader we hardly knew. Bishop James McCoy had been named back during the summer to be the Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District of the AME Zion Church. He took office here a couple of months ago, was officially installed only a couple of weeks […]

From farmworkers to food; climate change to personal health; immigration to rural life; good government to peace. The North Carolina Council of Churches continues to work toward a time when “the least of these” are recognized and valued as beloved children of God. When elected leaders work together for the common good. When health and […]

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – words by Robert Robinson

We are delighted to welcome Justin Hubbard and Scott Schomburg, the Council’s interns from Duke Divinity School for 2012-2013.

Justin received a Bachelor’s of Individualized Studies in Psychology, Sociology, and International Politics from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. After working for a few years at the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration, he moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Once again this summer, the Council will benefit from the talents of outstanding young people who come to us as interns. In prior years, interns have made a lasting contribution to the mission and work of the Council, and we expect no less from this group. A bit of information about each intern is below […]

Intern and Duke Divinity School student Lisa Talbott learned a lot in her year working on social justice issues with the Council. It was a physical journey, from Alaska to North Carolina, and a spiritual one, as well. Lisa agreed to write the Council’s spring appeal letter because she felt so strongly about her work […]

On April 19, Father Joe Vetter received the Council’s Distinguished Service Award during lunchtime ceremonies at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar.  After Council President Stan Kimer offered the following remarks in presenting the award, Father Joe was greeted with a standing ovation for his years of service. Every year, the North Carolina Council of Churches presents […]

Blessings of the Holiday Season from the staff, program volunteers and interns of the North Carolina Council of Churches:
George, Willona, Tyler, Susannah, Sandy, Rose, Rollin, Richard, Megan, Lisa, Leslie, Kathy, Joy, Donna, David, Collins, Chris, Allison, and Aleta.

The North Carolina Council of Churches has launched its fall appeal.  As Executive Director George Reed points out, the Council’s work has never been stronger. But a combination of the economic downturn and a push for regressive policies means we need your support now more than ever. If you’ve never given to the Council, but […]

The work of the North Carolina Council of Churches goes on year-round, and we appreciate every donation that supports it. We would welcome those who value the Council’s work to consider making an ongoing donation that would provide us with the most reliable stream of income possible. Several of our supporters already do so, including […]

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Our Creator, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine. Mortals, join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began; love […]

     At their December meeting, members of the Council’s Governing Board elected new officers to lead the organization.      Stan Kimer has been elected president. He replaces Jean Rodenbough, a Presbyterian minister from Greensboro. Kimer is a lay leader with St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church in Raleigh and represents the North and South Carolina Network […]

The Council is delighted to welcome two Duke Divinity School interns who will be working on a variety of projects over the course of the school year. “It is always exciting for us to have Duke Div interns helping with the work of the Council,” said Executive Director George Reed. “Their energy and enthusiasm enhance all that we do.”