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Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday

By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Easter Sunday – Colossians 3:1-4 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are […]

Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday

by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Easter Sunday – Colossians 3:1-4 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are […]

Lenten Guide – Good Friday

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Good Friday – Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not […]

Lenten Guide – Good Friday

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Good Friday – Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not […]

Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday

By Vanna Fox, Development Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Maundy Thursday – John 13: 31b-35 Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself […]

Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday

by Vanna Fox, Development Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Maundy Thursday – John 13: 31b-35 Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself […]

Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday

By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately […]

Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday

by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately […]

Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday

By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths […]

Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday

by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths […]

Lenten Guide – Third Sunday

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 4:5-42 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, […]

Lenten Guide – Third Sunday

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 4:5-42 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, […]

Lenten Guide – Second Sunday

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he […]

Lenten Guide – Second Sunday

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he […]

Lenten Guide – First Sunday

By Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came […]

Lenten Guide – First Sunday

by Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came […]

Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 58:1-12 Shout out, do not hold back!Lift up your voice like a trumpet!Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.Yet day after day they seek me and delight […]

Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 58:1-12 Shout out, do not hold back!Lift up your voice like a trumpet!Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.Yet day after day they seek me and delight […]

2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

By North Carolina Council of Churches

God does not look for perfection in God’s disciples. Instead, God only looks for openness to God’s grace, which is all God needs to turn weakness into something great. This Lenten season the Council invites you to journey toward the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter Sunday with the Apostle Paul’s […]

2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

by North Carolina Council of Churches

God does not look for perfection in God’s disciples. Instead, God only looks for openness to God’s grace, which is all God needs to turn weakness into something great. This Lenten season the Council invites you to journey toward the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter Sunday with the Apostle Paul’s […]

In God’s Eye

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on Sunday, February 23 at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York focusing on Matthew 17: 1-9. From the Gospel of Matthew, we have come to expect very important events whenever mountains are in the story.  Today’s reading does not disappoint, but first we need […]

In God’s Eye

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on Sunday, February 23 at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York focusing on Matthew 17: 1-9. From the Gospel of Matthew, we have come to expect very important events whenever mountains are in the story.  Today’s reading does not disappoint, but first we need […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter Sunday

By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice”  When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter Sunday

by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice”  When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Good Friday

By Yolanda Santiago-Correa, Duke Divinity School Intern

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice”  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. Yet you […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Good Friday

by Yolanda Santiago-Correa, Duke Divinity School Intern

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice”  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. Yet you […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy Thursday

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice.” Reflection written by Sabrina Rosario, NC Interfaith Power & Light intern. Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy Thursday

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice.” Reflection written by Sabrina Rosario, NC Interfaith Power & Light intern. Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm Sunday

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm Sunday

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste […]

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of government to stages and theaters from coast to coast, from marches and protest to industry strikes and the leadership of young students: Women are raising their voices and telling all of us about the world as they see it […]

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of government to stages and theaters from coast to coast, from marches and protest to industry strikes and the leadership of young students: Women are raising their voices and telling all of us about the world as they see it […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in Lent

By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in Lent

by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went […]

Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in Lent

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once […]

Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in Lent

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once […]

Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in […]

Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in […]

Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in Lent

By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, […]

Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in Lent

by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, […]

Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent

By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the […]

Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent

by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the […]

Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As we work together with him, we urge […]

Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As we work together with him, we urge […]

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their […]

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord

by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day

By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day

by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you […]

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

It has been a rough year for creche sets at our house. For our family, as for many, the Holiday Season is cluttered by rehearsals, recitals, school performances, pageants, holiday parties, classroom volunteering, shopping, shattered light bulbs from window candles that get caught up in the blinds, light strands on which only half of the […]

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

It has been a rough year for creche sets at our house. For our family, as for many, the Holiday Season is cluttered by rehearsals, recitals, school performances, pageants, holiday parties, classroom volunteering, shopping, shattered light bulbs from window candles that get caught up in the blinds, light strands on which only half of the […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

By Josie Walker, PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

by Josie Walker, PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has […]

Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10

By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the […]

Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10

by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. “But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” At […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. “But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” At […]

Advent Guide: A Season of Hope

By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The theme for our Advent Guide this year is hope. After considering various themes, we chose hope for the reminder of eternal Hope rather than the spurts of an optimistic outlook. We understand hope as waiting for what is beyond the obvious, a hope that focuses on eternal joy—not joy that is victim to situational […]

Advent Guide: A Season of Hope

by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The theme for our Advent Guide this year is hope. After considering various themes, we chose hope for the reminder of eternal Hope rather than the spurts of an optimistic outlook. We understand hope as waiting for what is beyond the obvious, a hope that focuses on eternal joy—not joy that is victim to situational […]

Time to Take a Knee

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of his team’s games. The decision not to stand during the national anthem, as he has repeatedly stated, was in response to the on-going epidemic of police brutality and the inequality that […]

Time to Take a Knee

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of his team’s games. The decision not to stand during the national anthem, as he has repeatedly stated, was in response to the on-going epidemic of police brutality and the inequality that […]

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

By Andrew Hudgins, NCCC Program Associate for Operations, for The Resistance Prays News: In a speech delivered to law enforcement officers last week, President Trump seemed to endorse police brutality when he asked officers not to be “too nice” and suggested that they should hit suspect’s heads on the doors of their police cars. The […]

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

By Andrew Hudgins, NCCC Program Associate for Operations, for The Resistance Prays News: In a speech delivered to law enforcement officers last week, President Trump seemed to endorse police brutality when he asked officers not to be “too nice” and suggested that they should hit suspect’s heads on the doors of their police cars. The […]

Honor Workers with a Labor Day Sabbath

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is partnering with Raise the Wage NC to encourage faith communities to hold a Labor Sabbath this Labor Day weekend, September 1-3. Faith leaders can adapt their holy day services in ways that reflect the importance of workers, the value of labor unions, and the need to raise the North Carolina minimum wage. […]

Honor Workers with a Labor Day Sabbath

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is partnering with Raise the Wage NC to encourage faith communities to hold a Labor Sabbath this Labor Day weekend, September 1-3. Faith leaders can adapt their holy day services in ways that reflect the importance of workers, the value of labor unions, and the need to raise the North Carolina minimum wage. […]

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council staff members enjoyed spending time with friends from across the country, hearing your stories, and discussing ways to work together for a more just society. Although Wild Goose 2017 may be over, opportunities for progressive people of faith to […]

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council staff members enjoyed spending time with friends from across the country, hearing your stories, and discussing ways to work together for a more just society. Although Wild Goose 2017 may be over, opportunities for progressive people of faith to […]

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The tragedy of gun violence in this country seems unending. We pray for those impacted, whether in a South Carolina church two years ago, a Florida club one year ago, or on a Virginia baseball field today, and in all of the other times and places where lives have been shattered. The Council of Churches […]

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The tragedy of gun violence in this country seems unending. We pray for those impacted, whether in a South Carolina church two years ago, a Florida club one year ago, or on a Virginia baseball field today, and in all of the other times and places where lives have been shattered. The Council of Churches […]

Join the Council at Wild Goose!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is a sponsor of the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs this July. Members of the staff will be leading workshops and sharing resources. We hope to see you there!  

Join the Council at Wild Goose!

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is a sponsor of the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs this July. Members of the staff will be leading workshops and sharing resources. We hope to see you there!  

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches. We agreed that I would spend two weeks with the outgoing ED in June learning the ropes, and then I would really get to work in August. My first day in the office […]

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches. We agreed that I would spend two weeks with the outgoing ED in June learning the ropes, and then I would really get to work in August. My first day in the office […]

Special Interest Altar Calls

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

By now, most of us have read “Dark Money” or heard enough about the subject it explores to recognize that money is suffocating our democracy. Add to this styptic environment a potential new infusion of money, this time through the tax-free political contributions that could flow directly into nonprofit organizations and communities of faith across […]

Special Interest Altar Calls

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

By now, most of us have read “Dark Money” or heard enough about the subject it explores to recognize that money is suffocating our democracy. Add to this styptic environment a potential new infusion of money, this time through the tax-free political contributions that could flow directly into nonprofit organizations and communities of faith across […]

Shepherds of Creation

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon preached on May 7, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. When I was in kindergarten, we memorized the 23rd Psalm. Of course, it was the King James Version, so different from what we read here today since we’ve all moved on to the modern translations that change so often we can’t keep up […]

Shepherds of Creation

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon preached on May 7, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. When I was in kindergarten, we memorized the 23rd Psalm. Of course, it was the King James Version, so different from what we read here today since we’ve all moved on to the modern translations that change so often we can’t keep up […]

Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s Day

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We often struggle to address mental health in our communities of faith. This Mother’s Day, as we honor those who bring forth life and contribute so much to our communities, let us also acknowledge one of the most common complications of childbirth: postpartum depression (PPD). As many as one in seven mothers suffer from postpartum […]

Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s Day

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We often struggle to address mental health in our communities of faith. This Mother’s Day, as we honor those who bring forth life and contribute so much to our communities, let us also acknowledge one of the most common complications of childbirth: postpartum depression (PPD). As many as one in seven mothers suffer from postpartum […]

There’s an App for That

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council is excited to announce the release of our free app for iOS and Android mobile devices. The current political climate has proven to be chaotic at times and deeply troubling to many progressive people of faith. Each new day seems to bring with it a new set of concerns: health care, HB 2 […]

There’s an App for That

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

The Council is excited to announce the release of our free app for iOS and Android mobile devices. The current political climate has proven to be chaotic at times and deeply troubling to many progressive people of faith. Each new day seems to bring with it a new set of concerns: health care, HB 2 […]

From Sour to Sweet

By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Confession: I didn’t give anything up for Lent this year and I don’t feel bad about it. Instead, I baked loaves of sourdough bread every Sunday for communion at my church, Southeast Raleigh Table. It’s a time consuming process; beginning Friday evening by feeding my sourdough starter to “wake it up” and begin the process […]

From Sour to Sweet

by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Confession: I didn’t give anything up for Lent this year and I don’t feel bad about it. Instead, I baked loaves of sourdough bread every Sunday for communion at my church, Southeast Raleigh Table. It’s a time consuming process; beginning Friday evening by feeding my sourdough starter to “wake it up” and begin the process […]

A Day in the Life of….

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Preached on April 12 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chapel Hill Holy Week, this week, is the most intense week of the Christian year. The secular world might say, looking at us, that the week leading up to Christmas Day is the most intense because they see us scurrying around searching for the […]

A Day in the Life of….

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Preached on April 12 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chapel Hill Holy Week, this week, is the most intense week of the Christian year. The secular world might say, looking at us, that the week leading up to Christmas Day is the most intense because they see us scurrying around searching for the […]

Standing on Our Heads

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon preached by the Rev. Jennifer Copeland on April 1, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, Mocksville for the Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women’s Legislative Day. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you […]

Standing on Our Heads

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Sermon preached by the Rev. Jennifer Copeland on April 1, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, Mocksville for the Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women’s Legislative Day. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you […]

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning worship was led by the Revs. Jill and Rick Edens of United Church of Chapel Hill, and NCCC board member the Rev. Paula Dempsey provided […]

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, video from portions of the day is available on our Facebook page. The morning worship was led by the Revs. Jill and Rick Edens of United Church of Chapel Hill, and NCCC board member the Rev. Paula Dempsey provided […]

Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have issued the alert below. Please note that it requires action before this evening, Monday, March 27. _________________________________________________________________________ We are continuing to try and stop the expansion of guns in congregations that share a space with schools. HB 174 will be on the floor this Monday night. […]

Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friends at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have issued the alert below. Please note that it requires action before this evening, Monday, March 27. _________________________________________________________________________ We are continuing to try and stop the expansion of guns in congregations that share a space with schools. HB 174 will be on the floor this Monday night. […]

Do the Goose

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them under 40), then it might be time to look again. Look at the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, NC, July 13-16, 2017. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Wild Goose is an amalgamation of spirit, justice, music and arts. […]

Do the Goose

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them under 40), then it might be time to look again. Look at the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, NC, July 13-16, 2017. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Wild Goose is an amalgamation of spirit, justice, music and arts. […]

2017 Lenten Guide — Third Sunday

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a favorite hymn to write about. We will post their reflections throughout Lent, for Ash Wednesday, each Sunday and throughout Holy Week. I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I […]

2017 Lenten Guide — Third Sunday

by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a favorite hymn to write about. We will post their reflections throughout Lent, for Ash Wednesday, each Sunday and throughout Holy Week. I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I […]

2017 Lenten Guide — Sing With Us

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a favorite hymn to write about. We will post their reflections throughout Lent, for Ash Wednesday, each Sunday, and during Holy Week. Some of us have chosen hymns from the faith tradition of our youth, others songs that we might […]

2017 Lenten Guide — Sing With Us

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a favorite hymn to write about. We will post their reflections throughout Lent, for Ash Wednesday, each Sunday, and during Holy Week. Some of us have chosen hymns from the faith tradition of our youth, others songs that we might […]

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8

By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come […]

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8

by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have […]

Merry Christmas from the Council

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Promise of a New Day Brown Baby Born to Unwed Parents Immigrant, Refugee, Religious Outsider Radical Organizer for the Oppressed Prince of Peace, Emmanuel Savior We know you as all of these. We welcome you as all of these. Blessings of this Christmas Season from the Staff of the NC Council of Churches Susannah, Steve, […]

Merry Christmas from the Council

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Promise of a New Day Brown Baby Born to Unwed Parents Immigrant, Refugee, Religious Outsider Radical Organizer for the Oppressed Prince of Peace, Emmanuel Savior We know you as all of these. We welcome you as all of these. Blessings of this Christmas Season from the Staff of the NC Council of Churches Susannah, Steve, […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon […]

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today when I logged onto Facebook, among all the heartbreaking news in our world (some from credible sources, others questionable), I was taken with a graphic shared by Hacking Christianity, a blog that engages in conversations about faith using the lenses of progressive theology, technology, and geek culture. It was an Advent Calendar for Dismantling White Privilege. As […]

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Today when I logged onto Facebook, among all the heartbreaking news in our world (some from credible sources, others questionable), I was taken with a graphic shared by Hacking Christianity, a blog that engages in conversations about faith using the lenses of progressive theology, technology, and geek culture. It was an Advent Calendar for Dismantling White Privilege. As […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the NC Council of Churches. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and […]

Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Earlier this month, the North Carolina Conference hosted its annual Pilgrimage event, a time when several thousand middle and high school students come together for a weekend to hear from speakers, worship together, and enjoy fellowship. This year a group of young Latino students from a church that has hosted one of our clergy breakfasts […]

Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Earlier this month, the North Carolina Conference hosted its annual Pilgrimage event, a time when several thousand middle and high school students come together for a weekend to hear from speakers, worship together, and enjoy fellowship. This year a group of young Latino students from a church that has hosted one of our clergy breakfasts […]

Advent Guide: Introduction

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the absence of kindness and consideration, we have become less civil and more mean-spirited with one another. Lord have mercy. In the presence of fears and hurts, we have become destructive and dangerous. Christ have mercy. For every ungentle personal act, our leaders push policies of anger or invest in division so that our […]

Advent Guide: Introduction

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the absence of kindness and consideration, we have become less civil and more mean-spirited with one another. Lord have mercy. In the presence of fears and hurts, we have become destructive and dangerous. Christ have mercy. For every ungentle personal act, our leaders push policies of anger or invest in division so that our […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work in opposition to violence, there has long been the recognition that peace manifests itself in many ways – in how we relate to one another, in the policies our elected officials put in place, in who has enough. For […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work in opposition to violence, there has long been the recognition that peace manifests itself in many ways – in how we relate to one another, in the policies our elected officials put in place, in who has enough. For […]

A Prayer to Heal the Nation

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith in Public Life, the Skinner Leadership Institute, and Values Partnership will offer a prayer for the nation this evening, November 9, from 7 to 7:40 p.m. As the Rev. Jennifer Butler of Faith in Public Life wrote: A contentious election has ended in trauma and pain for so many of us. We cannot conquer this moment […]

A Prayer to Heal the Nation

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Faith in Public Life, the Skinner Leadership Institute, and Values Partnership will offer a prayer for the nation this evening, November 9, from 7 to 7:40 p.m. As the Rev. Jennifer Butler of Faith in Public Life wrote: A contentious election has ended in trauma and pain for so many of us. We cannot conquer this moment […]

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC advocates in orange at the General Assembly last year. Photo provided by Beth Messersmith, NC Campaign Director, MomsRising. Less than a month ago, our middle son sat with his classmates under a brilliant Carolina sun, their commencement robes the color of the sky. Six days ago, he set out driving cross country with three friends on […]

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

NC advocates in orange at the General Assembly last year. Photo provided by Beth Messersmith, NC Campaign Director, MomsRising. Less than a month ago, our middle son sat with his classmates under a brilliant Carolina sun, their commencement robes the color of the sky. Six days ago, he set out driving cross country with three friends on […]

Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

According to the news reports, it all started over a place on a pew. One parishioner sat in someone else’s spot and then objected to moving. Another flashed his legally carried concealed weapon, apparently as an incentive to settle down his fellow church-goer. But it didn’t work that way, and a 27-year-old was shot to […]

Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

According to the news reports, it all started over a place on a pew. One parishioner sat in someone else’s spot and then objected to moving. Another flashed his legally carried concealed weapon, apparently as an incentive to settle down his fellow church-goer. But it didn’t work that way, and a 27-year-old was shot to […]

Louisburg College Baccalaureate: “What’s the Plan?”

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Baccalaureate sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland on May 5 at Louisburg College. Isaiah 2:2-4; Revelation 21:1-7; Luke 4:16-21 You are the most watched generation in history. Of course, it’s easy to watch you because everything you do is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or some other social media platform. If you didn’t put it there, someone […]

Louisburg College Baccalaureate: “What’s the Plan?”

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Baccalaureate sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland on May 5 at Louisburg College. Isaiah 2:2-4; Revelation 21:1-7; Luke 4:16-21 You are the most watched generation in history. Of course, it’s easy to watch you because everything you do is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or some other social media platform. If you didn’t put it there, someone […]

The Only Way to Win

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Preached at the Christian Unity Service of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham Matthew 5:1-16 The sermon you have just heard is only one-seventh of the real thing. You heard 16 verses, but the real sermon will go for a 109 verses, clear to the end of chapter seven, three chapters from where we are right now. In […]

The Only Way to Win

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Preached at the Christian Unity Service of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham Matthew 5:1-16 The sermon you have just heard is only one-seventh of the real thing. You heard 16 verses, but the real sermon will go for a 109 verses, clear to the end of chapter seven, three chapters from where we are right now. In […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Third Sunday

By Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Third Sunday

by Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council of Churches Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and […]

Love God, Love Creation

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following, based on Psalm 148, was offered by Rev. Jennifer Copeland at Raleigh’s Church of the Nativity on September 23 as part of an ecumenical prayer service on the eve of the Pope’s address to Congress. The composer of this Psalm obviously had a copy of the first chapter of Genesis in front of […]

Love God, Love Creation

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The following, based on Psalm 148, was offered by Rev. Jennifer Copeland at Raleigh’s Church of the Nativity on September 23 as part of an ecumenical prayer service on the eve of the Pope’s address to Congress. The composer of this Psalm obviously had a copy of the first chapter of Genesis in front of […]

Pope Francis Calls for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

“I wish to inform you that I have decided to institute in the Catholic Church the ‘World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation’ which, beginning this year, is to be celebrated on September 1st,” Pope Francis said in a letter released by the Vatican. The Pope said he had been inspired by Ecumenical […]

Pope Francis Calls for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

“I wish to inform you that I have decided to institute in the Catholic Church the ‘World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation’ which, beginning this year, is to be celebrated on September 1st,” Pope Francis said in a letter released by the Vatican. The Pope said he had been inspired by Ecumenical […]

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

With people across the world, the North Carolina Council of Churches grieves with the congregation of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. This kind of violence against people of faith in other parts of the world has recently and rightfully been called terrorism. Indeed, the people of Emanuel AME have experienced a terrorist […]

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

With people across the world, the North Carolina Council of Churches grieves with the congregation of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. This kind of violence against people of faith in other parts of the world has recently and rightfully been called terrorism. Indeed, the people of Emanuel AME have experienced a terrorist […]

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued to participate in church my entire life. I am soon to be married in the church, and if my partner and I have children, I plan to raise them in the church. I also went to seminary and currently […]

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued to participate in church my entire life. I am soon to be married in the church, and if my partner and I have children, I plan to raise them in the church. I also went to seminary and currently […]

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins with a vivid reminder of death. As the words “for dust you are and to dust you shall return” are spoken, Christians are marked on their foreheads with ashes in the shape of the cross. This year in Mexico, […]

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins with a vivid reminder of death. As the words “for dust you are and to dust you shall return” are spoken, Christians are marked on their foreheads with ashes in the shape of the cross. This year in Mexico, […]

Reclaiming Epiphany

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, is a time when Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi from the East. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning “manifestation,” and it celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the whole world. We are reminded that December 25 is not the end of Christmas; Christmas […]

Reclaiming Epiphany

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, is a time when Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi from the East. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning “manifestation,” and it celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the whole world. We are reminded that December 25 is not the end of Christmas; Christmas […]

Advent — As Yourself

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

During the holiday season, we celebrate the love of friends and family, and this week of Advent we anticipate the love of the coming Christ. As we seek to live out Jesus’ call to “love your neighbor as yourself” throughout this season, we often forget an essential piece of the second greatest commandment. For many of […]

Advent — As Yourself

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

During the holiday season, we celebrate the love of friends and family, and this week of Advent we anticipate the love of the coming Christ. As we seek to live out Jesus’ call to “love your neighbor as yourself” throughout this season, we often forget an essential piece of the second greatest commandment. For many of […]

Advent: The Season of Perpetual Hope

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent is here. If you look around, it may seem like Christmas showed up weeks ago, at least in stores and on the radio. But it isn’t Christmas yet. It is Advent. The season of waiting, of longing for something that is to come. When I was a kid, there was nothing like the excitement in anticipation of […]

Advent: The Season of Perpetual Hope

by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent is here. If you look around, it may seem like Christmas showed up weeks ago, at least in stores and on the radio. But it isn’t Christmas yet. It is Advent. The season of waiting, of longing for something that is to come. When I was a kid, there was nothing like the excitement in anticipation of […]

2014 Advent Guide

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2014 Advent Devotional Guide is now available as a free download. Each year, Council staff take a social justice theme as a focus for these guides to be used during the season of Advent or Lent. For this Advent season, that focus is the care and well-being of children. As we say in the introduction: As […]

2014 Advent Guide

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2014 Advent Devotional Guide is now available as a free download. Each year, Council staff take a social justice theme as a focus for these guides to be used during the season of Advent or Lent. For this Advent season, that focus is the care and well-being of children. As we say in the introduction: As […]

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the Council’s curriculum, “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet,”  I urge you to do so. You will find food justice interwoven with all of the Council’s areas of work. You will see how eating well affects your body, environment, farmworkers, and even […]

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the Council’s curriculum, “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet,”  I urge you to do so. You will find food justice interwoven with all of the Council’s areas of work. You will see how eating well affects your body, environment, farmworkers, and even […]

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, many people are thinking about beaches and barbeques. Amy Laura Hall, however, wants people to be thinking about something different: labor unions. Hall, a professor at Duke Divinity School, is calling for congregations to observe a Labor Sabbath this Friday, Saturday or Sunday prior to Labor Day, during which time the words […]

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, many people are thinking about beaches and barbeques. Amy Laura Hall, however, wants people to be thinking about something different: labor unions. Hall, a professor at Duke Divinity School, is calling for congregations to observe a Labor Sabbath this Friday, Saturday or Sunday prior to Labor Day, during which time the words […]

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

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The People’s Climate March is bringing together people with the urgency and power needed to address the climate crisis. Read more here. It is happening in New York and simultaneously in locales around the world. Major organizations such as 350.org are arranging a climate tour of four East Coast Cities. The National Religious Partnership is calling […]

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

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

The People’s Climate March is bringing together people with the urgency and power needed to address the climate crisis. Read more here. It is happening in New York and simultaneously in locales around the world. Major organizations such as 350.org are arranging a climate tour of four East Coast Cities. The National Religious Partnership is calling […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

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

Please join the North Carolina Council of Churches at the 2014 Faith and Health Summit, which will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem (501 Miller Street). Special thanks to Wake Forest University’s Food, Faith and Religious Leadership Initiative for co-sponsoring the event! The program will run from 9:30am to 3:30pm, […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

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

Please join the North Carolina Council of Churches at the 2014 Faith and Health Summit, which will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem (501 Miller Street). Special thanks to Wake Forest University’s Food, Faith and Religious Leadership Initiative for co-sponsoring the event! The program will run from 9:30am to 3:30pm, […]

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am admittedly a person who does not care about sports. However, the World Cup is one event that can even make a sports observer as apathetic as myself tune into a game that I wouldn’t normally watch. Such events in which the entire world comes together to battle it out for a world championship brings […]

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

I am admittedly a person who does not care about sports. However, the World Cup is one event that can even make a sports observer as apathetic as myself tune into a game that I wouldn’t normally watch. Such events in which the entire world comes together to battle it out for a world championship brings […]

Worship Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Program Associate Jennie Wilburn has created a worship resource for Pentecost as an opportunity to break down linguistic and cultural barriers through the Holy Spirit. Jennie writes: This collection of worship resources can be used in your congregation on Pentecost Sunday (or any other time) to celebrate the fact that Pentecost is a culturally and […]

Worship Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Program Associate Jennie Wilburn has created a worship resource for Pentecost as an opportunity to break down linguistic and cultural barriers through the Holy Spirit. Jennie writes: This collection of worship resources can be used in your congregation on Pentecost Sunday (or any other time) to celebrate the fact that Pentecost is a culturally and […]

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I was baptized a Baptist as a child, confirmed an Episcopalian as an adult.  I stood by as three of my own dozed through being “marked as Christ’s own forever” and have attended a multitude of services in other churches as the babies and children of friends were welcomed into the family of God. Here’s […]

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I was baptized a Baptist as a child, confirmed an Episcopalian as an adult.  I stood by as three of my own dozed through being “marked as Christ’s own forever” and have attended a multitude of services in other churches as the babies and children of friends were welcomed into the family of God. Here’s […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, 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. Just look for the picture of the apple on the books and you will find past Book Club entries. Our current choice of reading […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, 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. Just look for the picture of the apple on the books and you will find past Book Club entries. Our current choice of reading […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, 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.  Just look for the picture of the apple on the books and you will find past Book Club entries. Our current choice of reading […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, 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.  Just look for the picture of the apple on the books and you will find past Book Club entries. Our current choice of reading […]

Those Who Do Without – From Our Social Justice Study for Lent

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten guide focuses on poverty and the ways we can respond to our sisters and brothers of low-income. We hope you and your family will find cause for reflection and inspiration for action as you share this intergenerational resource together. […]

Those Who Do Without – From Our Social Justice Study for Lent

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten guide focuses on poverty and the ways we can respond to our sisters and brothers of low-income. We hope you and your family will find cause for reflection and inspiration for action as you share this intergenerational resource together. […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Introduction

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 “The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson. Just look for the picture of the apple on the books and […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Introduction

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 “The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson. Just look for the picture of the apple on the books and […]

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

By chris

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

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

by chris

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

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 […]

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

By chris

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

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

by chris

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

The Ecumenical Journey

By chris

Rev. Michael Kinnamon (School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University)

Where does this leave us today? How can the ecumenical impulse be revitalized in such an era as ours? The answer to this may be suggested in the distinction between optimism and hope. Optimism involves the expectation of a better future based on a reading of present circumstances; hope involves the trustful anticipation of genuine newness, perhaps beyond our imagining, based on the promises of God.

The Ecumenical Journey

by chris

Rev. Michael Kinnamon (School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University)

Where does this leave us today? How can the ecumenical impulse be revitalized in such an era as ours? The answer to this may be suggested in the distinction between optimism and hope. Optimism involves the expectation of a better future based on a reading of present circumstances; hope involves the trustful anticipation of genuine newness, perhaps beyond our imagining, based on the promises of God.

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Sojo.net

Jesus was a peacemaking, blessed child of God, but he also was an “other.” Reviled and persecuted, he was the paperless son of displaced immigrant parents. The prophetic iconoclast. That guy who hung out with those people, the type most modern leaders would not associate with, except for a photo opportunity at a Thanksgiving Day soup kitchen. Let us remember on Sunday when we celebrate his resurrection, that Jesus was crucified because he was an outsider whose way of doing things scared and angered the powers-that-be.

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Sojo.net

Jesus was a peacemaking, blessed child of God, but he also was an “other.” Reviled and persecuted, he was the paperless son of displaced immigrant parents. The prophetic iconoclast. That guy who hung out with those people, the type most modern leaders would not associate with, except for a photo opportunity at a Thanksgiving Day soup kitchen. Let us remember on Sunday when we celebrate his resurrection, that Jesus was crucified because he was an outsider whose way of doing things scared and angered the powers-that-be.