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Worship

Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday

April 9, 2020 By The 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 […]

Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday

April 9, 2020 by The 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 […]

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Lenten Guide – Good Friday

April 8, 2020 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 […]

Lenten Guide – Good Friday

April 8, 2020 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 […]

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Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday

April 6, 2020 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 […]

Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday

April 6, 2020 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 […]

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Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday

April 2, 2020 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 […]

Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday

April 2, 2020 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 […]

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Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday

March 19, 2020 By The 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 […]

Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday

March 19, 2020 by The 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 […]

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Lenten Guide – Third Sunday

March 12, 2020 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 […]

Lenten Guide – Third Sunday

March 12, 2020 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 […]

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Lenten Guide – Second Sunday

March 4, 2020 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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— […]

Lenten Guide – Second Sunday

March 4, 2020 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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— […]

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Lenten Guide – First Sunday

February 28, 2020 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 […]

Lenten Guide – First Sunday

February 28, 2020 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 […]

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Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday

February 25, 2020 By The 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 […]

Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday

February 25, 2020 by The 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 […]

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2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

February 25, 2020 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 […]

2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

February 25, 2020 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 […]

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In God’s Eye

February 24, 2020 By The 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 […]

In God’s Eye

February 24, 2020 by The 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 […]

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Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter Sunday

April 1, 2018 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 […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter Sunday

April 1, 2018 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 […]

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Lenten Reflection Guide: Good Friday

March 30, 2018 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 […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Good Friday

March 30, 2018 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 […]

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Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy Thursday

March 29, 2018 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 […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy Thursday

March 29, 2018 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 […]

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Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm Sunday

March 25, 2018 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 […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm Sunday

March 25, 2018 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 […]

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Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

March 22, 2018 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 […]

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

March 22, 2018 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Healthcare Reform, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in Lent

March 18, 2018 By The 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 […]

Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in Lent

March 18, 2018 by The 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 […]

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Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 11, 2018 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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, […]

Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 11, 2018 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Worship

Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent

March 4, 2018 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 […]

Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent

March 4, 2018 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 […]

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Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in Lent

February 25, 2018 By The 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, […]

Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in Lent

February 25, 2018 by The 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, […]

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Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent

February 18, 2018 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 […]

Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent

February 18, 2018 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 […]

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Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

February 14, 2018 By The 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 […]

Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

February 14, 2018 by The 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 […]

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Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord

January 8, 2018 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 […]

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord

January 8, 2018 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 […]

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Advent Guide: Epiphany

January 6, 2018 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 […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany

January 6, 2018 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 […]

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Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day

December 30, 2017 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 […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day

December 30, 2017 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 […]

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On the Fourth Day of Christmas

December 28, 2017 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 […]

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

December 28, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Peace, Worship

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

December 24, 2017 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 […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

December 24, 2017 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 […]

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Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24

December 23, 2017 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 […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24

December 23, 2017 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 […]

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Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17

December 16, 2017 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 […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17

December 16, 2017 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 […]

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Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10

December 9, 2017 By The 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 […]

Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10

December 9, 2017 by The 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 […]

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Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3

December 2, 2017 By The 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 […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3

December 2, 2017 by The 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 […]

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Advent Guide: A Season of Hope

November 25, 2017 By The 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 […]

Advent Guide: A Season of Hope

November 25, 2017 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Worship

Time to Take a Knee

September 29, 2017 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 […]

Time to Take a Knee

September 29, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Criminal Justice, Human Rights, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, Worship

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

August 3, 2017 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 […]

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

August 3, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Good Government, Human Rights, Peace, Worship

Honor Workers with a Labor Day Sabbath

July 24, 2017 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 […]

Honor Workers with a Labor Day Sabbath

July 24, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Economic Justice, Farmworkers, Good Government, Hunger, Living Wage, Organized Labor, Worship

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

July 17, 2017 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, […]

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

July 17, 2017 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, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Human Rights, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace

June 14, 2017 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, […]

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace

June 14, 2017 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, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Gun Violence, Peace, Religion & Society, Worship

Join the Council at Wild Goose!

May 22, 2017 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 […]

Join the Council at Wild Goose!

May 22, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Interfaith, Worship

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

May 15, 2017 By The 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 […]

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

May 15, 2017 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Criminal Justice, Good Government, Gun Violence, Interfaith, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Religion & Society, Worship

Special Interest Altar Calls

May 11, 2017 By The 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 […]

Special Interest Altar Calls

May 11, 2017 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Good Government, Religion & Society, Worship

Shepherds of Creation

May 8, 2017 By The 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, […]

Shepherds of Creation

May 8, 2017 by The 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, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Environment, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Rural Life, Worship

Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s Day

May 1, 2017 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, […]

Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s Day

May 1, 2017 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, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Mental Health, Worship

There’s an App for That

April 21, 2017 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 […]

There’s an App for That

April 21, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Action Alert, Council News, Prophetic Voice, Worship

From Sour to Sweet

April 17, 2017 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 […]

From Sour to Sweet

April 17, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Worship

A Day in the Life of….

April 13, 2017 By The 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 […]

A Day in the Life of….

April 13, 2017 by The 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 […]

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Standing on Our Heads

April 3, 2017 By The 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 […]

Standing on Our Heads

April 3, 2017 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Equality & Reconciliation, Food, Hunger, Prophetic Voice, Worship

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

March 28, 2017 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 […]

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

March 28, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Fracking, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Refugees, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes, Worship

Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship

March 27, 2017 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 […]

Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship

March 27, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Good Government, Gun Violence, Worship

Do the Goose

March 19, 2017 By The 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 […]

Do the Goose

March 19, 2017 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

2017 Lenten Guide — Third Sunday

March 18, 2017 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 […]

2017 Lenten Guide — Third Sunday

March 18, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Worship

2017 Lenten Guide — Sing With Us

February 27, 2017 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 […]

2017 Lenten Guide — Sing With Us

February 27, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Worship

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8

January 6, 2017 By The 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 […]

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8

January 6, 2017 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Peace, Religion & Society, Worship

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

January 5, 2017 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 […]

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

January 5, 2017 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Peace, Prophetic Voice, Worship

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

December 30, 2016 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 […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

December 30, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Human Rights, Immigration, Peace, Worship

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

December 23, 2016 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 […]

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

December 23, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Peace, Worship

Merry Christmas from the Council

December 22, 2016 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 […]

Merry Christmas from the Council

December 22, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Prophetic Voice, Worship

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18

December 17, 2016 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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, […]

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18

December 17, 2016 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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, […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Peace, Worship

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11

December 10, 2016 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 […]

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11

December 10, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Peace, Worship

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees

November 29, 2016 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 […]

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees

November 29, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Immigration, Religion & Society, Worship

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27

November 26, 2016 By The 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 […]

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27

November 26, 2016 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Peace, Worship

Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth

November 25, 2016 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 […]

Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth

November 25, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Equality & Reconciliation, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

Advent Guide: Introduction

November 25, 2016 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 […]

Advent Guide: Introduction

November 25, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Peace, Worship

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

November 10, 2016 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 […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

November 10, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, Mental Health, Organized Labor, Peace, People with Disabilities, Public Education, Religion & Society, Rural Life, State Budget, Taxes, Worship

A Prayer to Heal the Nation

November 9, 2016 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 […]

A Prayer to Heal the Nation

November 9, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Worship

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

June 1, 2016 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 […]

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

June 1, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Criminal Justice, Gun Violence, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

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

May 16, 2016 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 […]

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

May 16, 2016 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Gun Violence, Peace, Worship

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

May 10, 2016 By The 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 […]

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

May 10, 2016 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Prophetic Voice, Worship

The Only Way to Win

January 23, 2016 By The 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, […]

The Only Way to Win

January 23, 2016 by The 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, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Religion & Society, Worship

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

December 24, 2015 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 […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

December 24, 2015 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Civil Discourse, Good Government, Immigration, Peace, Worship

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

December 19, 2015 By The 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 […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

December 19, 2015 by The 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Immigration, Peace, Worship

Advent Guide on Refugees — Third Sunday

December 12, 2015 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 […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Third Sunday

December 12, 2015 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Immigration, Prophetic Voice, Worship

Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday

December 5, 2015 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 […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday

December 5, 2015 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Worship

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday

November 28, 2015 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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 […]

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday

November 28, 2015 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Love God, Love Creation

September 23, 2015 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 […]

Love God, Love Creation

September 23, 2015 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Environment, N.C. General Assembly, Worship

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

August 17, 2015 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

“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 […]

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

August 17, 2015 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

“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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Environment, Worship

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston

June 18, 2015 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 […]

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston

June 18, 2015 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Council News, Equality & Reconciliation, Gun Violence, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

May 15, 2015 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 […]

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

May 15, 2015 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Prophetic Voice, Worship

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

February 24, 2015 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 […]

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

February 24, 2015 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Human Rights, Peace, Worship

Reclaiming Epiphany

January 3, 2015 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 […]

Reclaiming Epiphany

January 3, 2015 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Worship

Advent — As Yourself

December 16, 2014 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 […]

Advent — As Yourself

December 16, 2014 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Worship

Advent: The Season of Perpetual Hope

December 5, 2014 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 […]

Advent: The Season of Perpetual Hope

December 5, 2014 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Worship

2014 Advent Guide

November 24, 2014 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 […]

2014 Advent Guide

November 24, 2014 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Housing, Hunger, Immigration, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Worship

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

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

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

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

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

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

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Council News, Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Health, Hunger, Peace, Worship

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

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

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

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

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

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Farmworkers, Good Government, Living Wage, Organized Labor, Religion & Society, Worship

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

August 14, 2014 By Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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

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

August 14, 2014 by Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Worship

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

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

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

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

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

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

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Come to the Table, Community Gardens, Economic Justice, Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Health, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, Interfaith, Mental Health, Peace, Race/Ethnicity, Rural Life, Substance Abuse, Worship

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

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

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

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

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

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

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Immigration, Worship

Worship Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers

June 2, 2014 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 Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers

June 2, 2014 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Immigration, Worship

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

April 29, 2014 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” […]

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

April 29, 2014 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” […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Human Rights, Peace, Worship

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Three

March 20, 2014 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 […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Three

March 20, 2014 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Worship

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Two

March 13, 2014 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 […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Two

March 13, 2014 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health, Worship

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

March 7, 2014 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 […]

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

March 7, 2014 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Worship

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Introduction

February 20, 2014 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 […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Introduction

February 20, 2014 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Worship

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

November 4, 2013 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

November 4, 2013 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.

Filed Under: Blog, Resources Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity, Worship

Resources for Earth Sabbath Celebrations

May 30, 2013 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. […]

Resources for Earth Sabbath Celebrations

May 30, 2013 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. […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Worship

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

May 14, 2013 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. […]

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

May 14, 2013 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. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Podcasts, Sermons Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes, Worship

The Ecumenical Journey

April 24, 2013 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

April 24, 2013 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.

Filed Under: Sermons Tagged With: Christian Unity, Worship

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

April 19, 2013 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 […]

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

April 19, 2013 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Good Government, Gun Violence, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

March 26, 2013 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

March 26, 2013 Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: NCCC in the News Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Interfaith, Peace, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society, Worship

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