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North Carolina Council of Churches Awarded $13,500 Grant to Counter Christian Nationalism Through Faith, Film, and Courageous Conversations

By North Carolina Council of Churches

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 26, 2026 RALEIGH, NC — The North Carolina Council of Churches is pleased to announce the award of a $13,500 grant from the State Ecumenical Executives (SEE) to support Faith, Film, and Courageous Conversations, a statewide initiative designed to deepen understanding of Christian nationalism and cultivate a faithful public witness rooted in […]

North Carolina Council of Churches Awarded $13,500 Grant to Counter Christian Nationalism Through Faith, Film, and Courageous Conversations

by North Carolina Council of Churches

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 26, 2026 RALEIGH, NC — The North Carolina Council of Churches is pleased to announce the award of a $13,500 grant from the State Ecumenical Executives (SEE) to support Faith, Film, and Courageous Conversations, a statewide initiative designed to deepen understanding of Christian nationalism and cultivate a faithful public witness rooted in […]

Outgoing Executive Director

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by outgoing Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at the Triangle Peace Action press conference opposing the war in Iran, held October 20 outside Roy Cooper’s campaign offices in Raleigh, North Carolina. There is a lot of talk on the airwaves these days about America being a Christian nation, which, of course, […]

Outgoing Executive Director

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by outgoing Executive Director Jennifer Copeland at the Triangle Peace Action press conference opposing the war in Iran, held October 20 outside Roy Cooper’s campaign offices in Raleigh, North Carolina. There is a lot of talk on the airwaves these days about America being a Christian nation, which, of course, […]

Bad ‘faith’ on Sunday voting

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In advance, there’s no definitive way to gauge the impact of pending cutbacks to opportunities for Sunday voting in North Carolina’s upcoming midterm elections. But the intent behind those cuts is crystal-clear: They are meant to suppress the number of votes cast by African-Americans – votes that tend to favor Democratic candidates. The Republican legislators […]

Bad ‘faith’ on Sunday voting

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In advance, there’s no definitive way to gauge the impact of pending cutbacks to opportunities for Sunday voting in North Carolina’s upcoming midterm elections. But the intent behind those cuts is crystal-clear: They are meant to suppress the number of votes cast by African-Americans – votes that tend to favor Democratic candidates. The Republican legislators […]

Election chaos, on demand

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the time comes that the distinguished public servants who control North Carolina’s General Assembly aren’t rummaging in their bag of tricks for even more ways to tilt election laws in their favor, then we can expect the sun to rise in the west and pigs to take wing. So it’s no surprise that the […]

Election chaos, on demand

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the time comes that the distinguished public servants who control North Carolina’s General Assembly aren’t rummaging in their bag of tricks for even more ways to tilt election laws in their favor, then we can expect the sun to rise in the west and pigs to take wing. So it’s no surprise that the […]

Welcome Fellow Melissa Florer-Bixler

By North Carolina Council of Churches

We are excited to welcome a new fellow to the North Carolina Council of Churches this summer! Get to know them and learn more about her background, interests, and role with the Council below. My name is Melissa Florer-Bixler, and I am a ThD student in homiletics at Duke Divinity School, where I study Southern […]

Welcome Fellow Melissa Florer-Bixler

by North Carolina Council of Churches

We are excited to welcome a new fellow to the North Carolina Council of Churches this summer! Get to know them and learn more about her background, interests, and role with the Council below. My name is Melissa Florer-Bixler, and I am a ThD student in homiletics at Duke Divinity School, where I study Southern […]

2026 Intern Spotlight: Meet the Council’s Rising Leaders!

By North Carolina Council of Churches

The North Carolina Council of Churches is excited to introduce the newest interns joining our team this summer! We invite you to get to know them below and hear, in their own words, about the passions, studies, and hopes that led them to this opportunity. An Introduction to the North Carolina Council of Churches intern, […]

2026 Intern Spotlight: Meet the Council’s Rising Leaders!

by North Carolina Council of Churches

The North Carolina Council of Churches is excited to introduce the newest interns joining our team this summer! We invite you to get to know them below and hear, in their own words, about the passions, studies, and hopes that led them to this opportunity. An Introduction to the North Carolina Council of Churches intern, […]

Faith Over Fear: NC Church Leaders Rally Against ICE Detention Expansion

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland at a press conference and rally on May 26 at 2 p.m. to oppose potential ICE detention expansion. I greet you on behalf of the North Carolina Council of Churches, representing 19 denominations in this state with congregations in big places like the triangle […]

Faith Over Fear: NC Church Leaders Rally Against ICE Detention Expansion

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following remarks were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland at a press conference and rally on May 26 at 2 p.m. to oppose potential ICE detention expansion. I greet you on behalf of the North Carolina Council of Churches, representing 19 denominations in this state with congregations in big places like the triangle […]

Struggling schools, a tilted bench

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s Supreme Court has seven members. All are known as justices, an honor that seems to crystallize their responsibility in our system of government. But as to how elusive they may find actual justice to be, consider the April 2 refusal by a 4-3 majority to uphold an obligation vitally important to generations of […]

Struggling schools, a tilted bench

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s Supreme Court has seven members. All are known as justices, an honor that seems to crystallize their responsibility in our system of government. But as to how elusive they may find actual justice to be, consider the April 2 refusal by a 4-3 majority to uphold an obligation vitally important to generations of […]

Letter to the Council Faithful on My Retirement

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Friends,  Earlier this year I spoke to the staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches, and subsequently to the Personnel Committee of the Governing Board, about my plans to retire from the Council. I’d been thinking about the best time to retire, but always there was one more thing I wanted to be […]

Letter to the Council Faithful on My Retirement

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Dear Friends,  Earlier this year I spoke to the staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches, and subsequently to the Personnel Committee of the Governing Board, about my plans to retire from the Council. I’d been thinking about the best time to retire, but always there was one more thing I wanted to be […]

Prophetic Politics

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Central United Methodist Church in Asheville, NC. The valley of the dry bones, a place of unending disappointment, continuous defeat, and unmitigated sorrow. Feels like my life right now. I won’t bore you with my personal details. They’re […]

Prophetic Politics

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Central United Methodist Church in Asheville, NC. The valley of the dry bones, a place of unending disappointment, continuous defeat, and unmitigated sorrow. Feels like my life right now. I won’t bore you with my personal details. They’re […]

Voters face ‘Midterm Madness’

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day: Ah, the familiar milestones of February. Now comes a less-familiar one, sort of sneaking up – the start of early voting for North Carolina’s March 3 primary elections. Feb. 12 is when voters will begin choosing political parties’ candidates to appear on general election ballots in November. It’s not […]

Voters face ‘Midterm Madness’

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day: Ah, the familiar milestones of February. Now comes a less-familiar one, sort of sneaking up – the start of early voting for North Carolina’s March 3 primary elections. Feb. 12 is when voters will begin choosing political parties’ candidates to appear on general election ballots in November. It’s not […]

2025 Advent: Epiphany of the Lord

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 60:1-6 Arise, shine, for your light has come,    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.For darkness shall cover the earth    and thick darkness the peoples,but the Lord will arise upon you,    and his glory will appear […]

2025 Advent: Epiphany of the Lord

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 60:1-6 Arise, shine, for your light has come,    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.For darkness shall cover the earth    and thick darkness the peoples,but the Lord will arise upon you,    and his glory will appear […]

2025 Advent: First Sunday After Christmas

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 2:13-23 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 […]

2025 Advent: First Sunday After Christmas

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 2:13-23 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 […]

2025 Advent: Christmas Day

By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 96 O sing to the Lord a new song;    sing to the Lord, all the earth.Sing to the Lord; bless his name;    tell of his salvation from day to day.Declare his glory among the nations,    his marvelous works among […]

2025 Advent: Christmas Day

by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 96 O sing to the Lord a new song;    sing to the Lord, all the earth.Sing to the Lord; bless his name;    tell of his salvation from day to day.Declare his glory among the nations,    his marvelous works among […]

2025 Advent: Fourth Sunday

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant […]

2025 Advent: Fourth Sunday

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant […]

2025 Advent: Third Sunday

By Rev. Meredith Rawls, PHW Northeast Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 35:1-10 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 shouting.The glory of Lebanon shall be given to […]

2025 Advent: Third Sunday

by Rev. Meredith Rawls, PHW Northeast Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 35:1-10 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 shouting.The glory of Lebanon shall be given to […]

2025 Advent: Second Sunday

By Donna Parks Hill, Associate Director for Community Health, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 72: 1-7 Give the king your justice, O God,    and your righteousness to a king’s son.May he judge your people with righteousness    and your poor with justice.May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,    and […]

2025 Advent: Second Sunday

by Donna Parks Hill, Associate Director for Community Health, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 72: 1-7 Give the king your justice, O God,    and your righteousness to a king’s son.May he judge your people with righteousness    and your poor with justice.May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,    and […]

2025 Advent: First Sunday

By Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 2:1-5 The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come    the mountain of the Lord’s houseshall be established as the highest of the mountains    and shall be raised […]

2025 Advent: First Sunday

by Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2025 Advent Guide: Lighting the Way Forward, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 2:1-5 The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come    the mountain of the Lord’s houseshall be established as the highest of the mountains    and shall be raised […]

2025 Advent: Lighting the Way Forward

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

As we journey through the Advent season, we are invited to reflect on the profound hope that the birth of Jesus Christ brought into a world often shrouded in darkness. Our news headlines are filled with constant reminders of the need for God’s redemption in the world. In a time of waiting, expectation, and longing […]

2025 Advent: Lighting the Way Forward

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

As we journey through the Advent season, we are invited to reflect on the profound hope that the birth of Jesus Christ brought into a world often shrouded in darkness. Our news headlines are filled with constant reminders of the need for God’s redemption in the world. In a time of waiting, expectation, and longing […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Where Black and White Leaders Sat as Equals

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Where Black and White Leaders Sat as Equals

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: My Introduction to Ecumenical Justice Work

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: My Introduction to Ecumenical Justice Work

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Remembering My Ties to the NC Council of Churches Since 1966

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Remembering My Ties to the NC Council of Churches Since 1966

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

Gerrymandering, voter suppression at center stage

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The latest hot topic in the world of North Carolina politics is sadly, even maddeningly, familiar. Republican leaders of the General Assembly plan once again to redraw the state’s U.S. House district map as they seek to increase their party’s already lopsided edge in the state’s congressional delegation. Even one additional seat – bringing the […]

Gerrymandering, voter suppression at center stage

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The latest hot topic in the world of North Carolina politics is sadly, even maddeningly, familiar. Republican leaders of the General Assembly plan once again to redraw the state’s U.S. House district map as they seek to increase their party’s already lopsided edge in the state’s congressional delegation. Even one additional seat – bringing the […]

Anchored in Hope

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Rev. Susannah Tuttle delivered the following word at Duke University Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland also preaching. To view the recording of the service, click here. In a world that feels more divided than ever — politically, economically, even spiritually — the North Carolina Council of Churches is doing […]

Anchored in Hope

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Rev. Susannah Tuttle delivered the following word at Duke University Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland also preaching. To view the recording of the service, click here. In a world that feels more divided than ever — politically, economically, even spiritually — the North Carolina Council of Churches is doing […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: The Founding of the North Carolina Council of Churches

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: The Founding of the North Carolina Council of Churches

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Welcoming the Stranger

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Welcoming the Stranger

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: A Guiding Light

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: A Guiding Light

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Lessons in Justice and Hospitality

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Lessons in Justice and Hospitality

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

The Joy of Diversity in the Face of Injustice

By Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Yesterday morning, I watched my daughter climb onto the bus for her very first time as she headed off to kindergarten. She attends a dual-immersion public school—where half the students are native Spanish speakers and half are native English speakers. Most of her instruction this year will be in Spanish. I couldn’t be more excited […]

The Joy of Diversity in the Face of Injustice

by Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Yesterday morning, I watched my daughter climb onto the bus for her very first time as she headed off to kindergarten. She attends a dual-immersion public school—where half the students are native Spanish speakers and half are native English speakers. Most of her instruction this year will be in Spanish. I couldn’t be more excited […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: A Sermon to Remember: When Bishop Tutu Came to Duke

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: A Sermon to Remember: When Bishop Tutu Came to Duke

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

Decade of Dangerous Vouchers

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

July 23, 2015, was a dark day for an enterprise central to North Carolina’s civic well-being: the education of the state’s schoolchildren. Sadly, the path down which the state Supreme Court blundered 10 years ago has grown only more treacherous and contrary to the overall public interest. The occasion was a 4-3 ruling by the […]

Decade of Dangerous Vouchers

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

July 23, 2015, was a dark day for an enterprise central to North Carolina’s civic well-being: the education of the state’s schoolchildren. Sadly, the path down which the state Supreme Court blundered 10 years ago has grown only more treacherous and contrary to the overall public interest. The occasion was a 4-3 ruling by the […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Planting and Watering for Justice

By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Planting and Watering for Justice

by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Pride and Justice

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Pride and Justice

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: The Legacy of Collins Kilburn

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: The Legacy of Collins Kilburn

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

Risky turn for N.C. elections

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our democracy, with free and fair elections at the cornerstone, can be warped in favor of those who manipulate the election process to their advantage – who gets to vote, when and where, and which votes are included when they’re finally counted. Call that a cornerstone of autocracy. For the past 15 years in North […]

Risky turn for N.C. elections

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our democracy, with free and fair elections at the cornerstone, can be warped in favor of those who manipulate the election process to their advantage – who gets to vote, when and where, and which votes are included when they’re finally counted. Call that a cornerstone of autocracy. For the past 15 years in North […]

Charlotte Immigration Press Conference

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

I greet you on behalf of the North Carolina Council of Churches, representing 19 denominations in this state with congregations in big cities like Charlotte and crossroads most of us have never heard of. At the Council, we don’t pretend to be objective; we don’t pretend to represent a variety of opinions. We refract the […]

Charlotte Immigration Press Conference

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

I greet you on behalf of the North Carolina Council of Churches, representing 19 denominations in this state with congregations in big cities like Charlotte and crossroads most of us have never heard of. At the Council, we don’t pretend to be objective; we don’t pretend to represent a variety of opinions. We refract the […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: The Foundation Laid by John Hammond (Jack) Crum 

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: The Foundation Laid by John Hammond (Jack) Crum 

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

Workers Memorial Day, 2025

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

For several years now, the North Carolina Council of Churches has gathered with our colleagues and friends to stand with the families and friends of those who died on the job. It’s one of the most important events we attend, standing with those separated forever from their loved ones and sometimes shouting at the injustice […]

Workers Memorial Day, 2025

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

For several years now, the North Carolina Council of Churches has gathered with our colleagues and friends to stand with the families and friends of those who died on the job. It’s one of the most important events we attend, standing with those separated forever from their loved ones and sometimes shouting at the injustice […]

Living History: Faith & Democracy

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On Good Friday, the North Carolina Council of Churches supported 100+ congregations as they came together ‘against tyranny’ in a powerful, symbolic act: ringing bells for democracy. Inspired by the events of 250 years ago — when Boston’s Old North Church signaled the start of Paul Revere’s ride — and churches throughout the area rang […]

Living History: Faith & Democracy

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

On Good Friday, the North Carolina Council of Churches supported 100+ congregations as they came together ‘against tyranny’ in a powerful, symbolic act: ringing bells for democracy. Inspired by the events of 250 years ago — when Boston’s Old North Church signaled the start of Paul Revere’s ride — and churches throughout the area rang […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Easter Sunday

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 24:1-12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Easter Sunday

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 24:1-12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Good Friday

By Rev. Meredith Rawls, PHW Northeast Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 18:1-19:42 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Good Friday

by Rev. Meredith Rawls, PHW Northeast Regional Coordinator

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 18:1-19:42 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: A Journey of Faith and Justice

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: A Journey of Faith and Justice

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

High Court Race, High Stakes

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Has the N.C. Supreme Court – deeply polarized in recent years under conservative Republican control – finally signaled that the prospect of throwing out thousands of votes in an election to fill one of its own seats might be more than it wants to swallow? Even if the beneficiary would be another Republican who wants […]

High Court Race, High Stakes

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Has the N.C. Supreme Court – deeply polarized in recent years under conservative Republican control – finally signaled that the prospect of throwing out thousands of votes in an election to fill one of its own seats might be more than it wants to swallow? Even if the beneficiary would be another Republican who wants […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Palm Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 19:28-40 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Palm Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 19:28-40 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Fifth Sunday

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 43:16-21 Thus says the Lord,    who makes a way in the sea,    a path in the mighty waters,who brings out chariot and horse,    army and warrior;they lie down; they cannot rise;    they are extinguished, quenched like a […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Fifth Sunday

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 43:16-21 Thus says the Lord,    who makes a way in the sea,    a path in the mighty waters,who brings out chariot and horse,    army and warrior;they lie down; they cannot rise;    they are extinguished, quenched like a […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Journey through Time

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Journey through Time

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday

By John Dempsey Parker, Associate Director for Trauma Response in Western North Carolina

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32b Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday

by John Dempsey Parker, Associate Director for Trauma Response in Western North Carolina

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32b Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Third Sunday

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 55:1-9 Hear, everyone who thirsts;    come to the waters;and you who have no money,    come, buy and eat!Come, buy wine and milk    without money and without price.Why do you spend your money for that which […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Third Sunday

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 55:1-9 Hear, everyone who thirsts;    come to the waters;and you who have no money,    come, buy and eat!Come, buy wine and milk    without money and without price.Why do you spend your money for that which […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Reflecting on My Years with the North Carolina Council of Churches

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Reflecting on My Years with the North Carolina Council of Churches

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Second Sunday

By Donna Parks Hill, Associate Director for Community Health, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation;    whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life;    of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me    to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—    they shall stumble and […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Second Sunday

by Donna Parks Hill, Associate Director for Community Health, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation;    whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life;    of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me    to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—    they shall stumble and […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: God Gave the Growth: Reflecting on the Early Days of Partners in Health and Wholeness

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: God Gave the Growth: Reflecting on the Early Days of Partners in Health and Wholeness

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

2025 Lenten Guide: First Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 4:1-13 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing […]

2025 Lenten Guide: First Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 4:1-13 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

By Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C 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 […]

2025 Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

by Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C 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 […]

2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Throughout his life, Jesus moved in the midst of sorrow and suffering, not necessarily because he was a woe-seeker, but because there was woe all around him. No doubt, this intentionality flows from the words he read aloud from Isaiah during his first recorded public appearance, words written in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus told […]

2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Throughout his life, Jesus moved in the midst of sorrow and suffering, not necessarily because he was a woe-seeker, but because there was woe all around him. No doubt, this intentionality flows from the words he read aloud from Isaiah during his first recorded public appearance, words written in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus told […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Gatherings for education, inspiration

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Gatherings for education, inspiration

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Active Hope

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Active Hope

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Time Well Spent

By North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Time Well Spent

by North Carolina Council of Churches

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community […]

Welcome Meredith Rawls

By Rev. Meredith Rawls, PHW Northeast Regional Coordinator

The Council is excited to introduce you to one of our newest staff members, Meredith Rawls. Meredith joined us in January as the Program Engagement Coordinator for our Partners in Health and Wholeness initiative. Read more about Meredith: It is with great joy that I join the staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches […]

Welcome Meredith Rawls

by Rev. Meredith Rawls, PHW Northeast Regional Coordinator

The Council is excited to introduce you to one of our newest staff members, Meredith Rawls. Meredith joined us in January as the Program Engagement Coordinator for our Partners in Health and Wholeness initiative. Read more about Meredith: It is with great joy that I join the staff of the North Carolina Council of Churches […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on […]

90 Years Rooted in Faith: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on […]

2024 Advent Guide: Epiphany of the Lord

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Give the king your justice, O God,    and your righteousness to a king’s son.May he judge your people with righteousness    and your poor with justice.May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,    and the hills, […]

2024 Advent Guide: Epiphany of the Lord

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Give the king your justice, O God,    and your righteousness to a king’s son.May he judge your people with righteousness    and your poor with justice.May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,    and the hills, […]

2024 Advent Guide: Second Sunday After Christmas

By Donna Parks Hill, Associate Director for Community Health, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Jeremiah 31:7-14 For thus says the Lord:Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,    and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;proclaim, give praise, and say,    “Save, O Lord, your people,    the remnant of Israel.”See, I am going to bring them […]

2024 Advent Guide: Second Sunday After Christmas

by Donna Parks Hill, Associate Director for Community Health, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Jeremiah 31:7-14 For thus says the Lord:Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,    and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;proclaim, give praise, and say,    “Save, O Lord, your people,    the remnant of Israel.”See, I am going to bring them […]

2024 Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas

By Ren Martin, Eco-Justice Connection Program Coordinator

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 148 Praise the Lord!Praise the Lord from the heavens;    praise him in the heights!Praise him, all his angels;    praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon;    praise him, all you shining stars!Praise him, you highest heavens    and you waters […]

2024 Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas

by Ren Martin, Eco-Justice Connection Program Coordinator

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 148 Praise the Lord!Praise the Lord from the heavens;    praise him in the heights!Praise him, all his angels;    praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon;    praise him, all you shining stars!Praise him, you highest heavens    and you waters […]

2024 Advent Guide: Christmas Day

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not […]

2024 Advent Guide: Christmas Day

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not […]

2024 Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) 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 […]

2024 Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) 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 […]

Defiant Joy

By Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Home is a complicated thing— or word, or concept, really.  Not because I didn’t grow up in a wonderful home.  But because, well, in our home, we answer questions like: who gets to call it their home? Who’s home is it? Is it once their home, always their home? Can someone have more than one […]

Defiant Joy

by Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Home is a complicated thing— or word, or concept, really.  Not because I didn’t grow up in a wonderful home.  But because, well, in our home, we answer questions like: who gets to call it their home? Who’s home is it? Is it once their home, always their home? Can someone have more than one […]

2024 Advent Guide: Third Sunday

By Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 12:2-6 “Surely God is my salvation;    I will trust and will not be afraid,for the Lord is my strength and my might;    he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And […]

2024 Advent Guide: Third Sunday

by Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 12:2-6 “Surely God is my salvation;    I will trust and will not be afraid,for the Lord is my strength and my might;    he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And […]

Job Opening: PHW Regional Associate Director

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

North Carolina Council of ChurchesImmediate Position Opening: Regional Associate DirectorMust live in the Northeast Region of N.C.November 2024 40 hr/wk; 3 weeks paid vacation; paid sick leave, HSA contributionHybrid Position, Travel required within North Carolina3-month probationary period Retirement benefits available when the probationary period concludesSalary commensurate with experienceMust have proof of COVID-19 vaccination and up to […]

Job Opening: PHW Regional Associate Director

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

North Carolina Council of ChurchesImmediate Position Opening: Regional Associate DirectorMust live in the Northeast Region of N.C.November 2024 40 hr/wk; 3 weeks paid vacation; paid sick leave, HSA contributionHybrid Position, Travel required within North Carolina3-month probationary period Retirement benefits available when the probationary period concludesSalary commensurate with experienceMust have proof of COVID-19 vaccination and up to […]

2024 Advent Guide: Second Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Philippians 1:3-11 I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I […]

2024 Advent Guide: Second Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Philippians 1:3-11 I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I […]

2024 Advent Guide: First Sunday

By John Dempsey Parker, Associate Director for Trauma Response in Western North Carolina

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 & Luke 21:25-36 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly […]

2024 Advent Guide: First Sunday

by John Dempsey Parker, Associate Director for Trauma Response in Western North Carolina

Excerpted from 2024 Advent Guide: Hope is Near, an Advent Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 & Luke 21:25-36 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly […]

2024 Advent Guide: Hope Is Near

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

It’s not by accident we call the 1st Sunday of Advent, Hope—Hope, not to be confused with optimism. Hopeful living is a very different sort of existence than the culture of optimism promoted around us. Hope rejects the fatalism of the current situation by recognizing that we don’t have the right to make that assessment. […]

2024 Advent Guide: Hope Is Near

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

It’s not by accident we call the 1st Sunday of Advent, Hope—Hope, not to be confused with optimism. Hopeful living is a very different sort of existence than the culture of optimism promoted around us. Hope rejects the fatalism of the current situation by recognizing that we don’t have the right to make that assessment. […]

When Renewal Calls: Embracing Rest in Ministry

By North Carolina Council of Churches

by the Rev. Edward N. Preistaf, Pastor of Long Memorial United Methodist Church in Roxboro “I don’t think I have it in me. I hope no one calls me today.” That’s how I was feeling a year ago after one of the busiest seasons in my 22 years of ministry – exhausted. All of the […]

When Renewal Calls: Embracing Rest in Ministry

by North Carolina Council of Churches

by the Rev. Edward N. Preistaf, Pastor of Long Memorial United Methodist Church in Roxboro “I don’t think I have it in me. I hope no one calls me today.” That’s how I was feeling a year ago after one of the busiest seasons in my 22 years of ministry – exhausted. All of the […]

Vote with the interest of your neighbor in mind

· News & Record

by the Rev. Dr. Jenifer Copeland, Executive Director Deep into this presidential election season we are once again saying what we have said for at least the last two—This is the most important election in our lives. Most candidates paint a picture of how awful the world will become if their opponent wins. Some also […]

Vote with the interest of your neighbor in mind

· News & Record

by the Rev. Dr. Jenifer Copeland, Executive Director Deep into this presidential election season we are once again saying what we have said for at least the last two—This is the most important election in our lives. Most candidates paint a picture of how awful the world will become if their opponent wins. Some also […]

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May We All Be Promoters of Peace 

By North Carolina Council of Churches

by the Rev. Dr. Christy Lohr Sapp, Pastor of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Hickory and member of the North Carolina Council of Churches Governing Board. As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. — Ephesians 6:15  As a country this fall, we are moving […]

May We All Be Promoters of Peace 

by North Carolina Council of Churches

by the Rev. Dr. Christy Lohr Sapp, Pastor of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Hickory and member of the North Carolina Council of Churches Governing Board. As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. — Ephesians 6:15  As a country this fall, we are moving […]

The politics of religion and voting your faith

· WUNC

There is a joyful sound on Sunday mornings at St. Joseph AME Church in Durham, North Carolina. On the Sunday morning after Helene struck and devastated the western part of the state, there were prayers for those suffering. There was also politics. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland – the only Black governor in the nation […]

The politics of religion and voting your faith

· WUNC

There is a joyful sound on Sunday mornings at St. Joseph AME Church in Durham, North Carolina. On the Sunday morning after Helene struck and devastated the western part of the state, there were prayers for those suffering. There was also politics. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland – the only Black governor in the nation […]

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A Living Testimony of Death to Life

By North Carolina Council of Churches

by Hope Elisa Ann Bryant, Founder of Rebuilding Lives Ministry, written during National Recovery Month. It is always important to honor the mothers, fathers, siblings, caretakers, and youth among us who have first-hand experience with substance use disorder. Many of us are walking different paths, some struggling with an addiction, some dealing illegal substances on […]

A Living Testimony of Death to Life

by North Carolina Council of Churches

by Hope Elisa Ann Bryant, Founder of Rebuilding Lives Ministry, written during National Recovery Month. It is always important to honor the mothers, fathers, siblings, caretakers, and youth among us who have first-hand experience with substance use disorder. Many of us are walking different paths, some struggling with an addiction, some dealing illegal substances on […]

Wisdom is a Woman

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at New Creation United Methodist Church in Durham. Proverbs 1:20-33; Wisdom of Solomon 7:26-8:1 When I read these pieces of scripture that talk about wisdom, I notice a few things that are always consistent. First of all, wisdom is […]

Wisdom is a Woman

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at New Creation United Methodist Church in Durham. Proverbs 1:20-33; Wisdom of Solomon 7:26-8:1 When I read these pieces of scripture that talk about wisdom, I notice a few things that are always consistent. First of all, wisdom is […]

Tuition giveaway’s real costs

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Amid the turbulence of a high-stakes election season stands a sadly familiar outpost of stability – the N.C. General Assembly’s relentless support of private schools at the expense of the public schools that inevitably serve most of the state’s children. That support advances under the banner of parental choice. Republican legislators who wield their super-majority […]

Tuition giveaway’s real costs

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Amid the turbulence of a high-stakes election season stands a sadly familiar outpost of stability – the N.C. General Assembly’s relentless support of private schools at the expense of the public schools that inevitably serve most of the state’s children. That support advances under the banner of parental choice. Republican legislators who wield their super-majority […]

When They Go Low…

By David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 (NRSV). Election season can be disorienting. It is easy to lose track of what is helpful and what is destructive, what is necessary […]

When They Go Low…

by David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 (NRSV). Election season can be disorienting. It is easy to lose track of what is helpful and what is destructive, what is necessary […]

A glimpse into the abyss

By North Carolina Council of Churches

By: Jennifer Roberts, Co-Chair of N.C. Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections With the November 2024 elections drawing closer, many people have been discussing the specter of political violence. I recently joined a group of 25 faith and community leaders from across the United States on a trip to Northern Ireland focused on that […]

A glimpse into the abyss

by North Carolina Council of Churches

By: Jennifer Roberts, Co-Chair of N.C. Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections With the November 2024 elections drawing closer, many people have been discussing the specter of political violence. I recently joined a group of 25 faith and community leaders from across the United States on a trip to Northern Ireland focused on that […]

A Sound Mind

By North Carolina Council of Churches

By: Reggie Wilson Jr. MS, MSW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, The Armstrong Center for Hope “. . . for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NRSV) The Bible tells us that God gave us all a […]

A Sound Mind

by North Carolina Council of Churches

By: Reggie Wilson Jr. MS, MSW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, The Armstrong Center for Hope “. . . for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NRSV) The Bible tells us that God gave us all a […]

Putting on the Full Apron of God: The Sacramental Moments of the United Methodist Church General Conference

By North Carolina Council of Churches

By: The Rev. Beth Crissman, Uwharrie District Superintendent and Director of Peace Building Ministries of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church “sac-ra-men-tal: (adj) exhibiting visible signs of God’s invisible grace, sanctifying daily life” As a clergyperson, there is something sacramental about putting on my stole before preaching, presiding at the Lord’s […]

Putting on the Full Apron of God: The Sacramental Moments of the United Methodist Church General Conference

by North Carolina Council of Churches

By: The Rev. Beth Crissman, Uwharrie District Superintendent and Director of Peace Building Ministries of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church “sac-ra-men-tal: (adj) exhibiting visible signs of God’s invisible grace, sanctifying daily life” As a clergyperson, there is something sacramental about putting on my stole before preaching, presiding at the Lord’s […]

Masks, money mean a mess

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s the civics-class version of how laws are enacted in North Carolina – rooted in the state constitution and rules of the General Assembly, and embodying ideals of orderly, even-handed decision-making. Then there’s the version encompassing the kind of shenanigans all too typical of the legislative process in real life. Especially so, during the late […]

Masks, money mean a mess

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s the civics-class version of how laws are enacted in North Carolina – rooted in the state constitution and rules of the General Assembly, and embodying ideals of orderly, even-handed decision-making. Then there’s the version encompassing the kind of shenanigans all too typical of the legislative process in real life. Especially so, during the late […]

North Carolina Council of Churches Releases Faithful Voter Reflection Guide: Empowering Faith Communities to Vote Their Values

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Council of Churches proudly announces the release of the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide. This vital resource is designed to help people of faith integrate their spiritual beliefs with their civic responsibilities as they prepare for the upcoming election season. The Faithful Voter Reflection Guide encourages readers to reflect on […]

North Carolina Council of Churches Releases Faithful Voter Reflection Guide: Empowering Faith Communities to Vote Their Values

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Council of Churches proudly announces the release of the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide. This vital resource is designed to help people of faith integrate their spiritual beliefs with their civic responsibilities as they prepare for the upcoming election season. The Faithful Voter Reflection Guide encourages readers to reflect on […]

Welcome John Dempsey Parker!

By John Dempsey Parker, Associate Director for Trauma Response in Western North Carolina

We would like to welcome John Dempsey Parker as our new Director of Partnerships and Development. John has over 25 years of experience in North Carolina in asset-based community economic development, culturally appropriate and trauma-informed community organizing, community development finance, affordable housing, nonprofit management, small business and entrepreneurship systems development.  Since 2016, John has worked […]

Welcome John Dempsey Parker!

by John Dempsey Parker, Associate Director for Trauma Response in Western North Carolina

We would like to welcome John Dempsey Parker as our new Director of Partnerships and Development. John has over 25 years of experience in North Carolina in asset-based community economic development, culturally appropriate and trauma-informed community organizing, community development finance, affordable housing, nonprofit management, small business and entrepreneurship systems development.  Since 2016, John has worked […]

Extra money, N.C.’s critical needs

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First, the good news. As North Carolina’s lawmakers crank up their every-other-year “short” session (well, sometimes it’s not so short), they’ll have the luxury of working with a healthy boost in anticipated revenue. Healthy to the tune of a projected $1.4 billion – money to be factored into the state budget, now pegged at $30 […]

Extra money, N.C.’s critical needs

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First, the good news. As North Carolina’s lawmakers crank up their every-other-year “short” session (well, sometimes it’s not so short), they’ll have the luxury of working with a healthy boost in anticipated revenue. Healthy to the tune of a projected $1.4 billion – money to be factored into the state budget, now pegged at $30 […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Easter Sunday

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 25:6-9 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,    of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.And he will destroy on […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Easter Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Isaiah 25:6-9 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,    of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.And he will destroy on […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Maundy Thursday

By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 I love the Lord because he has heard    my voice and my supplications.Because he inclined his ear to me,    therefore I will call on him as long as I live. What shall I return to the Lord    for […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Maundy Thursday

by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 I love the Lord because he has heard    my voice and my supplications.Because he inclined his ear to me,    therefore I will call on him as long as I live. What shall I return to the Lord    for […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Good Friday

By Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Hebrews 10:16-25 “This is the covenant that I will make with them    after those days, says the Lord:I will put my laws in their hearts,    and I will write them on their minds,” and he adds, “I […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Good Friday

by Susannah Tuttle, Director of Strategic Engagement

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Hebrews 10:16-25 “This is the covenant that I will make with them    after those days, says the Lord:I will put my laws in their hearts,    and I will write them on their minds,” and he adds, “I […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Palm Sunday

By Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Mark 1:1-11 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,    who will prepare your way,the voice of one […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Palm Sunday

by Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Mark 1:1-11 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,    who will prepare your way,the voice of one […]

Will election ‘machinery’ grind its gears?

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As a classic example of trying to fix something that’s not broken, look no farther than the N.C. General Assembly’s overhaul last year of the State Board of Elections and its 100 county offshoots.  The changes, as stipulated in Senate Bill 749, would tangle the boards’ lines of authority six ways from Sunday and risk […]

Will election ‘machinery’ grind its gears?

by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As a classic example of trying to fix something that’s not broken, look no farther than the N.C. General Assembly’s overhaul last year of the State Board of Elections and its 100 county offshoots.  The changes, as stipulated in Senate Bill 749, would tangle the boards’ lines of authority six ways from Sunday and risk […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Fifth Sunday

By Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 12:20-33 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 […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Fifth Sunday

by Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. John 12:20-33 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 […]

Antidote to Death

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Duke University Chapel. View the recording. Put a serpent on a pole, stare at it, and be healed. Believe in the Son of Man, about to be executed by the authorities, and have eternal life. Interesting prescriptions for […]

Antidote to Death

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The following sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Duke University Chapel. View the recording. Put a serpent on a pole, stare at it, and be healed. Believe in the Son of Man, about to be executed by the authorities, and have eternal life. Interesting prescriptions for […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday

By Donna Parks Hill, Associate Director for Community Health, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,    for his steadfast love endures forever.Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,    those he redeemed from troubleand gathered in from the lands,    from the east and from […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday

by Donna Parks Hill, Associate Director for Community Health, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,    for his steadfast love endures forever.Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,    those he redeemed from troubleand gathered in from the lands,    from the east and from […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Third Sunday

By Ren Martin, Eco-Justice Connection Program Coordinator

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 19 The heavens are telling the glory of God,    and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours forth speech,    and night to night declares knowledge.There is no speech, nor are there words;    their voice is not […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Third Sunday

by Ren Martin, Eco-Justice Connection Program Coordinator

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 19 The heavens are telling the glory of God,    and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours forth speech,    and night to night declares knowledge.There is no speech, nor are there words;    their voice is not […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Second Sunday

By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Mark 9:2-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Second Sunday

by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Mark 9:2-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling […]

Prayer for the Primary

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Voting may be the most important place for us to live into God’s call for a flourishing world. Feeding the hungry is crucial, but how much more so is passing legislation that will address the root causes of hunger? Giving water to the thirsty is crucial, but how much more so is passing legislation that […]

Prayer for the Primary

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Voting may be the most important place for us to live into God’s call for a flourishing world. Feeding the hungry is crucial, but how much more so is passing legislation that will address the root causes of hunger? Giving water to the thirsty is crucial, but how much more so is passing legislation that […]

2024 Lenten Guide: First Sunday

By Stephenie Sanders, Partners in Health and Wholeness Program and Engagement Administrator

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 25:1-10 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.O my God, in you I trust;    do not let me be put to shame;    do not let my enemies exult over me.Do not let those who wait […]

2024 Lenten Guide: First Sunday

by Stephenie Sanders, Partners in Health and Wholeness Program and Engagement Administrator

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Psalm 25:1-10 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.O my God, in you I trust;    do not let me be put to shame;    do not let my enemies exult over me.Do not let those who wait […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

By Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Blow the trumpet in Zion;    sound the alarm on my holy mountain!Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,    for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near—a day of darkness and gloom,    a day […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

by Rev. Carrilea Hall, Senior Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Excerpted from 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North Carolina Council of Churches. Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Blow the trumpet in Zion;    sound the alarm on my holy mountain!Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,    for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near—a day of darkness and gloom,    a day […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement

By Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Most of us are responsible, productive people. We head off at the start of the day to do what is expected of us. At the start of a new school year, fiscal year, or calendar year, we lay out a course and proceed accordingly, doing what is expected of us. So, it is with Mary […]

2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement

by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Most of us are responsible, productive people. We head off at the start of the day to do what is expected of us. At the start of a new school year, fiscal year, or calendar year, we lay out a course and proceed accordingly, doing what is expected of us. So, it is with Mary […]