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Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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Worship

Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday
Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday
Apr 9, 2020
The Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Lenten Guide – Easter Sunday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide – Good Friday
Lenten Guide – Good Friday
Apr 8, 2020
Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Lenten Guide – Good Friday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday
Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday
Apr 6, 2020
Vanna Fox, Development Director

Lenten Guide – Maundy Thursday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday
Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday
Apr 2, 2020
Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Lenten Guide – Palm Sunday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday
Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday
Mar 19, 2020
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Lenten Guide – Fourth Sunday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide – Third Sunday
Lenten Guide – Third Sunday
Mar 12, 2020
Sean Allen, Director of Finance and Administration

Lenten Guide – Third Sunday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide – Second Sunday
Lenten Guide – Second Sunday
Mar 4, 2020
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Lenten Guide – Second Sunday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide – First Sunday
Lenten Guide – First Sunday
Feb 28, 2020
Sarah Ogletree, Program Coordinator, NC Interfaith Power & Light

Lenten Guide – First Sunday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the North… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday
Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday
Feb 25, 2020
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Lenten Guide – Ash Wednesday

Excerpted from Power Made Perfect in Weakness, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year A from the… Continue Reading

2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness
2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness
Feb 25, 2020
North Carolina Council of Churches

2020 Lenten Guide: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

God does not look for perfection in God’s disciples. Instead, God only looks for openness to… Continue Reading

In God’s Eye
In God’s Eye
Feb 24, 2020
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

In God’s Eye

The following remarks were delivered by Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, on Sunday, February 23 at St.… Continue Reading

Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter Sunday
Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter Sunday
Apr 1, 2018
Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Lenten Reflection Guide: Easter Sunday

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice”  When the sabbath was over,… Continue Reading

Lenten Reflection Guide: Good Friday
Lenten Reflection Guide: Good Friday
Mar 30, 2018
Yolanda Santiago-Correa, Duke Divinity School Intern

Lenten Reflection Guide: Good Friday

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice”  My God, my God, why… Continue Reading

Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy Thursday
Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy Thursday
Mar 29, 2018
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Lenten Reflection Guide: Maundy Thursday

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice.” Reflection written by Sabrina Rosario,… Continue Reading

Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm Sunday
Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm Sunday
Mar 25, 2018
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Lenten Reflection Guide: Palm Sunday

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Be gracious to me, O Lord,… Continue Reading

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women
Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women
Mar 22, 2018
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Critical Issues Seminar: The Wisdom of Women

2018 is shaping up to the be the Year of the Woman. From the halls of… Continue Reading

Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in Lent
Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in Lent
Mar 18, 2018
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Lenten Reflection Guide: Fifth Sunday in Lent

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Now among those who went… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in Lent
Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in Lent
Mar 11, 2018
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Lenten Guide: Fourth Sunday in Lent

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” You were dead through the… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent
Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent
Mar 4, 2018
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Lenten Guide: Third Sunday in Lent

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Then God spoke all… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in Lent
Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in Lent
Feb 25, 2018
The Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Lenten Guide: Second Sunday in Lent

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” You who fear the Lord,… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent
Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent
Feb 18, 2018
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Lenten Guide: First Sunday in Lent

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” Then God said to… Continue Reading

Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday
Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday
Feb 14, 2018
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Lenten Guide: Ash Wednesday

Excerpted from the NC Council of Churches Lenten Guide, “Journey to Justice” We entreat you on… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord
Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord
Jan 8, 2018
Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Epiphany
Advent Guide: Epiphany
Jan 6, 2018
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Advent Guide: Epiphany

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day
Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day
Dec 30, 2017
Nicole Johnson, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Denominational Support

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading

On the Fourth Day of Christmas
On the Fourth Day of Christmas
Dec 28, 2017
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

It has been a rough year for creche sets at our house. For our family, as… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day
Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day
Dec 24, 2017
Josie Walker, PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24
Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24
Dec 23, 2017
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 24

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17
Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17
Dec 16, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 17

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10
Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10
Dec 9, 2017
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Advent Guide: Second Sunday, December 10

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3
Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3
Dec 2, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Advent Guide: First Sunday, December 3

Excerpted from A Season of Hope. An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year B from the North… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: A Season of Hope
Advent Guide: A Season of Hope
Nov 25, 2017
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Advent Guide: A Season of Hope

The theme for our Advent Guide this year is hope. After considering various themes, we chose… Continue Reading

Time to Take a Knee
Time to Take a Knee
Sep 29, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Time to Take a Knee

It has been nearly fourteen months since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of the… Continue Reading

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter
Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter
Aug 3, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Police Brutality is not a Joking Matter

By Andrew Hudgins, NCCC Program Associate for Operations, for The Resistance Prays News: In a speech… Continue Reading

Honor Workers with a Labor Day Sabbath
Honor Workers with a Labor Day Sabbath
Jul 24, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Honor Workers with a Labor Day Sabbath

The Council is partnering with Raise the Wage NC to encourage faith communities to hold a… Continue Reading

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!
Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!
Jul 17, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Great to Meet You at Wild Goose!

We were delighted to meet many of you at the Wild Goose Festival last week. Council… Continue Reading

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace
Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace
Jun 14, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our Unceasing Prayer Must Be for Peace

The tragedy of gun violence in this country seems unending. We pray for those impacted, whether… Continue Reading

Join the Council at Wild Goose!
Join the Council at Wild Goose!
May 22, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join the Council at Wild Goose!

The Council is a sponsor of the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs this July. Members… Continue Reading

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18
2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18
May 15, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

2017 Stand Up Sabbath — June 16-18

About this time two years ago, I accepted the offer to become the next Executive Director… Continue Reading

Special Interest Altar Calls
Special Interest Altar Calls
May 11, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Special Interest Altar Calls

By now, most of us have read “Dark Money” or heard enough about the subject it… Continue Reading

Shepherds of Creation
Shepherds of Creation
May 8, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Shepherds of Creation

Sermon preached on May 7, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. When I was in… Continue Reading

Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s Day
Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s Day
May 1, 2017
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Shine a Light on Postpartum Depression This Mother’s Day

We often struggle to address mental health in our communities of faith. This Mother’s Day, as… Continue Reading

There’s an App for That
There’s an App for That
Apr 21, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

There’s an App for That

The Council is excited to announce the release of our free app for iOS and Android… Continue Reading

From Sour to Sweet
From Sour to Sweet
Apr 17, 2017
Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

From Sour to Sweet

Confession: I didn’t give anything up for Lent this year and I don’t feel bad about… Continue Reading

A Day in the Life of….
A Day in the Life of….
Apr 13, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

A Day in the Life of….

Preached on April 12 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chapel Hill Holy Week, this… Continue Reading

Standing on Our Heads
Standing on Our Heads
Apr 3, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Standing on Our Heads

Sermon preached by the Rev. Jennifer Copeland on April 1, 2017 at First United Methodist Church,… Continue Reading

2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online
2017 Legislative Seminar — Thank You plus Worship and Awards Presentation Online
Mar 28, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

For those who could not be with us at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh,… Continue Reading

Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship
Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship
Mar 27, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Action Needed Before Monday Night on Guns in Places of Worship

Our friends at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have issued the alert below. Please note that… Continue Reading

Do the Goose
Do the Goose
Mar 19, 2017
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Do the Goose

If you think organized religion has lost its appeal (25% of Americans do; most of them… Continue Reading

2017 Lenten Guide — Third Sunday
2017 Lenten Guide — Third Sunday
Mar 18, 2017
Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

2017 Lenten Guide — Third Sunday

For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a… Continue Reading

2017 Lenten Guide — Sing With Us
2017 Lenten Guide — Sing With Us
Feb 27, 2017
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2017 Lenten Guide — Sing With Us

For this year’s Lenten Guide, each member of the Council staff chose a verse from a… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8
Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8
Jan 6, 2017
The Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Advent Guide: Baptism of the Lord, January 8

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6
Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6
Jan 5, 2017
Nicole Johnson, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Denominational Support

Advent Guide: Epiphany, January 6

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1
Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1
Dec 30, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Advent Guide: First Sunday After Christmas Day, January 1

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day
Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day
Dec 23, 2016
Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Advent Guide: Christmas Eve and Day

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Merry Christmas from the Council
Merry Christmas from the Council
Dec 22, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Merry Christmas from the Council

Promise of a New Day Brown Baby Born to Unwed Parents Immigrant, Refugee, Religious Outsider Radical… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18
Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18
Dec 17, 2016
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Advent Guide: Fourth Sunday, December 18

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11
Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11
Dec 10, 2016
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent Guide: Third Sunday, December 11

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees
Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees
Nov 29, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Advent Calendar to Support Immigrants and Refugees

Today when I logged onto Facebook, among all the heartbreaking news in our world (some from credible sources,… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27
Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27
Nov 26, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Advent Guide: First Sunday, November 27

Excerpted from How Will We Welcome the Prince of Peace? An Advent Guide for Lectionary Year… Continue Reading

Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth
Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth
Nov 25, 2016
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Becoming the Church Together and Including Youth

Earlier this month, the North Carolina Conference hosted its annual Pilgrimage event, a time when several… Continue Reading

Advent Guide: Introduction
Advent Guide: Introduction
Nov 25, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Advent Guide: Introduction

In the absence of kindness and consideration, we have become less civil and more mean-spirited with… Continue Reading

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace
Advent Guide Focuses on Peace
Nov 10, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Advent Guide Focuses on Peace

The NC Council of Churches has never taken peace for granted. Indeed, along with our work… Continue Reading

A Prayer to Heal the Nation
A Prayer to Heal the Nation
Nov 9, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

A Prayer to Heal the Nation

Faith in Public Life, the Skinner Leadership Institute, and Values Partnership will offer a prayer for the… Continue Reading

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath
Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath
Jun 1, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Gun Violence Prevention: New Web Page, Stand Up Sabbath

NC advocates in orange at the General Assembly last year. Photo provided by Beth Messersmith, NC Campaign… Continue Reading

Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19
Stand-Up Sabbath Against Gun Violence, June 17-19
May 16, 2016
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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

According to the news reports, it all started over a place on a pew. One parishioner… Continue Reading

Louisburg College Baccalaureate: “What’s the Plan?”
Louisburg College Baccalaureate: “What’s the Plan?”
May 10, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

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

Baccalaureate sermon delivered by Jennifer Copeland on May 5 at Louisburg College. Isaiah 2:2-4; Revelation 21:1-7;… Continue Reading

The Only Way to Win
The Only Way to Win
Jan 23, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The Only Way to Win

Preached at the Christian Unity Service of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham Matthew 5:1-16 The sermon you… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas
Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas
Dec 24, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Advent Guide on Refugees — Christmas

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday
Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday
Dec 19, 2015
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Advent Guide on Refugees — Fourth Sunday

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — Third Sunday
Advent Guide on Refugees — Third Sunday
Dec 12, 2015
Ashley Yohman, Program Associate for Finance and Development

Advent Guide on Refugees — Third Sunday

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday
Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday
Dec 5, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Advent Guide on Refugees — Second Sunday

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday
Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday
Nov 28, 2015
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Advent Guide on Refugees — First Sunday

Excerpted from In Those Days and In These, an Advent Devotional Guide from the NC Council… Continue Reading

Love God, Love Creation
Love God, Love Creation
Sep 23, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Love God, Love Creation

The following, based on Psalm 148, was offered by Rev. Jennifer Copeland at Raleigh’s Church of… Continue Reading

Pope Francis Calls for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Pope Francis Calls for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Aug 17, 2015
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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

“I wish to inform you that I have decided to institute in the Catholic Church the… Continue Reading

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston
Statement on the Shootings in Charleston
Jun 18, 2015
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Statement on the Shootings in Charleston

With people across the world, the North Carolina Council of Churches grieves with the congregation of… Continue Reading

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study
This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study
May 15, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

This Millennial’s Response to the Pew Research Center Study

I am a millennial. I was also born and raised in the church and have continued… Continue Reading

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?
What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?
Feb 24, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

What Does it Mean to Wear Ashes in Protest?

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. In liturgical churches, it begins… Continue Reading

Reclaiming Epiphany
Reclaiming Epiphany
Jan 3, 2015
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Reclaiming Epiphany

January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, is a time when Christians celebrate the arrival of… Continue Reading

Advent — As Yourself
Advent — As Yourself
Dec 16, 2014
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent — As Yourself

During the holiday season, we celebrate the love of friends and family, and this week of… Continue Reading

Advent: The Season of Perpetual Hope
Advent: The Season of Perpetual Hope
Dec 5, 2014
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Advent: The Season of Perpetual Hope

Advent is here. If you look around, it may seem like Christmas showed up weeks ago,… Continue Reading

2014 Advent Guide
2014 Advent Guide
Nov 24, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2014 Advent Guide

The Council’s 2014 Advent Devotional Guide is now available as a free download. Each year, Council staff take… Continue Reading

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource
NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource
Sep 16, 2014
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

NCCC Eating Well Curriculum is a National Resource

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at the Council’s curriculum, “Eating Well: For… Continue Reading

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend
Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend
Aug 25, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Observing the Labor Sabbath This Weekend

As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, many people are thinking about beaches and barbeques. Amy Laura… Continue Reading

Connect and Share with Others in Planning for the People’s Climate March in September!
Connect and Share with Others in Planning for the People’s Climate March in September!
Aug 14, 2014
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

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

The People’s Climate March is bringing together people with the urgency and power needed to address the… Continue Reading

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!
2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!
Aug 10, 2014
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

Please join the North Carolina Council of Churches at the 2014 Faith and Health Summit, which… Continue Reading

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup
Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup
Jun 18, 2014
Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

Reflections on Immigration and the World Cup

I am admittedly a person who does not care about sports. However, the World Cup is… Continue Reading

Worship Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers
Worship Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers
Jun 2, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Worship Resource for Pentecost: Breaking Down Barriers

Program Associate Jennie Wilburn has created a worship resource for Pentecost as an opportunity to break… Continue Reading

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture
We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture
Apr 29, 2014
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We Rejoice in Baptism, We Reject Torture

I was baptized a Baptist as a child, confirmed an Episcopalian as an adult.  I stood… Continue Reading

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Three
PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Three
Mar 20, 2014
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Three

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here.… Continue Reading

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Two
PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Two
Mar 13, 2014
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Chapter Two

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here.… Continue Reading

Those Who Do Without – From Our Social Justice Study for Lent
Those Who Do Without – From Our Social Justice Study for Lent
Mar 7, 2014
Steve Ford, Volunteer Program Associate

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

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten… Continue Reading

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Introduction
PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Introduction
Feb 20, 2014
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Circle Maker, Introduction

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here.… Continue Reading

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families
God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families
Nov 4, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

God With Us: A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

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

Resources for Earth Sabbath Celebrations
Resources for Earth Sabbath Celebrations
May 30, 2013
Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Resources for Earth Sabbath Celebrations

As summer heads our way, consider hosting an Earth Sabbath Celebration. NCIPL has recently added several… Continue Reading

Rev. Joe Brown: From the Church House to the State House
Rev. Joe Brown: From the Church House to the State House
May 14, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

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

The Rev. Joseph Brown, Sr. is Presiding Elder, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He is a… Continue Reading

The Ecumenical Journey
The Ecumenical Journey
Apr 24, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

The Ecumenical Journey

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

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

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week
Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week
Apr 19, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Believing in Goodness and Mercy After a Very Hard Week

It has been a difficult week for anyone who lives from a place of compassion. For… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers
Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers
Mar 26, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Preparing the Way: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Sojo.net

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

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Mar 22, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Preparing the Way: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

From the Easter Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness
Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness
Mar 15, 2013
George Reed, Former Executive Director

Preparing the Way: The Price of Faithfulness

From the Palm Sunday chapter of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering… Continue Reading

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17
National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17
Mar 12, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath — March 15-17

If ending gun violence were easy, nightmares like Sandy Hook would never happen. Young lives would not… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: Let the Oppressed Go Free
Preparing the Way: Let the Oppressed Go Free
Mar 12, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Preparing the Way: Let the Oppressed Go Free

From Chapter 5 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: Nourishing God’s Children, Body and Soul
Preparing the Way: Nourishing God’s Children, Body and Soul
Mar 7, 2013
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Preparing the Way: Nourishing God’s Children, Body and Soul

From Chapter 4 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: Who Is Our Neighbor?
Preparing the Way: Who Is Our Neighbor?
Mar 2, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Preparing the Way: Who Is Our Neighbor?

From Chapter 3 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free… Continue Reading

Sí, se puede: Celebrating Holy Week & National Farmworker Awareness Week
Sí, se puede: Celebrating Holy Week & National Farmworker Awareness Week
Mar 1, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Sí, se puede: Celebrating Holy Week & National Farmworker Awareness Week

Holy Week this year is also National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 24-31). It seems like no accident that… Continue Reading

Bulletin Insert from PFADP
Bulletin Insert from PFADP
Feb 21, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Bulletin Insert from PFADP

Our friends at People of Faith Against the Death Penalty have provided a bulletin insert for churches… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way: Caring for Creation – A Lenten “Carbon Fast”
Preparing the Way: Caring for Creation – A Lenten “Carbon Fast”
Feb 21, 2013
Susannah Tuttle, NCIPL Director

Preparing the Way: Caring for Creation – A Lenten “Carbon Fast”

From Chapter 2 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free… Continue Reading

The Green Bible is a Must Read
The Green Bible is a Must Read
Feb 17, 2013
Kathy Shea, Former Senior Advisor - NCIPL

The Green Bible is a Must Read

If you haven’t discovered The Green Bible yet, you are in for a joyous surprise. This… Continue Reading

Lectionary: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths (4th Sunday in Lent)
Lectionary: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths (4th Sunday in Lent)
Feb 17, 2013
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Lectionary: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths (4th Sunday in Lent)

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday in Lent – March 10, 2013
Topic: Celebrating Abrahamic Faiths
Focus Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

From the pastoral reflection: “Nadia dramatically called us into the reality of her life and away from our being disengaged onlookers. Angrily, she described the early morning hours onslaught as she, her husband, and three little children huddled on their bedroom floor, bullets ricocheting around the room for half an hour. They assumed they would die in the hail of gunfire. But surviving the experience, the family began cleaning up their devastated home and quickly recognized the telltale imprint of American military hardware: spent shells that they knew came from American-made equipment.”

Preparing the Way: The Abundance of Enough
Preparing the Way: The Abundance of Enough
Feb 14, 2013
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Preparing the Way: The Abundance of Enough

From Chapter 1 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free… Continue Reading

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction
Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction
Feb 7, 2013
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Preparing the Way for Lent: Introduction

From the Introduction of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this… Continue Reading

Make it an Adventure
Make it an Adventure
Jan 30, 2013
Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Make it an Adventure

There are few things I love more than setting out on a grand adventure. I know… Continue Reading

Lectionary on Gun Violence
Lectionary on Gun Violence
Dec 15, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Lectionary on Gun Violence

The horror of what has occurred in Connecticut is unimaginable, and the days ahead will be… Continue Reading

Christian Scriptures and Farmworkers
Christian Scriptures and Farmworkers
Nov 18, 2012
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Christian Scriptures and Farmworkers

From the laws and histories of ancient Israel to the life of Jesus and the letters of Paul, themes related to the treatment of farmworkers emerge consistently throughout the Judeo-Christian scriptures. Many of these passages suggest that a community’s relationship with God is in fact defined at least in part by its treatment of foreigners, laborers, the poor, and the marginalized. Below is a brief selection of Bible verses that support the idea that farmworkers should be treated fairly.

Sharing the Story: Empowerment through Radical Hospitality
Sharing the Story: Empowerment through Radical Hospitality
Nov 15, 2012
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Sharing the Story: Empowerment through Radical Hospitality

Thank you for your decision to conquer evil with good. You have decided to defeat opposition and resistance with diligence and perseverance. But above all, thank you for allowing love and hospitality to prevail over hate and hostility. When I arrived to this country it was precisely people like you, women and men of faith that practiced hospitably and your Christian love, who left an impression and transformed my life forever. Please don’t have any doubt that God uses every gesture of Christian love and radical hospitality that you make towards an immigrant in order to transform lives.

Mini-grants to Support Congregations in Promoting Health
Mini-grants to Support Congregations in Promoting Health
Oct 30, 2012
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Mini-grants to Support Congregations in Promoting Health

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), the Council’s faith-based health initiative, is now offering mini-grants to… Continue Reading

Praise Dancing Reaps Benefits
Praise Dancing Reaps Benefits
Jun 14, 2012
Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Praise Dancing Reaps Benefits

Mary Swann and Yvonne McGraw have taken an active leadership role in forming the Pee Dee… Continue Reading

Being Crazy Christians
Being Crazy Christians
Apr 27, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Being Crazy Christians

It was a beautiful day spent at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem on April 19.… Continue Reading

Lectionary: Interfaith Connections (4th Sunday of Easter)
Lectionary: Interfaith Connections (4th Sunday of Easter)
Apr 18, 2012
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Lectionary: Interfaith Connections (4th Sunday of Easter)

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship
Date: 4th Sunday after Easter, April 29, 2012
Topic: Interfaith Connections
Focus Text: John 10:11-18
From the pastoral reflection: In 21st century North Carolina we have many and various ways to come into contact with “other sheep.” Will we stick to our own kind, work to create a Christian enclave where we feel safe and secure, free from any risk? Or, will we be the welcoming face, the open hands, the purposeful feet, and the compassionate voice of Christ in the world so that all may know the love of God?

Celebrating With My Community
Celebrating With My Community
Apr 16, 2012
Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Celebrating With My Community

It’s funny when strangers strike you as family. That is what happens, for me at least,… Continue Reading

The Story of Two Sons
The Story of Two Sons
Apr 1, 2012
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

The Story of Two Sons

Rev. Jill Edens, United Church of Chapel Hill

Though the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus, the discussion as they travel to Jerusalem reveals that they are profoundly unready for what is to come. In this pivotal moment we encounter blind Bartimaeus who Mark holds up as a model for discipleship: “As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”

Earth Sabbath Celebrated in Asheville
Earth Sabbath Celebrated in Asheville
Mar 8, 2012
Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Earth Sabbath Celebrated in Asheville

“My heart is moved by all that I cannot save.” Fifty-three enthralled participants at the Earth… Continue Reading

Eating Well: A Lenten Practice
Eating Well: A Lenten Practice
Feb 15, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Eating Well: A Lenten Practice

As Lent quickly approaches, you may be thinking about a fast or discipline on which you… Continue Reading

Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!
Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!
Feb 2, 2012
Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!

I’m pleased to announce the North Carolina Council of Churches has a new curriculum in the works!… Continue Reading

Stand Up and Be Counted — Register for the Preach-In on Global Warming
Stand Up and Be Counted — Register for the Preach-In on Global Warming
Jan 13, 2012
Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Stand Up and Be Counted — Register for the Preach-In on Global Warming

There’s still time to get FREE hard copies of the 2012 Preach-In on Global Warming materials… Continue Reading

Becoming the Church Together – A Sermon on Immigration
Becoming the Church Together – A Sermon on Immigration
Nov 11, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Becoming the Church Together – A Sermon on Immigration

Last week, Council Program Associate Chris Liu-Beers was invited to Shaw Divinity School in Raleigh to preach during their weekly chapel service. Chris preached on immigration issues, with a focus on the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

November is American Diabetes Month
November is American Diabetes Month
Nov 3, 2011
Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

November is American Diabetes Month

The American Diabetes Association has launched a new faith-based program called “Live Empowered” which is designed to assist churches with integrating diabetes awareness messages and life application principles into worship services. Also, in observance of American Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association is sponsoring “Super Diabetes Sunday” on November 13th. Super Diabetes Sundays will include materials and giveaways to help your congregation join the fight against diabetes.

Christ the King, Year A
Christ the King, Year A
Oct 15, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Christ the King, Year A

In Ezekiel, we hear the cry of God for God’s sheep throughout the land and nations. As a shepherd, God makes connections across lands and regions where we have, time and time again, made divisions. For too long, we have defined health with a too limited view as to who my neighbor is and who my fellow sheep are.

Proper 24, Year A
Proper 24, Year A
Sep 8, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 24, Year A

The payment of taxes is one of the ways we demonstrate we are an extended family as citizens of this state and nation. While we hardly agree on how much we should be taxed, or how our taxes should be used, there is agreement that the burden falls to all of us in some measure. But here is where my family metaphor breaks down in discussing tax policy. Whereas we would never expect a family member with few resources to pay as much of his or her money for the family’s living expenses as another family member with greater resources, our current tax system does just that. Or worse.

Proper 21, Year A
Proper 21, Year A
Aug 22, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 21, Year A

This is the purpose of education wherever it takes place, moving beyond rote repetition to provide each learner the possibility of a future better than what might otherwise be expected. Psalm 78 invites humility, gratitude, and “the exercise of power in the form of love, not of force.

Proper 20, Year A
Proper 20, Year A
Aug 17, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 20, Year A

In Jesus’ economics, the one represented here by the generous landowner, all workers received the pay they needed in order to survive, even if it seemed unfair to those who had worked all day. Sabbath economics is Jesus economics. As Ched Myers notes, Sabbath economics is about the grace of receiving what the Creator (employer) gives and the responsibility not to take more than is needed. Wide gaps between rich and poor are not part of God’s plan, and God’s people are called to be part of God’s generosity so that all have enough on which to live.

Resources for Remembering 9/11
Resources for Remembering 9/11
Aug 10, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Resources for Remembering 9/11

In one month, our country will mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks on our nation on 9/11. Many denominations, faith groups and religious organizations have prepared materials for use in community gatherings and worship services in congregations – click here for links to those resources. You will also find pastoral care materials and age appropriate resources for children.

Proper 19, Year A
Proper 19, Year A
Aug 9, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 19, Year A

In a community of Christians, the hopeful possibilities present in conflict will only be realized when we deal with the tension in a productive way. When a congregation faces conflict openly and directly with the people involved, there is a good opportunity for the situation to result in positive change and closer relationships between people. When conflict is handled in a way that cuts off communication and silences questions, the conflict can escalate and become destructive.

Proper 16, Year A
Proper 16, Year A
Jul 15, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 16, Year A

Much of the book of Romans is given over to some pretty heavy theological work. What is the meaning of God’s righteousness? Where does Israel fit into this? What about justification by faith? What happens to the Mosaic law? What role does grace play? Heavy questions facing the newly developing church in the First Century.

Why Acts of Faith is Important
Why Acts of Faith is Important
Jun 28, 2011
Lee Foster, Former Duke Divinity School Intern

Why Acts of Faith is Important

Growing up in church, it would be fair for me to say that most sermons I heard were either concerned with A) theology or B) decrying certain practices in our contemporary Western culture. Neither of these is wrong or unimportant, as theology is the bedrock of faith, and there is much to decry in the world. The one thing I rarely heard preached on, however, was issues of social justice. And when preached on, it was through standard channels—witnessing/evangelism, donating food and clothing to our church’s pantry, and giving offerings. These are all well and good, but can we do more than these traditional categories?

Proper 10, Year A
Proper 10, Year A
Jun 15, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 10, Year A

It’s strange that despite earlier reforms, a country which took such richness from Appalachia left so little for the people. Great fortunes were built on the exploitation of Appalachian workers and Appalachian resources; yet the land was left without revenues to care for its social needs, like education, welfare, old age, and illness.

Proper 8, Year A
Proper 8, Year A
Jun 8, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 8, Year A

The cup of water that Matthew asks us to offer is a dangerous thing. It assumes we have looked at our visitor and noticed his or her thirst. We are willing to be inconvenienced, to go to the well and draw the pure clean water and offer it in hospitality—which might lead us to pulling out a chair and inquiring about the rest of the family.

Proper 6, Year A
Proper 6, Year A
Jun 1, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 6, Year A

Key Fact: Over 1.5 million North Carolinians ages 0-64 do not have health insurance. That is approximately 1 out of every 5 people in our state. Children account for over 280,000 of the 1.5 million uninsured.

Pentecost, Year A
Pentecost, Year A
May 12, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Pentecost, Year A

It seems to be a prayer that we who love Jesus may be at one with him and with the Father and that, somehow, the world’s believing in him depends on our witness to him in unity. That is to say, if his followers are splintered into many varying and conflicting entities, the witness that could draw people to him is greatly diminished. This is not an accident – this is crucial to Jesus!

Wild Goose Tix & Volunteering
Wild Goose Tix & Volunteering
May 3, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Wild Goose Tix & Volunteering

June 23, the first day of the Wild Goose Festival, is 50 days away, and excitement is definitely building. Tickets are on sale and volunteers are needed. Read on for more information…

Ascension of the Lord, Year A
Ascension of the Lord, Year A
May 2, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Ascension of the Lord, Year A

As I look from my living room window at the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd, I am compelled to rush to my car radio to listen to the news for further updates, if any are currently on! Tidbits of information from the streets come my way and it is shocking what I hear. Roads are flooded cutting off routes of escape from the city west toward Raleigh, east toward Kenly, and some say you can’t get through Rocky Mount.

Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar
Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar
Apr 21, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Video from 2011 Legislative Seminar

Watch highlights from our 2011 Legislative Seminar, including: Distinguished Service Award, Faith Active in Public Life Awards and Closing Session.

Why the Church Needs Art
Why the Church Needs Art
Mar 28, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Why the Church Needs Art

This is an article I wrote for www.patheos.com on why the church needs art… A few… Continue Reading

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A
Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A
Mar 10, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A

If there were such a thing as a six o’clock news cast in the first century, Jesus the felon would appear walking down the street escorted by the police of his day—handcuffed—if you will. The announcer would tell us that the vandal who destroyed Temple property and repeatedly broke Jewish laws; the welfare king who relied on the generosity of unsuspecting middle class women to promote his suspicious doctrine; the man known to frequent the establishments of tax collectors and prostitutes—and claimed to be God, had finally been apprehended and was awaiting sentencing. Yes, in the minds of this first century felon’s accusers, he was little more than a common criminal.

Wild Goose Festival
Wild Goose Festival
Mar 9, 2011
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

Wild Goose Festival

  The North Carolina Council of Churches is thrilled to co-sponsor the Wild Goose Festival this… Continue Reading

Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn
Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn
Mar 4, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Journey to Lent, Journey to Learn

A Reflection on Public Education in God’s World Today

Rev. Joe Brown, chair of the Council’s Public Education Committee and a Presiding Elder in the AME Zion Church, is encourging congregations across North Carolina to use a Lenten Study Guide which has been created by members of the National Council of Churches Committee on Public Education and Literacy.

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A
Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A
Mar 3, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A

The blind beggar healed on the Sabbath was a threat to them! His healing, his liberation was an assault on their traditions, their values, their power, their very lives. They felt attacked. And when we are threatened, we are reactive! We do not want to let go, holding tenaciously to what we know to be true. One slip, one exception, and everything we know would crumble. Must one person’s liberation be another person’s threat?

Ash Wednesday, Year A
Ash Wednesday, Year A
Jan 5, 2011
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Ash Wednesday, Year A

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

2011 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2011 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Jan 3, 2011
Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

2011 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

This Prayer for Unity and monthly prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your pryers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and beyond the state.

Epiphany Sunday, Year A
Epiphany Sunday, Year A
Dec 6, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Epiphany Sunday, Year A

I grew up in the South where my Church seldom addressed justice issues. Most of the sermons were about personal behavior and the plan of salvation. In fact, there was a common vocabulary used in churches that suggested Christians should not be “worldly.” It was as if the task of the Church was to save people from the world rather than transform the world. This was a theological way of escaping the justice issues of our racist, segregated society.

Third Sunday in Advent, Year A
Third Sunday in Advent, Year A
Nov 26, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Third Sunday in Advent, Year A

For 10 years I have served a very poor church. The church’s total income is way below the poverty level, especially for a family of 45. Many of the folks who worship with and have leadership at the church are homeless or unemployed. Many have black or brown skin. Monthly fellowship meals are really a feeding of the hungry as the majority of guests at every meal are without work. The church pays utilities for a day shelter for the homeless in its small basement. With only weekly offerings for income, somehow the church has no debt and a little surplus. It must be that God cares about the poor and still makes a way out of no way.

Proper 28, Year C
Proper 28, Year C
Oct 12, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 28, Year C

Our lectionary texts, Isaiah 65:17-25 and Psalm 98, offer vision and hope for people of faith, a vision of ultimate peace among the whole of creation. The Hebrew word which implies such a state of being is shalom. The word shalom has a deep and rich meaning, implying not only a lack of hostility towards the creation and all God’s creatures, but also a state of general health and well being, a condition where there is “ecojustice” for all parts of creation.

Proper 26, Year C
Proper 26, Year C
Oct 4, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 26, Year C

The school year of 2006 began rather quietly as most school years do. But on August 30th, a boy with a gun walked into a high school in Hillsborough, NC, and the new school year was marked by violence.

Little did we know that this August 30th shooting at a North Carolina high school would be a harbinger of a national spate of school shootings. The young shooter in Hillsborough had a deadly plan and a number of guns; after killing his father he shot and wounded a student at a nearby high school.

Proper 25, Year C
Proper 25, Year C
Sep 24, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 25, Year C

North Carolina has the largest Native American population east of the Mississippi River – over 115,000 by the US Census’ 2008 estimate. NC has the fifth highest Native American population in the U.S.

When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough
When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough
Sep 18, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

When Tolerance and Coexistence Are (Not) Enough

Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn, Temple Emanuel (Winston-Salem)

What is it about the rear side of a car that they are a primary location to display our affiliations: sports, political groups, rock bands, restaurants, ideologies, personal interests, vacation spots, synagogues (a very popular one here in Winston-Salem)… You see these signs everywhere.

Proper 21, Year C
Proper 21, Year C
Sep 6, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 21, Year C

We were on our tour bus, about to leave the dorm where we had been staying, when a few of us saw her. She looked about sixty years old, and she looked like she could have been my grandmother. She came quietly around the corner of the building, went straight to the big trashcan, and started digging out our thrown-away lunches. She put what she could find in a bag, and she was gone.

Sheltered life that I had led, I had never before seen someone using a trashcan as a food source.

International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21
International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21
Aug 30, 2010
David LaMotte, Consultant for Peace

International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21

The NCCC encourages member congregations to celebrate and promote the International Day of Prayer for Peace on September 21. A bulletin insert for your use is linked here, as well as further resources.

Proper 20, Year C
Proper 20, Year C
Aug 30, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Proper 20, Year C

The biblical writers were, indeed, no strangers to the most painful kinds of suffering: they experienced it, they gave voice to it and often denounced oppressive systems which caused it, and they witnessed to a God who could hear their most heartfelt cries and still remain their God.

Partners in Health & Wholeness Worship Aid
Partners in Health & Wholeness Worship Aid
Jul 12, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Partners in Health & Wholeness Worship Aid

Welcome to our worship resources for Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW). PHW is an ambitious program of the North Carolina Council of Churches designed to help people of faith to see health — their own health — as an issue of faith and to take action that will lead to healthier and more abundant living.

Poisoned Sea, Impoverished Soul
Poisoned Sea, Impoverished Soul
Apr 30, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Poisoned Sea, Impoverished Soul

A Litany of Lament Over a Despoiled Ocean

Ken Sehested, pastor, Alliance-affiliated
Circle of Mercy, Asheville, N.C.

In the beginning, darkness covered the face of the deep.

Then the Breath of Heaven swept across the waters, blessing the sea with all manner of creatures.

The sea knows its Maker and roars its applause; the fish therein leap at the sound of God’s voice.

Through the baptismal waters of the Red Sea did the Israelites escape their tormentors and emerge to freedom’s demand.

Martin Luther King Day Bulletin Insert – Wage Peace
Martin Luther King Day Bulletin Insert – Wage Peace
Jan 15, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Martin Luther King Day Bulletin Insert – Wage Peace

In April 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at New York’s Riverside Church about the war being fought by the U.S. in Asia at that time, in Vietnam. His words remind us of the choices we now face about war in Asia and around the world in 2010.

2010 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
2010 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
Jan 1, 2010
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

2010 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

This Prayer for Unity and monthly prayer calendar include by name the judicatories and congregations that are members of the North Carolina Council of Churches and the names of their current leaders. Your prayers for reconciliation are invited for all Christian bodies in and beyond the state.

Mother’s Day for Peace
Mother’s Day for Peace
May 12, 2008
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Mother’s Day for Peace

In the United States, Mother’s Day was originally suggested by poet and abolitionist activist Julia Ward Howe. In 1870, after witnessing the carnage of the American Civil War and the start of the Franco-Prussian War, she wrote the original Mother’s Day Proclamation calling upon the women of the world to unite for peace. This “Mother’s Day Proclamation” would plant the seed for what would eventually become a national holiday.

Hope For Middle East Peace – Community Prayer Day
Hope For Middle East Peace – Community Prayer Day
Jul 12, 2006
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Hope For Middle East Peace – Community Prayer Day

The following are prayers offered for Middle East Peace during a 2006 interfaith prayer service in North Carolina.

It is good that we have been here today, not because it changes a thing, but because it reminds us that as diverse as our traditions and convictions are, our hearts yearn for similar things. And if this is true, if we are hoping and praying and working for the same ultimate goals, then we are connected in a soulful way. And acknowledging that truth can change everything.

May the One who made us for peace, give us the courage to live in peace.
May the One who made us in love, give us the compassion to reach out in love.
May the One who made us with hope, give us the strength to persevere in hope.

And may all of our sisters and brothers in the Middle East know the fullness of God’s peace, God’s hope, and God’s love. Amen.

Celebrating a Public Education Sabbath
Celebrating a Public Education Sabbath
Jul 11, 2005
Chris Liu-Beers, Former Program Associate

Celebrating a Public Education Sabbath

We invite every religious and faith community in North Carolina to join us in celebrating a Public Education Sabbath on their day of worship before the school year begins or at another appropriate time during the school year.


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