Partners in Health & Wholeness

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Rural Life

Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit

By Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On Thursday, October 19th Partners in Health and Wholeness will host our 2017 Faith and Health Summit. Thursday’s events include a community gardens and permaculture tour throughout the city of […]

Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit

· by Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On Thursday, October 19th Partners in Health and Wholeness will host our 2017 Faith and Health Summit. Thursday’s events include a community gardens and permaculture tour throughout the city of […]

July 25 Update — Senate Health Care Vote Appears Likely Today

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It appears that the U.S. Senate will vote today on some sort of health care action. What they’ll be voting on, however, is unclear even to some of them. This […]

July 25 Update — Senate Health Care Vote Appears Likely Today

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

It appears that the U.S. Senate will vote today on some sort of health care action. What they’ll be voting on, however, is unclear even to some of them. This […]

Wood Pellet Plant Would Be Environmental Injustice

By Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

More than 10,000 individuals and 50 organizations have signed a petition asking Governor Cooper to revoke the world’s largest wood pellet manufacturer’s flawed air quality permit in Richmond County. At […]

Wood Pellet Plant Would Be Environmental Injustice

· by Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

More than 10,000 individuals and 50 organizations have signed a petition asking Governor Cooper to revoke the world’s largest wood pellet manufacturer’s flawed air quality permit in Richmond County. At […]

Rising Up with Richmond County

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

“Biomass” may sound like a clean idea, but it actually means cutting down and turning trees into fuel pellets to be burned for energy — creating more carbon pollution than […]

Rising Up with Richmond County

· by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

“Biomass” may sound like a clean idea, but it actually means cutting down and turning trees into fuel pellets to be burned for energy — creating more carbon pollution than […]

Heal the Sick

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For more than two decades, the NC Council of Churches has called for access to health care for all. The score from the Congressional Budget Office makes it undeniably clear […]

Heal the Sick

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For more than two decades, the NC Council of Churches has called for access to health care for all. The score from the Congressional Budget Office makes it undeniably clear […]

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide how much money North Carolina’s state government will spend, what it will be spent […]

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide how much money North Carolina’s state government will spend, what it will be spent […]

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of the U.S. House of Representatives seem determined to forge ahead anyway. The latest version […]

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of the U.S. House of Representatives seem determined to forge ahead anyway. The latest version […]

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers & State Employees Pay Raise, would give annual raises of $2,400 to teachers and other […]

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers & State Employees Pay Raise, would give annual raises of $2,400 to teachers and other […]

New Push for Broader Medicaid, Better Health

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s failure under Republican leadership to improve low-income residents’ access to health care via the Medicaid program has been like a persistent, throbbing pain in the state’s civic and […]

New Push for Broader Medicaid, Better Health

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s failure under Republican leadership to improve low-income residents’ access to health care via the Medicaid program has been like a persistent, throbbing pain in the state’s civic and […]

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

This week, Donald Trump issued an executive order to turn back the clock on the climate progress we have made over the past decade. In addition to directing the EPA to […]

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

· by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

This week, Donald Trump issued an executive order to turn back the clock on the climate progress we have made over the past decade. In addition to directing the EPA to […]

UPDATE: Trumpcare Just Got Worse — Call Before Today’s Vote

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you for every call, email, and letter to Congressional leaders that led to today’s decision to pull the American Health Care Act without a vote. Those committed to a […]

UPDATE: Trumpcare Just Got Worse — Call Before Today’s Vote

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you for every call, email, and letter to Congressional leaders that led to today’s decision to pull the American Health Care Act without a vote. Those committed to a […]

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

PHW is Expanding

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Partners in Health and Wholeness is hiring for two new regional coordinators, one to serve in the Charlotte area and the other in the Wilmington area. Both positions are open […]

PHW is Expanding

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Partners in Health and Wholeness is hiring for two new regional coordinators, one to serve in the Charlotte area and the other in the Wilmington area. Both positions are open […]

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Let’s Keep Marching

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Let’s Keep Marching

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & […]

PHW Mini-Grants Now Open

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting mini-grant applications. Congregations who were certified in 2016 (and have not already received a grant from the last cycle) are […]

PHW Mini-Grants Now Open

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting mini-grant applications. Congregations who were certified in 2016 (and have not already received a grant from the last cycle) are […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Grant Cycle Opens January 6

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

PHW-certified congregations across North Carolina are eligible to apply for a mini-grant to assist in furthering their commitment to health and wholeness. Mini-grant application periods are open twice a year; […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Grant Cycle Opens January 6

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

PHW-certified congregations across North Carolina are eligible to apply for a mini-grant to assist in furthering their commitment to health and wholeness. Mini-grant application periods are open twice a year; […]

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

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

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People across our state are working together in various communities to promote health and wholeness. […]

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

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

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People across our state are working together in various communities to promote health and wholeness. […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

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

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy and those concerned for justice this Wednesday, December 21, 10 a.m., at the Wake […]

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

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

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy and those concerned for justice this Wednesday, December 21, 10 a.m., at the Wake […]

Community Contributes to Our Wholeness

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness ambitiously endeavors to work for and toward issues of mind, body, and spirit with faith communities. The words ‘health’ and ‘wholeness’ are truly huge words, […]

Community Contributes to Our Wholeness

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness ambitiously endeavors to work for and toward issues of mind, body, and spirit with faith communities. The words ‘health’ and ‘wholeness’ are truly huge words, […]

PHW Certification Deadline Extended to November 15

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

The Partners in Health and Wholeness program originally had an October 31 deadline for our 2016 certification applications. However, due to the severity of Hurricane Matthew, we are extending our […]

PHW Certification Deadline Extended to November 15

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

The Partners in Health and Wholeness program originally had an October 31 deadline for our 2016 certification applications. However, due to the severity of Hurricane Matthew, we are extending our […]

Grant to Help HCFANC & Council Work on Medicaid Expansion

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All NC and the NC Council of Churches have received a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. The $25,000 grant from the Trust will allow […]

Grant to Help HCFANC & Council Work on Medicaid Expansion

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Health Care for All NC and the NC Council of Churches have received a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. The $25,000 grant from the Trust will allow […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state continue to affect positive change? Join the staff of the North Carolina Council of […]

Council Post-Election Road Shows to Charlotte and Asheville

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

What do Tuesday’s elections mean for North Carolina? How can people of faith in the state continue to affect positive change? Join the staff of the North Carolina Council of […]

PHW Faith and Health Summit: Appreciation, Connection, and Moving Forward

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Months of planning and networking for the Partners in Health and Wholeness Faith and Health Summit culminated in a day that birthed a community choir and an anthem that was […]

PHW Faith and Health Summit: Appreciation, Connection, and Moving Forward

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Months of planning and networking for the Partners in Health and Wholeness Faith and Health Summit culminated in a day that birthed a community choir and an anthem that was […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit: Registration Deadline Extended

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

The deadline to register for the 2014 Faith and Health Summit has been extended until this Friday, October 3. More than 200 people have already reserved their space at this […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit: Registration Deadline Extended

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

The deadline to register for the 2014 Faith and Health Summit has been extended until this Friday, October 3. More than 200 people have already reserved their space at this […]

Blessed in the Small Things

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Bible states in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise the day of small things.” I have been constantly reminded of that verse lately. I saw it on Facebook, then I heard […]

Blessed in the Small Things

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Bible states in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise the day of small things.” I have been constantly reminded of that verse lately. I saw it on Facebook, then I heard […]

NC’s Plan to Improve Health in Rural Communities

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

I had the pleasure of serving on the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Task Force on Rural Health, which was charged with creating a roadmap for better health in […]

NC’s Plan to Improve Health in Rural Communities

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

I had the pleasure of serving on the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s (NCIOM) Task Force on Rural Health, which was charged with creating a roadmap for better health in […]

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

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

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

2014 Faith & Health Summit – Register Now!

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

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

Another Spirit-filled Weekend with Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted a youth conference on Saturday, July 12, with Empowering Word Ministries in Wadesboro.  I was honored to be able to participate as a PHW intern. […]

Another Spirit-filled Weekend with Partners in Health and Wholeness

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness co-hosted a youth conference on Saturday, July 12, with Empowering Word Ministries in Wadesboro.  I was honored to be able to participate as a PHW intern. […]

In the Media: The Moral Urgency of Farmworkers

By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, Human Rights Watch published a report on child labor in tobacco farming. Below, former NCCC intern John Zambenini comments on the large amount of media attention […]

In the Media: The Moral Urgency of Farmworkers

· by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

A few weeks ago, Human Rights Watch published a report on child labor in tobacco farming. Below, former NCCC intern John Zambenini comments on the large amount of media attention […]

‘Tis the Season for Local Food

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Wait, isn’t that a line from a Christmas song?  Well, yes.  But, when it comes to living a healthy life, what time […]

‘Tis the Season for Local Food

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Wait, isn’t that a line from a Christmas song?  Well, yes.  But, when it comes to living a healthy life, what time […]

Farmworkers — God’s Family Supplying Our Food

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

We have all heard about farmworkers who supply us with cheap food but cannot afford food for their own families. This is a contradiction to God’s world of abundance with enough for […]

Farmworkers — God’s Family Supplying Our Food

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

We have all heard about farmworkers who supply us with cheap food but cannot afford food for their own families. This is a contradiction to God’s world of abundance with enough for […]

Gardening With a Purpose

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Recently, I received a notice from a local community garden organizer about a grant opportunity sponsored by a fertilizer company. I shared it with my e-mail group and found one […]

Gardening With a Purpose

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Recently, I received a notice from a local community garden organizer about a grant opportunity sponsored by a fertilizer company. I shared it with my e-mail group and found one […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Chapter Eleven

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Chapter Eleven

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Animal,Vegetable, Miracle, Chapter Nine

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Animal,Vegetable, Miracle, Chapter Nine

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our […]

Laurinburg Presbyterian Lets People Grow Food on its Property

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

The Fayetteville Observer

Sam Thompson was looking for a sunny spot to plant tomatoes. He ended up leading an award-winning community revolution. Thompson, an elder at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, pitched the idea of a community garden to the church six years ago. What began as a creative use for otherwise empty church property was recently awarded an equipment grant by the North Carolina Council of Churches and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. "We're using the grant funds to dig a well," Thompson said. "Wouldn't you know this would be the wettest June in years."

Laurinburg Presbyterian Lets People Grow Food on its Property

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

The Fayetteville Observer

Sam Thompson was looking for a sunny spot to plant tomatoes. He ended up leading an award-winning community revolution. Thompson, an elder at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, pitched the idea of a community garden to the church six years ago. What began as a creative use for otherwise empty church property was recently awarded an equipment grant by the North Carolina Council of Churches and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. “We’re using the grant funds to dig a well,” Thompson said. “Wouldn’t you know this would be the wettest June in years.”

Piney Grove Baptist Ministries Helped with Healthy Eating Equipment Grant

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

Mt. Airy News

Piney Grove Baptist Church’s food ministries recently got a boost from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (BCBSNC) in the form of a $5,000 healthy eating equipment grant. The effort is a partnership between BCBSNC and the North Carolina Council of Churches to provide equipment for 20 faith-based organizations to bring healthier food to their members and communities. More than $90,000 in equipment grants are being used to provide canning and cooking supplies, expand church community gardens and increase storage for fresh produce.

Piney Grove Baptist Ministries Helped with Healthy Eating Equipment Grant

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

Mt. Airy News

Piney Grove Baptist Church’s food ministries recently got a boost from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (BCBSNC) in the form of a $5,000 healthy eating equipment grant. The effort is a partnership between BCBSNC and the North Carolina Council of Churches to provide equipment for 20 faith-based organizations to bring healthier food to their members and communities. More than $90,000 in equipment grants are being used to provide canning and cooking supplies, expand church community gardens and increase storage for fresh produce.

Twenty Congregations Receive Funding to Increase Access to Healthy, Local Foods

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

The North Carolina Council of Churches has partnered with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation to provide more than $90,000 in Healthy Eating Equipment grants […]

Twenty Congregations Receive Funding to Increase Access to Healthy, Local Foods

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

The North Carolina Council of Churches has partnered with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation to provide more than $90,000 in Healthy Eating Equipment grants […]

PHW Success Story – Ward Street Mission UMC, High Point

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

Since 2010, beginning with the spring growing season, Ward Street Mission United Methodist Church has implemented a concept called, “House Gardens Greening Project”. The concept is simple. Instead of having […]

PHW Success Story – Ward Street Mission UMC, High Point

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

Since 2010, beginning with the spring growing season, Ward Street Mission United Methodist Church has implemented a concept called, “House Gardens Greening Project”. The concept is simple. Instead of having […]

PHW Funding Opportunity – Webinar Posted

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness, in partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation, recently conducted a webinar for places of worship interested in the new Healthy Eating […]

PHW Funding Opportunity – Webinar Posted

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness, in partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation, recently conducted a webinar for places of worship interested in the new Healthy Eating […]

PHW Launches Book Club

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters.  Our first […]

PHW Launches Book Club

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters.  Our first […]

Looking for Community Sparkplugs for a Healthier Wilson County

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

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The Rensselaerville Institute are looking for individuals with project ideas for creating a healthier Wilson County. Projects will be implemented over the next 6 months and must focus on increasing physical activity and/or access to and consumption of fresh produce. Selected Community Sparkplugs and their teams will receive the following: a $3,000 grant (simple application process), individualized help to create an action plan and set project results, support and coaching over the next 6 months, and an opportunity to become part of a growing network of Community Sparkplugs across North Carolina.

Looking for Community Sparkplugs for a Healthier Wilson County

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

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The Rensselaerville Institute are looking for individuals with project ideas for creating a healthier Wilson County. Projects will be implemented over the next 6 months and must focus on increasing physical activity and/or access to and consumption of fresh produce.

Selected Community Sparkplugs and their teams will receive the following: a $3,000 grant (simple application process), individualized help to create an action plan and set project results, support and coaching over the next 6 months, and an opportunity to become part of a growing network of Community Sparkplugs across North Carolina.

Sacred Potluck Challenge — Enter by Nov. 10

By Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Entering into fall, notions of harvests and feasts abound. As people of faith, we are called to make our eating decisions, our “foodscapes,” as sacred as possible. We must ask […]

Sacred Potluck Challenge — Enter by Nov. 10

· by Allison Reeves Jolley, Former Outreach Coordinator - NCIPL

Entering into fall, notions of harvests and feasts abound. As people of faith, we are called to make our eating decisions, our “foodscapes,” as sacred as possible. We must ask […]

Clean Air, Clean Water, Good Jobs

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Over the past few months, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light has been a proud part of a coalition of nonprofits and businesses participating in a statewide ad campaign emphasizing […]

Clean Air, Clean Water, Good Jobs

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Over the past few months, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light has been a proud part of a coalition of nonprofits and businesses participating in a statewide ad campaign emphasizing […]

United States Farmworker Factsheet

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farmworkers are some of our nation’s most vital workers, as their labor enables us to enjoy high quality, low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities where they live and work, they continue to be the some of the lowest paid, least protected, and unhealthiest workers in the United States.

United States Farmworker Factsheet

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farmworkers are some of our nation’s most vital workers, as their labor enables us to enjoy high quality, low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities where they live and work, they continue to be the some of the lowest paid, least protected, and unhealthiest workers in the United States.

Registration for PHW Faith and Health Summit

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

Friday, October 10, 2014; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Ardmore Baptist Church 501 Miller Street, Winston-Salem Please use the scroll bar to complete entire form and click […]

Registration for PHW Faith and Health Summit

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

Friday, October 10, 2014; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Ardmore Baptist Church 501 Miller Street, Winston-Salem Please use the scroll bar to complete entire form and click […]

The Affordable Care Act’s Prognosis for Farmworkers

By Daryn Lane, Former Student Action with Farmworkers Intern

Every day, about 243 agricultural workers suffer injuries that cost them work time; about five percent of these injuries result in permanent impairment. Agriculture consistently ranks among the three most […]

The Affordable Care Act’s Prognosis for Farmworkers

· by Daryn Lane, Former Student Action with Farmworkers Intern

Every day, about 243 agricultural workers suffer injuries that cost them work time; about five percent of these injuries result in permanent impairment. Agriculture consistently ranks among the three most […]

Local Farmers Supported by People of Faith

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

What do you think of when I say ‘faith and health’? Maybe a congregation exercising together or changing their diet? How about members of a faith community visiting a Farmers […]

Local Farmers Supported by People of Faith

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

What do you think of when I say ‘faith and health’? Maybe a congregation exercising together or changing their diet? How about members of a faith community visiting a Farmers […]

Rio+20 and The Climate is Changed!

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

One of my friends just posted this amazing YouTube video of Severn Suzuki who, at age 12, addressed the United Nations at the first Earth Summit in Rio twenty years […]

Rio+20 and The Climate is Changed!

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

One of my friends just posted this amazing YouTube video of Severn Suzuki who, at age 12, addressed the United Nations at the first Earth Summit in Rio twenty years […]

Care of Creation Faith Message Has Legs on Capitol Hill

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Susannah Tuttle and I had the privilege of representing NCIPL at the annual meeting of Interfaith Power & Light last week in Washington, DC. We spent two days immersed in […]

Care of Creation Faith Message Has Legs on Capitol Hill

· by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Susannah Tuttle and I had the privilege of representing NCIPL at the annual meeting of Interfaith Power & Light last week in Washington, DC. We spent two days immersed in […]

New Curriculum: Eating Well

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

This comprehensive, intergenerational curriculum focuses on the food we eat and why it matters. Featuring 7 lessons with Scripture, prayers, resources, and activities for young children through adults, "Eating Well" will challenge and inspire your church or community group. Download your copy today.

New Curriculum: Eating Well

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

This comprehensive, intergenerational curriculum focuses on the food we eat and why it matters. Featuring 7 lessons with Scripture, prayers, resources, and activities for young children through adults, “Eating Well” will challenge and inspire your church or community group. Download your copy today.

Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The deadline to guarantee lunch at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar has been extended to April 12. This year’s seminar, Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet, takes […]

Deadline for Critical Issues Seminar Extended; Eva Clayton to Speak at Lunch

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The deadline to guarantee lunch at the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar has been extended to April 12. This year’s seminar, Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet, takes […]

Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Alexia Kelley will deliver the keynote address for the North Carolina Council of Churches’ 2012 Critical Issues Seminar, and Father Joe Vetter will receive the Council’s Distinguished Service Award at the […]

Keynoter and Distinguished Service Award Recipient Announced for Critical Issues

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Alexia Kelley will deliver the keynote address for the North Carolina Council of Churches’ 2012 Critical Issues Seminar, and Father Joe Vetter will receive the Council’s Distinguished Service Award at the […]

Annual Christian Educational Institute to be held in Dobbins Heights

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

Richmond County Daily Journal

The Pee Dee Baptist Educational Congress, an auxiliary to the Pee Dee Baptist Educational Association, will conduct the Annual Christian Educational Institute from March 19 to 23, 2012, at the Pee Dee Educational Building in Dobbin Heights. There will be classes for church officers and each department in the church.

Annual Christian Educational Institute to be held in Dobbins Heights

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

Richmond County Daily Journal

The Pee Dee Baptist Educational Congress, an auxiliary to the Pee Dee Baptist Educational Association, will conduct the Annual Christian Educational Institute from March 19 to 23, 2012, at the Pee Dee Educational Building in Dobbin Heights.

There will be classes for church officers and each department in the church.

Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

To register for the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar and to choose your workshops, complete the form below. The Seminar is taking place April 19 in Winston-Salem.  This exciting day-long event […]

Register for 2012 Critical Issues Seminar — “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet”

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

To register for the 2012 Critical Issues Seminar and to choose your workshops, complete the form below. The Seminar is taking place April 19 in Winston-Salem.  This exciting day-long event […]

Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I’m pleased to announce the North Carolina Council of Churches has a new curriculum in the works! “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet” is an introduction to […]

Announcing the “Eating Well” Curriculum!

· by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I’m pleased to announce the North Carolina Council of Churches has a new curriculum in the works! “Eating Well: For Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet” is an introduction to […]

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Everyone eats. How and from where we get that food, how much is available to us, how it is grown, and what happens when there isn’t enough all have implications […]

2012 Critical Issues Seminar — Eating Well for Ourselves, For Our Neighbors, For Our Planet

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Everyone eats. How and from where we get that food, how much is available to us, how it is grown, and what happens when there isn’t enough all have implications […]

Farm Bill and Your Health—What’s the Connection?

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Interested in healthy and affordable foods? Well, then you are interested in the Farm Bill. Check out the forum that Harvard School of Public Health Held on October 20th regarding […]

Farm Bill and Your Health—What’s the Connection?

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Interested in healthy and affordable foods? Well, then you are interested in the Farm Bill. Check out the forum that Harvard School of Public Health Held on October 20th regarding […]

Radiation in Cigarettes

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

This might strike you as surprising, as it did me, but radiation has been in cigarettes for more than forty years! We all have heard just how bad cigarettes are, but to know that they contain alpha particles on top of the other harmful substances is alarming, to say the least. And it is appalling to know that tobacco companies knew this and covered up the truth.

Radiation in Cigarettes

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

This might strike you as surprising, as it did me, but radiation has been in cigarettes for more than forty years! We all have heard just how bad cigarettes are, but to know that they contain alpha particles on top of the other harmful substances is alarming, to say the least. And it is appalling to know that tobacco companies knew this and covered up the truth.

The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I’ve been thinking about Daniel a lot lately. Daniel and his buddies were in the first wave of exiles to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar had them brought to the palace and […]

The Daniel Fast is Not a Diet

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

I’ve been thinking about Daniel a lot lately. Daniel and his buddies were in the first wave of exiles to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar had them brought to the palace and […]

Navigating the State Fair

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

When the weather starts to cool, I begin thinking more and more about the North Carolina State Fair, which takes place this year Oct. 13-23. The fair has become an important […]

Navigating the State Fair

· by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

When the weather starts to cool, I begin thinking more and more about the North Carolina State Fair, which takes place this year Oct. 13-23. The fair has become an important […]

What’s in Season?

By Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I am a terrible meal planner. I frequently arrive at the grocery store without a plan and hungry, which, as any seasoned cook will tell you, guarantees only two things: […]

What’s in Season?

· by Leslie Ware, Anti-Torture Project Coordinator

I am a terrible meal planner. I frequently arrive at the grocery store without a plan and hungry, which, as any seasoned cook will tell you, guarantees only two things: […]

Raleigh News & Observer: Community gardens are in residents’ hands

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Council has long been touting the benefits of community gardening in both urban and rural settings alike. Community gardens offer healthy local foods that are often more nutritious than their grocery-story or food-bank counterparts. Gardens also help community members become more active, and they are a great way for congregations, local organizations and neighborhoods to collaborate together. Last Sunday the Raleigh News & Observer highlighted this growing movement, using the example of Highland United Methodist Church.

Raleigh News & Observer: Community gardens are in residents’ hands

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Council has long been touting the benefits of community gardening in both urban and rural settings alike. Community gardens offer healthy local foods that are often more nutritious than their grocery-story or food-bank counterparts. Gardens also help community members become more active, and they are a great way for congregations, local organizations and neighborhoods to collaborate together. Last Sunday the Raleigh News & Observer highlighted this growing movement, using the example of Highland United Methodist Church.

Rural Life Committee Supports Ban on Fracking

By North Carolina Council of Churches

The experiences of landowners in other states indicate that hydraulic fracturing can have profound negative impacts on rural communities. The Rural Life Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches supports the current ban on hydraulic fracturing in North Carolina. The above concerns need to be addressed with careful attention to landowners' property, landowners' rights, and the care for creation's gifts. Furthermore, we call on our member bodies and faith leaders to share reliable information about hydraulic fracturing with their communities. We believe that we are called by God to be good stewards of the good gifts of community, health, water and soil. Trusting in God, we refuse to trade this bountiful inheritance for the empty promises of energy that may be cheap in terms of dollars but which we know will be costly in terms of our livelihoods.

Rural Life Committee Supports Ban on Fracking

· by North Carolina Council of Churches

The experiences of landowners in other states indicate that hydraulic fracturing can have profound negative impacts on rural communities. The Rural Life Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches supports the current ban on hydraulic fracturing in North Carolina. The above concerns need to be addressed with careful attention to landowners’ property, landowners’ rights, and the care for creation’s gifts. Furthermore, we call on our member bodies and faith leaders to share reliable information about hydraulic fracturing with their communities. We believe that we are called by God to be good stewards of the good gifts of community, health, water and soil. Trusting in God, we refuse to trade this bountiful inheritance for the empty promises of energy that may be cheap in terms of dollars but which we know will be costly in terms of our livelihoods.

Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The drumbeat of bad bills continues. Suffice it to say that it’s a tough year for those of us who have advocated for public policy decisions promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable people, and caring for God’s creation. We can’t respond to every bad idea or bad bill. On many of these issues, we feel like we are butting our heads against a wall. Our tendency may be to throw up our hands in despair.

Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011

· by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The drumbeat of bad bills continues. Suffice it to say that it’s a tough year for those of us who have advocated for public policy decisions promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable people, and caring for God’s creation. We can’t respond to every bad idea or bad bill. On many of these issues, we feel like we are butting our heads against a wall. Our tendency may be to throw up our hands in despair.

Building Hope, One Chicken Coop at a Time

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Last Saturday I got to meet Cecilia.  She used to work in North Carolina’s tobacco fields, but that left her with health problems.  A mother of five children, now she’s […]

Building Hope, One Chicken Coop at a Time

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Last Saturday I got to meet Cecilia.  She used to work in North Carolina’s tobacco fields, but that left her with health problems.  A mother of five children, now she’s […]

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

· by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Video from Come to the Table Conference

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On a blustery March day that saw snow flurries up in the mountains, more than a hundred people gathered at Black Mountain’s First Baptist Church to talk about food, faith […]

Video from Come to the Table Conference

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On a blustery March day that saw snow flurries up in the mountains, more than a hundred people gathered at Black Mountain’s First Baptist Church to talk about food, faith […]

Report from Come to the Table

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On Friday and Saturday last week, about 180 people gathered at the 2011 Come to the Table conference in Winston-Salem. Bringing together pastors, lay leaders, experts in the fields of hunger and sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurs, farmworker advocates, and many others. Conference workshops were held on Friday, with site visits and practical tours on Saturday.

Report from Come to the Table

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On Friday and Saturday last week, about 180 people gathered at the 2011 Come to the Table conference in Winston-Salem. Bringing together pastors, lay leaders, experts in the fields of hunger and sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurs, farmworker advocates, and many others. Conference workshops were held on Friday, with site visits and practical tours on Saturday.

The Cost of Cheap Food

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Tomorrow, the NC Council of Churches’ Rural Life Committee will convene our third biennial Come to the Table Conference. With meetings across the state over the next three weeks, the conference offers resources for faith communities working to relieve hunger and support local farms.

The Cost of Cheap Food

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Tomorrow, the NC Council of Churches’ Rural Life Committee will convene our third biennial Come to the Table Conference. With meetings across the state over the next three weeks, the conference offers resources for faith communities working to relieve hunger and support local farms.

Community Gardens Sprout in Triangle

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

More and more North Carolinians are getting involved with community gardens. Through our Come to the Table program, the Council’s Rural Life Committee has been promoting this work for the past few years. We’ve been visiting gardens, leading workshops, sharing best practices, eating delicious local food and making friends across the state.

Community Gardens Sprout in Triangle

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

More and more North Carolinians are getting involved with community gardens. Through our Come to the Table program, the Council’s Rural Life Committee has been promoting this work for the past few years. We’ve been visiting gardens, leading workshops, sharing best practices, eating delicious local food and making friends across the state.