Partners in Health & Wholeness

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PHW Voices

Worship Resources on Mental Health Care

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Date: Proper 20 - Sep. 22, 2013
Topic: Mental Health Care
Focus Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
The church must not forget either the biblical witness to suffering or the reality of Christian hope while caring for those who are mentally ill. Rather, the task of the church, in general terms, is both to suffer with and also, at the same time, to hope for those caught in the tangled web of mental illness. The first, to suffer with, is extremely important. “Weep with those who weep,” the scripture tells us (Rom 12:15); and yet the need of those who are mentally ill is so complex, the chasm so apparently deep and dark, that many would prefer, like priests and Levites, to pass by on the other side of the road (Lk 10:31-32). Christ, however, enters that chasm and commands us to follow.

Worship Resources on Mental Health Care

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

Date: Proper 20 – Sep. 22, 2013
Topic: Mental Health Care
Focus Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
The church must not forget either the biblical witness to suffering or the reality of Christian hope while caring for those who are mentally ill. Rather, the task of the church, in general terms, is both to suffer with and also, at the same time, to hope for those caught in the tangled web of mental illness. The first, to suffer with, is extremely important. “Weep with those who weep,” the scripture tells us (Rom 12:15); and yet the need of those who are mentally ill is so complex, the chasm so apparently deep and dark, that many would prefer, like priests and Levites, to pass by on the other side of the road (Lk 10:31-32). Christ, however, enters that chasm and commands us to follow.

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Seven

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Seven

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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Healthy Communities, Healthy Churches Summit

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness is co-sponsoring a Healthy Communities, Healthy Churches Summit on Saturday, September 7 from 10am-3pm in New Bern (Christ Episcopal Ministry Center, 311 Middle Street). The Summit will provide information on local health initiatives, funding opportunities for faith-based organizations, as well as information on the upcoming Affordable Care Act. Other participating […]

Healthy Communities, Healthy Churches Summit

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness is co-sponsoring a Healthy Communities, Healthy Churches Summit on Saturday, September 7 from 10am-3pm in New Bern (Christ Episcopal Ministry Center, 311 Middle Street). The Summit will provide information on local health initiatives, funding opportunities for faith-based organizations, as well as information on the upcoming Affordable Care Act. Other participating […]

Feed My Sheep: Healthy Food Pantry Workshop

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Many churches highlight feeding ministries and fighting hunger as one of their most important and holy missions, taking very seriously the call of Jesus to feed his sheep, as he commands Peter in John’s Gospel. We also know that Jesus said when we clothe, feed, visit and welcome the least of these we are doing it […]

Feed My Sheep: Healthy Food Pantry Workshop

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Many churches highlight feeding ministries and fighting hunger as one of their most important and holy missions, taking very seriously the call of Jesus to feed his sheep, as he commands Peter in John’s Gospel. We also know that Jesus said when we clothe, feed, visit and welcome the least of these we are doing it […]

PHW Success Story – Sparta Presbyterian Church, Sparta

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

Our future PHW program is aimed toward achieving Gold Certification. As we uphold our Silver Certification we will continue to provide worship bulletin inserts on health. Also, healthy potluck lunches will be pursued and healthy snacks for children will be maintained. We have collected a set of recipes from our first healthy potluck luncheon for […]

PHW Success Story – Sparta Presbyterian Church, Sparta

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

Our future PHW program is aimed toward achieving Gold Certification. As we uphold our Silver Certification we will continue to provide worship bulletin inserts on health. Also, healthy potluck lunches will be pursued and healthy snacks for children will be maintained. We have collected a set of recipes from our first healthy potluck luncheon for […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Five

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Five

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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Social Service Groups to Enroll NC Residents for Subsidized Insurance

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

Raleigh News & Observer

They plan to fan out across the state visiting community centers, school gyms, churches, libraries, waiting rooms and shopping centers. Their goal: Sign up as many North Carolina residents as possible for subsidized insurance under the nation’s health care law.

Social Service Groups to Enroll NC Residents for Subsidized Insurance

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

Raleigh News & Observer

They plan to fan out across the state visiting community centers, school gyms, churches, libraries, waiting rooms and shopping centers. Their goal: Sign up as many North Carolina residents as possible for subsidized insurance under the nation’s health care law.

Medicare Turns 48 on July 30

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Dozens of organizations across the country are planning events to celebrate Medicare on or around the program’s 48th birthday on July 30. The North Carolina Council of Churches is among groups that have long advocated for health care for all God’s children. Find an event in your area or get the tool kit to plan […]

Medicare Turns 48 on July 30

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Dozens of organizations across the country are planning events to celebrate Medicare on or around the program’s 48th birthday on July 30. The North Carolina Council of Churches is among groups that have long advocated for health care for all God’s children. Find an event in your area or get the tool kit to plan […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Four

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Four

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The News & Observer

These are difficult times. We pray that our lawmakers and governor will demonstrate compassion for our fellow North Carolinians who need food, clothing, health care and shelter and for the many charitable nonprofit organizations that provide this support.

How NC Tax-reform Plans Could Fray Safety Nets

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The News & Observer

These are difficult times. We pray that our lawmakers and governor will demonstrate compassion for our fellow North Carolinians who need food, clothing, health care and shelter and for the many charitable nonprofit organizations that provide this support.

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the articles is by Peter Carman, pastor of Binkley Baptist Church, a Council member congregation. Alliance of Baptists: ‘Not One Step Back’: Moral Mondays in Raleigh, […]

The Nation is Watching NC and Moral Mondays

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The impact of Moral Mondays continues to extend beyond North Carolina. Two recent articles and an editorial in “The New York Times” are reaching a national audience. One of the articles is by Peter Carman, pastor of Binkley Baptist Church, a Council member congregation. Alliance of Baptists: ‘Not One Step Back’: Moral Mondays in Raleigh, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Three

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter Three

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though brief, report on Moral Mondays, taking the word of North Carolina’s protest movement to a national audience. Council Communications Director Aleta Payne and I met […]

Faith Communities Cannot Do It All

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Many of you listen to Marketplace, a business-news program produced by American Public Media and carried in North Carolina by WUNC radio. Monday night, Marketplace carried a very good, though brief, report on Moral Mondays, taking the word of North Carolina’s protest movement to a national audience. Council Communications Director Aleta Payne and I met […]

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.”

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I'm deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

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

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I’m deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.

Grant to Strengthen Community Garden Program

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

Winston-Salem Chronicle

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation has partnered with the North Carolina Council of Churches to provide grants to faith-based organizations to help them supply healthy eating alternatives to their members and underserved communities. United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church (UMMBC) is one of 20 faith-based organizations that have received a $5,000 Healthy Eating Equipment Grant. The church will use the grant to purchase much needed equipment and supplies to support the 10 gardens that now comprise the S.G. Atkins Community Gardens at Winston-Salem State University.

Grant to Strengthen Community Garden Program

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

Winston-Salem Chronicle

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation has partnered with the North Carolina Council of Churches to provide grants to faith-based organizations to help them supply healthy eating alternatives to their members and underserved communities.

United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church (UMMBC) is one of 20 faith-based organizations that have received a $5,000 Healthy Eating Equipment Grant. The church will use the grant to purchase much needed equipment and supplies to support the 10 gardens that now comprise the S.G. Atkins Community Gardens at Winston-Salem State University.

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.

PHW and Community Transformation Grant Unity

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Community Transformation Grant Project is a state-funded initiative designed to promote tobacco-free living, active living, and healthy eating among residents of Anson, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond and Scotland counties. The following appeared in the CTG Region 6 newsletter: Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative of the North Carolina Council […]

PHW and Community Transformation Grant Unity

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Community Transformation Grant Project is a state-funded initiative designed to promote tobacco-free living, active living, and healthy eating among residents of Anson, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond and Scotland counties. The following appeared in the CTG Region 6 newsletter: Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative of the North Carolina Council […]

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PHW Success Story – St. Timothy’s Episcopal, Winston-Salem

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

We have been busy growing in health and wholeness at St.Timothy’s! Our biggest venture towards a healthy congregation has been to start a parish garden. The garden has been a dream of the parish for some time, but this year we finally took the risk of getting it started. We are fortunate to have a […]

PHW Success Story – St. Timothy’s Episcopal, Winston-Salem

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

We have been busy growing in health and wholeness at St.Timothy’s! Our biggest venture towards a healthy congregation has been to start a parish garden. The garden has been a dream of the parish for some time, but this year we finally took the risk of getting it started. We are fortunate to have a […]

Reflection on Moral Mondays

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to social mobility and environmental stewardship. The June 18 Moral Monday focused on environmental justice, climate justice, and health care. Protestors throughout the event displayed signs […]

Reflection on Moral Mondays

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Participating in Moral Monday impressed me with a sense of fraternity and hope in the face of policies and legislation that seem increasingly unjust and discriminatory, besides being detrimental to social mobility and environmental stewardship. The June 18 Moral Monday focused on environmental justice, climate justice, and health care. Protestors throughout the event displayed signs […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter One

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cybala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Chapter One

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cybala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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Helping Support Healthy Pregnancies — Dinner and Discussion, June 28

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It feels as though I have been pregnant at least eight times. I have two children, ages four and two, whom I care for deeply, and at least nine more that I support in some way or other. In truth, none of those pregnancies was my own, but I believe that when my neighbor is pregnant, I […]

Helping Support Healthy Pregnancies — Dinner and Discussion, June 28

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It feels as though I have been pregnant at least eight times. I have two children, ages four and two, whom I care for deeply, and at least nine more that I support in some way or other. In truth, none of those pregnancies was my own, but I believe that when my neighbor is pregnant, I […]

Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years ago today, I became a mother—and in these last 35 years, I’ve spent a lot of time with children—as a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and as a friend and neighbor. Currently, I’m a Sunday School teacher of young […]

Why I Went to Jail for Justice on June 24, 2013

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

NCCC Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving was arrested at the June 24 Moral Monday. Thirty-five years ago today, I became a mother—and in these last 35 years, I’ve spent a lot of time with children—as a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and as a friend and neighbor. Currently, I’m a Sunday School teacher of young […]

The Lord’s Mission Pushes On

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Liaison, Sarah Dean, is a dynamic individual who runs a successful health ministry at her church in Anson County.  She applied on behalf of her church, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, for a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthy Eating Equipment Grant. Although they were not one of the grantees, Ms. Dean says, “I do […]

The Lord’s Mission Pushes On

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

PHW Liaison, Sarah Dean, is a dynamic individual who runs a successful health ministry at her church in Anson County.  She applied on behalf of her church, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, for a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthy Eating Equipment Grant. Although they were not one of the grantees, Ms. Dean says, “I do […]

PHW Success Story – Shalom Community Christian Church, Greensboro

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

Our church has made a concerted effort to emphasize healthy living to our congregation in several ways. We have partnered with another church in our area to sponsor and host a Health and Wellness fair. We have made a conscious effort to utilize healthier snacks for our youth activities. The health and wellness information we […]

PHW Success Story – Shalom Community Christian Church, Greensboro

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

Our church has made a concerted effort to emphasize healthy living to our congregation in several ways. We have partnered with another church in our area to sponsor and host a Health and Wellness fair. We have made a conscious effort to utilize healthier snacks for our youth activities. The health and wellness information we […]

Still Accomplishing Great Things

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation announced the grantees for their Healthy Eating Equipment 2013 Cycle. Usually in any contest, you will hear about the proposals and work that the funded grantees are doing in their communities. However, within the same contest, you might not hear about the other applicants and […]

Still Accomplishing Great Things

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation announced the grantees for their Healthy Eating Equipment 2013 Cycle. Usually in any contest, you will hear about the proposals and work that the funded grantees are doing in their communities. However, within the same contest, you might not hear about the other applicants and […]

PHW Success Story – Greater St. Matthews, Wadesboro

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

Greater St. Matthews has an aerobics class three times a week and offers quarterly nutrition classes. We have also held a fruit and vegetable luncheon to assist with making healthy choices and finding easier ways to include fruits and vegetables with every meal. The healthy recipes were written out and shared with others. This could […]

PHW Success Story – Greater St. Matthews, Wadesboro

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

Greater St. Matthews has an aerobics class three times a week and offers quarterly nutrition classes. We have also held a fruit and vegetable luncheon to assist with making healthy choices and finding easier ways to include fruits and vegetables with every meal. The healthy recipes were written out and shared with others. This could […]

Tax Reform: Not So Simple

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes and shrink government. With Republicans holding strong majorities in both the House […]

Tax Reform: Not So Simple

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A funny thing happened to House Bill 998, the Tax Simplification and Reduction Act, on its way through the state Senate. It got simplified. House Republicans had approved the bill in an effort to make good on their party’s pledges to cut taxes and shrink government. With Republicans holding strong majorities in both the House […]

Carrot-Coconut Bread Pudding

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

My dad has known for quite some time now that I’ve wanted a juicer. This particular weekend visiting my parents was no different from any other weekend, only this time my dad motioned for me to look in his car. He cautiously pointed to a juicer and asked me if I wanted it. He knows […]

Carrot-Coconut Bread Pudding

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

My dad has known for quite some time now that I’ve wanted a juicer. This particular weekend visiting my parents was no different from any other weekend, only this time my dad motioned for me to look in his car. He cautiously pointed to a juicer and asked me if I wanted it. He knows […]

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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 to twenty places of worship in our state. These equipment grants will be used to increase access to healthy, local foods – for example, for […]

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 to twenty places of worship in our state. These equipment grants will be used to increase access to healthy, local foods – for example, for […]

Underlying Factors Contributing to Poor Health

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

A person’s health is not only determined by genetics, their level of physical activity or how many fruits and vegetables they consume, but also underlying factors like poverty, education and housing. In North Carolina, we use tier county designations provided by the North Carolina Department of Commerce to signify the economic health of a community. […]

Underlying Factors Contributing to Poor Health

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

A person’s health is not only determined by genetics, their level of physical activity or how many fruits and vegetables they consume, but also underlying factors like poverty, education and housing. In North Carolina, we use tier county designations provided by the North Carolina Department of Commerce to signify the economic health of a community. […]

Youth Lead the Way to Better Health

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I am so honored to have met Tes Thraves almost three years ago. She is an organizer, a strong supporter of healthy local foods, and practices what she preaches. Her newest colleague, Jesalyn Keziah, and I have also become friends, first through email and recently through several face-to-face encounters. These are the two luminous beings […]

Youth Lead the Way to Better Health

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I am so honored to have met Tes Thraves almost three years ago. She is an organizer, a strong supporter of healthy local foods, and practices what she preaches. Her newest colleague, Jesalyn Keziah, and I have also become friends, first through email and recently through several face-to-face encounters. These are the two luminous beings […]

A Challenge for People of Faith: Contact Congress like Pentagon Contractors Do

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

The Coalition on Human Needs is sharing sequester impacts and challenging people of faith to raise their voices for the less fortunate. Real cuts are harming our most vulnerable children. We need to remember that one in five children in NC is already living in poverty and many  in wrenching poverty. The Friends Committee on National Legislation […]

A Challenge for People of Faith: Contact Congress like Pentagon Contractors Do

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

The Coalition on Human Needs is sharing sequester impacts and challenging people of faith to raise their voices for the less fortunate. Real cuts are harming our most vulnerable children. We need to remember that one in five children in NC is already living in poverty and many  in wrenching poverty. The Friends Committee on National Legislation […]

Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cybala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

Book Club Discussion: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cybala. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 6

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 6

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

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Please Pray for Oklahoma

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

All people affected by this week’s devastating storms, particularly those in Moore, Oklahoma, need our prayers. In addition, donations can be made to organizations providing assistance, including denominational relief agencies, Church World Service, and the American Red Cross. –Aleta Payne, Development and Communications

Please Pray for Oklahoma

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

All people affected by this week’s devastating storms, particularly those in Moore, Oklahoma, need our prayers. In addition, donations can be made to organizations providing assistance, including denominational relief agencies, Church World Service, and the American Red Cross. –Aleta Payne, Development and Communications

PHW Success Story – Islamic Association of Raleigh

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

The Islamic Association of Raleigh (IAR) is blessed to have a kitchen/restaurant facility which serves the entire community on different occasions. There is also the community’s school garden that is taken care of and well-groomed by the students, parents, teachers and staff of Al Iman School, which is one of the schools situated in the […]

PHW Success Story – Islamic Association of Raleigh

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

The Islamic Association of Raleigh (IAR) is blessed to have a kitchen/restaurant facility which serves the entire community on different occasions. There is also the community’s school garden that is taken care of and well-groomed by the students, parents, teachers and staff of Al Iman School, which is one of the schools situated in the […]

Introducing Interns from Bennett College

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

For the month of May, Partners in Health and Wholeness is working with three interns from Bennett College for Women. They are helping with networking and outreach in the Greensboro area, particularly with Latino churches and communities. The interns are: Estacia Crittle, who is majoring in psychology and is originally from San Francisco, California. She […]

Introducing Interns from Bennett College

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

For the month of May, Partners in Health and Wholeness is working with three interns from Bennett College for Women. They are helping with networking and outreach in the Greensboro area, particularly with Latino churches and communities. The interns are: Estacia Crittle, who is majoring in psychology and is originally from San Francisco, California. She […]

Growing Roots Regional Youth Conference – Fayetteville

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The theme of this free conference is "Growing Roots: A Youth Training Focused on Gardening, Faith, and Collecting Stories From Our Elders." The conference is for ages 12-24. There will be healthy locally and organically grown food provided by church gardens, home gardens, and other healthy local food donations.

Growing Roots Regional Youth Conference – Fayetteville

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The theme of this free conference is “Growing Roots: A Youth Training Focused on Gardening, Faith, and Collecting Stories From Our Elders.” The conference is for ages 12-24. There will be healthy locally and organically grown food provided by church gardens, home gardens, and other healthy local food donations.

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 5

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 5

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

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Childhood Poverty is a Disease

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Pediatrician and author Perri Klass has written a powerful essay on childhood poverty as a disease. She writes in part: Toxic stress is the heavy hand of early poverty, scripting a child’s life not in the Horatio Alger scenario of determination and drive, but in the patterns of disappointment and deprivation that shape a life […]

Childhood Poverty is a Disease

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Pediatrician and author Perri Klass has written a powerful essay on childhood poverty as a disease. She writes in part: Toxic stress is the heavy hand of early poverty, scripting a child’s life not in the Horatio Alger scenario of determination and drive, but in the patterns of disappointment and deprivation that shape a life […]

PHW Success Story – Pathway to Peace Ministries, Peachland

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYQamYonCoc Pathway to Peace Ministries, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Cary Rodgers and located in Anson County, received a PHW mini-grant for their efforts to improve the health of their members and wider community. Pathway to Peace used the funds provided by PHW to purchase a plow and disk harrow to expand their church […]

PHW Success Story – Pathway to Peace Ministries, Peachland

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYQamYonCoc Pathway to Peace Ministries, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Cary Rodgers and located in Anson County, received a PHW mini-grant for their efforts to improve the health of their members and wider community. Pathway to Peace used the funds provided by PHW to purchase a plow and disk harrow to expand their church […]

Gardeners: Make the Climate Connection

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

One thing that almost every congregation does is eat together. Coffee hour after worship, Wednesday dinners, pancake breakfasts—where there is a congregation, there is food. Over the past years, many congregations’ food ministries have inspired community gardens, in which people of faith are growing some of the food that they and their neighbors eat. Some […]

Gardeners: Make the Climate Connection

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

One thing that almost every congregation does is eat together. Coffee hour after worship, Wednesday dinners, pancake breakfasts—where there is a congregation, there is food. Over the past years, many congregations’ food ministries have inspired community gardens, in which people of faith are growing some of the food that they and their neighbors eat. Some […]

Rethink What You Eat

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

Who said change is easy? Or that it can only come as a result of well-meaning adults’ efforts? Well, a youth group in New Orleans, called the “Rethinkers”, would beg to differ. They saw a problem (unhealthy foods served in school) and made a difference

Rethink What You Eat

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

Who said change is easy? Or that it can only come as a result of well-meaning adults’ efforts? Well, a youth group in New Orleans, called the “Rethinkers”, would beg to differ. They saw a problem (unhealthy foods served in school) and made a difference

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 4

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 4

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our current choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

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Come to the Table Comes to Your Home

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Everyone gets so hyped about attending conferences. You go there, you collect as many business cards as you can, you write down notes, quotes, and things to follow-up with. You instantly get empowered and invigorated with the amount of energy and ideas that flood your mind and new-found relationships. You struggle over which break-out session to […]

Come to the Table Comes to Your Home

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Everyone gets so hyped about attending conferences. You go there, you collect as many business cards as you can, you write down notes, quotes, and things to follow-up with. You instantly get empowered and invigorated with the amount of energy and ideas that flood your mind and new-found relationships. You struggle over which break-out session to […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 3

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 3

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook […]

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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 a “community garden” at one site at the church, we have created a “community of gardens” at individual homes around the Ward Street Mission Community. […]

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 a “community garden” at one site at the church, we have created a “community of gardens” at individual homes around the Ward Street Mission Community. […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 2

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 2

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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Implementing the Affordable Care Act: Legislative Seminar Workshop

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Rev. Linda Walling, Executive Director at Faithful Reform in Health Care and Nicole Dozier, Assistant Project Director at the NC Health Access Coalition offered this compelling and insightful workshop on the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) at our 2013 Legislative Seminar. You can download and listent the podcast above.

Implementing the Affordable Care Act: Legislative Seminar Workshop

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

Rev. Linda Walling, Executive Director at Faithful Reform in Health Care and Nicole Dozier, Assistant Project Director at the NC Health Access Coalition offered this compelling and insightful workshop on the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) at our 2013 Legislative Seminar. You can download and listent the podcast above.

PHW Success Story – First Baptist, Lumberton

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

First Baptist Church in Lumberton – under the leadership of Dr. TR Murray and PHW Liaison Jay Leggette – is participating in the Partners in Health and Wholeness Certification Program, demonstrating their commitment to health as a practice of their faith. They serve healthier food and beverage options at church meetings and events, maintain tobacco-free […]

PHW Success Story – First Baptist, Lumberton

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

First Baptist Church in Lumberton – under the leadership of Dr. TR Murray and PHW Liaison Jay Leggette – is participating in the Partners in Health and Wholeness Certification Program, demonstrating their commitment to health as a practice of their faith. They serve healthier food and beverage options at church meetings and events, maintain tobacco-free […]

NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with its mission of supporting peace, unity and social justice, the Council recently has signed on to three letters involving issues being addressed at the federal level. We have spoken out for a faithful budget, for preserving low-income tax credits, and for gun violence prevention and school safety. The call for a faithful […]

NC Council of Churches Supports National Groups to Assist the Less Fortunate

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with its mission of supporting peace, unity and social justice, the Council recently has signed on to three letters involving issues being addressed at the federal level. We have spoken out for a faithful budget, for preserving low-income tax credits, and for gun violence prevention and school safety. The call for a faithful […]

Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

With the passage of deadlines for the introduction of most bills, there’s been a flurry of new legislation. This issue of Raleigh Report will cover some of these new bills, with others to come in the next issue.

Deadlines Pass – Raleigh Report April 22, 2013

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

With the passage of deadlines for the introduction of most bills, there’s been a flurry of new legislation. This issue of Raleigh Report will cover some of these new bills, with others to come in the next issue.

A Healthier NC: It’s All Up to Us!

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

Today marks the beginning of a very important journey for our state – a journey toward better health for all North Carolinians. A Healthier NC is a statewide campaign/challenge to engage 1 million North Carolinians in 15 hours of activity, to transform lives and to lose 10 million pounds. Congregations are already showing their commitment […]

A Healthier NC: It’s All Up to Us!

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

Today marks the beginning of a very important journey for our state – a journey toward better health for all North Carolinians. A Healthier NC is a statewide campaign/challenge to engage 1 million North Carolinians in 15 hours of activity, to transform lives and to lose 10 million pounds. Congregations are already showing their commitment […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 1

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan, Session 1

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading is from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. We are posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading will come from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. The Daniel Plan is a six-week Bible study curriculum […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: The Daniel Plan

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. Our next choice of reading will come from the free Saddleback Church Daniel Plan Curriculum. The Daniel Plan is a six-week Bible study curriculum […]

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Tax Reform Cookies

By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no telling how the tax cookies will crumble by the time the 2013 General Assembly closes shop. But chief bakers in both the House and Senate seem intent on some manner of “reform.” In sync with Gov. Pat McCrory, they’ve signaled their desire to cut income tax rates, and hopefully to replace lost revenue […]

Tax Reform Cookies

· by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no telling how the tax cookies will crumble by the time the 2013 General Assembly closes shop. But chief bakers in both the House and Senate seem intent on some manner of “reform.” In sync with Gov. Pat McCrory, they’ve signaled their desire to cut income tax rates, and hopefully to replace lost revenue […]

Free AEDs and CPR Training for Select Counties

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

The NC Council of Churches, American Red Cross and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC are partnering together to provide more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to places of worship in select counties. To date, 183 congregations have received an award. To learn more or to complete an application, please click here. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.

Free AEDs and CPR Training for Select Counties

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

The NC Council of Churches, American Red Cross and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC are partnering together to provide more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to places of worship in select counties. To date, 183 congregations have received an award.

To learn more or to complete an application, please click here. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24.

Lectionary: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients (4th Sunday after Easter)

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday after Easter - April 21, 2013
Topic: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-43

From the pastoral reflection: “Today, the reality is that HIV looks like all of us – regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. The epidemic is growing most rapidly, however, among minorities who have historically experienced a higher risk for poverty, lack of health insurance, co-morbidity, and disenfranchisement from the health care system. The result is a growing number of individuals living with HIV disease who are living at or below the federal poverty level and who have limited or no access to life-saving, life-extending medications."

Lectionary: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients (4th Sunday after Easter)

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

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday after Easter – April 21, 2013
Topic: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-43

From the pastoral reflection: “Today, the reality is that HIV looks like all of us – regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. The epidemic is growing most rapidly, however, among minorities who have historically experienced a higher risk for poverty, lack of health insurance, co-morbidity, and disenfranchisement from the health care system. The result is a growing number of individuals living with HIV disease who are living at or below the federal poverty level and who have limited or no access to life-saving, life-extending medications.”

Affordable Care Act’s Third Anniversary — A Reason to Celebrate

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On March 23, the Affordable Care Act celebrated its third anniversary. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported universal health care, and we remain committed to that goal and to celebrating the progress made through ACA. Our friends at Faithful Reform in Health Care have offered a number of ways to recognize this […]

Affordable Care Act’s Third Anniversary — A Reason to Celebrate

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On March 23, the Affordable Care Act celebrated its third anniversary. The North Carolina Council of Churches has long supported universal health care, and we remain committed to that goal and to celebrating the progress made through ACA. Our friends at Faithful Reform in Health Care have offered a number of ways to recognize this […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 4 (Honoring Neighbors)

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

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

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

From Chapter 4 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 7:9-10 (NRSV) “Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give him a […]

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

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

From Chapter 4 of Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent. We’re offering this free resource to you and your congregation as we walk through the season of Lent together. Download the full PDF here. Scripture: Matthew 7:9-10 (NRSV) “Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give him a […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 3 (Enough)

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

PHW Book Club Discussion: Eating Well Week 3 (Enough)

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Thank you for joining the Partners in Health and Wholeness Book Club. You can officially sign-up here. Through it, we hope to engage people of faith in discussions over why our health matters. We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, but our PHW blog page will have the discussion posts in full with […]

The Table Was Packed

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is awesome how many people spend their days thinking of ways to make this world better. I was reminded of this during the latest Come to the Table Conferences. Both Kinston and Greensboro, the two locations for the Eastern NC and the Piedmont conferences respectively, brought together people of faith who love seeking justice. Both […]

The Table Was Packed

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

It is awesome how many people spend their days thinking of ways to make this world better. I was reminded of this during the latest Come to the Table Conferences. Both Kinston and Greensboro, the two locations for the Eastern NC and the Piedmont conferences respectively, brought together people of faith who love seeking justice. Both […]

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 Equipment grants. Please click here to access the webinar slides, audio and application forms. These grants are designed to support congregations in your efforts to […]

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 Equipment grants. Please click here to access the webinar slides, audio and application forms. These grants are designed to support congregations in your efforts to […]

PHW Update: New Funding Opportunity for Congregations

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

The NC Council of Churches is happy to announce a new partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation to increase access to healthy, local food through the distribution of Healthy Eating Equipment grants in select parts of the state. The grants can be used to support any work around food access, […]

PHW Update: New Funding Opportunity for Congregations

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

The NC Council of Churches is happy to announce a new partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation to increase access to healthy, local food through the distribution of Healthy Eating Equipment grants in select parts of the state. The grants can be used to support any work around food access, […]

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 choice of reading will come from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum.  We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

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 choice of reading will come from the free “Eating Well” NC Council of Churches Food Curriculum.  We will be posting updates through the PHW Facebook page, […]

For the Good of All God’s Children — Accept Federal Money Offered to NC

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

If you are following the actions of the 2013 NC legislature, you know that the idea of accepting federal funds that will cover health insurance for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians is in danger of being rejected by our legislature. The Senate has already declined to accept these funds (SB4), and we are told the House […]

For the Good of All God’s Children — Accept Federal Money Offered to NC

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

If you are following the actions of the 2013 NC legislature, you know that the idea of accepting federal funds that will cover health insurance for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians is in danger of being rejected by our legislature. The Senate has already declined to accept these funds (SB4), and we are told the House […]

Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013

By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

After a one-day organizational meeting in early January, the 2013 General Assembly convened in earnest last Wednesday. Bills introduced and advanced during these first two days give a taste of things to come. Note especially the bills affecting the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, weakening the benefits of unemployment insurance, and extending the presence of guns.

Raleigh Report – February 1, 2013

· by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

After a one-day organizational meeting in early January, the 2013 General Assembly convened in earnest last Wednesday. Bills introduced and advanced during these first two days give a taste of things to come. Note especially the bills affecting the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, weakening the benefits of unemployment insurance, and extending the presence of guns.

Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Click here for a free download of our new 2013 social justice study for Lent: Preparing the Way. This simple 10-page document combines traditional Lenten themes and Bible passages with contemporary issues including hunger, care of creation, and immigration. We invite you to join us in this season of reflection and preparation.

Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)

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

Click here for a free download of our new 2013 social justice study for Lent: Preparing the Way. This simple 10-page document combines traditional Lenten themes and Bible passages with contemporary issues including hunger, care of creation, and immigration. We invite you to join us in this season of reflection and preparation.

Toward a Healthier New Year

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Are the holidays over already? Well, yes. But what remains for many of us are the extra pounds packed on from Thanksgiving to the New Year holiday. Darn. I came across this podcast, and found it interesting to hear from a chef…who is also a doctor who advises: how to avoid future holiday pounds how women can help men address […]

Toward a Healthier New Year

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Are the holidays over already? Well, yes. But what remains for many of us are the extra pounds packed on from Thanksgiving to the New Year holiday. Darn. I came across this podcast, and found it interesting to hear from a chef…who is also a doctor who advises: how to avoid future holiday pounds how women can help men address […]

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Make it an Adventure

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

There are few things I love more than setting out on a grand adventure. I know there are folks out there who prefer the safety, security, and dependability of home. But…there is that thrill of anticipation, that rush of excitement when something new is coming. There is the surge of nervous energy when a risk is taken, […]

Make it an Adventure

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

There are few things I love more than setting out on a grand adventure. I know there are folks out there who prefer the safety, security, and dependability of home. But…there is that thrill of anticipation, that rush of excitement when something new is coming. There is the surge of nervous energy when a risk is taken, […]

Speaking Life In a Dry Valley

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The NCCC’s annual staff Christmas lunch is a time of good cheer for the old and new staff.  I was warmly surrounded by spiritual leaders who strive to do as Ezekiel did, speak to where there seems to be no hope—and speak the word of God to renew life (Ezekiel 37:1-14). I sat next to […]

Speaking Life In a Dry Valley

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The NCCC’s annual staff Christmas lunch is a time of good cheer for the old and new staff.  I was warmly surrounded by spiritual leaders who strive to do as Ezekiel did, speak to where there seems to be no hope—and speak the word of God to renew life (Ezekiel 37:1-14). I sat next to […]

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Protect Yourself and Others This Flu Season

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

Over the holidays, North Carolina State Health Director, Dr. Laura Gerald, put out a press release urging all North Carolinians over the age of 6 months to get their annual flu shot. Public health professionals have deemed this year’s flu season to be the worst in recent years. By the end of December 2012, North […]

Protect Yourself and Others This Flu Season

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

Over the holidays, North Carolina State Health Director, Dr. Laura Gerald, put out a press release urging all North Carolinians over the age of 6 months to get their annual flu shot. Public health professionals have deemed this year’s flu season to be the worst in recent years. By the end of December 2012, North […]

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.

New Year’s Resolution to Drop the Habit

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

No, I’m not talking about the attire worn by a group of women deeply committed to God. I’m referring to tobacco cessation. Many people resolve to quit smoking or otherwise using tobacco as a New Year’s resolution. If that is your resolution, then the trick to being successful is – well, there is no trick. The […]

New Year’s Resolution to Drop the Habit

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

No, I’m not talking about the attire worn by a group of women deeply committed to God. I’m referring to tobacco cessation. Many people resolve to quit smoking or otherwise using tobacco as a New Year’s resolution. If that is your resolution, then the trick to being successful is – well, there is no trick. The […]

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Faith and Weight Loss: NC Churches Encourage Members to be Healthy

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

Public News Service - NC

Weight loss is the most popular New Year's resolution being made by North Carolinians and people around the country, according to new data from the University of Scranton. The goal of being healthier is even making its way into churches around the state, through a program sponsored by the North Carolina Council of Churches.

Faith and Weight Loss: NC Churches Encourage Members to be Healthy

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

Public News Service – NC

Weight loss is the most popular New Year’s resolution being made by North Carolinians and people around the country, according to new data from the University of Scranton. The goal of being healthier is even making its way into churches around the state, through a program sponsored by the North Carolina Council of Churches.

Better Dental Care With a Bag of Apples

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Executive Director George Reed wrote an article recently about the importance of dental care for children. His link to Kathy Higgins’ remarks brought our attention to the contradiction of spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on items that we “want” such as big musical concerts against the claim that we “don’t have the money to support those […]

Better Dental Care With a Bag of Apples

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Executive Director George Reed wrote an article recently about the importance of dental care for children. His link to Kathy Higgins’ remarks brought our attention to the contradiction of spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on items that we “want” such as big musical concerts against the claim that we “don’t have the money to support those […]

Update on Free AED and CPR Program

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

In the spring of this year, the NC Council of Churches and our partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC and the American Red Cross, awarded 34 free Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to congregations across the state. This was done in an effort to reduce the number of deaths from sudden […]

Update on Free AED and CPR Program

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

In the spring of this year, the NC Council of Churches and our partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC and the American Red Cross, awarded 34 free Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training to congregations across the state. This was done in an effort to reduce the number of deaths from sudden […]

The Not-So-Sweet Truth

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness is trying to reach you in every way possible. Why are we trying to reach you? Because we have some truths that could help change how we view health for ourselves and for each other. People of faith who are interested in these health topics try really hard to get […]

The Not-So-Sweet Truth

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness is trying to reach you in every way possible. Why are we trying to reach you? Because we have some truths that could help change how we view health for ourselves and for each other. People of faith who are interested in these health topics try really hard to get […]

Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Congress is overwhelmed with lobbyists for corporations, Chambers of Commerce, AARP, the Department of Defense, etc. But those living in poverty are short on lobbyist as the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ is debated and cuts as well as revenue sources are considered. People of faith and compassion are being called to serve as lobbyists for the […]

Needed: Lobbyists for the Voiceless

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Congress is overwhelmed with lobbyists for corporations, Chambers of Commerce, AARP, the Department of Defense, etc. But those living in poverty are short on lobbyist as the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ is debated and cuts as well as revenue sources are considered. People of faith and compassion are being called to serve as lobbyists for the […]

Emotional Eating During the Holidays

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I have to admit that the Eat Smart, Move More’s Holiday Challenge to maintain and not gain has been weighing on me…no pun intended. I sometimes emotionally eat during the holidays. I do it because I miss my grandmother and certain dishes remind me of her. I understand that others who are experiencing this season […]

Emotional Eating During the Holidays

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I have to admit that the Eat Smart, Move More’s Holiday Challenge to maintain and not gain has been weighing on me…no pun intended. I sometimes emotionally eat during the holidays. I do it because I miss my grandmother and certain dishes remind me of her. I understand that others who are experiencing this season […]

Date Change: Latino Pastor Dinner in Robeson Co.

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness will host a dinner to connect Latino pastors with free resources and grants for churches. It takes place Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goodwin Heights Baptist Church, 704 Godwin Avenue in Lumberton. Please note this is a change in date from a prior announcement. The meeting will be conducted in Spanish and is free. Please e-mail Joy Williams, for more information.

Date Change: Latino Pastor Dinner in Robeson Co.

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Partners in Health and Wholeness will host a dinner to connect Latino pastors with free resources and grants for churches. It takes place Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goodwin Heights Baptist Church, 704 Godwin Avenue in Lumberton. Please note this is a change in date from a prior announcement.

The meeting will be conducted in Spanish and is free. Please e-mail Joy Williams, for more information.

Planting the Seeds of Abundant Harvest

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Recently, I have been reading about the controversies surrounding factory farms and companies that generate genetically modified seeds capable of mass producing and surviving under any conditions.  In this debate that originates from the intricacies of industrial farming, there are good points being made from many perspectives, such as the legal, business, scientific and farming. […]

Planting the Seeds of Abundant Harvest

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Recently, I have been reading about the controversies surrounding factory farms and companies that generate genetically modified seeds capable of mass producing and surviving under any conditions.  In this debate that originates from the intricacies of industrial farming, there are good points being made from many perspectives, such as the legal, business, scientific and farming. […]

Food Day Flash Mob a Success

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Experiencing Food Day across the nation was a big success. Many people came together to celebrate healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair food. The real success, that we can have a system that is healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair, comes through the actions you and I take.  But for now, working to bring awareness and the […]

Food Day Flash Mob a Success

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Experiencing Food Day across the nation was a big success. Many people came together to celebrate healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair food. The real success, that we can have a system that is healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair, comes through the actions you and I take.  But for now, working to bring awareness and the […]

CPR Less Likely in Low Income Neighborhoods

By Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

WFMY News 2HD

Ramsuer, NC - What if your chances of surviving a heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest, depended on the neighborhood you lived in? According to a new study, it just may. The New England Journal of Medicine suggests CPR by a bystander is less likely in low-income areas. They go on to say there is a direct relationship between household income and the racial makeup of a neighborhood.

CPR Less Likely in Low Income Neighborhoods

· by Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

WFMY News 2HD

Ramsuer, NC – What if your chances of surviving a heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest, depended on the neighborhood you lived in? According to a new study, it just may. The New England Journal of Medicine suggests CPR by a bystander is less likely in low-income areas. They go on to say there is a direct relationship between household income and the racial makeup of a neighborhood.

PHW Featured in NC Medical Journal

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

Willona Stallings, PHW Program Coordinator, co-authored a section on working with faith communities to improve population health in the September/October issue of the NC Medical Journal (NCMJ). Stallings highlighted the intrinsic strengths of congregations across NC and the US to create community change, namely their existing infrastructures (e.g., space for promoting physical activity) and built-in […]

PHW Featured in NC Medical Journal

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

Willona Stallings, PHW Program Coordinator, co-authored a section on working with faith communities to improve population health in the September/October issue of the NC Medical Journal (NCMJ). Stallings highlighted the intrinsic strengths of congregations across NC and the US to create community change, namely their existing infrastructures (e.g., space for promoting physical activity) and built-in […]

Mini-grants to Support Congregations in Promoting Health

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), the Council’s faith-based health initiative, is now offering mini-grants to support congregations in your efforts to promote healthy, active lifestyles. In order to qualify, a congregation must first become PHW-certified – i.e., offer healthier church meals; name a health contact person; maintain tobacco-free buildings and take part in other […]

Mini-grants to Support Congregations in Promoting Health

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), the Council’s faith-based health initiative, is now offering mini-grants to support congregations in your efforts to promote healthy, active lifestyles. In order to qualify, a congregation must first become PHW-certified – i.e., offer healthier church meals; name a health contact person; maintain tobacco-free buildings and take part in other […]

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Connects Health to Faith

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Sabrina Morris, a nurse at Cape Fear Valley Health, is helping to connect health as a faith issue within Fayetteville’s Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with the support of her pastor, David C. Camps Sr. Over the summer, the health ministry team at MCMB served healthy snacks to congregants, boosting health morale within the church. The health ministry team has […]

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Connects Health to Faith

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Sabrina Morris, a nurse at Cape Fear Valley Health, is helping to connect health as a faith issue within Fayetteville’s Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with the support of her pastor, David C. Camps Sr. Over the summer, the health ministry team at MCMB served healthy snacks to congregants, boosting health morale within the church. The health ministry team has […]

Critical Issue — Children’s Dental Health

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’ve got critical issue overload. How about you? So probably the last thing you want to hear about is one more issue that really needs to be on our radar screens but isn’t. But here it is – dental care for children, especially for children who live in or near poverty. Last Sunday, Kathy Higgins […]

Critical Issue — Children’s Dental Health

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

I’ve got critical issue overload. How about you? So probably the last thing you want to hear about is one more issue that really needs to be on our radar screens but isn’t. But here it is – dental care for children, especially for children who live in or near poverty. Last Sunday, Kathy Higgins […]

North Carolina Beyond Coal

By Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

Since 1965, my first year of medical school, I knew that coal kills (see Alan Lockwood’s The Silent Epidemic: Coal and the Hidden Threat to Health). Since 1989, when I read Bill McKibben’s The End of Nature, I knew that climate change was the most serious threat to humanity and all other life on earth […]

North Carolina Beyond Coal

· by Richard Fireman, Former NCIPL Public Policy Advisor

Since 1965, my first year of medical school, I knew that coal kills (see Alan Lockwood’s The Silent Epidemic: Coal and the Hidden Threat to Health). Since 1989, when I read Bill McKibben’s The End of Nature, I knew that climate change was the most serious threat to humanity and all other life on earth […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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, […]

Advent Guide Focuses on Social Justice

· by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

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, […]

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 ourselves: how can our dietary choices best honor the rest of life? NCIPL’s Sacred Potluck Challenge is an opportunity for North Carolina congregations to answer […]

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 ourselves: how can our dietary choices best honor the rest of life? NCIPL’s Sacred Potluck Challenge is an opportunity for North Carolina congregations to answer […]

NC Farmworker Health Facts

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state.

NC Farmworker Health Facts

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

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state.

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 the link between clean air, clean water and good jobs. The slogan for the campaign was “All Three for NC.” The ads can be viewed on […]

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 the link between clean air, clean water and good jobs. The slogan for the campaign was “All Three for NC.” The ads can be viewed on […]

Choreographing A Flash Mob

By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Why a statewide flash mob to celebrate National Food Day? Because I have big dreams, and even if I fail in achieving them, I can be encouraged knowing that I was not afraid to dream big and to go for it. But now, I’m humbled knowing that so many others hold the same dreams, and […]

Choreographing A Flash Mob

· by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Why a statewide flash mob to celebrate National Food Day? Because I have big dreams, and even if I fail in achieving them, I can be encouraged knowing that I was not afraid to dream big and to go for it. But now, I’m humbled knowing that so many others hold the same dreams, and […]

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.

Mt. Zion Picked To Receive Life Saving Tools

By Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

Winston-Salem Chronicle

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the North Carolina Council of Churches, the American Red Cross and State Rep. Becky Carney have selected Winston-Salem’s Mt. Zion Baptist Church as one of 150 places of worship across the state to participate in Strive to Revive.

Mt. Zion Picked To Receive Life Saving Tools

· by Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

Winston-Salem Chronicle

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the North Carolina Council of Churches, the American Red Cross and State Rep. Becky Carney have selected Winston-Salem’s Mt. Zion Baptist Church as one of 150 places of worship across the state to participate in Strive to Revive.

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North Carolina UCC Receives Heart Defibrillator Through Health and Wellness Program

By Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

UCC News

Parkway United Church of Christ is now ready to take action if someone in the building shows signs of a heart attack. Through the North Carolina Council of Churches' Strive to Revive program, the Winston-Salem congregation qualified for a free automated external defibrillator (AED) and CPR training, and the Rev. Craig Schaub made sure his church took advantage of the opportunity.

North Carolina UCC Receives Heart Defibrillator Through Health and Wellness Program

· by Trinh Le, Former Strive to Revive Assistant - Partners in Health and Wholeness

UCC News

Parkway United Church of Christ is now ready to take action if someone in the building shows signs of a heart attack. Through the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Strive to Revive program, the Winston-Salem congregation qualified for a free automated external defibrillator (AED) and CPR training, and the Rev. Craig Schaub made sure his church took advantage of the opportunity.

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