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Disciple: Journal from Jerusalem

[Image: Some of the faces of the Holy Land: Ahmad, Nourooz and Imad. Photos throughout courtesy of the Rev. David Umphlett] Old friends, new perspectives By the Rev. David Umphlett …

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Disciple: Helping Women Who Don’t Have Anyone

How St. Timothy’s, Winston-Salem took on hosting the city’s women’s overflow shelter By Summerlee Walter “We’re providing radical hospitality.” According to director Kristen Machado, that’s the bottom line at Our …

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Disciple: Responding to Hurricane Helene

[Image: The Florida Army National Guard 715th Military Police Company distributed supplies in Treasure Island, Florida, on October 6. Photo by Staff Sgt Debra Cook/public domain] For links to all …

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Disciple: Understanding the Iceberg

[Images throughout: Scenes from Latino ministry at Comunidad Amada de Cristo, Winston-Salem, featuring lots of children, youth and cultural celebrations.] Building relationships with Latino communities By Christine McTaggart Over the …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Diocese Receives Lilly Endowment Grant for Intergenerational Worship and Formation The Diocese of North Carolina has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to equip congregational leaders with the …

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Disciple: Seeing the Person Before Us

By Bishop Sam Rodman Beloved members of the Diocese of North Carolina, as I write this article, the presidential election is still a few weeks away, but as you read this, it …

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Disciple: Discipleship and Democracy

By Bishop Sam Rodman Recent events as our country moves toward the November election have been alarming, frightening and disturbing. The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign …

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Disciple: RECAP: The 81st General Convention

The 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church took place June 23-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. It marked the first convening of General Convention under a new format, with much of the legislative work …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Order Your 2024-2025 ‘Gospel-Based Discipleship’ by Sept. 30 Once again it’s time to help us be good stewards of both material and financial resources by ensuring only requested copies of the 2024-2025 Gospel-Based …

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Disciple: Lessons from an ‘Un-Conference’

Asset-Based Community Development and congregational vitality By Joy Shillingsburg In May 2024, eight members of the Diocese of North Carolina traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend an “un-conference” with nonprofit and church …

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Disciple: About Relationships

Following Jesus’ example in how we interact with each other By Tony Hawkins While participating in the Lay Preacher Training Initiative for the Diocese of North Carolina, I rediscovered a fundamental …

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Disciple: Welcoming the Law

Redeemer, Greensboro, is building bridges and relationships with the law enforcement community By Christine McTaggart Redeemer, Greensboro, is a church of about 100-plus active souls deeply committed to their community and …

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Mission Proceeds Disbursement Update

The mission proceeds disbursement offering is entering the next steps of Phase I. As of the July 15 submission deadline, 29 of the 43 churches eligible to do so submitted a grant …

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Disciple: Collateral

Around the Diocese St. Philip’s, Durham, joined with members of First Presbyterian and Trinity United Methodist in walking the Way of the Cross on Good Friday. The children of St. …

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Disciple: Silver Angels

St. Ambrose ministry focuses on vibrant seniors By Christine McTaggart Mission Statement: Provide the older adults (age 60 and over) of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church and the surrounding community with …

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Disciple: The Unseen Health Crisis

Today’s young are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis By the Rev. Lauren Villemuer-Drenth Editor’s note: Children mentioned throughout this article are those through 11 years of age; youth are …

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Disciple: Researching Your Roots

The how and why of discovering and building your church’s story By the Rev. Canon Lindsey Ardrey and Lynn Hoke It’s so early in the morning that darkness still lingers …

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Disciple: The Realities of Politics

Whether realized or not, every person is a participant in the political process By Martha B. Alexander “But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they came …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson to Remain Assistant Bishop of Diocese of North Carolina The Diocese of North Carolina is delighted to announce that Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson is remaining with the diocese …

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Disciple: The Privilege of Prison Ministry

“I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:11) By the Rev. David Stanford When the words “prison ministry” are used, it often evokes images of actually going into prisons …

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Disciple: Easter: A Season of Repurposing

By the Rev. Canon Kathy Walker Spring is undoubtedly my favorite season of the year. A new kind of energy is present. The number of layers required to go outside significantly dwindles. Coats …

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Disciple: An Intergenerational Tapestry

How St. John’s, Wake Forest, is bringing generations together through worship By Summerlee Walter When Louis Mullinger first heard the Rev. Sarah Phelps’ idea for a new experimental worship service …

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Disciple: Life as a Military Chaplain

By Chaplain (Captain) Anna Page To be invited into the most intimate aspects of another person’s life is the most humbling privilege. To be viewed as an embodied representation of grace, hope …

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Disciple: Advocacy Day 2024

This year’s event includes an invitation to add your voice By Christine McTaggart In March 2023, members of several diocesan advocacy teams and committees took part in the first-ever diocesan Advocacy …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Lent 2024: “Give Up Your Silence” For many, the season of Lent is a time of action, letting go of old habits or laying the foundations for new ones. For others, Lent is …

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Disciple: Little Resurrections

By Bishop Sam Rodman There was an article last spring in The New York Times [1] about people who have taken up something again after a long hiatus. The author …

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Registration Now Open for History Day 2024

“An ‘elevated position’ in the American Church:” Bishop Ravenscroft’s High Church Legacy April 27, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., at Christ Church, Raleigh, and Historic St. John’s, Williamsboro John Stark Ravenscroft …

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A Message from the Bishops

| February 28, 2024 Dear Beloved Members of our Diocese: We write to let you know of a difficult and heartbreaking situation at the most recent Bishop’s Ball. On Saturday …

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Disciple: Making a Place for the Community

How All Saints’, Warrenton, is building toward the future By Summerlee Walter Albert and Annie Burges started a day school in their Warrenton home to educate the community’s Black children …

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Disciple: A Good Story

Sharing stories becomes a connection point for young adults By the Rev. Rick Sigler We all love a good story. It’s hard-wired in our psyche. Since the earliest humans walked …

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Disciple: Communion in the Laundromat

A simple question creates a sacred space through Laundry Love By the Rev. James Franklin “Can we pay for your laundry tonight?” Favorite. Question. Ever. It elicits a response that …

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Disciple: The Feast of la Guadalupe

A festival of lived faith By the Rev. Canon Franklin Morales Editor’s note: This reflection is the first-ever article created in Spanish for the Disciple. While the English translation appeared in …

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Disciple: It’s About Time

Your invitation to join a diocesan quest By the Rev. Canon Lindsey Ardrey Editor’s note: The following piece is adapted from the Rev. Canon Lindsey Ardrey’s address to the 208th …

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Disciple: Advocacy as Evangelism

Transforming charity into justice By Aleta McClenney and the Rev. Sally Johnston [Image: During the March 15 Advocacy Day at the North Carolina General Assembly, members of the clergy rallied …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Diocese Announces New Location of Diocesan House The Diocese of North Carolina announces today the new location of Diocesan House. If all goes well with moving plans, as of January 1, …

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Disciple: Finding Our Center

By Bishop Sam Rodman One of the great gifts to me at the end of my time in seminary was an introduction to meditative Centering Prayer. The Rev. Dabney Carr, who actually …

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Disciple: Be Fierce

An Advent Meditation By Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson Alleluia; he is coming; Alleluia; he is here! What will you make of Advent this year? Christmas comes, ready or not, on December 25. …

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Disciple: The Second Advent

A Meditation on the First Sunday of Advent Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the …

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Disciple: Fire Watch

A community comes together to stand watch By Christine McTaggart Thunderstorms are a summertime way of life. In fact, the weather forecast through June, July and August is often the same …

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Disciple: Feeding Body and Soul

As families continue to struggle with the lingering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation, ministries that meet basic needs—including feeding ministries—remain in high demand. While churches across the Episcopal …

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Disciple: Unburied History

How St. Mark’s, Huntersville, is honoring the lives and legacies of formerly enslaved people By Summerlee Walter Elizabeth McCoy—not her family surname, but the one she received from the people who …

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Disciple: Building a Partnership

Holy Spirit, Greensboro, discerns how to serve its community By Summerlee Walter There is a tragic irony to the modern housing market: As community prosperity increases, so does homelessness. While …

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Disciple: The Calling of Laywomen

Wanting to help By Lauren Graeber The Episcopal Church, and the Diocese of North Carolina, is deep in its reckoning of its racial history. But communities of color are not the only groups …

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Disciple: They Have Things to Teach Us

By Summerlee Walter For as long as I have worked for the Diocese of North Carolina—12 years now—I have heard the same question at every convention, clergy conference and other gathering …

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Disciple: Supporting the Schools

As children and families head back to school, we celebrate the relationships between churches and schools across the Diocese of North Carolina. St. David’s, Laurinburg For more than 25 years, St. …

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Disciple: Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Bishop Sam goes on sabbatical By Bishop Sam Rodman Pilgrimage has a long-standing tradition in the spiritual practices of faithful followers of Jesus. The practice cuts across geographic, cultural, ethnic, political and, …

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Disciple: Seeking the Next Right Thing

By Bishop Sam Rodman The last weeks of June were eventful this year in more ways than one. I returned from a three-month sabbatical. We held our annual Clergy Conference gathering …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Your Voice is Needed: The Diocese of North Carolina’s New Brand The Diocese of North Carolina is undergoing a year-long rebranding process to bring into alignment who we are today and …

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Disciple: Baptized in Dirty Water

By The Rev. Jemonde Taylor None of the mission strategy priorities of the Diocese of North Carolina stands alone. They are inextricably linked with one another, with the actions of one directly impacting one …

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Disciple: A Living Testament

How the cutting garden at Calvary, Tarboro, honors its parishioners By Summerlee Walter On Good Friday, the altar in the sanctuary at Calvary, Tarboro, looked appropriately somber: dry branches, lichen, …

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Disciple: Zero Waste Church

By Christine McTaggart When it comes to understanding the enormity of the threat posed by climate change and the need to mitigate its effects, it can be quickly overwhelming when one …

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Disciple: Little Way Farm

Every life is enriched with a connection to the land. Whether it’s cultivating herbs on your porch or volunteering at a community garden, spending time in nature or tending to …

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Disciple: The Prayers of Our Youth

Genesis is a middle school event held each year, during which young people in grades 6-8 are encouraged to learn more and grow deeper in their faith through talks and …

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Disciple: Building the Bridge

St. Philip’s Eagle Scout honors creation and legacy with one project By Malcolm Albergo-Radisch As a lifelong member of The Episcopal Church in general and St. Philip’s, Durham, in particular, wanting …

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Disciple: The Value of Creation Care

A young perspective on our priority work By Vivian Shillingsburg If the supreme disaster of our times is the closing down of the life systems of the earth, then the supreme need of our times …

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Disciple: The New Earth Day Awards

Celebrating hope for tomorrow By the Rev. Jill Staton Bullard The purpose of diocesan Creation Care is to educate and encourage new actions and thought processes so that Creation Care—namely, thought …

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Disciple: Advocacy Day 2023

Building relationships one conversation at a time One March 15, members of several diocesan advocacy teams and committees took part in the first-ever diocesan Advocacy Day at the North Carolina General …

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Disciple: New, Notable and Newsworthy

The Rev. Lindsey Ardrey Named Canon Missioner for Diocesan Restitution and Reparations Ministry The Rev. Lindsey Ardrey joined the staff as the new canon missioner for diocesan restitution and reparations ministry …

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Disciple: The Theology of Creation Care

By the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson On behalf of the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman, who is on sabbatical as this is written, and myself: Greetings, beloved, in the name of God the Creator, …

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Disciple: Community Through the Screen

Why online community is real community and how churches can use livestreaming to build it By Summerlee Walter Simply put, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Episcopal churches online. Most churches in …

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Disciple: Funding Mission

Whether for a new outreach ministry, clergy salary support, global missions, physical plant needs, seminary tuition or theological education for lay people, the Diocese of North Carolina has an extensive grants …

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Disciple: A Commandment to Rest

By the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson “I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

The Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French Elected 13th Bishop of New Jersey The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina offers congratulations and blessings to the Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French, diocesan canon for …

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Disciple: Being Salt and Light

By the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman Adapted from a sermon preached at St. Philip’s, Durham, on February 5 I spent a recent weekend at Bishops’ Ball, an annual event attended …

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Disciple: A Life-changing VBS

How Trinity, Statesville, cultivated new relationships to work toward racial justice By Summerlee Walter A group of children ranging in age from 3-years-old to late middle school were painting their arms. …

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Disciple: The Universality of Longing

By the Rev. Kathleen Walker At the end of September, I was given an amazing opportunity to join the pilgrimage to Botswana. It was scheduled as a 12-day journey to celebrate …

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Disciple: Getting to Work

The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force offers new resources that invite all to get involved By Christine McTaggart On June 26, the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman and the Rt. Rev. …

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Disciple: Finders and Keepers

A church archives primer By Lynn Hoke Several years ago, the diocesan History and Archives Committee adopted the term “history keepers” for those who keep local church records organized, safe …

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Disciple: Blessed to Share the Gospel

Participants in the Lay Preaching Training Initiative reflect on their journeys thus far In April 2021, the Diocese of North Carolina was named one of six dioceses to participate in the Lay …

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Disciple: Discerning Faithfully

By the Rev. Nathan Kirkpatrick His was an increasingly urgent question. His parents lived eight states and a three-hour flight away, and their health was declining. As an only child, …

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Disciple: A Golden Celebration

The 2022 pilgrimage to Botswana included celebrating the Diocese of Botswana’s 50th anniversary By the Rev. Miriam Saxon What happens when you take 10 North Carolinians on a pilgrimage to Botswana? …

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Disciple: The Outdoor Learning Project

A partnership with schools brings Creation Care to students By Christine McTaggart Some great ideas come into being in a single revelation. Others come together piece by piece, as one …

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Disciple: Recreating History

How a multiyear visual and auditory mapping project allows modern people to experience worship in St. Paul’s Cathedral before the great fire of London By Summerlee Walter In 1973, the Rev. …

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Disciple: The 207th Annual Convention

The Diocese of North Carolina gathers for its first full convention since 2019 The 207th Annual Convention took place November 18-19 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. With online offerings, …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Diocese Lists for Sale 200 West Morgan Street After more than three years of discernment, the Diocese of North Carolina announces the decision to list for sale the Diocesan House office …

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Disciple: Unity Begins with a Prayer

By the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman Adapted from remarks offered at the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Botswana. The theme of the celebration was “All Be One.” Unity begins …

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Celebrating Bishop Anne!

A series of farewell celebrations have been planned in honor of Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple’s upcoming retirement. Each drop-in event will feature hors d’oeuvres, music and lots of local flavor. We …

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Disciple: Fifty Years of Summer Enrichment

The Summer Enrichment Program at St. Paul’s, Winston-Salem, celebrates its golden anniversary By Lisa Carter, Aliesha Oakes, Rhett Butler and the Rev. Nancy Vaders In 1972, five large churches in …

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Disciple: Crafting Love

How handmade gifts witness to God’s love By Summerlee Walter Since 2013, each high school senior who attends St. Margaret’s, Waxhaw, has received a handmade scarf striped with their college, …

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Disciple: Culture Shift

St. Martin’s, Charlotte, goes deeper into the foundations of relationship By Christine McTaggart When the term “culture shift” becomes part of any organization’s conversation, it is usually understood that accomplishing it is …

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Disciple: HUGS is Back

By Summerlee Walter Elizabeth’s buddy made sure I knew about Elizabeth’s most recent accomplishment: a silver medal in soccer at the Special Olympics USA Games held in Orlando the month …

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Disciple: Recentering

By the Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple I have become overly dependent on my GPS system. I use it even when I am going someplace familiar, just to see if there are …

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Disciple: Recap: The 80th General Convention

The 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church took place July 8-11, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland. Postponed from its original 2021 date because of the ongoing pandemic, the 80th General Convention continued …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Remembering the Rt. Rev. Peter Lee The Diocese of North Carolina remembers and gives thanks for the life of the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, bishop diocesan (resigned) for the Diocese of Virginia …

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Disciple: The In-between Time

By the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman In the late 1980s, the actress Carrie Fisher wrote a novel of sorts based loosely on her family life. The book was called Postcards from …

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A Call to Election Engagement

Dear Beloved Congregational Leaders, In the season of ordinary time, one of the extraordinary gifts and responsibilities in our democracy is the opportunity to express our values and to effect …

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Disciple: Doing the Hard Work

How St. Joseph’s, Durham, weathered—and thrived during—the pandemic By Summerlee Walter The St. Joseph’s church building is something of an anamoly on its Durham block. Built from beautiful Rowan County …

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Disciple: When We Planted, We Prayed

Community gardens feed hungry neighbors and restore creation By Summerlee Walter There is nothing quite like the taste of a tomato straight from the garden, juicy and still warm from the …

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Disciple: Choose Life

By the Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I …

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Disciple: Still Reimagining

The pilot round of Reimagining Curacies enters its final year By the Rev. Nathan Kirkpatrick It was a meeting 11 months in the making. Three curates, three rectors, two bishops, two …

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Disciple: The Icon Project

St. Luke’s takes the next step in exploring their racial history By Christine McTaggart In 2018, St. Luke’s, Salisbury, embarked on a journey to learn more about their church’s racial …

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Disciple: Create in Me a Pure Heart

Spiritual permeability at the heart of faith formation By Rabbi Raachel Jurovics, Ph.D. My tenure as rabbi-in-residence began in spring 2020, at a moment of transition from what we had understood …

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Disciple: Still a Sacred Space

A new vision for All Saints’, Warrenton, honors the past and serves the future By the Rev. Dr. Brooks Graebner Church buildings are deeply cherished by parishioners, and any time …

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Disciple: Special Convention Recap

The Special Convention of the Diocese of North Carolina took place March 5, 2022, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. Affectionately nicknamed “The 206th Annual Convention—Part II,” the gathering was, in …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Holy Spirit, Greensboro, Named to Community Placemaking Lab Holy Spirit, Greensboro, was recently selected as one of six congregations to take part in the Community Placemaking Lab, a pilot initiative from …

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Disciple: Five Simple Words

By the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman This year was the first Easter I did not preach from the Gospel lesson. Instead, my text was from Paul’s letter to the Romans: …

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A Home for St. Michael & All Angels

Discriminatory housing practices have had a profound impact on Black congregations. In Charlotte, St. Michael & All Angels was at the heart of the prosperous and progressive Black neighborhood nicknamed …

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Making A New Creation Through Composting

*Adapted from Chapel of the Cross newsletter “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 …

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Holy Hikes

When it comes to creation care, one of the best ways to become inspired to be better stewards of our home is to connect with nature. When coupled with our …

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Becoming Deeper Green Churches

“A deeper green makes the spiritual connections between what is happening with the natural eco-systems and what is happening within the church itself. A deeper green makes clear the connections …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: The Gardener

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because …

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Disciple: Let the World Come to You

Welcoming the stranger becomes real By the Rev. Maureen Flak In August 2021, we all watched the fall of Kabul in Afghanistan. A feeling of helplessness washed over us as the images …

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Disciple: Widening the Welcome

St. Anne’s new plan extends a welcome far beyond the church By Christine McTaggart When you think of what it means to welcome, where does it start for you? With …

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Disciple: Walking the Path

Labyrinths provide spiritual refuge and community outreach By Summerlee Walter Originally, labyrinths were places of myth, originating in the ancient story of Daedalus building an impenetrable maze for King Minos to …

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Disciple: Adding our Voice

The discernment, intention and call of diocesan advocacy By the Rev. Sally Johnston and Aleta Payne McClenney One Wednesday morning each month, the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman and the Rt. Rev. …

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Disciple: The Gift of Lenten Solitude

By the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman One of the most difficult, challenging and painful dimensions of the pandemic that has plagued us, literally, over the past two years is a sense …

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Disciple: Gracious Hosts

When the Dispatch of Business team decided that, due to discouraging COVID-19 trends, it was prudent to move the legislative portion of the 206th Annual Convention online, they also realized …

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Disciple: Living into Christmas

[Image: The dwelling of the Word among us is a much more compelling and challenging aspect of Christmas to celebrate than the birth of a child—and not something one can …

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Disciple: Being the Church in Community

How congregations are connecting with their neighbors in novel ways When the vestry of Trinity, Fuquay-Varina, asked Karen Teague to head up the church’s participation in the town’s annual Celebrate …

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Disciple: Thoughts on Stewardship

Though often thought of in terms of campaigns and pledges, stewardship is about more than raising money. It is about how we give of ourselves and how we—as congregations—give to …

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Disciple: Blending Communities

Exploring the possibilities of hybrid worship As the old saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining, even the dark cloud of the pandemic under which we’ve all been living for …

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Disciple: Mission Strategy: Next Steps

Throughout the summer, the Mission Strategy Task Force shared the work of the team to date. The goals, the strategies and the theology that comprise the mission strategy were presented …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Toni Hagerman Announces Retirement Earlier this fall, executive director of Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte Toni Hagerman announced her retirement. She served the ministry for six years, helping it grow …

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Disciple: Preach It!

The Lay Preaching Training Initiative enters next phase “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. The Word became flesh and …

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Meet St. Martin’s, Charlotte

There is noise – A LOT of NOISE – around St. Martin’s, Charlotte, these days. Good Noise for Good News. Whether it’s a busy Sunday in the courtyard, banging in …

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Disciple: A Lasting Legacy

The new Togo D. West, Jr. and Evelyn West Memorial Pavilion serves St. Stephen’s and the community The West family—Togo Senior, Evelyn and Togo Junior—were giants at St. Stephen’s, Winston-Salem, …

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Disciple: Walking Through Change

Campus ministries help launch faithful young adults into a tumultuous world Campus ministry, young adult ministry, student ministry. Chaplains, campus ministers, young adult missioners. Campus-based ministry—and those who minister on …

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Disciple: ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE: We Did It!

Diocese of North Carolina raises more than $215,000 for Episcopal Relief & Development In November 2020, the Diocese of North Carolina embarked on a diocesan-wide fundraising campaign to support ONE THOUSAND DAYS …

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Disciple: Why Doesn’t He Move in Here?

How churches across the Diocese engage in ministry with their neighbors experiencing homelessness Church of the Holy Family, Chapel Hill, has for many years engaged in ministry with men reentering …

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Disciple: The Gift of Grants

Resources are one of the greatest challenges facing any ministry, collaboration or nonprofit, with financial considerations generally at the top of the list. Happily, there are countless grants available in for-profit, …

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Disciple: Checking in with the Church

An interview with two Executive Council members from the Diocese of North Carolina Executive Council is the national governing body of The Episcopal Church. Formally, it is the Board of Directors of the Domestic …

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Disciple: Roundtables on Race

New diocesan podcast explores race and society one facet at a time The original idea came from a place of curiosity—and frustration, if we’re being honest. The frustration stemmed from …

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Disciple: Adding Voices

Mission Strategy Task Force provides preview and invites feedback The last two issues of the Disciple (“Mission Possible,” Winter 2021; “Theological Foundations,” Spring 2021), shared the stories of how the …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Dismantling Racism: Course Dates Available for All Ages In 2020, the diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee updated, redesigned and renamed “Seeing the Face of God,” the previous diocesan anti-racism …

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Meet St. Thomas’, Sanford

St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church began in 1879 as a mission of St. Bartholomew’s in Pittsboro, with members meeting in each other’s homes until 1896, when the first mission church was …

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Disciple: Give and Take

In a time of shutdown, St. Luke’s, Tarboro, opens a community ministry The coronavirus pandemic hit many communities very hard beginning in the spring of 2020. As schools began to move …

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Disciple: No Ordinary Time

As a child growing up in a family that went to church regularly and throughout the summer, I thought of the weeks after Trinity Sunday until Advent as the “green …

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Disciple: A Resurrected Wake County

ONE Wake looks to transform the community The Rev. Jemonde Taylor has thought, taught and preached a lot about community organizing during the last few years. “What I tell people …

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Disciple: Let the Lay Voices Ring Out

New preaching initiative to provide opportunities for lay voices to share the Good News Adapted from the news release by the Episcopal Preaching Foundation published in Episcopal News Service on …

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Disciple: Re-entering the World

COVID-19 took us all on an unexpected and disorienting journey over the past 18 months. It turned our lives upside down and sideways, taking us down paths we never saw …

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Disciple: Going Solar for Mission

How three diocesan churches are saving the environment and serving their communities The cost savings are significant, but ultimately, St. Andrew’s, Greensboro, viewed installing solar panels on the church as …

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Disciple: The Edible Landscape

Christ the King, Charlotte, is transforming its property to feed neighbors body and soul If asked to identify a defining characteristic of Chapel of Christ the King, Charlotte, many would …

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Disciple: Theological Foundations

The Mission Priority Task Force takes time to explore the core of Becoming Beloved Community In the last issue of the Disciple (“Mission Possible,” Winter 2021), we shared the first steps …

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Disciple: We Are Here

At the beginning of the pandemic, some 15 months ago, there was a meme making the rounds on social media. It was a visual of intersecting circles, like a Venn …

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Meet Holy Comforter, Charlotte

Love Grows Here. That is the unofficial theme that lies behind much of what we do at Holy Comforter, and the spirit of those words was never more evident as …

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Meet St. John’s, Wake Forest

St. John’s is an energetic, joyful, mission-minded parish growing in diversity, depth of faith and engagement with the world around us. We are a big tent: Black, white and bi-racial, …

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Meet Saint Margaret’s, Waxhaw

Saint Margaret’s, Waxhaw, is a vibrant church community located in the South Charlotte region of the Diocese of North Carolina. Situated in the town of Waxhaw, its membership includes parishioners …

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Meet St. Michael’s, Raleigh

St. Michael’s, Raleigh, is a large, thriving parish located in the heart of Raleigh, founded in the rich tradition of liturgy, music and service to God’s world. We marked our …

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Meet St. Luke’s, Salisbury

The identity statement of St. Luke’s Salisbury reads,Come and see the difference Christ makes in abundant grace, intentional worship, beloved community. Adopted by the church in 2018, these words, often …

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Meet Christ Church, Charlotte

Everyone needs a home: a place to feel known and loved, to find support during life’s challenges and to discover a greater purpose. Christ Church, Charlotte, is a spiritual home …

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Meet Trinity, Mt. Airy

I remember last year when the pandemic began, wondering what Easter would be like that year. Well, we weren’t able to worship as we had hoped, but Easter happened anyway. …

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Meet St. Andrew’s, Haw River

St. Andrew’s is a small mission located in central Alamance County in the town of Haw River, approximately halfway between Mebane and Burlington. The church building was erected in 1945 …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: The Trial of Jesus

Due to it’s length, today’s Gospel is included after the meditation. Meditating on John’s description of Good Friday in the fourth Gospel strikes a deep wound amid this pandemic. Although …

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Disciple: From Salisbury to Zimbabwe

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Foundation funds projects locally and abroad A senior memory care training program in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories. A reforestation program in Kenya led …

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Disciple: Casting Out Hate

On January 6, 2021, the Feast of the Epiphany, the world watched a different sort of liturgy unfold in real time at our nation’s capitol. Participants gathered in Washington, D.C., …

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Disciple: Looking Forward to HUGS Camp

Diocesan favorite to take place July 11-15 One of the highlights of any diocesan year is Helping Understand God through Sharing, affectionately known as HUGS Camp. A unique camp for …

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Disciple: More Days of Love

ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE campaign extended through Easter season The ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE fundraising campaign (Disciple, Fall 2020) was launched during Advent 2020 with the diocesan goal …

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Disciple: Continuing Companionship

Even in a time of COVID, our companion relationships continue Since 1997, the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina has had a companion relationship with Iglesia Episcopal Costarricense, the Diocese of Costa …

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Disciple: Mission Possible

The Mission Strategy Task Force works to define path to Becoming Beloved Community It’s fair to say the pandemic brought the best-laid plans for 2020 to a screeching halt last …

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Disciple: In Support of Vaccines

Vaccines are the best chance we have of stemming the COVID pandemic Discussion around vaccines designed to protect us from COVID-19 has understandably dominated the news of late. Unfortunately, along …

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Disciple: New, Notable & Newsworthy

Fall 2020 Cycle of Mission Endowment Grants Awarded Earlier this year, the Mission Endowment Grant Committee announced the following grant awards for the Fall 2020 Mission Endowment Grant cycle: Mission …

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Disciple: To Zoom or Not to Zoom

The people of St. Mark’s, Huntersville, gather online for a Seder meal. Photo by Kelly Pope One of the “side effects” of the coronavirus pandemic has been the discovery—or expansion—of …

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Meet All Saints, Roanoke Rapids

All Saints, Roanoke Rapids, met in houses during its initial years in the 1900’s prior to building its first church building on Hamilton Street, then its current 1922 building on …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: Follow Me

After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and …

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Disciple: Lifting as They Climb

The Chapel at Saint Augustine’s University enters a new era The oldest building on campus, the Chapel at Saint Augustine’s University has stood as a cornerstone of faith and community …

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Disciple: Advent: The Waiting Time

Toni Morrison was a prolific Nobel Prize-winning author, and among her collection of memorable works of fiction is a book called Jazz. In the prologue, the character speaks of love. …

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Disciple: The Abundance of Community

Abundant Life Ministries began in 2019 as a health outreach ministry to economically and medically vulnerable people in north Greensboro. Its roots extend back to at least 2017, however, when …

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Disciple: We Press On

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection …

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Disciple: Rising to the Challenge

Pulling together in a time of pandemic It’s been a tough year. No doubt about it. A pandemic, social unrest and a tumultuous election have come together to affect virtually …

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Disciple: Behold, I am Doing a New Thing

In lieu of Annual Convention, the Diocese gathered online to celebrate its accomplishments this year As with so many other events this year, the 205th Annual Convention of the Diocese of …

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Disciple: The New Disciple

A new digital version is available to all readers Change can be hard, but it can also bring unexpected gifts and new opportunities. Among all of the changes wrought by …

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Meet St. Philip’s, Durham

Since St. Philip’s shut its doors in mid-March due to the ambiguity of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has remained a church of worship, love and action for all people. While …

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Meet St. Paul’s, Cary

Once upon a time, St. Paul’s, Cary was known as “the little church in the woods,” but, today, it is anything but; located in Wake County, and in close proximity …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: All Saints

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:“Blessed are …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: Holiness

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in …

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LEAP Adapts to Support Student Families

LEAP is the Latino Educational Achievement Partnership, a grassroots effort that “enhance[s] children’s literacy with developmentally appropriate instruction and support.” Their mission states,Believing in the potential of all children, LEAP …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS:

We are checking on each other by phone. We’re going without haircuts, and shopping for groceries as infrequently as possible. All this, and more, to keep our neighbors and ourselves …

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Diocesan Update on Coronavirus Response

DOWNLOAD STATEMENT / EN ESPANOL Yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for North Carolina in response to the recent spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) within state borders. It …

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Deacon Reflection: Evolving Ministry

By The Rev. Russell Settles On June 12, 1999, after several years of informal and formal discernment, followed by four years of deacon formation, I was ordained. Since then, I …

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Disciple: The 204th Annual Convention

The 204th Annual Convention officially convened on Friday, November 22, 2019, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. The diocesan commitment to Becoming Beloved Community remained a constant thread throughout, …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: Rashomon

CAMINANDO WITH JESUS is a series of reflections on the Sunday Gospel by clergy and laity from across the Diocese. Sign up to receive CAMINANDO WITH JESUS in your inbox …

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Disciple: Two Golden Rules

by the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman There are two versions of the Golden Rule. You know them both: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” which …

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Disciple: As a Christian People

By Alice Freeman The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church is one of the interim governing bodies charged with accomplishing the ongoing work and tasks set forth at the triennial …

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Disciple: A Space for Truth

By Traci Picard The Center for Reconciliation (CFR) is a small, grassroots nonprofit based in the Cathedral of St. John in Providence, Rhode Island. The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island …

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Disciple: Discovering History

One congregation explores history as a step to Becoming Beloved Community By Christine McTaggart Long before St. Luke’s, Salisbury, applied for a Mission Endowment Grant in fall 2018, they entered …

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Meet Trinity, Statesville

Trinity, Statesville, is an active church focusing on formation, outreach and pastoral care. At Trinity, recent outreach projects have supported Habitat for Humanity, Rise Against Hunger, the American Red Cross, Iredell Christian Ministries …

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Baby Steps, Big Change

By Nell Joslin At Christ Church Raleigh, we are now two years into a Creation Care program that started with the efforts of a handful of parishioners. Although our large …

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Meet St. Luke’s, Durham

Nurtured in Jesus, we welcome radically, serve gratefully and love abundantly. This is our mission statement at St. Luke’s, and we strive to live into this mission statement every day. …

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Meet St. Titus’, Durham

By Mary Hawkins St. Titus’, Durham, began as a mission in 1887. The rector called it “something of an experiment,” when St. Philip’s, Durham, began mission work in 1887 among …

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Meet St. Ambrose, Raleigh

Worship, Wisdom, Work By the Rev. Jemonde Taylor Saint Ambrose is a vibrant congregation in southeast Raleigh witnessing to the transformational power of the Holy Spirit. The church’s vision is …

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Meet All Saints’, Concord

By the Rev. Nancy Cox All Saints’, Concord,  is a faith community where Jesus’ love, forgiveness and healing are changing lives. All are welcome. Whether you are visiting from afar or …

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Fingers on the Same Hand

By the Rev. Jill Staton Bullard In 1975, I planted a garden in the middle of the Kansas plains. It was my very first garden, my very first attempt at …

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Disciple: The Power of Partnership

Episcopal Relief and Development stands at the heart of a partnership network ready to respond By Desmond Keller Lariza Garzon, the executive director of the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry (EFwM) near Dunn, …

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Disciple: The Mission Itself

By the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman  Collaboration. Of all the priorities we have been working on together in my first two years as your bishop, this one has been the …

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Keeping Cool and Saying Our Prayers

By The Rev. Stephanie Allen I propose that rather than giving newly ordained priests gifts such as stoles or communion kits, we should gift every last ordinand with a copy …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: Spirit

The Sunday of Pentecost | June 9, 2019 By the Rev. Audra Abt Sign up to receive CAMINANDO WITH JESUS in your inbox each Wednesday. Philip said to Jesus,Lord, show us …

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Changing Climate, Constant Faith

By Dr. Stan Meiburg The Easter season coincides with Earth Day.  In reflecting on this, I found myself contemplating the story of Dives and Lazarus, from Luke 16:19-31.  It’s a …

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Meet St. Michael’s, Raleigh

By Susan Rountree Nestled in the Budleigh neighborhood of Raleigh, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is a vibrant and growing parish in the heart of Raleigh. With more than 2,000 members …

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CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: Belonging

The Fourth Sunday in Easter | May 12, 2019 By the Rev. Canon David Sellery Sign up to receive CAMINANDO WITH JESUS in your inbox each Wednesday.   At that time …

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Meet Holy Comforter, Burlington

Church serves students through bilingual preschool, deep partnership with elementary school By Morgan Robinson The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter is located in downtown Burlington. Easily recognizable by its …

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Disciple: The Piedmont Patch Project

Church of the Advocate restores a patch of land to what once was By Christine McTaggart For the first 10 years of its existence, the Church of the Advocate, Chapel Hill, did …

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Disciple: Creating an Anti-racist Future

EUAR-sponsored 2019 Faith Summit on Racism and Child Poverty draws more than 400 advocates By Summerlee Walter Five years ago during a Racial Equity Institute (REI) training, Durham Episcopalians DeDreana …

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Disciple: Practice Resurrection

An reflection on Easter By the Rev. Ginny Bain Inman Alleluia! Christ is Risen!The Lord is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! This bold Easter proclamation is the single most radical statement Christians …

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Disciple: Keeping the Peace

By Summerlee Walter Individuals and congregations within the Diocese of North Carolina increasingly are engaging in direct action to bring an Episcopal voice to the public square. Whether it’s Raleigh …

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