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For 75 years the N.C. Council of Churches has offered a faith voice for progressive social justice and Christian unity in North Carolina. Founded by a group of white church leaders who were opposed to segregation and wanted to speak with a unified voice on issues, the council has continued its work for racial justice, but has expanded to include other areas at the forefront of social advocacy.

“Throughout our history, the council has been a crucial faith voice for 'the least of these,’” said Executive Director George Reed.

Those efforts also have included work on gender equality, fair treatment of gays and lesbians, and the rights of those who live in poverty or with a disability. Before many others did, the council raised issues about the health effects of tobacco and the impact on the state’s farmers of moving away from growing tobacco.

The group will hold a series of events on May 18 at the Duke University Divinity School, including a music and worship service led by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church. At the time she was elected bishop, Ward was the council’s first vice president.

Music includes United Voices of Praise, the Moravian Brass Choir, and the Goodson Chapel organ.

All events are open to the public, and all are free except the dinner, which is $40 per person. Reservations for the meal must be received by May 11 to nccofc@nccouncilofchurches.org, (919) 828-6501, or the council’s website, www.nccouncilofchurches.org

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About $30,000 was raised earlier this week when 122 participating restaurants donated 10 percent of Tuesday’s receipts to the Serving Greensboro Together fundraiser. Proceeds go to Greensboro Urban Ministry Potter’s House Community Kitchen.

Potter’s House feeds 450 to 500 people daily and expects that number to increase to 600 or more during summer months when schools are out, according to officials.

Another opportunity to help comes today, with the Letter Carriers Food Drive. Place nonperishable food donations by your mailbox, and your letter carrier will deliver the food to Urban Ministry’s Food Bank and the Salvation Army.

And at 4 p.m. on May 23, the men’s choirs from Providence Baptist, First Korean, Oak Ridge and Guilford Park Presbyterian churches will perform individually and collectively before taking an offering for Urban Ministry. The musical event will be held in the sanctuary of Guilford Park Presbyterian, 2100 Fernwood Drive.

The combined chorus features 80 singers.

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Glenda Welborn McGinnis of Pleasant Garden writes that her mother, the late Dot Welborn, taught a powerful lesson others might also appreciate:
“When asked what was the greatest thing my mom taught me or the most remembered words that she spoke? Instantly, I can tell you: Forgive! Just one word but powerful indeed!

“Mom was always one of the most forgiving persons that I knew, but only after her death did my family truly see and understand the depths of her forgiveness.

“Forgiveness is the most freeing of all power. To forgive sets us free! It doesn’t mean that the wrong done is OK , and it certainly doesn’t let the other person off the hook. It simply means that we’ve 'let it go’ and moved on. To hold on to 'unforgiveness’ is like a cancer in the body; it just keeps spreading, hurting, continually festering, and totally crippling me.

“In my 62 years, I’ve learned many things about forgiveness. Most importantly, I was (and will be) forgiven many times over, by my Heavenly Father. Who am I not to forgive others?”

Contact Nancy McLaughlin at 373-7049 or nancy.mclaughlin@news-record.com