In this episode, Brian Mateer talks with Greg Jarrell, founder of QC Family Tree in Charlotte and author of A Riff of Love: Notes on Community and Belonging. Since 2005, Greg and his wife have been serving their neighborhood of Enderly Park in West Charlotte through QC Family Tree, an organization that seeks to build a better community through affordable housing, youth development, and art. Brian and Greg talk about building community, the dangers of white centrism in minority neighborhoods, and the work QC Family Tree is doing in Charlotte.

The Mission Engagement Team will be hosting a virtual book club discussing A Riff of Love beginning April 21st. Sign up today!

"In the fall of 2020, Northern Piedmont District communities had to think, react and form as ones who understood the past, and strive to change our former violent ways of racism. The vaccine was coming into our communities, and how would we bring equity and honesty to our discipleship?"
Read more of the Northern Piedmont District's response to the call for equity.

Come enjoy a day of interactive learning about Fresh Expressions, new ways of thinking about evangelism, and how you can impact your local community for Christ. Sponsored by the Uwharrie District, Experiencing Fresh Expressions will be held on May 15th at the Mount Shepherd Retreat Center. Learn more and register today!

Join us on May 6th for Faith into Action: Advocating for Children in NC. The Western NC Child Advocacy Network, Congregations4Children (WNCCUMC), and NC Child will share their experience and expertise related to child advocacy.

"Just over a week ago, many of our churches gathered, in person or virtually, to celebrate Maundy Thursday, a night when we remember how Jesus’ command to ‘love one another as I have loved you' was instituted around the table. Throughout Jesus' ministry, he was regularly feeding others. Food and feeding the hungry was a way Jesus showed love and a way God invites us to show love...Many churches have food-related ministries: gardens, pantries, community meals. Yet, often, we struggle to feel like these ministries are having the impact we want them to have."

Read more of the latest Mission Engagement blog by Rev. Laura Byrch discussing this month's topic, "Come to the Table."

Whether you are new to policy advocacy or have been engaged in this work for years, the Council’s Legislative Seminar offers a chance to learn about the important discussions during this 2021 General Assembly session. By refracting policy through the lens of faith, we can frame a different conversation that leads to meaningful change together. The Seminar will be virtual this year.

Are you a United Methodist student pursuing higher education? Scholarships are available to seminary students preparing for service in the Church and undergraduates attending a United Methodist-related institution.