February 22: Why Wasn’t I Told?

We’re honored to welcome Elizabeth June (also June Elizabeth Williams, daughter-in-law of Lera)—Bronx-born storyteller, actor, and poet—for a special Adult Forum presentation during Black History Month. June’s work weaves poetry, performance, and truth-telling, with credits ranging from Criminal Minds and Black-ish (where she portrayed her hero Harriet Tubman) to award-winning stage work and community-based storytelling.

June will present Why Wasn’t I Told?—a powerful, reflective offering that invites us to listen more deeply, see more clearly, and wrestle honestly with the stories we inherit and the ones we’re still learning to tell.

More about June: Her bachelor’s degree is in Psychology and she has facilitated improvisational workshops in urban schools, shelters and correctional facilities on Violence Prevention, Conflict Resolution and HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention. Her award-winning one woman show Notes from a Narcissistic Negro & Other N Words has been featured in Off Broadway and Los Angeles theatre festivals as well as excerpts performed in the Raleigh Fringe Festival and Poetry Slam at Hayti Heritage Center in Durham. June and her husband Jason S. Williams are indie filmmakers and co-founders of SilverLox Films. 

Here are a couple of clips of Elizabeth June you might enjoy: MLK Jr Birthday children’s video (shot and edited by Jason Williams) and a presentation she did a few years ago for her alma mater, Southwestern Adventist University. 

March 1: Discover What’s New! The Extraordinary Presence of God
in the Ordinary Things of Life

A sign tells us to pay attention and, in most cases, take action. A stop sign indicates an intersection that for your safety and the safety of others you must stop.

A symbol represents something in a simple and compact way but is packed with layers and layers of meaning. The cross is a simple representation of the paradox that through death Jesus has brought us life; that giving our lives in service to others brings us perfect freedom. 

A sacrament…. well….what is a sacrament? That will be the topic of discussion on Sunday, March 1st.  But one short answer or “tease” is that a sacrament is where something dies, in a fashion, and something new is born. A sacramental lens on life reveals the truth that hides in plain sight – that God is constantly bringing forth new life. 
 
And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ Revelation 21:5

This session is facilitated by Bishop Anne Hodges Copple.

Previous series:

Confirmation, Reception, & Reaffirmation of Faith Series

In January we offered an Adult Forum series designed especially for those preparing for Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation of Faith—and also as a great opportunity for anyone wanting to reconnect with the heart of our Episcopal tradition. These sessions were less about having all the “right answers” and more about grounding our faith in prayer, practice, and lived discipleship.

Richard Rohr’s “Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life”

Rector Greg led us in exploring Richard Rohr’s book Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. Rohr invites us to consider how the first half of life is about building our “container”—identity, success, belonging—while the second half is about discovering the “contents”—wisdom, compassion, and the True Self God has always seen in us.

“Growing in Cultural Competency” with Rev. Franklin Morales

A foundational look at Latino cultures in the U.S. and their evolution, with a focus on ministry within the Episcopal Church. The first three sessions explore Latino Ministries at the national level, while the final two highlight communities and experiences in the Diocese of North Carolina. Traditions, faith practices, and histories that shape Latino communities, including the central role of immigration and the rich diversity of ages, and cultures, are covered. Ideal for those seeking to grow in cultural awareness and ministry readiness.

Rev. Morales is the Missioner for Hispanic Ministries of the Diocese of North Carolina.

For all YouTube recordings linked below, turning on captions is recommended when viewing.

Session 1 on YouTube (Some technical issues caused this recording to start late. PowerPoint slides are also available from Session 1.)

Session 2 on YouTube , Sessions 3 and 4 on YouTube , Session 5 on YouTube