June 24 – Never Incompatible

A History (and Future) of LGBTQ+ People in the UMC

Presenters: Caleb Parker, Senior Data Consultant, NCCUMC
Rev. Sarah Majors, Senior Pastor, Open Table UMC

Phillip Jefferson, Avent Ferry UMC

Rev. Katelyn MacDonald, Benson Memorial UMC

Join Caleb Parker (2020/2024 General Conference delegate, Duke Memorial UMC), Rev. Sarah Majors (Open Table UMC), and Phillip Jefferson (Avent Ferry UMC) for a presentation and panel discussion on a brief history of LGBTQ+ people in the United Methodist Church and in the North Carolina Annual Conference and how things have changed in recent years—and where we need to go from here. The panel will be facilitated by Rev. Katelyn MacDonald.

Registration not required but encouraged to help us gauge attendance needs. Register here: https://forms.gle/BY5Uff2v9nzruPA77.

July 8 – The Lumbee Fairness Act

Are We Living in Canaan, or Seeing a Mirage in the Desert?

Presenter: Rev. Matthue Locklear, Senior Pastor, Pembroke First UMC

The passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act on December 18, 2025 is an historic milestone — but legislative recognition alone does not guarantee federal benefits, self-determination, treaty rights, or the sovereign power to govern. History demands that we celebrate with clear eyes and prophetic vigilance. Come learn what the Lumbee tribe has not been given under federal recognition and, without land the federal government wants, what it has to offer to gain the rights that other tribes have.

July 22 – Building a Fairer North Carolina

Environmental Justice in Action

Presenters: Cliff Robins, Senior Counsel, Environmental Justice, Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Aiswarya Murali, Counsel, Environmental Justice, Southern Coalition for Social Justice

The Environmental Justice team of Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) supports economically and politically disadvantaged communities, as well as communities of color, as they fight against environmental injustice. This work has become increasingly urgent as intensifying climate impacts are making existing inequalities worse and leaving marginalized communities most vulnerable to harmful development and industrial pollution. The session will also cover how North Carolina’s recent data center boom is directly impacting those communities across the State and what community members can do to get involved.