On the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, Black Mountain Presbyterian Church will host a forum on climate change and social justice
The Sept. 27 gathering will be available both in person and online
On Sept. 27, the first anniversary of Helene’s arrival in Western North Carolina, Black Mountain Presbyterian Church will present a forum focused on climate change and its part in intensifying storms and storms’ impact on resources, property and the people who face them head-on. The forum will examine how the storm’s damage and a continued lack of resources can increase disparities that already exist.
The forum is free and the entire community is welcome, but it’s requested that attendees register their intent. They can register by email at [email protected], by calling the church at (828) 669-2725, or through the church’s website. The forum will be available to the wider church through Black Mountain Presbyterian Church’s YouTube channel.
Speakers are the Rev. Dr. Patricia Tull and the Rev. Rebecca Barnes. Tull wrote the 2024-25 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study, “Let Justice Roll Down: God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation.” Barnes is coordinator of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Dr. Mallory McDuff, Warren Wilson College professor and author, will moderate the discussion.
Doors open at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, with the speakers available to sign their respective books. Members of the church’s Presbyterian Women and Earth Care Team will be available with resources and information on their work on behalf of environmental concerns and social justice.
The forum begins at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Following the discussion, attendees can enjoy free food and music on the church patio. Additional treats will be provided by BMPC’s Presbyterian Women.
During the 3-4 p.m. hour and the BBQ reception, attendees can share their remembrances of Helene and its aftermath via video recording in the church library. The remembrances will become a permanent archive of Helene for local history.
Funding for the event has been provided by Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and its Endowment Fund, and by a private donor.
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