“NC Medicaid: Issues and Options – A discussion” by Lindsey Prather and Brian Turner

Friends Meeting House 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC

NC Representatives Lindsey and Brian will review the process of how NC expanded Medicaid, the impact the OBBBA Medicaid cuts will likely have on our state and the issues and options as the NC legislature seeks to balance competing objectives. We may not know the full extent of the cuts to those who rely on Medicaid, nor the impact on rural hospitals, utilization and rate increases, nor the legislative options with enough support for passage. Nevertheless, the conversation will be a valuable exploration and discussion for participants and presenters alike.

“The Exvangelicals” by Sarah McCammon

Zoom

The Exvangelicals is the story of a rising generation of the children of evangelicalism, including Sarah herself, who are growing up and fleeing the fold, who are thinking for themselves and deconstructing what feel like the “alternative facts” of their childhood. Part memoir, part investigative journalism, Sarah describes the post-evangelical movement: identifying its origins, telling the stories of its members, and examining its vast cultural, social, and political impact.

“The Architecture of Life: TAOLISM” by Joe Simonetta

Friends Meeting House 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC

Taolism is an ethical framework rooted in science, reason, sustainability and action. It serves as a path for both personal well-being and collective sustainability, offering a practical approach to a healthier, more ethical, and environmentally responsible world.

Presentation TBA

Friends Meeting House 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC

Presentation TBA

“Becoming Compassionate Participants in our World—deepening self-awareness” by Sandra Smith

Friends Meeting House 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC

Sandra will give focus to the nuance between being “present” and being in “presence” and the role receptivity plays in the quality of our lives. Sandra will reference teachings from her recent book The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self: Living Beyond Your Type (2024) and invite participants to engage in some simple practices from this book.