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Meredith Rawls


 Meredith Rawls

Meredith is a North Carolina native with a BSW in Social Work and a minor in Spanish from Appalachian State University. She later earned dual Master’s degrees in Divinity from Duke Divinity School and Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work, graduating in 2021 with a Certificate in Prison Studies and an MSW focused on Communities and Organizations. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Meredith is passionate about the intersection of faith and justice and envisions the Church as a creative, radically inclusive force for shalom. She previously served as a hospital chaplain and now works with the NC Council of Churches. She loves cultivating community, urban farming, travel, and exploring with her dog, Yogi.  



EXPERIENCES
    Activity Time Information
    Show Date
    Fri 4 Sep 2026 2:00 PM to 2:50 PM
    Title ShortRewiring Hope: Arts, Justice & the Science of Healing
    Venue UMC
    Experience DescriptionThere is no shortage of conversation about trauma-informed ministry. But being trauma-aware is not the same as cultivating healing. In a world shaped by collective stress, political violence, climate anxiety, and spiritual wounds, many of our nervous systems are living in survival mode. This workshop explores what trauma actually is—how it impacts the brain and body—and why healing requires more than insight. Rooted in brain science, embodied practice, and biblical visions of shalom, we will ask: How do arts, movement, ritual, and justice work help rewire hope in our bodies and communities? How might faith spaces move beyond awareness into practices of restoration? Together we will reimagine healing not as a solo project of self-improvement, but as collective work—restoring safety to bodies and belonging to communities. Drawing from our work with faith communities across North Carolina through the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health & Wholeness initiative, we will share real examples of congregations integrating health and wholeness practices into worship, justice efforts, and community life.