November 5, 2026

Greetings!

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Over these past several weeks, we have been reflecting together on what it means to look toward A Future with Hope. Through the thoughtful words of our Stewardship and Finance Committee and the voices of members and staff, we have been reminded that stewardship is about far more than financial resources. It is about who we are as a community of faith, what God is doing among us, and how we are called to participate in that work together.

I am especially grateful to Carl Holloman, Mindy Erdmann, Robert Sills and our Missions and Outreach Committee, and Beth Gettys Sturkey for their reflections on generosity, our shared purpose, service to our neighbors, and the faithfulness of those who came before us. I am also deeply grateful to Bunny McClure, Dan Thomas, and Robin Diehl for their leadership and faithful work throughout this stewardship campaign. Together, these voices remind us that the future of our Congregation is rooted in a long history of faithfulness, sustained by the gifts of many, and shaped by our willingness to respond to God's call.

The words of Jeremiah that have guided this campaign were first spoken to a people living in exile, facing an uncertain future. God's promise of hope was not an assurance that everything would be easy or that the road ahead would be free of challenges. Instead, God called the people to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of the communities where they lived. Hope was not simply something to wait for, but something to live into faithfully, even amid uncertainty.

In my time serving as your pastor, one of the greatest gifts has been discovering the many ways God is already at work among you. I see it in the care you extend to one another, in the generosity with which you serve our neighbors, in the excitement surrounding new opportunities for fellowship and ministry, and in the willingness of so many to imagine what our life together might become. We are not simply preserving something precious from the past. We are building upon that foundation, listening together for God's call, and discovering new ways to be church in this time and place.

Of course, the future is not something we can fully predict or control. But it is something we are invited to participate in faithfully, together. The ministries we cherish and the new possibilities before us depend upon the prayers, presence, gifts, service, and generosity of this community.

As we look toward 2027, I invite every household to prayerfully consider making a financial pledge to support the ministry we share. These commitments help us plan responsibly, sustain the ministries that shape our life together, and embrace new opportunities to serve. Every pledge, whatever its size, is a meaningful expression of participation in our shared calling. If you have not yet done so, I encourage you to make your 2027 pledge here.

Thank you for the many ways you give of yourselves, for the privilege of serving alongside you, and for the hope we share. I am grateful for where we have been, encouraged by what I see among us today, and excited to discover where God will lead us next.

With gratitude and hope,

CELEBRATING NEW MEMBERS

This Sunday, November 8, we are excited to celebrate and welcome new members into the Congregation! We look forward to recognizing those who have chosen to become part of our community and celebrating this meaningful step in their journey with us.

JOIN US FOR OUR FALL SNACK-LUCK THIS SUNDAY!

It’s fall and time to bring out your pumpkin and apple recipes! The Fellowship Committee would like you to join them for a post-worship "Snack-Luck" this Sunday, November 8, in the Chapel basement. In case you are not aware, a Snack-Luck is a simplified version of a potluck. All are invited to bring a pumpkin or apple dish or snack to share (but please attend regardless of whether you can contribute or not). Drop off your items in the Chapel kitchen prior to worship. Remember to pick up your dish at the end of the event. If you don’t know your way to the Chapel basement, ask a blue-robed usher, and they can direct you. We are looking forward to breaking bread and spending time together in gratitude with you.

STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR THE RACIAL EQUITY LUNCH & LEARN

There is still room to join the Racial Equity Group for a Lunch & Learn at the Nasher this Sunday, November 8, from 1–3 PM. The group will explore the current exhibit, Turn the Volume Up, which highlights how artists, activists, and everyday people have used their voices to challenge injustice. Participants will meet near the front desk at 1 PM for an introduction to the exhibit, then gather in the Café afterward for conversation and reflection. Lunch will be at your own expense. If that presents a barrier to participating, please reach out. There is still space available, so sign up here to reserve your spot!

UNITED IN PRAISE: A NIGHT OF MUSIC & FELLOWSHIP



Join Duke Chapel this Sunday, November 8, for the United in Praise Concert, presented by Duke's student-run gospel choir, United in Praise. Enjoy an evening of uplifting music, praise, and fellowship as the choir brings the community together through song. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend! For more information, visit the Duke Chapel Events Calendar.

HELP SERVE DINNER AT URBAN MINISTRIES DURHAM

Join us this Sunday, November 8, as we prepare and serve dinner for our neighbors at Urban Ministries Durham. We currently just need two lasagnas to complete the meal. Thank you to everyone who continues to support this monthly outreach!

There are several ways to get involved:

• Cook: Prepare and deliver 1–2 party-size lasagnas, each serving approximately 12 people. Lasagnas should be delivered to 410 Liberty Street by 5:15 p.m. Our goal is to collect 18 lasagnas to help meet the growing need at the end of the month.
• Serve: Volunteer from 6:00–7:00 p.m. to help serve dinner. We need six volunteers, and teens are welcome to participate!
• Donate: Support the meal by contributing toward the cost of a lasagna. A lasagna serving 12 people costs approximately $15. Every contribution helps us provide a nourishing meal to our neighbors.

Ready to volunteer or sign up to cook? Sign up here.

ADULT FORUM

Adult Forum welcomes a variety of guest speakers who share thought-provoking presentations and discussions on topics ranging from biblical studies and current social issues to mission work. Join us in person in Westbrook, Lower Level Room 0012, or online via Zoom.

To learn more about our upcoming speakers and their topics, please use this link.

November 8: Don Courtney, MD - "Advanced Directives; how to let your family know what you want if you cannot speak for yourself"

ADULT BIBLE STUDY

Our 8-week study exploring Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, including Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs continues. Join us for a discussion on God and meaning as we explore these ancient texts and their relevance for our lives today. What do we do with our Christian faith when surrounded by neighborhoods of chaos? The Adult Bible Study is led by Congregation intern Jia Cummings. Class meets in person in Westbrook 0013 and by Zoom.

ALL SAINTS’ DAY WORSHIP SERVICE: FROM DEATH, THE RISING: A REQUIEM

If you missed the All Saints’ Day Worship Service on November 1, or would like to experience it again, a recording of From Death, The Rising: A Requiem is now available. Featuring the Duke Chapel Choir and Mallarmé Music, this special service incorporated unique recording equipment to capture the music and worship experience. Watch the All Saints’ Day Worship Service. The November 1 Worship Guide includes the libretto

WEDNESDAY BOOK GROUP: TELL ME THE DREAM AGAIN

Our Wednesday book group is reading Tasha Jun’s Tell Me the Dream Again: Reflections on Family, Ethnicity, and the Sacred Work of Belonging, a lyrical memoir in which Jun, the daughter of a Korean mother and a white American father, explores identity, family memory, and what it means to belong to God and to one another. The group meets on Wednesdays by Zoom at 10:00 a.m., led by Eliza Ferguson, or 7:00 p.m., led by Ryan Wilson. Both groups meet at the same Zoom link, so choose whichever time works best for you. The group is open to anyone interested in reading and discussing this book together. Come for one conversation or for all of them!

A FUTURE WITH HOPE STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

Jeremiah 29:11: For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

A huge thank you to everyone who has pledged so far! As of November 2, we have received 34 pledges, representing 69% of our current-year pledge goal. These pledges total $115,120, which is 61% of our current-year dollar goal. Thank you for your continued generosity and support!

You are encouraged to submit your pledge by December 31st of this year; however, there is no hard and fast deadline. Your pledge is greatly appreciated regardless of the submission date.

The sole source of the Congregation’s financial support is the generosity of its members and friends. The Congregation receives no monetary support from Duke University or any of its endowments.

Gifts may be made:

• Online via the link at the end of this newsletter, or
• Via check made payable to The Congregation at Duke Chapel and (1) placed in the offering plate or (2) mailed to The Congregation at Duke Chapel, Box 90974, Durham, NC 27708.

2027 pledges:

• Online at https://congregationatdukechapel.breezechms.com/form/4032a03439,
• Online via the link at the end of this newsletter (using the dropdown menus to select Give to 2027 General Fund," the frequency and the start date for your pledge),
• By completing one of the 2027 pledge cards available on Sunday mornings (1) at Chapel entrances, (2) in the adult education area, or (3) by email request to the Congregation office at congregation@duke.edu.

Generous God, guide each of us to consider a financial commitment that reflects our faith, expresses our gratitude, and meaningfully supports A Future with Hope. Amen.

CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR!



Want to know what's happening in the Congregation? Visit our online Events Calendar to explore upcoming gatherings, monthly service project opportunities, and ways to get involved. You can also sign up directly for events that interest you! We'll continue adding new events and details, so be sure to check back regularly to stay connected and see what's coming up. Visit the Events Calendar to see what's coming up!

CONNECT WITH US

Stay connected with the Congregation at Duke Chapel! Visit our newly updated Connect with Us webpage to explore the eNews archive and catch up on past updates. You can also sign up directly to receive our eNews and stay informed about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities to connect with our community.

JOYS AND CONCERNS



Lois Oliver: For those who were unable to attend Lois Oliver's memorial service, the service at Duke Chapel has been recorded and is now available to watch online. You can view the recording here.

Mindy Erdmann: Our Assistant Pastor for Discipleship, Mindy Erdmann, will be preaching this Sunday, November 8 at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Durham. Worship services at Asbury UMC start at 10:30 AM, and all are invited to attend at Asbury UMC in Durham.

Kimberley Caulfeild: Kimberley continues to receive care and recover from her stroke last month. Please continue to keep her in your prayers for a full recovery. She is still in need of and welcoming visits and meals. For those who would like to support her in this way, please contact the Congregation office or reach out to Harry Rodenhizer directly.

Kate Courtney: Kate had maxillofacial surgery at Duke Hospital on Tuesday, October 27. The surgery went very well, and she continues her healing at home under the loving care of her parents.

Ann King: Ann’s surgery went well and she is recovering at home. No further treatment is anticipated at this time but prayers are still appreciated for recovery.

Layne Baker: Remains in Pettigrew Rehabilitation Center.

CHECK OUT EACH COMMITTEE'S MEETING

Committee Meetings listed below are open to all who wish to attend. Contact the Congregation Office for more information.

Visitation & Care Ministry

📍 Congregation Office

The Visitation & Care Ministry meets every other month. The next meeting this Sunday, November 15.

Education Committee

📍Chapel Kitchen

The Education Committee meets the 3rd Sunday every of every month in the Chapel Kitchen. The next meeting is Sunday, November 15.

Stewardship & Finance Committee

📍 Via Zoom

The Stewardship & Finance Committee meets on the Tuesday before the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 17.



Fellowship Committee

📍Congregation Office

The Fellowship Committee meets every 1st Sunday immediately after worship in the Congregation Office. The next meeting is Sunday, December 6.

Mission & Outreach Committee

📍 Chapel Kitchen

The Mission & Outreach Committee meets every 1st Sunday immediately after worship in the Chapel Kitchen. The next meeting is Sunday, December 6.

Racial Equity Group

📍 In person and via Zoom

The Racial Equity Group meets the 1st Thursday of every month. Please contact our Assistant Pastor for Discipleship, Mindy Erdmann for meeting location and with any question.

Administration Committee

📍In Person and via Zoom

The Administration Committee meets the 1st Tuesday of the month in person and via Zoom. The next meeting is Tuesday, December 8.

eNEWS SUBMISSION REMINDER



All committees’ completed eNews submissions are due to Kirsten Ford by Monday at 5:00 PM.