September 17, 2026

Greetings!

This week, our Congregation Book Group began reading Gregory Boyle’s Cherished Belonging. Boyle is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, an organization that has worked for decades alongside people affected by gangs and incarceration. But the heart of Boyle’s work—and of this book—is something deeper than any particular program. It is belonging.

Boyle writes about a God who does not stand at a distance waiting for us to become worthy of love, but a God who delights in us. And he invites us to imagine what might happen if we learned to see one another that way, too. I’ve been thinking about that word: belonging.

Churches talk about belonging a lot. We want people to feel welcome. We invite people to join. We create programs and groups and gatherings intended to help people find their place. Those things matter. But I wonder if Christian belonging goes deeper than simply finding a place where people know your name. Perhaps belonging begins with being seen—and learning to see.

It means looking at another person, particularly someone whose life or experience is very different from our own and resisting the temptation to reduce them to a category, an opinion, a mistake, a disagreement, or even the worst thing they have ever done. Instead, we learn to see what God sees: a person cherished by God. That is harder than it sounds.

But it is also at the heart of the life Jesus shows us. Again and again, Jesus moves toward people others have learned not to see. He eats with them. Touches them. Listens to them. Calls them by name. And in doing so, he creates belonging in places where the world has drawn lines of separation.

Last week, I invited you to try a simple breath prayer: God, you are here. I am not alone. I’ve been grateful to hear from several of you who carried that prayer with you through the week. So perhaps we can build on it this week.

When you encounter someone—especially someone you find difficult to understand, someone with whom you disagree, or someone you might otherwise overlook—pause for a moment and breathe:

Breathe in: Beloved by God.

Breathe out: Help me see them.

Then do it again.

Perhaps that can be our practice this week: asking God to help us see the people in front of us as God sees them. Not as categories or problems or disagreements to be solved, but as people who are cherished by God.

What might change—in them, in us, and in the communities we share—if we practiced seeing one another as cherished by God?

Blest be the tie that binds,

WELCOME OUR NEW CONGREGATION INTERN - JIA CUMMINGS

Jia Cummings belongs to Colorado, Texas, and North Carolina. After growing up in the suburbs of southeast Denver, she moved to Waco, Texas to pursue a Bachelor of Arts at Baylor University. While at Baylor, she studied medical humanities, philosophy, religion, and public health. After graduating in 2024, she came to Durham to begin her Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity School, where she is pursuing certificates in Chaplaincy and Theology, Medicine, & Culture. Now in her third and final year, Jia is preparing for a professional journey to health care.

Jia's ecumenical background includes worship in Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, and non-denominational spaces. Her background is in health care chaplaincy, having completed Clinical Pastoral Education at Duke University Hospital. While her first love in ministry is pastoral care, she is growing in passion and knowledge for Christian education, liturgical practice, and community outreach. Jia is excited to be leading Adult Bible Study and accompanying you in worship this year.

ADULT FORUM

With a variety of guest speakers, Adult Forum offers presentations and discussions on a wide range of thought-provoking topics, including Biblical studies, current social issues, and the work of mission agencies. Adult Forum meets in person in Westbrook 0012 and by Zoom. The link is here.

September 20: Andy Rook - "Birmingham 1963 — When the Church Says 'Wait'"

September 27: Harry Rodenheizer, Congregation member

October 11: Matt Shadle, Catholic theologian, ethicist, and author of the Window Light - "Pope Leo’s Magnifica Humanitas, on AI and human finitude"

ADULT BIBLE STUDY



Beginning this Sunday, September 20, join us for 8 weeks as we explore Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs). What do we do with our Christian faith when surrounded by neighborhoods of chaos? Join us for a discussion on God and meaning as we explore these ancient texts and their relevance for our lives today. This Adult Bible Study will be led by Congregation intern Jia Cummings. Class will meet in Westbrook 0013 and by Zoom.

SEPTEMBER BACK PEW COLLECTION

Help Stock the Food Pantry

Want another way to help fight hunger? During our September Back Pew Collection, we’ll collect much-needed, non-perishable foods for Durham-area families served through the Food Bank.



Staff at the new Durham Food Bank have identified several healthy staples that are especially needed, including:

• Protein: Peanut butter, canned chicken, tuna, and salmon
• Beans & pantry staples: Dried or canned beans and lentils, soups, stews, chili, and pasta sauce
• Whole grains: Brown or whole-grain pasta, oatmeal, and quinoa
• Breakfast foods: Whole-grain, low-sugar cereals and granola bars
• Cooking & baking essentials: Spices, flour, sugar, olive oil, and canola oil

Bring your donations to the back pew this Sunday, September 20.

Every donation helps put healthy food on the table for neighbors in need. Thank you for helping our congregation care for our Durham community!

Questions? Contact Lee Tyrey at ltyrey@duke.edu.

NEW BOOK GROUP HAS BEGUN — THERE’S STILL TIME TO JOIN!

Our Book Group begins a new year with Gregory Boyle’s Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times. Drawing on decades of stories and relationships from Homeboy Industries, Boyle invites us to consider what might happen if we truly believed that everyone is inherently good and that we belong to one another—no exceptions.

Join us for this four-week study, September 16–October 7, as we explore belonging, compassion, kinship, and the kind of community we are called to become.

Wednesdays by Zoom | 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. Choose whichever group works best for you.

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

Our Sunday morning Youth group continues their studies centered around the theme of Loving God through Prayer. At the start of this session, we looked at several resources available to us when we feel the need for prayer. The youth were then asked to work with a partner and create a prayer that related to their lives and times when they felt the need to seek God's guidance and support. Below is the final truly thoughtful and inspiring prayer they created during this session. We thank our Youth for agreeing to share their prayers with the Congregation. Prayer created:

Prayer of Confession

Almighty God,

With your love everlasting,

Your power keeps the world pure.

Give us the power to see your light,

And lead us off the trail of darkness.

Help us to make humanity whole once again,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Who shall reign as one now and forever,

Amen

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A LIFE-LONG IMPACT?

Hello Everyone! My name is Catherine Scribner. You may know me as the Office Administrator for the Congregation, but that is just one of several ways I serve our God and our Congregation.

Another way I grow my relationship with God is as a volunteer one Sunday morning a month with the Youth Ministry and the Children's Ministries. "Why??" you may ask! I don't have small children (or even small grandchildren!), but I volunteer because working with our Congregation's children's and youth ministry isn't just about the kids--it's about shaping hearts, investing in spiritual lives, and contributing to building faith - including my own. Yes, I serve to help our kids grow in their knowledge of God, but you have no idea how much I grow, too. Seeing their excitement for God renews that same excitement and passion in me. Their child-like faith reminds me of the faith I need to have in my own life. Attending Chapel service after having spent that time with our kids, I also find I am more open and receptive to the messages and teachings that God shares with me during the worship service.

When I was young - from Sunday School through Senior High Fellowship - I believed Jesus loved me because I was blessed to have Sunday school teachers and youth leaders who loved me and shared God's message of care and forgiveness with me. My hope and prayer is that I can love and guide these children in the same way.

And so can YOU! Working with the children's and youth ministry isn't babysitting--it's Life-changing discipleship. God calls us to grow together in faith through worship, study, service and our life together, and maybe, just maybe, this is where God is calling you next. Contact Delilah Twombly, Children's Associate Pastor, or Mindy Erdmann, Youth and Young Adult Associate Pastor, for more information on where your gifts are needed.

THE DURHAM PILGRIMAGE OF PAIN AND HOPE

The Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope is an opportunity to discover how your spiritual journey is connected to the place you live—Durham, NC.

During the pilgrimage, you will immerse yourself in the story of Durham and the biblical story as you reflect with others on what these stories mean for how we live our lives in Durham today.

Join us for this transformative experience as we connect Durham’s story, your story, and God’s story.

Dates

October 2–4, 2026

Registration

Register at www.durhamcares.org/pilgrimage

Important: When registering, be sure to choose Fall Duke Chapel (not Spring).

EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP AT THE CONGREGATION

Are you interested in learning more about the Congregation at Duke University Chapel—or considering making the Congregation your church home?

Join us this fall for Exploring Membership, a three-session opportunity to get to know one another, learn more about the Congregation and our relationship with Duke Chapel, explore the faith and practices that shape our life together, and consider what it means to belong and participate in this community.

We will gather on Sundays, October 11, October 18, and November 1. On October 25, rather than meeting for class, participants will be invited to experience the life of the Congregation with fresh attention. Those who choose to become members will be welcomed into the Congregation during worship on Sunday, November 8.

Whether you are ready to become a member or simply curious to learn more, you are welcome. Participating does not obligate you to join.

Register Here for Exploring Membership:

https://congregationatdukechapel.breezechms.com/form/9635dd

FELLOWSHIP IN THE PARK: OUR ANNUAL GATHERING

Join us for the Congregation’s Annual Picnic on October 19th from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Piney Wood Park (400 E. Woodcroft Parkway, Durham). Bring a side dish or dessert to share, and don’t forget a water bottle to help us cut down on waste. We’ll have water available for refills.

There will be activities for children and a playground for everyone to enjoy. Come spend an afternoon together, enjoy good food and fellowship, and help keep our Congregation connected!

OCTOBER SERVICE PROJECT

Help Fight Hunger in Our Community

Saturday, October 24 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.

Join the Congregation at Duke University Chapel and friends for a morning of service, fellowship, and making a difference at the Food Bank CENC at Durham.

We’ll spend the morning sorting and packing donated food that will help provide nutritious meals to families and individuals experiencing food insecurity in our community. The Food Bank notes that volunteers are an essential part of its hunger-relief work—and a single volunteer shift can help provide more than 160 meals for local families.

• Location: 1607 Hamlin Rd., Building F, Durham, NC 27704
  
• Time: 9:00–11:30 a.m.
  
• Parking: Convenient parking is available adjacent to the ground-floor entrance.
  

Ready to Serve?

Space is limited, so sign up early! Congregation members have reserved spots until Thursday, October 22, when remaining spots will be opened to the public.

To register: Click the volunteer link and select “warehouse project–Durham,” then choose “sign up for your reserved slot.” New volunteers will be asked to complete a short volunteer profile. Learn more about the Food Bank and its work to fight hunger:

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

Questions? Contact Mary Tyrey at mjtyrey@gmail.com.

eNEWS SUBMISSION REMINDER



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

JOYS AND CONCERNS

John Weinerth: John passed on September 2. A celebration of John's life will be arranged at a later date and we will share that information when it is available. You may view John’s obituary here. Please keep John and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Harry Nolan:  Harry continues his cancer treatment and recently had a CT scan to monitor his progress. Please join us in praying that his abdominal tumors have shrunk or gone away.

Susan Nolan:  Good news about Susan! Her CT scan in June showed she is still in complete clinical remission from cancer. She continues to experience fatigue – a long-term effect of her cancer treatments. Thankfully, she is improving. Please continue to keep her in your prayers for continued improvement.

Leroy McCrae: Great news! Leroy is doing better and is now recovering at home. Please continue to lift Leroy up in your prayers as he recovers.

Lois Oliver:  Lois died on Sunday morning, August 9, after a long illness. A memorial service for Lois is being planned at Duke Chapel on Tuesday, November 3 at 11:00 AM. You may view Lois's obituary here. Please hold Lois's family and all those who cared for her close in your thoughts and prays during this difficult time.

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

Visitation & Care Ministry

Sunday, September 20

📍 Congregation Office

The Visitation & Care Ministry meets every other month.

Administration Committee

Sunday, October 4

📍Congregation Office

The Administration Committee will meet the 1st Sunday in October.



Fellowship Committee

Sunday, October 4

📍Congregation Office

The Fellowship Committee meets every 1st Sunday immediately following worship in the Congregation Office.

Racial Equity Group

Thursday, October 8

📍 In person and via Zoom

The Racial Equity Group meets the 1st Thursday of every month. Please contact Mindy for meeting location and with any question.

Mission & Outreach Committee

📍 Chapel Kitchen

The Mission & Outreach Committee meets every 1st Sunday immediately following worship in the Chapel Kitchen.

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.