“Those who persevere in prayer, cease to be bullied by the passions of inquisitiveness and control.”

-         Abba Evagrius

This was shared with me by a colleague steeped in the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers and oh, how it hit home, particularly amid our culture of 24-hour information overload. Don’t misunderstand, inquisitiveness drives amazing discoveries…and it can drive us to distraction. With a few clicks of our fingers, we’re down the rabbit hole – our desire for information (or distraction) rising in proportion to our desire for control. And I get it. As plans and protocols change to reflect changing circumstances, as we look toward the fall, preparing for events yet holding those same preparations lightly it’s hard to focus on anything, much less persevere in prayer. Adding to the difficulty may be a picture of prayer limited to sitting quietly, eyes closed, while psalm-like lines flow, uninterrupted through our mind. I’d like to offer an alternative.

               Solvitur ambulando – meaning, “it is solved by walking.” Walking as prayer. Walking without a podcast or news playing in our ears. Walking with intention. Have you ever noticed the soundscape of your neighborhood? Or observed how it changes at different times of day? What scents hang in the air? When do the birds begin to sing and what prompts their silence? Walking may not come easy, so I’d invite you to spend time at a window and note what you notice. Waking up to the simple gift of the present moment and all it contains is prayer.

               Then I’d invite you to walk or consider the neighborhood surrounding FPC. For 150 years this community has sought to serve Durham with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love with members and clergy playing an active role in local civic and governmental agencies, always striving to discern God’s call. As we make plans to celebrate 150 years of ministry with a special worship service, mission opportunities, and a deeper look at our past - it seems right that we are also considering structural changes that would enable even greater community engagement in the future. Building beloved community IS our legacy and our hope. And more than a tag line for the visioning team or the 150^th anniversary committee it is a calling into which we may continue to live and grow as we persevere in prayer.

With gratitude for our history, hope for our future, and excitement for the opportunities of the moment you’ll find in this newsletter,

Mitzi

The Sacrament of Baptism was celebrated for Owen Boyd Durham Diy on Sunday, August 8 during worship. Owen's parents, Emily and Carlo Diy, sister Anna Ruth, and other extended family were present. Celebrants were Mindy Douglas and Sam Miglarese.

CONDOLENCES: The love and concern of the congregation are extended to Katharine Whitmore on the recent death of her friend Margaret Cleveland.

CONCERNS recently added:

• Deborah Momsen-Hudson, recovering from surgery
• Minnie Cameron, in care at Hill Haven (Pettigrew)
• Lynn Everett, mother of Rob and Luke Everett, hospitalized at Duke

Citizens of Durham are currently under a mandate to wear a mask when inside public spaces to fight the ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated.' FPC is adhering to this mandate and asking members and friends to wear a mask when inside buildings at FPC.