This Sunday at Binkley
September 29, 2019
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Morning Celebration
9:00 am, Lounge
Sunday School
9:30 am
Worship
11 am, Sanctuary
Marcus McFaul preaching
AWAB Celebration
* Prelude by musical guest Eric Bannan begins at 10:50 am
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Hand Bell Choir
4:30 pm, Choir Room
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This Sunday, September 29th, we welcome John Blevins back to Binkley. He will speak, make that
testify
, of important moments in his (and Binkley's) journey. The passage of time can create a necessary perspective for us to appreciate certain inflection points in the past. What is deemed
controversial
in one era becomes commonplace in another.
In 1992 Binkley licensed to the ministry John, an openly gay student at Duke Divinity School. Both the process and the action of licensing brought into sharp focus different opinions surrounding homosexuality and the Christian tradition. Twenty seven years ago, which may not seem all that long ago, Americans and Christians were deeply divided over LGBTQ issues; and, of course, some denominations remain embroiled in dispute and disagreement over marriage equality, and full inclusion for church leadership. Even among progressive people of faith---much more then than now---the concerns can prove schismatic. At Binkley we have experienced such painful moments during our 61 years as a congregation.
Often in moments of conflict human responses vary along the lines of "
fight, flight, freeze."
Sometimes we exhibit all three within ten minutes! One reaction mustn't be
denial
, as no one benefits from ignoring or dismissing tensions that have led to dis-ease.
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Honestly acknowledging loss should be encouraged not discouraged, for loss is a part of life, and to tamp down or silence it or ignore it is to guarantee that it will resurface again and again, sometimes in even more harmful ways. I believe healthy churches lean into conflict resolution by means of
gospel grace.
Gospel grace doesn't rewrite history, excuse poor choices, or demand teary repentance. It does provide a frame and lens for us to see the past differently and perhaps welcome new possibilities for the future. The good news of the Jesus story is that in the very same places of death, a variety of resurrections may open up before us...if we give it time. Often three days isn't long enough. The Quaker practice of welcoming all things into our lives helps us to realize that in the economy of God nothing goes unused; even conflict can be redeemed.
Sunday promises to be a wonderful day of worship. In addition to remarks from John Blevins, Rick Mixon on behalf of AWAB (Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists) will bring greetings; and local musician Eric Bannan sings in the service. In fact, he will begin at 10:50 a.m. so get in your seat early! My sermon,
"Personal Testimonies, Congregational Journeys"
is drawn from Psalm 91 and Matthew 10. I hope to see you Saturday for the Pride March in Durham.
I am grateful for you.
With much affection,
Your Pastor
Marcus
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Pride March and Festival
Join fellow Binkleyites on
Saturday, September 28, at Duke East Campus
to show the community our commitment to diversity and love. Gather at 10:30 am at the Binkley booth to prepare to line up for the march. We will march behind our huge rainbow banner that proclaims “All Are Welcome”. If you would like to participate but prefer not to march we are looking for someone to sit at the Binkley booth during the march. This event is so much fun. Come join us! Call Tonya Hamm or Chris McDougald for more information.
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Adult Sunday School Classes
You are invited this Sunday, September 29, 9:30-10:30 am, to participate in an adult Sunday School class. There are a variety of wonderful opportunities to choose from, and each class is open to newcomers!
Jesus Deported
, Lounge:
This week, Micheal Palmer will reflect on DREAMERS, with reference to Leviticus 19:33-34 and 24:22, in which the ancient Israelites were instructed
not
to have separate laws for immigrants, but to protect all.
Mindful
Parenting,
Sunroom:
This week, Megan Highsmith will be facilitating an engaging conversation.
Messages that Wound
, Chapel:
Stephanie Ford is offering a reflection on
“God and Suffering in Today’s World.”
The Book of Job,
Room 17:
Teacher Joe Templeton writes:
“Week one found us at the center of the Book of Job; week two found us circling far outside the Biblical boundaries of Job. For week three we will try to forge some link between these two distant points.”
The Way of the Pilgrim
, Room 15:
Susan Ketchin is leading the class on the spiritualities of Pre-Christian and Christian Celtic communities. Bart Ehrman’s
Lost Christianities,
will be discussed.
Easy English Bible Study
, Room 18:
Bo Lloyd leads the class in an engaging study of Christian faith, which also helps participants improve English vocabulary and fluency.
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Sunday, September 29
Special Guests
Rick Mixon, AWAB
John Blevins, licensed at Binkley in 1992
Eric Bannan will begin the prelude at 10:50 am.
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Wednesday Night Series
Oct. 2, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
An Introvert's Guide to Activism
Are you moved deeply to action, but feel daunted by the prospect of protest marches, crowds, and outspoken advocacy? Join us for an ‘inside look’ at the mind and heart of a creative introvert,
Libby Fosso,
as she shares her personal approach of using art, poems, and writing to respond to what angers or scares her. Check ‘Event’ in the Friendship Register or contact the office no later than NOON on Monday, Sept. 30 to make your reservation. Dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children.
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Living the Journey
A Group for Young Adults
Wednesday Nights, 6-7:00 pm, Room 15
Are you 18-22 and have finished high school? Perhaps you know of a young adult who might enjoy a group with caring peers. Whether you or the person you know is attending college, taking a gap year, or discovering this time in a unique way—this group offers a warm welcome. Each Wednesday night, Ellin Porterfield will guide a conversation about the questions that are important to you or the young adult you know at this significant moment in life. There will be a little fun, too, for good measure!
All are invited to enjoy a delicious meal from 5:30-6,
free for 18-22 year olds,
in the Fellowship Hall, before the group begins.
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YOGA is coming to Binkley!
The
Health Ministries Committee is delighted to sponsor a 6-session yoga class on Thursdays beginning
October 3 and ending on November 14
(No class on Oct 31). Classes are one hour long and begin at 5:30 pm. Led by Jill Simon. Cost is $10 per drop-in class or $48 for the entire 6 sessions when paid at the beginning of the classes. No yoga experience required. Bring a yoga mat, towel, water and loving kindness towards your body as we celebrate and move our bodies and minds towards health. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us. Contact Tonya Hamm with any questions.
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Welcome to Binkley!
Inquirer’s Class
Sundays, Oct. 6 & 13, 9:45 am, Library
An Inquirer’s Class Opportunity for those interested in learning about the mission and ministries of our church. Facilitated by Senior Minister Dr. Marcus McFaul, these sessions are designed especially for those who are interested in joining by membership. October 6 & 13 during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:30 am in the Library). Please register to [email protected] by September 30.
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Memorial Service Details
The memorial service for Carolyn Kozelka will be held on Friday, October 11, at 4:30 pm in the Carolina Meadows Lecture Hall. Please continue to keep her family in your prayers during their time of grief.
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Planning Meeting for Humanitarian Crisis Response
Sunday, Oct. 13, Post-Worship, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, October 13, Post-Worship, Fellowship Hall: Please bring a bag lunch. Dessert and drinks will be provided. We will follow-up on the great idea-generating meeting that was held on September 22. Your input is essential as we work to advocate for and support people who are marginalized, and being treated unjustly and inhumanely. All are welcome!
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2019 Men of Binkley Retreat
October 18-20, 2019 Trinity Center, Salter Path, NC
“Wendell Berry & Beloved Community." Facilitated by Rev. Don Durham (
CBFNC ministry partner Healing Springs Acres near Denton, NC).
We welcome your participation in this third annual event – please note that registration is first come, first served! Registration forms are available in the narthex.
Registration and full payment of $240/double or $280/single is due no later than Sunday, September 29, 2019
. Place your registration form in the offering plate, deliver to the church office, or slide under Marcus’s office door if he is not in. Write a check to Binkley and designate “Men’s Retreat.” See Charles Coble or Larry McManus for more information.
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Save the Date!
Binkley Quiet Weekend, Dec. 6-8
Practice self-compassion and prepare yourself for a more peaceful Advent by joining the
Binkley Quiet Weekend.
December 6-8 (4:00 Friday thru lunch Sunday) at the beautiful St. Francis Prayer Center north of Greensboro. Join other Binkley members and friends in a time of group discussion, reflection, and Silence with ample personal time for reading, conversation, walking in nature or just resting. More about registration soon. For more information, contact
Janet O’Neal
or
Lori Cahill
.
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Click the links below for more information on each event.
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Tues.-Weds., October 1-2, Goldsboro Raleigh District Assembly
Join Bishop William J. Barber, II, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (2019 Seymour Symposium panelist), John Pavlovitz, and more to learn about faith-rooted organizing against distorted moral narratives in the USA. Register
here.
Sat., October 5, 9 am-3pm, Church of the Reconciliation
Come support Rosa and international artisans. Details
here.
Rosa is grateful to those who helped make her latest pupusa sale the most successful to date! She will also
be selling pupusas again this Sunday, Sept. 29 from 10 am-1 pm at Church of the Rec. Two
pupusas with slaw and salsa for a donation of $5.
KidSCope serves as a full-day daycare on the Binkley campus, and has openings for full and part-time teaching positions. Click
here for more information.
Binkley Preschool has openings in the four-year-old classes for this fall. Contact
Kim Buckley
if you are interested. (Tel 919-968-1427)
Link your grocery store loyalty cards to BPS.
Here's how.
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Church Office Hours
Mon.-Thurs.
8:30 am - 4 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 3 pm
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Publication Deadlines
Submissions for the November
Newsletter are due by:
October 21
Submissions for the weekly bulletin and Friday Update are due by:
Wednesday Noon
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The Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church
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