September 11, 2019

Dear friends and fellow disciples,
 
Wow! Rally Day was such a wonderful day, filled with rich and faithful energy. I am so grateful to our leaders in Christian Education and on Youth Council and to our youth advisers, who did so much to welcome the masses, feed us (thank you, Fellowship Committee!), and lay out such a wide array of opportunities to study the Bible and explore faith. It was a great day! But the key to all of it is in  your continued presence.  W hether you are one who comes to Church School or not, I challenge you to make this part of Sunday morning, in addition to regular worship, a part of your pattern this fall. I know everyone is busy, but doing both of these things together will feed you in profound ways. I promise. And, you have much to bring to us - it is better when the whole community is a part of these things. We need you!
New Program Year - Church School for All Ages!
Our new program year is officially underway! We've got classes for ages 2 and up. Our children's teachers are terrific, and our adult class facilitators are wonderful. If you’ve never been part of a Church School class or brought your child or youth to one, we encourage you to begin. No prior knowledge of the Bible needed - we are all learning together. View a complete listing of our Church School classes and other Christian Education opportunities here .
Fall Church School Elective: "Gospels That Didn't Make the Cut"
We grow up in Sunday School learning about Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, four narratives at the heart of shaping what we know about Jesus. But there are 30 or so additional early Christian writings (that we know of) that can be classified as “gospels,” meaning they portray something of the life and ministry of Jesus. Join me for a four-week exploration of these interesting texts starting this Sunday, September 15, 9:45-10:45am, in Room 205. This class will run through October 6. I’d love to see you there!
Congregational Meeting on Sunday, September 15
There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday, September 15, after the 11:00am service, for the purpose of voting on the candidate for Associate Pastor for Youth. Also, the congregation will receive the nomination of John Lockhead for the open deacon position in the Class of 2022. Come and be a part of it!
Important Note About Parking on Sunday Mornings
Thanks to everyone for the great job of carefully navigating the changes to our parking lot and to Andy Collins and our Campus Arrival Team for helping us stay safe. Durham Police have asked that we please refrain from parking at the shopping center across the street as crossing Old Chapel Hill Road there is very dangerous . Officer Nobles told us the department regularly receives calls about accidents at this busy intersection due to multiple driver blind spots.
Today is September 11, a date seared in our collective memory. I remember getting a call from a friend, rushing to Columbia Seminary's campus, and gathering around a television with friends. The community gathered at noon in the chapel for a time to grieve, shed tears, and read Psalms of lament. I'm sure you remember exactly where you were on that day. The conflicts from that season continue to shape our common life. This week, let us say an extra prayer for the people of our broader world, as we seek to build bridges and help make a time for peace.