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Greetings!
Our church has so much for which to be thankful:
- a beautiful space which inspires our worship lives
- dedicated and inspired pastors and staff
- time together for fellowship and making deep connections, welcoming all
- classes, discussions and retreats to explore and deepen our faith
- opportunities to make a meaningful difference to many with needs, through our gifts and service
- a large group of volunteers who teach, serve in worship, visit other members, plan events, meetings, and retreats, and plan and participate in service projects
- Above all, we have the knowledge of God’s love for us and Jesus’s teachings about what is truly important.
Forty-one years ago, a dedicated group of Christians chose to become the founding members of our congregation. They gave their time, their talents, and their treasures. From our church’s faithful beginning, we have grown in faith and service, in learning and teaching, and in showing God’s love to a hurting world.
The theme of this year’s stewardship campaign is “A Future with Hope.” We know that our founders had great hope for what this church could become. Through the years, faithful people have continued the work and support. I hope you find joy, encouragement, inspiration, and purpose as a member of this church body.
It is now our turn to look to the future with hope, and to renew our commitment by generously giving our time, talent, and treasures.
I am writing to encourage you to join me in providing vital financial support to keep our ministries strong. You can use this link to make a pledge which will help us plan our budget, fulfill our important goals, and ensure that we can continue to look to the future with hope.
Grace and peace,
Beth Gettys Sturkey
President
The Congregation at Duke University Chapel
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EDUCATION CLASSES - 9:45am
ADULT FORUM: Meredith Riedel, a scholar of the history of Christianity. In person in Westbrook 0012 and by Zoom.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY: A study of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs) in Westbrook 0013 and on Zoom.
MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN - 9:45am
WEE PRAISE: Children ages 0-3 along with parent(s) or caregiver(s) in 0011 Westbrook.
GODLY PLAY: Children in preschool - 5th grade in 0054 Langford.
YOUTH PROGRAM: The Youth Sunday School Class (grades 6-12) meets at 9:45 in Westbook 0015 each week.
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ALL HALLOWS’ EVE WORSHIP SERVICE
Duke University Chapel welcomes the community to a candlelit worship service celebrating the faith and witness of those who have carried on and cherished the Christian faith throughout history. Join us in person at Duke Chapel or online via the webcast.
To learn more about the service and access the livestream, please use this link.
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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 1: Meredith Riedel, a scholar of the history of Christianity - "Reassurance for Tomorrow" (Luke 23:43).
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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.
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EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP AT THE CONGREGATION
Our Exploring Membership classes offer the 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 for our final class this Sunday, November 1. Those who choose to become members will be welcomed into the Congregation during worship next Sunday, November 8.
Whether you are ready to become a member or simply curious to learn more about the Congregation, you are welcome. Participating does not obligate you to join.
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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!
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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.
If you are at least 70 ½ and the owner of an IRA, your gift to the Congregation could be a win-win for you. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are not included in taxable income in the year donated. If you also have a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), QCDs may be used to meet some, or all, of your RMD. Please contact your financial/tax advisor and/or IRA custodian to see if this QCD option is right for you.
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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
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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:
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.
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PACKING HOPE AT FOOD BANK CENC
We had a wonderful Congregation crew at the Food Bank CENC on Saturday, October 24, including Chapel Scholars, Jeremiah and William. Together with volunteers from several other Durham service organizations we helped pack 9,286 pounds of squash and zucchini which will supply nourishment for 7,738 food recipients.
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Watch this space for upcoming events! | |
JOIN US FOR OUR FALL SNACK-LUCK NEXT 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" on Sunday, November 8, 2026 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.
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STILL ROOM TO SIGN UP FOR THE RACIAL EQUITY LUNCH & LEARN
The Racial Equity Group is hosting a "Lunch and Learn" at the Nasher next Sunday, November 8 from 1-3PM. Their current exhibit "Turn the Volume Up" examines how artists, activists, and everyday people have used their voices to challenge injustice. We will meet near the front desk at 1:00 to get oriented to the exhibit and gather again in the Cafe area after experiencing it to discuss what we have to learn from the artists and activists highlighted. We will not be covering the cost of lunch but reach out if that would be a barrier to your being able to participate. There is still space available for this event so use this link to sign up soon and reserve your spot!
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HELP SERVE DINNER AT URBAN MINISTRIES DURHAM
Join the Congregation next Sunday, November 8, as we prepare and serve dinner for our neighbors at Urban Ministries Durham. This monthly outreach is a simple but meaningful way to offer a warm meal, fellowship, and care to members of our Durham community.
There are several ways to get involved:
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Cook: Prepare and deliver 1-2 lasagnas to 410 Liberty Street by 5:15 p.m. on October 28.
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Serve: Help serve dinner from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on October 28. Six volunteers needed, and teens are welcome!
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Donate: A lasagna costs about $15. Every contribution helps.
Ready to volunteer or sign up to cook? Sign up here.
Questions or would like to donate? Contact Nancy Wawrousek.
Thank you for helping us extend hospitality and compassion to our Durham neighbors!
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REMINDER: DUKE AFTER HOURS PARKING PASSES ARE AVAILABLE
If you would like to purchase a pass that works after 5pm on any weekday and all day Saturday and Sunday, you can request a night/weekend permit (or renew your existing permit) online. This After-Hours/Weekend Permit will allow you to park free in the evenings and weekends in the Bryan Center Garage ONLY (this pass does not include the metered parking spaces outside the garage).
- Go to this link: https://duke.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal
- Scroll down the page and select "GET PERMITS"
- Log into or create your account (if you do not have one already)
- Follow the instructions to obtain the permit, which is available for a charge of $5.15 (which covers the administrative and credit card processing fee)
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Note: If there is Event Parking in the garage, the After-Hours/Night Permit will not be valid – the Event Parking fee will need to be paid in order to park
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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.
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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS 🎉
Wishing everyone celebrating a birthday in October year filled with joy and God’s blessings we celebrate you!
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JOYS AND CONCERNS
Lois Oliver: A memorial service for Lois will be held at Duke Chapel next Tuesday, November 3 at 11:00 AM. Lois's service will be live-streamed by the Chapel (Online Link Here) and you may view her obituary here. Please continue to hold Lois's family and all those who cared for her close in your thoughts and prayers.
Mindy Erdmann: Our Assistant Pastor for Discipleship, Mindy Erdmann, will be preaching next 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.
Eileen Mitchell: Eileen Mitchell's husband, Don, passed away quietly on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 9 am. Don had been in memory care for the past 3 years. Please pray for Eileen and his family. A memorial service/concert is in the planning stages - more info to follow.
Kimberley Caulfeild: Kimberley has been released from the hospital and continues her rehabilitation at home. Harry's daughter, Hilarie, has provided a link where Congregation members can sign up to visit Kim and/or provide a meal: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/H4A2Q4N
Kate Courtney: Kate had maxillofacial surgery at Duke Hospital on Tuesday, October 27. the surgery went very well, and she is now recuperating at home under the loving care of her parnets.
Sydnor Patrick: Now at home following a brief hospitalization and gallbladder surgery.
Ann King: Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she prepares for an upcoming surgery.
Layne Baker: Remains in Pettigrew Rehabilitation Center.
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CHECK OUT EACH COMMITTEE'S MEETING
Committee Meetings listed below are open to all who wish to attend
Administration Committee
📍In Person and via Zoom
The Administration Committee meets the 1st Tuesday of the month in person and via Zoom. The Committee’s next meeting is next Tuesday, November 3.
Fellowship Committee
📍Congregation Office
The Fellowship Committee meets every 1st Sunday immediately after worship in the Congregation Office. The Committee’s next meeting this Sunday, November 1.
Mission & Outreach Committee
📍 Chapel Kitchen
The Mission & Outreach Committee meets every 1st Sunday immediately after worship in the Chapel Kitchen. The Committee’s next meeting is this Sunday, November 1.
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.
Education Committee
📍Chapel Kitchen
The Education Committee meets the 3rd Sunday every of every month 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.
Visitation & Care Ministry
📍 Congregation Office
The Visitation & Care Ministry meets every other month.
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eNEWS SUBMISSION REMINDER
All committees’ completed eNews submissions are due to Kirsten Ford by Monday at 5:00 PM.
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CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY
You can support the Congregation by giving online using the link below or by placing cash or a check (payable to The Congregation at Duke University Chapel) in the offering plate during worship. Offering envelopes are available at the Chapel entrances or from an usher. All offering gifts not designated for the Congregation will be used to support Duke Chapel and the Chapel's special mission projects.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
To request confidential prayer from members of the Prayer Ministry, please send your confidential request to the Prayer Ministry.
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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on events, volunteer opportunities, and community life. Have photos from volunteering, Bible study, or other gatherings? Share your favorite snapshots by uploading them to our shared photo folder using this link.
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Mailing Address
Box 90974, Durham, NC 27708-0974
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STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION AND INCLUSION
The Congregation at Duke University Chapel joyfully welcomes all persons regardless of age, race, class, origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other distinction and invites membership and participation in all of its ministries.
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