The Binkley Weekly Update
October 16, 2026
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From Our Director of Children and Youth Ministry:
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Friends,
My heart is full of gratitude for this community, especially as we step fully into this wonderful and busy season. How exciting to see the pumpkins in front of our church, and our neighbors stopping by to pick them up and chat! Roal Carlson always deserves a shout out, but particularly for his leadership over these few weeks.
As I was reading for this Sunday’s sermon, I found this Christian Century article by Debie Thomas. In it, she talks about a favorite part from C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when the lion Aslan plays and runs with the children. For those unfamiliar with the world of the Chronicles of Nania, Aslan is an allegory for God. Thomas writes about how moved she was to imagine God playing, and inviting us to join in.
This week, we celebrate Children’s Sabbath. This is a day when our kids lead us in worship, and together we pay attention to the ways God calls us to protect and love children all around the world. It’s a favorite Sunday of mine, and I hope you will join us. The theme of the day will be play, and how it is an invitation for all of us, no matter our age.
Another note: This past Sunday, Diane shared that I was approved for ordination over the weekend. Thank you so much for all of your supportive words, and for holding this joy with me. To have my friends Diane, Jess Stokes, and Claudia Templeton serve on the council was pure gift. It would be so meaningful to me to see you at the ordination service on October 30th at 6:30pm at Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham.
Thankful for you,
Claire
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From Our Executive Minister:
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Happy Friday, Binkley Family!
These are exciting days in the life of Binkley Baptist and we have much to celebrate:
Claire Dillashaw's upcoming ordination service,
the Pumpkin Patch in full swing,
the stewardship campaign launch,
the Resettlement Ministry housing another person,
Surpassing our fundraising goal for the Marcus McFaul Medical Debt Relief Fund,
. . . and so much more!
Along with the cooler weather there's a sense of possibility in the air, of new beginnings and new chapters. Can you feel it too?
I'd like to give a special shoutout to those of you who serve in any capacity, whether by being an usher or a choir member, a deacon or a pumpkin seller! You help make Binkley what it is: a place of love and service.
Love,
Rev. Kelsey
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As the Transition Team continues to coordinate with the staff and Leadership Team to identify the current needs amongst the church community, we are excited to formally hear from you!
Church‑Wide Conversations
We invite you to join us at one of the following opportunities to share and discuss your hopes, concerns, and needs for this time of transition. Thank you all for joining us during our recent sessions, held this past week, virtually and in-person. Each session is the same format. We have the following opportunities remaining:
- Sunday, October 18 - 12:30-1:30pm, Library
- Wednesday, October 21 - 6:00-7:00pm, Fellowship Hall
In preparation for our time together, we encourage you to reflect on three questions:
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What hopes and concerns do you bring to this time of transition at Binkley?
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What do you need from the Binkley community and leadership in order to grow in your faith during these next months?
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What gifts can you offer the community during this time of transition?
If you are not able to join us for a session, please feel free to answer the questions through the transition email list below. Your involvement in this process is valuable and appreciated - it is necessary for our success as a Church. If you are not able to join us at one of the above times, please do reach out to us at transition@binkleychurch.org to share your thoughts or to set up a time to talk. We are here to listen.
Staying Connected
As you have questions, ideas, hopes, or concerns about this season in the life of our church, we encourage you to reach out. Please use the transition@binkleychurch.org email to reach the Transition Team, along with members of the Leadership Team. Your voice matters, and your perspective strengthens our shared journey.
Please continue reading Together in Transition each week for updates as we move forward faithfully, thoughtfully, and together.
Transition Team
Jessica Stokes, Co‑Chair
Katie Cartmell, Co‑Chair
Nancy Cheek
Kevin Ramer
Carol Ripley-Moffitt
Matthew Ripley-Moffitt
Elizabeth Stroop
Binkley Leadership Team
Kelsey Vincent, Executive Minister
Alice Glover, Moderator
Alan Brown, Moderator‑Elect
Sue Wallace, Diaconate Chair
Roal Carlson, Diaconate Chair‑Elect
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION AT BINKLEY
Programs Concluding this Sunday
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Covering religious freedom and Binkley’s multiple affiliations with
American Baptists USA, the National Council of Churches, and more,
Herman Greene and Mike Hawkings will conclude their four-week class on
“Our Baptist Identity” this Sunday. This class meets in the Lounge at 9:45
am. Notes from the first three class are available here.
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Likewise, Nancy Davis will conclude her four-week class on “Crucial
Conversations” this Sunday. These are hard conversations in workplaces,
families, institutions, and with intimate partners that need to happen and
are difficult. This class will meet in the library. This class meets in the
Lounge at 9:45 am.
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Ty Hagler and Remy Vincent are leading an intergenerational “Doodles
and Discussions” class of indefinite duration in the Art Room. Adults,
children, and youth are welcome.
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Upcoming Programs
October 25 – Joint adult Sunday School Program on “Fragmentation, Separation and Erasure in Palestine.” Burhan Ghanayem, a Palestinian, and members of Binkley’s Apartheid-Free Working Group will present on the situation in Palestine, what our church is doing, and whatwe all can do.
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The Children's Sunday School Lesson This week:
This Sunday the children will practice their roles for Children's Sabbath Worship for about 30 minutes. Then, they will go to the Sunroom for a brief SS Lesson. They will listen to the book Red Kite, Blue Kite, by Ji li Jiang. This is a true story about a father and son using kites to communicate with each other during China's Cultural Revolution. We will make origami kites and have a snack of muffins while we discuss the story. Looking forward to a productive day!
| | Children & Youth Activities | | |
October 18:
Children:
Chapel @ 9
Sunday School @9:45
Worship@ 11
Youth:
Chapel @ 9
Sunday School@ 9:45
Worship @ 11
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October 25:
Children:
Chapel @ 9
Sunday School @9:45
Worship with Children @ 11
Youth:
Chapel @ 9
Sunday School @9:45
Worship @ 11
| | Please remember to wear your name tag on Sundays! If you need a new one, there is a sign up on the welcome desk, and Beth Ann with get it made by the following week. | | | Worship @ 11:00 am, In-Person & Livestream | | | We will livestream the service at 11 am on our website, Facebook, and YouTube. You choose which platform works best for you. After the livestream has ended, you can view the service at your leisure on Facebook or YouTube. | | |
YOU ARE INVITED!
Join other Binkley Women who are interested in envisioning the future of Binkley Women’s Retreats.
When: Sunday, Oct. 18, 12:30pm. Where: Church Lounge
The Binkley Women’s Retreats are at a crossroads. Reflection, conversation and planning are needed around the question: Where do we go from here re: these beloved retreats? There are logistical questions: location, time of year, costs, the retreats’ place in the annual Binkley budget, retreat leadership. There are thematic questions: what brings Binkley women together for (or prevents them from) a weekend of community? What retreat themes would Binkley women find helpful, educational, inspirational, spiritually nourishing?
Your participation in a Binkley Women’s Retreats Vision Team does not commit you to planning
the next retreat!
Whether a seasoned retreater, a one or two timer, or retreat curious, you are welcome to join in!
Questions? Contact Susan Rogers at susan@binkleychurch.org
919-597-8685, or Julianah Hicks, at julianah476@gmail.com 919-423-3500.
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Take a moment to listen to the Radio Interview about the Marcus McFaul Medical Debt Relief Fund at this link!
| | This photography exhibit will come down at the end of October. Don't miss your chance to look around and enjoy the beauty. | |
Binkley Senior Adult Ministry Updates
from Diane Eubanks Hill, Minister with Senior Adults
We look forward to opportunities for community, learning and inspiration in the coming months!
Aging in Community led by April Kemper gathered on Wednesday Oct 14. They enjoyed reciting a poem from memory, practicing standing/sitting exercises, Qigong movements led by Carole Breckenridge, and tossing a ball back and forth. All things to help their brains.
This group gathers next on Wednesday November 18 at 10:30 in the Sun room. In the Thanksgiving spirit, folks will share one thing that they are grateful for. Please contact April with questions or ideas (aek913@gmail.com). Drop-ins are always welcome to this group with gathers in the Sun Room.
Back Porch Book Discussion - Last Monday - a beautiful morning! - nine of us gathered on my back porch for brunch and to share thoughts and ideas generated from our reading of Parker Palmer's On the Brink of Everything - Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. Thanks to all who participated! We're considering a focus book for a spring gathering. Please share your suggestions with me or with a Planning Team member.
Save the Dates:
· Wednesday, December 2, 11:00 a.m., concluding with lunch. Conversation with Duke geriatrician Mitch Heflin, MD, regarding updates on diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer’s and other memory issues. If you have specific questions that you'd like for me to share with Dr. Heflin, please send them my way. Watch for registration information in The November Beacon.
· Wednesday, December 16, 10:30 a.m. - Christmas Sing-Along, followed by lunch provided by Karin and Linda! Registration for this event also will appear in the November Beacon.
The Senior Adult Planning Team meets next on November 9. All events offered by Binkley’s Senior Adult Ministry are open to anyone interested, no matter the age. Questions or ideas? Contact a Senior Adult Planning Team member: Ann Brock, Tonya Hamm, Buck Horton, April Kemper, Denise Laux, Craig Meisner, Elizabeth Perry, Betty Prioux, Sheryl Scrimsher, Dennis Will or Diane Eubanks Hill, Minister with Senior Adults.
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We have November dates available!
| More about Kristin Bradley-Bull here. | |
Save the Date! The Binkley Alternative Gift Fair and Holiday Party is set for Sunday December 6, following the 11am worship service. Open to the community and other faith partners, we have dozens of vendors (and excellent causes to support), festive music and food. Give the Gift that Gives back!
The Medical Debt Relief Working Group is collecting holiday apparel and new or gently used decorations that will be used to support the Marcus McFaul Medical Debt Relief Fund. (contact Carol Miller for more information, cmillerlong@gmail.com or 202-378-7662).
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5 Calls
Make your voice heard.
5 Calls is the easiest and most effective way for U.S. constituents to make a political impact.
For more information, and to start calling,
here is the website:
https://5calls.org/
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Our Wider Community
Click the links for more information
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Support Binkley Preschool
Click HERE to learn the various ways you can support Binkley preschool through linking loyalty cards, purchasing from specific merchants, and purchasing holiday greenery.
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IFC Newsletter available here. | | |
Submissions for the November Newsletter are due by:
October 19
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Submissions for the weekly bulletin and Friday Update are due by:
Wednesday at Noon
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