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Greetings!
As a congregation, we have an opportunity and blessing to support 11 Durham non-profit organizations and one global organization, Zoe Ministries. Many of these organizations are Christian in origin and address food, clothing, social services, temporary housing, justice system support, literacy, community engagement, and re-entry assistance through job training and employment. The broader global outreach is with ZOE ministries by empowering orphaned youth in Zimbabwe through economic independence and community acceptance.
The Congregation’s contributions are in the form of grants, service projects and back pew collections. In the spirit of stewardship, we make a significant and positive impact by those affiliated with these organizations.
In addition to the Congregation’s partnership in providing grants to local organizations, Congregation members can visit each of the non-profit organizations and participate in monthly service projects that directly impact on the lives of our neighbors, and which are centered around:
- Love for each other
- Compassion for all
- Practicing selflessness
- Sharing God’s peace and hope
Congregation members have an opportunity to contribute monthly by giving tangible items to these organizations through the back pew collections to help with such needs as:
- Providing school supplies and clothing for children
- Providing diapers for families in need
- Providing food and household products for those entering their homes for the first time
- Providing items to support projects related to food insecurities
To continue being the stewards we are called to be, please consider increasing your annual pledge to the Congregation, participating in a monthly service project, contributing and serving dinner at a monthly dinner at Urban Ministries of Durham and giving through the monthly back pew collections. All these efforts will allow us as fellow Christians the opportunity to provide even more compassionate care to local, national and international communities in need. Monitor our weekly e-news, Facebook, Instagram, and Sunday bulletin QR codes for ways to be more involved. Come join us in our local and international initiatives – our doors are always open.
With peace and many blessings,
Missions and Outreach Committee:
Robert Sills (Chair), Nancy Wawrousek, Dennis Donahue, Leslie Donahue, Jane Fellows, Maia Keller, Henry Perry, Walker Robinson, Catherine Scribner, Mary Tyrey, Lee Tyrey, Judi Vos, Dave Vos, Bruce Puckett and Ryan Wilson.
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EDUCATION CLASSES - 9:45am
ADULT FORUM: Brett Pardue, Visiting Researcher at Boston University School of Theology. 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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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.
October 25: Brett Pardue, Visiting Researcher at Boston University School of Theology - "The Gown Speaks First: What the Church Hears Before a Sermon Begins"
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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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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. We apologize for the discussion plan miscommunication. Please note our adjusted schedule: discussion begins Wednesday, October 28, covering the beginning of the book through chapter 3. Two groups meet by Zoom, one at 10:00 am led by Eliza Ferguson and one at 7:00 pm led by Ryan Wilson. Both discuss the same reading, so choose whichever time works for you. The group is open to anyone interested in reading and talking about this book together. Come for one conversation or for all of them.
Wednesdays by Zoom | 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.
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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.
The Congregation at Duke University Chapel's annual budget is $420,855. The detailed budget and annual reports are available online and upon request to the Congregation office.
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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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Watch this space for upcoming events! | |
HELP SERVE DINNER AT URBAN MINISTRIES DURHAM
Each month, we prepare and serve dinner for our neighbors at Urban Ministries Durham. It's a simple way to offer a warm meal, fellowship, and care to our Durham community.
We still need 2 more lasagnas for Wednesday, October 28! Our goal is 18 party-size lasagnas (each serves about 12) to meet the growing need at the end of the month.
Cook: Prepare and deliver 1-2 lasagnas to 410 Liberty Street by 5:15 p.m. on October 28.
Serve: Help serve dinner from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on October 28. Six volunteers needed, and teens are welcome!
Donate: A lasagna costs about $15. Every contribution helps.
Sign up for October 28
Mark your calendar and join us again on Sunday, November 8, as we serve dinner to our neighbors.
Sign up for November 8
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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TURN THE VOLUME UP: A RACIAL EQUITY LUNCH
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. Spaces for this event are limited, so use this link to sign up soon and reserve your spot!
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YOUTH GROUP PARENT MEETING THIS SUNDAY AFTER WORSHIP
Mindy Erdmann, our Asst. Pastor for Discipleship, invites all Youth Group Families to join her in the Chapel Kitchen for lunch after worship this Sunday, November 15, to dream about the future of the Congregation Youth Group.
With a goal to establish some long-term plans so our kids have a consistent and intentional experience as they grow in their faith through middle and high school, Mindy has been working with the Youth Ministry Team and Pastor Ryan to align the youth program with the vision for the entire Congregation. She would love to hear from all of you, and find out what you and your children would like to see happen with the youth program.
Part of this discussion will also be plans for Confirmation, which has been a tradition for the Congregation in the past. We are excited to continue this important tradition again in the spring of 2027. If you are hoping to have your children confirmed in the church (or baptized, if they have not already been baptized), we will have more information to share about what that will look like at the luncheon.
Please sign up using this link to let us know you will join us. Also, if you know of other parents connected to the Chapel with 6th-12th graders who are interested in confirmation or the youth group but are currently not members of or involved with the Congregation, feel free to share this information with them, as we would like to invite any families who attend worship at the Chapel and have 6th-12th graders to be a part of this discussion.
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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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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 is being planned at Duke Chapel on Tuesday, November 3 at 11:00 AM. You may view Lois's obituary here. Please hold Lois's family and all those who cared for her close in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mindy Erdmann: Our Assistant Pastor for Discipleship, Mindy Erdmann, will be preaching on 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: Continues her rehabilitation at Duke Hospital following a stroke in early October.
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
Education Committee
📍Chapel Kitchen
The Education Committee will meet this Sunday, October 25, after worship at 12:15pm 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.
Administration Committee
📍In Person and via Zoom
The Administration Committee meets the 1st Tuesday of the month immediately following in person and via Zoom.
Fellowship Committee
📍Congregation Office
The Fellowship Committee meets every 1st Sunday immediately following worship in the Congregation Office. The next meeting is Sunday, November 1.
Mission & Outreach Committee
📍 Chapel Kitchen
The Mission & Outreach Committee meets every 1st Sunday immediately following worship in the Chapel Kitchen. The next meeting is Sunday, November 1.
Racial Equity Group
📍 In person and via Zoom
The Racial Equity Group meets the 1st Thursday of every month. Please contact Mindy for meeting location and with any question.
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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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