The Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church

Transcription

1 The Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church March 6, 2016 Fourth Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday Becoming Aware Unlike a fairy tale, the parable provides no happy ending. Instead, it leaves us face to face with one of life s hardest spiritual choices: to trust or not to trust in God s all-forgiving love. I myself am the only one who can make that choice. ~Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming The Return of the Prodigal Son, Rembrandt Welcome to Binkley! Binkley Baptist Church is a community of faith on a journey that calls for questioning, humility, and conviction. As followers of Jesus, we embrace spiritual growth, mutual care, and service, assured that as we serve our neighbors, we joyfully serve God. Intentionally inclusive, we welcome people of all races, sexual orientations, and cultures, respecting diverse religious experiences within the church and beyond. We invite others to join us in our commitment to peace, justice, and care for creation. In a spirit of Christian love, we welcome you. GATHERING RINGING OF THE SANCTUS BELL Some traditions ring Sanctus Bells to call worshippers attention to the holy. (Sanctus means holy or sacred. ) Today, the Sanctus Bell rings to signify the holy around, among, and within us. PRELUDE Pastorale J.S. Bach INTROIT Lamb of God Daniel Gawthrop Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us. Grant us peace.

2 * CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Be glad in our God and rejoice, O righteous ones. Shout for joy, all you upright in heart. All: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Therefore, we worship our God, and rejoice. Leader: In Christ, we become as a new creation. Everything old has passed away. See how God makes things new. All: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven and whose lives become new. Through our worship, we praise God who makes us new. Amen. * HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling 517 BEECHER * INVOCATION AND OUR LORD S PRAYER Dale Osborne Our Mother Father God, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, As we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Marcus McFaul WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (Please pass the Friendship Registers found on each row. Complete the requested information and then pass it back down the row. Thank you for worshipping with us at Binkley!) LISTENING PRAYING GIVING THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON II Corinthians 5: THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32 Pastor: This is the Gospel of Christ. All: Thanks be to God. CONFESSION OF SIN O God, we know that you have given us the ministry of reconciliation and have called us to be ambassadors for Christ. Yet, we have often examined the sin in others and not embraced them in your love. Instruct us and teach us the way to go in your love. Show us how to regard others not from the limits of a human point of view, but to see them through the eyes of love divine. Amen.

3 SILENCE AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON Sisters and brothers, God is at work in us and with us! Hear the promise of God: confess our transgressions to our God who forgives the guilt of our sin. Even when we are still far off from what we are called by God to be, our Father-Mother God sees us and is filled with compassion. God rejoices over each of us: This son, this daughter of mine was dead and is alive again, lost and is found! Amen. THE PASTORAL PRAYER Stephanie Ford CALL FOR THE OFFERING Brothers and sisters, we have been called to manifest God s righteousness and to be ambassadors of Christ s love. Our financial offering is one of the ways we are able to carry out God s purpose for our ministry together. Give generously as God gives generously to us. ANTHEM AT THE OFFERTORY Marcus McFaul I Will Arise and Go to Jesus arr. David Lantz III Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore. Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love and pow r. I will arise and go to Jesus; he will embrace me in his arms; in the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms. Come ye thirsty, come, and welcome, God s free bounty glorify; true belief and true repentance, every grace that brings you nigh. Let not conscience make you linger, nor of fitness fondly dream; all the fitness he requireth is to feel your need of him. * DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow 47 Please sign with the leader or simply sing. OLD HUNDREDTH Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. In keeping with liturgical tradition, during Lent we will refrain from singing the Alleluia version of the Doxology, as well as hymns with Alleluias, until Easter morning. SERMON AND SUPPER SERMON Prodigal Wanderings, Prodigious Grace Marcus McFaul INVITATION TO THE TABLE During communion today we will sing Softly and Tenderly (No. 340) and Just As I Am (No. 339). We will celebrate the Lord s Supper by moving forward to stations and receiving the bread then dipping it into the cup. The back row in each section will begin our observance. Please exit the pew to the right side and return by the left side.

4 THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION THE BINKLEY CHURCH COVENANT (UNISON) Professing our faith in Jesus Christ, we covenant with God and one another to live together as members of this church in obedience to God's will as it has been and shall be made known to us. As part of the body of Christ throughout the world, we promise to express our faithfulness to Christ in love for one another and for the whole of God's creation. The Spirit of God assisting us, we further promise to attend the services of this congregation, observe its sacraments, support its mission to all people, practice faithful stewardship of our possessions and be conscientious caretakers of the Earth, endeavoring always to be a fruitful body of Christians. * AN INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP Amazing Grace 546 NEW BRITAIN If you wish to become a member of Binkley Baptist Church today, you are invited to come forward during the hymn to be welcomed and received. * RECEPTION AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS 341 * BLESSING AND BENEDICTION * CHORAL RESPONSE Amen Daniel Gawthrop POSTLUDE Cwm Rhondda arr. Held Upon leaving the Sanctuary, please be mindful of those choosing to use the Postlude as their final act of worship. We are grateful for the musical gifts offered today by The Chancel Choir; Anne Huffman, conductor; Caryl Thomason Price, mezzo soprano; and Janice Pope, organist.

5 Guests, welcome! Please provide your contact information in the Friendship Register so we can get to know you better. We are so glad you have chosen to worship with us today. The flowers on the communion table are given by Marge Miles in memory of Lew Miles and in thanksgiving for Spring. Hearing assistance devices and children s worship bags are available in the Narthex before service begins. Music reprinted by permission under OneLicense.net A Thank you for serving in the Nursery Jeanine Gangloff, Hser Ku, Julie Nutter, and Tay Nay Sar. * The Congregation standing as each is able. The mission of Binkley Baptist Church is building compassionate and joyful community, freely exploring spiritual paths, and pursuing justice and peace in the way of Jesus.

6 THE INVITATION TO CHRIST S TABLE Holy Communion is a sacred and central part of Christian worship. It is a holy act, in which we, individually and corporately, commune with the Loving God. We welcome all who desire a deepened relationship with Christ to the Communion table. From time to time, questions arise concerning the participation of young children in this congregation s service of Holy Communion. The Diaconate recognizes that two historic Baptist principles inform this decision. Baptists are set apart from many other Christian traditions by our practice of Believer s Baptism, which signifies full membership in the church. Traditionally, many Baptist churches encourage persons to receive the Communion bread and cup for the first time after they have been baptized. At the same time, our historic insistence on Soul Liberty reminds us that Baptists value and respect each believer s unique and personal relationship with God. The Diaconate thus recommends that all members of Binkley continue to deepen their understanding of the meaning of Holy Communion, and that families enter into a time of discernment concerning when their children are able to appreciate the sacred nature of Communion. We affirm the responsibility of all believers to determine whether and when they and their children will partake of the Communion elements as we all participate in the service of Communion. THE DISCRETIONARY FUND Today you are invited to make a special offering to the Pastor Discretionary Fund. This fund allows Binkley to support our church and community members who are in financial crisis. Earmark any checks Discretionary Fund in the item section. Envelopes are available in the chair racks.

7 THIS WEEK AT BINKLEY Sunday 03/06 8:45 am Early Worship Chapel 9:30 am Church School 11:00 am Worship Sanctuary 12:15 pm Church in Conference Sanctuary 12:45 pm Dana Trent Deacon Family Lunch Lounge 12:45 pm College and Career Group Lunch Alfredo s 3:00 pm Hilda Moffitt Memorial Service Sanctuary 4:00 pm Carol Woods Worship 6:00 pm Youth Group SR/Lounge Monday 03/07 6:00 pm Faith Connections Sunroom 7:00 pm Diaconate Lounge Tuesday 03/08 10:00 am Staff Meeting Library 1:00 pm Sermon Shaping Library 7:00 pm Kerygma Bible Studay Lounge Wednesday 03/09 9:00 am Morning Prayer Chapel 12:30 pm Primetimers Lounge 1:00 pm Lent with John O Donohue Chapel 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Series Lounge 6:00 pm Children s Choir Room 15 6:00 pm Discipleship Class Pocket Room/Library 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Choir Room Thursday 03/10 5:30 pm Bell Choir Choir Room 7:00 pm Finance Committee Library Friday 03/11 3:00 pm Lenten Silence Chapel 7:30 pm Binkley Readers Library Sunday 03/13 8:45 am Early Worship Chapel 9:30 am Church School 9:15 am Old Time Gospel Band Choir Room 11:00 am Worship Sanctuary 12:15 pm Lunch and Learn with Transition Team Fellowship Hall 3:30 pm Blessing for Judy Sordean Sanctuary 6:00 pm Peace and Justice Action Library 6:00 pm Youth Group Sunroom/Lounge YOU ARE INVITED TO TODAY 12:15 pm, Sanctuary: Church in Conference will be held to vote on 2016 Council positions, followed by a discussion regarding the Search and Call committee formation process. TODAY 12:45 pm, Alfredo s: College and Career Group will meet for lunch today. Mar. 7 & 14 6:30 pm, Sunroom: A Relentless Hope Book Group Binkley will host a 3-evening book group, from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Sunroom. We ll discuss A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression. The author, Gary Nelson, shares his

8 son's depression and anxiety as a teen. Dr. Nelson is the keynote speaker for the Faith Connections on Mental Illness conference on April 1 (see more information below). For information on Dr. Nelson and his book, visit survivingteendepression.com. A small number of the books are available for $8.00 through Stephanie Ford. Please indicate your wish to attend the book group by replying to stephanie@binkeychurch.org. Mar. 9 12:30 pm, Lounge: Primetimers Program: North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, presented by Lisa Price. We will meet for lunch ($8) then program. A sign-up sheet is located on Dale Osborne's door, or contact the office. To come just for the program, please sign up noting no meal so we can have a chair for you. For more information contact Barbara Harris at barbharris99@gmail.com. Mar. 9 & 16 1:00 pm, Chapel: Lent with John O Donohue Please join a small group reflecting on the writings of the Celtic poet and philosopher John O'Donohue. Wednesdays: March 9 and 16; 1:00-2:15 pm in the Chapel. Please RSVP to Stephanie Ford, stephanie@binkleychurch.org. Mar. 9 5:30 pm, Lounge: Wednesday Night Series: Family Success Alliance. Join us this coming Wednesday to learn about a proactive alliance of partners working together in Orange County to strengthen the pipeline of success for children from cradleto-college and career. A team of four, which includes our own Stacy Shelp, will share its vision and progress. How might we at Binkley find ways to encourage and help our larger neighborhood? Childcare provided from 6-7:00 pm. Please reserve your space at dinner in the Friendship Register or contact the office by Tuesday noon. Dinner, 5:30 pm, all ages welcomed! Program, 6-7:00 pm. Mar. 11 3:00 pm, Chapel: Lenten Silence Join us in the chapel for silent prayer and reflection during Lent. There will be a short reading followed by 30 minutes of silence. If you must arrive late or leave early, you are still welcome but please enter and exit as quietly as possible. Contact Janet O Neal or Lori Cahill for more information. Mar. 13 3:30 pm, Sanctuary: A Blessing for Judy Sordean. Our beloved Binkley friend, Judy, is moving to Indianapolis at the end of March. Join us for this opportunity to offer our blessings, our hopes, and our memories to Judy--and give thanks for her presence among us and her adventure ahead. Mar. 11 7:30 pm, Library: Binkley Readers The group will discuss Guests on Earth by Lee Smith. All are welcome. Mar :15 pm, Fellowship Hall: Lunch and Learn A second Lunch and Learn conversation will focus on the lay and professional skill sets necessary for effectively carrying out the key components of our ministry and mission programs for our future. We hope that you will attend and help shape the future of our faith community. Apr. 1 9:00 am, St. Thomas More: Growing Up in Faith with Mental Illness, a one-day conference offered by Faith Connections on Mental Illness in conjunction with AHEC, will be held at St. Thomas More Church in Chapel Hill, 9-4:30. The program

9 features Gary Nelson, DMin from West Virginia, author of A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression. Other presentations include Jack Naftel, MD, Understanding Mental Illness in Childhood and Adolescence; Youth M.O.V.E; a parent panel; one church s effort to raise mental health awareness, and other expert speakers. Early Bird registration is $35 until 3/14 or $75 for optional professional credit via Wake AHEC. Breakfast and lunch included. Register online at wakeahec.org; visit faithconnectionsonmentalillness.org for details. There will be a waiting list; sign up soon! Apr. 10 CROP WALK Put spring in your step and start planning for the CROP WALK. You can go to the CROP WALK website crophungerwalk.org/chapelhillnc/team/view/18161/binkley-church to join our team, sponsor a walker on the team (just click on the name of the walker), or DONATE to the general Binkley team. Binkley s CROP WALK team captains will be in the narthex beginning Sunday March 13 to give CROP WALK packets to walkers collecting cash and check donations (non-online), to accept donations for the team, and sell some awesome CROP WALK T-shirts. Join this fun and rewarding walk and help us reach our 2016 goal of $4,500. YOU ARE INVITED TO GIVE: You may have noticed that our Lenten crosses are now hanging in the sanctuary. Please take the time to read the wonderful stories behind each of these crosses. The Fine Arts Committee has taken pictures of the twelve crosses, as well as two photos of the St. Francis statue in the courtyard garden, and had them made into notecards. The cards are available for purchase on Sundays during Lent: $20 for the set of 12 crosses, and $3 for the St. Francis notecards. After covering the cost of producing the notecards, all proceeds will be contributed to the Pastor s Discretionary Fund. Wanted: Binkley Cottage Meeting Hosts The Transition Team is seeking at least 15 Binkley members throughout the Triangle to host a discussion group in their home sometime between April The purpose of these cottage events is to engage 8-10 people in a discussion of the desired gifts of the next "settled pastor" for Binkley Church. The discussions will be facilitated. The host would provide space and light refreshments. To volunteer, please contact Tonya Hamm (tonyasusan@aol.com or ) or Charles Coble ( or ccoble2@gmail.com). We hope to hear from you soon! Service and Spiritual Gifts: We are entering a season in which many opportunities for service at Binkley will become available: New positions on the Church Council, which begins its new year in March; election of new deacons in April; and election of our Search and Call Committee to select our new Senior Minister. Please spend some time thinking prayerfully about YOUR spiritual gifts and how you may serve at Binkley at this time in a way that makes your heart sing! Remember that we are all part of the Body of Christ here and that YOUR particular gifts are very important to the whole!

10 Saving Energy When reconvening the Earth Ministries Committee last summer, we focused first on energy conservation. Many people in the church have worked on this by: Assisting in an energy audit conducted by the Interfaith Council of NC Researching the benefits and then securing Church Council approval for purchasing a centralized thermostat control system Installing many LED light bulbs Installing a new energy saving refrigerator in the kitchen Installing overhead fans in the kitchen - that also increases the comfort of kitchen volunteers Planning to increase signage in our building about energy conservation Producing Energy Now we are proposing a focus on producing energy by installing solar panels on Binkley Church. Since we first introduced this idea in October, Earth Ministries met twice with our Church Council, which enthusiastically granted permission to present our proposal to the congregation. Our rooftop can accommodate up to 100 panels. However, we have set a goal to install 35 solar panels at a cost of $40,000. On this Valentine s Day we are proposing to raise this amount by way of a Love Offering for the Earth. Why do this? This will reduce our carbon footprint and help do our part in reducing global warming This will be a public statement by Binkley about our commitment to renewable energy, as we join a growing number of churches that are doing the same This will make a statement about our commitment to social justice, since THE GREENING OF BINKLEY Solar Panel Initiative global warming hits the poor hardest here and around the world This will reduce our energy bill an estimated $52,000 over 25 years The Binkley Church Solar Initiative How do you give? We have set February 14-March 20 as the time for fundraising on this project. Be sure to list solar panels on your checks. This will allow us to keep these gifts separate from regular gifts to our church budget, and will be used only for solar panels. You may mail your gift or place it in the offering plate. Are there tax deductions? Your donation will, of course, be eligible for a standard tax deduction to a non-profit, just as your other financial gifts to Binkley Church. The state eliminated additional tax deductions for solar panels last year. There are no federal tax deductions that apply to your donation to this initiative. When will the solar panels be installed? When we have finished our fundraising, Yes! Solar Solutions (the company installing the panels) will apply for the necessary permits and proceed quickly to get us operating. What will be the impact of 35 solar panels? Save mining and burning 11,000 lbs of coal annually, or Reduce the amount of CO 2 produced annually equal to car miles, or Reduce the release of over lbs of CO 2 annually. The solar panels should function past 25 years, but with reduced efficiency. We urge everyone to participate and make this church-wide project. All gifts are welcome and all individual gifts are returnable should that become necessary.

11 Binkley Women s Retreat 2016: Celtic Spirituality April 1-3, Trinity Center (Salter Path, NC) Join Binkley friends, old and new, for a time of listening, laughter, learning, and beach-time. We ll be exploring Celtic spirituality, which emphasizes the Divine presence in nature, the sacredness of place, the kindred bonds of souls, and a creative synchrony in all of life. We begin with an informal, potluck supper on Friday evening and end on Sunday, just before lunch. Registration Forms can be found outside Stephanie Ford s door.

12 BINKLEY PRAYER CONCERNS & JOYS CHURCH FAMILY Karin Mills Jo Flair Swanson-Boyd family Bill Bodkin Allen Davidson Rachel Avery Meredith Bratcher Martha Henderson Claudia Cannady Edith Wiggins Caroline Lindsay Anne Fishel Ell Shelp-Peck Kara Richards-Baker Bessie McElveen Our condolences to Benson Hart whose sister, Sarah Hart Moore, died recently. Stuart and I want to thank you for reaching out to us and holding us in your hearts since my mother s death. We truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers and the comfort and consolation you have offered us. Thank you, Stewart HEALTH CENTER RESIDENTS AND THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Ernie Roberts Rusty Wagoner Marj Boltz Joan Ewing Ann Overton Margaret Atkins Nancy Joyner (UNC) EXTENDED FAMILY Taen & Scott Coats (Burma missionaries) Bill Moffitt Aaron Perkinson, USAF (Nape Baker) Nanh & Veo Siu (Ehn Rocham & Phyut Siu) Johnny O Neal (Janet O Neal) Walter Wills (Karen Van Manen) Mary Jane O Toole (Melissa Moore &Al Wheless) Torren Kudzal, US Army (Roal Carlson) Don Knight (Josiah & Myra Knight) Martin Radford (Geraldine & James King) Sarah Litchfield (Art Sherwood) David Houser (Lynn Houser) Kathy West (Lillian Lee) Tara Strickland (The Walker Family) Jean Stutts (Gary Stutts) Sharon Stevens (Nan Pardington) Dan McInnis (Gary Stutts) Bob Osborne (Osborne Family) Dirk Leiser (Mary Lou Smith) Charles Brewer (Emily Brewer) Ruby Switzer (Katherine Walker) Josie Mott (Ann Cockrell) Donna Tesh (Stephanie Ford) Scott Denton (Linda Denton) Marlene Carney (Julie Lentz) Jay Weston (Julie Lentz) David Snider (David and Martha Green) Shirley McFaul (Marcus McFaul) Binkley Baptist Church OUR STAFF Intentional Interim Minister Marcus McFaul marcus@binkleychurch.org Associate Minister Dale Osborne dale@binkleychurch.org Minister of Christian Formation Stephanie Ford stephanie@binkleychurch.org Minister of Music Daniel Cherrix daniel@binkleychurch.org Business Manager Duane Gilbert business@binkleychurch.org Office Manager Stephenie Sanders office@binkleychurch.org Minister Emeritus Robert E. Seymour Church Council Moderator Steve Jernigan steve.jernigan@gmail.com Diaconate Chair Libba Wells libba@creativebalance.com Transition Team tteam@binkleychurch.org