THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH

Transcription

1 THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH NOVEMBER 19, 2017 THE TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST BECOMING AWARE Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer. -Rainer Maria Rilke- From the place where we are right Flowers will never grow in the Spring. The place where we are right Is hard and trampled like a yard. But doubts and loves dig up the world Like a mole, a plough, And a whisper will be heard in the place Where the ruined house once stood -Yehuda Amichai- GATHERING RINGING OF THE SANCTUS BELL VOLUNTARY Great is Thy Faithfulness arr. Martha Lynn Thompson The text is that of hymn 86. INTROIT Simple Gifts arr. Robert W. Lehman 'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free 'tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, and when we find ourselves in the place just right, 'twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gain'd, to bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd, to turn, turn will be our delight, Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.

2 * CALL TO WORSHIP Stephanie Ford One: Goodness fills the earth, and we are grateful for gifts seen and unseen. Many: We give thanks for constant rhythms, for returning cycles, for the turn of seasons, and the colors of autumn. One: We give thanks for mystery, for questions, for this imperfect and tragic life that brings us great pain and great joy. All: We gather to share stories, search out meaning, and find inspiration for the journey. May we open ourselves to wonder, like wind upon the waters. * HYMN Wind Upon the Waters 247 WIND UPON THE WATERS * INVOCATION * PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST One: The peace of Christ be with you! Many: And also with you! Please greet one another with this ancient sign of welcome and extension of hospitality and peace. * SONG OF PRAISE Gloria WESTMINSTER ABBEY ANTHEM A Little Song of Thanks Winnagene Hatch Thanks to God for earth, and air and sky and sea; God gave the light its birth, and God made me. God made the grass and flowers, fruit and tree. The day and night to pass: God cares for me. God in heav n, to you we re raising songs of love and songs of praising for the love that from our birth blesses all who dwell on earth! God made the sun and moon and stars to be a light to guide our way, and God made me. God is all things, to earth and sky and sea; each changing season brings God s love to me! Thanks to God who from our birth blesses all who dwell on earth. Now thank we all our God!

3 WELCOME & 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! CENTERING CALL TO PRAYER PRAYER FOR SILENT REFLECTION We pray to the Loving Mystery, who comes to us as one unknown. We pray by opening ourselves to sky, to earth, to sun, to moon, and to the one whole voice that is Spirit, even though we know there is more that we can t see or hear. We pray as swimmers dare to lie face to the sky and water bears them, as hawks rest upon air and air sustains them. So would we learn to attain freefall, and float into Creator Spirit s deep embrace, knowing no effort earns that all-surrounding grace. May all be finished in beauty. May all be finished in beauty. ~Adapted from poems by Denise Levertov, Joy Harjo, and Navajo Song SOLO Now I Walk in Beauty Navajo Chant Now I walk in beauty, beauty is before me. Beauty is behind me, above and below me. SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE LISTENING THE HEBREW LESSON Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 4: 9-12, 9:11 Denise Cumbee Long THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 17: One: This is the Gospel of Christ. Sheryl Scrimsher, lector Many: Thanks be to God. THE EPISTLE LESSON I Corinthians 13: 1-2, 8-13 * HYMN We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky 684 HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING SERMON Doubts and Loves: Denise Cumbee Long Further Thoughts on the Journey

4 RESPONDING * LITANY In Praise of Uncertainty One: We look with uncertainty beyond the old choices and the need for clearcut answers to a softer, more permeable aliveness. All: Something new is being born in us. We stand at a doorway, awaiting that which comes. One: We dare to be human creatures, singing of doubts and loves, vulnerable to the beauty of existence. We dare to tear down false structures, theological idols, all that protects the untrue at the expense of integrity and goodness. All: Yet, we also hold on to faith, hope, and love. Spirit breathes life into dry bones. The world is re-enchanted. Love prevails. PRESENTING TO GOD OUR GIFTS AND OURSELVES OFFERTORY ANTHEM AT THE OFFERTORY Appalachian Lord s Prayer Rick Sowash Beloved God, beyond the mountains, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kin-dom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heav'n. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation. Deliver us, we pray, from evil, for Thine is the kin-dom, the pow'r of morning, the sunset glory, now and forever more. Amen. * DOXOLOGY Please sign with the leader or simply sing. LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below, Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

5 ENDING AND BEGINNING OUR SERVICE TO GOD * AN INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP * HYMN OF INVITATION Shalom Chaverim 438 If you wish to become a member of Binkley Baptist Church, you are invited to come forward during the hymn to be welcomed and received. SHALOM * RECEPTION & INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS 341 * BENEDICTION RESPONSE TO THE BENEDICTION The Lord Bless You and Keep You The text is that of hymn 446. Peter C. Lutkin VOLUNTARY Prelude on Simple Gifts Wilbur Held Upon leaving the Sanctuary, please be mindful of those choosing to use the Voluntary as their final act of worship. Guests, welcome! We are so glad you have chosen to worship with us today. Please leave us your information in the Friendship Register so we can get to know you better. The flowers of the communion table are given by Barbara Harris with thanksgiving for family and friends, and hope for peace and reconciliation in our church, our country and our world. About today s guest preacher: Denise Cumbee Long is the Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County. Previously, Denise served as the Executive Director of International House, a nonprofit organization in Charlotte serving immigrants and refugees. She also directed a statewide loan repayment assistance program for public interest attorneys and a domestic violence agency in Louisburg. Denise was ordained by the United Church of Christ and holds JD and MDiv degrees. She served as interim senior pastor at Binkley Baptist Church from She and her husband Bruce Holliday live in Flat Rock where they enjoy hiking on mountain trails with their two dogs. We are grateful for the musical gifts offered today by The Bell Choir; The Children s Choir; The Chancel Choir; Caryl Thomason-Price, mezzo-soprano; and Jenny Walters, flute. Hearing assistance devices and children s worship bags are available in the Narthex before the service begins. Music reprinted by permission under OneLicense.net A Thank you for serving in the Nursery Heather McCuiston, Hser Ku, and Hannah Wall. * The Congregation standing as each is able.

6 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. 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. THIS WEEK AT BINKLEY Sunday 11/19 9:00 am Morning Celebration Lounge 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship: Denise Cumbee Long preaching Sanctuary 12:15 pm Church in Conference Sanctuary 5:00 pm Youth Choir Choir Room 6:00 pm Youth Group Sunroom/Lounge 7:00 pm Sanctuary Meeting Library Monday 11/20 7:00 pm Adult Christian Formation Team Library 7:00 pm Church Council Lounge Tuesday 11/21 9:30 am Staff Meeting Library 1:00 pm Sermon Shaping Library Wednesday 11/22 Binkley serves lunch and dinner at IFC 9:00 am Morning Prayer Chapel Thursday 11/23 Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday Friday 11/24 Office Closed Sunday 11/26 9:00 am Morning Celebration Lounge 9:30 am Church School 11:00 am Worship: Nancy Petty preaching Sanctuary 12:15 pm Alternative Gifts Fair Fellowship Hall 5:00 pm Youth Choir Choir Room CHURCH IN CONFERENCE POST-WORSHIP, TODAY, SANCTUARY: Please plan to remain in the Sanctuary after worship today to participate in an important Church in Conference. The agenda is to consider and vote on a petition to accept the recommendation of the Minister Search Committee to invite Dr. Marcus McFaul to a week of interaction with the congregation and a sermon, to be followed by a vote on December 10th to call him as Binkley's settled pastor.

7 ALTERNATIVE GIFTS FAIR Nov. 26, Post-worship, Fellowship Hall. The AGF is an opportunity for you to learn, share, and support a compassionate and joyful community through your Christmas giftgiving. Non-profit groups from Chapel Hill and the surrounding area are invited to fill the fellowship hall with information and opportunities for your alternative Christmas shopping. Come with your checkbooks and come with good cheer. There will be free food! See today s bulletin insert for a list of participating organizations. HANGING OF THE GREENS Chili Makers Needed: Can you bring a pot of chili to share on Sunday afternoon, December 3? We will gather that afternoon to decorate the church and create Christmas crafts, but at the end of the activity, we will be HUNGRY! If you are willing to bring a pot of chili or a pan of cornbread, please call or Claudia Templeton at or , or claudiatempleton4@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for your help. YOGA FUNDRAISER FOR THE IFC Dec. 6, 9:00 am, Holy Trinity Lutheran: Please join us for our annual fundraiser to help the IFC serve our neighbors in need this holiday season. This beginner-level class will use basic yoga postures to create warmth and openness in the body and deep breathing to bring calm and clarity to the mind. A $10 donation is suggested, but all are welcome regardless of resources. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church fellowship hall, corner of Rosemary Street and Pickard Lane, downtown Chapel Hill. Contact Rebecca Chilton at or rebeccaincarrboro@gmail.com for more information. Binkley to Host Racial Equity Institute Training Jan ; Register by Nov. 30 The Racial Equity Institute (REI) is an alliance of trainers, organizers, and institutional leaders who devote themselves to the work of creating racially equitable organizations and systems. Through training and consultation, they help organizations develop tools to challenge patterns of power and grow equity. REI workshops in Orange County have been organized and hosted by Orange OAR (Organizing Against Racism) since Binkley Baptist Church is pleased to work with Orange OAR to co-host this workshop by providing space and volunteers. We hope a large number from our community will choose to participate so that we might learn together. See your Friday Update for a link to more information and to register. FROM THE STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITTEES We recognize that we are struggling as a Binkley family right now, and understandably many of us are hurting to the point where it is not possible to carefully and prayerfully consider our financial pledge to the church at this time. As such, the Finance and Stewardship Committees have decided to delay the Walk of Faith until the time when it can serve as a positive coming together for the Binkley Family in affirmation and support of our mission to pursue peace and justice in the way of Jesus. There is no deadline for this to happen, but we have hope and faith that it will happen. We have all received pledge cards and a letter from the Stewardship committee in the mail. Anyone is still welcome to mail or drop their completed pledge card in the offering plate if they choose to do so at this time. The Stewardship committee will gladly receive your pledges. The Finance committee is planning to arrange for a continuation budget to carry us through the first part of 2018 with the expectation that we will not have our full number of pledges in place as we enter the New Year. When the congregation is ready to come together for the Walk of Faith, the Finance committee will develop a full budget proposal for This budget will be reviewed and voted on by the congregation following Binkley s procedures. We need all of us to continue our generous giving to Binkley during this time at our current levels. Even a family that is hurting and in disarray still has bills that must be paid. We do not need to add financial stress to the emotional stress that our church family is experiencing. Our continued giving will ensure that we can pay the building mortgage and utilities, the salaries of our staff, and keep our outreach commitments so that we can more clearly focus on the work and healing that needs to take place.

8 BINKLEY PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS CHURCH FAMILY Allen Davidson Rachel Avery Meredith Bratcher Jo Flair Alex Swanson-Boyd Edith Wiggins Priscilla Bratcher John Holt Our condolences to the family of Binkley member Don Hamm who died on November 15, Service arrangements will be announced as they are made available. Congratulations to Andrew Pike, son of Rev. Jim and Susan Pike, (former pastor at Binkley). This month Andrew, 38, celebrates the 30th anniversary of his heart transplant and next summer he will celebrate the 15th anniversary of his kidney transplant. He is doing very well! With deep gratitude for the support of the Binkley family over many years, the Pikes encourage all to support the life-giving gifts of organ transplantation. HEALTH CENTER RESIDENTS AND THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Ann Overton Carolyn Kozelka Bill Bodkin Martha Henderson Don Hamm Bill Moffitt Jim Greene EXTENDED FAMILY Nanh & Veo Siu (Ehn Rocham & Phyut Siu) Ron & Sharon Hull and family (Vicki Shafer) The Binkley Church Council The Binkley Diaconate Bill Elcome & Karen Koop (Barbara Harris) Dean Johnson (Terry Huneycutt-Horn) Maria de la Mata Bruno (Maribel Bruno) Aaron Perkinson, USAF (Nape Baker) David Houser (Lynn Houser) Pinheiro Baptist Church, Maceio, Brazil Jesse & Mary Ann Cantrell (Stuart Cantrell) Joan Hammond (Tim Bradshaw) Tara Strickland (The Walker Family) Torren Kudzal, US Army (Roal Carlson) Diane Kudla (Marge Miles) Valerie and Percell Harper (April Harper) Bill Maher (Larry McManus) Tammy Jordan (Roy Brock) Mary Alice Kearley (Christine Jernigan) Dan McInnis (Gary Stutts) Gladys Deblitz (Caryl Fulcher) Johnny O Neal (Janet O Neal) Dirk Leiser (Mary Lou Smith) Betsy Bradley (Julie Lentz) Melanie Minton Nault (Mae Lee Waddell) Suzie Michael (Karen Long) Linda Cox (Karen Long) Ann & John Glover (Alice Glover) Jennifer Iacono (Larry McManus) Scott Carpenter (Libba Wells) Ethan Zolit (Martha Hutt) Rusty Gunn (Susan Preston & Dee Gunn) Jean Swanson (Pam Swanson-Boyd) Jan Parsons (The Rabalais Family) Tan & Scott Coats (Burma missionaries) Edna Bradshaw (Tim Bradshaw) Don Knight (Josiah & Myra Knight) OUR STAFF Associate Minister Minister of Christian Formation Minister of Music and Organist Dale Osborne Stephanie Ford Daniel C. Cherrix dale@binkleychurch.org stephanie@binkleychurch.org daniel@binkleychurch.org Business Manager Office Manager Sexton Duane Gilbert Stephenie Sanders Charles Myhand business@binkleychurch.org office@binkleychurch.org sexton@binkleychurch.org THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH 1712 Willow Drive Chapel Hill, NC