The BEACON. The Newsletter of Binkley Baptist Church March 28, 2012

Transcription

1 The BEACON The Newsletter of Binkley Baptist Church March 28, 2012 Binkley Baptist Church 1712 Willow Drive Chapel Hill NC Church Staff Peter JB Carman Minister Dale Osborne Associate Minister Stephanie Ford Minister of Christian Education Leandra Merea Strope Minister of Music Colby Whittaker Duke Divinity Intern Bo Lloyd Organist Duane Gilbert Business Manager Maureen Rosen Office Manager Not getting this newsletter by yet? What are you waiting for? us at and save a stamp and a tree! Dear Friends, The Easter story is a pilgrimage of triumph and betrayal, friendship and abandonment, undeserved suffering and undiluted grief, all of it leading to the shock and hope of an empty tomb. The ancient memory that Christians carry of one awful, confusing and yet awe-inspiring week defines our faith, and this memory continues to set the course for our journeys. It is a natural tendency to spiritualize a hard story and abstract its meaning. And surely our encounter with Holy Week is a deeply spiritual one. But if we sanitize the cruel and heroic specifics of yesterday we may easily disembody Easter today. We risk severing it from the very real circumstances and struggles to which we are called. Thus faith easily becomes disconnected from the world in which we live. As we enter Holy Week of 2012 there is no shortage of evidence of suffering, almost two millennia after the crucifixion of Jesus. Just in the past few weeks we have learned of so many more senseless deaths: Jewish children in France; an African-American youth in Florida; and many innocent victims of war, including civilians in Syria, Afghanistan, Burma the list could go on and on. Christ continues to be crucified, wherever God s children of any race, religion or nation are trampled, wherever the innocent are prosecuted or put down. Often we don t see it: the ongoing reality of crucifixion seems invisible if we are busy looking the other way. And truthfully, many of us are also grateful to be able to live in bubbles of relative comfort and safety. And yet our own security, however richly deserved, doesn t undo the reality of crosses in The Easter journey goes on, here and now. How are we to follow the crucified and risen Jesus, in this contradictory world of great comfort and great suffering? Recently a small group of us from Binkley and Barbee s Chapel went together to visit the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Our reactions included anger and shame, alongside inspiration and renewed hope. I was grateful to be reminded of so many individuals who refused to give in to racial oppression and randomly administered violence. Many gave their lives. One entire wall in a large room there in the old F.W. Woolworth building bears a list of the names of many martyrs of that movement for human rights and freedom. These are women, men and children whose deaths were senseless, yet whose lives were offered for the sake of a new and better world rising. At the end of our tour words and images reminded us that the struggle has continued around the world, the same movement that had such a critical moment at a lunch counter in Greensboro on February 1, To be followers of Jesus is still a pilgrimage that insists on nonviolence in the face of the killing. It yet translates righteous anger into loving and assertive resistance. It dares to hope and work on the basis of a new reality that can surely roll away stones. Our calling is still a pilgrimage that speaks truth to power; that plants costly seeds, rarely able to see a fruitful yield. To be followers of Jesus continues to demand lives staked on a still-new possibility. Today still we witness to the new reality of an empty tomb-- even before the dawn. May we say it with our hands and feet, mouths and minds, hearts and souls: Alleluia. Christ is risen indeed. In the light of this body and soul resurrection, Peter

2 HOLY WEEK AT BINKLEY Maundy Thursday : Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another when they gathered to break bread together for the last time as a fully assembled body. They gathered at table in order to eat and remember. You are invited by the Deacons of Binkley Baptist Church to come to the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 pm for a simple meal of bread, fruits and cheeses followed by a service of Holy Communion and readings from the gospels. Good Friday Services: Binkley members and the entire community are invited to participate in four brief Good Friday services on April 6 in the sanctuary. The first minute service begins at noon and the last service will end by 1:00 pm. Come to hear the passion narrative read from all four gospels, sing songs of the cross, pray for a hurting world and contemplate Jesus sacrificial love for humanity. The labyrinth will remain open for walking during the service. Easter Sunrise Service: Early one morning on the Sunday after Passover some faithful followers of Jesus rose up to attend to his grave bound body. They found an empty tomb and experienced fear, anxiety and eventually recognition of Jesus risen presence among them. Those women became the earliest evangelists as they travelled to the disciples with the good news. You are invited to rise up early on Easter morning to celebrate joy with friends and fellow seekers of God s unending love. Join us in the outdoor labyrinth courtyard at 6:45 am to greet the sunrise and welcome the dawning of new life in Christ. Easter Breakfast: The Fellowship Committee looks forward to seeing you in your Easter bonnet (or other celebratory attire) at the Easter brunch in the church Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am on April 8. Egg casseroles, fruit, sweet breads and other volunteer support are needed. If you are unable to bring food, come anyway: we will have plenty. Call Lyn Lamont to offer your support or ask questions. Easter Worship: Lift high the cross and celebrate the life of the risen Christ in worship at 11:00 am on Easter morning. Sing the songs of resurrection and hear the Good News of God s love as you gather with exuberant Christians. Experience the lilies of the valley and know that you are adorned in splendor by your Creator, regardless of the clothes on your back. Come and worship. Easter Egg Hunt: Linnea Van Manen and a crew of youth will hide chocolate eggs during the Easter Breakfast. Children ages 3-5th grade will hunt them in the courtyard. Please bring baskets from home if you can. April 1: April 5: April 6: April 8: HOLY WEEK CALENDAR 9:30 am Church School 11:00 am Palm Sunday; palm fronds and celebratory music commemorate Jesus entry into Jerusalem; Dale Osborne preaching with worship assistance by the Discipleship Class; Labyrinth set up following worship (see calendar for hours) 6:00 pm Maundy Thursday Meal and Communion Service provided by our Deacons in the Fellowship Hall 12:00 pm Good Friday Service in the sanctuary; readings from the four Gospel passion stories as well as music and prayers 6:45 am Easter Sunday Sunrise Service (Please note start time), Dale Osborne leading (Outdoor Labyrinth Courtyard) 9:30 am Easter Breakfast, Fellowship Hall; No Church School 11:00 am Easter Celebration Worship, Peter Carman preaching 12:15 pm Children s Easter Egg Hunt, labyrinth courtyard Please note: Youth Choir and Youth Group do not meet on Easter.

3 April 1 April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 APRIL WORSHIP SCHEDULE 9:30 am Church School; 11 am Worship, Communion, Dale Osborne preaching 6:45 am Sunrise Service; 9:30 am Easter Breakfast; 11 am Worship, Peter Carman preaching 9:30 am Church School; 11 am Worship, Stephanie Ford preaching 9:30 am Church School; 11 am Worship, Peter Carman preaching 9:30 am Church School; 11 am Worship, Peter Carman preaching NEW VISION STATEMENT: The Church Council, on March 19, approved a vision statement emanating from a sub-committee of the Long Range Planning Committee, chaired by Kay Maltbie. Other members of the Vision Sub-committee were Peter Carman, Charles Coble, Nancy Joyner, Velma Ferrell, Paul Lindsay and Anne Winfield. The approved statement is the end product of a nearly a year of deliberations by the sub-committee and with input from the congregation. The statement approved by the Council reads: 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. GENERAL FUND: FEB 2012 Actual Budgeted Difference Previous year $16,466 $12,912 $3,554 Current Year $128,935 $101,358 $27,577 Non-pledged $5,521 $6,667 $-$1,146 Undesignated $1,196 $1,667 -$471 Birthday Bank $211 $250 - $39 Building Use Other $8,344 $0 $6,590 $0 $1,754 $0 Interest on MM $14 $0 $14 Totals $160,687 $129,443 $31,244 PASTOR S DISCRETIONARY RELIEF FUND Balance 1/31/12 Gifts Rec d Disbursed Balance 2/29/12 $1,077 $1,366 -$746 $1,697 CHURCH FINANCES: We can report that we are ahead of budget in a few categories. Thank you to all who have sent in $16,466 to catch up on their 2011 pledges. We also continue to receive strong revenues from building use, and are still collecting gifts for the America for Christ special offering and the IFC Cropwalk.

4 HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAYS! 2: Chao Siu, Hai Siu 3: Olivia Jenkins, Kim Siu 6: Alex Swanson 8: Jonathan Avery, Ruby Pardington, Bonnie Stevenson 9: Ann Brock, Peggy Kinnaird, Sophia Palmer, Zoe Redick, Will Warasila 10: Caryl Price, Karen Stewart 11: Raqi Guy 12: Olivia Johnson, Jackson Moore 13: Lin Crockett 14: Neal Cheek, Chandler Zirkle 15: Rob Jenkins, Lydia Osborne 16: Alexis Avery, Julia Avery, Carol Vander Zwaag 17: Marcella Burk Groon, Nancie McDermott 18: Joe Clontz 19: Christopher Schmid 20: Mable Strowd, Zachary Szostak 21: Jacob Osborne, Angela Swanson 23: Abbie Dickinson, Regan Shoaf ECUMENICAL LABYRINTH Seven congregations in Chapel Hill and Durham are partnering again with Binkley this year to provide a labyrinth in our sanctuary during Holy Week, April 1-6. Check the schedule posted around the church or on the website. For more information, contact Chris Copeland, Chris@illuminatingpaths.com HAPPY APRIL ANNIVERSARIES! 3 Collins Kilburn and Martha Hamilton, Gretchen and Art Aylsworth, Linda Bourne and Karin Mills, Maria and Mike Palmer, 1980; Sam Wilburn and Barbara Proctor, Sibyl Wagner and Adams Wofford, : Priscilla Bratcher, Luke Carman, Gordon Defriese, Jerry Soldi, Van Lal Tlani Thanga 26: Ellen Sorrells 28: Hazel Hughes, Dirk Van Der Plas 30: Susan Christopher, Caroline Lindsay, Jackie O Daly, Jim Wilde WELCOME NEW ONL CDC DIRECTOR Paulette Tyrrel began serving as the Director of Operation New Life Child Development Center (ONL CDC) in February. The daycare and our church are so pleased to welcome her aboard. Paulette was born in Guyana, South America and became a North Carolina resident in January of She was President and Chief Executive Officer of an Early Childhood Learning Center and Child Nutrition Services for over twelve years. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Hospitality Management from East Carolina University. Her supportive family consists of her husband and two children. A 19 year old son, Ade, a sophomore at Liberty University, and a 12 year old daughter, Aja, who participates in soccer and gymnastics. Along with her love for early childhood development, Paulette loves to travel. She has been to Barbados, Trinidad/Tobago, Canada, and all over the US. Growing up the daughter of a minister gave Paulette a firm foundation and belief in God. Coupled with that is her passion for children, and she believes it is only natural that God lead her down a path that surrounds her with children on a daily basis. Welcome to life at Binkley, Paulette. We look forward to knowing you more fully as you direct a wonderful child development program.

5 WELCOME TO NEW BINKLEY MEMBERS! Maribel Bruno has been attending Binkley and participating in activities here for quite some time. We are delighted that she chose to join the church on March 4, and we warmly welcome her to membership. She is a native of Puerto Rico. Poul and Zing Cuai to membership on February 19. They are members of the Chin community and formerly lived in Malaysia. CONGRATULATIONS TO MARGE MILES Congratulations to Marge (Professor Margaret) Miles, recently chosen to receive the 2012 Leadership in Research Award from the Southern Nursing Research Society, presented in New Orleans in February. Dr. Miles research has primarily focused on parents of critically ill infants and children. Her work, along with that of others, helped Pediatric Intensive Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Units nationwide to develop philosophies of family-centered care. Several of the research tools she developed are being used in countries as far away as Australia, Iran, Iraq, Brazil, and China. Marge has also been concerned with health disparities in this country and has focused on the experience and needs of low income African American women who have prematurely-born infants and women with HIV. Marge continues to work professionally and notes: My most important role as a leader has been mentoring graduate students and young faculty in their research careers. Dr. Miles is shown here with her daughter, Aimee Eckler. With thanks to the Carolina Meadows newsletter and Gloria Lightsey-Lewis JOIN A JUSTICE UNITED RESEARCH ACTION TEAM: Currently four teams are at work and all welcome new participants. The Affordable Housing Team meets with tenants, development managers, and public officials to explore problems identified by tenants. The Environmental Justice Team works with the Rogers Road community and Orange County Commissioners to provide water service to the neighborhood, clean up illegal dumpsites, and seek long term solutions to waste management. The Fair Jobs and Wages Team works with the Human Rights Center, El Centro Hispano, and the Town of Carrboro to develop a Day Laborer Worker Center. The Anti- Usury Foreclosure Team works in Orange County, and statewide with North Carolina United Power, to explore how the results of their research may aid ongoing foreclosure prevention efforts. Come to Justice United's next countywide meeting Monday, April 23, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Community Church. Or contact Dale Osborne or Paul Lindsay for information BINKLEY READERS SPRING SCHEDULE April 13 - Don Wilhoit will host this meeting - the book is The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford - recommended by Barbara Nettles Carlson. May 11- Linda Vaughn will host this meeting - the book is Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver, recommended by Adams Wofford June 8 - Need hosts - the book is The Glass Castle: A Memoir, by Jeannette Walls, recommended by June Bratcher.

6 ADULT CLASSES IN THE EASTER SEASON: April 15 May 20 It s already been a rich and wonderful time of learning this spring as folks have quested for God with mind and heart, considered parenting as a spiritual art, conversed on topics of faith and practice over coffee, learned English in the study of the Bible, and explored a central text of our faith: the Gospels. The joy of engaging and learning together continues. Check out these offerings during the six weeks after Easter: BEING BAPTIST: IN HISTORY AND TODAY, Lounge, Allen Davidson Binkley is a community of believers that come from many traditions, and all are welcome here! In this class, we will be thinking about what it means for us to be baptists. The themes we will be considering are these: baptist origins, the priesthood of believers (baptist style!), revelation (the way only baptists can do it!), baptists and the world, binkley s history, and doing church (Who runs this church? Why?). Allen will use these topics to start the conversations, but as he says, We might talk about just anything in this class. Bring your questions, and your own opinions! COFFEE & CONVERSATION, Room 17, Marilyn Metcalf and Joe Pardington, facilitators: The popular class continues! Join us as we explore contemporary issues, religion, and moral/ethical implications of putting faith into action. We provide support for one another as we grapple with these issues together. The class offers opportunities to build friendships with fellow Binkleyites through shared laughter, tears, questioning, and friendship. All are welcome, and are encouraged to share in leadership of the class. DOING JUSTICE: WALKING THE WALK, Sunroom, various facilitators: This class, put together by Binkley s Peace and Justice Action group, offers the opportunity to learn more about a peace and justice issue for each of the six weeks of Church School following Easter. Scheduled thus far are the following: April 15 N.C. Amendment One, Stewart Bankhead & Stuart Cantrell April 22 Addressing Poverty Locally, Mel Williams, retired minister, Watts St. Baptist Other topics, such as the justice work of Binkley folks internationally, will also be offered. Check the Friday Update or bulletin inserts for further dates. ESL BIBLE STUDY, Room 15, Maria Palmer, teacher: This class is designed for those learning English as a second language and interested in Bible Study. Maria focuses on stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Participants learn basic English vocabulary and share from their own cultures and histories about why the stories are important. FROM STEPHANIE FORD... BINKLEY WOMEN'S RETREAT: Take a weekend to walk on the beach, laugh with new and old friends--and listen anew to your heart's song! This year's women's retreat will convene at the Trinity Center at Salter Path, NC, over the weekend of April Shelley Newby, retreat leader and writer, will join me in facilitating the theme, "Praying Outside the Box". We will explore right -brained, embodied prayer practices, such as parable walks, collage, praying with poetry, listening to dreams, working with mandalas. Each participant is invited to consider an issue that is going on in her life. Registration info and forms are available outside my office. VOTING ON A NAME CHANGE Christian Formation : Some of you may remember the day when religious training was often used; then we started saying Christian education. Now we are considering another title. Each shift reflects new insights about how persons grow in faith and character. Formation suggests a broad range of experiences that shape the soul, certainly Church school, but also mentoring, service projects, small groups, spiritual practices, and intergenerational activities. In adopting this new term at Binkley, we are naming in new and vital ways what we are doing already and what we hope to be doing. Further information about specific word changes in Binkley s constitution will be available this Sunday. We ll be voting on the name change during Church-in-Conference on April 15.

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8 Prayer Concerns in the Church Family: Mae Lee Waddell, Bill Eastman, Allen Davidson, Randy Garland, Carol Rhodes, Dot Simpson, June Bratcher, Ginny Lansing, Elise Goldman, Claudia Cannady, Gladess Crisp, Bradshaw family, Willard Hamrick, Martha Henderson, others seeking support. Prayer Concerns in the Extended Family: Bill and Nancy Hudson (Teeta West's brother and sister-in-law), JoAnna Anderson (Jody Hite's sister), Ellwee Miller and Gayle Mills (aunt and mother of Karin Mills), Darryl Kirkendall (friend of Textoris'), Herman and Vikki McElveen (Mary Ann Bradshaw's brother and sister-in-law), Terri Robinson (friend of Billie Cox), Barbara and Ron Upshaw (family of Jo Lea), Steve Emrich (friend of Joe and Nan Pardington), Jessica Webb (Jo Flair's granddaughter), Will Grossman (friend of Sibyl Wagner), Virginia Freeman and Charlene Scarborough (mother and sister of Sonnie VanSant), Jackson Grove (Amy Jackson's infant nephew), Steve Elliott (Andy's brother), Althea Brock (Roy and Ann's sister-in-law), Tony Darr (Mel Andersen's brother-in-law), Christopher Burk (nephew of Marcella Burk Groon, injured in Afghanistan), Marvin and Ruby Switzer (Katherine Walker's grandparents), Andrew Henley (Carl's son), Mary Jane Burns (friend of Susan and Doug MacKinnon), Jeremiah Mabry and Iliecia Matos (son and granddaughter of Gwen and Michele Mabry), Malone and Betty Thomason (Caryl Price's parents), Curtis Harper (friend of Billy and Ann Barnes and Frank B. Smith), Pastor Waldir and Igreja Batista Esperança and Congregação Batista Esperança, in Salvador, Brazil, Linda Sisk (Mark Walters' mother), Dot Peterson and family (Susan Resnik's aunt), David McIlwain (Ashley Nissler's uncle), Carley Pardington (Joe's mother), Tan and Scott Coats (missionaries in Thailand), Tara Hogan (Talmadge Walker's niece). Friends and Family Serving in the Armed Forces: Dave Andrews (Wallace cousin), and Forrest Wallace (Eastman- Zirkle cousin), both currently in Afghanistan. Health Center/Hospital Residents: Bill and Judy Eastman (Carolina Woods), Bessie McElveen, Bob Kreutzberg, Jean Breckenridge, Hilda Moffitt, Leo and Rusty Wagoner, Laurie Freeman, Joan Ewing, Carolyn Wallace, Marj Boltz Binkley Baptist Church 1712 Willow Drive Chapel Hill, NC (919) Nonprofit Org. US Postage Paid Chapel Hill, NC Permit No. 70 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED