at Binkley THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH We Are God s Hands on Earth Shrove Tuesday Lent Barbee s at Binkley Children s Choir Workshop

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1 THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 NEWSLETTER CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA at Binkley We Are God s Hands on Earth Walk of Faith, February 4 Page 2 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper & Talent Show, February 13 Page 6 Lent Begins with Ash Wednesday, February 14 Page 3 Barbee s at Binkley Combined Worship & Luncheon, February 18 Page 7 Children s Choir Workshop February Page 11

2 We Are God s Hands on Earth Walk of Faith Sunday, February 4 Our Stewardship Campaign this year had chosen the theme We are God s Hands on Earth, taken from a sermon by our previous minister, Rev. Peter Carman. There are many ways in which we as a congregation truly are God s Hands. Whether it is through our work with the IFC, our congregation s partnerships with other churches, our support for local hunger relief and mental health services as well as various ministries throughout the world, our embodiment of the All Are Welcome invitation to our wider community, our personal support of each other. we are truly The Hands of God. With the beginning of a new year for Binkley Church we now solicit your financial support for the work before us. On February 4 th, the stewardship campaign will culminate with a Walk of Faith. This time-honored tradition gives members, friends and supporters the opportunity to come forward to bring your new, increased or reaffirmed 2018 pledge card to the Communion Table. In preparation for the Walk of Faith on February 4th, we ask that you consider the many ways in which Binkley Church has supported you during the past year, and then think about the ways you can help Binkley achieve its mission of building a compassionate and joyful community, freely exploring spiritual paths, and pursuing justice and peace in the name of Jesus. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 2

3 FEBRUARY 14- MARCH 31 February 14 NOON & 7 pm The Lenten journey to Easter begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14. There will be opportunities for worship at Binkley that day-- Noon in the Chapel (service will last 20 minutes in time for Primetimers at 12:30) and at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. Both services include the imposition of ashes. The later service at 7 pm features choir and sermon from Dr. McFaul. February 21 David Steindl-Rast: The Prayer of Gratefulness Brother David Stendl-Rast is a monk, who at 90, still carries the joy of child-like awareness, openness to the present moment, and joy. Stephanie Ford will explore his remarkable life and the principles that he lives by, such as this one: We are never more than one grateful thought away from peace of heart. You will find your life more attuned to joy after meeting him February 28 Ashley Nissler: The Sanctuary Movement Around the country, there is a growing movement of sanctuary; that is, churches providing safe haven for individuals and families facing the risk of deportation. Ashley has been actively studying the issue and supporting the local movement. Join us as we learn and discern with her, our own role. THE SEASON OF LENT Thinking Aloud about Lent You may find it helpful to have conversation about the practices you as an individual, or as a family, want to try during the 40 days of Lent. Stephanie Ford and Dale Osborne will "hold the space" for such a conversation: offering ideas, listening, and sharing about spiritual practices for all ages. As individuals and as families, it is helpful to have someone witness intentions named out loud, and having your ministers pray with you about them. On Ash Wednesday, there will be 15-minute sessions available from 5:00-6:30 pm. Sign up on Stephanie Ford's door. As we enter the Lenten season (literally, the lengthening season), we remember the spiritual practices that grounded Jesus own life and believers in the millennia since. They are named as three: prayer, fasting, almsgiving. Prayer includes many forms, we know; but so do fasting and almsgiving. Fasting, for example, can range from meatless meals or giving up a favorite food to fasting from food completely for short periods of time. Fasting can also include practices of simplicity, such as fasting from the Internet one day a week. Almsgiving makes us think about giving alms, or money to the poor but it may also include acts of service. WEDNESDAY NIGHT LENTEN SERIES: Practicing Faith Join us on Wednesday nights (5:30 pm, Lounge) for a simple supper of delicious soup, bread, and fruit, as we enjoy the warmth of fellowship and listen to our speakers. March 7 Emily Brewer: The Practice of Simplicity Emily will lead a discussion on the value and joy of simple living in a consumerist culture that promotes excess. Participants will be invited to share examples and brainstorm ways to pare down and to live and give simply. March 14 Cate Alexander: Prayer: The Attitude of an Open Heart Renowned and beloved spiritual teacher Henri Nouwen describes prayer as fundamentally an attitude of an open heart silently in tune with the Spirit of God. In our discussion, we ll explore Nouwen s and other teachings on prayer for potential contributions to our own prayer lives. Bring your thoughts about prayer to reflect on and possibly share as we explore ways that help us and have helped others to deepen connection to God. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 3

4 Moment for Meredith Bratcher Well, here we are at the start of February; we re not even halfway through winter, this season that in central North Carolina, at least, does not hold with set limits when it comes to daily highs and lows! And yet, it s certainly winter in terms of light and darkness these days that give way to dusk around 6:30PM the sun arcing low across the sky all day, then giving way to dusk, then dark, before the evening news is even over. In mid-winter, light is precious to us all, I think; and that s one reason that I like tuning in to the church season of Epiphany, which draws our attention to moments in the life of Jesus when something essential shone forth through the ordinary. In Merriam-Webster s dictionary, I found this definition, among several explanations of the meaning of epiphany : a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something. I imagine it as a light shining out suddenly, from inside something, or someone; like the light of hopefulness, or of generosity, or of forgiveness, that radiated out from Christ s life on all around, at certain times, in particular stories. Since there are only six or seven Sundays in this little season of Epiphany, we can consider only a few stories it ends when Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, this year on February 14. But we always start with the visit of the Wise Men, celebrated on January 6, also named the Feast of the Epiphany. There are wonderful paintings and drawings of the visit of the Wise Men, and you probably have some favorites. My favorite telling of the story of the Wise Men, though, is a musical one: Giancarlo Menotti s Amahl and the Night Visitors. Just a few weeks ago, I re-watched a recording of the original broadcast (unusually, the musical was made for TV) and introduced by Mr. Menotti himself. Maybe you were lucky enough to be a member of Binkley when it was produced here more than once, I think and you carry the memory of Caryl Price as the Mother, and her son James as Amahl, in your treasure-box of memories (right next to the licorice a little Amahl joke). Once you ve seen a production, you ll remember Amahl, and his Mother, and the Kings. Amahl, the little shepherd boy who plays a pipe, walks with a crutch, and loves to imagine things; his impoverished Mother, who loves him fiercely, and worries for their lives, as they must leave their home to beg on the roads for a living; and the three Kings, who arrive surprisingly and sumptuously that very night, asking for food and a place to rest. It is a stop on their journey to find a Child they have been inspired to seek. They have, it seems, arrived at the poorest house in the village. The Mother has no food to offer them, and sends Amahl out to ask the villagers to bring what they have and they do. They bring their food, and their dances, and a sense of merriment, mixed with awe at the grandeur of the Kings. The poverty of the home has expanded to cheerful abundance with the arrival of the villagers; but when they leave, the talk becomes serious again. Who is this child? the Mother asks; perhaps I know him. The Kings answer, singing of a mysterious child, born humble, yet with power in his hands; the Child we seek holds the winds and the seas on his palm. Moment for Meditation continues on p. 13 FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 4

5 FROM MARCUS Let me again express my complete joy at being among you in ministry. I count it an honor and privilege that you invited me to consider this possibility and then called me to be one of the pastors at Binkley Baptist Church. Calling in a local Baptist church consists of two parts: a) an individual s own sense of call from God to be with a particular people and b) that body s own discernment that the individual is one to serve alongside them in meaningful ministry. The discernment piece works in both directions; that in the discussing, listening, and praying both parties seek wisdom from above to know what to do. I came to believe that after your vote on December 10th it was a good and right thing for me to say "yes" to both God's call and the call of the congregation here in Chapel Hill. I know that this is an unusual and anomalous situation: the Intentional Interim Minister leaving a church only to then return back five months later as settled pastor. It has been a challenging time for everyone and I am keenly aware of the bruising nature the discussions my call has elicited for some. Pretending that conflict hasn't occurred does no one any good; it isn't healthy or mature to ignore it. Gratefully, the leadership here has created teams to help us all work through conflict. It is my desire that we all experience the healing power of transformative reconciliation. I know that such work---done well---is not quick or easy and requires a prayerful spirit. When those opportunities arise I hope you'll make yourself available for them. I am excited by the prospects of our shared ministry both now and into the future. Our stewardship campaign, "We are God's Hands," invites us to consider how we use our very lives to make a difference in this community and in our world. And our financial pledges and gifts given will allow such ministries to be sustained, deepened, and expanded. I, like you, am trusting in God's gracious Spirit to guide and assist us in moving forward in recognition of our common commitment to the gospel. Gratefully, Marcus W. McFaul FROM THE MODERATOR Sonnie VanSant, Moderator Dear Binkley Congregation, The winter pause that our current wintry weather brings has me in a mood of musing. And it s from this frame of mind that I d like to write some frank thoughts. The beautiful and hazardous snow is still heavy on trees and roads as I write this from the comfort of a warm and toasty spot where I can see the sun shining. However, as you actually read this, most likely your view and mine of this wintry experience will be but a memory. And depending on each of our experiences this week, the memory could be of beauty or of a calamity. Either way, right now looking out the window, both are possibilities. My musings lead me to wonder if this is an analogy of how each of us currently might view, and later look back on, our winter Binkley experience months from now when the weather is warm and roads are clear. Will your and my memories be of a time of learning, growing, and working together to celebrate around the table as beloved community? Will we remember learning to appreciate both the beauty of the church we are, even as we must navigate some slippery and scary roads to be traveled together? I m hoping and, yes, praying that I can answer both questions in the affirmative in the heat of summer. So much is primed to make that possible. We have our senior leadership in place with Marcus McFaul who loves Binkley as much as we do and walks together with us learning and growing. Our staff of Dale, Stephanie, Daniel, Duane, Stephenie, and Charles continue to go beyond the call of duty leading and supporting us to carry out Binkley s mission. Worship in various forms brings us together. All our organizational and mission committees are actively engaged in fulfilling their purposes. Christian Formation events are strong and well-attended. Our youth are gathering and serving. Music rings from our rafters. Beautiful art surrounds us in sanctuary and hallways. Generous financial support continues. Our involvement with a skilled and compassionate consultant begins shortly. This view is beautiful to me and I believe makes it possible for us to navigate the inevitable rough roads. Seems to me we each have some control over what our memory will be and what our own truth will be individually when we bask in the warmth of summer. I m taking the liberty of slightly adapting a phrase I think is pertinent from The Evolution of God by Robert Wright....a prerequisite for our apprehension of the truth that [Binkley s] salvation depends on: the objective truth of seeing things from the point of view of someone else, and the moral truth of considering someone else s welfare important. Grateful for your connection, Sonnie FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 5

6 OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY MEN OF BINKLEY Saturday, February 3 8 am, Lounge We invite all men 18 years or older to join us this Saturday morning for food, fellowship and learning more about and from each other. Our next gathering will help further define our events for the coming year. We will also hear Jim Summerville, who will share some of his WWII stories. We hope to see you there! If you get a chance send a quick so we are sure to have enough good Sunrise fixins for everyone! But, as always, come be with us whether you sign up or not. We will divide the loaves! Co-Chairs: Larry McManus and Charles Coble SOUPER BOWL OF CARING Binkley youth and the Outreach Committee invite you to wager on the Super Bowl in a very helpful manner. Two large Soup pots will be located in the Narthex on February 4. One pot will be decorated in support of the New England Patriots. The other will offer colorful support for the Philadelphia Eagles. You will be encouraged to place contributions of cash, check or coin in either pot to cheer on the team you hope will win. The good news is that every penny raised will help our local Inter-Faith Council food pantry. For the past 17 out of 19 years, the pot with the most money in it has predicted the Super Bowl winner. Who knows what 2018 will bring? GO PATRIOTS?!, GO EAGLES?!, NO, WAIT, GO IFC FOOD PANTRY!, THE REAL WINNER. SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Tuesday, February 13, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be led by the youth of the church and includes a terrific Talent Show. All ages are encouraged to sign up on Dale s door or in the narthex for the talent portion of our night together. The cost for the meal (pancakes, waffles, sausage, fresh fruit and beverages) is $9.00 for 6th grade and above and $7.00 for 5th grade and below. Any net proceeds from the meal will support our Baptist Youth Camp scholarships. The meal begins at 6:00 pm and is served until approximately 6:45 pm when the Talent Show begins. Please join us for this night of fellowship through food, fun, and frivolity! FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 6

7 BARBEE S AT BINKLEY Combined Worship & Luncheon Sunday, February 18 Bishop Gene Hatley and his congregation from Barbee s Chapel will come to visit on February 18. We will have a covered dish lunch for them following the worship service. Please bring your favorite casserole, salad, fried chicken, dessert, or anything you d like to share. This is always a great time to renew friendships with our friends from Barbee s. FOCUS ON THE CLIMATE Featuring Jean Ritock, Citizen s Climate Lobby Tuesday, February 20 Pocket Room 7 8:30 pm Please join us and learn more about how Jean is helping to advance the volunteer work of the Citizen s Climate Lobby locally and what is happening nationally to address one of the most important issues of our time. To learn about the Citizen s Climate Lobby in advance of the gathering, go to: Buck Horton and Charles Coble, Co Chairs, Earth Ministries INHABITING A WOMAN'S SOUL Binkley Women s Retreat March 9-11, 2018 The Trinity Center at Salter Path, NC While generalizations always fall short, life, including the life of the soul, may be experienced in particular ways related to gender. This year, as we gather at the beach for the Women s Retreat, we will explore the spirituality of two medieval women mystics: Mechthild of Magdeburg (13 th C) and Teresa of Avila (16 th C). Each one offered fresh images for the Divine related to their experience as women. Together, we will learn a bit about each women, considering their courage and experience in a church dominated by men. How did they find the chutzpa to challenge the powers that were? What might their visionary images say to us today? What wisdom do they impart? Join us at the beautiful setting of the Trinity Center, just a short walk to the ocean, for a weekend of art, reflection, laughter, storytelling, music, prayer, and worship. Make new friends and deepen familiar bonds. Newcomers welcome! There may still be a chill in the air, but each season at the seashore brings its own particular beauty. Registration forms are available outside of Stephanie Ford s door, and through this link. Please note that registration is first come, first served. Deadline: February 28. If you are requesting scholarship assistance, please let Stephanie know by February 18. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 7

8 BOOK GROUPS BOOK REVIEW THE SEEDS OF HEAVEN SERMONS ON THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW by Barbara Brown Taylor Like many fans of Barbara Brown Taylor, author, professor, and Episcopal priest, it seems that I can always find something timely and relevant in her work. Such was the case when I recently picked up her book, The Seeds of Heaven: Sermons on the Gospel of Matthew, and discovered a potent sermon called Family Fights, based on the Gospel of Matthew 18: That passage is Jesus teaching about how his followers should handle church conflicts. Brown Taylor s exploration of the text takes us deeper into the task of seeking peace. She pushes beyond the call to approach a person who has offended us and beyond enlisting help of others if that first approach doesn t work. In Brown Taylor s interpretation, when we have been wounded and seek an apology, our eyes and hearts must also be open to what is happening in those who offended us. Before confronting another, she asks us to consider: Have I given the other person every benefit of the doubt? What are my motives in confronting her with my feelings? Do I want to make him feel bad, or do I really want peace? What am I afraid of? Is the relationship worth the risk? Because if the relationship, if the community is worth the risk, she writes, your goal is working for relationship not against it; your goal is reconciliation, not retribution; and being right is less important to you than being in relationship. The healing path that leads to reconciliation is, as Brown Taylor describes it, creative, tapped into by open hearts, love and imagination. It is generative, two-way, and transcends blame. Passage on the path does not deny anyone s experience or stories, although it is possible that by hearing our neighbor s stories, our own might be modified, some details might change or fall by the wayside. On this path, God claims us all as human beings, vulnerable, worthy of respect and of protection from further harm. ~Cate Alexander Editor s note: Cate has been a member of Binkley since May She has been involved in congregational health efforts for several months. The book is available here. To learn more about Barbara Brown Taylor, visit her website. Binkley Readers Friday, February 9 7:30 pm, Library Ann Cockrell will lead a discussion on Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout. Daytime Book Group Tuesday, February 27 10:30 am, Library The group will discuss Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, facilitated by Marge Miles. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 8

9 THE SEASON OF LENT AND CHILDREN Lent refers to the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter (excluding Sundays), beginning this year on February 14. In the past, Lent was viewed as a season belonging to Catholics: a time for fasting or giving up certain foods. But, in fact, Lent is much bigger than that, and it belongs to all of us who practice the Christian faith. So how might we talk about Lent with our children and practice it in our families? First of all, the root meaning of lent is lengthening, and Lent refers to the lengthening of days toward spring. Just as there is joy in the return of spring, so there is a quiet joy in Lent. Spiritually, Lent recognizes the life and suffering of Jesus not suffering as the goal, but as part of standing up for justice, peace, and the least of these. In Lent, we look to the practices that helped Jesus to be strong and live faithfully. Three practices in particular are emphasized: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. Prayer was woven into Jesus daily life. As a Jew, Jesus followed traditional rituals and prayed the Psalms. In Sunday School at Binkley, we are learning the signs that go along with the prayer Jesus taught, the Lord s Prayer, a prayer that includes praise, request for life s necessities, forgiveness, and hope. Jesus also took alone time as a practice of prayer. So prayer can be spoken and unspoken, found in down-time and in moments of contemplation. How do you, how does your child recharge? Prayer can be a quiet ride in the car, time to breathe, time to be. Almsgiving is an old-fashioned word, but it simply refers to the kind of giving that doesn t require a return. Giving food, money, clothing to the poor are examples. Almsgiving also can be witnessed in acts of love and service for others. Children learn this spiritual practice by seeing their parents and others doing it. And they often show us as adults, in ways new and fresh. Fasting is a spiritual practice that needs to be taught with care. Another way to think about fasting is as a way to let go of what is no longer necessary. You ve seen the bumper sticker: Live simply so that others may simply live On March 7 th, Emily Brewer will be sharing in a Wednesday Night program about the gifts in simplicity, which include daily choices that make our family s carbon footprint smaller. On February 18, children in Sunday School will receive Lenten Bags, which include concrete ideas related to the three practices of Lent. Just as in Advent, when we anticipated the coming of Jesus birth; during Lent, we anticipate the gift of Jesus Resurrection at Easter. That Love triumphs over death. That the emperor of the day does not have the final word. That God s way of peace is stronger than hate. ~Stephanie Ford, Minister of Christian Formation GAME NIGHT Friday, February pm, Lounge All ages welcome! Pizza provided; fruit and desserts invited. Bring games to share. Contact the office by noon, 2/2, with your pizza preferences. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 9

10 Music Notes FEBRUARY SERVICE REPERTOIRE AND CHOIR SCHEDULE February 4 11:00 am; The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany The Youth Choir, The Chancel Choir, and Dr. Timothy Holley, cello Come, Sing Unto the Lord Henry Purcell How Can I Keep from Singing? arr. Greg Gilpin February 11 11:00 am; The Last Sunday after the Epiphany: The Transfiguration of Our Lord The Chancel Choir Beautiful Savior F. Melius Christiansen Eternal Light Mark Schweizer Hallelujah, Praise the Lord from GOSPEL MASS Robert Ray February 14 6:30 pm; Ash Wednesday The Chancel Choir Create in Me a Clean Heart Carl Mueller Give Me Jesus arr. Moses Hogan What Wondrous Love is This? Southern Harmony February 18 11:00 am; The First Sunday in Lent Barbee s Chapel at Binkley Church Agnus Dei from GOSPEL MASS Robert Ray Selections from the Barbee s Chapel Choir Chip Howell, director February 25 11:00 am; The Second Sunday in Lent The Children s Choir Workshop Weekend Singers, Laura Green, clinician Repertoire to be announced YOUTH CHOIR NEWS Festival by the Sea 2018: The Youth Choir will be attending Festival by the Sea in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, March 2-3, The Festival by the Sea music festivals, begun in 2000, grew out of a need to provide high quality music festivals for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship churches. This has grown into an ecumenical series of festivals encompassing both youth and adult choirs. Noted clinicians provide leadership for the festivals helping participating choirs achieve levels of performance not normally attained in the local church setting. Choirs leave challenged to work harder and strive for greater achievement in their local music programs. One of the hallmark features of these festivals has been the deeply spiritual worship experiences that have been designed to coincide with the music that has been prepared for the festivals. Not only do participants learn to sing better but they learn to integrate their music into a worship framework that has meaning. Additionally, the festivals have provided an opportunity for participants to meet others with similar music interests and build relationships that will last for years to come. For more information please contact Daniel Cherrix or visit NO Children s Choir Rehearsal on Ash Wednesday Children s Choir will NOT meet on Ash Wednesday, February 14. However, you are invited to participate in the Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Imposition of Ashes which will be at 7:00 in the Sanctuary. If you have questions about this service please do not hesitate to contact Daniel Cherrix or Rev. Stephanie Ford. Robert Ray s GOSPEL MASS Because the Chancel Choir missed most of their January rehearsals due to inclement weather the Gospel Mass has been rescheduled to autumn of 2018 where it will serve as part of the 60 th Anniversary celebration. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 10

11 Music Notes Mark your calendar now for your own children, and invite your children s friends, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews, and neighbors from Pre-K to 5th grade that are interested in music. The Binkley Children s Choir Workshop Weekend returns to Binkley Church on February 23-25, Laura Green We are delighted to announce that this year s clinician will be Binkley s own Laura Green. A native of Durham, Laura is a singer, voice teacher, choir director, and church music director in New York City. She holds the posts of Adjunct Professor of Voice and the Treble Choir Conductor at Wagner College on Staten Island and Music Director at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Pelham Bay, Bronx, where she directs the Adult and Children s Choirs. She has served on the voice faculty of Hoff-Barthelson Community Music School, Scarsdale, NY, since 2009 where she conducts the Chamber Choir for Young Women. She was the Children s Choir Director at the Reformed Church, Bronxville, NY from , where she also served as a Professional Soloist and Section Leader in the choir. Intermittently with her music directing and teaching duties, Laura continues to perform as a soloist or choral musician. The workshop, which was held for the first time in February of 2015, was a tremendous amount of fun for all the participants, and marked the resurgence of our Children s Choir at Binkley. The event is free of charge and is open to the community. The workshop weekend is intended to provide an opportunity for children who love to sing to learn more about music and the voice. The weekend will consist of a Friday evening pizza dinner (from 6-8) for the children and their parents followed by musical games and crafts, Saturday from 9:30 until mid-afternoon the children will enjoy learning three new pieces of music, more crafts and music related learning games, lunch, and a concert featuring the renowned Terry Correia s Piano Performance Team. Sunday morning the children are invited to sing the new pieces they learned in the 11:00 service at Binkley. Additionally at this year s workshop we will reveal the name of the children s musical that will be produced here at Binkley on June 3rd. Contact Daniel at daniel@binkleychurch.org for more information. F EBRUARY 2018 P AGE 11

12 FROM THE FINE ARTS COMMITTEE T he large angel banners that were in the sanctuary during Christmas were created by Catharine Carter, a local artist photographer who had a portrait studio in Chapel Hill for 35 years. Perhaps you saw a compilation entitled The Doors of Chapel Hill? This was a project she completed for the Preservation Society. Of her work, Catharine says: The angels on the banner are angels from Peru. They were larger than life size, kneeling they were almost head high. They were at the entrance to a large hacienda from the 1800s outside of lima and they had been carved (chiseled) from wood. The background trees are from the North Carolina Catharine Carter coast near Carolina Beach. They are probably wind swept wax myrtles. The two angels are details from a larger photo montage called Find Your Light.: There is a texture screen added to the image to help the layers merge together. They are printed in the sepia tone to give them a timeless look. Angels as Biblical Messengers: A Lenten Art Exhibit Angels as Biblical Messengers will be the focus of the Art Committee s Lenten Art Exhibit for The exhibit will be installed January 20. It is the first time this exhibit will be displayed in the sanctuary therefore it will be shared for a longer period. It is hoped it will be a refreshing start for The committee sought to use a very diverse group of angels, both alone and in narrative settings. The angels represent many cultures, ages, styles and artists of varied backgrounds. Since the time of Christ, painters have depicted angels as messengers from God. Conveying God s wishes, bringing good news, expressing adoration these are the typical roles for angels in Bible stories and the paintings inspired by them. In the liturgical calendar Lent is the forty-day period leading up to Easter, and culminating in Holy Week, which marks the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The purpose of Lent is the spiritual renewal of believers through prayer, repentance of sins, and self-denial. The hope of the Binkley Arts Committee is that this exhibit focused on angels in the biblical narrative will assist in your spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter. Volunteer Spotlight An Appreciation by Laurence Avery on behalf of the Fine Arts Committee Ruth Ann Ross & Tim Ruth Ann Ross is stepping down from the Binkley Fine Arts Committee, at least from chairing the committee, and on behalf of the congregation I want to thank her for a job well done. In fact, Ruth Ann and her husband, Tim, have never shied away from big jobs. One of the biggest at this church is organizing and overseeing the Binkley Yard Sale, and she and Tim ran that show several times. That s a concentrated effort for a month or six weeks of the year, whereas the Arts Committee never lets up, with months of planning and work for the Fall Art Exhibit, likewise for the Lenten Art Display. The current Lenten display is on the walls around you today. All these angels, we hope, will stir your thoughts and feelings. Ruth Ann is an accomplished weaver and textile artist herself, and with Tim put in many years on the Fine Arts Committee before she chaired it. I ll close with an example, the beautiful All Are Welcome tapestry over the bench at the church entrance. On the committee we refer to it as the Jim Pike Tapestry because we did it at Jim s retirement to commemorate his years of ministry here, and we have it because of Ruth Ann s wide acquaintance in the local arts community. It is a large job, exquisitely done, and Ruth Ann knew one of the few weavers capable of such work, Anita Wolfenden, now my neighbor at Carol Woods. Ruth Ann worked with Anita to design the tapestry, choose the yarn, and see it through, then directed us on how to hang such a heavy piece. The tapestry is a reminder of all the fine work for which we want to thank Ruth Ann. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 12

13 BIRTHDAYS OUR CHURCH FAMILY 1 Pat Moore, Thanh Siu 2 Vivian Honor, Ruth Ann Ross Meredith Bratcher, Robin Brice, 4 Biruta Nielsen Alice Glover, Verla Insko, 5 Jennifer Mahoney, Carol Rhodes, Judy Sordean, Don Willhoit 6 Sarah Walker 8 Lori Barbier, Susan Preston, Linda Textoris 10 Daniel Cherrix 11 Tim Bradshaw, Carmela Crawford 12 Vicki Shafer 13 Barbara Proctor, Fred Schroeder 14 Libby McFeeture, Anna Roberson 15 Fred Downs Charla Baker, Marlene Dickison, 17 Jeff Jenkins, Rachel Jenkins, Chris McDougald 18 James Jernigan, Sue Wallace 19 Karen Reinfurt 20 Samantha Heggum, Steve Jernigan 21 Lynne O Brien 23 Tyler Berger, Kelly Kimple 24 Will Powell 25 Chris Copeland, Kelly Holsopple, Ashlyn Mahoney, Erin Mahoney 26 Kay Maltbie ANNIVERSARIES 1 Tonya Hamm & Susan Wells 14 Nancy Berson & John Woodson 16 Bill & Pat Harriss 18 Bereket & Winta Selassie 23 Matthew & Carol Ripley-Moffitt Moment for Meditation, continued from p. 4 The Mother sings back to them that she knows a child who is born humble, and yet has power, too: the child I know on his palm holds my heart; he s my child, my son, my darling, my own, and his name is Amahl. And when all at last go to sleep, it is of Amahl s wellbeing that she thinks. Her fears have come back, and she thinks that if she could only take a bit of the gold the Kings are carrying as a gift to the Child, she could provide for Amahl. But she is discovered by the Page in the act, and all is uproar: the Page shouts Thief, and Amahl rushes to protect his mother. But this is a moment of epiphany for King Melchior, it seems; for he signals to the Page to release the Mother, and then sings. (Melchior) Oh, woman, you may keep the gold. The Child we seek doesn t need our gold. On love, on love alone He will build His Kingdom. His pierced hand will hold no scepter. His haloed head will wear no crown. His might will not be built on your toil. Swifter than lightning He will soon walk among us. He will bring us new life and receive our death, and the keys to His city belong to the poor. Let us leave, my friends. The light of this epiphany keeps expanding. The Mother now sees something essential in her own heart. (The Mother) Oh, no, wait... take back your gold! For such a King I ve waited all my life. And if I weren t so poor I would send a gift of my own to such a child. And Amahl, eager to help, offers: But, Mother, let me send him my crutch. Who knows, he may need one, and this I made myself. The light expands Amahl takes an unexpected step to offer the crutch to Melchior, and suddenly, wonderfully, he can walk dance run! The Kings realize It is a sign from the Holy Child; we must give praise to the newborn King! And Amahl, now hearty, restored to full health, begs to go with them, to give his gift to the Child himself. He asks his mother if he may go if she will let him go. Can she? Yes, she realizes, she can. She can let him go with the Kings to find the Child, in that spirit of a miraculous abundance that has spilled out, and filled them all. Maybe that spirit of abundance is what we enter into, when we give a gift from our heart. There is plenty of what we need, all around; we have but to dip into it, and our hands come up full, and open to share the fullness with others. A moment of light, to realize this, an epiphany. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 13

14 We are thrilled to welcome several new members to the Binkley family. For February, we get to learn more about the Brewer/McDonough family and Sandy Clifton, all of whom have been involved at Binkley for some time now. Keep checking this space to learn more about each of our new members in the coming months. New Members Joined December 3, 2017 Joined January 21, 2018 Patrick McDonough and Emily Brewer and their eight-year-old son, Dylan, joined the church in December after several years of actively participating in Binkley life. Patrick grew up in suburban Boston and moved to NC to attend college at Wake Forest University, where he met Emily, who grew up in Asheville. He pursued graduate studies in City and Regional Planning at UNC and started a career as a transportation planner with Triangle Transit/Go Triangle in When not planning for light rail, he can be found playing piano, leading a local sing-along, or coaching Dylan's basketball team. Emily followed her love of the written word to a Master's and a Ph.D. in English. She has writing students and editing clients, and coaches others through their writing projects. Through her business, Legacy Storybooks, she writes and produces custom-made storybooks for families by commission. The book she published last fall, Little School in the Woods, is one she presented at a Wednesday evening program here at Binkley. At the heart of the family is Dylan, who loves to sing, read, make crafts, play outside, make friends, and converse. He loves participating in Wednesday night supper, children's choir, and Sunday School. Patrick, Emily, and Dylan are grateful for the warm welcome they have received from Marcus, Stephanie, Dale, and Daniel and the congregation at Binkley. Sandra ("Sandy") Clifton has fond memories of growing up as a Tar Heel in the '70's, when her father was the associate pastor, and has now returned to her childhood roots in Chapel Hill. She most recently spent over a decade in Brooklyn, where she worked at Prep for Prep in Manhattan and with Yale University's Center for Emotional Intelligence. Sandra is a Board Certified Educational Therapist in private practice, serving families of gifted, sensitive, and twice-exceptional students, from 2nd grade through college. She is honored to come full circle to re-join her "extended family" here at Binkley, and lives in a little bungalow up the road from campus with her cat, Ginger Rogers. Scott Hawkins & Libby McFeeture Joined January 21, 2018 No photo available: Timothy Phoenix Ambrister Joined December 31, 2017 DEACON FELLOWSHIP The Diaconate held its January meeting at the home of Melinda Wilde, Chair. The meeting was preceded by a Christmas/ Epiphany Dinner enjoyed by all. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 14

15 Those interested in carpooling can meet at the church just outside the narthex at 8:15 am. Velma Ferrell at for questions and to let us know of your interest. F EBRUARY 2018 P AGE 15

16 FEBRUARY GROUP MEETINGS (FULL CALENDAR AVAILABLE AT BINKLEYCHURCH.ORG) WEEKLY GROUPS MUSIC GROUPS MONTHLY GROUPS PREACHING SCHEDULE Sermon Shaping Tuesdays, 1:00 pm Library Morning Prayer Wednesdays, 9:00 am Chapel Wednesday Night Series Wednesdays, 5:30 pm Lounge Youth Group Sundays, 6:00 pm Sunroom/Lounge Children s Choir Wednesdays, 6:00 pm Room 15 Chancel Choir Wednesdays, 7:30 pm Choir Room Youth Choir Sundays, 5:00 pm Choir Room Old Time Gospel Band Contact Libba Wells Choir Room Binkley Readers 2/9, 7:30 pm, Library Primetimers 2/14, 12:30 pm, Lounge Carolina Meadows Worship 2/22, 1:30 pm, Fairways Activities Room Daytime Book Group 2/27, 10:30am, Library February 4 February 11 February 18 February 25 Marcus McFaul Marcus McFaul Gene Hatley Marcus McFaul FEBRUARY COMMITTEE MEETINGS Diaconate 2/5, 7 pm, Chapel Finance 2/8, 7 pm, Library Peace and Justice 2/11, 12:30 pm, Library Leadership Team 2/12, 6 pm, Lounge Outreach 2/12, 7 pm, Library Grounds Committee 2/15, 9:30 am, Library Sanctuary Matters 2/18, 7:00 pm, Library Adult Christian Formation 2/19, 7 pm, Library Church Council 2/26, 7 pm, Choir Room Human Resources 2/26, 7:00 pm, Library BINKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH 1712 Willow Drive Chapel Hill, NC office@binkleychurch.org We re on the Web! b inkle yc hurch.org CHURCH STAFF Senior Minister Marcus McFaul Associate Minister Dale Osborne Minister of Christian Formation Stephanie Ford Minister of Music Daniel Cherrix Business Manager Duane Gilbert Office Manager Stephenie Sanders Sexton Charles Myhand GENERAL FUND GIFTS AS OF DEC. 31 General Fund (all gifts) Pledge Detail (included in above) FINANCIAL NEWS Budget Income Difference $726,000 $738,894 $12,894 $641,000 $624,701 -$16,299 PASTOR S DISCRETIONARY FUND Balance $1,441 Received $920 Disbursed -$1,216 Ending $1,145 Submit articles for the newsletter, Friday Update, or the Sunday announcement page to: office@binkleychurch.org. March Newsletter: February 19 Bulletin and Friday Update: Wednesday, 12 noon (weekly) The Beacon is published monthly and is posted on our website and ed to our subscribers. To join our list please send a request to office@binkleychurch.org. The Beacon is edited by Priscilla Bratcher and designed by Stephenie Sanders. We welcome your story ideas. Send them to: pbratcher@nc.rr.com or office@binkleychurch.org. FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 16