The BEACON. The Newsletter of Binkley Baptist Church. March 23, 2011

Transcription

1 The BEACON The Newsletter of Binkley Baptist Church Binkley Baptist Church 1712 Willow Drive Chapel Hill NC Church Staff Peter JB Carman Minister Dale Osborne Associate Minister John Burton-Crutchfield, Chris Copeland Interim Ministers of Christian Education Leandra Merea Strope Minister of Music Ray Speller Ministry 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! March 23, 2011 Proper Posture? Dear Friends, I ve been reflecting on prayer in fresh ways recently. In specific, the words Teach us how to pray (the plaintive request of Jesus disciples in the gospel) have been humming in my brain. They are an unbidden reality check: even folks with a public reputation for sainthood often have trouble when it gets to finding the time, or feeling competent, in the matter of praying. As a child, I recollect not being sure what the right physical position for prayer was so in church I would look around to find out, to see how others were praying. This didn t help much. Some had their heads buried in their hands. Others were looking up to heaven. A few had their eyes wide open looking forward. And some, like me, were just looking around. This was interesting. I continued my phenomenological study on following Sundays over the years. I had been taught somewhere, for example, to put my hands together, fingers matching and pointed to heaven. Looking around some few did that, eyes tight squeezed shut. Yet others had fingers knotted in their hands and heads bowed low, occasionally even with tears falling from their eyes. Some sat bolt upright! Some knelt, faces shining. And others slumped, just like always. One Sunday during a pastoral prayer I noticed the pastor had his back to us, facing the cross. His hands were lifted out on both sides and he was looking up as he prayed aloud. Another time on a visit with a group of charismatic Christians at a demonstration in Washington DC, I noticed some had their hands out palms up as though to receive something. What, I wondered often, is the proper posture for prayer? What is the right physical position and what is the right inward attitude? As I grew older and studied and then became a minister, I did a fair amount of reading about contemplative practices. But eventually I came to the conclusion that the only improper posture for prayer is the one that feels forced or is virtually unattainable. Whatever other traditions may teach, at its heart Christian faith insists that God is accessible to us in prayer, and that any one can reach out to God, in thankfulness, in need, in confession, in desperation, in hope. Prayer is as available to the criminal as the saint. For some of us, given our personal dispositions, it is easier to pray alone. Others find a place of reverence in utter silence, in the middle of a crowded room. Prayer includes as much listening as it does talk. So that may mean a walk in the woods for some. Or it may entail meeting God in a piece of bread shared with a stranger. We believe that God will sometimes speak to us even when we refuse to listen! Says the psalmist: If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there thy hand shall lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Different practices in prayer fit different times and different needs, different personality types and different lovely traditions. Sitting cross legged; standing in recitation; rocking in a seated position while praying aloud; lying face down and arms spread in the sanctuary for a night all these are part of the global heritage, when it comes to good posture for prayer. First things first. First, you don t have to be an expert. As followers of Jesus Christ, we remember his teaching that it is better to have the openness of a little child. So if you aren t sure how to pray, open your eyes in the sanctuary and look around sometime. What you see may surprise you. May it convince you then to pray first, worry about the posture later. Pray first, eyes open or closed, listening or talking. Pray when you rise up and pray when you fall down. It s all good posture. In Christ s Peace,

2 HOLY WEEK AT BINKLEY April 17: April 21: April 22: April 24: Palm Sunday; Baptisms and Confirmations as needed; Dale Osborne preaching; Labyrinth set up following worship (see calendar for labyrinth hours) 6:00 pm Maundy Thursday Meal and Service (no Wednesday dinner April 20) 11:00 am Music Meditation 12:00 pm Good Friday Service 6:30 am Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, Dale Osborne leading (Outdoor Labyrinth Courtyard) 9:30 am Easter Breakfast (No Church School) 11:00 am Easter Celebration Worship, Peter Carman, preaching MUSIC NOTES Hungry for hymns: Are there new hymns (or old) you would like to sing in worship on Sundays at Binkley? Minister of Music, Leandra Strope, or leave a note in her mailbox at the church. April 3, Sunday, 11:00 AM: Worship in the style of Taizé, with a simple instrumental ensemble, cantor, and leadership of the Chancel Choir and Children's Choir, including chants, scripture readings, and communion. May 8, Sunday: celebrate Mother's Day and honor Binkley's choirs. Service includes Randall Thompson's Peaceable Kingdom, sung by the Chancel Choir, and anthems sung by the Children's Choir and Youth Choir. May 15, Sunday, 5:00 pm: Potluck Dinner Theater! Starring members of Binkley's Children's Choir in Buryl Red's It's Cool in the Furnace, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and that ornery King Nebuchadnezzar. Curtain time 5:00 pm. Make a reservation by signing in the narthex or calling the church office beginning May 1. Bring a meal to share, and enjoy the show! HAITIAN MINISTER AT BINKLEY: On April 10 our church will be blessed with the presence of Reverend Leon Dorleons during worship. Reverend Dorleons is the minister at the Christian Community Church in Blanchard, a suburb of Port au Prince as well as the Christian Community Church in Citi Soleil. He and his church are partners with Family Health Ministries the helping ministry that was supported by part of the proceeds from our Yard Sale. Reverend Dorleons will be available in the lounge following worship for discussion of current conditions Haiti. We are grateful to Susan Rogers for inviting Reverend Dorleons to Binkley. BEAUTIFUL VOICE FROM THE PULPIT Rev. Rothangliani Chhangte the American Baptist Home Mission Societies liaison for Burmese Refugees will preach in our worship service on May 1, 2011 and lead in a discussion in our lounge following worship. Rev. Rothang will help our church become more informed on how to best welcome and incorporate refugees into the life of our church. We will collect the ABC America for Christ Offering on this day of engaging worship. This special offering helps us work with our ABC churches in the US and Puerto Rico in refugee resettlement ministries, urban ministries and support for ABC affiliated colleges and seminaries. WELCOME NEW BINKLEY MEMBERS Dirk Van Der Plas and Amy Tamburro, 261 Culbreth Road, CH NC 27516; , ; dvdplas@hotmail.com, amyvdp@hotmail.com.

3 WEDNESDAY EVENINGS at BINKLEY Join us on Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall for a meal, children s choir, and conversation for youth and adults, who gather to share stimulating conversation and fellowship. Sign up EACH WEEK on the list in the narthex, respond to the invitation on Fridays, or call the church at :30 6:30 p.m. Dinner: Meal cost: $6/ages 10 & up, $3/ages 4-9, free under age 4, max $20/household. Contact Ronda Szostak (rhondaszostak@mac.com) if you d like to help prepare a light Lenten of soup and bread in the coming weeks. This will be a wonderful opportunity to share fellowship and a prayerful deed of love. - 6:15 7:15 p.m. Children s Choir: Children in Grades K-5, who can read and commit to come each week, gather in the choir room with Leandra and Bo. Children 0-4 years gather in the nursery. - 6:30 7:15 p.m. Youth and Adults move to the Library for discussions and activities. - 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal (childcare provided for those who make childcare reservations) Upcoming Programs for Adults and Youth: Lenten Series: Paths to God This series has been designed as a weekly 45-minute time for meditation and prayer. Each week's session will begin at 6:30, following supper and a sharing of joys and concerns, and will end promptly at 7:15. Some words of introduction and explanation may begin each session, but the remaining time will be spent in meditation and prayer, in keeping with the practice of the person or theme for the week. March 23 - Janet O'Neal on Centering Prayer March 30 - Tom Fewel on Meister Eckhart April 6 - Anne Thomas Neal* on her personal spiritual journey April 13 - Velma Ferrell on nature (Annie Dillard, Mary Oliver, Sallie McFague) * "Anne Thomas Neil served for twenty-seven years in Nigeria and Ghana, West Africa as a Southern Baptist Missionary homemaker, nurse, educator, community organizer, and counselor. Returning to live in NC in 1981, she became active in pastoral education and in advocacy efforts for social justice as well as women in ministry during the 1980s and 1990s. She was instrumental in the formation of groups such as Baptist Women in Ministry, Alliance of Baptists, Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond, Duke Divinity School/Baptist House of Studies, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in the spring of 2000, within days of her 80th birthday, Anne was ordained at Millbrook Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. After a lifetime of service to the church, she received this ordination as an affirmation of her work." ~ by Karen Caldwell, from Journey Without Map: Words of Hope for Changing Times, by Anne Thomas Neil with Karen L. Caldwell and Karen S. Moore PRIMETIMERS IN APRIL Primetimers meets on Wednesday, April 9, 12:30 pm, in the Binkley lounge to hear a presentation by Roy Carroll on Laughter and Religion in Appalachia. Lunch is $7, and will be prepared by Spotted Dog Restaurant in Carrboro. Sign up across from the Christian Education office, and indicate if you do not wish to have lunch. COURTYARD GARDEN We are very pleased to announce that Patty Michaels and Tim Ross have adopted the Courtyard Garden at the request of Dr. Seymour, who has been in charge of this area for many years. This garden was started by Karen Elder, and later cared for by our Pastor Emeritus. We appreciate very much the role of this garden next to the Memorial Garden, at the west entrance to the Sanctuary, and the work done to keep it so beautiful. - Grounds Committee

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5 ONL: OPERATION NEW LIFE, THE DAY CARE CENTER AT BINKLEY CHURCH. CELEBRATE THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD. APRIL 11-15,2011. Early childhood education is vital to our community. Children need a strong early learning foundation to succeed in school and go on to succeed in life. Make a difference in your community: support early literacy programs. Early reading skills are crucial for young children to be ready for school; reach out and thank parents, teachers and all adults who help young children get a great start; support policies at the local, state, and federal levels that provide high-quality early learning opportunities for all young children. COME CELEBRATE WITH US DURING THIS WEEK! We will have the Scholastic Book Fair (which begins April 4), special readers for the classrooms, special classroom activities, and a very special Friday, April 15th celebration from 9 am to 1 pm. We will have the local fire department, police department, UNC AirCare, volunteers from our neighbors from University Mall, vendors with community information. We are also looking for special readers to come to the center and read with our children. The time will be between 10 a.m and 11 am, Monday through Thursday. The day care center staff has asked the congregation to help with this celebration by volunteering to be readers. Also to help with the lunch on Friday either by being cooks, donating money or ingredients, or selling the lunch. This lunch will be a fund raiser for the center. There will be sign up sheets in the narthex. And of course come and enjoy!!! BINKLEY GOLF TOURNAMENT The 2011 Spring Binkley Occasional Open Golf Tournament is on Tuesday, May 17 at the Quaker Creek Golf Course north of Mebane. The tournament is a Captain s Choice with teams chosen randomly by luck of the draw. The first tee time is 10 a.m. and participants are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 for registration and team assignment; cost is $25. Checks should be made out to Joe Clontz or he will accept cash. You will receive a bag of goodies, a round of golf (cart included), a hot dog and drink at the turn and a guarantee of having a good time. Joe Clontz, jclontz1@nc.rr.com, and pay May 17 th at the tournament, or give Joe the money when you see him. Deadline to register is May 9. Fred Schroeder is fashioning special trophies for the winning team. Plan to join us for the golf and fellowship, and pass this along to friends. GENERAL FUND: Feb Actual Budget Difference Previous year $4,890 $3,000 $1,890 Current year $120,484 $104,322 $16,162 Non-pledged $4,100 $6,667 - $2,567 Undesignated $1,598 $1,667 -$ 69 Birthday bank $21 $250 -$229 Building use $ $5,600 -$ 556 Interest on money market $ 38 $0.00 $38 Totals $136,175 $121,505 $14,670 PASTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND Balance 01/31/2011 Gifts Recd Disbursed Balance 02/28/2011 $549 $ 390 -$286 $ 653 FINANCES: Please take a moment to review our financial gifts for February. We are tracking short on our birthday bank and our non-pledged gifts. We know there are many spring birthdays so we won t worry about catching up with birthday bank gifts. We are currently carrying a surplus in the pledged 2011 column due to prepaid pledge gifts given to the Church in 2010, and have mailed out all 2010 contribution statements. Call Duane Gilbert in the Church office if you need copies. Thanks!

6 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS GATHERING FOR PARENTS OF YOUTH, April 10: Would you like to connect with other youth parents, grandparents, and mentors? Are you interested in sharing experiences and concerns as someone involved with youth, or are you seeking support? Do you have ideas that could help shape future groups, meetings, or classes for parents? If so, join fellow Binkley parents of middle- and high school students (and interested others who care for youth) in the Lounge on Sunday, April 10, from 6:00-7:30, for a light potluck meal and structured conversation about topics important to you. This is a chance to share experiences, questions and dreams about future opportunities for parents at Binkley. Please bring your thoughts and ideas, as well as some food to share (a simple appetizer would be perfect). Beverages will be provided. For more information, contact Karen Van Manen (kjvanmanen@aol.com), Ashley Nissler (ranissler@mindspring.com) or Chris Copeland. EXPERIENCE HOLY WEEK IN HEART, BODY, AND SPIRIT: In his life, teachings, and resurrection, Jesus heals the split between body and spirit and calls us into wholeness. This half-day retreat on Saturday, April 23 from 9:00 am 12:30pm will be held at Binkley Baptist Church, sponsored by the Adult Education Committee, and led by Chris Copeland and Ginny Going, leaders in InterPlay. InterPlay is an art form, a spiritual practice and a way to build community based in movement, voice, story and stillness, the ancient tools of spiritual seekers and communities for connecting with the Holy. In a safe, supportive atmosphere, we ll discover new ways to deepen our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the Spirit. Register by sending your name, address, and suggested donation of $35 (scholarships available) to Chris Copeland (chris@binkleychurch.org) by Sunday, April 17. Join us to explore the paschal mystery of dying and rising in our bodies on this Holy Saturday BINKLEY CHURCH RETREAT: You are cordially invited to the intergenerational church retreat this year at Haw River State Park in Browns Summit, NC, August 12-14, Located near the headwaters of the Haw River, Haw River State Park and Summit Environmental Education Center is situated on nearly 300 acres of piedmont forest, fields, wetlands, and uplands. The theme will be Ecology and Spirituality, led by pastor and retired campus minister, Bob Clyde from Greenville, NC, with assistance in children s programming from Lori Cahill. Registration forms with more information are available in the narthex the deadline to register and pay a deposit is Sunday, April 17. For more info, contact a member of the planning team: Bill Bodkin, John Burton-Crutchfield, Lori Cahill, Eva Clontz, Chris Copeland, Marge Miles, Rhonda Szostak, and Beth Welton. NEW ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY BEGINS APRIL 17 Refugee Series, Facilitated by Binkley Peace and Justice Action in the Sunroom: Peace and Justice Action is planning a five-week series of church school classes on refugees, focusing on refugees from Southeast Asia. These sessions will be held on April 17 and the first four Sundays in May. We will consider issues in Burma and Vietnam that lead to a large number of refugees seeking a new life in and near Chapel Hill. We will invite refugees to participate so that we may know each other better. We will consider ways that Binkley can be church to a more diverse community. Continuing Church School Opportunities The Church, the Bible, and Social Justice: The Prophetic Imagination; Taught by Michael and Maria Palmer, and Charles Coble in the Sunroom through 4/10 Coffee and Conversation; Facilitated by Marilyn Metcalf in Room 17 John Milton s Paradise Lost; Taught by Weldon Thornton in the Lounge VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE The dates for VBS are June 19-24, and planning is well underway. Registration for Binkley families will take place April 17 May 1, and for the wider community on May 2-8. Angela Snider will be serving as director again this year. If you would like to help during VBS or serve on the VBS Planning Committee, please contact John Burton-Crutchfield (john@binkleychurch.org).

7 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, Sofia Palmer, Zoe Redick, Kareem Shah, Will Warasila 10: Caryl Price, Karen Stewart 11: Amy Gellatly, Raqi Guy, Dana Trent 12: Olivia Johnson 13: Lin Crockett 14: Neal Cheek, Chandler Zirkle 15: Rob Jenkins, Lydia Osborne 16: Alexis Avery, Julia Avery, Carol VanderZwaag 17: Marcella Burk Groon, Nancie McDermott, Julie McKenzie 18: Joe Clontz, Elizabeth Rives 19: Christopher Schmid 20: Mable Strowd, Zachary Szostak 21: Jacob Osborne, Angela Swanson 23: Abbie Dickinson, Regan Shoaf, Bob Willis 25: Priscilla Bratcher, Luke Carman, Gordon DeFriese, Jerry Soldi 26: Ellen Sorrells 27: Mike Chitwood 28: Hazel Hughes, Eric Peaks Jr., Dirk Van Der Plas 29: Reed Willis 30: Susan Christopher, Caroline Lindsay, Jackie O Daly, Jim Wilde HAPPY APRIL ANNIVERSARIES! 3 Martha Hamilton & Collins Kilburn, Gretchen & Art Aylsworth, 1972; Jane & Jack Stutts, Linda Bourne & Karin Mills, Maria & Mike Palmer, 1980; Sam Wilburn & Barbara Proctor, 1993; Mike & Pam Reed, Sibyl Wagner & Adams Wofford, 1980 Apr 3 Apr 10 Apr 17 Apr 24 Apr 3 Apr 10 Apr 17 Apr 24 APRIL NURSERY DUTY Ellen Bradley, Don Willhoit, Kimberly, Franklin, Hartford and Chandler Zirkle. Betsy Hughes greets. Kim Brewer and April Kemper, David Zimmerman. Angela Snider greets Lisa Costner, John Brandon. Kara Richards-Baker greets. Ann Brock, Lynn Calder, Neal Cheek, Eric and Paula Butler. Pam Reed greets. APRIL WORSHIP SCHEDULE 11 am Worship: Communion Sunday, Taize Service 11 am Worship: Peter Carman preaching 11 am Worship: Dale Osborne preaching 11 am Worship: Peter Carman preaching Don t forget the BIRTHDAY BANK!

8 Prayer Concerns in the Church Family: Pearl Seymour, Marj Boltz, Nancy Clayton and Casey Champion and family, Allen Davidson, Pamela Nielsen, Jacob Osborne, Rachel Avery, Bob Moorhead, Bradshaw Family, Willard Hamrick, Norma Willhoit, Lew Miles, Nettie Wilburn, Jo Flair, Aaron Shah, Martha Henderson, others seeking support. Prayer Concerns in the Extended Family: Fred Clifford (Dick's brother), all those affected by the earthquake in Japan, Althea Brock (Roy and Ann's sister-in-law), Tony Darr (Mel Andersen's brother-in-law), Michael Nedwidek (Wally Hill's stepson), Christopher Burk (nephew of Marcella Burk Groon, recently injured in Afghanistan), Kent Keller (friend of Susan and Doug MacKinnon), Joan Stacy (Susan MacKinnon's sister), Janie, Boyd and Marvin Switzer (Katherine Walker's mother, father and grandfather), Andrew Henley (Carl's son), Mary Jane Burns (friend of Susan and Doug MacKinnon), Jackson Groves (Amy Jackson's infant nephew), 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), Geoff and Maria Frank (friends of Karen Long), Dot Peterson and family (Susan Resnik's aunt), Brenda Baker (Drew's mother), Gail Carson's sister, Martha T. and Leon Smith (Allison Corum's parents), Sally Rockriver (David Resnik's sister), David McIlwain (Ashley Nissler's uncle), Frances Daughtrey (Heather Rabalais & Nathan Daughtrey's grandmother), Marie Long (Karen's mother), Carley Pardington (Joe's mother), John Kent's mother and father, family of Thomas Barnett (Karen Long's friend), Tan and Scott Coats (missionaries in Thailand), Tara Hogan (Talmadge Walker's niece). In the Hospital/Rehab: Claudia Cannady (Britthaven), Frances Moorhead (The Cedars) Health Center Residents: Bob Kreutzberg, Jean Breckenridge, Hilda Moffitt, Rusty Wagoner, Laurie Freeman, Joan Ewing, Carolyn Wallace, Beth Jukes, 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

9 Holy Week Labyrinth Retreat Led by Nancy Corson Carter Wednesday, April 20, :30am am-12:30 12:30pm Held at Binkley Baptist Church 1712 Willow Drive, Chapel Hill NC The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool. Its winding circuitous walk symbolizes a pilgrim s walk with God. First recorded as used by Christians in the 4 th century, it served in the Middle Ages as a substitute for a Christian s pilgrimage to Jerusalem when such journeys became unsafe during the Crusades. However, the labyrinth is an archetype found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world and throughout history. Unlike a maze, it has no tricks and no dead ends. The 2011 ecumenical Holy Week Labyrinth will be sponsored by eight Durham-Chapel Hill congregations: Binkley Baptist Church St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel of the Cross Episcopal United Church UCC Church of Reconciliation Presbyterian Unity Spiritual Life Center (Durham) Church of the Advocate Episcopal University United Methodist There is a special opportunity this year to learn more about and experience the labyrinth. A half-day retreat will be held Wednesday, April 20, 9:30 am-12:30 pm, and is open to 25 participants (first come, first served). The retreat leader is Nancy Corson Carter, member of Church of Reconciliation and a Presbyterian elder. Retired from college teaching, she writes, is an environmental advocate, and leads retreats. She helps lead a weekly contemplative service at her church. This retreat will consist of gathering, a brief introduction to labyrinths, personal reflection time (opportunity for journaling through words or drawing!), walking the labyrinth (30-45 minutes), additional reflection time, and group closing time. Participants are asked to bring a Bible, a clipboard or writing surface, paper, and writing/drawing materials. Suggested donation for the 3-hour retreat: $15.00 per person. Scholarships available. The deadline for registration is April 18. Please contact Binkley member Velma Ferrell to register (velmamferrell@nc.rr.com; ).

10 W e invite you to help us decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday (April 24) by donating an Easter lily in memory of or in gratitude for loved ones and friends. If you would like to participate, please complete the form below and place in the collection plate or return to the church office, along with a donation of $12 for each lily you order. The deadline for orders is April 20. Please print clearly and specify your message: Name Phone Given in Memory Of Given in Gratitude For I would like to order lilies. ($12 each) Total Due: $ Check one: The Deacons may take my lily/ies to homebound members. I will pick up my lily/ies after the Easter service or soon thereafter.