The BEACON The Newsletter of Binkley Baptist Church

Transcription

1 The BEACON The Newsletter of Binkley Baptist Church November 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 Formation Leandra Merea Strope Minister of Music Bo Lloyd Organist Duane Gilbert Business Manager Lucy Kucmierz Office Manager A Season of Thanksgiving and Transformation Autumn is fully upon us and God s gifts of incredible colors, busy squirrels and cool, cool nights are sure signs of the season. Our lives, the beautiful gifts from God that they are, may be transformed in the autumn just as the maple trees are transformed through their leaves of changing hue. God is transforming me as your servant by giving me time to reflect during walks through the neighborhood I call home. On October 31 I look forward to greeting neighborhood children who have transformed their outward appearance through costume and creative make-up. I hope you will give yourself time to experience the signs and smells of autumn as you make your way in God s awe-inspiring world. Some wonderful and moving worship experiences come our way as a church during the fall. October 28th s worship service will highlight the enlivening presence of children in our midst as Stephanie Ford leads us on Children s Sabbath. Come and hear how you might receive children more fully in your life. Come and be reminded that we are all children of a loving, living God. On November 4, All Saints Sunday, our worship experience will be transformed by the chancel choir s gift of Mozart s Requiem. Join us and pray deeply for those saints who have blessed your lives. On November 18, following worship, you are invited into the Fellowship Hall to participate in our pre-thanksgiving tradition called The Alternative Gifts Fair (more details inside the newsletter). Throughout November, our Stewardship Committee will be encouraging and informing us about how we can all work together to challenge and transform ourselves as prayerful and financial supporters of the ministries at Binkley. On the fourth Thursday of November, a non-liturgical national holiday will remind us again to be thankful for the life and love and blessings that our Creator has poured out through eternity. I am challenging myself to begin a conscious effort focusing on gratitude beginning on November 1 and continuing through the first Sunday of Advent. Each day, I am challenging myself to name out loud, write down on paper, and lift up in prayer, one part of God s creation for which I am truly thankful. Feel free to challenge yourself in a similar way and perhaps we can share notes on December 2. Thank you for reading, for praying and for loving in God s beautiful world. Peace, W. Dale Osborne us at office@binkleychurch.org

2 Introducing the 2012 Binkley Alternative Gifts Fair (AGF) November 18, 2012 The AGF is an opportunity for you to learn, share and support through Christmas gift-giving with a social gospel emphasis. Join the Board of Outreach in the Fellowship Hall after worship to shop and support at the same time. If you want to represent a non-profit agency or cause at the AGF, please contact Dale Osborne or Amy Powell. Below are some of the anticipated Fair participants: The Inter-Faith Council (IFC) for Social Service The Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America Habitat for Humanity of Orange County Church World Service Binkley Preschool Heifer International Family Health Ministries Orange Co. DSS Adopt a Person at Christmas C3...Carolina Clean Club and hopefully many more Join us at a fair with no fried food or rides but plenty of hope for all. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV) Since the mid 1960's, the outdoor wooden cross has stood tall over Binkley Church. It was erected when the fellowship hall was the sanctuary and the "kitchen entrance" was the front of the church. Placed there by Rev. Bob Seymour in honor of his mother, the construction was overseen by charter member Sam Wilburn. Made of laminated loblolly pine, it has served us well for decades. There have been sermons about the "asymmetrical cross", imperfect because the horizontal aspect of the cross was not put in place evenly. Children have played around the cross, meetings have been held there, fellowship and laughter have surrounded it. Now the cross is aging and the wear and tear of the years is showing as the wood begins to deteriorate below ground level. The grounds committee, while seeking expert advice to repair the aging cross, was informed recently that the cross will continue to deteriorate and needs to be taken down. Options have been discussed by Church Council. Since continued deterioration is inevitable, a decision has been made to remove the cross for long term safety. We expect this process will occur before the end of the year. Prior to the date of removal, our ministers have agreed to arrange a time to gather around the cross to honor it. The Council also plans to use some wood from the cross in an aesthetic way to display this part of our church's history. Now is the season to be grateful for the long years we have enjoyed the cross as an important historical and symbolic part of our landscape. Let us celebrate those who were instrumental in making the cross possible. As Rev. Seymour said recently, the cross has served its purpose. Now we have a new entrance and a new cross in our chapel window. To everything there is a season...

3 MOZART S REQUIEM November 4, All Saints Day Join us for 11am worship on November 4 as we celebrate All Saints Day with Mozart's Requiem, presented by Binkley's Chancel along with community singers and instrumentalists. Soloists will be Sonnie Van Sant, Caryl Thomason Price, Kevin Ramer, and Scott Van Manen. Come honor those who have gone before us, celebrate our own personal saints, and join in communion with both the saints and each other. Mark your calendar! Sunday, November 18th at 3 pm, Binkley will celebrate Thanksgiving with music! Featuring handbells and all choirs. Come join us! COME SING! Are you thinking about joining the choir? Contact Leandra for more information: leandra@binkleychurch.org Children's rehearses Wednesday from 6 7pm, elementary school kids Youth rehearses Sunday from 5 6pm, 6th 12th graders Chancel rehearses Wednesday from 7:30 9pm, adults Handbell Ensemble rehearses Thursday from 5:30 7pm, adults and youth DINNER & DIALOGUE A Community Seeking to Welcome and Affirm Join us on Wednesday nights, November 7 and 14, as we listen to each other, and to friends share the dynamics of inclusion. On November 7, Susan Rogers will consider with us a theology of inclusion, and on November 14, Mahan Siler, retired Pastor of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, will reflect on what he learned in our sister church s journey in the 90s around similar issues. Dinner from 5:30-6:00; program from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Lounge. Meal: $5.00 (6 th grade-adult), $3.00 (K-5 th ); younger children, free. Register with the church office, by the Monday prior to the session SPIRITUAL LIFE OPPORTUNITIES Please stop by the narthex bulletin board to check out our opportunities in our area for nurturing your spiritual life. Fall can be a hectic time and the holidays will be upon us soon. Explore these workshops and quiet ways to support your spirit. BINKLEY DAYTIME BOOK GROUP Tuesday, November 27th at 10:30 in the rary. Gladess Crisp will be leading our discussion of: "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. All are welcome. PRIMETIMERS Wednesday, 11/14 at 12:30 in the Lounge. This month, Laurence Avery on Paul Green and The Lost Colony. Sign up on Dale s bulletin board. BINKLEY PRESCHOOL Help BPS earn free cash, when you use your Harris Teeter VIC card. It is simple to do, you can either go online or when you are at the store ask to have your VIC card linked to the Binkley Preschool Account (#2666). Once you are linked up you will be donating a percentage of your sale to BPS.

4 Dear Binkley Family, Binkley Baptist Church 2013 Stewardship Pledge Season All are Welcome Marty Haugen, composer of the hymn All are Welcome reminds us to: Build a house where love is found a banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet. These words ring through our and hearts and sanctuary often. All are Welcome is a beloved Binkley favorite for its resonance with our church s mission and vision. But, how do we, as a Binkley Family, embody All are Welcome? We embody All are Welcome when we embrace Christ s teaching to love one another. (John 13:34) We embody All are Welcome when we remember that we have enough. We embody All are Welcome when we give generously. This Stewardship season, I find myself in the Gospel of John, Chapter 6, at the feeding of the 5,000 with only a boy s five loaves and two fish. In this passage, I become the doubtful Andrew who questions the meager offering, but what are they among so many? Then, Jesus looks to Heaven and blesses the meal. All are fed, all are welcome, and I find myself in the midst of a miracle of abundance and radical hospitality. Mark these important dates on your calendar as you prayerfully consider your 2013 pledge this Stewardship season. Sunday, October 28: the Stewardship Committee will offer a Stewardship Word during the service. Thursday, November 1: The Ministry Asking Budget with letter and pledge card will be mailed to your home. Sunday, November 11: Listening session after worship regarding the 2013 Ministry Asking Budget. Sunday, November 18: Our first Walk of Faith Sunday, November 25: Our second Walk of Faith Grace and peace, J. Dana Trent, On behalf of the Stewardship Committee CHURCH FINANCES GENERAL FUND: September Actual Budget Difference Previous year $16,816 $12,912 $3,904 Current year $437,227 $456,109 -$18,882 Non-pledged $20,069 $30,000 -$9,931 Undesignated $6,045 $7,500 -$1,455 Birthday bank $1,178 $1,125 $53 Building Use $31,046 $29,654 $1,392 Other $2,832 $0 $2,832 Money Market Interest $128 $0 $128 Totals $515,341 $537,301 -$21,960 PASTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND Balance 08/01/2012 Gifts Received Disbursed Balance 09/31/2012 $469 $1,715 -$742 $1,442

5 October 7th How Does a Pastor Say Thanks? In my life and service at Binkley Baptist Church I have met hundreds of beautiful, loving, generous souls. For the past twenty years you have allowed me to connect with you, pray with you, lead you, work with you and minister to you. That is a most precious and treasured gift. This past September, you threw a wonderful party to honor my and Leandra s years of ministry at Christ s church at the corner of Willow Dr. and Fordham Blvd. The party included great food, numerous hugs, fun songs and a moving memory book which I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. For that day and those gifts of love, time and energy, I am truly grateful. Then you collected a financial gift from your community resources and sent it my way. For that generosity and kindness I thank you as well. When I came to this church, I was thirty-one years old and raw in church work. I remember telling my family in 1992 and as the years went by that I was the richest man in Chapel Hill. That feeling has not changed. May God bless all of you and me as we continue to find avenues of gratitude in our Creator s earthly realm. Dale Dear Binkley Friends, Thank you for your generous gifts surrounding the celebration of my tenth anniversary at Binkley. The party, the card, the monetary gift, and all the personal s, cards, and direct expressions of love and gratitude have touched me deeply. I am grateful that you are part of my life and appreciate tremendously the time we've had together. Love, Leandra Dear Friends, In the past 4 months you have been an amazing support for us during stressful times of poor health. We have learned anew the meaning of church. You have sent words of encouragement, food, special treats, uplifting readings, cards, flowers and so much more. Most of all your presence has been so meaningful to us. It is true that there is no small act of kindness it all matters. You have taught us that again and again with your many acts of kindness. We are grateful. In appreciation, Janet O Neal and Dianne Lindsey

6 PRAYER CONCERNS Church Family: Doug Mackinnon, Laurie Heffner, Bob Phillips, Elise Goldman, Claudia Cannady, Willard Hamrick, Martha Henderson, Geraldine King, and others seeking support. Extended Family: Bill Patrick (brother of Rhonda Szostak), Rebecca Vanke, Mona Chahine (cousin of Ralph Nissler), Joan Hammond (sister of Tim Bradshaw), Brad and Rachel Clark (friend of Heather Rabalais), Hunter Daughtrey and Janet Parsons (Heather Rabalais Dad and Step-mother), Kim Carson (friend of Al Wheless), Cathy Melvin (family member of ba Wells), Erma Darnell (Claudia Templeton's mother), Alyssa and Alexa Divers and parents Lynn and Jeff (family of Art and Gwen Sherwood), David Lutes (Nancy's son), Joel Johnson (friend of John and Yvonne Holt), Barbara Rovetto (friend of Ginny Lansing), JoAnna Anderson (Jody Hite's sister), Ellwee Miller and Gail Mills (aunt and mother of Karin Mills), Darryl Kirkendall (friend of Textoris'), Terri Robinson (friend of Billie Cox), Steve Emrich (friend of Joe and Nan Pardington), Jackson Grove (Amy Jackson's nephew), Ruby Switzer (Katherine Walker's grandmother), Andrew Henley (Carl's son), Malone and Betty Thomason (Caryl Price's parents), 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), Carley Pardington (Joe's mother), Tan and Scott Coats (missionaries in Thailand), Tara Hogan (Talmadge Walker's niece), Janise Baker (mother of Donna Flattery), and Lois Elmore (friend of Julie Lentz). Health Center/Hospital Residents: Joan Ewing, Bob Kreutzberg, Marj Boltz, Jean Breckenridge, Hilda Moffitt, Leo and Rusty Wagoner, Laurie Freeman, and Carolyn Wallace. *please remember to contact the office to remove names from the above lists DIRECTORY CORRECTIONS AND CHANGES Corrections: Robert Seymour: Sam & Barbara Wilburn: Sheryl Scrimsher: Linda Textoris: Chon Shoaf: Martha Henderson: Carl Henley: Curt McLaughlin & Barbara Nettles Carlson: Ann Cockrell: Joe Clontz: Eva Clontz: BIRTHDAYS! 3 Becky Robinson; Joe Templeton; Elise Van Manen 6 Tracy Berger 12 Nancy Ehle; Bob Kreutzberg 13 Barbara Harris; Juanita Kakalec; Maria Palmer 14 Deborah Cousins; JoAnn Flair; Logan Hatch; Nell Morton 15 Barbara Thornton 17 Jacob Bradshaw; Nicholas Butler; Camille Russell 18 Susan Rogers; Sophia Shih 19 Charles Coble; Carolyn Kozelka 20 Anne Huffman 21 Karen Van Manen 22 Ethan Cook; Adams Wofford 23 Jim Wells 24 Hrang Er; Stephanie Ford; Eric Maltbie; Heather Rabalais 25 Stewart Bankhead; Jennie Heck; Kara Richards- Baker; Melinda Wilde 26 Nancy Cheek 27 Wayne Price 28 Sheridan Bushnell; Tessa Hale; Martha Henderson; Jeremiah Siang Mawi; Sylvia Ramer 30 Jan Clark; Emily Fulcher; Jim Fulcher; Myra Knight; Nancy Lutes; Nan Pardington; David Resnik ANNIVERSARIES! 2 Jim and Linda Hill-Wise 5 Timothy and Mary Ann Bradshaw 10 Bob and Pat Goetz 15 Rob and Gloria Lightsey-Lewis 18 Chester and Verla Insko 23 Howard and Lillian Lee 26 Claudia and Joe Templeton 28 Meredith Bratcher and Tim West Chuck and Valerie Hudock 29 Nancy and Neal Cheek DIRECTORY CORRECTIONS AND CHANGES cont... Claudia Templeton: claudiatempleton4@gmail.com Phone Number Corrections: Allen Davidson: (919) Laura Davidson: (919) Nancy Lutes: (919) Address Corrections: Carl Henley & Martha Henderson Mailing Address: 433 Henley Rd Chapel Hill, NC 27517

7 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat NEWSLETTER DEADLINE is the 20th of the month 1 2 pm Health Ministries, rary 7 pm Racial Reconciliation Dale at Baptist Youth Camp 2 Dale at Baptist Youth Camp 3 10 am Chancel Dress Rehearsal Dale at Baptist Youth Camp 4 All Saints Sunday 4 pm Worship at Carol Woods, Stephanie 5 pm Youth 6pm Youth Group 5 7 pm Deacon Mtg, Lounge 6 Election Day 7 5:30 pm Dinner & Dialogue 6 pm Children s pm Listening Session 12:30 pm Interfaith Encounter Church School, PR 5 pm Youth 6pm Youth Group 12 7 pm Board of Outreach, rary 7 pm AFC Team, Lounge :30 am Health Ministry Team, 12:30 pm Primetimers 5:30 pm Dinner & Dialogue 6 pm Children s 15 9:30 am Grounds Comm, 4:30 pm Leadership Mtg 7:30 pm Music Comm IFC Kids Project pm Alternative Gift Fair 3 pm Concert 5 pm Youth 6pm Youth Group 19 7 pm Church Council, SR 20 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE HAPPY THANKSGIVING OFFICE CLOSED 23 OFFICE CLOSED 2 pm Harriss Wedding & Reception Binkley Cooks IFC 6 pm Children s