Growing with God THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH Fall 2017 Programs
A VISION OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION AT BINKLEY C hristian Formation at Binkley Memorial Baptist Church strives to create a variety of sacred spaces in which all people feel welcome and can nurture their spiritual lives no matter where they are on their journey. Our church programs flow from this desire to love God, each other, and our neighbors. We explore Biblical narratives and Christian theology, and we ground ourselves in the traditions of Church. We celebrate God through a variety of forms of music. We foster discussion and encourage action in areas of peace and justice as we strive to be a covenantal community inspired by Christ's example. We trust that all of the components of Binkley's Christian Formation program lead to sound character formation for members of this faith community. We create safe spaces to question, to explore spiritual practices in Christianity and other faith traditions, and to challenge ourselves toward spiritual growth. We provide support for our teachers and intergenerational relationships/ mentorships. We foster community, faithful public leadership, social service opportunities, and the pursuit of one s spiritual vocation. We provide opportunities for all people to experience God s love within ourselves, in community and in nature. The mission of Binkley Baptist Church is building compassionate and joyful community, freely exploring spiritual paths, and pursuing justice and peace in the way of Jesus. 2
WORSHIP AT BINKLEY E very Sunday at 11:00 am, we gather in the Sanctuary to be renewed for faithful living in the world. Services are characterized by thoughtful sermons, inspiring music, meaningful prayer, and steady encouragement for social action as followers of Jesus. On the first Sunday of each month, we celebrate communion, and all are welcome to the table. SUNDAY SCHEDULE Morning Celebration 9:00 am, Lounge Church School 9:30 am Worship 11 am, Sanctuary Other Opportunities for Worship: Morning Celebration, 9-9:20 am, in the Lounge All ages are invited to join in a time of singing, sharing, praying before Sunday School begins at 9:30 am. Vespers services in spring and autumn, Moravian Love Feast, Taizé, and special Christmas Eve services are among many worship opportunities offered. 3
C S S A er the Morning Celebra on (see p. 3), children go to their classrooms for Sunday School from 9:30 am 10:30 am. Preschool K: Children meet their teachers in Room 6 for an engaging me of story, ac vi es, prayers, and snacks. Teachers: Nancy Cheek, Jane Walters, and Joy Wood. For children at Binkley, Chris an forma on involves exploring our faith in various ways: engaging in the Bible, learning ways to pray, singing together, and par cipa ng in service projects. Children also have opportuni es to play with friends, both old and new. Grades 1 3/4 5: Children meet their teachers as a large group in Room 16 for the Bible story and prayer before the younger group heads down the hall to Room 13 for the rest of the hour. Drama, Bible games and ac vi es, cooking, arts and cra s, and service projects are among the opportuni es offered during this me. A snack is provided (with care for allergies). Teachers: Roal Carlson, Stephanie Ford, Laurie Heffner, Lisa Parks, Sheryl Scrimsher, Angela Snider, and Claudia Templeton. *Parents are reminded to pick up their children promptly at 10:30 am. A C F Fall Picnic: September 9, 4 6:30 pm: Children and their families are invited for a hot dog picnic on the Binkley playground. Fun ac vi es! See old friends, make new ones. All Hallow s Eve Party: October 25, 5:45 pm: Join the fes vi es! Games and prizes, bobbing for apples, face pain ng, costume contest, and more! In the Lounge and Sunroom. Game Night: November 10, 6 8 pm: Bring your favorite board game and enjoy trying new ones! Pizza and lemonade provided ($5). Save the Date: Hanging of the Greens: December 3, 3 pm Na vity Reenactment: December 17, 11 am Christmas Eve Family Service: December 24, 4 pm. 4
C W W e celebrate the many ways children par cipate in Binkley worship: serving as acolytes during the school year; singing in worship (see page 12); leading as liturgists, and par cipa ng in Worship with Children. Each Fall, Binkley presents Bibles to 2nd graders. Children are also blessed and dedicated as infants and are welcomed to par cipate in worship as part of a larger intergenera onal community. W C On the third Sunday of every month, children are invited to follow their leaders to the Chapel before the sermon. There they will hear stories, learn about worship, and par cipate in a quiet hands on ac vity. Parents and caregivers are welcome any me! N Childcare is provided on Sunday mornings year round for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers by qualified caregivers. Heather McCuiston is the Nursery Coordinator. S P Elementary age children are involved in service projects in the fall and spring, such as crea ng Welcome Bags for children residing at a local shelter. Children may also give an offering at VBS, church school, or worship, and may bring non perishable food to the narthex. This fall, we will have a special service project for children, youth, and adults on Sunday, September 3 during the Sunday School hour. Stay tuned for details! 5
The Youth Ministry at Binkley is composed of 6 th through 12 th graders and their adult leaders. The focus of youth group is aimed at allowing young people to explore their relationship with God and God s creation. We lift up hospitality, compassion, service and courtesy as important practices of our faith. We strive to have fun as we develop lifelong relationships and build lasting memories. We look to Jesus, the incarnation of God s love in human form, as our guide. YOUTH SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES Church School: 9:30 10:30 am, Pocket Rooms in Fellowship Hall Teachers: Dale Osborne, TBD Youth Choir: 5-6 pm, Choir Room (see page 14) Youth Group: 6-7:30 pm, Sunroom, Lounge Our gatherings begin with a shared meal in the Sunroom. The parentled meal is followed by opportunities for educational, social, serviceoriented, worshipful and purely fun activities. Coordinated by Rev. Dale Osborne, Tessa and Jordan Hale, Mark Walters, and Sandy Clifton. OTHER YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES Community Service Vacation Bible School Leadership Baptist Youth Camp Moravian Love Feast And many more 6
Adult Ministry Church School Christian formation for adults is an important part of nurturing our faith and spiritual lives. Church School for adults meets from 9:30-10:30 am on Sundays. Parents are asked to pick up their children at 10:30; listen for the gentle reminder bell! Fall Class Offerings The Prophetic Imagination in the Bible and in American Culture Sunroom From Moses to Jesus, and from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Rev. Dr. William Barber, the ability to imagine a different future from the one that seems inevitable is central to the biblical notion of prophecy. Join Micheal Palmer for a look at the roots of this tradition in the Bible. You ll discover what it meant to be a prophet in ancient Israel and what that notion of prophecy has to do with today's church. You will also learn a lot about the contents of the Bible along the way. Class offerings continue on the next page... 7
Finding Myself on a Journey Chapel This class approaches Bible study as a way of exploring some of the questions, intuitions, even distresses that arise (and persist!) on our pilgrim journeys. The class, facilitated by Meredith Bratcher, uses a Bible-based experiential learning approach but one s discoveries in this class are individual, perhaps unpredictable, sometimes not even spoken aloud, yet always trustworthy. We will use art work, journaling, and silent meditation to help engage the texts, which are the gospel readings (Matthew) assigned for each Sunday. Jefferson, Lincoln, and Carter: Their Religious Views Room 17 We will explore the quite different religious views of the above and how such views informed their actions. Collins Kilburn will illuminate how each president was deeply religious in his own way, with that way often being complicated and unconventional. Each was a pilgrim and a seeker, intensely engaged with theological concerns. Their perspectives and convictions will be examined in biographical and historical contexts. Mindful Parenting Lounge Each week, the group discusses ideas about parenting from current resources. The simple format includes the following: prayer, brief check-in, summary of the book or article being shared, and a discussion on prepared questions. We welcome novice and experienced parents alike looking to share laughter, support, and hope in the journey of parenting. Megan and Miles Highsmith are the co-facilitators. English as a Second Language and Christianity Room 18 This class is designed for those learning English as a second language and interested in faith. Participants will learn vocabulary, stories from the Bible, Christian traditions, as well as share from their own cultures and histories in lively discussion. 8
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERIES Fall 2017 In September (9/6 & 9/20), we will explore how we communicate, worship with, and show love to persons--family and friends--living with dementia. On September 13, Cate Alexander will facilitate a discussion of an inspiring podcast interview with civil rights activist Ruby Sales. At the end of September (9/27), we will turn to the ways we might best offer spiritual presence and care to persons living with mental illness. In October, we will explore spiritual formation through nature, art, and spiritual direction. November s line-up includes opportunities to continue conversations from last spring on racial justice. Dinner begins at 5:30 pm, with the program to follow from 6-7 pm. Children are welcome for the meal and are then invited to participate in Children s Choir with Daniel at 6 pm in Room 15. Don t forget to call the office and sign up by Tuesday noon for the meal! Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for 12 and under. This group of older adults consists of retirees and those who have the leisure to eat lunch on the second Wednesday of the month during the school year. Its primary purpose is social a gathering to enjoy each others company over a meal. Lunch is followed by a 30-minute topical presentation with discussion and dialogue opportunities. A catered lunch ($9) is provided. Primetimers typically meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 12:30 pm in the Lounge. We are looking for a coordinator or co-coordinators for Primetimers. Contact Dale Osborne for more information or if you are interested in helping coordinate Primetimers gatherings. 9
THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC The mission of the Music Ministry is to deepen the worship experience, to educate, and to inspire participation that opens people to the transcendent power of the Eternal, both in church and in the larger community. Our church supports excellent music and liturgy that is meant to uplift those who worship. Music has a significant role to play in the spiritual life of our community. It has the power to uplift, to teach, to unite, and is an integral part of inspiring worship. Although one can worship anywhere (and without music), worship without music does not easily soar. St. Augustine said, those who sing pray twice. We pray that, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you will be uplifted, inspired, and sustained by the Ministry of Music of Binkley Church, and that your song will find voice in this house of prayer. 10
THE CHANCEL CHOIR Chancel Choir consists of approximately 50 adult singers, college age or older, forming the backbone of the church s music program. Many have musical backgrounds, and all exhibit a deep commitment to the ministry of music and worship in this church. Extensive musical training is not a prerequisite. If you can hear and hit a pitch, you can sing at Binkley Baptist Church. Because of the extensive amount of material covered in a reasonably brief rehearsal time, the ability to read music is helpful though not required. Rehearsals are Wednesday nights, 7:30 9:00 p.m., Choir Room Choir retreat at Trinity Center, Salter Path, NC, with guest clinician, Dr. Hugh Ferguson Floyd, Coordinator of Choral Activities at Furman University, October 2017 Vespers for All Souls in Remembrance of the Homeless: November 5 Easter Day with brass, tympani, organ, and bells Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Major works Spring 2018: Robert Ray s Gospel Mass with Liturgical Dancer Tony Johnson from Duke University and Joseph Franz Haydn s Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo (Little Organ Mass). 11
CHILDREN S CHOIR 6 pm, Binkley Playground 12
CHORAL & CONDUCTING SCHOLARS A Choral/Conducting Scholar is a student who receives a scholarship for participating in a church music ministry. The program is designed to encourage young people to be involved with an accomplished Church Music Ministry, and thereby foster their growth into a lifetime of service in Church Music either as vocation or avocation. The students must be actively enrolled in a degree program at an area college or university. Scholars become full participating members of the Chancel Choir, and are encouraged to be active in the ministry of the church, enjoying a home away from home. The scholars program was founded in September 2016 through a one-time grant from Binkley s Program Enhancement Fund and through a significant gift in Spring 2017 from Julie Lentz in memory of her mother and father, Eleanor Lentz and The Rev d Dr. Harold Lentz. In addition, memorial gifts, designated, and sustaining gifts continue to make this ministry viable. To learn more about our Choral Scholars program and why it is important to Binkley Church, contact Daniel Cherrix at daniel@binkleychurch.org. We are pleased to welcome the following Scholars for the 2017-2018 Program Year: Anne Sutton is a senior at UNC-CH majoring in Voice Performance and Geography. Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, she has been involved with church choirs for most of her life. A member since second grade, she eventually became head chorister and then choral scholar at St. Paul s Cathedral in VT, and also participated in the St. Thomas Choir School Summer Girls Chorister course for 6 years in NYC. She now sings with the Carolina Choir at UNC. Anne is thrilled to be returning to Binkley for her second year as a Choral Scholar. Kennedy Crawford, mezzo-soprano, is a senior at UNC-CH planning to graduate in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a minor in Dramaturgy. Kennedy has actively performed as a member of UNC Opera and has been a member of Carolina Choir for six semesters at UNC. She has studied choral conducting under Professor Klebanow. Most recently, Kennedy completed an internship with Carolina Meadows Continuing Care Retirement Community as their Summer 2017 Music & Memory intern. Kennedy is looking forward to her time at Binkley Baptist Church as the 2017-2018 Conducting Scholar and is excited to continue her choral conducting studies with guidance from Daniel Cherrix and her new church family. Ryan Rowe, tenor, is a senior at UNC-CH where he studies vocal performance and sings in the Carolina Choir. Ryan spent the greater part of the last year studying abroad in England and Russia. In fact, Ryan had not been back in the US even 48 hours before his first Chancel Choir rehearsal at Binkley! 13
YOUTH CHOIR Youth Choir is a musical community for grades 6 12 which offers friendship and acceptance among each other while using their various gifts of music to offer praise and proclaim the good news of God. The choir enjoys singing a wide variety of music including classical, folk hymns, spirituals, gospel, and music which the youth have enjoyed at Baptist Youth Camp. Members of the Youth Choir receive training that will enhance their appreciation of great choral music and its application to and relevance in worship. Rehearsals are Sunday evenings, 5:00 6:00 p.m., Choir Room Participation in the Chapel Hill Youth Choir Workshop, January 2018 Participation in the Chapel Hill Churches Massed Youth Choir Benefit Concert, May 2018, hosted here at Binkley Church Festival by the Sea, March 2018 Sings in worship monthly Lends the Moravian Love Feast music along with Guest Youth Brass players from Salvation Army of Durham BELL CHOIR Bell Choir is a group of ringers that plays at regular and special services throughout the year. A commitment to weekly rehearsals and basic music reading skills are necessary. Bell playing technique is part of this ensemble. The group is open to middle school age and above. Bell Choir rehearsals will resume in October. For more information, contact Tonya Hamm at tonyasusan@aol.com THE OLD TIME GOSPEL BAND The Old Time Gospel Band is a convivial group of musicians, middle school age and above, who have a love of Old Time and Gospel music. The group helps lead us in worship approximately every six weeks. Rehearsals, 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings, 9:30 10:15 am, Choir Room Current instruments include: mandolin, banjo, guitar, fiddle, concertina, harmonica, and piano Singers and instrumentalists Members participate in the Chapel Hill Children s Choir Workshop Weekend 14
Men of Binkley Retreat Blowing Rock Conference Center 1818 Goforth Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 October 6-8, 2017 All men 18 and older are encouraged to attend the 2nd Annual Men of Binkley Retreat at the Blowing Rock Conference Center, October 6-8, 2017. Friday evening dinner is served from 6:30-7:15 followed by International Spirits Night. The retreat program begins after breakfast on October 7 and adjourns after breakfast and a brief communion service on Sunday, October 8. The cost is $150/person. Financial assistance is available as needed. The theme of this year s retreat is Maturity, Mutuality, and Mission. Ephesians 4:1-16 is offered as testimony to personal development, finding commonality with others, and making a difference in the world. speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. The text suggests a flow from the development of maturity, to the mutuality & connectedness we find in those around us, and, ultimately, to the mission & purpose that directs the substance of our lives. Thus the retreat theme: Maturity, Mutuality, and Mission. Rev. Ken Williams, will serve as facilitator. Ken will come to the retreat directly from the completion of his role as Interim Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut. Ken is in his 40 th year of pastoral service service covering pastoral roles in four congregations, in denominational administration, as a seminary trustee, and as an emergency services chaplain with a portfolio in Critical Incident Stress Management. Ken has written in depth about his own experience of loss and has served as grief coach for individuals and families. He and his spouse, the Rev. Peg Williams, reside in Durham and are looking forward to resuming retirement and embracing the freedom to visit children and grandchildren in Indiana and Western New York and to resuming worship at Binkley Baptist Church. Call the church office to reserve your spot or send a check for $150 to Binkley Baptist Church and note the Men of Binkley retreat in the For or Memo line. Registration forms will follow later, but contact us if you have any questions. Larry McManus and Charles Coble, Co-chairs 15
FALL-WINTER 2017 AT BINKLEY August 27 Launch Sunday September 3 Intergenerational Service Project (see p. 5) 6 Wednesday Night Series begins (see p. 9) 9 Picnic for Children and their Families (see p. 4) 10 Sunday School classes begin October 6-8 Men of Binkley Retreat (see p. 15) 15-31 Pumpkin Patch Sale benefitting Music Ministry Choral Scholars Program (see p. 13) 15 Binkley at Barbee s 25 All Hallow s Eve Party (see p. 4) November 5 Vespers for All Souls in Remembrance of the Homeless (see p. 11) 10 Game Night (see p. 4) 26 Alternative Gifts Fair, post-worship December 3 Advent Season begins Hanging of the Greens, 3 pm 17 All Church Breakfast/Nativity Reenactment, 9:30/11:00 am Love Feast in the Moravian Tradition, 7 pm 24 Christmas Eve Worship Services 4 pm: Family Service 7 pm: Carols and Candlelight Service with pre-service concert at 6:30 pm THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH Staff Dale Osborne, Associate Minister Stephanie Ford, Minister of Christian Formation Daniel C. Cherrix, Minister of Music and Organist Duane Gilbert, Bookkeeper/Facility Liaison Stephenie Sanders, Office Manager 1712 Willow Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919-942-4964 office@binkleychurch.org binkleychurch.org 16 @binkley.church