News from Binkley Baptist Church

May 17, 2024

From Our Pastor

What’s Christian Formation? What does that even mean? To me it means an intentional observation of the fact that the Christian faith is a journey and not a destination. We are being formed as Christians when we find ourselves in this space together. Those of us who grew up in church were formed in those places. Those of us who found ourselves first engaged in church as adults are formed in different ways. But the formation is not always a linear thing. It is like the formation of a work of pottery. It begins to form, and then falls and grows again and dips this way or that and continues to work and grow. What it looks like now may be almost unrecognizable from how it started out - or it may just be a bigger or more ornate version of how it has always been.

Christian formation is not limited to a certain age group. When I think of Christian formation for the youngest among us, I am inspired by comments I hear from parents. Jack Davidson, newly minted four-year-old, will respond to the questions “How was Sunday School?” or “What did you learn during Worship with Children?” with a variety of responses. "Amy was so happy to see me," or "I cried when Momma left, but Hayley held me." or even "God likes when things are fair."

That is his Christian formation. Or a parent of an older child will call me to tell me about how their child imitated the way I have children repeat a short sentence prayer as a part of their dinner routine. Or will share how I have reminded them that a candle can represent God’s presence.

How are we formed as Christians? From the earliest of days, it has been evident that this is a faith that relies on community. We are formed in relationship with each other. We are formed by the ways we encounter and exude God’s love. We are formed through study. We are formed through service. As we live into our values, we are being formed.

Christian formation is the hope that we are being formed in the way of Jesus. The Jesus that helped the oppressed and drew the circle ever wider. The Jesus that chose love over power and death over violence. We are formed by those we encounter. As Christians, we are formed by those who live the life of Jesus around us - and we ourselves learn to live and love as Jesus modeled for us.

Together on the journey,

Amy

Amy J. Armstrong (she/her)

Minister of Children, Youth and Young Adults

Make sure you are seeing ALL of the Friday Update!

When you receive the weekly email from Binkley, there's LOTS of great information,

but you may have to look at the bottom of your email message for the words:

"[Message clipped] View entire message".

If you see that message at the bottom of your weekly email, click on the blue "View entire message" and the WHOLE of the Friday Update will suddenly become visible.

If you have questions about this, contact Donna at office@binkleychurch.org, and she will be glad to help you.

This Sunday at Binkley!

May 19th: Spirit-Filled People!

Christian Formation Sunday

During the 11am Worship Service on May 19th, we will have the opportunity to celebrate Pentecost and the important work of Christian Formation here at Binkley. We’ll celebrate our Spirit-Filled people of all ages. We hope you’ll join us for this worship opportunity!

Mindful Parenting: Facilitated by Ty Hagler, Lisa Parks and Joey Powell in the Chapel. The class includes prayer, a brief check-in, a summary of the book or article being shared, and a discussion of prepared questions. Novice and experienced parents and caregivers – all are welcome to share laughter, support, and hope in the journey of parenting.

Sojourners Class: Facilitated by guest Jerry VanSant on May 19th in the Fellowship Hall. This week's focus will be on the following article:

https://sojo.net/magazine/may-2024/we-can-effectively-counter-terrorism-without-war

May 26, June 2, June 9: Courage and Resilience. Facilitated by Dorothy Pennell and Susan Rogers in the Lounge. Using the teachings, conversations, and practices gleaned from a recent online gathering of the same name led by noted author Rev. Brian McLaren, this 3-part class will discuss what can help us "build courage and resilience for a world that seems to be falling apart." Brian McLaren is the Dean of Core Faculty at the Center for Contemplation and Action. He "teaches ways to reconnect with the message Jesus lived and died for — unconditional love."

Children & Youth Activities

May 19 - Christian Formation Sunday

Children:

Courtyard, 9 am

Sunday School 9:45 am

Worship 11 am

Youth:

Courtyard, 9 am

Doughnuts & Discussion 9:45 am

Worship 11 am

College & Young Adults to Lunch after worship

May 26

Children:

Courtyard, 9 am

Sunday School 9:45 am

Worship 11 am

Youth:

Courtyard, 9 am

Summer Sundays on the Playground 9:45 am

Worship with Children 11 am

Binkley Tykes 3:30 pm

Contact Amy Armstrong for more information.

Worship

11 am

In-Person and Livestream

View the 11 am Service Order

View the 11am Service from Home

We will livestream the service at 11 am on our website, Facebook, and YouTube. You choose which platform works best for you. After the livestream has ended, you can view the service at your leisure on Facebook or YouTube.

The Binkley 411

STATEMENT CALLING FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Approved April 15, 2024

Binkley Baptist Church Council

As members of the Binkley Baptist Church, we are followers of Jesus who embrace spiritual growth, mutual care, and service to our neighbors and God; inviting all who walk through the door or stand on the street with us to join our commitment to peace, justice, and care for creation.

We unequivocally condemn the horrific attack by Hamas militants against Israeli civilians on Saturday, October 7. We also unequivocally condemn the loss of civilian life and suffering, caused by Israel’s retaliatory bombardment and total siege of the Gaza Strip, and any U.S. government support of such action.

Every human life is precious, and we mourn the deaths of Israelis and Palestinians caused by these tragic cycles of violence and retaliation. We acknowledge that the causes of the conflict are complex and historic and are inflamed by outside forces for their own self-interest.

Believing that silence in the face of injustice is complicity, we call for an immediate ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and the return of all hostages. Furthermore, we call on the parties involved to take action to address the underlying causes of the ongoing conflict, with the goal of obtaining a long-term peace for all parties.

Our conviction that peace will prevail on earth, as the scriptures of the great religions of the world have promised, is challenged to find its footing amid such incredible violence and suffering. This is a time for strong moral resolve, spiritual fortitude, and immediate action.

Organ and Piano Upgrade Fund <<Update>>

The fundraising campaign for the upgrade of the pipe organ and piano continues! We expect the organ console to be removed in mid-June to start the renovation and upgrades to the instrument. We hope to have our new piano in place while the organ is unavailable for at least 2-3 months.

We are currently $46,000 away from our goal of $248,000. To meet our donation milestones, we need to raise $20,000 by June 30.

Your donation is needed to help us reach this goal!

You may contribute to the fund by using the QR code below to reach Binkley’s website donations page. Or a check to Binkley with "Organ/Piano Upgrade" in the memo line is welcomed.

For additional information contact Mike Davis, Chair of the Music Committee at jmd27312@gmail.com.

From Barbara and Gove Elder:

To raise awareness and funds for mental illness, NAMIWalks will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Perimeter Park in Morrisville, NC. Faith Connections on Mental Illness is currently the top fund raiser.

Faith Connections on Mental Illness invites all individuals, congregations, organizations to join our team. There is no cost to participate. Individuals who raise $100 in contributions will receive a free NAMIWalks T-shirt from event organizers. Even if you can’t walk, donations are gratefully accepted. To register or donate, go to this link: www.namiwalks.org/team/FCMI

Gove and Barbara Elder's NAMIWalk page: https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=528205

2024 Spring

Binkley Open Golf Tournament

Tuesday, May 21

Where: Southwick Golf Course, 3136 Southwick Dr, Graham, NC 27253

Date & time: May 21 at 9:00 am

Cost: $40 which includes green fees, cart, lunch, range balls, and prizes

Payment: Pay by check to Larry McManus, Jr.

Just drop a check in the offering plate or send by mail to: 103 Bella Rose Dr, Chapel Hill NC 27517

Reservations: Send an e-mail to larrymcmanus01@gmail.com or ccoble2@gmail.com to signal your participation so that we can prepare properly.

Players: Binkley members, attendees, friends, and all genders; it is an open-to-all event, just let us know in advance.

DEADLINE FOR CONFIRMED RESERVATIONS: SUNDAY, May 19

Binkley Senior Adult Ministry Opportunities

Spring Broadway

Sing-Along –

Wednesday, May 29, 10:30, Fellowship Hall

Sally and accompanist Mike Davis promise lots of spirited singing in this spring musical event.

Can the staff top Alvin and the Chipmunks’ Christmas song?! They were pretty SUPERFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS last time. Come and find out!

Registration: https://tinyurl.com/yv9spp73

or scan the QR code below:

Senior Adult Coordinating Team

Thanks to all who have gathered to assist with the Senior Adult planning process. What wonderful energy and great ideas! It's time now to identify a consistent group of planners for this ministry, a Senior Adult Coordinating Team. If you would like to be a part of this small group, please communicate with Diane.

Diane Eubanks Hill

Interim Minister with Senior Adults

diane@binkleychurch.org

Stepping into the Whirlwind of Israel-Palestine: What is an Apartheid-free Community of Faith?

Explore. Question. Discern.

A weekend of Opportunity

Saturday, June 8 – Partnering with Palestine to End Apartheid

Registration 9:30am; Workshop: 10:00am-Noon

Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Allison Tanner. Learn more about the history of Palestine, and hear

about colonization in Palestine. Learn more about what it looks like to stand side by side with

Palestinians. Initiatives of churches who have taken the Apartheid-Free pledge will be shared.

Learn how faith communities can participate in the work of freedom, justice and equality for Palestinians and for Israelis. All are welcome! Binkley family, clergy, other area churches, and community representatives are invited. Register by June 6^th. https://tinyurl.com/2a4n7hrn

Sunday, June 9 – Lunch and Learn – Discerning Next Steps for Binkley

Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Allison Tanner. Share your thoughts as we embark on a discernment process that meets the needs of our congregation. Engage in the conversation. Come prepared to share and listen to a variety of hopes, beliefs and hesitations. Register by June 5^th. https://tinyurl.com/c23ezxur

Guest facilitator: Rev. Dr. Allison Tanner is a pastor, educator and organizer working for justice and healing in our world. She is the National Organizer for the Apartheid-Free Communities initiative, convened by American Friends Service Committee. She also serves as Pastor of Public Witness at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church (Oakland, California), a sister Alliance of Baptists congregation.

The Alliance of Baptists has named Israeli apartheid and pledged to join others in working to end all support to Israel’s apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military occupation. This commitment is in direct response to pleas from Palestinians and Palestinian Christians for partnership in their work for freedom, justice and equality. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PyOISNR49ZWC95bm3VvdC3IWYlRLhYAq/view?ts=6435a1fb)

Palestine Lending Library has moved to the Binkley Library

A multitude of resources are available to expand our horizons, including books, visuals, pamphlets and DVDs. What do we mean by military occupation? Why is the term apartheid being used? How is the environment impacted? Please use the sign-up sheet to sign in and out.

For more information: Mary Lou Leiser Smith mloupwj@nc.rr.com

VBS - June 17-21

To Register a child for VBS: https://tinyurl.com/49m74zth

To Volunteer as a Youth or Adult

helper for VBS: https://tinyurl.com/8myp2p4f

Saturday, June 1 10am - 1pm

Bring a side or dessert to share!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Saturday, June 1st from 10am-1pm. We’ll be gathering for the Annual End of School Picnic! Marcus will be cooking hot dogs and veggie burgers on the grill, and we invite families to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Bring a chair or lawn blanket to sit on.

We’ll gather at the Peace Plaza for water play and other games. In case of inclement weather, we’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall (minus the water games).

This is also an opportunity to welcome and meet our Duke Divinity Intern, Chris Banke, and his wife, Anna.

We look forward to seeing all ages there!

The Art Room is a sacred space, having been blessed and dedicated to our Creator and to the practice of co-creating with our Creator.

How quickly the past year has flown by! Here's a copy of Marcus's blessing and dedication of the Art Room from last year. On June 2, 2024 we will celebrate its one year anniversary after worship with remarks by the Rev. Dr. Marcus McFaul, piano music by Kevin Twine, refreshments, and a brand new exhibit (stay tuned for further details. Come and see how the room has evolved! Hear about past exhibits - Jim Wells's photography and Wendy Gellert's fused glass and metal - plus fused glass and birdhouse building workshops, open studios, and upcoming exhibits and classes. We look forward to seeing you for the celebration!

Snippets from Senior Minister, Marcus McFaul's original Art Room Blessing, June 4, 2023

In the words of T.S. Eliot, "The Lord who created must wish for us to create." Indeed. Our Creative and Still Creating God wishes, wants, and loves when we join the artistic efforts of beauty and goodness.

This Art Room, is purposefully dedicated to art, artistry, creativity, discovery, and contemplation.

In this room, may creativity flourish---collages to kaleidoscopes, painting to poetry, handcraft and handiwork of all kinds, charcoal pencil sketches to photography adorning the walls. Colors, tapestries, paintbrushes, yarn, magazines and so much more will be utilized in the making of pieces which reflect individual creativity.

The Art Room looks out into our St. Francis Courtyard with its own beauty. What will be captured by someone's eye in a water-color painting or pen sketch of the gorgeous colors in spring and fall blooms? The foliage itself is an ex-

pression of the ever-creating One who, as Eliot reminded us, "wishes us to create."

Thomas Kelly remarked that "holy is the imagination, the gateway of reality into our hearts." May imaginations be fired in this room like a potter's kiln!

This room will also be a safe space for quiet reflection and contemplation---creations of another kind. For discovery, learning, prayer, and meditation are valued by the artist and the Artist.

So we dedicate and bless this space, this Art Room for the glory of God, whose artistry is reflected in the life of each person here. This is the Art Room and you are an artist!

Excerpts from John O'Donohue's To Bless the Space Between Us blessing entitled, "For the Artist at the Start of Day:"

May morning be astir with the harvest of night; Your mind quickening to the eros of a new question, your eyes seduced by some unintended glimpse that cut right through the surface to a source…May this be a morning of innocent beginning, when the gift within you slips clear…when you become a pure vessel for what wants to ascend from silence…Until the veil of the unknown yields and something original begins to stir toward your senses and grow stronger in your heart in order to come to birth in a clean line of form that claims from time a rhythm not yet heard that calls space to a different shape. May it be its own force field and dwell uniquely between the heart and the light…

Welcome to the Art Room!

(appreciation and gratitude go to Dorothy Pennell for making this room happen)

- Angie Hutto

Illuminated Journeys and

Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill invite you to

Contemplative Ireland - A Celtic Pilgrimage

April 25–May 9, 2025

View the information above or click this link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtA18ERMJcXhcXisxl62XIEIP_Zgh67d/view?usp=sharing

Binkley priority reservation deadline is May 25.

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS WORKSHOP

June 15 10:00 – 11:30 am Art Room

Join Angie Hutto and others to paint rocks, line envelopes with beautiful paper or other designs, and embellish gift bags with items you love. Registration coming next week!

$4 supply fee can be paid at beginning of workshop. Contact Dorothy Pennell if you need a scholarship.

Greeters needed! Sign up through THIS LINK or contact Sheryl Scrimsher.

Our Wider Community

Click the links for more information

Support Binkley Preschool

Click HERE to learn the various ways you can support Binkley preschool through linking loyalty cards, purchasing from specific merchants, and purchasing holiday greenery.

“End of Life Options Expo” at the Seymour Center this Saturday, May 18

The Orange County Department on Aging invites you to the “End of Life Options Expo” Saturday, May 18,

12-3pm, at the Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill. Over 30 vendors will be there to talk with you about green burial options and sites, shrouds, biodegradable boxes, urns, aquamation, death doulas, and more. Learn about these end of life options before you need them! Register at 919-968-2070 (registration recommended but not required). For more information, text or call Binkley member Betty Prioux at 919-225-3107.