Weekly News from Binkley Baptist Church

July 12, 2024

From Our Senior Pastor

Tomorrow I will stand alongside the children and grandchildren of Marion and Jim Summerville in Chapel Hill Memorial Park, and inter the ashes of their beloved parents and grandparents. With regret I did not know Marion, she passed away a few months prior to my arrival as Intentional Interim Pastor in Jan. 2015. However, I did know Jim as a fine southern gentleman, an avid croquet competitor, and committed disciple of Jesus.

Jim died in mid-May of 2020 and his memorial

service was our very first streaming online effort. Do you remember how chaotic those first several months of the pandemic lock-down were? All over the globe churches were sent scrambling to keep members and friends quasi-connected to the life and rhythms of a community. Figuring out "best practices," personnel, and modes of delivery taxed everyone. A weekly worship service is one thing but a memorial service is quite another. Across the intervening years, I've pondered on the effects of the pandemic for the many families who had to observe grief and conduct healing rituals (without any in-person gatherings) at such a disruptive time in the world and in their worlds.

The first sermon I preached here, I referenced Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament scholar and theologian, and afterward in meeting Jim for the first time ever at the sanctuary door, he told me of his admiration and appreciation for Brueggemann, and that he was somewhat a family friend. Needless to say, we bonded immediately.

Jim told me that he and Marion firmly believed that "what we do for others is all that is really worthwhile." These two native Alabamians lived long good lives (she died at age 85 and he at 95) and found joy in serving Christ and the Church. Their faith and love for God and others was evident in how they lived their lives. Isn't that the truest barometer of spiritual commitment for each one of us? The Summerville family was given the example of a loving 65 year marriage, a demonstration from their parents on the importance of making a difference where one lives, and cherishing the gifts each day brings. Talk about

worthwhile...

On Sunday we continue an exploration on Spiritual Types; this week a Mystic understanding of the Holy and the practices which enrich one's experience with the Divine. This service will feature a harpist, Leigh Stringfellow, who will be offering pieces from both Claude Debussy and Beethoven. She will accompany the summer choir on an arrangement of Be Thou My Vision. Cassie Chandler will share poetry from Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver. And much more too!

I truly hope to see you on Sunday. If in these busy summer months of travel and vacation you do happen to be at home on Sunday, please come to the services. We are better when we are together!

With much affection for you,

Your Pastor

Marcus

The Rev. Dr. Marcus W. McFaul

Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church

1712 Willow Dr.

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

919-942-4964

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!

Tap into your Creative Side in the Art Room (Room 17 in the Preschool Wing). The Binkley Art Room is open all summer during the church school hour for you to explore the “artist within.” Binkley Youth and Young Adults may join you!

Building Courage and Resilience Series: in the Lounge.

July 14 : Susan Rogers will lead the continuing discussion of Brian McLaren’s latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. While not required, it would be helpful to purchase or borrow a copy of the text. It comes in various formats: Hardcover, Kindle, Audio. If you have the book, read Chapters 4-6 before Sunday: Send in the Poets, When the Story Does Harm Step Away, and Hope is Complicated. Class members from last week were asked to bring a poem or song lyrics to this week’s class that resonates for them in building courage and resilience. All are welcome to join in!

July 21: No Church School because of the Church-wide Retreat in Blowing Rock.

Adult Formation Classes available on Binkley’s YouTube Channel. Thanks to Megan Hollenbeck, our amazing media specialist, you can watch Binkley Adult Formation classes online at the church’s YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@BinkleyBaptistChurch

Two recent offerings are: Faith in the Company of Doubt, a Spring 2024 class taught by Herman Greene and Michael Palmer. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2m-xNH8uwScF29E3tZOI8kK2fqDt9asR Reading the Bible with Courage and Resilience, with Amy Armstrong, part of the current Building Courage and Resilience series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHrJ2cP-MGg

Children & Youth Activities

July 14

Children:

Courtyard, 9 am

Summer Sundays 9:45 am

Worship with Children 11 am

Youth:

Courtyard, 9 am

Summer Options 9:45 am

Worship 11 am

Taizé Service 7 pm

July 21

Children:

Courtyard, 9 am

No Church School

Worship 11 am

Youth:

Courtyard, 9 am

No Church School Options

Worship 11 am

Contact Amy Armstrong for more information.

Sunday, July 14th

7:00pm, Binkley Sanctuary

Back by popular demand, a Taizé service will be held at 7pm in the sanctuary, led by Jack Mitchell, and accompanied by Dorothy Wright on cello and Milo Fryling on piano.

Invite your friends to experience an oasis of spiritual calm in our turbulent world.

The theme of the American Baptist One Great Hour of Sharing offering is "Share the Light". You can find more information on it here American Baptist World Relief Office - One Great Hour of Sharing (abc-oghs.org) . You can donate on the Binkley website here: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z36T/campaign/C-13G8A.

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

CONVERSATION AND DISCERNMENT

AT BINKLEY IN JULY

In the past five months, Binkley has hosted several learning opportunities about the “whirlwind” of conflict in Israel and Palestine. Maybe you’ve been able to attend one or more of them! Our most recent presentation was on June 8 and 9, when we welcomed Rev. Allison Tanner, American Baptist minister. She is the National Organizer for the movement established by the American Friends Service Committee entitled Apartheid-free Communities. This movement seeks to educate about the conditions of apartheid which control the life of Palestinians. For more information: visit https://apartheid-free.org/about/. Apartheid-free.org invites faith communities to join a national network of apartheid-free organizations by adopting a pledge and committing to uphold the values of freedom, equality, and justice wherever apartheid exists.

You may have attended Rev. Tanner’s presentations, and have been considering already how you’d like Binkley to respond. But a good many of us weren’t able to attend, and we are all invited by the Council to come together as a congregation for conversation and discernment – to share our ideas and feelings, to talk with one another, as we engage the question: should Binkley become an apartheid-free congregation?

To get some context, use this link for key materials that Rev. Tanner presented: https://tinyurl.com/4fyt53at. Or just come to the conversations! Our aim is to “listen to learn” from one another as we discern our way forward.

We have three opportunities for congregational conversation.

1) A Lunch and Listen on Sunday, July 14in Fellowship Hall immediately after the worship service in Fellowship Hall. Even if you didn't register for lunch, come join the talk at small tables, with a facilitator, using some of the practices we’ve learned during the Reference Team’s work with consultant David Brubaker in 2018.

2) For any who can’t come that Sunday, we’ll offer a Zoom session on Wednesday, July 17, at 7PM. A Zoom link will be published closer to the date. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yc7z9m54

by July 16th, so that we may have an idea of how many facilitators to include.

3) Finally, we’ll gather for conversation in a Samoan Circle, on Sunday, July 28 at 7PM in Fellowship Hall. A Samoan Circle practice allows for one-on-one conversations in a small circle within a larger circle. For more information on Samoan Circle practice, see this link: https://tinyurl.com/2r7s73u5.

The next step: the facilitators will give a report from their notes on what they’ve heard to Leadership Team and to Council in time for the Council’s August 19 meeting.

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.

Office Manager on Vacation July 15-19

Our Office Manager, Donna Crisp, will be on vacation next week. There will be volunteers covering the office from 10am - 1pm daily while she is away. Office volunteers will pass any messages on to Amy or Marcus if they can't wait until Monday, July 22nd. If you need immediate help, please call the church office (919-942-4964) and leave a message.

What's Happening in Binkley's Senior Adult Ministry?

Many thanks to Binkley's Summer Ministry Intern who led an energetic and appreciative group of senior adults last week in a time of Stories and Songs with Chris. He shared stories from his experiences as a touring musician, performed some of his original songs, as well as some of the favorites he picked up along the way, and concluded with a singalong of classic folk songs. We love you, Chris, and are grateful to you for sharing life with us this summer!

Planning for the Coming Year

Our Senior Adult Planning Team met recently to begin planning for the fall. If you have ideas or questions about this ministry, please see me, or one of the Planning Team members: Tonya Hamm, April Kemper, Denise Laux, Craig Meisner, Betty Prioux, and Elizabeth Stroop. We gather next on July 31.

Diane Eubanks Hill

Interim Minister with Senior Adults

Looking Ahead to August

August 4 – Chris Banke’s final Sunday as Summer Intern.

August 11 – Amy Armstrong preaches in 11am service.

August 18 – Screening of “Bad Faith” 7pm, Fellowship Hall

Several area congregations will join us; a conversation to follow on the dangers of Christian Nationalism in America.

August 25 – A presentation by Milbre Burch entitled “Myth America,” a program centered around voter suppression, civil rights violations, and the importance of engaged citizens in our democracy.

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

Business Manager Update

Our search for our next Business Manager is actively underway, and Duane Gilbert has graciously agreed to step in on a limited basis to help us maintain our forward momentum. Duane is working on Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-12:30. We ask for your patience as there may be a longer turn-around for check and report requests.

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.