Binkley Baptist Church
Sunday Schedule
8:45 am Early Worship, Chapel
(first and third sundays)
9:30 am Church School
11:00 am Worship, Sanctuary
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Church Office Hours
M-Th 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
n Saturday afternoon, October 1, from 1 to 4 PM, Binkley Baptist Church will host our first
ever Fall Festival. This fellowship event is for congregation members and the residents of
Chapel Hill, Carrboro and UNC.
There will be harvest-themed fun and games for children, face painting, fire trucks (and firefighters),
food trucks, booths/tables hosted by various organizations supported by the church and those that that
use Binkley space. A stage will provide space for performances by Binkley musical groups along with preforming groups who use our space inluding the NC Boys Choir, Sisters’ Voices, and the Square Heels.
Tours of the Binkley campus will be offered to visitors, and at 4:00 pm we will celebrate the Blessing of
the Animals in honor of St. Francis’ Day which is on October 4th.
The Fall Festival gives us an opportunity to celebrate who we are while sharing our mission, welcoming
visitors, and showcasing our various programs to the general public.
Come out on Saturday and help us create joyful community, and get to know our neighbors! All are truly
welcome! For more information or to volunteer, get in touch with Claudia Templeton: 919-641-3770,
[email protected]; or Daniel Cherrix: [email protected], 919-452-7905.
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Our Church Community
BINKLEY AND VISITING CHINESE SCHOLARS
AWarmWelcome for a Year in North Carolina
For Daniel, it’s simple: being church means everything we do is connected to inviting and embracing all who want to join our community.
And that’s particularly true of the many Chinese children who have
found a temporary home in Binkley’s Music Ministry while living in
North Carolina.
Daniel traces this unexpected enthusiasm for the Children’s Choir to
Maria Palmer’s ESL Bible Study church school class. “It’s not a class;
it’s a ministry,” he says. Through the weekly sessions, those learning
English as a second language, gain not only language skills but are introduced to the Bible as a foundation of the Christian faith. This is particularly noteworthy since, according to recent surveys, only about 2% of the Chinese
population is Christian.
Through contact with the class, some visiting Chinese
scholars found that Binkley also offered activities for
their child. The first Children’s Choir Workshop in
2015 attracted more than a dozen Chinese children and
many stayed on to participate in the Choir that spring,
faithfully attending the weekly 6:00 Wednesday rehearsals. The numbers grew in 2016. You may have
seen the children singing on Launch Sunday, September
11. Of the 14 in the choir, 9 are Chinese.
Why Binkley? Daniel says that the current scholars pass
on tips about living in Chapel Hill to the next class of
visitors. As a result, Binkley’s Children’s Choir has become a “must do” item on many families’ lists. “I had one
child come to rehearsal two days off the plane,” he said. At
least one child found the Choir through Vacation Bible
School.
And the parents attend rehearsals with their children. Many try to learn the music and
practice with their child at home. “They are curious,” says Daniel. But are they learning
more than English?
“Children are sponges,” says Daniel. “Singing once a month in a Christian service will make
an impression.” And when the children sing in worship, the parents attend. As a result the
children have experienced communion, learned the Nativity story by acting as shepherds
and angels, celebrated Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and even
learned the lessons of Noah’s story through a musical last spring. And beginning in 2015,
the children of visiting scholars receive a Good News Bible on Launch Sunday as a gift from
Binkley.
Article continues on the next page...
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But how does Daniel know the ministry is having an impact? “We can’t really know
because even we, who have no language or cultural barriers, don’t fully understand
the mystery of faith,” he says. But he’s still in contact with four or five families who
are back in China. One little girl, who had participated in the Nativity re-enactment
in 2015 but returned to China before Christmas, begged her mother to take her to a
Christmas Eve service after returning home. Their commitment to experiencing the
worship service was such that they stood in line for hours waiting to get into the
church, a place they’d never been
before. Another child’s grandmother, a Christian composer in
China, has gifted Binkley with the
use of a solo she’s written which
will be presented later this year.
“These visiting Chinese families were right here on our doorstep,” says Daniel. “How could we not embrace them? And I’m
also interested in inviting our local neighbors. And how about home schooled children?” Daniel sees nothing but opportunity
to build the Children’s Choir and he remains grateful for the visiting Chinese families who continue to bless Binkley with their
curiosity, enthusiasm and commitment to church music during their short time in Chapel Hill.
ONE FAMILY’S STORY
Chinese visiting scholars are here for one year and although some come in January
and some in August, they have just twelve months to get settled and adjust to a
completely different culture. Most have never lived abroad and the complexities of
navigating housing, money and banking, school sign-up, shopping, transportation
and so much more have to be overcome quickly. Worry about their child’s socializing and language acquisition is also high on the list, according to Li Niu, whose son
Andrew participated in the Children’s Choir last year.
The author with Li and Andrew
Li and Andrew were from Guangzhou, China’s third largest city, where they live
with Li’s husband. She teaches English at a secondary school and chose to improve
her teaching and expose Andrew to a different culture when the opportunity was
presented to her. So she, her mother and Andrew arrived in Chapel Hill in 2015 not
knowing what they would encounter. For a family used to an urban setting, our
community was quite a change. For example, she had been advised that she needed
a car. Her account of not only purchasing a car, but feeling the need to negotiate a
sale price, was a brand new experience. But that was only the beginning, quickly
followed by titles, license issues and mounds of unfamiliar legal paperwork.
But amid the difficulties, there were some bright spots. Li and Andrew found the
Children’s Choir and were faithful attendees during the year they were here. When it came time for the musical “The Story of
Noah” presented at Binkley in the spring, they both ended up with speaking parts, Li as one of the narrators and Andrew as
one of the reporters who doubted Noah’s plan. According to Li, this was one of the highlights of the year for all three of
them, including grandmother. After the service, Li confided that she had worried about how Andrew would adjust to America. “Binkley’s Children’s Choir was the one place he felt fully accepted,” she said. Her gratitude to Binkley for that embrace is
one of the most valuable gifts she has taken home with her.
Priscilla Bratcher, Editor
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MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Minister Search Committee began their journey with a wonderful retreat at the Cedar Cross Retreat Center. We are all
honored to serve and excited to begin working together! We’ve chosen a chairperson (Larry McManus), and a secretary (Lucy
VanderKamp), and have created a covenant for our work together. The committee was commissioned by the church on Sunday, August 28. We have met thrice since then. All have expressed gratitude for the leadership of Marcus McFaul and the
amazing work of the Transition Team which will guide our search.
Minister Search Committee Covenant
Binkley Baptist Church
September 1, 2016
As grateful, excited, and humble members of Binkley Baptist Church, chosen by the congregation to serve as members of the
Minister Search Committee, this is our covenant to each other.
We will:
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Abide by the 5 commitments: faith, time, confidentiality, openness, and consensus
Be authentic, open, and respectful of others’ perspectives
Serve as representatives of the Binkley congregation to honor the pastor profile
Trust each other and the spirit to guide our work
Make an extraordinary effort to attend and be prepared for all meetings
Actively listen, be open to hearing and valuing different views
Bring substantive conversations back to the full group
Have the freedom to and acknowledgement of a change of mind
The Minister Search Committee is comprised of the following members: Charla Baker, Charles Coble, Tom Fewel, Chris McDougald, Larry McManus,
Stacy Shelp, Carole Stevens, and Lucy VanderKamp.
REFLECTIONS ON THE MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE RETREAT
Usually, finding oneself in the middle of nowhere is not a good thing. But that is exactly where we, the members of the Minister Search Committee, found ourselves for our overnight retreat August 26-27. Down a very ‘easy to miss’ dirt road we discovered Cedar Cross Retreat Center near Louisburg in rural Franklin County. Rustic, charming, comfortable… the facility
and our hosts turned out to be hospitable and inspirational. It was the perfect setting for us to begin our work together.
After dinner, we settled in a circle with Marcus guiding us in getting to know one another better. We shared our hopes and
our concerns for our work and for our relationships. It quickly became clear that, to a person, we felt called to this work by
both God and the congregation. It also quickly became clear that, to a person, we each had said “Yes” with excitement, enthusiasm, and eagerness to begin. Finally, it quickly became clear that each of us brings God-given experience and expertise to
the table. What one of us misses, another of us catches. It felt like a good team. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve
the congregation of Binkley Baptist Church.
Lucy VanderKamp
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THE MEN OF BINKLEY RETREAT
On the weekend of September 14-16, ten Men of Binkley held a retreat at Trinity Center, Pine Knoll Shores,
NC. They were led by Rev. Michael Usey, Senior Pastor
of College Park Baptist Church, Greensboro. The group
examined the challenges of masculinity in the 21st century.
L-R: Joe Pardington, Tim Bradshaw, Duane Gilbert, Larry
McManus, Charles Coble, Buck Horton, Matthew Ripley-Moffitt,
Roal Carlson, Tim Ross, Rev. Marcus McFaul.
The reported highlights were “the personal sharing and
insights gained, the opportunity to deepen relationships,
walks on the beach, personal reflection time, playing
miniature golf, a very fun game of cultural trivia, and
thoughts on what the Men of Binkley should be and do
going forward.” Apparently, the weather was perfect
and the food very enjoyable at Trinity Center.
When asked for any funny stories, minor injuries or interesting anecdotes, Charles Coble replied “What was said and done
at Trinity stays at Trinity!” We can only imagine from the photo.
BINKLEY GOLF OPEN
The much-anticipated Occasional Binkley Fall Open will be played Tuesday, October 25, at the Southwick Golf Course near
Swepsonville. We will gather at 9:30 am for team selection. The first tee time is 10:00 am.
The Open format is Captain’s Choice with randomly selected teams competing for a
Binkley Open Trophy specially crafted by Fred Schroeder. This fun-filled and mildly
competitive golf outing features a day in the sun, friendly companionship, golferfriendly “rules,” and a few prizes for closest to the hole, longest made putt , and longest
drives for men, women and those over 75. However, FUN is the name of game for this
outing, and it is open to all Binkley members and friends who are golfers, and those
who wish they were.
The Open fee is $30 (made payable to Joe Clontz and remitted on the day of
the tournament) and includes green fees, cart, and a hot dog and drink at the turn. Information, registration and directions
are available from Joe Clontz (919-969-4517) or [email protected] Registration deadline is Sunday, October 23. Join us
for fun!
ALL HALLOW’S EVE PARTY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27
5:45-7:30 PM
Children of all ages are welcome to our 6th annual intergenerational Halloween party from 5:45-7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Come dressed up
in your favorite Halloween costume, or just as you are. Invite your neighbors and friends. Games and festivities with healthy snacks will be provided. Come for laughter and surprise!
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A MOMENT FOR MEDITATION
Editor’s Note: This month we introduce a new column in the Binkley Beacon, A Moment for Meditation. The Rev. Meredith
Bratcher, who has recently become a full-fledged Binkleyite (she has previously been a watch care member of the church and
she has just joined the choir) will select and share inspiring and thought-provoking meditations with readers each month. If you
have suggestions for favorite writers/preachers/bloggers or particular meditations you’d like to share, please contact her at
[email protected].
“The Face of the Other”
by Father Richard Rohr, O.F.M.
It was probably St. Francis who first brought attention to the humanity of Jesus. Paintings of Jesus, prior to the life of St. Francis, largely emphasized Jesus' divinity, as they still do in most Eastern icons. Francis is said to have created the first live nativity.
Before the thirteenth century, Christmas was no big deal; the emphasis was entirely on the high holy days of Easter. But for
Francis, incarnation was already redemption. For God to become a human being among the poor, born in a stable among the animals, meant that it's good to be a human being, that flesh is good, and that the world is good--in its most simple and humble
forms.
In Jesus, God was given a face and a heart. God became someone we could love. While God can be described as a moral force,
as consciousness, and as high vibrational energy, the truth is, we don't (or can't?) fall in love with abstractions. So God became
a person "that we could hear, see with our eyes, look at, and touch with our hands" (1 John 1:1).
The brilliant Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas says the only thing that really converts people is "the face of the other." . .
. When the face of the other (especially the suffering face) is received and empathized with, it leads to transformation of our
whole being. It creates a moral demand on our heart that is far more compelling than the Ten Commandments. Just giving
people commandments on tablets of stone doesn't change the heart. It may steel the will, but it doesn't soften the heart like an
“I-Thou” encounter can.
So many Christian mystics talk about seeing the divine face or falling in love with the face of Jesus. There is no doubt that was
the experience of St. Francis and St. Clare. I think that's why Clare uses the word "mirroring" so often. We are mirrored not
by concepts, but by faces delighting in us, giving us the face we can't give to ourselves. It is the gaze that does us in!
Jesus taught us what God is like through his words, his actions, his very being, making it clear that "God is love" (I John
4:8). If God is Trinity and Jesus is the face of God, then it is a benevolent universe. God is not someone to be afraid of, but is the Ground of
Being and is on our side.
This meditation comes from Fr. Richard Rohr, Franciscan priest, author, and teacher
who is founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM.
You can learn more about his work, and sign up for daily or weekly emails of his
meditations at the CAC website (click the logo below).
Meredith Bratcher
Richard Rohr
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A MESSAGE FROM THE BRAZIL TEAM
Editor’s Note: During the worship service on Would Communion Sunday, October 2, the congregation will learn more about a proposed
covenant relationship between Binkley and Pinheiro Church in Brazil. The two churches are committed to building on what has been a
growing friendship over the past few years based, in part, on parallel journeys in our growing understanding of the meaning of the Gospel
message of love and inclusion.
Introduction
Sharing a common commitment to social justice, as well as similar experiences of being expelled from our
denominational body for our stand on gay and lesbian inclusivity, Binkley and the Pinheiro Baptist Church of
Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil, are in the process of entering a covenant to become partner churches.
Below is a letter from Pastor Wellington Santos to members and friends of Pinheiro Baptist Church following
the February 28, 2016 vote of that church to welcome gays and lesbians as full members. Although the vote
was not close, the experience was difficult for the congregation; the church was subsequently banished from its
Baptist association, and several families with important and historical ties to Pinheiro left the church.
I look at this letter in a way as Wellington’s Gettysburg Address. The letter illuminates how as a an institution, a country or a church founded on lofty ideals comes to grips with some of the contradictions that emerge
Roal Carlson and Wellington Santos when the ideals run up again prejudice or injustice. Even the title suggests the Preamble of the Constitution:
“…in order to create a more perfect union.”
Wellington’s letter was written in Portuguese, of course, which I have attempted to translate for you, with help. Although sometimes Google Translate produces total gibberish, it came through this time. A couple of times I couldn’t conclude exactly what Wellington meant, and in those cases, I left the translation ambiguous.
Roal Carlson, Head of the Brazil Team
A Pastoral Letter to Members and Friends of Pinheiro Baptist Church
"An even more excellent Way."
I Corinthians 12:31b
On the 28th of February of the current year, the Pinheiro Baptist Church gathered at a special meeting approved by majority vote (129 in
favor, 3 against and 15 abstentions) the opinion of the Executive Board in 2015 and 2016, suggesting acceptance gays and lesbians as members of the church by baptism, letter of transfer or affirmation of faith. Thus, members present at the meeting boldly decided that anyone
who confesses Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and Savior of their life, regardless of social, economic and sexual orientation, will be formally
received and included in the list of church members.
We celebrate this historic decision with much fear in the heart, since it ends a 10-year debate, where Bible studies, meetings, roundtables,
discussions, debates and of course some scratch-ups (how could it be different?) occurred in the course of this period. During these 10
years we made sure to not give up the Bible, for it remains our rule of faith and practice; we dove as deeply as we could into exegetical
and hermeneutical studies in search of a consensus to bring peace to the heart in the decision. Also, we did not fail to give respect to differing opinions, exercise patience, believing that time given by the Holy Spirit of God (Ecclesiastes 3: 1) to the discussions would lead to eyes
and hearts becoming open to the real meaning of the debate, to accept and love people in their characteristics, as God himself loved us
(Ephesians 1:18, 2: 4,5).
In these almost 46 years of the organization as a church, our faith community has always tried to be attentive and sensitive to the voices of
those who do not have a voice, or whose voices are not be heard by most, especially by those in the formal religious world. Unfortunately, I find most Christian churches passionately attached themselves more to their doctrines, structures and statutes than the lives of people
for whom Jesus of Nazareth shed his blood. Bricks, statutes, structures and so many other things that generate endless disputes among us,
need to yield urgent space to the silent cry of God's Spirit that tries to remind us that we are not called to be ruler of the world, but, welcoming arms to all and all who are tired by the wayside (Matthew 11: 28-30).
After 10 years discussing, talking, praying, crying and not letting the coercive force of the chauvinistic and exclusivist fundamentalism that
always prevailed in our readings and interpretations of the Bible overcome us, receive this decision as good news of God's Spirit has shown
us, in the words of Hilkiah Pereira (National Coordinator of APNs, who was visiting us in the decision in the morning) ". not always will
arrogance, ignorance and human stupidity prevail over the challenges of acceptance of what is different or unusual." On the same morning, the brother Jorge Firemam said: "I thank God for being here this day. For me it was a matter of honor to me to do this. The vote is
not only the "boys" or the "girls", the result is the true importance of love and respect for others "(Matthew 22: 34-40; I John 4: 7-21).
Ten years are not ten days or months. During this long time many people gave their valuable contribution, sown with prayer, love and
tears, to the decision last Sunday. I praise God for the life of Brother Julio Daniel who bravely ten years ago, in pure and even innocent
form declared his sexual condition publicly in church, generating at the time, discomfort for some and a challenge for others and that from
that moment we began to consider the issue in a more didactic and pedagogical way in prayer. I praise God for those who do not agree to
the debates and that dissenters on the subject left the church in a respectful and peaceful manner without causing dissension and difficulties
in the faith community.
Article continues, see BRAZIL, p. 14
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INTRODUCING THE CONVENIENCE OF ONLINE GIVING FOR BINKLEY
The Finance Committee, in consultation with the Stewardship Committee and with great help from Duane Gilbert, Business
Manager, are happy to introduce an easy way of supporting the church and its ministries. The information below should answer
most if not all of your questions. If something is not clear, please contact Duane or Wayne Price, Budget Director.
Questions and Answers:
Why did Binkley add online giving as an option?
Online giving allows people a convenient way to give by credit card or bank draft and set up automatic payments every week or
every month (for the forgetful among us). Or you can give anytime you have access to the website! Online giving also allows
those who see our website and support our work to give even if they do not reside in the area.
Should I switch to online giving?
It is your choice. Cash and checks are still very welcome whether placed in the Sunday collection plate, dropped off at the
church office or mailed to Duane Gilbert, Business Manager, Binkley Church, 1712 Willow Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
What is the cost to the church?
It costs Binkley 30 cents plus 2.9% of the donation total for credit card donations (3.5% for American Express) and 30 cents
plus 1% for bank drafts. You will be asked if you wish to increase your donation to cover this cost. That is entirely up to you.
Is online giving safe?
All financial information is encrypted and stored to the highest possible security rating one can get in the electronic payment
processing industry.
Do I get a receipt or record of my donation? Will online gifts be applied to my pledge?
Absolutely! As soon as you give via Tithe.ly you instantly receive an email with the details of your transaction. Your giving history is also tracked and available, giving you instant access to check your records. Binkley will still keep a record of all of your
giving for tax purposes.
Do I have to set up an account to give?
Yes, you can set up an account with Tithe.ly. You can also give without setting up an account. Setting up an account allows you
to securely store your payment method so you won’t have to type it in each time, set up and cancel recurring donations, see
your giving history and manage your account 24/7.
Can I cancel a recurring gift if I need to? Can I get a refund?
Yes. There is a way to go back into your account and delete any recurring gifts and a mechanism to get a refund.
Can I designate my gift to a specific purpose?
Yes. As always, support for the Program of Ministry through undesignated gifts should be a top priority. If you do choose to
designate your gift, select ‘Designated Gift’ under ‘Give to:’ and then use the ‘Note/Memo’ field to tell us which of the set
designated funds your gift should be applied to. (Please call the church office to get a list of designated funds.)
Is my gift confidential?
Yes. Only the Business Manager and the Financial Secretary have access to your giving history. (This is the same with any gifts
to Binkley.)
Do I still need to pledge?
Most definitely YES! We craft the Program of Ministry Budget based on anticipated income (pledged income as well as other
income like Building use fees). In order to be good financial stewards of our resources, we need to know what income to expect during the year.
Can I change my pledge during the year?
Absolutely! Just contact Duane in the church office.
What if I need help?
Please contact Duane Gilbert (919-942-4964 or [email protected]) or Wayne Price, Budget Director
([email protected]) with questions.
Click HERE to browse the new GIVE section of our website to learn more and get started!
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GOOD NEWS FORM THE BUDGET DIRECTOR
This year has been an extraordinary year of giving at Binkley! Think of all that has happened to help our church engage more
fully with our mission. Demonstrating that Binkley people are nothing of not generous, on top the important annual pledging
that supports our budget, we’ve added:
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April's Evening of Cabaret to benefit our Music Ministry, raising over $6,500.
The Solar Panel Project in the spring which raised over $50,000 to make Binkley more 'green'
The hundreds of hours donated to make the Yard Sale a big success, providing over $35,000 to important community efforts
Individual donors have gone above and beyond their ongoing pledges to support several key projects
And finally, we expect that the Program of Ministry budget will be fully funded with unpledged giving as well as gifts through
pledges.
Yes, 2016 has shown us that, as a church, we can do great things together. The Council is working on the outlines of the 2017
Program of Ministry annual budget and you will be hearing more about that soon.
Wayne Price, Budget Director
YUM!
What’s your favorite fall food? When asked, some Binkley lay leaders had this to say:
Pecans! Nancy Cheek, Co-Chair Christian Formation
Sweet potato pie. Larry McManus, Chair Stewardship Committee
Apple cobbler. Velma Ferrell, Chair Peace and Justice Committee
Home-made vegetable beef soup...and apple pie for dessert!
Betsy Kreutzberg, Chair Music Committee
Sweet Potato Casserole. Wayne Price, Budget Director
Apple pie, of course. Tart NC apples, smells of cinnamon and nutmeg. Janet O’Neal, Chair Grounds Committee
BINKLEY BOOK GROUPS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERIES: OCTOBER
All are invited to join the book groups below:
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 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.
Binkley Readers
10/14, 7:30 pm, Library
Barbara Nettles-Carlson will lead a
discussion on Geraldine Brooks’
The Secret Chord.
Daytime Book Group
10/25, 10:30 am, Library
Contact Barbara Davis
([email protected]) for info.
October 5: Yes! Solar Solutions, who installed our solar panels
this summer, will be here to teach us more about solar energy and
answer your questions.
October 12:“Citizenship and Faith” We turn our attention to
civic engagement and the responsibilities that come with citizenship. As local, state, and national elections draw close, we are
pleased to welcome Ferrel Guillory, former editor of the News
& Observer, who will offer analysis of certain voting demographics
and their impact on races.
October 26: Emily Brewer, MOMS DEMAND ACTION
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Music Notes
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Music Notes
SUNDAY SERVICE MUSIC AND CHOIR SCHEDULE
October 2 – The 20 Sunday after Pentecost – World Communion Sunday – Chancel Choir; Bell Choir; and
Caryl Thomason Price, mezzo-soprano
We the Lord’s People
Jeffry Rickard
O Lord, Increase Our Faith
Henry Loosemore
Bread of the World in Mercy Broken
Antony Baldwin
th
October 9 – The 21st Sunday after Pentecost – Old Time Gospel Band, Chancel Choir
Selections by the Old Time Gospel Band
Introit
Vincent Persichetti
Beautiful Savior
F. Melius Christiansen
October 16 – The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost - Binkley at Barbee’s Chapel
The Chancel Choir, Daniel, and Stephanie Ford will be at Barbee’s Chapel
Repertoire to be announced
October 23 – The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost – Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir, flute and guitar
O Give Thanks and Sing
arr. Harriet Willoughby
Kyrie from A Service of Life
Hank Beebe
October 30th – All Saints (transferred) - Youth Choir and soloist
Pie Jesu
Gabriel Fauré
River in Judea
arr. John Leavitt
Vespers for All Souls: In Remembrance of the Homeless at 6:00 pm - Chancel Choir and The NC Boys Choir
with harp, violin, and organ
Repertoire to include:
Sing me to Heaven
Daniel Gawthrop
Requiem
Gabriel Fauré
BUY YOUR PUMPKINS HERE AT THE BINKLEY PUMPKIN PATCH!
OCTOBER 15-31
Following right on the heels of our wonderful Fall Festival, we have yet another great event that promises lots of fall fun for the
Binkley Family! A PUMPKIN SALE! On October 15th , around 3:00 in the afternoon, a truckload of the orange globes will be
delivered to the front lawn of Binkley Church! We need all hands on deck to help unload the truck, and to help staff the “patch”
through the 31st. This is a great opportunity to hang out with some other Binkley folk, and once again get to say "hello" to our
neighbors and friends! We’ll have cider, yummy fall refreshments, a pumpkin patch photo “booth,” music, and more! The
Pumpkin Sale will directly benefit our new Choral Scholars Outreach Program! For more information and to volunteer, contact Daniel at [email protected].
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BINKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH PRESENTS
Goals & Objectives of Training:
Safe Zone Allies develop…
A deeper awareness of personal ideas, stereotypes, and assumptions related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and allied (LGBTIQA) students
An increased comfort level in addressing concepts and language
regarding LGBTIQA communities with the community and with
individuals
ALLY TRAINING
A word from Megan Highsmith,
who is coordinating this event:
October 8, 2016
About a year ago I went to the UNC Safe Zone training. I am a social
8:30am-12:30pm
worker so I thought the training would basically be a refresher for me
919.942.4964 or
since I consider myself an ally to the LGBTQ population. But during
that training I discovered that I have lots to learn and that there are
[email protected] to register
many more ways to open my mind and my heart and give my support.
Scenario 1: Sam, a Sunday school teacher, informs the
When the training comes to Binkley on October 8th we will learn ways
leaders of the church that he is beginning the process of
to be better allies and have discussions about different scenarios that we
transitioning from female to male. He would like to continmight tackle as a community or as a church. Below are some of
ue his position as Sunday School teacher and he wants to
the scenarios we will be processing. What answer would you give?
talk with the people who attend. As a leader, how do you
respond?
Scenario 2: A new family recently begin attending church. They seemed to be fitting in nicely and even attended yard sales
and other events outside of worship. They contribute from time to time and have expressed interest in becoming members.
They are glad to be part of a lively social justice-minded church. All was going well until they approached you on Pride Sunday. They affirm they are interested in social justice but feel like celebrating the lives of something the Bible views as sinful is
just too far. How do you respond?
Scenario 3: A friend in the congregation approaches you and is quite distressed. They share that their grandchild recently
came out to them as pansexual. They love their grandchild and want the best for them but are having a hard time adjusting because they have fears that their grandchild will get picked on or have a hard life. They sigh and say, life would be easier if they
could just be straight. How do you respond? What resources might you suggest?
Scenario 4: You wake up on Sunday morning and hear about a violent attack against the LGBTQ community. You know
many in your congregation will be shaken by the recent events. How might you respond?
BINKLEY AT PRIDE
A good contingent of Binkley folks gathered in Durham on Saturday to celebrate and have a presence at the annual Pride
March. For a number of years,
Binkley has hosted a table at the all
day Pride event to let the LGBTQ
community know about Binkley
and it’s official Welcoming and
Affirming stance. In addition to having a table with information about Binkley we also march in
the parade behind our large Binkley “All are Welcome” banner. Every year many spectators
along the route recognize the Binkley Church banner and cheer and wave to us with gratitude for
the church’s willingness to embrace the LGBTQ community. It was a joyful day of love and celebration. Thanks to all who came out and participated.
Tonya Hamm
P
P AGE
AGE 13
13
UGUST 2016 N EWSLETTER
OACTOBER
NEW LANDSCAPING PLANS
Work is underway to create a new garden that will feature a peace pole near the patio
on the south side of the church. A peace pole is a 6-7 foot obelisk that proclaims in 12
languages, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Languages chosen are representative of our congregation. Since this entrance welcomes visitors throughout the week as well as on Sunday, we want this area to represent a component of the mission of Binkley Church in
pursuing peace and justice.
Our goal is to create a space that will be welcoming for groups to gather for meetings,
lunch, or casual conversation, supporting our mission of building joyful community. Outdoor furniture that will be comfortable and easy to maintain, similar to our
courtyard furniture, will be added for the patio . This renovation is the continuation of a
long-term plan to rejuvenate the south face of our church. Our transition process has revealed a congregational interest in increasing the use of our beautiful outdoor spaces,
so stay tuned-- there is more to come!
We hope to have the hardscape and peace pole installation (with all work done by volunteers) completed by the end of October. The landscape planting may be initiated but not completed until the spring. The
project is funded through generous donations to the landscape discretionary fund. The grounds committee welcomes your
questions, input, support, and encouragement!
Janet O’Neal, Grounds Chair
KITCHEN ITEMS NEEDED
We are in need of the following items in the kitchen for
cooking meals for large groups. You may drop your donations off at the office.






garlic press
huge crock pot
frying pans (without Teflon coating)
pots with lids
good chopping knives
food processor
BINKLEY WORSHIPS AT
BARBEE’S CHAPEL
On Sunday, October 16, we
travel to Barbee’s Chapel to worship with our sister congregation.
The Binkley Choir will sing and
the Barbee’s Choir will praise
God as well. Marcus McFaul is
scheduled to preach as we commune with God together.
Following the service we are invited into the Barbee’s
fellowship hall to share lunch, laughter and Yard Sale stories.
MEALS ON WHEELS IS 40!
We are thankful to all the MOW
volunteers and their incredible
director Stacey Yusko for delivering lunch and love to members of
our community for 40 years.
Meals on Wheels will participate
with us in worship on October 2.
Join us and help us thank them for blessing our church and community for so long.
YOUTH NEWS
The Youth have spent
September in some community building activities
to help us strengthen our
relationships. Those relationships will be put to
the test as we travel down
the Nantahala River over
the weekend of October 15-16. Contact Dale Osborne
([email protected]) if you have not already signed up as
there is still room for more brave paddlers. Youth and their parents are invited.
O CTOBER 2016 N EWSLETTER
P AGE 14
FROM THE MODERATOR
The Council continues to work on the recommendations from the Transition Team and the feedback
from the congregational meetings in which the recommendations were discussed. Linda Vaughn convenes a task force looking at a constitutional amendment that would create a Human Resource Committee, folding in the work of the Staff Salary and Benefits Committee and redefining the role of the
Personnel Relations Committee. Jim Wilde convenes a group looking at the implications of employing
a Sexton, including responsibilities, interface with cleaning staff, work with Maintenance Committee
and others in the church. Gary Stutts and Steve Jernigan are looking at Binkley’s website and will be
presenting ideas about a possible redesign. The Leadership Team has asked the Finance Committee to
Nape Baker
create a dream budget for 2017 that would include all the recommendations from the Transition Team.
Our Stewardship Campaign, chaired by Larry McManus will provide the lead in soliciting time, talent, and tithe this fall. The
Leadership Team is continuing conversation with Dale and Stephanie about their job descriptions and areas of responsibility.
These work groups will be presenting to the Council in the coming months as the Council continues to meet the routine needs
of the church. It is a busy time.
Nape Baker, Moderator
Are you registered to vote this November? Have you moved since the last election? Do you have a
valid ID for voting? Voting in elections is a critical right of citizenship and is an important way that
citizens can influence the direction of public policy.
If you would like information on early voting or changes in the election laws since the last election,
rules around voter ID requirements, or to register or change your information, please look for information in the narthex. You also can contact Jerry VanSant, Sondra VanSant or Paul Lindsay, who can
give you information on any of the above items or help you register to vote.
BRAZIL, continued from page 7
I praise God for the lives of our elected management leaders in 2015 and 2016 who unobtrusively, courageously and fearing the Lord God,
produced a balanced and robust statement that led the community to approve it with a peaceful heart. I praise God for our pastor and theologian Odja Barros, who was always willing to write, preach and present seminars on the subject, always at the invitation of the board of
the church, demonstrating balance, respect, fairness and fear of the Lord God who met our people at various times with an open Bible,
wet with tears. I praise God for those men and women that in these ten years did not walk away from the church, to the detriment of debates on the subject, holding the church in prayer, resources and, above all, protecting the community from attacks and cowardly accusations that many have tried to insert into our story. Congratulations to all and for all that they have done to make the recent history of Pinheiro Baptist Church through this courageous decision, the next item in the list of important historical decisions for the Evangelical Church
of Northeast Brazil.
More than a historic decision, we rejoice as a community of faith takes another step towards the exercise of what we believe is the proposal
of the Kingdom of God by Jesus of Nazareth as a place of love, respect and care for all that wish to join and experience the gospel. In the
words of the pastor and theologian Marcos Monteiro, all kinds of prejudice, exclusion, racism, sexism, chauvinism, contempt of differences and greed need to be denounced as a "desangelho" (the opposite of the Gospel).
At the end of chapter 12 of the book of I Corinthians, the apostle Paul, after writing about spiritual gifts and comparing the church with a
body and its members, uses the following words to introduce the theme of Chapter 13 which deals with love: " Show them a more excellent way."(verse 31b). I believe that the decision on the last Sunday indicates the direction that the community of faith called Baptist
Church of Pinheiro, intends to continue following that by trying to radically keep to the even more excellent way the even more excellent
way, which is the way of love. We make mistakes, and we make more mistakes, we are human and imperfect. However, my prayer is that
our mistakes are always an insistent attempt to look more and more with the proposal of grace and life opened and experienced in every
ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. May we come to err only in the pursuit of defending life above any injustice. In that, our obsession will be
the same as Jesus of Nazareth, who at various times in his short life placed himself alongside the excluded, occasionally switched places
with them, and was expelled from the social life (Mark 5: 14-17). The path of love is not romantic, it's hard sometimes, but for those who
believe and do not give up loving, any price to pay is small before the power it can produce in the lives of those who are are the subject of
God’s wonderful love.
Maceio, March 4, 2016, Pr. Wellington Santos
O CTOBER 2016 N EWSLETTER
P AGE 15
Our Church Family
Birthdays
Anniversaries
1
Janie Benson, Lyman Ferrell
1
Bill & Tammy Hatch
2
Christine Andersen,
Phil Szostak
2
Phil & Rhonda Szostak
3
Al Wheless
3
Erik & Paula Butler
4
Paul Lindsay
4
Angela & Scott Snider
6
Joe Knight
6
Cathrine Hoyo & James Stock
8
Claudia Templeton
10
Sheridan & Roger Bushnell
10
Drew Stutts
14
Lori Cahill & Paul Keller
12
Duane Gilbert
22
Ken & Peg Williams
14
Laura Davidson, Anne Fishel
15
Rhoda Mountfield
17
Nape Baker, Pam Swanson,
Martha Tate
18
Sherri Davis, Marilyn Metcalf
19
Deborah Tippett
20
Marj Boltz, Kevin Ramer
21
Rhonda Szostak
A TEMPORARY MOVE
22
Ashley Nissler
24
Teeta West
25
Betty Hornaday
Ken Williams - who recently completed his service with our Transition
Team - has accepted the invitation to serve as Interim Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut (ABCCONN).
He'll begin his work October 1. He'll oversee the resourcing of the 120
congregations of ABCCONN while a search committee works to find the
permanent successor to the Rev'd Dr. Judy Allbee, who retired after 12
years in the executive role. The search may take anywhere between six
and eighteen months. Ken's spouse, Peg, will continue her interim role
with Community United Church of Christ in Raleigh until that congregation names it's new pastor. She will then join Ken for the balance of his
term in Connecticut. Their temporary home will be in Hartford, CT.
27
28
30
Billy Barnes, Charles Carver,
Matthew Ripley-Moffitt,
Hannah Osborne,
Mary Nash Pollard
Stuart Cantrell, John Kent
25 Roger Wilson & Rhys Thomas
26
Allan & Kay Maltbie
28
Al Wheless & Melissa Moore
CHURCH IN CONFERENCE
During worship on Sunday, October 2, there will be Church in Conference to ratify the Binkley/Pinheiro Church Covenant and vote on Buck
Horton to fill Bob Phillips’ unexpired term as co-Chair of Earth Ministry
Committee.
A LETTER OF THANKS
Thank you to all who donated school supplies over the past few
weeks. My supply closet is full again and ready to assist students
throughout the school year. Thank you for helping ease this financial
burden from some of the families at Morris Grove Elementary
School. Your generosity and caring is so very much appreciated!
Thank you!
Angela Snider, School Social Worker at Morris Grove
October Group Meetings
WEEKLY GROUPS
Sermon Shaping
Tuesdays, 1:00 pm
Library
Morning Prayer
Wednesdays, 9:00 am
Chapel
Wednesday Night Series
5:30 pm, Lounge
Youth Group
Sundays, 6:00 pm
Sunroom/Lounge
OCTOBER
COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
Diaconate
10/3, 7 pm, Chapel
Outreach
10/10, 7 pm, Library
Finance
10/13, 7 pm, Library
Adult Christian
Formation
10/17, 7 pm, Lounge
(full calendar available at binkleychurch.org)
MUSIC GROUPS
MONTHLY GROUPS
Chancel Choir
Wednesdays, 7:30 pm
Primetimers
10/12, 12:30 pm, Lounge
Children’s Choir
Wednesdays, 6:00 pm
Binkley Readers
10/14, 7:30 pm, Library
Bell Choir
Thursdays, 5:45 pm
Daytime Book Group
10/25, 10:30 am, Library
Old Time Gospel Band
10/9, 10/23
9:15 am
PREACHING SCHEDULE
10/2
Marcus McFaul
Meals on Wheels Sunday,
World Communion Sunday &
Covenant with Pinheiro
Church of Brazil
10/9
Dale Osborne
10/16
Marcus McFaul,
Barbee’s
Carol Woods Worship
10/2, 4:00 pm
10/23
Marcus McFaul
Carolina Meadows
Worship
10/27, 1:30 pm
10/30
Dale Osborne,
11 am
Marcus McFaul,
6 pm Vespers
Youth Choir
Sundays, 5:00 pm
F INANCIAL N EWS
B INKLEY B APTIST
C HURCH
1712 Willow Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-942-4964
[email protected]
We ’r e o n t h e We b !
binkleychurch.org
CHURCH STAFF
Intentional Interim Minister
Marcus McFaul
[email protected]
Associate Minister
Dale Osborne
[email protected]
Minister of Christian Formation
Stephanie Ford
[email protected]
General Fund Gifts as of August 31
General Fund
(all gifts)
Pledge Detail
(included in above)
Budget
Income
Difference
$467,937
$421,597
-$46,340
$408,271
$348,574
-$59,697
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
Balance
$1,109
Received
$925
Disbursed
-$715
Ending
$1,319
Submit articles for the newsletter, Friday Update,
or the Sunday announcement page to:
[email protected].
November Newsletter:
October 18
Bulletin and Friday Update:
Wednesday 12 noon (weekly)
Church Council
10/17, 7 pm, Choir Room
Minister of Music
Daniel Cherrix
[email protected]
Grounds Committee
10/20, 9:30 am, Library
Business Manager
Duane Gilbert
[email protected]
The Beacon is published monthly and is posted on our website
and emailed to our subscribers. To join our email list please
send a request to [email protected].
Office Manager
Stephenie Sanders
[email protected]
The Beacon is edited by Priscilla Bratcher and designed by
Stephenie Sanders. We welcome your story ideas. Send
them to: [email protected] or [email protected].
BPS Board Meeting
10/24, Library