January 2017 Newsletter

B INKLEY B APTIST C HURCH

EPIPHANY CELEBRATION “ON THE 12TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS!” FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 6:00 PM Epiphany will be observed this year on Friday, January 6, at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will gather together for dinner and worship at our tables, marking the arrival of the Magi. Readings, carols, and a meditation from Marcus McFaul will be included in this time of fellowship and fun. A rousing rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” will be featured—invite friends! Cake makers invited to share their talents! For each of our 12 tables, we need a cake -- so 12 in all. Please contact Stephanie Ford if you can make and bring a cake (recipe provided): [email protected] or 919-928-5873.

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FROM THE MODERATOR Binkley is concluding a year of vigorous activity. The Transition Team report and recommendations prompted the need for a series of meetings and constitutional amendments, the results of which changed the way we select the Minister Search Committee and created a Human Resources Committee (more about them on the adjoining page of this issue). Together, we have much to show for 2016: The formation of the Minister Search Committee; events such as the Women’s Retreat, Yard Sale, Church-Wide Retreat, Fall Festival, Cabaret, and Launch Sunday; exciting Church School classes, the Stewardship Walk of Faith, and Advent celebrations...none of which would have been possible without Binkley members and friends. The Program Enhancement Fund supported a weekend Christian Education focus on children, Choral Scholars, the Men’s Retreat, a Meditation Retreat, and a new information/image board in the Narthex. There was...is excitement in the air.

As we look ahead, the Leadership Team and Council are already planning another transition process as new officers and Council will be nominated and elected in March. They will provide continuing leadership through a transition process that is a way of life. How do we respond to change? We affirm those activities that bring life and nurture and compel us to mission. We “think outside the box” to stretch ourselves. We continue “building a compassionate and joyful community, freely exploring spiritual paths, and pursuing justice and peace in the name of Jesus.” Our walk of faith continues. Nape Baker, Moderator Nape Baker

FROM THE MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE As of December 27, The Minister Search Committee has received 83 resumes, pastoral profiles and other background information from candidates. We have also starting to build an matrix spreadsheet with the attributes outlined in the Pastor Profile to help in the assessments. From the qualified list of candidates we will request responses to a brief questionnaire and start the interview process. We have all emphasized not putting a timeline on getting to a “congregational candidate” but discerning who fits the Pastor Profile and will best suit Binkley. The committee is no longer accepting applicants, as the deadline has passed. The committee will remain diligent in updating the congregation as the selection process unfolds. Larry McManus, Chair, MSC

TIME TO PLEDGE Have you turned in your pledge card yet? We thank the 160 families and friends of Binkley who pledged $582,917 towards our 2017 Asking Budget. This represents 80% of our pledge goal. We are pleased to report that so far we have received 25 first time pledges this year, but we still need your help. You do not have to be a member to pledge and every commitment is important, regardless of the amount. Please consider a pledge and return the card at your earliest convenience. You can submit it on Sunday during worship, mail it to the office, or click here to pledge online. Your support makes it possible for Binkley to live into its mission: building compassionate and joyful community, freely exploring spiritual paths, and pursuing justice and peace in the way of Jesus. REMINDER: All gifts and offerings for 2016 must be dated by 12/31/2016 and be received in the Church office prior to 1/7/2017 to be included on your 2016 gift statement.

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BINKLEY’S NEWLY FORMED HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE At a Church in Conference in November, the church voted to amend the Binkley Constitution to dissolve the Salary and Benefits Committee and form a Human Resources Committee in its place. Appointments to the committee were made soon after, with Marilyn Metcalf and Lynne O’Brien to serve a one-year term, Neal Cheek and Gaye Williams to serve a two-year term, and Anne Huffman and Jerry VanSant to serve a threeyear term. They begin their intense work in early January. Our thanks to Laura Davidson and Ellen Stutts, co-Chairs; Fred Schroeder, Ellen Bradley, and Allen Davidson who have served on the Staff Salary and Benefits Committee during the past year. NEAL CHEEK, along with his wife Nancy, joined the church in August of 1970. Activities at Binkley have included: member of the first Personnel Relations Committee; member of Board of Deacons for several terms, once as chair; member of Finance Committee, Grounds Committee and Earth Ministry Committee; member of an ad hoc committee to recommend policies for acceptance of tangible gifts offered to the church; member of the committee to draft the newly adopted church Mission Statement. His career has been in the University of North Carolina system. Administrative responsibilities have included human relations responsibilities ranging from being a staff member in the General Administration to student admissions, records and registration, academic advising, financial aid loans and scholarship administration. Positions include Assistant Secretary of the University serving in the President’s office, Director of Student Services at the School of Nursing in Chapel Hill, and Administrator of the State Education Assistant Authority. In this position he administered statefunded student loans and grants for health sciences students. ANNE HUFFMAN earned a Master of Education in Guidance & Personnel Services at NC State University. She worked for Progress Energy for 29 years where she served as Vice President of Human Resources for 10 years prior to the merger with Duke Energy. In that role, she oversaw: workforce strategy, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, talent development, diversity and inclusion, employee relations, and labor relations. Anne now works part-time as a Career Coach at Lee Hecht Harrison in Raleigh and is excited to have the opportunity to serve on Binkley’s HR Committee. MARILYN METCALF earned a PhD in organizational sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Previously she was a project director at Family Health International where she designed and analyzed contraceptive clinical trials and directed an NIH master contract for HIV vaccine research primarily in developing countries. She moved to the former GlaxoWellcome to study the health economics and quality of life effects of HIV therapies. After the GlaxoSmithKline merger, she moved to the UK to build GSK’s international Decision Sciences team. Upon returning to the US, she led Centocor’s R&D portfolio management team and returned to GSK to direct the Quantitative Decision Sciences department. In 2011 she formed the Benefit Risk Evaluation team, which designed and implemented GSK’s BR framework. Marilyn leads the Centre of Innovation to enhance GSK’s pharmacovigilance, benefit-risk evaluation, and collaboration with patients. Her current role began in 2016. LYNNE O’BRIEN is recently retired from her position as Associate Vice Provost for Online Education at Duke University. Before coming to Duke, she was a faculty member and manager of instructional technology at Brown University. She has 25 years of experience managing staff, leading teams and mentoring individuals. JERRY VANSANT has been a member of Binkley for 38 years serving as Moderator, Deacon, and member of the Church Council, Board of Education, and Transition Committee. He has chaired the Personnel Relations Committee, Board of Outreach, and Long Range Planning Committee and served as an adult and youth church school teacher, Professionally Jerry has served in management roles involving staff leadership and performance evaluation with Church World Service and RTI International among others. He has consulted with many organizations on management and organizational development, including human resource issues. Jerry holds a B.S. degree from Wheaton College (Ill.), a Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and an MBA from Pace University in New York. GAYE WILLIAMS joins the Human Resources Committee with many years of relevant professional and volunteer experience. For most of her 20+ year professional career, Gaye has worked in Human Resources and Change Management roles in small and large organizations in the technology, professional services, and real estate industries. Currently Gaye is a Senior Human Resources Consultant with Cisco Systems focused on Mergers & Acquisitions. Gaye was raised in the Baptist tradition in South Carolina and Florida and grew her progressive Christian philosophy through service for many years as a member of Druid Hills Baptist Church (“DHBC” aka “The Church at Ponce and Highland”) in Atlanta, Georgia. Gaye’s service at DHBC included the Personnel Committee, Adult Choir, Houseless ministries, Drama ministry, and as a Deacon. She currently lives in Apex and has enjoyed attending and getting to know the Binkley congregation for the last two years. She looks forward to the opportunity to use her experience in service to the Binkley community.

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MOMENT FOR MEDITATION

Meredith Bratcher

The winter season is well and truly settled in now – don’t we see it in the brown yards, and empty fields near our homes – and in the curled, crumpled leaves huddled around bare tree trunks – and in the great sky of the cold months, often grey by day, and by night large and pricked with stars scattered among bare tree branches. Winter brings us around our yearly circuit of the sun, to live for a time with more cold and more darkness – both outdoors, in the short grey days and the long cold nights, and indoors, you might say – in our own inner weather. Winter brings me around to notice, and live with the dark and cold of life energies slowing down, of losses and of endings. I trust, and know, that the growing life outdoors and within me is dormant and not gone altogether – but the winter weather invites me – it feels like it requires me! -- to take stock of where I am, and what can help me through the dark time.

Poet and essayist Gayle Boss takes a thoughtful look at living creatures outdoors in the winter of northern Michigan, where she lives -- and on what gets them through the killing cold. Her book All Creation Waits: the Advent Mystery of New Beginnings is full of meditations that can help us get through too, through Epiphany and beyond! Here is her beginning piece in the book: “Painted Turtle.” Meredith Bratcher “The day is bright and warm for December 1, but the logs in the marsh pond are bare. Spring to summer into early fall they served, on sunny days, as spa to a dozen or so painted turtles. I would see them basking, splay-legged, stretching their leathery necks out full length, avid for every luscious atom of sunlight and sun-warmth. Out of sight now, they’ve not escaped the harsher cold that’s coming. The water is maybe waist-deep in this pond, but a murky soup, clogged with roots and plants. On day in the fall, as water and air cooled, at some precise temperature, an ancient bell sounded in the turtle brain. A signal: Take a deep breath. Each creature slipped off her log and swam for the warmer muck bottom. Stroking her way through the woven walls of plant stems, she found her bottom place. She closed her eyes and dug into the mud. She buried herself. And then, pulled into her shell, encased in darkness, she settled into a deep stillness. Her heart slowed – and slowed – almost to stopping. Her body temperature dropped – and stopped just short of freezing. Now, beneath a layer of mud, beneath the weight of frigid water and its skin of ice and skim of snow, everything in her has gone so still she doesn’t need to breathe. And anyway, the iced-over pond will soon be empty of oxygen. Sunk in its bottom-mud, for six months she will not draw air into her lungs. To survive a cold that would kill her, or slow her so that predators would kill her, she slows herself beyond breath, in a place where breath is not possible. And waits. As ice locks in the marsh water and howling squalls batter its reeds and brush, beneath it all she waits. It is her one work, and it is not easy. Oxygen depletion stresses every particle of her. Lactic acid pools in her bloodstream. Her muscles begin to burn – her heart muscle, too, a deadly sign. That acid has to be neutralized, and calcium is the element to do it. Out of her bones, then out of her shell, her body pulls calcium, slowly dissolving her structure, her shape, her strength. But to move to escape – requiring breath – in a place where there is no oxygen – that would suffocate her. So, though she is dissolving, every stressed particle of her stays focused on the silver bead of utter quietude. It’s this radical simplicity that will save her. And deep within it, at the heart of her stillness, something she has no need to name, but something we might call trust: that one day, yes, the world will warm again, and with it, her life.” Gayle Boss has a lifelong love of animals and the natural world. Her poems and essays explore spiritual themes and how our relationships with animals can restore us to our deepest selves. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and Jessie, a registered therapy dog.

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TAKING A CLOSER LOOK Have you ever noticed this picture? It’s in our hallway leading from the office area into the Narthex. I recently looked more closely at it and saw that it depicts the first Baptist Church in America, Providence, Rhode Island. Who provided this framed print and where did it come from? And who would even know? Who could I ask? Well, the answer struck me immediately: Rev. Bob Seymour! Despite his recent medical challenges, our first pastor answered his Carol Woods phone with his usual energy and confidence. I asked my question, and he said that he himself had put it there. He can’t recall where it came from originally, but he had it in his home and one day thought it really belonged in the church and there it has hung for several decades. Rev. Seymour said he felt it was a good reminder of our basic Baptist principles; for him, the most important of which are “freedom of religion, separation of church and state, and freedom of conscience.” I was intrigued about the building (the one in the print was not the church’s first home, but it has been since 1775) but more than that about the founding of this first Baptist church in the New World. The story our Baptist founding father is fascinating. He was a radical and a person of conscience. A recent conversation with Binkley members, who bring their own rich faith traditions to our church, made me realize that some of us may not know the story of Baptists in the New World. So here is a short version. Below is edited from the First Baptist Church of Providence’s website. The bold face is mine. Priscilla Bratcher, Editor

THE FOUNDING OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN AMERICA The story of this church begins with Roger Williams, one of the thousands of Puritans who departed from England in the 1630’s to escape religious and political repression at the hands of the King and the Church of England. Many Puritans sailed to America to establish the colony of Massachusetts Bay. Williams, a graduate of Cambridge and an ordained minister was not among the first wave of Puritans who arrived in the summer of 1630 but he came in February 1631 and immediately revealed his idea of the colony differed from the views of most others. They wanted a purified Church of England; Williams wanted to separate entirely from the Anglican Church. When offered an appointment to be the minister of the Boston church, Williams refused unless it completely cut its ties to the Church of England. Then he went to Salem where he was offered a position as assistant minister in that settlement’s church. However, the Boston authorities warned them about Williams’ ideas, and he traveled on to Plymouth colony. The Old Colony, founded by the Pilgrims in 1620, had a church that was separated from the Church of England. Consequently, Williams lived in Plymouth for nearly two years and earned his living by farming and trading with the Native Americans in Plymouth and the Narragansett Bay area. In late 1633 Williams returned to Salem and became the assistant to the elderly minster of the church. When the old man died, the church called Williams to be its new pastor. He began to preach his concept of “soul liberty” which rejected the idea that the civil authorities could intervene in matters of religion and conscience. He demanded complete separation of church and state as he declared that “forced worship stinks in the nostrils of God.” He argued that the church and state were founded on completely different principles: the church was based on the love of God while the state was based on the sword. He wrote, “The civil sword may make a nation of hypocrites and anti-Christians, but not one Christian.” In addition, Williams declared that it was a “solemn public lie” to say that the King of England had the right to grant land to the settlers that had not first been purchased from the native peoples. His ideas threatened the religious, political, and economic bases of the colony. By 1635, the magistrates had had enough of Williams’ radical ideas, and he was tried and convicted of sedition, heresy, and refusing to swear an oath of allegiance in God’s name. Williams regarded it as blasphemy to use God’s name in a civil proceeding. Under order of banishment to England, Williams fled in February 1636, walking through the snow from Salem to Narragansett Bay where he spent the rest of the winter with the Wampanoags. Learning that spring that he was still within the land grant of Plymouth and fearing extradition to Massachusetts, Williams with companions from Salem crossed the Seekonk River into Narragansett territory. There, on land purchased from his friends Miantonomi and Canonicus, the chief sachems of the Narragansetts, Williams began a settlement.

Article continues, see CLOSER LOOK, p. 13

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BINKLEY SILENT RETREAT ST. FRANCIS SPRINGS PRAYER CENTER Last month, 14 of us gathered at beautiful St. Francis Springs Prayer Center near Stoneville, NC to participate in the 3rd Advent Silent Retreat. Although December is possibly the most challenging time of year for people to get away, the organizers believe that Advent is actually a perfect time to take a deep breath, spend time in silence, walk in the woods and create a circle of spiritual support. This was my second Silent Retreat at St. Francis Springs and it has become a very important part of Advent, waiting and anticipating, for me. Although offered by Binkley, it is open to anyone who feels the need for some quiet contemplation at what is often a very busy season. Organizers Lori Cahill, Alice Glover and Janet O’Neal planned and led us through a weekend of calm and reflection. We learned about contemplative prayer, the concept of praying through the day (led by Stephanie Ford), heart math and Qi Gong. We walked the labyrinth and prayed in the outdoor chapel. We ate silently and began and ended the short gray days with silent prayer in the lovely main chapel. We closed with a worship service and communion on Sunday, December 4. One of the great benefits of silence is that you simply begin to notice. Beyond what we learned about silence and prayer, we became a group, sharing our own and supporting each other’s individual spiritual journeys. The hallway (leading to the bedrooms where silence is required) is lined with 20 large reproductions of watercolors depicting moments in St. Francis’ life. On a table, I noticed a brochure about the paintings and one particular description captured my feeling about the retreat. I shared this with the group last month and with you now: On the Way to Rome “Rather than live the Franciscan tradition alone, Francis began to accept a few followers into a small brotherhood. Instead of making a solitary journey to Rome, he and his brothers traveled together. As social beings, most of us flourish best in community where there is encouragement, love, healing, companionship, protection, strength, smiles, laughter, comfort and nourishment, and where the talents of each person are used to the benefit of all. No one is superior or inferior to the others. No one is to be left out or left behind.” This captured my feeling about the weekend: a step in our own spiritual journeys but as part of a group that is powerfully supportive. Lest you get the impression that we were piously silent for three entire days, I need to add that there was a good measure of laughter and singing. After all, this was a Binkley retreat. Next year’s gathering is planned for November 17-19 at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. Priscilla Bratcher

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CHURCH SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ADULTS SPRING 2017 9:30-10:30 am On January 8, please join us for a gathering/orientation in the Lounge to learn about the classes. Coffee and breakfast snacks will be served. Classes "officially" begin on January 15. A Spiritual Gospel: John and the New Testament Origins of Anti-Judaism Sunroom Since the 2nd century, John's Gospel has been described as a spiritual Gospel rather than an historical account. But more recently it has been called the most anti-Jewish document in the New Testament. How can today's church reconcile our theological dependence on John's Gospel with the anti-Jewish ways it has been used? What is our responsibility in light of such usage? Can we benefit from the spiritual insights John offers without accepting its anti-Jewish perspective? Micheal Palmer and Allen Davidson will lead this important discussion. Binkley's Spiritual Migrants Lounge In his latest book, Bryan McLaren asks Christians to move away (migrate) from defining their faith as a system of beliefs to, instead, “expressing [faith] as a loving way of life.” McLaren contends that if the faith is to survive, it must embrace a creative God of love and nonviolence, a non-literal reading of the Bible, and a model of empowerment and change. The class will adopt McLaren's book, The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World’s Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to be Christian (2016), reading and discussing week-by-week its 10 chapters and guiding questions. Led by Emily Brewer. Listening for God’s Invitation Chapel Growing out of the fall class on meditation and contemplative prayer, where a number of spiritual practices were explored, this spring, the class will focus on one practice more fully: the examen of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Though its name may sound intimidating (like an exam?), using this style of prayer actually feels lively, and life-giving, especially in a group, whether this is a family, or a class like this one. A cornerstone for the class is Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, and Matthew Linn. Co-facilitating the class are Meredith Bratcher and Diana Coble. Race, Power, and Christian Discipleship (continued from fall semester) Room 16 This class will continue it's exploration of what it means to be white and Christian in a racialized culture. How can we better understand our racist enculturation, and how can we move toward being a positive agent for change? Class members will share in the facilitation of weekly sessions, drawing on numerous available resources. New members are welcome. English as a Second Language Room 17 This class is designed for those learning English as a second language and interested in faith. Participants will learn vocabulary and share from their own cultures and histories in lively discussion. Muhammad and Alex Mia will co-teach the class. Mindful Parenting Room 18 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.

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THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW: GOD WITH US 14-session Kerygma Bible Study Class taught by Rev. Marcus McFaul Beginning January 17 Kerygma is the Greek word translated as preaching and interpreted with variation, but often as proclamation. It is also the name of an adult Bible study program used by many congregations since its introduction in 1977. Kerygma Bible study has been offered by Binkley in the past but not for several years. In the summer of 2016, Marcus McFaul was inspired to offer this 37-week introduction to the Bible to the Binkley family. To his surprise, 35 people turned up for the class which began, according to one participant, with quiet attention and a little nervousness but ended with the class in lively conversation and a new sense of small group community. “Teaching the Bible and interpreting the faith should be a core competency of any local church pastor, interim or otherwise. Reading and studying scripture in community for information and transformation is as good as it gets for small group bonding within any church family,” said Marcus. Tim Ross was in the class and says this: “After trying a Kerygma class ten or more years ago, I was torn about trying it again. At that time, I had not felt engaged and dropped out. But this time, with Marcus, it was fun, exciting, interesting, informative and helped students become really interested in the Bible. Perhaps the instructional materials have been improved since I last tried the class, but personally I think it was Marcus’ knowledge of the Bible and his teaching skills. He added many outside sources that help students develop a better understanding of the Bible. It was a great experience for me and although I still find it difficult to accept everything in the Bible, Marcus has great skills in helping us at least understand what it says.” Another student, Lyn Lamont said “I loved the Kerygma class that Marcus taught last summer and fall. Marcus brought the old Bible stories to life in a way I have never heard before. Because he is so well-read, he could give us quotes and illustrations from authors new and old to illuminate the stories we were hearing. Of course, Marcus also has ideas of his own to liven things up. I have done quite a bit of Bible reading over my lifetime, but in the Kerygma class I learned new things and was given new ideas about what I have read that I will be pondering for the rest of my life. Besides, classes with Marcus are just FUN. And for me, that is a good thing! I didn't want the class to be over when it ended and now I am so glad to hear we can enjoy some more.” Beginning in January, a shorter but equally in-depth Kerygma class, this time focused on the Gospel of Matthew, will be offered. “One reason for this study of Matthew is that in the Christian lectionary for 2016-2017 Matthew is the Gospel reading each Sunday so it seemed a natural fit for a course of study,” explained Marcus. The new Kerygma Bible study class will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 in the Lounge. If you want to attend, you must email your interest at [email protected] no later than January 4. The workbook is $22 to be paid at the first class.

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Music Notes JANUARY SERVICE REPERTOIRE AND CHOIR SCHEDULE

January 1 – Christmas II with Holy Communion – The Old Time Gospel Band January 8 - The First Sunday after Epiphany – The Chancel Choir Christmas Joy Mark Schweizer In Wintertime Jay Althouse January 15 – The Second Sunday after Epiphany – The Chancel Choir Leaning On the Everlasting Arms Eric Nelson Agnus Dei from GLORIA Antonio Vivaldi

COMING THIS WINTER 

Cabaret – January 28 (Details below!)

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Scripture and Spirituals with organist Alvin Blount and the Binkley Chancel Choir – February 12

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Jazz Sunday - February 19

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The 3rd Annual Children’s Choir Workshop Weekend - March 10-12

January 22 – The Third Sunday after Epiphany – The Youth Choir and The Chancel Choir Who at My Door is Standing K. Lee Scott Arise, Shine George J. Elvey

January 29 – The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany – The Children’s Choir and soloist Simple Song from MASS Leonard Bernstein Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands arr. Carlton Young

You Are Cordially Invited to A Night at the Oscars Binkley Cabaret

Saturday, January 28, 2017 7:00pm Binkley Fellowship Hall Cocktail Attire

January 28

ack by popular demand, the Binkley Cabaret will burst into the Fellowship Hall at the end of this month. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased after worship beginning January 8. Cabaret impresario and executive producer Scott Hawkins has conceived the evening as a tribute to the music of Oscar-winning films. Returning will be a photo booth, elegant décor and desserts, and a silent auction. The production team is rounded out by music directors Caryl Price and Mike Davis and drama director Priscilla Bratcher. If you have any questions, please contact any of them. Funds raised will support the Music Ministry at Binkley, specifically: Children’s Music Workshop, a music outreach ministry for the whole

community Festival by the Sea choral weekend for the Youth Choir The Chancel Choir retreat Space is limited to 140 and we will not, no matter how gorgeous you look, be able to accommodate you on January 28 if you don’t have a ticket. Get your ticket as soon as you can to ensure you’ll be there for all the festivities. See you on the red carpet!

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PLANNING FOR A SABBATICAL LEAVE

Dale Osborne

I am very grateful to our church family for offering a sabbatical leave to me and to the entire ministerial staff during the course of our ministry at the church. Due to my extended years of ministry at Binkley, my next leave was designed to be a six month leave. That amount of time in one singular setting seemed daunting to me and thankfully the church leadership agreed. Therefore, over the next 18 months or so, I will be planning for 2 three-month sabbatical leaves. The first will occur from February through May of 2017. The second time period is yet to be determined. Since the first leave is coming up soon, during January I will complete my sabbatical planning goals and establish methods for staffing various elements of my ministry while I am away. I solicit your prayers and encouragement as I complete my planning. I already have some plans for study lined up regarding youth ministry, and I definitely want to find ways to refresh and renew myself as I consider serving God's children at Binkley in the future. Perhaps you know of a book or an educational opportunity that you would like to share with me. Maybe you have a mountain or beach retreat location that could welcome me for some time away from Chapel Hill as I read and restore myself. Thank you for thinking on these things as we welcome the new year of 2017. Dale Osborne

A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY The Christian Century has published an article about the Good News Bible commemorating the 50th anniversary of the publication of the first volume which contained the New Testament and Psalms. As you may know, the late Robert Bratcher, long-time member of Binkley and father of Meredith and Priscilla, was the principal translator. You can read the article here:https://www.christiancentury.org/article/ bible-translation-everyone.Many thanks to Don Willhoit for bringing this article to our attention.

Sights of the Season: Advent & Christmas at Binkley 2016

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MEN OF BINKLEY Saturday, Jan. 7 8-9:30 am

The first meeting of the New Year will be Saturday morning, January 7, 2017 from 8-9:30 am There will be time for sharing and catching up with each other while we enjoy coffee and a Sunrise Biscuit breakfast. We will have a short program on Cuba, presented by a renegade church member who flaunted the law back in 2000 to satisfy his curiosity about that island nation and the Castros. The pictures are worth the price of admission! Charles Coble and Larry McManus, Co-chairs

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER SERIES: CALLED TO THE QUEST Join us for our 7-week Wednesday Night Dinner series, beginning January 11. After a simple supper and conversation, we will hear stories from Binkley members and friends about pilgrimages—quests—they have taken, perhaps to a holy site, perhaps on a trail or other adventure, perhaps on an inner journey of self-discovery or learning. Meal, 5:30-6:00 pm; program, 6-7:00 pm in the Lounge. ($6 for 12 and older; $3 for children) 

January 11 Community Night: Conversation and Prayer

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January 18 Exploring the Landscape of the Quest (Stephanie Ford)

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January 25 Jim Wells and the Appalachian Trail

BINKLEY BOOK GROUPS Daytime Book Group Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10:30 am, Library The group will discuss Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast, facilitated by Bobby Wagoner.

Binkley Readers Friday, Jan. 13, 7:30 pm, Library Don Willhoit will lead a discussion on Brave Genius: A Philosopher, A Scientist, and Their Daring Adventures from the French Resistance to the Nobel Prize by Sean B. Carroll

SAVE THE DATE! VBS: JUNE 26-30, 2017 Children who are 4 (by 7/1/2017) through rising 6th graders are welcome to join Binkley friends for a week of learning, singing, art, and science. VBS is Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 12:15 pm, with an orientation on Sunday, June 25, at 6:00 pm for the entire family. Youth are invited to help. More details to come!

INTERGENERATIONAL

WHEN: Friday, January 20; 6-8 pm WHERE: Binkley Lounge All ages welcome Friday, January 20 in the Lounge for pizza and games! From 6-8:00 pm. Pizza and beverages will be provided. Bring a dessert and a game to share. Just call the office or email Stephanie Ford by noon on Friday the 20th and indicate pizza favorites. A lot of fun for all!

GIRLS GROUP BEGINS ON JANUARY 17 If you are in middle school (grades 6-8), Priscilla Bratcher and Stephanie Ford invite you for a 6-week journey together. In a small group, we listen to one another, grow in faith and self-understanding, and learn about brave girls and women who spoke their truth. Cookies and fun, too! Join us, 6-7:15, for six Tuesday nights together.

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THERE’S STILL TIME TO SUPPORT THE CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING: The Christmas Eve offering will be allocated among three projects. Fifty percent (50%) will go to Binkley families in need, 25% will go for Hurricane Matthew relief support for a family or families in need in Eastern North Carolina, and 25% will go to Justice Matters. Justice Matters provides direct legal services in humanitarian immigration law through a team of staff and volunteer attorneys. Please make sure your offering is designated for Christmas Eve. On the date of this newsletter’s publication, we have received $4,422 towards this offering. Contributions to the Christmas Eve offering will be accepted through January 1 during worship, or you can mail a check to the office. GIVE TO THE EPIPHANY TREE OF WARMTH: The tree will be set up in the narthex through January 8. Please help us adorn it with cold weather clothing to be distributed to community members in need. Hats, scarves, gloves, and coats are needed.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK: An ad hoc team has been working to evaluate our current website, binkleychurch.org, and your input is needed. If you would like to participate in a survey to share your thoughts, please send your email address to [email protected].

EARTH MINISTRIES MEETING: Attention All Who Believe in Science and Are Concerned for God’s Creation! Earth Ministries begins the New Year with a meeting on Tuesday, January 10, at 7 pm in the Church Library. The purpose of the meeting is to chart our activities for the spring and summer. Our special guests will be Neal and Nancy Cheek. The Cheeks were featured in the Winter issue of ‘Afield’, the publication of the NC Nature Conservancy. They will share information about their long-term volunteerism, followed by discussions of our priorities for Earth Ministries at Binkley. Come and bring your ideas and enthusiasm to help us live into our church covenant: to be conscientious caretakers of the Earth! Buck Horton and Charles Coble, Earth Ministries Co-chairs

Our Wider Community A WINTRY MIX: ART, SPIRIT, REST JANUARY 20-22, 2017 FRIDAY, 6 PM – SUNDAY 11 AM Three things we don’t get enough of! Welcome your New Year by giving yourself a weekend to consciously immerse in all three. Have you felt the Spirit’s presence while engaged in creating art? While at rest? Does peace sneak up and surprise you? Has your spirit been moved while doodling, staring out a window, being in a group of like -minded souls? This weekend allows the time and space to experience a joyful mix of all three – Art, Spirit, and Rest! No art experience is required for this guided and exploratory retreat! All art materials provided. Presenter: Claudia Fulshaw – a Durham graphic designer, entrepreneur, artist and art retreat/workshop facilitator. Please contact Claudia at [email protected] or 919-306-2919 for more information and registration.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT TO BENEFIT THE IFC

THE 32ND ANNUAL MLK

United Church of Chapel Hill, Dec. 31, 7 pm

MEMORIAL BANQUET

United Church of Chapel Hill, next door to the IFC Community House, will host an evening of jazz beginning at 7 pm on New Year's Eve as a benefit concert for the Inter-Faith Council. The Bradshaw Quartet will play and will feature seven different soloists. A free-will offering will be taken. As we go through this holiday season and enter a new year, you are invited to do so in the company of those who enjoy good jazz and in solidarity with those in need. For more information, contact the IFC (http://www.ifcweb.org/) or United Church of Chapel Hill (www.unitedchurch.org or 919-942-3540).

Jan. 15, 5:00 pm, Friday Center Lillian Lee has a limited number of tickets, which are $30.

J ANUARY 2017 N EWSLETTER

P AGE 13

Our Church Family

Birthdays 1

Allen Davidson, Dul Rahlan, Enh Rocham, H’Be Siu, Haih Siu

2

Andrew Pike, Christopher Wise

3

Bruce Pratt

5

Yvonne Holt, Lynn Houser

6

Amelia Wise

8

Billie Cox, Bill Powell

10

Sibyl Wagner

11

Sue Schroeder, Mark Willhoit

14

Ed Davis, Len Keller, Ann Overton

15

John Overton

16

Kimberly Brewer, Brian Ivey, Jenni Reiff

17

Erik Butler

18

Linda Vaughn

19

Stephanie Phillipi, Daniel Textoris

20

Deepmala Ford-Williams, James Stock

21

Jim Greene

23

Avery Jenkins, Hunter King, Ken Williams,

24

Christine Jernigan

27

Curt McLaughlin

28

Den Whitaker

31

Anne Winfield

Anniversaries 7

Jodan & Tessa Hale

8

Kay & Bruce Pratt

9

Chris McDougald & Ron Simmons

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! December 11 Joe & Jenni Reiff Dear Binkley Friends: Your prayers, support, encouragement and so many thoughtful and caring cards have just been overwhelming in these weeks of recovery following my heart bypass surgery. Thank you! You have truly been a healing presence in my journey. I am grateful to God for you. With affection, Jim Pike CLOSER LOOK, continued from p. 5 He called it “Providence” because he believed that God had cared for him. This colony was a “shelter for persons distressed of conscience.” a place where everyone would have religious freedom. Providence had soul liberty and complete separation of church and state. These founding principles were so powerful that subsequent settlers in Rhode Island adopted them. When all other colonies had established churches and religious requirements or disabilities, Rhode Island had none. Williams soon gathered the faithful in regular worship in his home, holding services several times a week. After about two years, this little congregation became the first Baptist church in the New World. Williams concluded that believer’s baptism was the only valid concept of baptism. Since he and all his congregation had been baptized as infants, in late 1638 he had himself rebaptized and then he rebaptized his flock. Williams’ spiritual journey did not end here. Within months he came to doubt that any existing institution could validly call itself the church. He concluded that the church had died when the Roman Emperor Theodisius had made Christianity the state religion of the Empire around 385 A.D. He believed that all of the rites and practices of the church had become invalid and corrupt. In the summer of 1639 he resigned, but he cherished the belief to the end of his long life (1683) that the church that he planted was based on Scripture. He remained steadfast in his defense of religious freedom, and his influence caused Rhode Island to be a unique haven of religious liberty in the seventeenth century. Source: http://www.firstbaptistchurchinamerica.org/history/the-prophet-of-religious-freedom/ For information about the building in the print, read “The Current Building” at this website:

January 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 (Resumes 1/11)

MUSIC GROUPS

MONTHLY GROUPS

PREACHING SCHEDULE

Children’s Choir Wednesdays, 6:00 pm

Primetimers 1/11, 12:30 pm, Lounge

January 1

College & Career Day

January 8

Stephanie Ford

Chancel Choir Wednesdays, 7:30 pm

Binkley Readers 1/13, 7:30 pm, Library

January 15

Marcus McFaul

January 22

Marcus McFaul

Youth Choir Sundays, 5:00 pm

Daytime Book Group 1/24, 11 am, Library

January 29

Dale Osborne

Old Time Gospel Band 1/1, 1/15, 1/19 9:15 am

Carolina Meadows Worship 1/26, 1:30 pm, Fairways Activities Room

Youth Group Sundays, 6:00 pm Sunroom/Lounge

JANUARY COMMITTEE MEETINGS Diaconate TBA Outreach 1/9, 7 pm, Library Finance 1/12, 7 pm, Library Grounds Committee 1/19, 9:30 am, Library Adult Christian Formation 1/16, 7 pm, Lounge Church Council 1/23, 7 pm, Choir Room

(full calendar available at binkleychurch.org)

S UNDAY S CHEDULE E ARLY W ORSHIP , C HAPEL 9:45 AM (1/1); 8:45 AM (1/15)

9:30 AM C HURCH S CHOOL (B EGINNING 1/8)

11:00 AM W ORSHIP , S ANCTUARY

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] Minister of Music Daniel Cherrix [email protected]

General Fund Gifts as of November 30

General Fund (all gifts)

Pledge Detail (included in above)

Budget

Income

Difference

$641,913

$615,014

-$26,899

$561,372

$520,921

-$40,451

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund Balance

$4,912

Received

$995

Disbursed

-$1,347

Ending

$4,560

Submit articles for the newsletter, Friday Update, or the Sunday announcement page to: [email protected]. February Newsletter: January 19 Bulletin and Friday Update: Wednesday, 12 noon (weekly)

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].