THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL

BAPTIST CHURCH

JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER

“The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

-Isaiah 55:12 Each summer, Binkley folks of all ages retreat to the mountains to relax, play, worship, and get to know one another away from normal routines and stresses. To be able to sip coffee and share stories over breakfast, to look out at great beauty while you sing, to make friends while hiking. To play board games with a 7-year-old or master a complicated puzzle with a teen. And to laugh. These are the gifts of our summer retreat.

This year, we will be exploring the spirituality of nature, the “book of creation.” Join us for nature hikes and activities, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, workshops for children, a poetry circle, photography exploration, outdoor games, and more.

This is our first time to meet at a place known well by our youth (BYC meets here, but in more rustic accommodations). Laurel Ridge provides hotel-like accommodations in a pristine setting. Registration has opened; you’ll find registration forms here. Deadline: July 17. Contact Stephanie Ford stephanie@binkleychurch.org) for more information.

CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT

Spiritual Practices in Nature

AUGUST 4-6, 2017

Laurel Ridge Camp & Conference Center

Visit binkleychurch.org to register

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA

PAGE 2 JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER

Oh, these lazy hazy days of summer in the Piedmont – something in me wants to slow down, almost halt, in the heavy heat -- just to sit and be part of this season of full daylight, and ripeness all around. That’s just a part of me, though. Another part has had the louder voice for quite a while, and it urges me to get cracking, get some things done, make myself useful, make a list and get through those “to-do’s”! It’s like having the ant and the grasshopper in my head! Do you remember those two in Aesop’s fable of that name? In the fable, the provident ant spends the whole summer hard at work, storing up grains of rice as provision for the coming winter, while the grasshopper sings and enjoys all the abun-dance. But when winter comes, she is hungry; she goes to beg a little food from the ant, but the ant

sternly refuses, reminding her that she sang away the summer when she could have been working to pro-vide for the future cold times. The ant turns away from her grasshopper sister.

These two attitudes toward the beauty and responsibility of our lives (I must tell you that Mary Oliver gave me those words: she wrote “One lifetime is not enough for the beauty and responsibility of our lives”) rise up in all of us, I suspect. And as she often does, Mary Oliver crafted a poem that gives me, ever so lightly, a sense for the blessedness of being aware of just being alive, today. It’s called “The Summer Day;” isn’t this a good time to bring it to mind?

Meredith Bratcher

Meredith Bratcher

MOMENT FOR MEDITATION

The Summer Day Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean- the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down- who is gazing around with her enormous and compli-cated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away. I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

—Mary Oliver

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Do you know what’s behind all the Binkley Buzz these days?

After shout-outs the last two months to those who help us strengthen our joyful community through food and fellowship, we focus this month

on one of the groups who help us engage and serve the world beyond our walls in the way of Jesus.

PEACE AND JUSTICE ACTION

“God has told you, O Mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Living out this Biblical mandate both as individuals and members of the Binkley Community is the purpose of this active gather-ing who offer opportunities for all of us to join them. Social justice issues and interests of its participants determine the P&JA areas of engagement, and currently include:

Paul Lindsay leads PJ&A’s involvement in Orange County Justice United. Justice United negotiated with Orange/Chatham District Attorney James Woodall an agreement whereby undocumented immigrants who are safe drivers with no violations are allowed to drive in Orange and Chatham counties without fear of arrest. Nineteen Binkley members attended the celebration of the agreement. Five of these 19 signed up for JU training programs and 11 pledged donations.

Kimberly Brewer heads the all-volunteer certification team for Orange County Living Wage. Over 130 employers have certified as living wage employers (hourly wage of $13.15 or $11.65 with health insurance), cumulatively raising wag-es over $570,000 for low-wage workers in just two years. Binkley was the first church in Orange County to be certified as a living wage employer.

Ashley Nissler is leading a new effort to explore The Sanctuary Movement with other area churches, potentially of-fering the opportunity to provide sanctuary for our immigrant neighbors targeted for deportation.

Several members have attended the Church School class “Race, Power and Christian Discipleship” envisioned by Binkley member Tammerie Day and have been active in widening the conversation about racism to the larger Binkley community. P&JA has also been instrumental in advertising opportunities for support, through demonstrations and marches, for equal opportunity and justice for all people.

Binkley has been well represented at Moral Monday gatherings and at the annual HKonJ (Historic Thousands on Jones St.)

People currently attending monthly meetings include Tom Fewel, Paul Lindsay, Kimberly Brewer, Ashley Nissler, Connie Gates, and Velma Ferrell, facilitator. All are welcome to participate with them. Peace and Justice Action is a part of the Ministry and Mission Cluster of Binkley.

BINKLEY HEROES

Claudia Templeton submitted this photo and we agree that Binkley has our very own Wonder Woman. She moder-ates, decorates, tidies, cleans, organizes and even mows.

This month we salute Linda

Vaughn as a volunteer who has earned our gratitude.

“It’s not always possible to assign tasks for everything—sometimes you just have to step up when you see something that needs doing,” said Chris McDougald when Stephenie Sanders discov-ered him replenishing supplies and doing some general tidying in the Chapel. Thank you Chris, for your generous and willing spirit.

FROM THE MODERATOR

Poop happens! My dog died and Marcus is leaving! But I keep waking up each day. I look over at that other little pup, whose looking at me with sad eyes that say, “I miss her too . . . but could we go for a walk and have breakfast?” I come to Binkley and people look at me when they are ordering their direc-tory with eyes that say, “We want to keep him . . . why are you letting him go?” It makes you want to stay in bed, pull the covers over your head and just grieve.

But this passes and I realize that these feelings are part of the grief process. They are normal and, in time, the pain gets easier and if you focus on the good times, you actually start to feel better. I know this because one aspect of my business practice is change management, which is helping people deal with the emotional response they have when they are told that what they do at work is going to change.

But knowing something and experiencing a significant change in one’s life is not simple or easy.

As we look to saying goodbye to Marcus we do it with heavy hearts and tears. We will miss his laugh, his warm bear hugs, his interesting stories, and his humor. But just like the nuzzles, the kisses, the knowing looks in Izzie’s eyes that I miss, I am a bet-ter person and my life is far richer for having them cross my path on this journey we call life.

I am confident that Marcus will be okay and so will Binkley. I trust that the good people we have elected to serve on the Minis-ter Search Committee are working hard, listening carefully, and weighing all the gifts that candidates bring to the table. I pray they will identify that new settled pastor, who will love us, laugh with us, inspire us with their messages, teach us, play golf with some, have dinner with others, and above all be the spiritual guide we need to move Binkley forward in its mission to build a compassionate and joyful community, freely exploring spiritual paths, and pursuing justice and peace in the name of

Jesus. Linda Vaughn, Moderator

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MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Minister Search Committee is preparing for face-to-face interviews with our three candidates and then church visits. We

will be scheduling those soon and then will pare the list down to our primary and secondary candidates. Our candidate pool is

diverse and has a variety of skills and talents that would serve Binkley well. We are using the Transition Team’s Pastor Profile,

drafted collectively as a church, to examine the candidates and their skills. There is a lot of reading, prep and debate at our

meetings as we discern who we should call. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we move through this process.

Larry McManus, Chair, MSC

Linda Vaughn

SERVING WITH LOVE: 2017-2018 DIACONATE RETREAT

On Saturday, June 10, our Diaconate journeyed to the Lake House of Charles Carver for an all-day retreat. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a day that nourished both our bodies and our souls. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with yummy morning snacks; later a delicious lunch was prepared and served by our host Charles, along with Daniel and Scott. In addition to our deacons, we were gifted with the presence of all four of our Ministerial Staff: Marcus, Dale, Stephanie and Daniel. Daniel also brought along his keyboard to accompany lovely music, which included a

solo, “Be Still My Soul” sung by our Binkley friend, Colleen Kingston. Inspiring devotions and prayer were shared by Stepha-nie, and the morning concluded with Marcus leading us on a session on Prayer. After our lunch, invitations were given by our skipper, Charles, for boat rides on Lake Hyco. Part of our afternoon was spent on Deacon Ministry, and our time together end-ed with communion outside, overlooking the beautiful lake. We all left feeling enriched by our time spent together. On the following Sunday our congregation participated in the ordination of our five new deacons: Anne Winfield, Barbara Davis, Lyn Lamont, Margie Billinger, and Tom Fewel. I am sure they will reach out to their newly assigned Binkley families in the next

few weeks. Melinda Wilde, Diaconate Chair

JUSTICE AND PEACE IN THE WAY OF JESUS

As reflected in our mission statement and a heightened sense of urgency in reaction to a divisive presidential campaign last year, there is new energy in the Binkley congregation to work on some very specific issues. This energy is expressed in many ways, but two of them are worth noting this July.

Did you know that there’s a group called Binkley Rabble-Rousers? Begun as a spur of the moment protest of President Trump’s first attempt at a travel ban, the group is focused on racial and immigration issues at this time. During the last year, motivated Binkley members offered a “Race, Power, and Christian Discipleship” class as well as a Wednesday night supper se-ries this spring. But they are not stopping at simply talking and sharing; they have identified action steps for the next phase of ensuring that Binkley is truly a welcoming community for all people. Ideas, opportunities and actions range from the personal (taking responsibility for our own racism) to congregational (looking at the diversity of our own lay leadership and involve-ment) and community (revitalizing our ties with Barbee’s) to the wider community (reaching out to other organizations work-ing on these complex issues from a variety of perspectives.) Many more ideas are being pursued by these motivated Rabble-Rousers. The group is open to anyone who feels called to these issues; in fact, you can be easily added to the email list. If you want to get involved, contact Anna Roberson anna.b.roberson@gmail.com. But hurry! We’re losing Anna to Austin, Texas in August! Article continues, see Justice & Peace, p. 6

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUNDS COMMITTEE?

Many of you have questions about changes on our grounds. We welcome them! Your questions show us you are paying at-tention that you care. Here are a few brief answers.

What are the pink ties on trees? The pink ties indicate tree with limbs hanging over our building that require an ar-borist to remove. They do not mean we are cutting down trees!

What are the white posts for? The white posts are replacing our old signposts so they are uniform throughout the property. This is the first phase of our plan to increase accessible parking and improve the entrance parking area. As volunteers, it takes time to dig holes, mount posts (straight!), add plastic sleeves (for aesthetics, uniformity and no maintenance), order and mount signs. But never fear, it will be done soon.

Why are some short and some tall? There are regulations indicating the height for disability accessibility signs. Other signs are lower so as not to impede our view of the grounds or be unnecessarily tall.

Where can we park when there are no parking spaces? Some people like to park behind Harris Teeter and walk over. There is also overflow parking on the grass along 15-501. You can enter the area at the parking spaces near the dumpster. Soon there will be a sign and painted pavement crosshatching to make that clearer.

Why Is parking along the entrance driveway discouraged? First, this was intended to be a two-way entrance. Sec-ondly, parking here is a safety risk for those exiting vehicles into arriving traffic.

Why was the flowering apricot tree near the Meals on Wheels entrance cut down? Sadly, it died. The little "stump

chair" is temporarily left behind until we landscape that area. Janet O’Neal, Grounds Chair

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THE TRANSITION TEAM

ONE YEAR LATER

Editor’s note: Recently, the Transition Team held a reunion dinner to look back on the year since its decommission-ing in June 2016. Chair Matthew Ripley-Moffitt shares these observations of the ways in which transition contin-ues in the church.

In our final written document to the Church the Transition Team noted that, “it has become clear to us is that we are not the same church that we were even three years ago. We also are clear that we cannot be the same church that we are today in another five years.” One year later we are a changed and changing church. The Church Councils over the past thirteen months have become spiritual-centered, business-minded representatives of Binkley Church seeking to engage and expand in ministry. Listening and discerning are now first steps in taking the time to get decisions right reflecting the fact that the spirit and processes learned through the Transition Team’s work have become embedded in the life of the congregation.

The Team’s work changed us, too. Former members have continued to find ways to help us live together with. “an open-ness to change, flexibility, responsiveness, and a growing ease with the ongoing process of transformation.” On-going, yes: Sonnie Vansant as Moderator Elect; Charles Coble as Minister Search Committee member; Gary Stutts as Web guru; Priscilla Bratcher as newsletter editor; Katherine Walker as impassioned opponent of the Confederate flag on Orange County school, grounds; a new Human Resources Committee; new members joining their ministries to our new and clari-fied Mission Statement. In the next weeks of this Liturgical Season know as Ordinary Time, the time between Pentecost and Advent, we look ahead to new transitions as the Minster Search Committee ends its work and a new settled minister joins their vision to ours. It may, in fact, be anything but ordinary, and always to the Glory of God.

Matthew Ripley-Moffitt, Transition Team Chair 2014-16

Justice & Peace, continued from p. 5

Our Post Card Ministry sponsored by the Outreach and the Peace and Justice Action Committees, kicked off on May 14th and will be offered every second Sunday in each month. The group started, appropriately enough, on Mother’s Day, a now secular holiday with ancient roots. In the USA, one of the proponents of establishing it as a recognized holiday was the aboli-tionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace.

The goal of the ministry is simply to let public servants at the state and national levels know our concerns about policy issues affecting all Americans. As Outreach Co-chair Karen Long says “There is a feeling that if churches cannot speak to matters that affect the least of these, who can?”

The first Sunday highlighted a number of issues around budgeting decisions, the need for an independent investigator into Russian interference in the 2016 elections, health care and an opportunity to offer thanks to local law enforcement for their position on undocumented neighbors among us. The second Post Card Sunday on June 18 focused only on health care be-cause committee members decided a concentrated focus would be more effective. However, anyone can write a postcard about any issue that they feel needs attention. Sixty post cards were written on the first two Sundays and organizers hope the effort will grow from that strong beginning.

When asked how issues are chosen, Karen explained “The Outreach Committee meets and discusses issues to highlight. We welcome suggestions! Just let someone on Outreach know what you want to see. “You can reach Karen at kem-

plong@bellsouth.net. Editor

Music Notes PAGE 7 JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER

JULY SERVICE REPERTOIRE AND CHOIR SCHEDULE

July 2 – The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – Grant Tinsley Little, baritone choral scholar

July 9 – The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost – Piano Sunday featuring Mike Davis, Janice Pope, Grant Tinsley Little, Daniel Cherrix, Scott Hawkins, and Karen Coletti

July 16 – The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost – The Old Time Gospel Band and Stephenie Sanders, soprano

July 23 – The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost – Summer Choir

July 30 – The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost – Jazz Sunday

featuring Caryl Thomason Price, Mike Davis, Mario Millner, Randy Calla-

han, and Mike Minguez

Piano Sunday, July 9

July 30

SUMMER CHOIR CONTINUES…COME JOIN US!

Summer Choir got off to a great start on June 25th when the group sang a contemporary setting of “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” accompanied by handbells and percus-sion. We were delighted to welcome new faces to the group, and reunite with familiar ones. Our Summer Choir schedule is: July 23, August 13, and August 20.

On these dates, members of the congregation (middle school age and above), friends, and guests are all cordially invited to sing as part of the choir without a long-term commitment. This is a great opportunity to make new friends, enjoy the music in a different way, and enhance the liturgy. Extensive musical training is not a prerequisite. If you can hear and hit a pitch, you can sing in the Binkley Baptist Church Summer Choir. No advance sign-up is required but you must attend the rehearsal on Sunday one hour before service time in the Choir Room. Rehearsal begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. for the 11:00 a.m. service. More info/Questions, Contact Daniel: daniel@binkleychurch.org | 919-641-3770).

Music Notes PAGE 8 JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER

Thank you

To all the music makers and music listeners who helped make the Binkley Music Ministry’s 2016-2017 season a blessing and a success.

I’m grateful.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Daniel

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A PLACE TO SERVE

Help wanted: Caring folks, who were ever a child themselves once upon a time, to share in leadership of Children’s Church School. No teaching experience is needed, just a loving heart and a little patience. Individuals may serve as lead or assistant teachers and ALWAYS work as a team. Time off is available as needed. Collegial and flexible colleagues are guaranteed. Apply TODAY! The benefits are out of this world!

Recruitment has begun in earnest, and your talents are needed in children’s church school classes. Has it been a while since you taught? Can you imag-ine how easy this would be if we each signed on once every five or ten years? We would share light duties and you would know by name those graduating high school seniors who preach on Youth Sunday in a decade or so. Plus, you would have taken part in their spiritual growth!

Church School is from 9:30 to 10:30 each Sunday (with the exception of holidays when we often have an intergenerational hour instead). Given the way we work in a team of 4 or 5 folks, it is easy to have a Sunday off for travel. Continuing leaders for the 2017-18 calendar year are Sheryl Scrim-sher, Roal Carlson, Claudia Templeton, Lisa Parks, Angela Clontz, Michael Bean, Nancy Cheek and Joy Wood. What a remarkable group to join! Speak with one of them, or call Stephanie for more details. You will not be disappointed!

Scripture reminds us:

“Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.” (Proverbs 22:6)

“Be on your guard! Make certain that you do not forget, as long as you live, what you have seen with your own eyes. Tell your children and your grandchildren.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

“Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he took a child, stood him by his side, and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me; and whoever wel-comes me, also welcomes the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you all is the greatest. ." (Luke 9: 47-48)

Claudia Templeton, CF Co-Chair

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION ANNOUNCES FALL 2017 ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Class Leaders and general topics are:

Collins Kilburn: The spiritual/religious views of three Presidents: Jefferson, Lincoln, & Carter Meredith Bratcher: Meditations reflecting on selected biblical passages Miles and Megan Highsmith: Mindful Parenting

Michael Palmer: Reading/discussion of The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann Teacher TBA: ESL Class

Seek out the class leaders if you wish to learn more about these terrific fall offerings. (If you wish to assist teaching the ESL class, please let Stephanie Ford know!)

For sure, mark your calendars for Launch Sunday on August 27, 2017 to hear from each of the class leaders about their clas-

ses. Classes start Sept. 10, 2017. Sibyl Wagner, Adult CF Chair

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BINKLEY YOUTH SOLICIT YOUR PRAYERS

On July 2nd during the worship service, the Binkley youth and their leaders will receive a prayerful blessing prior to their trip to Baptist Youth Camp (BYC) in the mountains of NC. They will experience God's beautiful creation for a week as they ex-plore the deep meanings of Sabbath along with 11 other churches. Our state, along with Louisiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and Ohio will be represented at BYC.

Please consider praying for our safe journey to and from Laurel Ridge as well as our time on the mountain. We will be in prayer for our home church when we gather for our church group time each night. Also, please be in prayer for Linnea Van Manen. Linnea has been to BYC every year since she was a sixth grader. We will miss Linnea this year as she will be hiking the Appalachian Trail while we are at camp. Please pray for her safety and insight as she walks the trail.

W. Dale Osborne

13TH DOCUMENTARY SCREENING JULY 9, 6:30 PM, LOUNGE

The Adult Education Team invites you to a screening of the original Netflix docu-mentary, 13th. A discussion will follow for those who wish to stay.

In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. In light of U.S. Attorney General Sessions' stated intention to seek even harsher sentences for drug offenses, understanding the implications of the War on Drugs for racism in this country takes on new urgency.

“Powerful, infuriating and at times overwhelming, Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13TH will get your blood boiling and tear ducts leaking.” Manohla Dargis, The NY Times.

“Putting black people in chains made a lot of money for white people for a very long time. It still does.” Stephen Whitty, New York Daily News.

Early Worship

Summer 2017

There will be a special offering collected for One Great Hour of Sharing on Sunday, July 30th. This is an inter denomina-tional offering but everything we collect will go to the Ameri-can Baptist Church for domestic and international relief, just as everything other denominations collect go to their relief ef-forts. Please make checks out to Binkley Baptist Church and put them in the envelopes which will be supplied in the bulle-tin that Sunday.

10-10:45 am Every Sunday June 18-August 20* in the Lounge

Engaging for all ages! * no meetings on 7/2 or 8/6

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THE PERFECT BEACH READ

I listen to a lot of podcasts. Recently, I’ve added the New York Times Book Review podcast, learning that there are dozens of books mentioned each week that I’ll never have the time to read. In May, John Grisham was interviewed about his newly published Camino Island and he described it not as a thriller but a “beach read.” That got me thinking. I had wanted to include a lighter, summery item in this issue of the Beacon, highlighting beach reads that members have enjoyed over the years, enthusiastically recommending them to fellow Binkleyites. Due to too many commitments, I ran out of time to coordinate book recommendations from others, so I am taking the liberty of inflicting my own favorite book on you, dear reader.

Go back in time with me to the mid-1980s. I was a new member of Binkley was married with a toddler, and worked crazy hours as Director of Development and Communica-tions at UNC-TV. I was at a national PBS conference (we seemed to have them every other month) in Philadelphia when a (gasp!) Yankee from a northern public TV station learned that I was from North Carolina. She asked me if I knew about a hilarious book called “Handling Fin.” Possibly due to her accent, or ambient noise in a busy urban restau-rant, or perhaps because of the unlikeliness of the title, I couldn’t quite grasp it, so she wrote it down for me. Handling Sin by Michael Malone.

With no time to read for pleasure, I purchased and started this book and was hooked from the first hilarious page, laughing out loud throughout the wonderful hours that followed. As you can see from the photo, my copy has since been well-loved, read regularly and lent generously. I suppose I could buy a new copy, but there’s something reassuringly constant about this original. I think the first loan was to my sister Meredith who loved it equally. She reports that she has lent it out so often and not gotten it back that she has purchased it multiple times. Like me, she re-reads it every two or three years.

How to describe it? It’s a picaresque novel featuring Raleigh W. Hayes, a small town insurance agent, who, at the beginning of the book, has it all figured out. But events conspire to shake his complacency. His father (a thrice-married de-frocked Episcopal priest) escapes from the hospital, pajamaed, in a yellow Cadillac convertible with a nurse half his age in purple eye shadow and a blond wig. Our reluctant hero madly chases his father through a South that is recognizable, surprising, hilarious and, at times (Charleston) mag-ical. Read it for the belly laughs and you’ll get so much more.

A New York Times review published April 13, 1986 noted that Handling Sin spoke to the late 1980s sense of absurdity. Although some of the characters will now seem to you creaky with their characterizations stuck in the 1980s, we are once again in a fairly chaotic time. (Remember, we had an entertainer as President.) A. C. Green wrote “But in our absurd world there is a streak of insanity which, properly mined, yields the kind of humor that, while absurd, is nevertheless convincing. And funny. Sometimes it's funny because we can find ourselves (and most of our friends and family) in it, sometimes it's funny simply because we give up, surrender to the ridiculous-made-common that now constitutes so much of our society's actions. . . While comparisons will be made to ''A Confederacy of Dunces'' because of its Southern setting and its bizarre plot, the humor of ''Handling Sin'' is superior to that by now assumed classic. Mr. Malone's twists and turns and surprises are downright phenomenal, verging on genius. There are entire chap-ters in this book that are funny, sentence by sentence.”

As you probably know, Michael Malone, a Carolina alumnus, has graduate degrees from Harvard and was the head writer of the soap opera One Life to Live. After working in New York and Hollywood, he finally returned to his native North Carolina and now lives in Hillsborough with his wife.

Although he has authored a dozen novels and other books, in a 2002 interview with J. Knigston Pierce for January Magazine, he ad-mitted that Handling Sin is his own favorite. “[It] holds a special place for me because of the response of readers. Of all my books, it has been the most loved. Through the decades since I wrote it, I've received thousands of letters from readers who want me to know what the book has meant to them -- given them laughter in a sad time, a means of reconciliation with an estranged loved one, a path to faith, a gift for an invalid, and so on. That it should play the role in the lives of readers that the quest serves for Raleigh in the nov-el itself (a journey to grace, to saying yes to life) has been a treasured gift to me as a writer.”

My advice to you is to make it your beach read this summer. Priscilla Bratcher, Editor

PAGE 13 JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER

“...TOWARD RECONCILIATION” On Thursday, June 15, Binkley had the distinct privilege of hosting 100 members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC for a concert in our Sanctuary. After a last minute cancellation in the Raleigh area, GMCW contacted us to find a new venue for the first performance of their Southern Equality Tour. Although it was a ‘last minute’ event, nearly 70 Binkleyites and community members came out to hear the con-cert. We all knew we would be treated to wonderful music, but what we didn’t know was that we would be surrounded by palpable love and joy. Each audience member walked away feeling uplifted and grateful for the opportunity to be there. Below, you can read about how it felt to be a member of the chorus. May we always strive to be a place where we don’t just say that all are welcome, but we mean it, and people feel

it. Stephenie Sanders Dear Binkley,

My name is Kevin Morris and I am a member of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC. I am also a former resident of Chapel Hill (14 years), having earned my BA and MA at UNC and spent 10 years working at The Carolina Inn. When I learned that the Raleigh venue fell through for our Southern Equality Tour, I immediately emailed our Director, Dr. Thea Kano, with a list of possible venues. Binkley was at the top of the list.

Despite the fact that I have known I was gay since I was 9 years old, I could not bring myself to ad-mit this until I was 30 due in large part to the fact that I was raised in the Southern Baptist faith tra-dition and being gay was one of the many things that I would be condemned to hell for. During my time in Chapel Hill, I was a member of Ephesus Baptist, Antioch Baptist, Yates Baptist, and Home-stead Heights Baptist (later The Summit Church). Through all of these, however, I kept my eye on Binkley because of how socially active and aware your congregation is. Truth be told, I often found myself wanting to attend Binkley but was so afraid that changing churches would open a floodgate of change that I wasn't ready to deal with.

It has been nine years since I left Chapel Hill, although I return quite frequently when I go to visit family in NC. I am truly at a loss for words that accurately convey how cathartic this concert was for me. Having been kicked out of the choir at The Sum-mit Church when the worship pastor found out that I was gay, I gave up on organized religion. My parents have disowned me, choosing their religious beliefs over their son. Yet, standing in your sanctuary on Thursday afternoon, I felt welcomed, loved, accepted.

Every time we step on stage, Thea reminds us that there may be someone in the audience that needs to hear us. Through your action of hosting our concert, Binkley Baptist spoke a message to so many of us of love and acceptance. Being welcomed in a church when so many of us have been told we are not welcome goes a long way toward reconciliation.

For all of this and everything you do in the community, thank you!

With sincere gratitude,

Kevin

Click here to view videos from the concert!

Kevin Morris

Thea Kano, Artistic Director, conducts the choir

Our Church Family

PAGE 14 JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER

4 David Green, Lyn Lamont

6 Rachel Avery, Judy Eastman,

Kam Siu

8 Mark Walters

9 Stacy Shelp

11 Michael Bean

12 Bill Moffitt

13 Bob Seymour

14 Merrie Shelp

15 Margaret Atkins, Jacquelyn Gates

16 Carole Stevens, Jane Walters

17 Nancy Berson

18 Kara Baldwin, Walker Knight

20 C.L. Morton

22 Scott Hawkins

23 Barbara Elder

26 Scott Weathers

27 Ana Cheek, Nancy Joyner

28 Howard Lee

31 John Woodson

5 Karen Long & Arlon Kemple,

Patrick McDonough & Emily Brewer

7 Dale & Suzy Osborne

8 John & Vivian Honor

13 Deborah &Jim Tippett

17 Dana Trent & Fred Eaker

19 Anne & Billy Barnes

24 Josiah & Myra Knight

25 Janie Benson & John Weathers

26 Kimberly & Franklin Zirkle

29 Lori & Rob King

31 Eva & Joe Clontz,

Becky & Wayne Robinson

Anniversaries Birthdays

Howard Lee, who celebrates a birthday on July 28, was recently featured in a N&O Article regarding his work on education

reform. Click here to read.

Outdoor Worship on Memorial Day Weekend May 28, 2017

Photos courtesy of Stewart Bankhead.

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KEY RING BUILDING ACCESS CARDS

We recently received key cards that you can attach to your key ring. Many folks might find this more convenient than having a card in their wallet. If you want a key ring key card, they are available for $5 at the

office. We currently have a limited supply but can order more if there is interest. (Wallet style cards remain free of charge for all members and

friends.)

Submit articles for the newsletter, Friday Update, or the Sunday announcement page to:

office@binkleychurch.org.

August Newsletter: July 17

Bulletin and Friday Update: Wednesday, 12 noon (weekly)

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 office@binkleychurch.org.

The Beacon is edited by Priscilla Bratcher and designed by Stephenie Sanders. We welcome your story ideas. Send them to:

pbratcher@nc.rr.com or office@binkleychurch.org.

Binkley Night @ Durham Bulls June 24, 2017

Click here to listen to our choir sing the national anthem! Photo and video courtesy of Linda Hill-Wise.

VBS June 26, 2017

VBS is underway! Here, we see the older group enjoying the arts & crafts station.

Photo courtesy of Priscilla Bratcher.

BINKLEY BAPTIST

CHURCH

1712 Willow Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27514

919-942-4964 office@binkleychurch.org

We’re on the Web ! b in k le yc hu rch .org

CHURCH STAFF Intentional Interim Minister

Marcus McFaul marcus@binkleychurch.org

Associate Minister Dale Osborne

dale@binkleychurch.org

Minister of Christian Formation Stephanie Ford

stephanie@binkleychurch.org

Minister of Music Daniel Cherrix

daniel@binkleychurch.org

Business Manager Duane Gilbert

business@binkleychurch.org

Office Manager Stephenie Sanders

office@binkleychurch.org

General Fund Gifts as of May 31

Budget Income Difference

General Fund (all gifts)

$303,375 $317,988 $14,613

Pledge Detail (included in above)

$267,083 $263,792 -$3,291

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund

Balance $4,410

Received $495

Disbursed -$1,863

Ending $3,042

FINANCIAL NEWS

PREACHING SCHEDULE

Carolina Meadows

Worship 7/27, 1:30 pm,

Fairways Activities Room

WEEKLY GROUPS

Sermon Shaping Tuesdays, 1:00 pm

Library

Morning Prayer Wednesdays, 9:00 am

Chapel

Wednesday Night Series on summer break

Youth Group on summer break

MUSIC GROUPS

Children’s Choir on summer break

Chancel Choir on summer break

Youth Choir on summer break

Old Time Gospel Band 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 9:15 am

Choir Room

MONTHLY GROUPS

Primetimers on summer break

Binkley Readers on summer break

Daytime Book Group 7/25, 10:30 am, Library

For our July meeting, we will share in round robin fashion a brief re-

view of a couple of interesting books we have read and recommendations

for summer reading. Interested readers are welcome to join us!

July 2 Marcus McFaul

July 9 Marcus McFaul

July 16 Marcus McFaul

July 23 Marcus McFaul

July 30 Marcus McFaul

JULY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Leadership Team 7/10, 5:30 pm, Library

Diaconate

7/10, 7pm, Lounge

Outreach 7/10, 7 pm, Library

Finance

7/13, 7 pm, Library

Church Council 7/17, 7 pm, Lounge

Adult Christian

Formation 7/17, 7 pm, Library

Grounds Committee 7/20, 9:30 am, Library

Human Resources 7/24, 7 pm, Library

July Group Meetings (full calendar available at binkleychurch.org)