BY LIZ SHIVELY

“We are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

I was in Lowe’s one day when I saw it: a front door, ready for delivery. Nope, I didn’t need the door — but the box! Oh, what we could do with that box! I had to tell Beth Solie about it.

Beth and I began planning for Art Camp in January. This year’s camp would take its inspiration from the giant artworks of Frank Stella. He doesn’t work alone, and neither would our campers. When we work together, we can make bigger (and better) art. But Stella and his team paint and sculpt with wood, metal, and fiberglass. We needed something lightweight, affordable, and plentiful.

A number of books clubs are revving up for the summer. Don’t miss your opportunity to engage with your fellow Blacknallites on such interesting topics as Beth Moore's memoir (women's), transformational encounters with God's love (women's), reconnecting with stories from our childhood (co-ed), and the problems and promise of global missions (co-ed). There is also a book club for high schoolers that is also a baking club!

The durations of the book clubs range from a single night to six weeks/sessions. Check out all the details in Church Center where you can request to join a group.

When you start making summer plans for your kids, put reading at the top of your list. Here’s the Blacknall twist: When your kids read with us, they can help other kids enjoy reading too!

All summer long, we see how many books our kids can read. Kids of any age are eligible to read — or be read to! Based on our grand total in August, we'll give books to our Deep Common Journey partner, Families Moving Forward. Last year, we read 337 books and donated 34 books. Let's beat that this summer! And to tie in with kids' Discovery Weeks, when kids read books about missionaries, they get a special sticker with double credit.

Stop by the library to sign up. The first day to record books is June 11. Start browsing the children's books in the library.

We’re thrilled to announce that our own Nat Stine has accepted the Blacknall Choir Director position! With nearly three decades of work leading church choirs and a Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California, Nat brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position, as well as a wonderful personality and a warm, pastoral heart.

We also offer thanks for the leadership and expertise of Donna Mutter and Susan Mullins who have helped shepherd our choir through the last year of transition.

Sign up now for the summer session of small groups! There are several gatherings of 8-12 people where you can form new and deeper friendships, study scripture together, and pray for each other. Please try to register by Sunday, May 28 or as soon as possible. Most small groups kick off in early June.

Looking for your next book to dig into? Christianity Today magazine does some of the work for you with its 2023 book awards. You'll find award-winners (or finalists) and other hot reads in the Blacknall Library. From theology to missions to fiction, we've got you covered. Don't have an account yet? Stop by any Sunday morning between services. ​We're located at the lower atrium entrance on Perry Street. Or email us at library@blacknall.org.

Listen to the newest song from Blacknall Arts—our in-house community of songwriters and musicians at Blacknall. “He Dwells in Light” is a new setting for Psalm 93 and explores the mystery of God’s holiness and might over the world, even over the powers that vie to shape it.

This past Sunday (3/26) we introduced Church Center, a protected platform for members and attenders to connect with one another, sign up for events, discover opportunities to serve, and more! You can view Church Center either on the web or on the mobile app. Church Center is part of a suite of tools within Planning Center Online (PCO), Blacknall's new church management system that has replaced Church Community Builder (CCB).

We would love for everyone to join the online church directory in Church Center. And don't forget to add your picture! If you are a regular member or attender, you should already have permission to view the directory and do not need to register. (Click “Read more” to see instructions on how to access the directory.)

Meet the new Class of 2026 elected to serve as Elders and Deacons. All Deacon candidates were elected: Taylor Brennan, Olivia Fain, Brian Farley, Catherine Honeycutt, Andrew McGannon, Candy Richardson, and Graham Turner. The following Elders were also elected: Mark Atkinson, Pete Gerend, Susan Kinghorn, Kathy Mitchell, and Stephanie Wheatley. (Click “read more” to see all their bios.) Please offer your thanks and gratitude to all the candidates and elected officers.

At the end of each service on March 5, 2023, the members of Blacknall will have an opportunity to vote on officers (Class of 2026) nominated to serve as Elders and Deacons. ( Click “read more” to see all the candidates and read their bios.)