This is a frustrating and confusing time. The governor began to lift restrictions over a month ago; businesses are opening; plans are being made to start school in August. And yet, after three months, we are still not worshipping as a body. How long is this going to go on? What is our plan to move forward?
Book Study | The Color of Compromise
The Color of Compromise: the Truth About the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, by Jemar Tisby
Thursdays, July 16-Aug. 20,
7:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom
Bethany Bonnemere and David Dunderdale will lead this book study. The purpose of this book study will be:
To better understand our Church history, particularly around an issue that we tend to not hear a lot about;
To better understand the various forms of systemic racism, particularly in how the church has responded;
To listen to Jemar Tisby’s thoughts on how the Church might respond and to think together about how we as individuals and as a congregation might respond to the issue of racism.
The 1st meeting will be a time of introduction and looking at the 1st chapter (you can read this 1st chapter here). Find the book at The Regulator, Amazon, or the Blacknall library. If you have Amazon Prime, you can watch a video series with Tisby talking about the content of the book. Questions? Contact David Dunderdale or Bethany Bonnemere.
Congo Conversation Group
Saturdays, July 18, August 1, 15, 29 | 8-8:45 a.m.
Join us for a unique opportunity to learn from our brothers and sisters in Congo and deepen our relationship with them as we read together and discuss a series of articles that speak to current issues and generate meaningful conversation on the theme of Health and Society. The discussions will be led by Mashauri Malonga, an instructor at UCBC (and visitor to Blacknall, summer 2018), and will include students from his advanced English class which is made up of staff from UCBC and the Bethesda Counselling Center.
Space is limited and participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions, however, this is not mandatory. Here is the first article we will discuss. The Bethesda Memorialization Report was written by Noé Kasali, Director and Lead Therapist, Bethesda Counselling Center.
If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact David or Kim Dunderdale.
Friday Fast
Listening in the Wilderness with Jesus
a Time of Prayer and Fasting for Repentance and Healing
Fridays in July
The elders on Session and the pastors are inviting the congregation to join them as they enter into a fast with our Young Adults. Each Friday for the month of July you are invited to fast for lunch and to spend that time in prayer. In this time of fasting we are asking God to reveal what he is doing in each one individually, what he is doing in the Church, in our nation, and in the world. It is a time of prayer for individual and corporate repentance, particularly around the issue of racism. It is asking God to answer the question, “What can we do?”
Here is an invitation for you from Mark Paulson, one of our elders.
Weekday Prayer - 8:30-8:50 a.m.
You are also invited to join with others via Zoom for a time of reading scripture aloud and praying.
Friday Fasting Debrief - 5 p.m.
We will debrief the fast each Friday at 5 p.m. on Zoom to share what we are hearing from the Holy Spirit in this time. In this season of multiple crises, let us join together in seeking the Lord.
Resources on Racism
Margaret Frothingham Farewell Video & Drive-By
Margaret’s 15 years of faithful service to Blacknall comes to conclusion at the end of June. Help us celebrate and thank her!
Sunday, June 28, 4 & 5:30 p.m.
4 p.m. – View the parting video interview with Margaret.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Drive-by parade at Blacknall to celebrate Margaret.
Drive up Iredell from Markham and turn right on Perry. Margaret and Rich will be at the base of the church stairs out front. Please wave and honk while staying in your cars.
Walltown Neighborhood Ministries Food Bank Help
Sign up here
Food needs appear to be increasing in Durham. The Food Bank in Walltown is now serving well over 100 families each month. Volunteers are needed to shop, sort, and distribute food. You can sign up at the above link.
Contact: Sylvia Belcher.
Service of Lament
This event has passed, but you’re invited to listen and follow along with the order of service below.
The last few months have been an intense time for us as a congregation and as a nation. In addition to the stresses and losses of COVID-19, we have witnessed the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd and the protests and turmoil that have followed. In times like this it is good for us to come together and humble ourselves in prayer. We will be led over Zoom in a time of lament, confession, and asking for God’s Kingdom to come.
Order of Service
Welcome and Introduction to Lament | David Dunderdale
Invocation | Goodie Bell
Prayer of Lament | Julie Leyva
Prayer of Confession | Margaret Frothigham, prayer; Dana McCarty, song
Prayer of Healing and Hope | Paul Tshihamba
Song “Your Peace Will Make Us One” | Dana McCarty
Closing & Benediction | Allan Poole
Gather Over Zoom
As we strive to stay connected while apart, consider joining others virtually.
Sunday Morning Worship | 9, 10, 11:15 a.m.
Join a gathering over Zoom to go through the Blacknall liturgy together. Contact hosts for more information.
Sundays at 9 a.m. | Contact Steve Hinkle
Sundays at 10 a.m. | Contact Stefanie Tokiyama
Sundays at 11:15 a.m. with Young Adults & Friends | Contact Julie Leyva
Sunday School | 10 a.m.
Participate in a Sunday school class through a regular telephone call or Zoom computer link! The following classes are meeting and would welcome your participation. To receive a zoom link, reach out to the group contact person. All classes meet on Sundays at 10 a.m.
Growing in Grace
Class Leader: Paul Immanuel
Topic: In depth study of the Gospel of John
Teaching style: discussion
Contact: Paul Immanuel, 919-489-0321Reading Scripture Together
Class Leaders: John Hamilton and Michael Whisenhunt
Topic: A study of Romans
Teaching style: reading of assigned scripture passage before class and discussion of this text together.
Contact: John Hamilton, 919-599-351930s, 40s, & Friends
Class Leaders: Matt Bridges, Tanya Moore, Alicia Ramos, Roxanne & James Van Farowe, et al
Topic: Stories from class members about encounters with God and scripture
Teaching style: 5-10 minute story followed by discussion in small groups
Contact: Kendra Varnell
Weekday Morning Scripture Reading
Mondays-Fridays, 8:30-8:50 a.m.
A group of Young Adults will gather for a short welcome, reading aloud for 15 minutes, and a short prayer as we head off into our days. We would love to have Blacknall friends of all ages join us. For zoom details, contact Justin Rasmussen.
