Introducing our Interim Pastor, Rev. Mark Hutton

On Nov. 10, Blacknall’s Interim Pastor Transition Team shared with the congregation that we have called Rev. Mark Hutton to be our Interim Senior Pastor. Please watch the recording below, where you will hear about the search process that led us to him. About 40 minutes into the meeting, Mark joined us on Zoom and shared some of his background and sense of call to interim ministry. Let’s warmly welcome Pastor Mark! He will join our staff in early December.

Men's Backyard Gatherings

November 20 and 21, Various times and locations

All men are warmly invited to one of our backyard gatherings held in various neighborhoods around town on November 20 and 21. This will be a great opportunity for fellowship, reconnection, and a chance to share your perspective with the men's ministry leadership team as they seek to respond to the needs in our congregation. Please view the list of gatherings and RSVP at your earliest convenience. Contact: Cullen Rodgers-Gates.

Women's Retreat Weekend

Nov. 12-13, 2021 | Durham and Stem, NC

Please register by Nov. 8.

The women’s retreat weekend is almost here! Our theme is Encounters with Jesus, based on passages found in the Gospel of John. We’ve invited Kat Burgett and Sylvia Belcher, women from our congregation and community, to reflect on an encounter of Jesus that has been particularly meaningful in their lives. Through their words and our corporate worship, we expect these gospel stories to fall afresh on us and help us recognize the ways in which Jesus has met us in our own journey.

New full-time position: Communications & Program Coordinator

The Communications Coordinator search committee (chair, Leslie Cenezy) along with input and approval from the Session and Staff have expanded the Communications position to a fulltime salary position, adding needed program and administrative support to the communications work.

The new title is now Communications & Program Coordinator and we are accepting applications through November 30. Our hope is to find a person who will communicate the work of our church effectively, build relationships with members and engage with new audiences. Please visit the Employment page for the full job description and application details.


Blacknall is also still seeking a part time Choir Director. Please view the job posting for details and share these two openings widely.

Historic Stagville Tour

historic stagville.jpg

Saturday, November 6, 2021, 9:30-11 a.m.

Stagville Plantation, 5828 Old Oxford, Highway, Durham, NC 27712

The Durham Ministry Engagement Team (DMET) is hosting a free, guided tour of Historic Stagville, a state historic site in northern Durham dedicated to teaching about the lives and work of enslaved people on a plantation. We have a reservation to tour the grounds on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 9:30-11 a.m. Due to the nature of the tour content, this event is best suited for people 12 years of age and older. View full details and reserve your spot here. (At this time, only a few spots remain).

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, October 24 at the end of each service | Sanctuary

The session has called a congregational meeting to vote on the Officer Nominating Committee. The committee identifies members to stand for election to the offices of elder and deacon. Members will be asked to vote to approve a slate of individuals (Brandon Fain, Traci Hoover, Jillian Marcantonio, Tanya Moore, Susie Meghdadpour) alongside two elders (co-chairs Evan Cate and Michael Whisenhunt), one deacon (Bo Harrison), and pastors (ex officio).