By Jenny Witman
I am still relatively new to Blacknall, so while many faces I see on Sunday mornings are starting to feel familiar, many are not yet linked to names or stories. After a season for all of us of being remote with COVID, and perhaps especially for those who, like me, are new to the church, the Women's Retreat will be a wonderful opportunity for all of us to become more connected and for each of us to feel like we are surrounded by our people.
By Katie Reeder-Hayes
For my first five years at Blacknall, I was a Women's Retreat skeptic. I was sure it was nice for other people, but I wasn't a "retreat person." As a mom of young kids, I felt guilty about time away from them, and too tired to contemplate figuring out anything new that involved registration and a map. As a woman in the workforce, I didn't attend weekday women's ministry events and felt like an outsider to this event that other women seemed unnervingly enthused about. As an introvert, I was terrified someone would force me to wear a nametag and play icebreaker games. But at the urging of the unforgettable Amy Rowell (extrovert extraordinaire), I reluctantly signed up in 2006. Well into my second decade, the Women's Retreat now goes on my calendar months in advance.
I've been to the retreat in so many conditions -- excited, optimistic, exhausted, sad, and wounded…
The International Ministry Team is wanting to put together some care packages for some of our global workers. For instance, Woody McClendon recently completed 10+ years as president of JAARS. He and Mary are preparing for a sabbatical soon. we want to celebrate with them and give them some items to bless them on their sabbatical. Think of Durham related items, Blacknall related items (such as books we are studying in a Sunday School Class), or things that otherwise would bring joy. Please drop any items you'd like to contribute off this Sunday in the church office.
—This survey is now closed.—
A team has been formed to consider new ways of staffing and supporting Blacknall's flourishing middle and high school ministries. Team members include: Bethany Bonnemere, David Dunderdale, Brandon Fain, Peter Gerend, Susan Kinghorn, Brian Mitchell, Roxanne Van Farowe, Ashley Weinard, and Serena Whisenhunt. The team will share their recommendations with the Session in late fall, with the hope of starting a search for new youth ministries staff in the new year.
The team would love your feedback on how the church is meeting the needs of our children, particularly if you are the parent of a middle or high school student. Please complete this short survey by October 16. Contact Ashley Weinard (aweinard@gmail.com) if you have questions or suggestions.
While the full Mission Study Report is not yet complete, interested folks are welcome to view the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) survey results. These results will be distilled and included in the Mission Study report.
Blacknall Youth Group (BYG) starts this Sunday, Sept 11! We'll meet in the Youth Room every Sunday from 5:00-6:30 p.m. to play games, study the Bible, pray, and worship. All 6th-12th graders are welcome!
Parents are also invited to stay for a parents' meeting led by Dave Dunderdale in the Parlor from 5-6 p.m. Dave will talk with parents about plans for this year, as well as discussing ways we can support one another as parents.
Contact Kat Burgett, Interim Youth Ministry Associate, with any questions.
The Mt. Level Community Partnership for Racial Justice is hosting a racial justice pilgrimage to Alabama from March 27-31, 2023 (during Durham Public Schools' spring break). Participants will visit various historical sites of the civil rights movement. Blacknall has been invited to participate. Space is limited and the partnership is seeking diverse representatives across age, race, and partnership church affiliation. To create a more intergenerational experience, we will prioritize the application of any adult who plans to bring with them a youth between the ages of 12 - 22 years. Applications are due by September 30.
As a church-based partnership, the pilgrimage will incorporate worship, prayer, and scripture—seeking wisdom to process what is learned, faithfully. For more information and to apply, please go to the online application. Questions can also be directed to Erin Miller.
Looking for a place to serve at Blacknall? Check out our volunteer hub. Whether you’re into decorating, singing, storytelling, or just hanging out with the cool kids (our middle/high school students, obviously!), we have a place for you to serve at Blacknall! There are also low commitment—but critical— positions that we need to fill.
School Year Sunday School Kickoff and Promotion Sunday is September 11. Parents, children, Sunday School teachers, and friends, please join us at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall to hear what is new and ongoing for our Children’s Sunday School classes for this academic year. The Children’s Sunday School serves children in grades kindergarten through 5th. Hope to see you there!
On Promotion Sunday all children and youth move up to their next grade level and fall Sunday School begins. Second and third graders will also receive Bibles in the worship services as they transition from Children’s Worship to worship in the sanctuary. And, we will also welcome our four year-olds to participate in the Children’s Blessing for the first time during the worship services that day.