Micah 6:8 The One Who Prays - Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
Transcript of Micah 6:8 The One Who Prays - Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
May 8, 2013
What does God require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8
A couple of weeks ago, a colleague shared a prayer
with me written by Sister Mary Lou Kownacki of the
Catholic Peace Movement. I want to share it with you
and offer a few reflections.
Once they saw a star that pointed to a promised land,
to a land of peace, peacemakers set out to follow that
star.
It is both a joyful and arduous journey.
Sometimes the star shines brightly, the promise seems
certain, and the pilgrims can sing, “How beautiful are
the feet of those who bring God’s peace.” Often the
star disappears, clouded over, hidden from view, and
the pilgrims grope blindly, grow discouraged, get
weary, give thought to settling down, to forgetting the
promise of peace.
One thing is certain: all pilgrims need nourishment to
sustain the journey. An occasional oasis for the spirit
is essential, a time to feast on the refreshing waters,
the rich food of the spirit, in order to get strength to
continue the pilgrimage through darkness, star-shine
or not.
Today, at our Wednesday lectionary group we read
John 17:20-26, the gospel reading for this coming Sun-
day. This text is known as the “high priestly prayer” —
Jesus’ prayer for his disciples after he had shared his last
meal with them. The prayer is complex enough, even
convoluted enough, that we can forget that it is a prayer.
In some ways, in fact, it sounds more like a command-
ment — to be one; or more teaching — this time about
Jesus’ relationship with God; or even more promises —
that they will one day be where Jesus is going and share
his glory. But at heart it’s none of these things. It’s a
prayer. It’s the prayer of one person praying for others,
others whom he loves.
Jesus senses the disciples’ anxiety, confusion, and
fear, and so he prays for them. He knows they can bear
no more, and so he prays for them. He knows he will
soon leave them, and so he prays for them. And as he
does, and whether or not they understand everything he
says, he tells them that they do not have to do everything
or even understand everything. He tells them that he is
there to support him, that they are not alone, and that
they are valued and loved. It is a powerful moment.
Over the past two weeks, I have received numerous
emails from many of you, my colleagues and friends
with the message: I am praying for you. I never quite
know what someone means when they say those words.
But I can say that over the last days, I have been grateful
for prayers. More than anything, hearing those words
have given me a sense of comfort and of feeling loved. I
have not felt alone. I never thought I would say these
words, but in these difficult days following the tragic
death of one of our members I have felt the power of
prayer.
At the close of our time today, I asked the lection-
ary group what difference it might make in our lives if
we knew that someone in our church was praying for us
every day. Would we feel more deeply connected?
Would we feel more loved and less alone? It wasn’t a
question that called for an answer. It was just a thought.
I said recently in a prayer service that I don’t really
understand how prayer works. And as odd as that might
sound coming from a preacher, it is true. But I am con-
vinced that when we pray for one another it does make a
difference. One thing is certain: all pilgrims need nour-
ishment to sustain the journey.
An occasional oasis for the spirit is essential, a time
to feast on the refreshing waters, the rich food of the
spirit, in order to get strength to continue the pilgrimage
through darkness, star-shine or not.
Prayer, I am more and more confident, is a power-
ful gift we can give to one another and to our world. It is
one way that we can love and value each other and say
to another, “You are not alone.” I leave with you these
last two thoughts about prayer. The first is by Soren
Kierkegaard: “Prayer does not change God, but it
changes [the one]
who prays.” The
other by Mahatma
Gandhi: “Let every-
one try and find that
as a result of daily
prayer he/she adds
something new to
life, something with
which nothing can
be compared.
—Nancy
The One Who Prays
PullenNews: May 8, 2013
Pullen People Pages 2-3
Adult Education Pages 4-5
Pullen Youth Page 6
Pullen Children Page 7
Pullen Missions Pages 8-9
Pullen Partners Page 10
Pullen Views Page 11
Summer Calendar Page 12
5/8/13 2
Ins ide Pul len — Pu l l en Peop le
Deadlines for Newsletters and Bulletin Updates
Next deadline for PullenNews: Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Deadline for Sunday Update announcements: Every Tuesday by noon
Please submit your articles and announcements to David Anderson via mail, his office
box, or send as a Microsoft Word document attached to your email to
[email protected]. PullenNews articles should not exceed 500 words;
Update articles should not exceed 200 words.
Pullen Staff
David Anderson (x220)
Community Ministry Coordinator
Laura Foley (x217)
Minister with Youth & their Families
Janice Hocutt (x211)
Organist
Sylvanda Judd
Custodian
Lisa Kazmierczak (x224)
Administrator
Nancy Petty (x215)
Pastor
npetty@pullen org
Larry Schultz (x219)
Minister of Music
Libby Stephens (x212)
Minister with Children &
their Families
Cathy Tamsberg (x214)
Associate Pastor
____________
Church Office
919/828-0897
Church Fax
919/833-9364
Church Web Site
www.pullen.org
@PullenChurch
www.facebook.com/PullenChurch
Podcast
feeds.feedburner.com/PullenBC
Correction: Donating Stock to Pullen Memorial Baptist
The Finance Committee recently announced new procedures for making stock
gifts. In error, Charles Schwab was listed as the company selected to handle those
transactions. Morgan Stanley is the correct investment firm.
If you are considering giving stock to Pullen, the following steps that will help
you achieve your intent:
1. Notify the Finance/Administrative Specialist of your intent to donate stock
by mail or email to [email protected].
2. The notification should include the name of the stock(s), the number of
donated shares, and how you want your donation designated (General
Fund, pledge, Capital Campaign, etc.).
3. You or your broker will need to contact Morgan Stanley directly by call-
ing 919-877-2400. Contact the Finance/Administrative Specialist for the
church’s account information if needed.
4. Morgan Stanley will immediately sell your donated stock. They will notify
the Finance/Administrative Specialist once your stock is sold and issue a
check payable to the church.
5. Valuation will be up to the donor and the donor’s tax advisors. Pullen can-
not provide tax advice or a valuation for tax purposes.
—Finance Committee
Sandy Scurlock — Sandy was born in UNC Hospi-
tal March 12, 1965. He remained in Chapel Hill and
attended Chapel Hill High School. Sandy left North
Carolina and lived in New York City for a few years
before coming back to the Triangle. In recent years,
he has attended Wake Tech Community College.
Sandy had been attending Pullen for a while before
joining March 17.
Charlie Burgess — Charlie is from southeast
coastal Georgia: Brunswick and Saint Simons
Island. He went to school at the University of
North Florida, earned a Master of Business Ad-
ministration degree and graduated with hon-
ors. He moved to Raleigh six months ago, and
joined Pullen on March 17. He currently works
at a local restaurant in a management training
program. He enjoys gardening, working out and
playing the piano.
3
Ins ide Pul len — Pu l l en Peop le
5/8/13
Pullen People
We grieve with:
Jane Rhudy in the death of her grandmother. A memorial service was held May 4 in Charlotte.
Pam Wood in the death of her father. A memo-rial service was held May 5 in Cary.
We celebrate with:
The Hope Center at Pullen, which celebrated its work and ministry during the annual Rais-ing Hope Dinner May 5. We give thanks for the Hope Center’s clients, volunteers and staff.
Calling all Parents of Children and Youth
In order to garner feedback for use in program planning for
the fall, our education staff needs all parents of children and
youth at Pullen to join us in Finlator Hall for a conversation on
Sunday, May 19, following the worship service. Lunch will be
provided.
This gathering will be a very important discussion of the
scheduling of programs for children and youth, so the partici-
pation of all parents is needed. Please let Libby Stephens
([email protected]) or Laura Foley ([email protected])
know if you will attend so we can plan for the meal. We will
also offer childcare for children and activities for youth.
Whether your child or children participate in Sunday
school, Wednesday night activities, choirs, or special events,
we need you to tell us what will maximize participation in our
ministries with children and youth. Please plan to join us!
—Education Staff
Meet the Pullen Staff: David Anderson
David Anderson initially
joined the staff of Pullen
as the part-time Commu-
nity Ministry Coordinator
in 2011.
Following Gretchen
Stabler’s resignation in
2012, Pullen needed
someone to assume the
publication duties of her
job. Fortunately, David’s
prior experience in jour-
nalism was exactly what
Pullen needed. In 2013, David became a full-time Pullen
staff member with the addition of responsibility for Pullen
publications.
In addition to his Pullen staff responsibilities, David
has met all of the requirements for the Master of Divinity
degree from Campbell University and will graduate May 10.
David’s dual roles at Pullen are clearly identified in his
recently published goals for 2013:
Community Ministry
Community Ministry includes the back door bag
lunches, Wiley-Pullen Tutoring (an outreach to at-risk chil-
dren at Wiley Elementary School), Support Circles
(recruiting, training and facilitating small groups of
Pullenites to work with a family in poverty with a goal to
self-sufficiency), and keeping Pullen connected to the wider
community by creating opportunities for Pullen members to
gain personal experience in a variety of community pro-
grams and projects.
Publications: Print & Electronic
David’s print responsibilities include, publishing the
weekly worship guide and Sunday Update and the twice-a-
month PullenNews. Although Pullen has long had a web
site, David is charged with revising and making it more
navigable so that Pullenites find it easier to locate informa-
tion and for the public to see an attractive and inviting web
site with information about Pullen, it’s history and ministry
for social justice clearly visible and other information easily
accessible. David also is responsible for Pullen’s presence
and information on Facebook and Twitter, as well as keep-
ing the information on each current and relevant.
David’s 2013 goals for his Pullen responsibilities were
recently published in a special edition of the PullenNews,
dated March 25, 2013. Blessed is Pullen to have someone
on staff with the qualifications for the many and varied re-
sponsibilities David has in his dual roles.
David, wife Kristen and son Sam-
uel live in Benson. David com-
mutes to Raleigh and Kristen to
her school in Angier.
You can contact David at dander-
[email protected] or at 919-828-
0897x220.
—Jack Lemmons
Thank You From the Personnel Committee
A HUGE thank you to all the staff, volunteers and members
of the Pullen community who jumped in and did what
needed to be done to help with Jamie Hahn’s visitation and
memorial service and who have offered their support to all
who have been impacted by this tragedy. No one can be
adequately prepared to provide the love and care the Pullen
family is known for under the intense public scrutiny these
tragic events have generated. You handled it all with grace
and dignity and make us proud to be a part of this Pullen
community that loves kindness and walks humbly with God.
—Kathy Perkinson, Personnel Committee
Congratulations, David!
David Anderson, our Community Ministry Coordinator and Communications Specialist,
will receive a Master of Divinity degree from Campbell University School of Divinity on
Friday, May 10, at 7:00 PM in the D. Rich Auditorium. We congratulate David on reaching
this milestone and give thanks for his ministry among us.
For more information, contact David or Cathy Tamsberg at [email protected].
Pu l l en Programs: Adult Education
5/8/13 4
Spring Wednesday Night Series Wraps Up
We have a few Wednesday evenings left to gather in Finlator
Hall for good food, fellowship, and interesting programs. Din-
ner is served from 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM. The cost is $6 for
youth and adults, and $3 for children in kindergarten through
5th grade. The family maximum is $20. Reservations are not
required. The Children’s Choir rehearsal begins at 5:45 PM
for children in 2nd grade through 5th grade. Younger children
may participate in Music Discovery at 6:00 PM. The program
hour for adults is 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Youth begin their check-in
at 6:15 PM.
May 8 — Gay Marriage and the U.S. Supreme Court
As we await a decision on California’s Proposition 8 and the
Defense of Marriage Act, Maxine Eichner from the UNC Law
School will join us to talk about what we might expect from
the justices and the implications of their decision. Professor
Eichner’s teaching interests include sex equality, family law,
legal theory and torts. She writes on issues at the intersection
of law and political theory focusing particularly on family
relationships; social welfare law and policy; sex equality; and
the relationship of the family, the workplace, and market
forces.
May 15 — Children’s Choir Celebration
Celebrate the singers in Pullen’s Children's Choir as they
share music and experiences from their choir year and Raise a
Song festival. The program will be held in the Chapel and will
be followed with cookies and lemonade on the terrace.
May 22 — Abandoned Allies
On our final Wednesday evening of the school year, film di-
rector Camden Watts will join us as we view Abandoned Al-
lies, her documentary film about the Montagnards who served
as American allies during the Vietnam War. It explores the
history of these tribal people, how they supported the U.S.
Special Forces during the war, and what has happened since
then. Now, more than 40 years after the war ended, both
American and Montagnard soldiers open up about what took
place and how it will affect future generations.
Each of these programs offers us an opportunity to en-
rich our understanding and deepen our faith. We hope you
will join us!
—Wednesday Night Committee
Sabbath Sunday Gathering
May 26, on the Terrace
Second Wednesdays This Summer
This summer we will again gather once a month for dinner
and a program to help us stay connected while our regular
Wednesday activities take a break. This year it will be the
second Wednesday of June, July, and August. We’ll do dinner
together as usual at 5:15 and then the program will begin
about 6:15 PM (not 6:30!!). Our adult program schedule looks
like this:
June 12 — Protecting Our Oceans
ACID TEST: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification, a
film produced by the National Resources Defense Council and
narrated by Sigourney Weaver, will introduce our discussion
of the need to
protect our
oceans. Like
global warm-
ing, ocean
ac id i f icat ion
stems from the
increase of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere since the
start of the Industrial Revolution. Following this 22-minute
film, Dr. Dave DeMaster, Professor in the Department of Ma-
rine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at N.C. State University
will expand our knowledge of the impact of global climate
change on the oceans we North Carolinians love so much.
July 10 — Stop Hunger Now
Stop Hunger Now is an international
hunger relief organization located in
Raleigh that coordinates the distribu-
tion of food and other life-saving aid
around the world. Its Operation Share-
house program is a volunteer-based
effort through which participants
package high protein, dehydrated meals for use in crisis situa-
tions and which provides a highly nutritious meal to support
school feeding programs in schools and orphanages around the
world. On this Wednesday evening, the Operation Sharehouse
Mobile Unit will come to Pullen so that our children, youth,
and adults can pack meals in Finlator Hall. We will operate on
two shifts so more people can participate. More details will be
forthcoming.
August 14 — To Be Announced
Plan to join us for these informative Wednesday evenings to-
gether. Please remember that we do need dinner reservations
for summer Wednesdays by noon on the preceding Monday
(June 10, July 8, and August 12). More details about activities
for children and youth on these summer evenings will be
forthcoming.
—Wednesday Night Committee
In the Library: Pullen LGBT Commu-
nity Recognized by Two Authors Have you stopped by the Pullen Library lately? On the in-
side cover of Unfinished Lives, author Stephen V. Sprinkle
writes “To the Pullen LGBTQ Group: Blessings on your
work for justice.” Author Jimmy Creech writes in his book
Adam’s Gift, “For the Pullen LGBT Family & Friends:
Blessings Always!”
Copies of these two books will be donated to the
Pullen Library by the Pullen LGBT Committee.
—Brenda Rozar
5 5/8/13
Summer Reading Series at Pullen
On the Third Tuesdays this summer, we will gather again
for our book series. The three books chosen for our summer
reading touch on important aspects of our life together. Join
us in Poteat Chapel at 7:00 PM for great conversation and
reflection.
Journey to the Common Good
by Walter Brueggemann
Tuesday, June 18
Respected author and theologian Walter
Brueggemann turns his discerning eye to
the most critical yet basic needs of a world
adapting to a new era, an era defined in
large part by America's efforts to rebuild
from an age of terror even as it navigates
its way through an economic collapse. Yet
in spite of these great challenges, Brueggemann calls us to
journey together to the common good through neighborli-
ness, covenanting, and reconstruction as he distills this chal-
lenge to its most basic issues: where is the church going?
What is its role in contemporary society? What lessons does
it have to offer a world enmeshed in such turbulent times?
The answer is the same answer God gave to the Israelites
thousands of years ago: love your neighbor and work for the
common good. Brueggemann considers biblical texts as
examples of the journey now required of the faithful if they
wish to move from isolation and distrust to a practice of
neighborliness, as an invitation to a radical choice for life or
for death, and as a reliable script for overcoming contempo-
rary problems of loss and restoration in a failed urban econ-
omy.
The Language of Flowers
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Tuesday, July 16
Our July selection will help us better un-
derstand why the Hope Center at Pullen
now serves youth coming out of our foster
care system. After a childhood spent in the
foster-care system, Victoria Jones is un-
able to get close to anybody, and her only
connection to the world is through flowers and their mean-
ings. Now 18 and emancipated from the system with no-
where to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping oth-
ers through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unex-
pected encounter with a mysterious stranger has her ques-
tioning what’s been missing in her life. And when she’s
forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must
decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second
chance at happiness.
Finding Sanctuary
by Abbot Christopher Jamison
Tuesday, August 20
In a book that grew out of a BBC TV series about life in a
monastery, Abbot Christopher Jamison suggests the teach-
ings of St. Benedict are a tool for everyday life. St. Benedict
wrote his Rule for monastic living 1,500 years ago when he
was abbot of Monte Cassino, the monastery
that sits atop an inspiring mountain to the East
of Rome. The name, “The Rule of St. Bene-
dict,” often misleads people into thinking that
Benedict wrote “a book of rules.” In fact, he
wrote insights for Christian living with practi-
cal suggestions for daily practice. The insights
still guide people today and many of the rules
have been adapted to local conditions as Bene-
dict requested. This book explains how St. Benedict’s wisdom
can be applied to busy modern lives, and how sanctuary,
peace, and insight can be achieved by people living inside and
outside of monasteries.
The Abbot’s voice is tuned especially for those who are
not sure what they believe, but are looking for ways to find
spiritual space and peace in the busy and often confusing mod-
ern world. This simple book contains profound wisdom for
busy American life.
—Cathy Tamsberg
Summer Sunday School Begins June 9 In the rapidly changing world we live in, it is easy to feel
overwhelmed. Struggles in our economy and politics, at-
tacks on public education and the environment, advances in
technology and health care – all of these stretch us as we try
to respond as people of faith.
This summer our topic for adult Sunday school is
“What’s Trending? Keeping Faith in a Complex World.”
Each week we will hear from a speaker who will update us
on current trends. We’ll consider economics/employment,
ecology, technology, education, health care, politics, and
religion. Then we’ll conclude by considering how trends in
these areas impact our faith and values.
During these weeks you can expect to hear our own
Mark Nance, assistant professor at NCSU, speak about po-
litical trends. Mike Amburn, product manager for the cus-
tomer portal at Red Hat, will update us on technological
trends. Pam Silberman, CEO at the Institute of Medicine,
will be here to talk about health care. Allen Freyer, policy
analyst at the Budget and Tax Center of the NC Justice Cen-
ter, will discuss economic and employment trends. Other
speakers are being added to the list with the full schedule
available soon.
If you’re new to Pullen, know that all of our adult Sun-
day school classes are combined for eight weeks in the sum-
mer as we explore a topic that crosses the interests of the
various Sunday school classes. The dates for this year’s
sessions are June 9, 16, 23, and 30, July 14, 21, and 28, and
August 4. We will skip July 7, the Sunday closest to the
July 4 holiday. The time is 9:45-10:45 AM with the adults
meeting in Finlator hall.
If you can attend the entire series, please do. But know
that each of these sessions will stand alone and provide
valuable information and discussion of critical topics in our
day. We hope you will put summer Sunday school on your
to-do list for June, July, and August. It’s a great time of
fellowship and learning for our Pullen family.
—Adult Education Committee
Pu l l en Programs: Adult Education
Pu l l en Programs: Youth Pu l l en Gather ings
5/8/13 6
Spring Yard Sale Postponed The Pullen Youth will not have a fund-
raising yard sale this spring. There will
be a large yard sale in 2014 to help raise
funds for the youth Cuba trip. Please
save any items you plan to donate until
that time.
—Laura Foley
Register Now for 2013
Youth Summer Events
Registration for Youth Summer events
runs through May 15. Registration
forms are available for download
online, or you may pick up a hard copy
outside Laura Foley’s office. Scholar-
ships are available!
In Our Own Backyard: For rising 7th,
8th, and 9th graders only, this two-
night, low-cost camp held at the church
provides work and education that allow
youth to help understand and meet the
needs of others in their own commu-
nity. In Our Own Backyard runs from
June 12 to 14 and cost $45.
Baptist Youth Camp: Held each year
over the week including July 4 at Camp
Laurel Ridge in the North Carolina
mountains, Baptist Youth Camp brings
youth together from several Alliance of
Baptists churches to experience rich
curriculum, create meaningful worship,
and form long-lasting friendships.
Camp runs from June 31 to July 5 and
cost $350. A $50 deposit is due May 15
and the balance is due June 16.
Hazard, Kentucky: This intergenera-
tional summer trip exposes youth to
poverty in Appalachia as they repair
homes of local residents through The
Housing Development Alliance — a
nonprofit agency based in Hazard, Ken-
tucky. They also get to know Pullen
adults and form lasting friendships with
individuals they might never encounter
otherwise. The trip runs from July 21 to
27 and cost $325.
—Laura Foley
LGBT and Straight Allies Support Group
Monday, May 20
7:00 PM — Poteat Chapel
Pullen Moms at Humble Pie
The next gathering of the Pullen
Moms Group is on Tuesday, May 14
at 6:30 PM, for dinner at Humble Pie.
The restaurant is located at 317 S.
Harrington Street in Raleigh. All
moms are invited. Please bring a con-
tribution for the Moore Square Christ-
mas fund. For more information, call
me at 919-360-0975.
—Rita Rakestraw
Some Freestyle Prose: 2012 Pullen Outdoor Weekend Memories Deborah Brogden entertaining the children by making animals out of balloons, the
kids playing with legos in the tent with their friends, checkers under the trees, golf cart
rides around the campsite, canoeing on the NEW River, roasting s’mores at the camp-
fire, making new friends.
—Rita Rakestraw
New Group Supports Families Coping with Mental Illness
If social justice is at the forefront of our
minds, the issue of mental illness is not.
Jesus is said to have cast out demons,
but how can we deal now with the prob-
lems and suffering created by a myriad
of mental illnesses: depression, anxiety,
personality disorder, bipolar disorder,
and addictions? I have suffered several
of these mental illnesses and have
longed for support from kindred spirits.
Yet mental illness continues to be a
secret problem, and members of the
church who are being treated for mental
illness or who have family members
with mental illness may feel similarly
alienated from so-called “normal” peo-
ple.
With Nancy Petty’s blessing and
presence, I would like to form a group
that meets regularly at Pullen. I am
not ashamed of having persistent
and daunting struggles with depression,
anxiety, addiction, and bipolar disorder
— but I certainly feel lonely and often
afraid. If you have any interest in join-
ing such a group and are ready to “come
out” emotionally, please let Nancy
k n o w b y e m a i l i n g h e r a t
—Suzanne Britt
Youth Sunday May 12, 11:00 AM
Join us as the youth group leads
us in worship and in celebrating
our graduating
high school seniors.
“Harlots, Heroes, and Hallucinations:
Investigating the Bible”
Think of it as Bible 101 designed for
Pullen youth taught by the dynamic
and hilarious Brian Crisp with occa-
sional semi-helpful interjections by
your trusty youth minister. Vickie
Leigh and Nora Petty have graciously
allowed us to hold this gathering at
their home.
Sunday evenings, 6:30-8:00pm
June 16
June 23
July 7
July 14
July 28
August 4
Brian D. Crisp has a passion for litera-
ture that has infiltrated his studies and
work. Combining his studies in educa-
tion and literature with seminary stud-
ies, his career has focused on the trans-
formative nature of story.
—Laura Foley
Readers Wade into Amazon
Pullen Readers will meet Friday, May
10 at 2:00 PM in Room 203. We will
discuss Candice Millard’s River of
Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest
Journey. Ill-prepared for the horrors
they will encounter, Roosevelt and his
son explore a previously unmapped
tributary of the Amazon River.
—Marilyn Brandt
7 5/8/13
Pullen Programs: Children and Their Families
Children’s Summer
Programs & Schedule Although June 21 is the official
beginning of summer, summertime
has already arrived in the chil-
dren’s programs at Pullen.
Sunday school is taking a short break as we get ready
for Summer Sunday school. There will be no Sunday school
on May 26 or June 2. Sunday school will resume on June 9
at 9:45 AM and will continue through August 4, skipping
July 7. During Summer Sunday school, childcare will also
be available for the three, four and five year olds in Room
120 and for nursery, toddlers and two year olds in Room
117. The kindergarten through fifth grade (e.g. rising first
graders through rising sixth graders) will meet together in
Room 125 for lessons and activities focused on caring for
all of Creation.
Worship hour childcare will be provided each Sunday
for the infant through 5-year-old classes. Infants and pre-
schoolers will remain in their Sunday school classrooms.
Kindergarten through fifth grade children must be picked up
after Sunday school to attend worship with their families.
Children’s Worship is on hiatus until September.
Wednesday night dinner and programs are scheduled
for the second Wednesday of each month — not weekly.
We will gather on June 12, July 10 and August 14. Child-
care will be provided for children, infant through fifth grade
(July 11 will be an intergenerational mission project that
older children are encouraged to participate in). Music and
Micah Kids programs will resume in September. See article
in this newsletter for more information about Second
Wednesday programs.
Please note: At Pullen, we follow a traditional school
calendar. Children meet with the same age group/grade for
the entire program year (September to September). Place-
ment is based on their age or grade as of September 1. All
children will “graduate” to their new age groups/classes this
fall on Sunday, September 15.
—Libby Stephens
Vacation Bible School Registration Begins
All Pullen children, three-year-olds through rising sixth
graders, are invited to join us for Vacation Bible School.
Our theme is Clean Water for All God’s Children. Each
day, we will look at a Bible Story that tells of God’s use of
water, some examples include:
The Creation – the goodness of water
The Healing of Naaman – water for healing
The Baptism of Jesus – water as a sign of grace
The Woman at the Well – water for physical needs
Each Bible story will be paired with a variety of activi-
ties designed to help the kids find relevance in the message
within their own lives and the lives of children around the
world.
Here are a few details you need to know:
1. VBS will be held in the evenings, June 17 – 20 (we are
starting on Monday and ending on Thursday this year).
2. Dinner will be provided each night, beginning at 5:30
pm. You are welcome to join your child for dinner or to
drop them off. During this opening time we will review
the evening’s lesson and schedule, and volunteers will
lead us in some singing as we transition into our program.
3. The actual program begins at 6:00 PM. Your child will be
ready for pickup at 7:45 pm. Please be on time, as our
schedule is tight.
4. Children will be grouped by age, and a shepherd will be
with them at all times, in addition to the workshop leader.
5. This year we are able to offer VBS at no charge, however
if you would like to make a donation it is always appreci-
ated. You will need to make reservations to secure a spot
for your child. Reservation forms are due by June 1,
2013.
6. On the reservation form, you may also sign up to help if
you are able.
The goal of Pullen’s Vacation Bible School is to build
community along our children and to learn more about our
relationships with each other and with God. We feel certain
that it will be a meaningful time for us all. Registration
Forms are available outside of Libby’s office across from
the church office on the second floor or online at:
http://www.pullen.org/page/vacation-bible-school
—Robin Gault-Winton
Volunteers Needed for Vacation Bible School Nearly 5 million people die every year from preventable
water-related diseases. And most of them are children! What
better way for our healthy children to begin to do mission
than to participate in a Vacation Bible School that looks
toward the goal of Clean Water for All God’s Children. Our
VBS program is designed to help children experience God’s
love while exploring scriptures that refer particularly to
God’s use of water as an agent of creation, helping, blessing
and health. It will also give them an idea of the world water
situation (which is in crisis!) and suggestions about way
they may help.
If you would be interested in exploring this topic with
the children, then you should volunteer with Pullen’s Vaca-
tion Bible School, June 17-20, 6:00-7:45PM. Volunteers can
commit to one evening, every evening or even help prepare
our space ahead of time. See the box to the right for details.
Ways you can help with Vacation Bible School: Teach a lesson
Shepherd the children from one activity to another
(you don’t have to prepare a lesson)
Help with set-up and clean-up of activities
Assist with dinner prep and clean-up
Make posters and artwork to decorate our space
Staff the registration table
Pick one of the opportunities from the list above and
contact me at [email protected] or 828-0897x212. Please
join me in making Pullen’s VBS an amazing experience for
our children.
—Libby Stephens
Georgia on your Mind? Why Not Take a Trip!
A fter more than a decade of our
relationship with Archbishop Malkhaz
Songulashvili and the congregation of Peace
Cathedral in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, we
are finally ready to send a Pullen group over
for a visit. Details will be forthcoming later
this year, but plans are underway for a trip in 2014.
What we know now is that the Pullen group would travel
to Georgia to celebrate Pentecost with our friends. The tenta-
tive dates of this pilgrimage are May 30 to June 9, 2014. Pen-
tecost in 2014 is Sunday, June 8. The cost of the trip will be
roughly $2,500. Malkhaz will likely include some kind of hik-
ing “pilgrimage” in the week’s adventures, along with wor-
ship, meeting members of the Peace Cathedral community,
learning about the history of this former Soviet Republic, and
interaction with Muslim neighbors who share minority status
in a predominantly Orthodox Christian country.
If you have interest in making this trip with a Pullen
group, please let me know in the next several weeks. We do
not need a firm commitment at this point, but it would be
helpful to know who would like to join us for this adventure.
You can email me at [email protected].
—Cathy Tamsberg
Three Ways to Help Nicaraguan Partners:
Give to Baby Layette Project
So far, we have everything needed for 50
baby layettes to send to Nicaragua in late Au-
gust except for 100 pre-folded cloth diapers
and 124 diaper pins. These items can be pur-
chased at Wal-Mart (about $13.34 for a 10-pack of diapers
and $1 for a set of 4 diaper pins). Contributors can purchase
the items and then call or email Julia Williams at 919-604-
7906 or [email protected]. Donations of money to help
Julia purchase the items will also be accepted.
Help Stitchers Sew Eye Glass Cases
In January Deb Norton, Jonathan Sledge and Jock Gault
went to Kentucky to learn to use eye-measuring equipment
so they can determine a person’s eye prescription. They will
be taking an inventory of eyeglasses with them to Nicaragua
and would like eyeglass cases to give to people along with
the eyeglasses. We have instructions for sewing cases using
fleece fabric and instructions for knitting, crocheting and
quilting eyeglass cases. Contact Julia Williams if you would
like instructions for helping with this project.
Travel South with Summer Team
There is still room for more Nicaragua pilgrims. If you
would like to help distribute glasses and share love with our
friends at AMOS Health & Hope, consider traveling to
Nicaragua with other Pullenites from August 30 to Septem-
ber 8. For more information, please contact Deb Norton at
[email protected] or Jonathan Sledge at jona-
—Julia Williams & Deb Norton
Pullen Outdoor Weekend: May 24—27 Take a three-and-a-half hour drive west and pull off North
Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway to join adventurous Pullenites
for the Pullen Outdoor Weekend. There will be multigenera-
tional activities including environmental education and sci-
ence programs for children, with more or less
strenuous activities available for everyone else.
You can canoe, bike, hike, meditate, write, join
campfire storytelling, walk where the wild
things are or go to cultural activities. You can
camp, stay in cabins, or sleep in a motel. You can cook out,
eat out, or roast your meals over an open fire.
Where to Stay Camping: Raccoon Holler, in Glen-
dale Springs, NC has campsites with wa-
ter and electrical hook up (fresh coffee each
morning at the campsite). Hot showers and bathrooms are very
convenient. If you’re a novice camper or always wanted to try,
we have certified tent raising mentors. REI and local universi-
ties have camping equipment rentals. Check with your Pullen
friends, many have equipment they can loan. Clothing should
be layered, with a water-proof outer layer just in case.
Cabins: Several cabin opportunities in and near Glen-
dale Springs can be found on Google. Search for “Cabins,
Glendale Springs, NC.” West Jefferson, NC is only 25 min-
utes away. There are also motels within 25 minutes.
Fine Dinning: Eating around a campfire
is as fine as it gets. However, there are family
style and ala carte restaurants in Glendale
Springs and West Jefferson. The campsite has
a small store for what you forgot.
What to Do Canoeing: Paddle on the New River. The trip is approxi-
mately three hours with a few class one rapids
(children get a rush, but the water is only two-
feet deep). Saturday at 9:30 AM, we’ll take a
bus ride upstream and then float, paddle, or race
your way back to your car. Ample time is provided for wa-
ter splashing, photography and scientific sampling.
Mountain Biking: The Virginia Creeper is
a downhill ride mostly canopied and over some
trestles ending up in Damascus, Va. Another
option is in Galax, Va along the New River. The
trail goes through a railroad tunnel and crosses
the New River on a long trestle. Plan to pay an
outfitter $12 for the shuttle. Bike rentals are available.
Hiking, Fishing and Local Culture: There are numer-
ous hiking trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway, West Jefferson
has a farmers market with local food, produce and mountain
crafts. Fly fishing along the South Fork of the New River is
an option. Saturday night, many people go to the local Jambo-
ree for clogging and traditional mountain music.
To make suggestions or for further information contact
Bill Brooks or Sharon Ambrose at [email protected]
or 919-469-1197.
—Bill Brooks
Pu l l en Around the W or ld
5/8/13 8
Pu l l en Programs
Join Pullen at CPO Food Pantry on June 29
Concerned about hungry families in our community? Want to
help? Join other Pullenites for a day of service at the largest
food pantry in eastern North Carolina.
Volunteers are needed to organize donations, pack gro-
cery bags and assist clients at Catholic Parish Outreach on
Saturday, June 29. Approximately 9,800 individuals are
served by CPO each month. The food pantry is located at 2013
North Raleigh Boulevard. Orientation begins promptly at 9:30
AM. Clients are served from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. After we
help staff clean up a bit, the crew from Pullen will grab lunch
at a nearby restaurant to debrief and fellowship together.
To sign up for this project add your name to the registra-
tion sheet by the elevator or contact David Anderson directly
at [email protected] or 919-828-0897. Volunteers must
be at least 9 years old. A variety of tasks are available in the
food warehouse, client delivery line, and clothing closet. Peo-
ple of all abilities and experience levels are welcome to attend.
—Mission and Outreach Council
9 5/8/13
Pullen in the World: Missions and Outreach
Wiley Tutoring Field Trip to Hemlock Bluffs
Students participating
in the Wiley-Pullen
Tutoring Ministry,
along, along with
tutors and parents,
spent a crisp Saturday
morning in early
Spring at the Hem-
lock Bluffs Nature
Preserve in Cary.
“Kids have less hands-on contact with nature now, espe-
cially knowledge of local species and ecology,” said Deb Nor-
ton, who guided the group through the park. “Many know
more about rain forests in Brazil than about Piedmont forest or
meadow ecology, plants, and
birds. Some know so little about na-
ture that they are said to suffer from
nature-deficit disorder.”
Students were given an introduction
to identifying bird and frog species
by the sounds they make, as well as
characteristics of several native plant
species to be on the lookout for. Dur-
ing a rigorous hike through the na-
ture preserve, children enjoyed spot-
ting some of the wildlife they had
studied earlier.
“Time in nature can restore kids’
ability to pay attention, especially kids with attention deficit
disorder,” Deb told tutors before the outing. “One study
showed that at-risk elementary students who participated in
three outdoor science school sessions did significantly better
in school, both academically and behaviorally. Other stud-
ies showed improved recovery after mental fatigue or from the
wear and tear of
life when people
were given time
in a nature pre-
serve or back-
packing. Expos-
ing kids to the
abundance of
nature and en-
couraging them
to be fascinated
by it is cheap, fun, and good for mind and body!”
The tutoring year is quickly coming to a close, but if you
are interested in working with students through this ministry
— either as a one-on-one mentor, or by planning and chaper-
oning an enrichment activity —
contact David Anderson at
[email protected] or in the
church office.
—David Anderson
Don’t Forget to Bring Your Food Donations
Please consider bringing non-perishable
food items to Pullen to support families
struggling with poverty in our commu-
nity. Donations may be placed in the gro-
cery cart located in the hallway adjacent
to Finlator Hall. Once the cart is full, gro-
ceries will be delivered to the food pantry
at Urban Ministries, which serves low-
income families and individuals through-
out Wake County. If each member of the
Pullen family drops off a single item of food on the way to
worship, the cart could be filled every Sunday.
Items needed include: peanut butter and jelly; canned
meats such as tuna, chicken, ravioli, and spaghetti; canned
fruits and vegetables; boxed milk; pasta and rice; breakfast
cereal; dried beans; juice boxes; and canned soups.
—Pullen Mission Women
The Hope Center at Pullen Pu l l en Partners
5/8/13 10
American Baptists Applaud Moves
Toward Immigration Reform
Leaders of the American Baptist Churches
USA who serve in ministry to immigrants
and refugees welcomed a bipartisan frame-
work unveiled by eight senators who are being
called the “gang of eight” for their public effort to
get the ball rolling on legislation to rewrite the na-
tion's immigration laws.
The Senate framework would provide a path to citizen-
ship for the estimated 11 million immigrants already in the
country illegally, secure the border, simplify legal immigra-
tion and cut down on the hiring of immigrants lacking a
green card. President Obama welcomed the Senate initia-
tive to take up the thorny issues.
Praise for the senators from the ABCUSA is not sur-
prising because American Baptists have been at the fore-
front of welcoming immigrants into our country and into
our churches. Praise for the senators' bipartisan step was
also voiced by Aundreia Alexander, national coordinator for
American Baptists ' immigration and refugee ser-
vices. Alexander serves on the steering committee of the
Interfaith Immigration Coalition, a collection of 38 Chris-
tian, Jewish, Muslim and humanitarian organizations calling
for humane immigration reform. This text is excerpted from an article written by Bob Allen of Asso-
ciated Baptist Press. The full article appeared on page 19 of the
March 6, 2013 edition of The Christian Century, which is available
in the church library.
—This article was shared by Carl Almblad on behalf
of the ABC-USA Mission Group.
Diane Daily | Executive Director
Pat Hielscher | Office Manager
Phone | 919-322-2751
Web | www.hopecenteratpullen.org
Help Tell Our Story – Share Our Video
The Hope Center has developed a three minute video about
our foster youth program that we need to get out to people all
over the country. The video is designed to help people learn
about The Hope Center and raise money toward our $25,000
matching grant from The Stewards Fund. Please take a few
minutes to send this link to your family and friends. Share the
video on Facebook and Twitter. Send emails and ask folks to
pass the link on to their friends. The success of the fundraising
video happens when many, many people see the video and
make contributions large and small. All donations are made
directly online. Together small efforts can generate wonderful
results.
Here is the link:
http://www.razoo.com/story/The-Stewards-Fund-Challenge
Please make a personal commitment to pass this link on
to five friends.
Foster Youth Need Tutors for Summer
The Hope Center at Pullen is looking for volunteer tutors to
work with our foster youth over the summer. During the
school year, NC State University students have been volun-
teering their time for our kids, but most of them are headed
home for the summer. In order to help our foster youth get
prepared for the next school year, we need tutors in all subject
areas, for 7th Grade through high school. If you are interested
and available at least one hour per week, we would love to
hear from you!
Foster Youth Mentors Needed
The Hope Center at Pullen is also looking for individuals to
serve as mentors to our foster youth. A mentor works one-on-
one with a young person and commits a minimum of one year
(1-3 hours per week) to be this youth’s ally and life guide.
This mentoring component has proved deeply meaningful to
our foster youth thus far and has impacted the lives of our
youth in powerful ways. If you would like to learn more about
becoming a mentor, please reach out and let us know!
Raising Hope Dinner Great Success
Our dinner and silent auction raised a little over $54,000. We
are grateful for all the donors and dinner sponsors, the gener-
osity of those who donated auction items, the chef and kitchen
assistants, servers and other volunteers who made the auction
and printed materials happen! This was a total team effort and
everyone’s support made it happen.
—Pat Hielscher
Tour D’Coop Helps Urban Ministries
The Tour D'Coop is a one-day garden tour in Raleigh, North
Carolina, that seeks to educate visitors about keeping hens
and delight them with garden ideas and inspiration. Open to
adults and children, the tour showcases various hen houses
and breeds. Coop owners are on hand at each location to
discuss the how-tos of chicken keeping and there are oppor-
tunities for photographing and getting to know the chickens.
The wide variety of coop styles as well as the surrounding
back yard gardens make the tour interesting for the whole
family.
This unique "Parade of Combs" features hens and
coops tucked into the gardens of your friends and neighbors.
All tour proceeds benefit Urban Ministries of Raleigh. The
2013 tour will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 10 AM to
4 PM, rain or shine. Tour Tickets are available at the online
at http://www.tourdcoop.com/ or at area Whole Foods.
—Pullen Member M’Liss Koopman is the chairperson for
this year’s Tour D'Coop, which benefits Urban Ministries of
Wake County and promote environmental stewardship, hu-
mane animal care and local food.
Next LGBT Fellowship Lunch is Sunday May 12
The LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender) Fellowship invites visitors and
new Pullen members to join us for lunch after worship on Sunday, May 12 at David’s
Dumplings, which is located directly across Hillsborough Street from the church.
—Jan Hibbetts
Pullen Views
11 5/8/13
The annual conference of the Baptist
Peace Fellowship of North America
(a.k.a. Peace Camp) is coming soon,
and this year we’ll be entertaining
angels (or at least trying) — and YOU
can help!
The word hospitality often
brings to mind images of domestic
tidiness but the gospel calls us to be
radical in our welcome: to welcome
the least of these as we would Christ;
to seek the outcasts, the marginalized,
the disempowered, the overlooked,
the other; and to create community
together.
This year at the BPFNA summer
conference you can look forward to
exciting speakers and dynamic work-
shops that explore topics of hospital-
ity, inclusion, and justice. We are
looking forward to sharing spirit-
filled worship with hundreds of
peacemakers as we look for ways to
grow and to support and encourage
each other. Participants of all ages
will have opportunities for learning
and for playing in community. We
hope you will join us!
Plan to come yourself and/or to
encourage members of your congre-
gation to attend!
If you are planning to at-
tend, please take the time today to
register. You do not need to pay now
in order to register now. Here’s the
link: http://www.bpfna.org/gather/sc-
registration.
Ways to Make Peace Camp More
Affordable:
As a BPFNA Partner, Pullen
receives two vouchers to cover the
registration fee for first-time atten-
dees.
Be Heard: Last Chance for Re-
districting Reform This Decade
Last November, the statewide vote for
members of the General Assembly
was roughly 1/1 Republican/
Democrat. But because of gerryman-
dering, the seats won in Senate and
the House were roughly 2/1 Republi-
can/Democrat. Because of this dispro-
portionate representation, the General
Assembly doesn’t really represent the
voters in North Carolina.
Help is on the way. House Bill
606 An Act to Establish a Nonparti-
san Redistricting Process was intro-
duced in the General Assembly a few
weeks ago. It has 61 cosponsors – a
majority of the House members. The
bill is now working it way thru com-
mittees.
Catch 22 is that the General As-
sembly has a rule that if a bill is not
voted on in either the Senate or the
House by the “crossover” deadline
(May16th this session), the bill is
dead for the rest of this session and
also for the 2014 session. So if
HB606 is not voted on in the House
by May 16, the reform community
will have to start all over again in
2015 to try to get a new bill intro-
duced and voted on. By 2015, some
of the freshman legislators will be
anticipating running after the next
redistricting process (after 2020 Cen-
sus) and may favor keeping the cur-
rent partisan redistricting process. So
in reality, if the bill doesn't pass by
the 16th, then 2020 may be the next
time we could try again for a nonpar-
tisan redistricting process.
Your help is needed ASAP to
help get this bill passed. Please call
the office of Speaker of the House
Thom Tillis at 919-733-3451 and ask
that he bring House Bill 606 up for a
vote before the May 16 deadline.
You'll be glad you did!
—Larry King
Larry King is the chair of
Common Cause NC
This year a donor is providing the
option of free registration and half-price
meals and room for people of color (self
-defined, but including people identify-
ing their racial/ethnic identity as Black,
Asian & Pacific Islander, Native Ameri-
can,
Latina/o).
This offer
is good
for the
first 100
attendees
who re-
quest it so
please
register as
early as
you can if
you’d like
to choose
this op-
tion. Interpreting will be provided for
Spanish-speaking participants.
Know a Young Adult Who Is
Passionate About Justice?
If you know a young adult (18-29)
interested in peace and justice issues,
invite her/him to apply for a young
adult companion program scholarship
and travel stipend. Visit http://
www.bpfna.org/companioning-app for
more details. The application is due
May 15.
If you know someone who needs a
scholarship help to attend, but isn’t eli-
gible for the funds above, urge him/her
to contact the Baptist Peace Fellowship
for an application for the general schol-
arship fund. The general scholarship
application is due by May 30.
And did I mention registering
yourself? It is a great week, and we’d be
delighted to have you there!
—Jonathan Sledge serves on the board
of the Baptist Peace Fellowship
Scholarships Available for Baptist Peace Fellowship
Camp, Mentorships Offered for Young Peace Makers
Pu l l en Partners
Entertaining Angels:
Peacemaking through
Radical Hospitality
July 15-20, 2013
Gonzaga University
Spokane, Washington,
USA
Do not neglect to show hos-
pitality to strangers, for
thereby some have enter-
tained angels unawares.
—Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)
Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
1801 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27605
(919)828-0897 ▪ Fax: 919-833-9364
www.pullen.org
Pu l l en Memor ia l Bapt ist Chu rch — Summer Calendar of E ven ts
Last Spring Sunday School…………………….. May 19
Last Spring Wednesday Night………………….. May 22
Pullen Outdoor Weekend (POW)………………. May 24-26
Summer Chancel Choir Rehearsal………………May 29
Youth Day Trip to Wilmington………………….June 1
Summer Sunday School………………………... June 9-August 4 (except July 7)
Youth Summer Bible Study……………………. June 9, 16, 23; July 7, 14, 28; August 4
Second Wednesday: Protecting our Oceans……. June 12
In Our Own Back Yard………………………….June 12-14
Vacation Bible School………………………….. June 17-20
Third Tuesday Summer Book Readings……….. June 18
Food Pantry Workday………………………….. June 29
Baptist Youth Camp……………………………. June 30-July5
Second Wednesday: Stop Hunger Now…………July 10
Sister Simone Campbell preaching……………...July 14
Third Tuesday Summer Book Readings………...July 16
Hazard Kentucky Mission Trip………………….July 21-27
Orestes Roca preaching………………………… July 28
Family Day at Lake Kerr……………………….. August 3
Summer Chancel Choir Rehearsal………………August 7
Second Wednesday Program & Dinner………… August 14
Third Tuesday Summer Book Readings………...August 20
Nicaragua Trip………………………………….. August 30-September 10
Habitat for Humanity Project……………………September 14
Connect with Pullen on the Web
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book, and subscribe to our podcast in iTunes
or your favorite RSS reader.
Connect with Pullen on the web to stay
up to date on everything happening in our
community, and let your friends know how
excited you are to be a part of Pullen’s min-
istry.
@PullenChurch
www.facebook.com/PullenChurch
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