Join the team that is making a practical impact and loving our neighbors who are refugees! Blacknall has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with World Relief Durham (WRD). One of the tangible ways we realize this commitment is through the team of Blacknall volunteers who, once a month, set up apartments for refugee families who have recently arrived in Durham. If you want to join this team, please attend the next local volunteer orientation on Tuesday, May 9, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Celebrating Jill & Scott and Housing for Jyoti
Jill French and Scott Mollenkopf are getting married on Sunday, May 28, at the conclusion of the 11 a.m. service! All are invited to witness their vows and celebrate with them at a dessert reception in the Fellowship Hall afterwards.
Shortly after they get married, Jill and Scott will be moving to Charlotte. Jyoti, Jill’s daughter, would like to stay in Durham. She has been preparing to live semi-independently for many years and ideally would like to live in the North Street Community when a place becomes available.
Mission Minutes | Families Moving Forward (4.26.2023)
In this Mission Minutes video Mark Paulson talks about our Deep Common Journey partnership with Families Moving Forward (FMF).
At the moment, one of the few ways we can serve this DCJ partner is to participate in their "Rock the Block” day of service happening next Saturday, May 6. Let's rally to support this important partner! We are looking for at least 10 people to join the Blacknall team of volunteers rolling up their sleeves to work on staining the fence on the FMF property from 9-11:30 a.m.
Update From the PNC (4.26.2023)
The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) is transitioning into a new phase of our Senior Pastor search as we begin interviewing candidates, while continuing to receive applications. We have been so encouraged by the conversations we are having with people in the candidate pool.
Please pray for God to provide wisdom and discernment to the PNC and the candidates through these conversations. Feel free to reach out with thoughts or questions at pnc@blacknall.org.
Join the Church Center Directory!
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.)
The PNC Would Love One Minute of Your Time
The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) is now receiving applications for the Senior Pastor position and we appreciate how you have already helped to get the word out. As you have prayed and brainstormed about possible candidates, is there anyone that you have contacted? Is there anyone who has popped into your mind as a possible candidate that you haven’t yet contacted? In either case, would you let us know who came to mind? You can use this short form, which will take less than one minute to complete.
Volunteer to Assist Congo Initiative Board Meeting
Blacknall will be co-hosting the Congo Initiative 2023 Global Board Meeting on April 20-23. We are looking for volunteers who can help with hosting a board member, airport pick-up and drop-off, and meals. Please consider signing up to volunteer.
Blacknall Job Opening: Director of Youth Ministries
A job announcement and description for the Director of Youth Ministries is now posted on Blacknall’s website. In the process of developing and approving the job description, Session carefully considered the current needs and findings of the Youth Ministries Design Team from fall 2022.
Meet Your New Officers (Class of 2026)
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.
“Revelations in Stone”
Bev Iber, a Graduate Gemologist and Blacknall member, is offering a six-week study of gemstones in the Bible and their meaning for us as Christians. There are two class options: Friday mornings beginning March 10 or Tuesday evenings beginning March 14.
All adults are welcome; consider inviting a friend! Total cost is $120 per person and space is limited to ten persons per class. (Scholarship spaces possible.)
Mission Minutes | Senior Pastor Search Next Steps
Food Bank Volunteers Needed
Congregational Meeting to Elect Officers
Blacknall Summer Camps: Register Now!
Registration is now open for all elementary-age children’s summer programming: Art Camp I and II and Boys and Girls Discovery Weeks. All registrations are open to Blacknall students until March 15. After that, any open spots will be available for friends of Blacknall.
Food Distribution Volunteers Needed
Blacknall Men: Opportunities to Serve and Fellowship
Update From the PNC (2.15.2023)
The Pastor Nominating Committee continues to work toward finalizing the Ministry Information Form (MIF) which is a document used to describe to candidates who we are as a church and what we are looking for in a senior pastor. We expect the MIF to be finalized this month and we will be back in touch when it is.
Refugee Apartment Setup This Weekend
Blacknall is setting up an apartment for a new refugee family this weekend. On Sunday, February 12, we need individuals willing to pick up groceries and other needed items. Cards with these items will be available on the table in the Lower Atrium on Sunday. The groceries and other items will need to be returned by 1:00 pm on Sunday (a quick turnaround).
Apply Now To Go to Congo (DRC)
Last call to apply!
One of Blacknall’s Deep Common Journey partners is Congo Initiative, based in Eastern Congo (DRC). It has been several years since we last visited our friends and partners there. This summer, we have an opportunity to return to Beni, DRC and we invite you to apply to join the Blacknall team that is going. The deadline to apply is February 15.