The Weekly: November 15, 2019
WHY DUKE MEMORIAL
Stories of Faith and Hope

We have been members of Duke Memorial for the past 25 years. We were initially drawn to the congregation by the meaningful worship—thoughtful and challenging preaching and inspiring music. We also value the friendships that we have made in the church, and we were especially appreciative of the congregation’s commitment to and involvement in the city of Durham. Although much has changed over the years, we continue to be drawn to the congregation by its lively worship, the support that we and others have experienced (especially at the death of a beloved granddaughter three years ago), and by the church’s commitment to social justice and inclusiveness. 

While we especially affirm the congregation’s recent emphasis on the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ members we hope that we will also be mindful of others, especially long time faithful members, some of whom now feel themselves excluded. The Gospel Table has plenty of room for all and we are encouraged to believe that we are a church where all will feel welcome at that table.

Anne and Jack Carroll
Why Duke Memorial: Stories of Faith and Hope is an ongoing series that features Duke
Memorial members answering the questions of why they came, why they stay, and where
they see God at work in our community. Stories are shared with permission in the
Weekly and Sunday Bulletin.
NEWS
You are Welcome, You are Loved

Since the adoption of our Welcome Statement in 2015, we have worked hard together as a congregation to live fully into its call. While previous efforts have focused intentionally on the inclusion of LGBTQ identified persons, our welcome statement and our faith call us even further. To that end, Church Council has approved a congregation wide campaign for the year 2020 that will engage the breadth of our welcome statement through worship, formation, and communication. Each month will focus on an individual call to welcome expressed in our statement such as age, race, and physical ability. We look forward to our year ahead as we live faithfully into our call of welcome and inclusion.
Stewardship 2020

It’s stewardship season, and time to consider how you will contribute to Duke Memorial in 2020. Stewardship packets have now been mailed to the household address on file. Included is information about our current budget, our financial situation, and answers to questions about the capital campaign and paying our apportionments. This year, we are inviting you to consider increasing your pledge by ten percent. Read through the stewardship packet, and fill out your pledge online.
A Note from SPRC
Listening Sessions Follow Up

“In September 2019, the Staff Parish Relations Committee held listening sessions to gather input from the congregation. Thank you to everyone who attended a session or provided comments to SPRC. Your input and engagement are essential to Duke Memorial... SPRC is dedicated to finding ways to unify and strengthen Duke Memorial to support the members and the staff and encourage our growth as we share Christ from the heart of Durham.”
ENGAGE
Advent Workshop Luncheon November 24

Enjoy food, fellowship and fun at our Advent Workshop Luncheon after worship on Sunday, November 24 in Whitford Hall! Soup, salad and bread will be served as folks young and older make Advent Wreaths, pick up their Advent Calendar and devo book, create crafts for Christmas Market and work together on an Advent Worship Banner.
No sign up- just show up! 
Blue Worship
Wednesday, November 20th

Join us in the sanctuary for a worship service designed for those who are experiencing grief. The grief may be from the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or another illness, or anything that puts a question mark over the future and may make the upcoming holiday season difficult. We will worship together at 5:30pm and have a light supper afterwards (in the Lillie Duke Room) for those who can stay.

Poinsettia Orders
The poinsettias that adorn our sanctuary every year are a beautiful tradition that reminds us of the breadth of our Duke Memorial family. Order a poinsettia in honor or memory of someone in your life to be included as part of our Advent season.
SUPPORT
An Opportunity for More Music | The Patrons’ Music Fund

Did you know that the Patron’s Music Fund supports guest musicians who join us in worship? Over the last 7 years over $15,000 has been given and used to support special music here at Duke Memorial. THANK YOU to those of you who have given individually and from your estates. The fund is currently running low. It has for years supported guest musicians for Christmas Eve among other upcoming special services but currently does not have the capacity to do that. On behalf of the Music Ministry Team we would like you to consider if you can give towards this unique fund in our church. To learn more, please contact our Minister of Music, Cyril.
CWS | Microwave Needed

Church World Service provides ESL classes and associated child care to refugees at the church M-F. They need a microwave for various needs related to their programming. Please contact Operations Manager, Joe Stevens, if you have an operable microwave available for donation.
COMMUNITY
 DMWS | Dining Out
Support the Duke Memorial Weekday School by dining out this coming Tuesday, November 19th at Pompieri Pizza! During the hours of 5:00 - 8:30, they will have buckets posted at the registers and bar and will donate 10% of the sales represented by the receipts placed in those buckets.
Messiah Sing-Along | Choral Society of Durham
Bring the entire family for a sing-along of Handel’s timeless classic, hosted by the Choral Society of Durham.

No tickets are required. A $10 donation per adult is suggested. Proceeds benefit the Choral Society and the DMUMC Christmas Market.

Duke Memorial UMC | Sunday, Dec. 1 | 4pm

Durham Cares | Advancing the Vision
Join DurhamCares on Tuesday, November 19th, for the 2019 Advancing the Vision Breakfast at the Durham Armory.

The featured speaker will be Virginia Williams, a civil rights leader and participant in Durham’s 1957 Royal Ice Cream Sit-in.

There will also be testimonials from people who have participated in DurhamCares programs like the Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope and Church Mobilization Network. The breakfast is complimentary and all donations made at the event will benefit DurhamCares. All are welcome. RSVP here.
WELCOME STATEMENT
As our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to love and accept every person, Duke Memorial United Methodist Church welcomes into our life together those of every age, race, ethnic background, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, family or socioeconomic status, educational background, and physical or mental ability. In our commitment to the reconciliation of all persons as beloved children of God, we celebrate our diversity and recognize the sacred worth and dignity of all. We invite you to join us in our faith journey toward discipleship in Christ with mutual respect, understanding, and love.
Sunday Connections
Sunday School | 9:45am
Options for all ages, nursery available

Welcome Center | 10:00am
Coffee and donuts

Worship | 10:55am
All ages welcome, nursery provided
Announcements
Announcements for distribution in email and bulletin are due by Wednesday at 5pm.

Submit announcements and questions to Mark in the church office.