November 2026 Binkley Beacon

Binkley Church Newsletter Summary

November 2026 | Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Congregational Life and Transition

Binkley Church continues to navigate a season of transition while focusing on strengthening relationships and building a more connected congregation. Rev. Kelsey Vincent encourages members to deepen their involvement, develop connections across generations, and support one another through participation, generosity, and service. She congratulates Rev. Claire Dillashaw on her ordination and expresses gratitude for the Transition Team's leadership and efforts to gather congregational feedback.

The Transition Team has completed seven listening sessions involving more than 35 members and friends. Members can continue sharing feedback through an anonymous Dropbox in the church narthex or by emailing the team. The team is reviewing feedback and plans to share its findings and a visual roadmap explaining the transition process. Work on the interim minister position description is also progressing.

Stewardship and Community Support

The church encourages members to support its ministries through financial pledges, participation, and acts of service. Several initiatives provide opportunities to strengthen fellowship and demonstrate care for others.

Binkley has increased its annual contribution to Baptist Women in Ministry from $100 to $500. This organization supports women in Baptist ministry through scholarships, mentoring, continuing education, and peer support.

The Outreach Committee has also approved a $500 contribution to the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB), which supports LGBTQ+ inclusion and helps Baptist congregations become welcoming and affirming communities.

Binkley also participated in Durham Pride 2026, continuing its longstanding commitment to expressing God's inclusive love.

Thanksgiving and Cookbook Release

The annual Thanks-4-Giving Potluck and Cookbook Release will take place on Sunday, November 22. Members are encouraged to prepare and bring a dish they contributed to the cookbook, labeling it with the recipe name and contributor's name.

Preordered cookbooks are expected to be available at the event, with additional copies offered for a suggested donation of $20. Proceeds will support a church fund or project to be determined. Cookbooks will also be available at the Alternative Gifts Fair on December 6.

Care and Support

Binkley has obtained seasonal CareNotes to help individuals and families manage difficult experiences during the holidays. Topics include coping with the loss of a loved one, dealing with depression at Christmastime, and facing the holidays when a family member is seriously ill. The materials are available in displays in the foyer and hallway near the ministers' offices.

Children, Youth, and Education

Children's Church School meets every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. The Chipmunks group serves infants through kindergarten, while the Bluejays group welcomes children in grades 1–5.

Youth in grades 6–12 participate in Doodles and Discussions, an intergenerational gathering focused on creativity and fellowship.

Children up to fifth grade are invited to participate in Worship with Children during the 11 a.m. service on November 8 and 22. Looking ahead to December, the church will hold its annual Nativity Reenactment on December 6, with rehearsal on December 5, and Christmas Crafts for all ages on December 9.

Music and Worship

Binkley continues to offer opportunities for worship and musical enrichment.

  • November 15, 7 p.m.: A cello and piano recital featuring cellist Debbie Davis and pianist Dr. Ben Havey. The program includes works by Beethoven, Anton Webern, Brahms, and Saint-Saëns.

  • December 6, 7 p.m.: Binkley's Christmas Vespers, an evening of scripture readings and music featuring the Chancel Choir, Choral Scholars, and guest instrumentalists.

Regular Sunday worship services are held at 11 a.m., with chapel services at 9 a.m. and adult and children's Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.

November Events and Important Dates

Key events listed in the November calendar include:

  • November 3: Election Day; Binkley serves as a polling place.

  • November 7: Church Women United meeting at 10 a.m.

  • November 12: Gift Card Give Out at 10 a.m.

  • November 14: Sound Bath at 1 p.m.

  • November 15: Brown Bag Lunch with the Moderator and cello recital at 6 p.m.

  • November 16: December newsletter submission deadline.

  • November 17: Binkley Book Club at 10:30 a.m.

  • November 21: Sanctuary cleaning at noon.

  • November 22: Thanks-4-Giving Potluck and Cookbook Release.

  • November 26: Thanksgiving; church office closed.

  • November 27: Church office closed.

  • November 28: Justice for All Vigil at noon.

The calendar also includes regular Music Library Committee meetings, Binkley Bells rehearsals, Chancel Choir rehearsals, Conscious Aging sessions, and Quilts of Love activities.