September 2026 Beacon

September 2026 Newsletter Summary

1. Pastoral transition — the major focus

  • Binkley is beginning a new chapter following Marcus McFaul’s retirement as Senior Minister.
  • Rev. Kelsey Vincent emphasizes that the interim period is not a pause in ministry, but an opportunity for Binkley to live into its existing identity, calling, and mission.
  • A 5–7 member Transition Team has been established to support staff, communicate with the congregation, listen to concerns, assess interim needs, and help select an interim senior minister. Jessica Stokes and Katie Cartmell are serving as co-chairs.
  • Binkley has chosen a traditional interim minister rather than the intentional-interim model used during the previous transition. The interim will focus primarily on pastoral leadership and continuity. A future Minister Search Committee will lead the search for the next settled Senior Minister.
  • Congregational members are encouraged to submit questions, feedback, concerns, and suggestions through transition@binkleychurch.org.

2. Fall programming and worship

  • Church School resumes September 20, with programs for children and youth.
  • Gathering Sunday is September 20, providing information about fall classes.
  • Youth will participate in a Triangle-area lock-in September 18.
  • Upcoming events include a Music Extravaganza (Sept. 19), Mozart concert (Sept. 27), and other concerts extending through December.

3. Justice and community engagement

  • The Apartheid-Free Working Group will host “Fragmentation, Separation and Erasure in Palestine,” an exhibit of graphics and photographs from Visualizing Palestine.
  • The exhibit opens September 26, followed by a Justice for All Vigil, and will remain available during the fall.

4. Senior Adult Ministry
Several educational and social opportunities are highlighted:

  • Thou Shalt Not Fall! — September 14, focusing on balance and fall prevention.
  • Small groups on conscious aging begin September 16.
  • Aging in Community meets September 23 to discuss brain health and neuroplasticity.
  • A book discussion featuring Parker Palmer's On the Brink of Everything is planned for October 12.
  • Dr. Mitch Heflin will return December 2 to discuss Alzheimer's disease and other memory issues.

5. Music
The fall music calendar is particularly full, including:

  • Music Extravaganza — September 19
  • Mozart concert — September 27
  • Baroque and Beyond — October 31
  • Cello and piano concert — November 15
  • Christmas Vespers — December 6

Key September dates

Date Event
Sept. 13 Birthday/Anniversary Celebration; Worship with Children
Sept. 14 Thou Shalt Not Fall!
Sept. 18 Youth Group Lock-In
Sept. 19 Music Extravaganza
Sept. 20 Gathering Sunday Church School resumes; Pauli Murray documentary
Sept. 26 Palestine Exhibit Opening & Vigil
Sept. 27  Mozart Concert

Overall theme: The newsletter presents September as a month of transition, continuity, and renewed activity. While the congregation is processing the end of Marcus McFaul's tenure, the leadership stresses confidence in Binkley's identity and future, while regular worship, education, music, senior programming, and justice work continue.