Mission

Duke Memorial Mission 2012:

Jesus showed us that loving our neighbors begins with knowing our neighbors.

But how do we know our neighbors?

We listen with our city. When we listen we commit to hearing from others. We admit that we don’t have all the answers. We open our ears to discover how we might best serve the people in our city.

We learn with our city. As a result of taking the time to listen, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the people, the places, the gifts, the needs, the pains, and the hopes of Durham.

We live with our city. To live with our city is to be present. This means not only knowing the joys and sorrows that people face, but also sharing in them. In the same way that God became flesh in Jesus to dwell with us, we “become flesh,” and dwell with our neighbors. By living with our city we commit to partnering with our neighbors to bring peace and justice to our community.

This  year we are launching a series of initiatives that will help us get to know our neighbors. We will turn our hearts, minds, and actions toward listening, learning and living with our city. Together we will join Christ’s mission to bring peace, hope, healing and justice.

What to expect:

Special Events

“Who is My Neighbor” Dinner and Discussion Series
Over the course of the year we are hosting a series of dinners at our church where experts from the community are invited to share and facilitate discussion about particular areas of mission. Teams from our church plan these events and conduct research on the discussion topics. Their findings are displayed at the dinners.

Service Projects
Each “Dinner and Discussion” has a corresponding service project where we go out into the community, serve others, and reflect on what we see and learn. Click here to see some upcoming service opportunities.

Celebrations
From block parties to hymn sings, we are hosting celebratory events at our church and inviting many of our neighbors to join us.

Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope
We are setting out on a weekend-long journey to learn about our city through the lens of race and class. We will visit sites, hear from leaders, and reflect on what we’re seeing.

 

Special Teams

Good Neighbor Team
The Good Neighbor Team is leading us in building relationships with people and other organizations in the local neighborhoods and downtown area.

Prayer Team
The Prayer Team is leading us in praying for our city and praying for discernment in how we can best serve and love our neighbors.

 

Staying Connected

Upcoming Events
To find out about what’s happening, look at the events page on the blog, the bulletin board in the hallway in front of the Sanctuary, the newsletter, and the announcements in the church bulletin.

The Buzz
We are keeping a conversation going about what we’re learning. To be a part of that buzz:

  • Visit our blog (http://dukememorialumc.blogspot.com/) where you can find reflections, a reading list, and other websites to help you know your city.
  • If you have a reflection, a story, or an idea about a ministry our church can start or be involved with, send a message in the “What are you hearing?” form below.


One Church, One Book: Living Without Enemies

During the spring, to accompany our activities and events, our church is reading one book together in our small groups: Living Without Enemies, by Samuel Wells & Marcia Owen. This book, which focuses on our very own Durham, NC, casts a vision for ministry and mission that closely connects with our theme of “listening, learning and living with.” For more information about small groups, and to sign up, click here!

 

 

How can you get involved?

Fill out a survey. The survey will allow you to share your experiences, gifts and passions for mission. This will help you find a fitting place to participate (see below).

Attend the events. Come out to the Dinner and Discussions, service projects, celebrations and pilgrimage. Keep your eye on the calendar!

Join a team. Anyone is invited to be on the Good Neighbor Team and the Prayer Team. To help plan a special event, join a planning team. Once you fill out the survey below, we will match you with an appropriate team!

Join a small group. Get to know your sisters and brothers at church and learn more about a faithful model for ministry and mission. Small group sign-ups will be here in the beginning of February.

Share your ideas. If you have an idea, don’t hide it! Share it in the idea box or in the “What are you hearing?” message form below.

For more information, or to volunteer with any of these activities, call or email Reynolds Chapman at 683-3467 or reynoldschapman@dukememorial.org.

 

 

Ongoing Ministries

To find out more about ongoing ministries at Duke Memorial, follow the links below:

Discover your gifts for ministry

God has given every person spiritual gifts that make us uniquely suited for certain ministries.  Learn more about spiritual gifts and discover what your spiritual gifts are by taking this online inventory!

How can I use my gifts for ministry?

Once you have learned about your own spiritual gifts, talk with a pastor, staff person, or church member to learn about how you can begin to use your unique gifts in ministry with others.

 

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