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Churchwide
NC Shape-Note Singers Host All-Day Singing Event
February 28
9:30 am–3:30 pm in the Chapel
The NC Shape-Note Singers invite Pullenites and the Raleigh/Wake community to the annual statewide singing convention
Wake County Community Assembly for Immigrant Defense
January 31
5–7 pm in Finlator Hall
Join this town hall to help organize our community around the protection of our neighbors, friends, and colleagues from the violence of ICE and other law enforcement.
National Day of Racial Healing (Chalice Overy, Keynote Speaker)
January 17
8:30–10 am at St. Joseph's AME Church (2521 Fayetteville Rd, Durham)
This year's program will feature keynote speaker Rev. Chalice Overy of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
Important Notice from the Church Administrator
To ensure that your 2026 Pledge is processed correctly, log in to Realm now and double-check that your recurring payments are set up for 2026.
February 22nd
12:15 pm (after worship service) in Finlator Hall
Don’t miss this opportunity to honor the Pullen Elders at this third Spaghetti Sunday, after worship.
Panel Discussion: Who Is My Neighbor?
January 29
6–8 pm in Finlator Hall
Join the Pullen Anti-Racist Committee (ARC) and guest panelists for an insightful look at the challenges of our Latinx neighbors under the Trump administration.
Siembra NC: ICE Watch Dispatcher and Verifier Training
January 10, 2026
5:30 pm–8:00 pm | Finlator Hall
Participants will learn how to verify ICE activity, communicate accurate information, and support rapid community response.
Service of Grief and Healing
January 31, 2026
2:00–4:00 pm | Sanctuary, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church followed by a reception in Finlator Hall)
This gentle, reflective service creates space to name losses of many kinds and to seek healing together.
Fifth Sunday Offering to Provide Emergency Assistance
Each week, the church receives calls from the community seeking financial assistance for rent, electricity, gas, and medicine.
Gratitude and Update from Crossing Lines Africa (Uganda)
Dear Friends at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church,
I am writing on behalf of Crossing Lines Africa in Uganda to express our heartfelt thanks for the generous gift of $630 that we recently received from you through BPFNA ~ Bautistas por la Paz.
Give Democracy a Hand
January 26
6-8 pm in Finlator Hall
Help us identify effective ways to boost voter participation in the 2026 elections.
Racial Healing Supper Club
First Tuesdays (Starting February 3, 2026)
6–8 pm in Finlator Hall
Join Pullenites for a monthly potluck and discussion gathering organized to facilitate reconciliation and friendship across racial groups.
Advent Candlelight Service in the Round
December 3
5:30 pm in Finaltor Hall (dinner)
6:30 pm in the Chapel (program)
Amid the holiday buzz, let's center ourselves in the Advent story.
Christmas Breakfast and Children's Play
December 14
9–10:30 am in Finlator Hall
Join us for a jolly ole time of Christmas fun!
Lovefeast
December 17
5:30–6:30 pm in Finlator Hall (Dinner)
6:30–7:30 pm in the Sanctuary (Lovefeast)
Join Pullen’s annual version of the historic Moravian Lovefeast.
The Table
Wednesdays
5:30 pm in Finlator Hall
Join us at The Table! During this gathering, we connect over a meal, share the joys and concerns of our lives, and discuss relevant topics or just have fun.
Making Connections Through Foyers
Join a Pullen Foyer group—monthly small gatherings over a simple meal that foster warmth, connection, and community.
Do Justice! — Work for a World of Justice-Love
First Thursdays
noon–1 pm on Zoom (new meeting time)
Note: The first meeting in 2026 is rescheduled for January 8.
Would you like to join others in pursuing a more just world?
Sunday Groups
Check out our Adult Sunday Groups
Journeying through Advent
November 30, December 7 & 21, Christmas Breakfast is December 14
A Sunday group exploring Advent scriptures and how the story of Jesus’ birth speaks to today’s world and challenges our social norms.
Exploring 3 Prophetic Voices that Shaped Biblical Studies: Brueggemann, Trible, and Hays
November 9, 16, & 23
A three-week series honoring Walter Brueggemann, Phyllis Trible, and Richard Hays, exploring how their scholarship and moral voices transformed modern Biblical interpretation.
Foundations for Faith
Sundays, September 14–December 7
9:30–10:30 am in Room 307
Join us this Sunday for a dynamic Bible study led by a diverse team of teachers, offering engaging lessons and open discussions on faith and scripture—no experience needed!
Kids
Here's what's happening in our Kids Ministry!
March Gladness: Kids Retreat at Camp Agape
March 6–8, 2026
Friday, 4:00 pm, to Sunday, 12:00 pm | Camp Agape, Fuquay-Varina
Pullen Kids in 2nd–5th grades are invited to a joyful weekend away at Camp Agape.
Pullen Kids Family Breakfast
January 4
9:30–10:45 am in Room 122
Parents and children (grades Pre-K–5) are invited to join us for a Sunday breakfast gathering.
Pullen Kids Advent Wreath Making Project & Lunch
November 30
12:15-1:15 pm in Finlator Hall
On the first day of Advent, families will have lunch, then gather to assemble Advent wreaths.
Pullen Kids Parents’ Day Out
December 6
1–5 pm in Rooms 120 and 122
Parents, do you need a few hours to run errands or unwind? Well, we've got you covered.
Pullen PALs (Parents and Littles): Family Dinner
Third Saturdays (starting January 17)
5–7 pm at Transfer Co. Food Hall (500 E. Davie St., Raleigh)
Do you want to connect with other parents of "littles" at Pullen?
Kids Quest
Wednesdays
6:15–7:30 pm
Kids Quest kicks off Sept. 3 with fun Wednesday night activities for Pullen kids—play, crafts, stories, and games!
Pullen PALs Storytime
Wednesdays
10:30–11:30 am in Room 125
Parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers are invited to Pullen PALs Storytime for stories, songs, and play—join the fun!
Pullen Kids Our Whole Lives (OWL) Program (Grades 4-5)
This fall, children in grades 4-5 have a unique opportunity to explore healthy sexuality through the trusted Our Whole Lives (OWL) program—discover all the details and how to get involved here.
Children’s Worship at Pullen
Aug 18
Each Sunday (excluding First Sundays)
11 am–noon in Room 126
Kids in grades 1–3 are invited to “come close to God” through playful, Montessori-inspired storytelling during Children’s Worship—learn more about this joyful experience here!
Preschool Care
Sundays
9:30 am–noon in Room 117 (infant / toddler); Room 120 (two years and up)
Please note there will be no childcare on select dates this fall—find out when care resumes and how you can volunteer to support our safe, nurturing environment here!
Youth
Here's what's happening in our Youth Ministry!
Youth Group: Christmas Cookie Decorating
December 14
12:15–1:30 pm in Finlator Hall
Take a break from the stress of exams, projects, and the busy holiday season. Enjoy the fellowship of your peers while decorating Christmas cookies!
Youth Group
Weekly on Wednesday
6:30-7:30 pm in Room 111-B (HOST space)
Students, join us for faith, fun, and snacks at Youth Group—plus community dinner at 5:30 pm before each session!
Youth Lock-In
October 17–18 | Drop-off—6 pm, Friday | Pick-up—8 am, Saturday
Room 111-B (HOST space)
Join our fall overnight event for food, games, snacks, and a movie—bring comfort items and RSVP here!
Youth Sunday Group
September 14–May 17
9:30–10:30 am in Room 111-B (HOST space)
Want to reconnect with the ancestors of our faith and discover how their stories resonate with our lives today? Join us Sunday mornings for honest, welcoming dialogue—details inside!
Young Adults
Here’s what’s happening in our Young Adults Ministry!
Young-ish Adults Sunday Lunch
Every 4th Sunday at 12:15 pm
The Players Retreat (105 Oberlin Rd., Raleigh)
Join us for this casual time to connect after church. We will gather at the front steps of the church and walk over together.
Young-ish Adults Group
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in Finlator Hall
Young-ish adults meet Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in Finlator Hall to share stories and discuss meaningful topics.
LGBTQIA+
Here's what's happening in our LGBTQIA+ Ministry!
LGBTQIA+ Family and Friends Lunch
Second Sundays from 12:15-1:15 pm
La Terraza (2217 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh)
Stay after worship for food, fellowship, and connection—everyone’s welcome!
The Jack McKinney LGBTQ and Straight Allies Support Group
Third Mondays
7 – 8:30 pm in the Chapel
All LGBTQ friends, families, and allies are welcome to this supportive, confidential sharing group.
Music
Here's what's happening in our Music Ministry!
Pullen Pickers: Join the Monthly Open Jam!
Last Friday of each month (Starting January 30)
5:30–7 pm in Finlator Hall
Do you play an instrument, like to sing, and want to learn how to play roots music in a jam circle?
Adult Festival Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, and 28
7:30–8:30 pm in Room 203
This choir prepares music for the Adult Choir Festival by the Sea, in Charleston, SC.
Youth Festival Choir: Rehearsals
Wednesdays, January 7—March 4. 2026
6–6:30 pm in Room 203
This choir prepares music for the Youth Choir Festival by the Sea in Myrtle Beach, SC on March 6–8, 2026.
Caroling Christmas Choir and Pullen Orchestra at Springmoor
December 7
4–5 pm at Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community (1500 Sawmill Rd, Raleigh)
The Caroling Christmas Choir and Pullen Orchestra will present holiday music for Springmoor residents in the community's auditorium.
Music Ministry Groups
The Pullen Music Ministry offers a variety of opportunities for individuals to experience the benefits and joys of communal music-making. All are welcome to participate!
Caroling Christmas Choir (Youth and Adults)
October 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 ; December 3 & 10
7:30-8:30 pm in 203
Join the Caroling Christmas Choir—rehearsals start Oct. 15 for a joyful Dec. 14 service with choir, orchestra, and carols!
Resonance Choir: (Youth and Adults)
Wednesdays, March 11—April 22, 2026 (excluding April 1)
7:30–8:30 pm in 203
Join the Resonance Choir this spring and help lead a powerful worship service celebrating Pullen’s ever-becoming life and ministries on April 26!
Adult Festival Choir
Wednesdays, January 7—28, 2026
7:30-8:30 pm in 203
Sing with purpose and prepare for an inspiring Charleston choir festival—join the Adult Festival Choir as rehearsals starting January 7!
Youth Festival Choir
Wednesdays, January 7—March 4, 2026
6–6:30 pm in 203
Lift your voice with friends and prepare for an unforgettable Myrtle Beach festival—join the Youth Festival Choir with rehearsals beginning January 7!
Worship Choir (Youth and Adults)
Sundays (excluding December 14 and 28, and April 26)
10:15 am in 203
Participate in the Sunday Worship Choir starting Sept. 14—no experience needed, all youth and adults welcome!
Summer Worship Choir
Sundays in June-August (except the Sunday before Labor Day)
10:30 am in Room 203
All ages are invited to lift their voices and enrich worship in the Summer Worship Choir—no experience needed, just come ready to sing!
Adults
Here's what's happening in our Adult ministries!
Men’s Group
Wednesdays, September 10—May 20
6:30–7:30 pm in the Library
Join a weekly discussion group starting Sept. 10 to explore podcasts, readings, and current events through shared life experiences.
Pullen Women’s Group
August 25
6 pm at Dos Taquitos (6101 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh)
All who identify as female are invited to the next Pullen Women’s Group for casual conversation and connection—newcomers welcome!
Earth Ministry: Caring for God’s Creation
First Mondays
7 pm on Zoom
Join Earth Ministry to explore sustainable living as a spiritual practice—read more for the Zoom link!
Resettlement and Sanctuary Mission Group
Quarterly on Zoom
Support immigrant sanctuary efforts—volunteers welcome; quarterly Zoom meetings held.
Pullen Mission Women
Second Tuesdays, starting September 9 from 10–11:30 am in the Library and on Zoom
Pullen Mission Women gather monthly for fellowship, support, and service—joining to meet local and global needs both in person and via Zoom; all female-identifying members and friends are welcome!
News
Here's what's happening with Pullen news!
Below is a list of current newsletter articles. To see the most recent newsletter, click here. To sign up for our weekly emails, click here.
Joys and Concerns in December
Pullen is a loving, compassionate community that cares for and shares with one another — in sickness and in health, in good times and in troubled times.
Experience the Stones of Iona
The Isle of Iona, located off the southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, has some of the oldest known stones on earth.
Kate Clay Resigns as Pullen Communications Director
Kate Clay has submitted her resignation as Pullen Communications Director, effective January 1.
Church Office Receptionist Volunteers Needed
The Pullen church office staff needs the support of volunteer receptionists — Monday through Thursday, for 9 am–1 pm shifts.
Gratitude and Update from Crossing Lines Africa (Uganda)
Dear Friends at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church,
I am writing on behalf of Crossing Lines Africa in Uganda to express our heartfelt thanks for the generous gift of $630 that we recently received from you through BPFNA ~ Bautistas por la Paz.
October Update from the Finance Committee
Quarterly statements will be mailed during the first week of October.
Parking at Pullen: Ticket/Towing Alert!
On a recent Wednesday evening, some church members who parked along Cox Avenue received parking tickets.
2025 Anti-Racism Progress at Pullen
Throughout 2025 the Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) initiated, organized, facilitated, and hosted activities that continued to move Pullen closer to becoming an anti-racist congregation.
From the Personnel Committee: Staffing Updates
Based on feedback from the Coordinating Council, we plan to move forward with a search committee for Church Administrator.
Joys and Concerns in October
Pullen is a loving, compassionate community that cares for and shares with one another — in sickness and in health, in good times and in troubled times.
Round Table Fellowship Needs Tuesday Coordinators
The Pullen Round Table Fellowship provides a warm, satisfying meal to all who come to our church doors on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Supporting Michael Watkins Through Cancer Treatment
In early 2025, Michael Watkins was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Joys and Concerns in October
Pullen is a loving, compassionate community that cares for and shares with one another — in sickness and in health, in good times and in troubled times.
Share Your Ideas for The Table in 2026!
The Wednesday Night Committee wants your ideas for The Table in 2026.
From the Anti-Racism Committee: Our New Name
With a new, streamlined name — Anti-Racism Committee — we look forward to continuing the work of ever-becoming an anti-racist church together.
The Hope Center Angel Tree: Pullen Supports 20 Foster Youth/Families
Pullen folks are supporting The Hope Center Angel Tree again this year.
All Saints' Sunday
November 2
5 pm in the Sanctuary (replaces 11 am service)
All Saints’ Sunday is the Pullen tradition of remembering those who have shaped our lives and our church community.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Build Day in Apex
On September 13, six Pullenites joined several other volunteers in Apex to build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) to donate to families that do not have beds for their children.
Civil Rights Museum visit.
Twenty seven Pullenites enjoyed a train trip to Greensboro on Sept. 27th to tour the International Civil Rights Museum.
Joys and Concerns in September
Celebrating joys, praying in loss and praying with our community.
Important Update: Church Documents Moving to Realm
We are moving important documents from our public website to Realm, our secure online platform.
Tree Care Happening Around Pullen
Over the next few weeks, you may notice tree care activity.
Donation Collection for Cuba
Sundays through November 30
On Sundays, Pullen is collecting donations for our friends at Primera Iglesia Bautista Matanzas in Cuba. During church time, there will be a donations box at the church’s front entrance and the Finlator back door.
Worship Livestream Is Moving to YouTube!
This Sunday, September 28, Pullen’s worship livestreaming will move from Vimeo to YouTube.
An Update from Jim and Susan Pike
A heartfelt farewell from longtime Pullen members reflecting on 16 years of friendship, faith, and the lasting impact of Pullen’s social gospel mission
Final Call: Volunteer with AMOS in Nicaragua, November 7–16
Join Pullen friends in Nicaragua this November to support life-changing healthcare with AMOS—3–5 more travelers needed by Sept. 8!
Congregational Meeting
12–12:30 in the Sanctuary
Meet Issa Farhoud, candidate for Minister with Youth and Their Families—congregational vote on Sept. 21; meet him Sept. 3 or 7!
The Janice and Mahan Siler Memorial Garden Fee Increase
Columbarium and memorial fees will increase starting Jan. 1, 2026—see full details here.
Kiara Ruth to Serve as Interim Administrative Assistant
Kiara Ruth returns as Interim Administrative Assistant—join us in welcoming her back to the Pullen staff!
Volunteer Opportunities
Learn more about getting connected through volunteering!
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Volunteers Needed As Nursery Workers!
There is an immediate need for children and families during Sunday groups and worship at Pullen. Nursery caregivers work as a team, receive on-the-job training, and get to hold babies!!! Please check the form below to get more details and sign up. Workers select the dates they are available.
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Audio/Visual Team
Pullen is in need of some Audio/Visual Team Volunteers! Experience is great, but we are also willing to train. The commitment for being on the Audio/Visual team is serving one Sunday a month from 9:30-12:00 pm and potentially special events. This is a great service opportunity for students!
Contact: Kate Amesbury
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Kids Ministry
It is vital that we have people in place to support Pullen's children. We currently need volunteers to offer childcare, teach, lead workshops, lead worship, and greet families as they arrive. Click here to learn more about the specific opportunities in our Children’s Ministry or express interest.
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Handy Corps
Do you enjoy fixing things and discussing important issues? Want to help keep our church building in great shape, while engaging in meaningful conversations? Join the Pullen Handy Corps! Every Wednesday at 9:30 am, the Handy Corps team checks in and coordinates the work orders for building maintenance and repairs.
By volunteering your time and talents, you’ll help save the church money, while building community and making a tangible difference. All skill levels are welcome – from the experienced handyperson to those eager to learn.
Contact: Vicky Bass
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Hosts
Do you enjoy making people feel welcome? We’re looking for people who can assist in extending our welcome to visitors after worship on Sundays. This could include collecting visitor cards, handing out printed information about Pullen based on a visitor’s interest, and just engaging in conversation for a few minutes. The commitment is one Sunday per month.
Contact Chalice Overy
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Office Volunteers
We’re looking for office volunteers to answer the phones and buzz people into the building. The hours needed are early to late afternoon.
Contact: Vicky Bass
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Sanctuary & Resettlement
Volunteers provide wrap-around support for immigrants in need of welcome in our community by offering rides, hosting outings in the community, helping with English conversation, and helping navigate the challenges of being a stranger in a new land.
Contact: Serena Buckner
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Security
Security-The Security Team walks the church during worship securing entrances, counting participants and providing general vigilance. The commitment is 1 Sunday every 6 weeks from approximately 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Contact Steve Gurganus
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Ushers
We need ushers to greet worshipers, hand out worship guides as people enter the sanctuary, and collect the offering. The commitment is one Sunday every six weeks, from 10:15 am-12:30 pm.
Contact: Dave Laboy
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Servers
Each week at The Table we need 3 servers and 1 person to collect the money for dinner. The commitment is one Wednesday per month from 5:15 - 6:15 pm.
Contact Chalice Overy
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Round Table Fellowship
Round Table offers people experiencing homelessness or housing and food insecurity to be the guest of Pullen on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. On these days, from 1-2 pm, we provide snack lunches and hospitality. Pullen supports this work through food donations, monetary gifts, and volunteer energy. This ministry provides around 50 guests that come to our door with food, an attentive ear, and a kind word as we find meaningful ways to build community. Volunteers are always welcome. To get involved, please contact Jan Crouch (Tuesday Round Table) or Ginny Going (Thursday Round Table).
The number of people coming to Round Table Ministry on Tuesdays and Thursdays is increasing. As a result, we will need to pack more lunches more frequently. Needed for our next packing are cans of Vienna sausages, cereal/granola bars, and 6-pack crackers. Please leave any items you can donate in the blue wagon outside the Church office.
Contact: Jan Crouch or Ginny Going
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Pullen Meals Ministry
The Pullen Meals Ministry provides meals to homes for members who may need them on a short-term basis, usually 1-3 meals. Typically, we are asked to help when members are dealing with health problems, recovery, or a death in the family, and that support cannot be provided within that member's network of family or friends. We have a good number of volunteers who have helped with this mission. However, there is a current need for more volunteers who can work together to ensure coverage. If you can put your name on the list to provide occasional support for this mission, please contact Chalice Overy.
Contact: Chalice Overy
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Pullen-Wiley Partnership Tutoring Opportunity
Pullen and Wiley Elementary School have enjoyed a long partnership (since 2001) that has provided Wed. after-school tutoring to support students who needed an extra academic boost. The pandemic interrupted the program abruptly when the schools turned to virtual learning in early 2020. This fall, volunteers are again being welcomed in schools, so we have an opportunity to consider restarting the tutoring program at Pullen on Wednesdays.
WCPSS is partnering with the YMCA to provide the HELPS tutor training program, targeted to improve reading fluency. This is the area that has been determined to be the greatest area of need to help students recover from the learning losses they have experienced. The YMCA has agreed to include our volunteers in the training which will take place in October.
Contact: Judy Williams or Nancy Jones

