Fall Adult Groups
This year have made an effort to integrate our approach to faith formation, spiritual practices, biblical education, music ministry, and community advocacy. We have our ongoing traditional groups and gatherings along with shorter, topic-specific classes. You will have the opportunity to choose between these classes, combining experiences that fit your needs and enhance your faith. If you just want to see a few faces and say hello, there’s a Zoom for that. If you want to learn a little more about an interesting topic, there’s a Zoom for that. And if you want to take a deep dive into some challenging conversation with folks who are looking to grow together, there’s a Zoom for that too! See the full list below.
Our programming year officially begins the week of September 13. You must register for the Exploration Courses by Sept. 8, as we will only hold these courses if there is sufficient interest. Register for these courses or other offerings on the Groups page in Realm. If you are not able to sign up via Realm, please contact Chalice Overy (covery@pullen.org).
Exploratory Courses
Are We Fragile? Exploring White Fragility Among Progressives, Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm, Virtual.
Using Robin DeAngelo’s widely acclaimed book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard to Talk About Racism,” this series will explore whether it’s true that white progressives are obstacles to addressing personal and systemic racism. 8 Wednesday evening sessions led by Cathy Tamsberg will include consideration of the major themes in DeAngelo’s book as well as critiques of her analysis.
Earth Ministry, Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm, Sep. 15 - Oct. 6, Virtual
A 4-week course presented by Pullen’s Earth Ministry. Earth Ministry is a dedicated group of people seeking ways to live a life that cares for Creation as part of our Christian Spiritual practices. This ministry creates opportunities to educate the congregation on ways that we can individually and collectively live a sustainable relationship with our planet.
Defund The Police?, Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm, Virtual
This abolition curriculum from the Mennonite Church dives into the history of policing and challenges us to see what public safety and transformative justice might look like outside of policing. This 9-week class is a joint endeavor with the United Church of Chapel Hill, co-led by Chalice Overy and Ian McPherson. Space is limited, so we ask that participants commit to attend at least 6 of the 9 sessions.
Living with Illness, Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm, Oct. 27 - Nov. 17, Virtual
This 4-week course is designed for those whose change in health status has necessitated profound shifts in their daily lives. Through discussion, centering prayer, journaling, and art, we will support each other and try to “give the mess some meaning,” as author Mary Earle writes. We’ll work with Earle's “Beginning Again: Benedictine Wisdom for Living with Illness” and Toni Bearnhard’s “How to be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and their Caregivers.” Each text moves the reader toward deeper self-compassion and acceptance, opening the possibility for transformative practices. There is no expectation that one divulge personal medical information to take part in the group. Confidentiality is sacred. Co-lead by Grace Evans and Dana Wynne Lindquist.
Ongoing Groups
Chancel Choir, 2nd Sundays at 9:00 am & 4th Sundays at 4:00 pm, Hybrid
This group provides worship leadership through the choral art as it engages the texts and music of hymns, anthems, service music, and larger choral works that resonate with the values of the Pullen congregation. Offering the opportunity for growth in communal music-making, this group welcomes all adults with any or no prior choral experience. Following Pullen’s safety protocols related to the spread of the Delta Variant, the Chancel Choir will not currently rehearse indoors or sing in-person for worship. Once a month the choir will record music for use in worship, and interested individuals from the group will be engaged for worship leadership. The choir will gather outdoors for rehearsal on the second Sunday of each month at 9:00 am and will connect online the fourth Sunday of each month at 4:00 pm.
Exploring the Bible, Sundays, 5:00-5:45 pm, Virtual
With a rotating roster of teachers, Exploring the Bible focuses on thematic, topical, and exegetical passages from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. The group combines the best and current practices of biblical scholarship with contemporary issues and social situations.
Discoverers, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm, Virtual
The Discoverers Sunday Group moves into another uncertain year for gathering in-person heartened by the time we've spent together virtually during the pandemic. If meeting in-person is safe, Discoverers will gather on Sunday mornings to consider topics that will help us become better human beings, more loving in our relationships, and more courageous in supporting God’s justice work in the world. Leadership of this Sunday Group is shared by members who will kick off each enthusiastic discussion with a podcast, a poem, a piece of art, or another conversation starter. All are welcome.
Pullen Orchestra, 4th Sundays, 4:00 pm, Virtual
This intergenerational group combines both adults and youth to provide instrumental music and accompaniments for services of worship at Pullen and for community events. Players of wind, string, and percussion instruments (intermediate level and beyond) are invited to participate. Following Pullen’s safety protocols related to the spread of the Delta Variant, the Pullen Orchestra will not currently rehearse indoors or play in-person for worship, though interested individuals will be engaged for worship leadership. For now, the orchestra will use outside space for periodic rehearsals and worship services, and may occasionally record music for service use. The group will connect online the fourth Sunday of each month at 4:00 pm.
The Table, Wednesdays, 6:00-6:30 pm, Virtual
The Table is a place for our community to connect in a less formal setting, and engage in conversation about things that matter. We greet each other and take a good 15 minutes just to chat. Then we celebrate birthdays, share announcements, joys and concerns, and we pray together. From there, you can say goodbye or connect to one of the Exploration Courses offered on Wednesday evening.
Spiritual Practices, Sundays, 9:30-10:30 am, Virtual
The Spiritual Practices Sunday group will continue to deepen its exploration of contemplative practices in a worship-like fashion, including centering prayer, chant, lovingkindness meditation and lectio divina. This year, we will expand our practices to acknowledge our relationship with the natural world.
Several times during the fall we will gather for an all-congregation gathering featuring special guests and topics.
Weds, 10/20: The Anti-racist Church Committee with present followed by small group discussion
Sun, 10/31: LaShauna Austria will join us to talk about her work as a farmer, activist, and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ
Weds, 12/1: Pullen will commemorate World AIDS Day
Wed, 12/8: Advent Candlelight Service
Sun, 12/12: Brian Crisp and Charles Holden will explore the art of Advent and Nativity
Wed, 12/15: LoveFeast