On Sunday, July 19th, Blacknall will be recognizing and blessing our new community partnerships with Reality Ministries and Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). At both worship services, we will pray for and bless the staff of these organizations. We will also have a potluck luncheon after the second service where we will hear more about what these organizations are doing and ways that we can be involved in the work that God is doing through them.
These partnerships are part of our congregational vision of participating together in Christ’s mission. We are hoping that we will be able to enter more deeply into relationships with one another and with our partners in mission through these intentional and intensive partnerships. In the weeks following Partnership Sunday, we will be hearing testimonies from members of Blacknall who have been involved with Reality and IHN and we will learn about opportunities for us to be involved together.
Reality Ministries
www.realityministriesinc.org
Reality Ministries is a ministry of relationship and presence, reflecting the heart of Jesus for those who are marginalized due to poverty, violence, lack of opportunity, and special needs. To see what Reality is all about, Blacknallites are encouraged to visit their community center called the “Reality Center” at 916 Lamond Street, which is directly across the street from Durham School of the Arts (just let them know you are coming!).
During the school year, volunteers can get involved with Reality Ministries as an after-school tutor, or as a “buddy” during “Tuesday Night Live,” a ministry alongside friends with disabilities. This summer, Reality Ministries has opened its doors to middle and high school students as a day-center, providing safe space for playing games, developing leadership skills, and learning about Jesus. To spend time building relationships with these students, contact Reality Ministries at 919-688-7776 or realityministriesinc@gmail.com.
Interfaith Hospitality Network
www.dihn.org
For thirteen years, the Durham Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) has dedicated itself to the mission of ending family homelessness in Durham. Recognizing that providing shelter alone was only a quick fix, IHN pioneered a new approach. Based on a cost effective, nationally recognized model that efficiently applies volunteers and resources, 30 local congregations and over 900 volunteers have agreed to provide the shelter and meals for the guest families while IHN provides the intensive case management and support services. With this system, homeless families are not only provided with personal care and support, but they are also given the tools to truly get back on their feet and achieve stability and independence once again.
Blacknall volunteers with IHN as a “support congregation,” meaning that we provide rides, meals, and overnight support during the weeks that the IHN guest families are staying at Trinity United Methodist Church. To volunteer, contact Brian Averette at Brian.Averette@catalent.com. In addition, IHN has also recognized that many guest families are stressed and lonely during their time with IHN. They have asked us to plan fun activities for the whole family to enrich their Saturday afternoons and to create support groups for those families that would like a community to journey with them. If you would like to help with these events, contact Brian Diekman at brian.diekman@duke.edu.
If you cannot be in church on July 19th or would like more information about these partnerships, please contact Amanda or Brian Diekman (Amanda.Diekman@gmail.com or brian.diekman@duke.edu) or David Dunderdale (ddunderdale@blacknall.org).
To find out the best way for you to get involved, we have made a chart of opportunities, ranging from a first-time visit to a weekly volunteer. There are even projects for small groups and families to serve together! Download the PDF here:
