Join us at The Table as we return to the weekly schedule on September 10. During this gathering, we connect over a meal, share the joys and concerns of our lives, and discuss relevant topics or just have fun. We begin with dinner from 5:30–6:15 pm. Then we share celebrations, prayers, and community announcements before getting into the topic or activity for the evening. Dinner is $10 for adults and youth (grades 6-12), $5 for children (grades K-5) and free for preschoolers. Activities for children and youth are also offered during this time.

We will gather at The Table each Wednesday (September 10–May 20, 2026) excluding: November 26, December 24 and 31, April 1.

September 10 topic —Art Behind the Walls

Sue Ethridge shares the work and impact of her 30-year career as an art therapist, working with psychiatric patients in the prison system.

Looking ahead in September: We will discuss the threats facing immigrant communities, bail reform, and how art therapy has been a kind of escape for those who are incarcerated.

Register and prepay for dinner here.

-Chalice Overy, Associate Pastor

Come Jam with the Pullen Pickers!

August 29

6:30–8:30 pm in Finlator Hall

Do you want to learn how a music pickin' jam circle works? The Pullen Pickers will lead an open jam circle and want to encourage other music-playing Pullenites to join. Pickers will be on hand to lead songs and explain the process. Singing and harmonizing are a big part of it all. Songs tend to be simple with 4-6 chords.

Jam-friendly instruments include the guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass, and banjo. Other instruments like autoharps, dulcimers, penny whistles, and clawhammer banjos are also welcome. And you can even be a beginner on your instrument. Jamming is a great experience! Come join the fun!

For more information, email Noelle Schofield or text Noelle at 919-274-6626.

-Noelle Schofield

Sunday in the Park!

September 7

11 am–1:30 pm on Gregg Museum lawn (1903 Hillsborough St., Raleigh)

Join us for this annual outdoor worship service, as we commune with the wisdom and wonder of the wild! Don't worry, we won't be going into the wilderness. We'll gather next door on the Gregg Museum lawn. With grass under our feet, trees filling out the congregation, and birds joining our choir and orchestra, we will pay attention to the ways in which the natural world serves as a portal to seeing and experiencing the sacred.

After service, we will continue the fellowship over a potluck meal. If you are able, please bring a dish to share with 6-8 people. You can drop off the food in Finlator Hall before worship.

So, grab a lawn chair and join us for Sunday in the Park!

-Chalice Overy, Associate Pastor

Film Screening: My Name is Pauli Murray

September 12

7:00–9:30 pm in Finlator Hall

In a time of historical erasure, we remember a local hero, Pauli Murray. As an activist and lawyer, Murray fought vigorously against Jim Crow and Jane Crow and continued to break barriers as the first Black woman ordained in the Episcopal Church. Murray's legacy continues as a historical figure in the trans rights movement, based on Murray's writings and expression of their own gender identity.

The screening will be followed by a conversation with Rev. Racquel Gill, who is on the board of the Pauli Murray Center in Durham and the Theologian in Residence at the Resource Center for Women in Ministry in the South.

There is no cost for this event. Please RSVP here.

-Chalice Overy. Associate Pastor

Do Justice! — Organize Weekly on Zoom, Anytime on Signal

Thursdays, August 28 and September 4

12:15–12:55 pm

Would you like a community to support you in the pursuit of a more just world? Are you looking for concrete ways to put your faith into action? Join us for Do Justice! — a weekly Zoom gathering of Pullenites committed to showing up and showing out for justice love! Every week, you will come away with a concrete action plan, no matter how much (or how little) time you can spare!

To RSVP and get Zoom meeting details, including meeting ID and passcode, click here.

You can also join us on Signal. Our Do Justice! community has recently expanded into a Signal group, an organizing platform where you can connect with other Pullenites in real time — sharing and responding to calls to action. Whether you want feedback on a letter to the editor or to meet up with other Pullenites at a protest downtown, this platform is the place to gather, organize, and mobilize for justice! Download the Signal app here. Then email Deb Norton to request access to the Do Justice! Group or get more information.

-Deb Norton

Sunday Groups

Check out our Adult Sunday Groups

Featured

Foundations for Faith

Sundays, September 14–December 7

9:30–10:30 am in Room 307

This Sunday Group is primarily a Bible study class led by a rotating team of teachers. Teachers will lead sessions that focus on various themes, Books of the Bible, or other faith-based topics. The format includes lectures and lots of open discussion.

Sessions will be taught by Pam Hunter-Dempsey, Chalice Overy, David Walley, and Jim Jarrard. These four offer a rich mix of life experiences in theological study, teaching, parish leadership, and social justice activism — promising a rewarding, stimulating class experience.

There are no prerequisites for this class; no Bible study experience is necessary. We invite all ages, singles, and couples to join us.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor

Book Study Led by Amy Marschall

September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19

9:30–10:30 am in Room 308

Participants will read and discuss Srdja Popovic's book, Blueprint for Revolution: How to Use Rice Pudding, Lego Men, and Other Nonviolent Techniques to Galvanize Communities, Overthrow Dictators, or Simply Change the World (2015). As the title suggests, it's an engaging read.

Popovic was one of the leaders of Serbia's Otpor Movement, which ousted Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. Since then, Srdja has worked for the Center for Applied Nonviolent Actions and Strategies (CANVAS) and has inspiring stories to tell.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor

AI and the Ethics of AI: A Faithful Exploration

September 14, 21, 28; October 5

9:30–10:30 am in Room 310

This four-week session will explore:

What artificial intelligence (AI) is today and what it might be in future decades.
.The definition of machine learning — its history, technologies, and current uses.
A deeper look into the good, bad, ugly, and indifferent — responsible use of machine learning; and ways it has already been used to help and hurt, such as in the climate transition.
Most importantly: How our spirituality informs our feelings about AI.

Andrew Hurtzel will facilitate this session. Andrew and his family (wife Kelly, children Ari and Maya) joined Pullen recently. Andrew has a Master’s of Analytics from NCSU and has been AI-curious for over a decade. In his free time, Andrew camps, studies mycology, and tries to improve his musical skills.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor

What I Believe When It Comes to My Faith

September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12

9:30–10:30 am in the Chapel

“Stories are the style and substance of life. They fashion and fill existence…If without stories we live not, stories live not without us.” –Phyllis Trible

When we share our personal stories of faith, we connect more deeply with one another. Another’s faith story can validate and challenge us to go deeper within our own story. Over the course of this series, five diverse Pullenites will share how their faith story began, how it has evolved, and where they are now in their journey.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor

Google and the Holy Spirit: The Life and Faith of Millennials and Generation Z

October 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16

9:30–10:30 am in Room 310

During this Sunday Group, members of Pullen’s Young-ish Adults Group will share their life and faith experiences — what it is like to be Millennial or Gen Z living in today’s world. In addition to getting to know Pullen’s young adults, you will learn new ways of seeing the world, through their wisdom and insights, that you might not have considered. This session is an opportunity for our community to engage in meaningful generational conversations.

-Nancy E. Petty, Pastor

Pullen 101: Exploring Faith, Community, and Connection

September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2

9:30–10:30 am in Finlator Hall

Are you thinking about joining Pullen, or just want to learn more? Pullen 101 is a unique opportunity to hear from Pullen staff and members about our history, values, and the ways we put our faith into action. This intimate eight-week class gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get to know other people at the church.

Pullen 101 is for those who are new to the community, thinking about joining, or just want to get a better sense of who we are.

If you are interested in joining Pullen 101, please email Chalice Overy by September 2.

-Chalice Overy, Associate Pastor

Kids

Here's what's happening in our Kids Ministry!

Featured

Pullen Kids Sunday Groups

September 14–November 9 (except November 2)

9:30–10:40 am in Rooms 122–124

This fall, children in grades K–5 will experience a vibrant Sunday morning ministry through Pullen Kids Sunday Groups. Grades 4–5 enrolled in Our Whole Lives (OWL) will attend a nationally-recognized sexuality education series led by trained facilitators. The OWL curriculum includes: Sunday sessions (September 14, 21, 28; October 26; November 9); an overnight at Pullen, and a fall retreat. OWL begins with a required parent/child orientation on September 6.

Children not participating in OWL will join the Why Church? series, exploring what it means to be part of the church through storytelling, games, crafts, and surprises.

On four special Music Sundays (Oct. 12, 19; November 16, 23), Grades 3–5 will join the Children’s Choir — preparing music for worship and a collaboration with the Oak Choir on December 7. Grades K–2 will attend Music Friends, a joyful, age-appropriate introduction to music and movement.

-Tommy Cook, Minister with Children and Their Families

Kids Quest

Wednesdays

6:15–7:30 pm

Kids Quest begins the weekly fall schedule on September 3. Pullen children can enjoy fun-filled activities on Wednesday nights! For preschoolers, there’s free play in Room 120. For older children—free play and story time in Room 125, craft time in Room 122, and game time in Room 116 and on the playground.

Kids Quest meets each Wednesday, September–December 2025 (excluding October 29; November 26; December 17, 24 and 31).

-Tommy Cook, Minister with Children and Their Families

Pullen PALs Summer Storytime

Wednesdays

10:30–11:30 am, RSVP to Shelby Forrest for Location

Parents of babies and toddlers are invited to join us on Wednesdays for Pullen PALs Summer Storytime! We will have a story and songs, followed by free play. All are welcome to join this community event. For information about the meet-up location, contact Shelby Forrest. shelbymforrest@gmail.com

-Tommy Cook

Pullen Kids Our Whole Lives (OWL) Program (Grades 4-5)

This fall, the Our Whole Lives (OWL) curriculum will be offered again for children in grades 4-5. OWL is sexuality education covered in 10 workshops. This program is designed to help children gain the knowledge, life principles, and skills needed to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. Lynn Jarrard, Shane Barham, and Tommy Cook are trained facilitators who will lead this journey for our families, as part of the Pullen Kids Sunday Group curriculum.

Activity Schedule

September 6 (9:30 am–noon, starting in Finlator Hall) — Requiredorientationfor parents/caregivers and children.
September 12–13 — Owl Overnighter at Pullen
September 21 and 28, October 26, and November 9 (9:30–10:40 am in Rooms 122 and 124) — OWL classes during Kids Sunday Group
November 1–2 — Owl Overnight Retreat

If you have not received the information email about OWL, or if you know someone in our community who might want more information, please email Tommy Cook as soon as possible.

-Tommy Cook, Minister with Children and Their Families

Children’s Worship at Pullen

Aug 18

Each Sunday (excluding First Sundays)

11 am–noon in Room 126

During Children's Worship, kids (grades 1–3) can "come close to God" in a setting designed to accommodate more wiggles and giggles. Pullen uses the Godly Play Curriculum, which incorporates the Montessori method of teaching. Parents are welcome to accompany their children.

The regular schedule resumes on September 14.

-Tommy Cook, Minister with Children and Their Families

Preschool Care

Sundays

9:30 am–noon in Room 117 (infant / toddler); Room 120 (two years and up)

No childcare will be available August 24 and 31; September 7; December 21 and 28.

Note: The fall schedule resumes on September 14.

While adults engage in our impactful Sunday Groups, we provide dedicated childcare for preschoolers. During worship services, preschoolers are lovingly cared for in our nursery. All paid and volunteer staff who care for the children have gone through Pullen’s “Safe Congregation” training and have been background-checked.

If you are interested in volunteering in the nursery, please contact Tommy Cook.

-Tommy Cook, Minister with Children and Their Families

Pullen PALs (Parents and Littles): Family Dinner

August 23

5–7:30 pm at Transfer Co. Food Hall (500 E. Davie St., Raleigh)

Are you the parent, grandparent or guardian of a baby, toddler, or preschooler and want to connect with other parents at Pullen? Join the Pullen PALs for this family dining experience! Siblings and caregivers are also welcome. To learn more, please contact Maggie Zeillmann at 919-757-3658.

-Tommy Cook, Minister with Children and Their Families

Youth

Here's what's happening in our Youth Ministry!

Featured

Youth Fall Kickoff

September 3

6–7 pm in Finlator Hall

The youth leadership invites all rising 6th–12th graders and their families to attend this annual event. We will connect, discuss programming, and share a blessing for the new school year. Light snacks will be served. If you plan to join us, please RSVP here.

-Allie Pruden, Youth Coordinator

Youth Lock-In

October 17–18

Drop-off—6 pm, Friday

Pick-up—8 am, Saturday

Room 111-B (HOST space)

Kick off the fall season with us at this overnight event! We will share a meal, play games, eat snacks, and even watch a movie! Please bring any items that will make you comfortable during a night spent on the floor. Saturday morning pick-up is at 8 am sharp! If you plan to join us, RSVP here.

-Allie Pruden, Youth Coordinator

Youth Group

Weekly on Wednesday

6:30-7:30 pm in Room 111-B (HOST space)

Students are invited to explore their faith in the context of everyday life, and what’s happening in the world. Join us for fun, fellowship, and snacks.

Before Youth Group, students are invited to join the community dinner at 5:30 pm in Finlator Hall.

(excluding November 26; December 24 and 31; April 1)

-Chalice Overy, Associate Pastor

Youth Sunday Group

September 14–May 17

9:30–10:30 am in Room 111-B (HOST space)

Are there people you cherish who are no longer here? Do you still remember them or the things they taught you? This year, we will get in touch with the ancestors of our faith story — like Father Abraham, Eve, Sarah, Judas, and Lydia. We will discover how their mundane and miraculous lives look like our own or teach us about how to live today.

Join us on Sunday mornings! We begin by checking in with each other and usually find a fun way to get into the topic of the day. We strive for honest dialogue that is accessible, no matter where you are on the spectrum of faith.

(excluding December 14, 21, and 28; April 5)

-Chalice Overy, Associate Pastor

Young Adults

Here’s what’s happening in our Young Adults Ministry!

Featured

Young-ish Adults Sunday Lunch

Every 4th Sunday at 12:15 pm at 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.

-Philip Taff

Young-ish Adults Group

Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in Finlator Hall

The Young-ish adults will meet each Tuesday at 6:30 pm in Finlator Hall. Join us as we share the stories of our lives and discuss topics that matter to us.

-Nancy Petty, Pastor

LGBTQIA+

Here's what's happening in our LGBTQIA+ Ministry!

Featured

LGBTQIA+ Family and Friends Lunch

Second Sundays from 12:15-1:15 pm at La Terraza (2217 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh)

Join us after worship for a time of connection, conversation, and community. All are welcome — bring your appetite and your true self!

We will gather on the second Sunday of each month, at the same location.

-Vernon Burkhart

The Jack McKinney LGBTQ and Straight Allies Support Group

Third Mondays

7 – 8:30 pm in the Chapel

This support group is open to all LGBTQ friends, families, and straight allies who wish to share and be heard in a safe nonjudgmental atmosphere. The group offers a supportive, caring, and confidential space for sharing joys and frustrations.

-Chalice Overy, Associate Pastor

Music

Here's what's happening in our Music Ministry!

Featured

Caroling Christmas Choir (Youth and Adults)

October 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 ; December 3 & 10'

7:30 pm in Room 203

Youth and adults are invited to register for this choir that prepares music for Pullen’s third “Caroling Christmas” service following the traditional Christmas Breakfast on Sunday, December 14. This joyful, interactive service combines the Caroling Christmas Choir with the Pullen Orchestra and congregation in festive and meaningful carols of the season. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, beginning October 15, 7:30-8:30 pm in Room 203. This choir will also join the Pullen Orchestra in presenting music a service at a local retirement community (Tentative date: afternoon of Sunday, December 7).

-Larry Schultz, Minister of Music

Worship Choir Rehearsals (Youth and Adults)

Sundays (excluding December 14 and 28)

10:15 am in Room 203

This choir gathers each Sunday morning to enliven congregational singing and offer accessible music for that day’s worship. There are no prerequisites or prior rehearsals needed. All youth and adults are welcome on any Sunday!

Rehearsals begin on Sunday, September 14.

-Larry Schultz, Minister of Music

Summer Worship Choir

Sundays in August (except August 31)

10:30 am in Room 203

All ages are welcome to join the Summer Worship Choir! We will enliven congregational singing and offer other musical expressions for worship. No prior experience or prerequisites are required.

-Larry Schultz, Minister of Music

Adults

Here's what's happening in our Adult ministries!

Featured

Men's Group: MEETINGS PAUSED FOR THE SUMMER

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the book, Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most. Whether or not you have read the book, you are welcome to participate. Our conversations often touch on topics that everyone can relate to from their own life experiences. This group is open to all who identify as masculine.

-Kevin Neiley or Andrew Kasper

August 25

6 pm at Dos Taquitos (6101 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh)

We invite all who identify as female to join us for the next Pullen Women’s Group event. We get together to visit and catch up, with no special agenda. Newcomers are welcome, and this is a great way to meet other Pullenites!

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling or texting Rita Rakestraw at 919-360-0975.

-Rita Rakestraw

Earth Ministry: Caring for God’s Creation

First Mondays

7 pm on Zoom

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. Email Karen Delahunty for the Zoom link.

-Karen Delahunty

Resettlement and Sanctuary Mission Group

Quarterly on Zoom

This group provides sanctuary for immigrants in danger of deportation. There are opportunities for volunteers who would like to contribute time and resources towards this important work. They meet quarterly on Zoom.

-Serena Buckner

Pullen Mission Women

Second Tuesdays, starting September 9 from 10–11:30 am in the Library and on Zoom

Reaching out to each other and the world is the focus of Pullen Mission Women. In our monthly circle, women meet for fellowship, support, devotions, and informative, inspirational programs. We respond to local and international needs through financial assistance and in-kind gifts (ongoing food drive for Urban Ministries, annual clothing and toiletry drive for Episcopal Farmworker Ministries, participation with the AMOS baby layette project). We meet monthly on the second Tuesday and welcome all female-identifying members and friends of Pullen. For those who cannot attend in person, a Zoom option is available. Please contact Deb Norton for information and Zoom links.

-Deb Norton

Volunteer Opportunities

Learn more about getting connected through volunteering!

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.
Click here to sign up
Contact: Tommy Cook
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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