In this summer series, the Committee on Becoming an Anti-racist Congregation invites you to examine your unconscious biases. “Unconscious biases” (also known as “implicit biases”) are the mental shortcuts our brains use to navigate the world efficiently. We all make snap judgments based on previous learning — such as information from media we’ve consumed, experiences we’ve had, and conversations we’ve heard. Because we are surrounded by the pervasive racial inequities in American society, the information which we base our snap judgments on is often tainted by racial stereotypes — whether we’re aware of it or not. 

Together, we will learn how and why our brains sometimes make decisions based on bias and practice concrete strategies to outsmart those biases. This powerful experience of self-discovery will help you to see the Divine more clearly in others and equip you to be an advocate for racial justice in all areas of your life. 

Contact: Nancy E. Petty

Join us at The Table this summer! We will move to a once-per-month schedule with the same agenda — to connect as a community over a meal, share the joys and concerns of our life, and have fun and engaging conversation. We begin with dinner from 5:30–6:15 pm. Then, we share celebrations, prayers, and community announcements before beginning 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. Pullen children’s and youth activities are also offered during this time. 

August 20 program — Join Sarah Brim — Community Watershed Ambassador at Partners for Environmental Justice — for an engaging presentation that explores the organization's deep-rooted history in Southeast Raleigh, its current initiatives, and the environmental challenges it tackles. Discover the critical importance of environmental justice, and learn how you can take meaningful action by getting involved. Together, we can foster a healthier, more equitable future for our community.

Looking ahead: Weekly gatherings at The Table will resume on September 10. Plan to join us to learn about the threats facing immigrant communities, bail reform, and how art therapy has been a kind of escape for those who are incarcerated.

Contact: Chalice Overy

Our first Spaghetti Sunday in March was a huge success! Many of you learned about outside-of-Pullen groups that use our facilities. For the Second Spaghetti Sunday, we will recognize our wonderful Pullen volunteers. 

You will be amazed at how many Pullenites are volunteering their time and skills to the life and ministries of our church. They help with a wide range of ministries — including Councils and Committees, spiritual formation for all ages, Round Table, building maintenance, choirs, and caring for our elders. Our volunteers’ time and energy make Pullen what it is for our family and our community. 

Join us to enjoy another delicious spaghetti lunch! Hear from volunteers about what their roles mean to them. Learn about ways to volunteer and make a difference for our church and its neighbors.

Contact: Cathy Tamsberg

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.

Contact: Noelle Schofield

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! 

Contact: Chalice Overy

The idea for the Lectionary Lunch began years ago with our former pastor, Mahan Siler. Every Wednesday at noon, Mahan would meet in the library with anyone who wanted to discuss the lectionary passage for the upcoming Sunday. People were invited to bring a bag lunch and join the conversation. Pastor Nancy has continued the tradition, except for a pause during the pandemic. 

During this Wednesday hour, participants will read the text together. Then, Pastor Nancy will provide any background information on the text, share her thoughts on the text, and open the floor for discussion.

The Lectionary Lunch is not a weekly commitment. You can come every week, or just whenever your schedule allows. Please join this gathering to share knowledge, experience, resources, and insights! 

 Contact: Nancy E. Petty

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 join the Zoom meeting, 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. 

Contact: Deb Norton

When you grocery shop, buy two extra cans of food and bring them to church on Sunday as your expression of gratitude for having enough to eat. Place the cans in the grocery cart at the Finlator door, and the Pullen Mission Women will take them to Urban Ministries where they will provide groceries to families in need. If enough of us make this a habit, we can have a significant impact in reducing the hunger in our midst. Thank you for your generosity!

Contact: Deb Norton

Join us on Sunday mornings as we engage scripture and the church calendar to learn about our faith, how it helps us confront the issues of our time, and what it means for how we show up in our everyday lives. 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.

Contact: Chalice Overy

Students are invited to gather to explore our faith in the context of our everyday lives and what’s happening in the world around us. Students are also invited to join for dinner in Finlator Hall before Youth Group at 5:30 pm.

Contact: Chalice Overy

Enjoy lunch and a dip in the pool before everyone goes back to school. Please RSVP for the address.

Contact: Chalice Overy

All ages (children, youth, adults) are invited to participate in Pullen’s Summer Worship Choir that enlivens congregational singing and offers music for worship. The Summer Worship Choir requires no prior commitment or rehearsal. Participants gather for a short preparation before worship at 11 am. Families have the option to sit together in the choir if they wish. Join us beginning June 1!

-Larry Schultz

Youth and adults who play wind, string, or percussion instruments at an intermediate level or beyond are invited to play in this group that accompanies congregational singing and provides music for worship.

Contact: Larry Schultz