Imani MCC of Durham

Imani MCC and Friends: We are pleased and grateful to announce that several generous benefactors have pledged to match a total of $1,000 for this year’s Above-the-Tithe Challenge, which is in effect from now through April 30th. This is a recurring fundraiser by which everyone can contribute to the support of this ministry.

FRIENDS WHO DO NOT USUALLY TITHE TO IMANI MCC: This is an ideal time to offer support because the entire amount that you give will count toward the goal to be matched. So this is an opportunity to bless us with double the amount that you actually give. Just put the words “Above the Tithe” in the note portion of your electronic gift or check.

REGULAR TITHERS AND SUPPORTERS OF IMANI MCC: Your challenge is to add a little something extra to your usual offerings. That extra counts toward the amount to be matched. It’s based on the honor system. You tell us how much to count toward our goal.

Please give as you normally do – whether by mailing a check or by using our Cash App $ImaniMCCofNC or PayPal.me/ImaniMCC smartphone apps (and reference “Above the Tithe portion = $__”).

Please, if you are able, take this opportunity to bless this ministry. Thank you in advance!

Happy Anniversary, Imani!

Under normal circumstances, we would be celebrating our 23rd anniversary this Sunday, November 15th, 2020. This year has drastically changed our current state of “normal.” But that does not have to prevent us from celebrating God sustaining this body of believers for another year. That is especially true given what an extraordinary year this has been.

It has been nine months since we have been able to meet in person for worship. I have missed our times together tremendously, as I am sure many of you have. But this small, but great “little church that could” has been through challenging times before. The Lord has always kept us; and will not fail to keep us through this.

In addition to being anniversary time, the time for our Annual Congregational Forum and Meeting is approaching. Since it still is not advisable to meet in person, we will conduct our business virtually this year. By the end of this month, members and friends on record will receive (via email) a copy of the Board of Directors’ proposed budget for 2021. You will be given time to review it and to contact us with any questions or concerns. Please be reminded that all of our members and friends have “voice” as we do business - meaning, your questions and comments are welcome. Only full-fledged members of our Board and our congregation are eligible to cast votes to make final decisions. You will be given a link by which you can vote to approve or disapprove the proposed budget by a deadline date to be provided.

Given the suspension of most of our activities, during the pandemic, we do not have much other business to conduct or many decisions to make at this time. However, there is one more very important matter we need you to prayerfully consider. We have openings on our Board of Directors. At present, the duties have been trimmed down considerably. We meet once monthly online unless an emergency requires a special meeting. Eventually, all Board members will be authorized to sign church checks and will be asked to go to the church to do so on a rotating basis. So the bulk of the “work” consists of being present and prayerful as we do the business of the church. Please prayerfully consider whether you might serve Imani as a member of our Board during the coming year. Please contact me if you are willing to serve, as soon as possible. There will be a vote to confirm new members at the same time as the vote on the budget.

I want to remind you that though we’re not meeting in person, I am available for conversation, prayer, and any other pastoral care that you need and I can provide. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your church can be of service to you.

This is the time of year when I begin asking God for a word or phrase to embrace as a “theme” for the coming year. You may recall that the phrase I was given for this year was, “Be Brave.” Could it be any clearer why God laid that on my heart for me to pass on to you?! Please keep me in your prayers as I seek to discern and do God’s will as your servant-leader. And rest assured that every one of you is in my prayers always and forever!

Grace, Peace, and Love,
Pastor Marilyn

Stayin’ home on Halloween ‘cause coRona is haunting your neighborhood? You are NOT alone! Here’s something safe you can do! Imani MCC will have a Halloween Games Night on Zoom hosted by Charisse, and you’re invited!

Games: Scavenger Hunt, Bingo, and Pictionary.
Saturday, October 31st, from 7:30pm-until.
Adults only!
$25 prize for the Best Costume!

A couple of individuals are generously donating to our Fundraiser Games Night. We have prizes for the Scavenger Hunt and Bingo games!

Since this is a fundraiser, there’s a $10 entry “fee” per person that you can donate through Cash App ($ImaniMCCofNC) or PayPal. Indicate “Game Night” in the description. (You can donate more if you wish!)

When you’ve completed your fundraiser donation, please send a text or call Charisse (980-552-1029). She’ll send you your Game Card (the Zoom link). Please donate before Wednesday, October 28th, so Charisse can get that Game Card to you early.

You’ll need a smart phone (or a phone capable of texting) to play Pictionary.

Let’s have some fun on Halloween!

All funds raised from this event will go to support the work and ministries of Imani MCC of Durham.

We tried an experiment last Wednesday night during the regular Wednesday Night Bible Study time. Our Pastor and several others got on Zoom to see if it could help us engage more personally during our Sunday Worship time. You can see what we did on Facebook. It was streamed live at the time.

We will try at least one more test, and YOU might want to be involved. Charisse tells us that you'll need to download Zoom on your computer or mobile device. The FREE Zoom account will work just fine, but you don't need a Zoom account to use it.

Then, this Wednesday night, September 30th, just before 7pm, please join us on Zoom:
   1. The meeting ID is: 554 319 7268. Type or copy and paste that in.
   2. Type in your name and press Next.
   3. The password for this meeting is "bible".

But if you just want to watch what we're doing on Wednesday - and NOT participate virtually - you can go to our Facebook LIVE page around 7pm. With any luck, we will stream the Zoom feed there.

Charisse says "I can't wait until we can get on this!" The others were quite enthusiastic as well.

Join us if you can. And then watch for an announcement about when we will launch this new Worship format.