Explore the strengths and gifts of poetry to connect us to our faith. We will read selected poems and discuss what they disclose about central themes such as the nature of God, the good, human frailty, social harms, and social justice.  Poetry beginners and old hands are all welcome. This is a poetry reading group, not a writing group, so no special skills in poetic expression are required. Our leader, Madge McKeithen, led such a group for 15 years through the New York Public Library, and she taught creative writing for 25 years at the New School in New York. We will gather names of people interested in reading poetry together and then discern the frequency and time slot that works best. If you are interested, please contact Susan Dunlap, [email protected].

The flower ministry of FPC offers a meaningful way to donate flowers for the sanctuary in memory or in honor of a loved one, or in celebration of a special occasion. Each Sunday, the flower arrangements bring the colors and beauty of nature to our worship service. Following worship, our deacons divide the flowers and deliver smaller arrangements to members who are ill or grieving, or unable to attend church, as a way of sharing with them a part of our worship service. Ninth Street Flowers creates the beautiful arrangements each Sunday.

If you would like to be a donor of flowers for worship in 2025, please sign up by clicking below. Donations can be made by an individual, a family, or jointly by multiple individuals or families on open dates. 

The Youth Stock Brunch is coming up, and you’re invited!

In this second year, we have made some changes. Like last year, FPC youth who participated in three of our summer trips — the Appalachia Service Project trip to Perry County, KY, the CROSS Missions trip to Charlotte, and the Montreat Youth Conference — are throwing a brunch, showing pictures and telling stories from their experiences.  

New this year, the whole church is invited, not just those who have bought stock in the trip. The brunch and presentations are Sunday, August 24, 9:30-10:30 am in Watts-Hill Hall.  

To RSVP, please email John Weicher at [email protected] by Sunday, August 17 so we can properly prepare. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out via the same method.  

Church Office Closed for July 4th

Our church offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

As we honor this national holiday, we invite you to take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of freedom as an ongoing call to justice and compassion. While July 4th marks a moment of independence for some, we recognize that the work of building a truly just and equitable society continues.

As followers of Christ, we are reminded that true freedom is collective and rooted in love, dignity, and the sacred worth of every human being. May this holiday be both a celebration and a moment of prayerful recommitment to the Gospel values of justice, mercy, and peace for all.

Wishing you a safe, meaningful, and reflective Independence Day.

Honoring Juneteenth

June 19, 2025

Juneteenth is a sacred moment in our shared history. As we pause to reflect, we are called to face our nation’s past with honesty and humility, and to recommit ourselves to the work of justice, healing, and unity.

Here is a list of events on and around that weekend to celebrate Juneteenth in Durham.

The church office will be closed June 20th in observance of this holiday.