Members of the Congregation at Duke University Chapel, strive to build deeper connections with God, with each other, and with our neighbors. Through a variety of fellowship opportunities, we build our relationships with one another. We enjoy events that are purely social, such as a lunch in the Brodhead Center on Duke's Campus or an outdoor picnic. We care for each other in times of need by offering a meal to a bereaved family or by visiting someone who is ill. We use our talents to lift the spirits of others by quilting or knitting. We invite you to be part of our fellowship. Together we are a portion of the Body of Christ.
Calling Ministry
Everyone has a birthday! A team of friendly people reach out to all our members with a birthday call or card. The goal is to share the joy of the day, to connect with one another, and to inquire if there are any needs the Congregation may fill.
Fellowship Events
Like all churches, the Congregation enjoys the fellowship to be found in eating together. We frequently gather for refreshments and fellowship after worship. Sometimes this is lunch on campus, sometimes lemonade in the Chapel lounge. We have also invented the "snackluck", which is a simplified version of potluck meals, consisting of finger foods.
Growing Thru Grief
The Congregation at Duke University Chapel is a member of a coalition of local congregations and area organizations offering grief support to Triangle residents. For individuals grieving the death of a loved one, Growing Thru Grief offers a hospitable space to interact with others who have faced a recent loss, to experience a compassionate community, and to gather resources for traveling the journey of grief. The ongoing grief support meetings are weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1200 West Cornwallis Rd, Durham, with refreshments served at 4:00 p.m. Newcomers are welcome at any time and do not need to register or give advance notice. For additional information contact [email protected].
Heavenly Hugs Hat Ministry
Those who like to knit and crochet are invited to make beautiful creations for others. Born out of the grief of one of our members, the Heavenly Hugs Hat Ministry strives to care for others with the warmth of a hat and the love and prayers that come with it. The Hat Ministry has made hats for newborn infants, children of the Congregation, graduating high school seniors, local hospital pediatric units, and homeless neighbors.
LGBTQ+ Fellowship
Loaves & Fishes
The gospel of Matthew tells of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). We are not miracle workers at the Congregation, but when someone is in need, we offer to ease their burden with the gift of meals. Whether it is during the joy of welcoming a newborn to the family or during the grief of losing a loved one, the gift of a meal or several meals can be a blessing.
Membership
We welcome all who long to follow Jesus Christ to formally join us as members of the Congregation at Duke University Chapel. Currently, we have nearly 500 members of diverse ages, races, and sexual orientations, who come to us from all parts of the Triangle. Singles, couples, and families are welcome. Those with and without ties to Duke University are welcome. Those who live in the area permanently, as well as those who are here for a short stay, are welcome. Please consider exploring membership in the Congregation by participating in the new member class, which is a four-week class held on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. offered in both the fall and the spring. While you are waiting for the membership class, please join our ministries in education, mission, and fellowship. For more information on membership, please contact Carol Gregg.
Prayer Ministry
Our prayer ministry prays faithfully for members, friends, and visitors in need. Prayer requests are held in confidence and may be emailed at any time to [email protected].
Quilters
When it comes to our quilters, it is hard to tell who is more blessed. Those who gather to make patchwork quilts take delight in combining lovely colors, enjoy fellowship with one another, and take prayerful care with each stitch. The lap-sized quilts are given to those who are ill or homebound as well as to newborns of the Congregation. The quilts are a means of wrapping our members and friends in prayer.
Visitation & Care Ministries
Because Jesus reached out in love and compassion to those who were ill and suffering, we strive to do the same. Members of the Visitation and Care Ministry make a commitment to one-on-one relationships with those who are isolated, homebound, or in distress. Sometimes these visits include the delivery of a plant. These relationships are a gift to all involved.