Before I came to worship in this sanctuary, I gathered here with another congregation- the Al-anon Family group that has met in our basement for the past 33 years. After watching a family member spiral into the disease of alcoholism, my sense of self-worth and hope were fractured. I was someone who clung to the hope of Jesus and the community of His church, but I came to feel very isolated. It felt as if no other family had faced an addiction this paralyzing.
Fortunately, I became one of the hundreds of people who have walked into Duke Memorial to seek help , whether for their own disease or from the effects of a loved one's addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Alateen offer hope in rebuilding lives, growing a personal relationship with God, and in developing a community of support. While the confidential nature of these programs means you may never see the resultant fruit, I know this life-giving work would be difficult to continue without the safe space provided by churches and community centers.
As a member of the Duke Memorial family, I am proud that this church fosters one of the spaces loved by the Durham 12-step community. We are home to one of only two Alateen programs in the Triangle, hosting teenagers from as far as Fuquay-Varina seeking peers who understand the challenges their families face. We also host two Al-Anon and four AA meetings every week. When I arrive to the Sunday night meeting, the parking lot is as full as on Sunday morning. Our facilities will be able to host this community for years to come with the renovations provided by the Imagine More Campaign. I look forward to a warm and cheery entrance welcoming these guests, a fully-functional kitchen for the AA coffee, accessible restrooms for all attendees, and maybe—if I really dream big—chairs in the Spence-Kale room that don't wobble when I sit down! I feel privileged to now be a part of both of these congregations, and look forward to opening my heart to the Imagine More campaign. I hope you will join me in preparing this sacred space for the next one hundred years of ministry.
Fortunately, I became one of the hundreds of people who have walked into Duke Memorial to seek help , whether for their own disease or from the effects of a loved one's addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Alateen offer hope in rebuilding lives, growing a personal relationship with God, and in developing a community of support. While the confidential nature of these programs means you may never see the resultant fruit, I know this life-giving work would be difficult to continue without the safe space provided by churches and community centers.
As a member of the Duke Memorial family, I am proud that this church fosters one of the spaces loved by the Durham 12-step community. We are home to one of only two Alateen programs in the Triangle, hosting teenagers from as far as Fuquay-Varina seeking peers who understand the challenges their families face. We also host two Al-Anon and four AA meetings every week. When I arrive to the Sunday night meeting, the parking lot is as full as on Sunday morning. Our facilities will be able to host this community for years to come with the renovations provided by the Imagine More Campaign. I look forward to a warm and cheery entrance welcoming these guests, a fully-functional kitchen for the AA coffee, accessible restrooms for all attendees, and maybe—if I really dream big—chairs in the Spence-Kale room that don't wobble when I sit down! I feel privileged to now be a part of both of these congregations, and look forward to opening my heart to the Imagine More campaign. I hope you will join me in preparing this sacred space for the next one hundred years of ministry.