Who We Are?
Mission: Cultivating vibrant disciples of Jesus who sow Gospel seeds for the renewal of the local community
Incarnational Expression of Faith:
Fletcher’s Chapel seeks to embody this communal, relational, and sacrificial nature of God as witnessed in Jesus. When you walk through our doors, you’ll find a joyful, family-oriented congregation that cherishes authentic, multi-generational relationships. During the passing of the peace, you’ll be greeted with hugs and handshakes—from a nearly 100-year old congregant to a cheerful greeting from our toddlers. At the Communion Table, you’ll be looked in the eyes and hear your name followed by: “The body of Christ broken for you,” as you receive a piece of Christ’s body in your hand.
You’ll be encouraged and challenged to become a vibrant disciple of Jesus Christ and we’ll promise our presence, nurture, and support every step of the way. As you return week after week to our faith rhythms, you’ll discover that you have gained a new family. While we prefer face-to-face interaction, we understand and appreciate the gift of technology and virtual gatherings. With over 200 years of history, we are deeply rooted in our part of Durham. Many of our members have lived here for decades–some their entire lives. And, we are actively seeking to become sacrificially missional and to “show up” in the community as participants in the saving work God is doing in the world just as Christ did, and continues to do, for us.
Church History
Fletcher’s Chapel Church was founded in 1825 at its present location. At the time the site included a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a two-room log house with a chimney between the two rooms. The story goes that in 1835, a camp meeting, which is a multi-day worship event, was held on the property and as a result of this revival, plans were made to start a church. The first church building was constructed on this property in 1837 and it was named Fletcher’s Chapel in honor of Mr. Wiley Fletcher generously donated the land. Unfortunately, we do not have access to any more clarity as to the events, invitations, and unfoldings of the congregation of the 1800s.
As you can see, we have deep roots not only in Durham but in this particular location within Durham. The land around us, which used to be rows of Tobacco, is now buzzing with new subdivisions and the roads teeming with cars. Yet, one thing is clear, the church still exists 200 years later because this place and this gathering was God’s idea. We are energized by the question: What might God want to do through Fletcher’s Chapel today?
God is Communal and Incarnational...So Are We
The Triune God exists eternally as three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This means that, God’s very nature is communal. In love, this same God drew near to humanity by coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ, a first century Jew from a small town called Nazareth. As Eugene Peterson puts it, “The Word took on flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” The Christian term for God taking on human flesh is the Incarnation.
The incarnate God of Nazareth lived in personal and transformative relationship with people: Jesus touched the sick with his fingers and healed them. He looked into the eyes of his disciples and spoke life into them. Jesus broke bread with his own hands and fed the hungry. Rather than only preaching to the masses, Jesus chose twelve disciples to walk with him daily—because Jesus, as part of the Triune God who is communal, longed to get up close and personal with us.
God’s love for us led Jesus to suffer on our behalf, enduring the physical, emotional, and spiritual forsakenness of the cross by way of crucifixion. A few days later, Jesus was resurrected by the power of God. In doing so, Jesus defeated the powers of sin, evil, and death and he now holds the keys to restoring our relationship with God both now AND forever. Into this vibrant, restorative relationship with God, you and I are graciously invited.
Where are we headed?
Currently, a discernment team is gathering regularly to pray and seek the Spirit’s guidance over the future of our congregation. Join us in prayer.