As a congregation seeking to know and do God's will as revealed by his Spirit and through his word, we share a deep commitment to Bible study and prayer.

Weekly Bible classes offer a rich array of textual, topical, and life-application studies tailored to the needs and interests of students of all backgrounds and ages. Weekly or monthly devotionals allow peer groups-teens, college students, young adults, "senior saints," singles, Latinos-to strengthen their common bonds as they worship and study together.

During the school year, children aged 3-3rd grade are invited to participate in Children's Worship, an age-appropriate service that helps prepare them for adult worship. Other special learning opportunities for children include summer Vacation Bible School, Carolina Bible Camp, and the annual Bible Bowl competition sponsored by a congregation in Sanford, North Carolina.

For individual enrichment and learning, the church library offers books and videos for all ages, teaching aids, and an extensive audiocassette collection of lectures and sermons.

Each member of our congregation is a part of a 12-15 member cluster called a SEE (Spiritual Enrichment Evenings) group. These groups, which meet one Sunday evening each month, allow us to get to know one another more intimately than might be possible in a larger setting. We study, pray, and serve together within these groups, sharing each other's joys and ministering to each other's needs. Each SEE group, as a part of a larger Care group, is shepherded by an elder who is committed in a special way to the spiritual welfare of the members of the group.

Other opportunities for fellowship at Cole Mill Road abound. Several events have become cherished annual traditions: the Ladies' Welcome Brunch, held each fall in honor of women who are new to our congregation; Fall Festival, an old-fashioned carnival for children, followed by a church-wide cookout and talent show; Sing for Joy, an evening of spirited a cappella singing with other congregations and members of the community; the Holiday Gathering, a time of special music and food during the holiday season; the All-Church Retreat, a family-oriented weekend of Christian fellowship and spiritual renewal at a nearby camp facility; the Senior Saints Banquet, an occasion at which we honor our cherished older members; and the Graduation Banquet, held each spring in honor of our high school seniors.

Of course, there are other events throughout the year-showers, receptions, farewells. And on Wednesday evenings during the school year, we share a simple catered meal before our devotional and Head, Heart, and Hands, a program that offers a variety of study and service opportunities for all ages. Simply put, we enjoy being together, and we take special joy in establishing new relationships as our congregation continues to grow.

Reflecting the light of Jesus Christ to the world around us is an essential element of our congregational life.

Our charitable and mission efforts are directed both locally and abroad. Local efforts include periodic teen-sponsored car clinics and "rake-'n-run" projects, a food pantry, and ongoing support for a local homeless shelter. Members of our congregation conduct weekly Bible studies and worship services for the inmates at the three federal prison facilities in Butner and monthly worship services for the residents of the Forest at Duke. Outreach to the local Spanish-speaking community has resulted in a growing Latino congregation that shares our facilities. Members of that group offer twice-weekly ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to the community.

Wider efforts include ongoing support for missionaries in Yadkinville (North Carolina), Argentina, Liberia, and Ukraine. Since 1997, our members have been serving in a special way with a congregation in El Pedregal, Honduras, providing financial and leadership support and sponsoring semi-annual medical and dental "brigades."

People around us struggle with difficult questions about God, about the world and its troubles-about life. Indeed, we struggle with those very questions ourselves. Knowing that answers can be found only in the light of Jesus Christ, we invite all who will to come and join us on our journey of faith.