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TRANSCRIPT
The WattsLine April 2017
Palm Sunday, April 9
We begin our journey to the cross by waving our palm branches as we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Children lead us in this tradition that churches the world over are reenacting on this day. The Children’s Choirs sing and we begin our journey to Jerusalem with Jesus.
Maundy Thursday, April 13
We gather at 7:00 p.m. to remember the Last Supper. Maundy Thursday takes its name from the Latin Dies Mandati, the day of commandment, referring to Jesus’ commandment that the disciples love one another. A 5:30 p.m. footwashing service takes place in the sanctuary. This service is especially good for families with young children, but all ages are invited.
Good Friday, April 14
Through hymns, silence, and confession, we will commemorate the death of Jesus. This 7:00 p.m. service
of darkness echoes the ancient tradition of Tenebrae, the extinguishing of candles as the passion story is read. Easter happens most fully for those who have taken seriously the suffering of God.
Easter Sunday, April 16
We gather on this day of the Resurrection, celebrating and anticipating an encounter with the Risen Lord. We bring out the Alleluias and festive music for the congregation (including hymns and Handel’s “Hallelujah”), trumpet and organ. Bring an offering of fresh flowers for the decorating of the Cross.
Holy Week at Watts Street
WSBC Planning Committees Updates
We believe every church has— the courage to become, the courage to remember the stories that shape them, the courage to see the present needs around them, and the courage to dream of a God-sized future. Bill Owen, Center for Healthy Congregations Newsletter, March 14, 2017
These words describe perfectly the spirit of the Congregational Conversations Planning effort that is now underway. The three committees, “Working With Our Neighbors,” “Exploring Our Building’s Potential,” and “In Community With Each Other” are all hard at work gathering information about our current activities and challenges in each of these three areas. They are also looking at other congregations and national trends to see if we can learn from them. The groups will have initial reports on their work in May at the regular church meeting. Shortly after that meeting, there are tentative plans for a church-wide conversation about the issues and recommendations they present.
Updates to the group’s activities will be posted on the church website. You can also post comments there. Please share your opinions; you may even do so anonymously. Just click on the “Congregational Conversations” link on the front page of the website. In addition, updated information will be posted periodically on the bulletin board in the hall outside the church kitchen. As the issues become clearer, there are also plans to survey the congregation to get more feedback.
In the meantime, if you have ideas or if you come across practices from other places that you think would help us reach a “God-sized future,” please share them with the appropriate committee or on the website. The “Working With Our Neighbors” committee members are: Paula Januzzi-Godfrey, chair; Bob Kruhm; Greg Palmer; Jonathan Sauls; and April Walton. The “Exploring Our Building’s Potential” committee members are: Tim Parker, chair; Bob Landers; Jennifer Martin; Bill McCraw; and Alan Williams. The “In Community With Each Other” committee members are David Heist, Chair; Gene Downs; Margaret McWilliams; Rebecca Olmedo; and LaDawnna Summers.
Congregational Conversations Coordinating Committee
Maggie Chotas, Jim Drennan, Greg Palmer, and Laura Webb Smith
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Thanks for the Forums! Many thanks to the leaders of our March forums for adults: Jim Drennan, the El Salvador Mission Group, and Debra Freeman, and to all who participated in this opportunity for spiritual growth and community. Watch for information coming soon on the July Forums.
Spring Workday Mark your calendars for the morning of Saturday, April 8 and plan to join your friends to enjoy working on the grounds of the church. Bring your favorite yard tools! Coffee and breakfast snacks will be available starting at 8:30 a.m. Thanks to our Building and Grounds Committee, chaired by Tim Cline, for coordinating this event.
Adult Sunday School Class Adult Seminar to Focus on Race in America. During April and May, the Adult Seminar class invites you to join in reading and discussing Jim Wallis’s best-seller “America's Original Sin.” Wallis writes: “America’s problem with race has deep roots, with the country’s foundation tied to the near extermination of one race of people and the enslavement of another. Racism is truly our nation’s original sin...” Explore this challenge with us in room 102 at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday.
Weekly Wednesday Night Suppers The Wednesday Night Supper line opens at 5:30. Make reservations in the Friendship Register by the Sunday prior, or by contacting the church office by Monday before noon. At 6
p.m. we begin community time. Music ministry for children in preschool, and for those in kindergarten and first grades begins at 6. (Please invite families with young choir children to the front of the food line.). At 6:15, following the community time, children in 2nd – 5th grades go to music, youth gather for Youth Service Learning, and adults are invited to the following options:
April 5 – Holy Week Quilt Skit, for all ages, led by Esther Soud Parker
April 12 – Holy Week. No supper.
April 19 - Contemplative Worship led by Samuel Gunter in the Chapel. A time of guided reflection and prayers, along with music to nourish our souls.
April 26 - Table Conversation – time reserved for making new connections among the church family, and for enriching long-standing connections. We also pack for the Beach Retreat on this night.
April Missions Baskets The mission baskets in the side foyer and the Fellowship Hall collect donations for Reality Ministries. Items needed: paper plates (dinner size), paper bowls, paper napkins, plastic cups, envelopes, copy paper (white), color copy paper, stamps, canister/storage containers (for items like sugar, flour cornmeal, etc.), dishwashing soap, dishwasher detergent, sponges, Lysol wipes, markers, crayons, and colored pencils. Contact Bill McCraw ([email protected]) with questions.
April Minute for Mission On April 9, Ralph McCoy will present the Minute for Mission on behalf of Faith Connections on Mental Illness (FCOMI). WSBC has long supported FCOMI, a Triangle based group providing advocacy, education and support related to mental illness. Each year FCOMI hosts a widely-attended conference for health care professionals and the general public. A Monthly meeting of FCOMI is held on the third Friday of each month at St. Thomas More Church in Chapel Hill. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend. Information can be found at faithconnectionsonmentalillness.org or by contacting Ralph McCoy ([email protected]).
Out and About On April 22, Anne and Jim Drennan will host our monthly gathering of WSBC’s LGBTQ members and their friends, 6:30 pm. All are welcome! Bring food and drink to share. For information call Gordon Whitaker (919-918-3658).
Durham CAN Public Assembly WSBC members are invited to attend the Durham CAN (Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods) Public Assembly of Delegates to be held on Monday, April 24 (7:00– 8:30 p.m.) at Monument of Faith Church, 900 Simmons Street, Durham. Public officials and department heads will be asked to affirm CAN’s initiatives on affordable housing, immigration and job training/wages. For more information contact Bob Kruhm (919-544-3719, [email protected]).
Meals on Wheels Day The WSBC Missions Committee and Senior Adult Coordinating Council announce another opportunity for Watts Street to help assemble and pack meals at Meals on Wheels of Durham. The next MOW event is Tuesday, April 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome to participate. We carpool at 8:00 a.m. from the Urban Avenue parking lot to the MOW facility at 2522 Ross Road. Please RSVP to Bob Kruhm at [email protected] or call the church office to sign up.
(Continued on Page 3)
News Briefs
Page 3 April 2017
We’re Headed to Ft. Caswell! Close to 150 Watts Street people – of all ages – are registered for the 2017 All Ages Beach Retreat, April 28 – 30 at Ft. Caswell on the coast of NC. All who have registered will soon receive room, food, and meal preparation assignments. During our week-end together we’ll enjoy community time, a Saturday morning interactive theme focus, time on the beach, long walks, reading on the porches, the Saturday night Talent Xtravaganza, Sunday morning worship, spirited singing, and getting to know lots of WS people better as we work side by side on meals. Please pray for this group as we travel and as we spend time together.
A Graduating Senior in Your Family? If someone in your immediate family is graduating in May with a graduate or undergraduate degree, please send the information to the church office ([email protected]) for inclusion in the May WattsLine. Please include the student’s name, the degree and the institution.
WSBC Library An audio book edition of Watts Street member Mary Jane Salyers’ “Appalachian Daughter” is now available for checkout in the WSBC library. New York-based narrator Bailey Carr reads the story, which centers on a young girl who dreams of escaping the drudgery and confinement of her life in post-World War II Tennessee.
Coming Soon: Youth Spring “Bucket Auction” Fund-raiser! Sunday, May 7 at 12:15 p.m. in the fellowship hall
Enjoy an afternoon party with finger foods and sweet treats as you bid on some outstanding auction items. We’ll have some big ticket items up for bid through a live auction as well as many baskets, gift certificates, and services available through bucket auction raffle. Church family: if you’d like to make a donation for this year’s auction (ex. weekend at vacation home, tickets to an event, gift certificates, etc.), please contact Kelly Sasser by April 30. All proceeds go to support our 2017 Youth Summer Mission Experiences. Thank you for your support!
Watts Street on Mission! Saturday, May 20 “Watts Street on Mission” is a dynamic, inter-generational, congregation-wide, hands-on day of service working through our ongoing Mission Groups and Mission Partners. At this writing, our project list is being finalized. You can sign up for a project beginning April 30 (at the Beach Retreat). We invite all Watts Streeters to participate as we “use our gifts to serve God and neighbor”!
Eat Dessert First! Three Eat Dessert First events are planned in the next few months following Sunday worship. Enjoy cookies and lemonade, along with time for conversation. Make connections with new folks and strengthen existing friendships. Thanks to our deacons for sponsoring these events. The dates chosen for these events: June 4, July 16 and August 27.
News Briefs (Continued from Page 2)
holy week
is slipping by
while I’m at work
(so are a lot of things)
and I wonder how it felt
the first-time around
looking for donkeys
and upper rooms
holy errands, yes but
still things to do
by the time they sat
down for dinner
thursday evening
I wonder how much
they spent talking shop
until Jesus took the bread
and broke the whole
thing wide open
or perhaps it’s just
what I hope will
happen to me
—Milton Brasher-Cunningham
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Denominational Relations Committee
The Baptist gatherings season is at hand.
Closest to home is the 30th anniversary gathering of the Alliance, at Pullen.
William Barber headlines the special guests. This event is preceded on April 27th by “Why Baptist”, a session at Meredith featuring several speakers. http://allianceofbaptists.org/NewsAndEvents/events
Here’s a listing of our Spring and Summer Baptist meetings:
March 30-April 1, CBF of NC (CBFNC) Annual Gathering, FBC Hickory. http://www.cbfnc.org/events
April 28-30, Alliance of Baptists Annual Gathering, Pullen Memorial, Raleigh. http://allianceofbaptists.org/NewsAndEvents/event_detail/1151
June 26-30, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) General Assembly, Atlanta GA. http://www.cbf.net/general-assembly/
June 30-July 2, American Baptist (ABC) Mission Summit, Portland OR. http://americanbaptists2017.weebly.com/
If you’re able to attend any of these, contact Dave Connelly or the church staff.
Stewardship Committee Update: Getting Very Close!!
The Stewardship Committee is excited to report that we have continued to inch closer to its goal for the 2017 budget -- a reflection not of our work but the incredible commitment of our members to our greater mission to serve. Through March 22, we've pledged 98.5% of our 2017 goal!
Thanks to everyone who has pledged to meet those dreams and aspirations to Live Generously. If you have not yet gotten a pledge in, it’s not too late to be a part of our congregation’s work to serve our community, to sustain our place of worship and to support the incredible work of our staff. You can complete a pledge card (available in the pews or from the church office) or to complete an online pledge from the website: http://www.wattsstreet.org/give.
Sunday Ministry Volunteers April 2 Greeters: Emily Joiner, Rebeca Olmedo Ushers: Robert Berry, Joe Gary, Bob Hellwig
Steve Ross, Alan Williams Ministry Coordinator: Hope Durack Nursery: Dawn Eberhard, Shanessa Pride, Barbara Rumer,
Open Toddlers: Georgia Chotas, Ashlee Crews, Karen Barber Preschool II: Emma Hitchings, Carolyn Lamere, Open Preschool III: Maggie Chotas, Nick Chotas, Judi Powell Lock up: Joe Gary Sound System: Eva Irmy April 9 Greeters: Jay & Nancy Freeman, Juliana Caldwell Ushers: Robert Berry, Joe Gary, Bob Hellwig
Steve Ross, Alan Williams Ministry Coordinator: Mack Wilkins Nursery: Shanessa Pride, Kacey Reynolds Schedler, Ginny
Wiggins, Open Toddlers: Brian or Jenny Barrier, Emily Joiner, Kate Patillo Preschool II: Billy Price, Max Husack, Open Preschool III: Scott Job, Ted McDaniel, Philip Patillo Lock up: Alan Williams Sound System: David Tatum April 16 Greeters: Joe Gary/Marsha McKinley, Bob & Diana Jackson Ushers: Robert Berry, Maggie Chotas, Joe Gary,
Steve Ross, Alan Williams Ministry Coordinator: Amy Armstrong Nursery: Shanessa Pride, John Rublein, Tina Ward, Open Toddlers: Wanda Burton-Crutchfield, Amie Gray Koch,
Evelyn Ritz Preschool II: Brian Crews, Joe Heflin, Joy Turner Preschool III: Emily McCoy, Henry Mitchell, Elizabeth Sasser Lock up: Mack Wilkins Sound System: Mike Killam April 23 Greeters: David Goodman, Lisa & David Rhoades Ushers: Robert Berry, Rob Damman, Bob Hellwig,
Steve Ross, Ann Stickel Ministry Coordinator: Esther Soud Parker Nursery: Anne Claire Broughton, Emily Holloway, Shanessa
Pride, Amy Sauls Toddlers: Anne Drennan, Kristi Giemza, Hannah Sauls Preschool II: Matt Hanchey, Allyn Meredith, Sarah Hanchey Preschool III: Lizzie Ellis-Furlong, Aria Oliver, Open Lock up: Worth Lutz III Sound System: Logan Wilkins April 30 Greeters: Spurgeon & Brooks Booth, Erin & Worth Lutz Ushers: Amy Armstrong, Robert Berry, Joe Gary
Steve Ross, Alan Williams Nursery: Shanessa Pride, Open Lock up: Tim Cline Sound System: Evelyn Ritz
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Calendar
Sunday, April 2 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship – Dorisanne Cooper preaching 12:15 p.m. CROP Hunger Walk Monday, April 3 12:00 p.m. Worship Planning 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting 7:00 p.m. Adult Education Ministry Committee 7:00 p.m. BSA Tuesday, April 4 10:00 a.m. Staff Ministers’ Meeting 12:00 p.m. Building Potential Planning Group 6:30 p.m. Children’s Education Ministry Committee 7:00 p.m. Building & Grounds Committee Wednesday, April 5 1:00 p.m. Movie Matinee: The Jewel of the Nile 5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts 5:30 p.m. Supper 6:00 p.m. Children’s Music and Worship Labs 6:00 p.m. Youth Service/Learning at Murdoch Center 6:15 p.m. Adults: Holy Week Quilt Skit 7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir Thursday, April 6 10:00 a.m. Moving from Problem to Mystery – Lenten
Conversation Saturday, April 8 8:30 a.m. Spring Church Work Day Sunday, April 9—PALM SUNDAY 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship – Dorisanne Cooper preaching 12:15 p.m. Palm Sunday Hike along the Eno River 12:15 p.m. Worship and Music Committee 5:00 p.m. Youth Recreation 5:30 p.m. Youth Supper and Youth Group Monday, April 10 12:00 p.m. Worship Planning 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting 6:00 p.m. Personnel Committee 7:00 p.m. Faith Stretchers 7:00 p.m. Youth Education Ministry Committee 7:00 p.m. BSA Tuesday, April 11 9:30 a.m. Staff Ministers’ Meeting 6:30 p.m. Missions Committee Wednesday, April 12 4:30 p.m. Youth Baptism Rehearsal 5:30 p.m. No Supper—Holy Week 7:00 p.m. Reality Ministries Mission Group 7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir Thursday, April 13—MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:15 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 10:30 a.m. Art of Aging Gracefully 7:00 p.m. IT Committee 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service Friday, April 14 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Service Sunday, April 16—EASTER SUNDAY 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship – Dorisanne Cooper preaching Monday, April 17 HOLIDAY– Church Office Closed 7:00 p.m. Peace & Reconciliation Mission Group 7:00 p.m. Treasurers
7:00 p.m. BSA Tuesday, April 18 10:00 a.m. Staff Ministers’ Meeting 12:00 p.m. Book Club: The Art of Racing in the Rain 12:00 p.m. Building Potential Planning Group 7:00 p.m. Deacons Wednesday, April 19 5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts 5:30 p.m. Supper 6:00 p.m. Children’s Music and Worship Labs 6:15 p.m. Adults: Contemplative Worship 6:15 p.m. Youth Service/Learning 7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir Sunday, April 23 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship – Dorisanne Cooper preaching 5:00 p.m. Youth Recreation 5:30 p.m. Youth Supper and Youth Group Monday, April 24 12:00 p.m. Worship Planning 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting 6:30 p.m. El Salvador Mission Group 7:00 p.m. Stewardship Committee 7:00 p.m. BSA Tuesday, April 25 10:00 a.m. Staff Ministers’ Meeting 7:00 p.m. Church Council Wednesday, April 26 5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts 5:30 p.m. Supper 6:00 p.m. Children’s Music and Worship Labs 6:15 p.m. Adults: Table Conversations and pack for AABR 6:15 p.m. Youth Service/Learning 7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir Thursday, April 27 7:15 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 10:30 a.m. Art of Aging Gracefully Friday, April 28 5:00 p.m. All Ages Beach Retreat Saturday, April 29 All Ages Beach Retreat Sunday, April 30 All Ages Beach Retreat 9:45 a.m. Sunday School—Adults Only 11:00 a.m. Worship – Samuel Gunter preaching
April Worship
April 2 Dorisanne Cooper preaching
April 9 Palm Sunday, Dorisanne Cooper preaching
April 16 Easter Sunday, Dorisanne Cooper preaching
April 23 Dorisanne Cooper preaching
April 30 Samuel Gunter preaching (Beach Retreat weekend)
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Noon Book Club: April 18 Have you considered checking out the WSBC Noon Book Club? Do it this month for connections with an engaging group of friends! The Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month in room 104-A. Emily McCoy (919-489-0483, [email protected]) serves as coordinator. Drop-ins are always welcome to this lively conversation! The book for March is The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.
May 18 Excursion on Jordan Lake Mark your calendars now and register with the church office by Wednesday, May 10. Enjoy a spring excursion on Jordan Lake with your WS friends. Cost: $20 per person. Captain Don Watkins of Triangle Boat Tours is our fearless captain. We leave church at 9 a.m. for a 2-hour morning outing on the lake. Each car will have lunch on its own. Bad weather? We’re guaranteed a fall rain date. See Diane Hill or Kathy Davis if you have questions.
Small Group Opportunity for Adults Faith Stretchers – This reading and discussion group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in room 104-B. Our conversations are based on a book selected by the group. It is our hope that each book we read together will encourage spiritual growth and community. New members are welcome! Contact Debra Freeman ([email protected]).
Other Ongoing ‘Drop-in’ Groups for Adults Several ongoing groups are offered for Watts Street adults. You may drop in on any of these groups at any time.
Men’s Breakfast gather s on Thursdays, Apr il 13 and 27, 7:15 a.m., Elmo’s Diner. See Dick Chorley ([email protected], 919-286-1645) with questions.
The Art of Aging Gracefully, an ongoing conversation about the gifts and challenges of aging, gathers Thursdays, April 13 and 27, 10:30 a.m., room 104-A. Participants have opportunity
to tell their stories and to hear the stories of others. David May (919-493-2289) serves as coordinator.
Movie Matinees: First Wednesday Movie Matinees continue, offered by the Senior Adult Coordinating Council, and open to all in room 102 at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy the movie, along with popcorn and soda, as well as time with your friends! On April 5, we’ll enjoy The Jewel of the Nile, a sequel to Romancing the Stone.
Connect with Our Homebound Members Many of our members are no longer able to gather with us at the church building. Disconnection and loneliness result. You can help them stay connected by doing some of the following:
Take a small vase of flowers provided by the flower ministry
Make phone calls to remind them of our love and prayers
Write notes to the two who are listed each week in the Weekly
Offer rides to church, or to special events
Send birthday cards to our members over 90 whose birthdays appear in the WattsLine
“Thanks to the Adult Ed committee for hosting the wonderful Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper!”
Adult Ministry News
We invite you to celebrate WS seniors Who have achieved the age of 90 or beyond!
Johnie May turns 95 on April 10. Clarence Whitefield turns 95 on April 22.
Birthday Wishes
Page 7 April 2017
Let’s Go Fly A Kite... It was a cold day to fly kites but we had a blast! It was awesome to see our kites soar, play with friends and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Look Around Jerusalem During Lent assemble a Jerusalem centerpiece and begin daily devotional readings with stickers to teach your children about Jesus’ journey to the cross. Lenten devotions are available on the children’s table in the preschool hall and in the sanctuary foyer.
Vacation Bible School: Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God! Children, ages 3 years to 5th grade are invited to join us for VBS, June 18-22. The week’s focus verse is: Do good! Seek peace and go after it! Psalm 34:14b (CEB). Children discover their strength in God, explore God’s mission for their lives, encounter epic adventures alongside biblical heroes, and realize qualities that make them truly heroes in God. We’ll participate in mission activities, interactive Bible studies, fun recreation, and dynamic worship and music. To make VBS a success we need a large team of adult and youth volunteers. Sign up to help by contacting Kacey Reynolds Schedler or Esther Soud Parker.
PASSPORTkids! On July 9-12, our 3rd – 5th graders travel to Spartanburg, SC to attend PASSPORTkids! summer camp with church friends. This year’s theme is “Do. Love. Walk.” focusing on Micah 6:8, Sign up now by contacting Esther to reserve your child’s spot and turn in a $75.00 deposit today!
Save the Date June 4 Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast June 18–22 Vacation Bible School July 9–12 PASSPORTKids! Spartanburg, SC Sept. 15–17 Fall Retreat – Camp Willow Run November 11 CBFNC Children’s Mission Day
A more detailed 2017 Children’s Ministry Calendar is online at www.wattsstreet.org
Children’s Ministry News
Thank you... What a wonderful time we had at New Hope Camp! It was fun playing GAGA Ball (how many games did Thomas win?), singing by the bonfire (what was that new skunk song Scott taught us?), eating s’mores and much more! Worship by the lake and walking the labyrinth were peaceful as we listened to the birds, felt the cool breeze, and sang Amazing Grace to the tune of Gilligan’s Island. A shout-out to our chaperones – Brian Barrier, Wanda Burton-Crutchfield, Chris Husack, Scott Job, and Joy Salyers. We are especially grateful for the yummy snacks and meals provided by Laura Webb Smith and Jane Webb.
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Youth Service/Learning at Murdoch On Wednesday, April 5, we’re leading the chapel service for the residents and staff at the Murdoch Center in Butner. We’ll leave WSBC by 6:00 p.m. and return by 8:15 p.m. If you can participate, please sign up with Kelly.
Youth and Parents: How to Help with the Spring Fundraiser Our Spring Bucket Auction Fundraiser is Sunday, May 7 at 12:15 p.m.
We’re asking every youth family to solicit or provide at least one contribution to the bucket auction. This could be a gift certificate to restaurant or business, tickets to an event, gift basket, etc. One idea is to go in with another family and provide a “Night Out” package (gift certificate to dinner and a show plus babysitting!). Have fun and be creative with this!
Youth: we’re selling homemade cookies, brownies, and cupcakes for dessert. If you can make a dozen or two, please let Kelly know!
Join us for the Decorating Party on Saturday, May 6 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.
Invite family and friends to come to the auction!!!
Thank You! Thank You! To all the youth who helped decorate, wait tables,
and lead the festivities at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 28. Special thanks to Henry Mitchell and family for the delicious cupcakes, Kira Arges, Georgia Chotas, and Aria Oliver for leading the Cajun Cupcake Walk, Richie Freeman for the outstanding comedy set, and Nick Chotas for leading our Mardi Gras parade!
To all the youth who helped lead the March Forum on “La Cultura de Paz”. Special thanks to Margaret Mathes and Jennifer Wilkins from the El Salvador Mission Group for coordinating.
To Melody Zentner for leading the Youth Choir this semester and to Tom Bloom and Elissa Rumer for their continued guidance. We had a great time and learned so much!
To Jacob Birkhead and Luke Oliver for helping us with our “Games and Rec. Party” at the Grey Stone gym on March 10. Forget the ACC Tournament – the real game was on our court! (Unfortunately, the Bad Guys outscored the Good Guys 100-87 in an epic marathon.)
To our Wednesday night Youth Service/Learning crew for advertising and promoting the CROP Walk!
PASSPORT Youth Missions Camp July 10-15, 2017 Furman University, Greenville, SC www.passportcamps.org Team Meeting: Wednesday, May 10 at 6:15 p.m.
Senior High Hurricane Matthew Recovery Trip Warsaw, NC June 25-30 Team Meeting: Sunday, May 21 at 7:15 p.m.
Youth Ministry News
WSBC Fall Bazaar – Anniversary Edition! Mark your calendars for the 40th annual Watts Street Fall Bazaar on Saturday, November 4! If you are able to sew, make handmade craft items, donate artwork or photography, bake cakes or other sweet treats, or work the concession stand, we’d love to have your support. It’s not too early to start your preparations! Contact Steve Ritz or Kelly Sasser with questions. Proceeds support the Good Shepherd Window restoration and our Youth Summer Mission Experiences.
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THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH -- “Every Member a Minister” CHURCH STAFF
Sue Alexander Assistant Secretary Tom Bloom Organist Dorisanne Cooper Senior Minister Sherrill Figuera Office Manager Mary Elizabeth Hanchey Interim Director of Children’s Music Ministries Diane Eubanks Hill Minister with Adults Esther Soud Parker Minister with Children and Their Families Kelly Sasser Minister with Youth and Their Families Bobby Sturdivant Custodian Melody Zentner Interim Chancel Choir Director
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Durham, NC
Permit No. 450
Watts Street Baptist Church
800 Watts Street
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: 919-688-1366
Fax: 919-688-7255
E-mail: [email protected]
WattsLine: [email protected]
Website: www.wattsstreet.org
NEXT WattsLine MAY
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When I was a young child my Dad bought me an Easter dress. We went to Furchgotts, our local department store, to try on dresses, hats, and gloves until we found the perfect outfit. That year my Mother also took me to a beauty salon. The stylist teased my hair way up into a fancy bouffant – quite the thing really. I remember looking in the mirror and truly wondering how I could look so grown up. I was 8 years old.
What’s your childhood memory of Easter? Did you go to church? Was there a flowering cross? Did you have an Easter Egg hunt? Was everyone dressed up?
Why do we celebrate Easter? It’s sometimes called a “high and holy day,” but is it just a day to wear a new outfit?
Don’t get me wrong, I’d like a new dress for Easter. I like dying Easter eggs and making a bunny cake. I want to help flower the cross, ring the Alleluia bells, sing the Halleluiah Chorus, - all to share in the celebration of our risen Lord.
But once the service is over, then what? How do we live out our Easter faith?
Anne Lamont says, “We’re Easter People, living in a Good Friday world.” What does it mean to live out the Easter faith? If we are living in a Good Friday world, does it mean there’s no hope? Sometimes I wonder...is there hope for the refugees, for people facing medical costs, for the hungry, for the poor? How can we provide light in the darkness of a Good Friday world?
As we look toward Easter let us not forget Holy Week. We begin with Palm Sunday, celebrating Jesus riding into Jerusalem. We move to Maundy Thursday, a time to reflect on the Last Supper, and end with Good Friday, a time to consider what it means to stand in the shadow of the cross.
The disciples left Jesus at the tomb not knowing that in three days the tomb would be opened and Jesus would greet them on the road to Emmaus. Jesus provides our hope.
Without Holy Week, Easter might seem empty. Taking the step to reflect, to mourn, to consider our Good Friday world may guide us to truly understand why we celebrate with hope on Easter Sunday. After all, He is risen. He is risen indeed!
Esther Soud Parker