June 21, 2019

Friends and fellow disciples,

We had a great time at Vacation Church School this week! Over 60 people (ages 2 to 70+) were fed, 45 participated in games and art, and around 20 (including 7 youth) helped with food, music, drama, games, and art. Huge thanks to our VCS leader, Dawn Wilcox , for all her hard work. Dawn began planning in February, enlisting the help of the entire Wilcox family, both at church getting things ready and at home practicing the art projects with her daughters. She worked at Westminster every day in the weeks leading up to the event. We’d also like to thank Janet Whitaker for her musical leadership, and Kristina Gilbert , our Interim Director of Christian Education. Joyful fun and fellowship was had by all thanks to our great team!
Moving Forward on the Fellowship Hall Building Project!
Last Sunday, our congregation voted its unanimous approval to seek financing for the Fellowship Hall building project. We are very excited and deeply thankful to the many that helped make this possible - from all of you who contributed to our Making Room Capital Campaign to the excellent leadership of our Fellowship Hall Building Committee and Commitment Committee - with all praise and thanksgiving to God! This week we took the first steps in the loan application process, and we have begun the work of emptying out the Fellowship Hall. There's a lot to do in a short time! On  Sunday, July 14 , after worship, we will say our goodbyes to the building that has served us well for more than 50 years and pray for God’s guidance and continued blessing as we begin a wonderful new phase in Westminster's history. There will be ways that you can help and, as the July 14 date draws closer, we will be sharing that information with you. Watch for details!
NEXT WEEK: Two Opportunities to Serve Others
  • Help families get back on their feet with Families Moving Forward. Join us by signing up to cook, serve dinner, or provide childcare on Monday, June 24, and/or Tuesday, June 25. Get the details and sign up. Contact: Rachel Chang
  • We’re looking for 8-10 volunteers to prep and serve the evening meal at Urban Ministries of Durham on Tuesday, June 25, 6:00-8:00pm. Older children and teens are encouraged to participate. Sign up now! Contact: Chris Kelley
Nursery Volunteers Needed
We’re in need of volunteers  to  help the nursery staff care for our young children during worship. Brighten your Sunday by spending time playing with little ones! Nursery volunteers serve four Sundays per year on a team of two. Child & Youth Protect ion Policy Training is required. Sign up now or after church on Sunday. Contacts : Betsy Gentry-Bumm , Lindsay King
Last but not least, there are two efforts supported by our Global Missions Committee that I want you to know about:

  • Durham Refugee Day is a community-wide event that celebrates the contributions and cultures of our refugee and immigrant neighbors and provides an opportunity to stand in solidarity with these communities. This FREE family-friendly event features live music, community education booths, activities for kids, and food vendors from around the world. Join the celebration on Sunday, June 23, 3:00-6:00pm, at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St).
  • Jules Taylor has organized a “cool” summer fundraiser in support of our Haiti ministry. Just in time for your summer trips, she’s selling collapsible water bottles. They travel well, and the neoprene cover keeps contents cool. Help those in Haiti who go miles to get water. Buy one, give one - just $10 buys a bottle for you and one for someone in Haiti. Pick up yours after on Sunday. Contact: Jules Taylor

As summer settles in, please continue to pray for our youth teams as they travel. A group returns from Appalachian Service Project in Rutherfordton, NC, on Saturday; middle schoolers head to the conference center at Massanetta Springs on Tuesday. It is a gift the ways this congregation supports our children and youth, keeping the promises made at baptism. Blessings to you all, friends, in your comings and goings this summer.