"For Christians hearing the call to go deeper, the Pilgrimage creates a community and provides tools and experiences through which we learn to hear the call of God and respond in faith, journeying together with friends on the path to a Spirit-led and joyful life."
SUNDAY: Interest Meeting After Worship for Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope, April 1- 3, 2022
Pilgrimage will be our theme for Lent, which begins on March 2 (Ash Wednesday), and culminates with our upcoming Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope, April 1-3.

The Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope is an opportunity to connect Durham’s story, your own story, and God’s story. Through a weekend of visiting important places, hearing the stories of leaders who have shaped the city, and engaging in Biblical reflection with a cohort of fellow pilgrims, participants reckon with the challenges Durham has faced and witness the hope in our community. Westminster Presbyterian Church will be going on a pilgrimage April 1, at 3:00pm through April 3, at 4:00pm. The cost is $150 per person.

There will be an Interest Meeting with Reynolds Chapman, executive director of Durham Cares, on Sunday, February 6, after worship in Mission Center Room 105 and on Zoom. Reynolds will be joining us on Zoom – please contact Marietta Wynands (marietta@wpcdurham.org) for the meeting link.

To register for the Durham Pilgrimage, visit www.durhamcares.org/pilgrimage. To learn more about the practice of Christian pilgrimage, watch the recording of January’s Aperture with the Rev. Paul Lang on our YouTube channel.
In-Person Programs for Children and Youth Have Returned
We can't wait to see all our young disciples back at church this Sunday, February 6, for in-person programs and activities for children and youth, including nursery, music, Godly Play, and Church School and Confirmation Classes! Youth Group will also resume its regular schedule, dinner included. Our children’s and youth teachers and leaders are excited to welcome them back.

Fellowship for Parents this Sunday, 9:45-10:30am
Parents, let’s reconnect! Come by the Mission Center entrance so your children and youth can pick up some special snacks on their way to class. Then meet in the parlor for some fellowship time and check-in with one another. We look forward to seeing you!
Westminster This Week – Quick Links

This Sunday at Westminster – February 6
9:30am Nursery for Infants and Toddlers; Church School Elective Class: â€śThe Pilgrim's Compass”
9:45am Church School Classes for All Ages; Confirmation Class; WPC Parents’ Fellowship Time
11:00am Worship in the Sanctuary and on YouTube
12:15pm Interest Meeting for Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope
5:30pm WPC Youth Group
“Who, What, When, and Y?”
Aperture: Third Wednesdays with Forrest Perry, YMCA Regional Vice President and WPC Member
February 16, 7:00pm on Zoom
Join us for our February Aperture as WPC member, dad, and Regional Vice President of the Y, Forrest Perry, shares about his life-long passion and experience with the YMCA. Learn about its history, current mission and vision, as well as what’s happening right here at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Register now

Forrest Perry, a North Carolina native, has worked for the YMCA for 27 years. He got his start as a summer camp counselor at 16 and currently serves as a regional vice president overseeing operations in Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties, and northern Wake County. He has found his YMCA career to be a true calling and a blessing to have walked alongside many people through their own personal and spiritual development. Forrest and his wife, Rebekah, joined WPC in 2013. They have been married 14 years and have two adorable children, Turner (8), and Merritt (3).
Baptism: A Sacraments Study for Families
Sunday, February 20, 9:45-10:45am
Children in 1st - 4th grades, along with their parent(s) or a caring adult, are invited to explore this significant milestone together through caring conversations, Scripture, and ritual. Each household will take home their very own Blessing Bowl. Please contact Marietta to save your spot.
Welcome Back, Alex
Alex has returned from parental leave and is ready to see everyone! He's got a phone full of baby photos at the ready. 🙂 Stop by the church this Sunday or sometime soon to say hello. Alex invites all WPC youth to contact him about catching up over coffee, lunch, or an after-school snack.
Reporting Back from the Montreat College Conference
The first week of January, we went to College Conference at Montreat. The theme was “What’s Next?” The week was filled with worship, fellowship, and music. We enjoyed spending time together hiking, visiting Black Mountain, cooking meals, and attending conference events. We are very thankful to our WPC family for helping sponsor this trip, and we can’t wait for next year!
Helping Others, Honoring the Rev. Paul Ransford (1942-2021)
Wildfires, tornadoes, storms, floods….The headlines tell of nature’s fury and our hearts go out to those affected. Paul Ransford, our beloved “Disaster Pastor,” did more than read the headlines; he grabbed his chain saw and tool-belt and headed out to help. He also organized groups to go out and help with him. The Deacons’ Global Missions Committee invites you to join with Paul’s daughters who have suggested that memorials for Paul be sent to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), the arm of our denomination that seeks to respond long-term to those caught in disasters. Visit the PDA website to make a general or designated donation. PDA’s website also gives you an idea of just how extensive church relief efforts are both across the US and around the globe. There are also opportunities to volunteer if you want to emulate Paul as well as honor him.
Our 2021 Christmas offering raised $20,536.78! As a result, each of our five partner organizations – CASA, Families Moving Forward, Habitat for Humanity, Housing for New Hope, and Urban Ministries of Durham – received a gift of $4,100+. Thank you for your amazing generosity!