August 4, 2021
Dear friends and fellow disciples,
What a rollercoaster we are on! We've had some weeks when things feel "normal," where we've traveled and spent time with friends and family a little more. Those times have been a gift. But a cloud continues to hang over it all; this is not over. Recent spikes in Covid cases confirm our fears. Conversations begin at our local schools and universities with questions like, "What if we have to go backwards again?" It is a frightening, uncertain time.
My prayer for all of us – for you in your lives and for us at WPC – is that we can strike a faithful and safe balance. We are called to come together for worship; we are called to serve and love our neighbors. We are called to keep our baptismal promises to children, youth, and adults by teaching faith and caring in community. These are all things that just don't happen as well in the virtual environment. So we are trying to find a new way forward.
Please take time to read through all of the good things below, all of which are trying to strike that a faithful and safe balance. This Sunday, families will gather outside to connect and dream some for the fall. On August 21, we'll go to a Durham Bulls game (Hooray!). Also this month, we'll be adjusting our work with Iglesia Emanuel's food ministry as more people return to work and school on Wednesdays (though the support we offer continues to be crucial). On August 29, we will ordain and install a new class of officers to lead us in this next season, and we'll walk together into the beautiful new Fellowship Hall and dedicate that space as a community. And our Christian Education and Youth Committees are working hard to plan fall programming and a big Rally Day in September. There is a lot to look forward to that will nourish our spirits.
So, come be a part of it all. We're working hard to plan and reconnect us in safe ways. If we've learned anything over the past year and a half, it's that we need each other desperately. None of us can be who God is calling us to be all by ourselves. We are enriched in countless ways by the gift of community, people we learn from and love – and who love us – on good days and on tough ones.
So let's enjoy being together in the next few weeks, trying to strike that faithful and safe balance, all to God's glory!
Looking forward to seeing you,
Chris
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Westminster This Week – Quick Links
Worship at Westminster, August 8 & 15
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Memorial Service for Hugh White
Thursday, August 5, 3:30pm
Croasdaile Village Chapel, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Pkwy
All are welcome
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Youth Group News: Eno Day on Friday, Wiffle Ball Tourney on Sunday
Summer’s not done yet! The fun just keeps on coming for our WPC Youth Group.
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Friday, August 6, is Eno Day! We’ll head to West Point on the Eno City Park to cool off in the river from 12:30-4:30pm. We'll swim and then have some ice cream. Don’t miss out! Sign up now
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Sunday, August 8, by popular demand, the First Annual WPC Wiffle Ball World Series will be held at Westminster from 4:30-6:30pm. Be there for this historic event! Sign up now
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SUNDAY: Parents & Expectant Parents: Reconnect, Reflect, and Dream! August 8, 9:45 - 10:45am – Fellowship Hall Terrace
Attention, parents and soon-to-be parents: Come out to meet one another and enjoy some time apart with other adults! We’ll provide childcare for little ones and playground supervision for your older children (elementary-aged and younger are welcome). Let’s gather on the Terrace for some refreshments and fellowship. Also, bring your hopes and ideas that will support you as a parent and disciple of Christ in the coming year. Questions? Contact Marietta.
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School Supply Drive for Neighborhood Students
Donations due by Sunday, August 15
We need your help! The Neighborhood Missions Committee is collecting school supplies to support Hope Valley Elementary and Githens Middle School. The schools are very grateful for all donations. Githens recently learned their supply budget has been cut 40%. There are four easy ways to donate:
- Purchase items on the list and put them in the yellow bin in the Mission Center.
- Write a check to WPC and write “Neighborhood Mission” in the memo line.
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Donate online through myWPC using the “neighborhood mission donation” category.
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Text WPCDURHAM PENCIL $20.00 to 73256 to give $20 to the Neighborhood Mission fund using your text messaging (just change the dollar amount to the amount you wish to give). Standard text messaging rates may apply.
Items needed: Backpacks, composition notebooks, pocket folders, sleeves for Chromebooks, pencils, Lysol wipes, Kleenex, mechanical pencils, AAA batteries, post-it notes, masking tape, scotch tape, crayons, glue sticks, and gift cards. Additional school items are welcome.
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Take Us Out to the Ball Game!
August 21 is WPC Bulls Night
Who's ready for a Durham Bulls game? Your WPC Fellowship Committee hopes you are! Join us for WPC Durham Bulls Night on Saturday, August 21, at 6:30pm. Tickets are $14-15 each (depending on payment method). And yes, there will be fireworks after the game! Come and join your WPC friends for a long-overdue evening of fun, friendship, and baseball. Reserve your tickets now
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Equipping Leaders: Called by God, Blessed to Serve
Sunday, August 29, 9:00-10:45am, Fellowship Hall
We are excited to return to a new year of in-person learning and growing in our faith! Let’s prepare our hearts, our schedules, our curriculum, and our rooms by gathering together for this leader-equipping event. Please join us in the Fellowship Hall if you have answered God’s call to serve on one of the following ministry teams:
- Sunday morning Church School groups for children, youth, and adults
- Godly Play Storytellers or Greeters
- Music with Preschool or Elementary-aged children
- Confirmation
We will begin with refreshments, biblical reflection, and long-range planning, then break into separate smaller groups for continued planning and classroom preparation. Register now
Child & Youth Protection Policy Training
Sunday, August 29. 12:30-1:30pm, Mission Center Room 204
Our Child & Youth Protection Policy for Preventing Sexual Abuse helps to protect children, youth, and the adults who care for them. Volunteers who wish to serve in our ministries for children and youth must complete Westminster’s Child & Youth Protection Policy Training and renew their training every three years. Please bring a bag lunch; drinks will be provided. Childcare will be offered by request. Register now
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