Come All You People!
A Special Gathering & Processional for October 
Do you miss the joy of singing with the community of faith? For the next four Sundays, all are invited to gather outside in the Courtyard before worship at 10:45am to learn a new song that will prepare our hearts and minds for worship, "Come All You People." Those who feel comfortable may join in the singing. Others may enjoy adding rhythm and visual beauty by choosing a percussion instrument or a ribbon wand. We will all keep our masks on. After we learn and sing this lively Zimbabwean song, we'll enter quietly into the sanctuary with joyful hearts. This is something we are trying during the season of Stewardship to celebrate the year's theme of "Draw near to the Lord."
Westminster This Week – Quick Links

Worship at Westminster
October 10 – Exodus 16:1-18; John 6:51 Manna requires faith in what God gives
October 17 – John 20: 19-23, 1 Samuel 3:1 - 4:1a God calls Samuel, who answers "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening"
An Update from the Westminster Staff

Many of you have walked with Barb Schmidt as she cared for her husband, Frank, at home as his health declined in recent years. It is with sadness we write that Frank died on October 4. You can read about dear Frank’s life here. If you would like to send condolences, you may address them to the church office, and we’ll make sure Barb gets them. Please join us in praying for Barb and her family, and all who knew and loved Frank
 
A Note from Joye Hodges Douthart
Thank you, Westminster family, for the many prayers and expressions of care and sympathy in these last months as my mother’s health declined and she passed away on September 10. I have been touched by your kindness, and I am so very grateful for it. You can read about my beautiful and most awesome mother here. She is profoundly missed.
Interested in Becoming a Member?
Fall Inquirers’ Classes Begin Next Sunday
Are you a newcomer to WPC and interested in learning more about the church or becoming a member? Our next Inquirers' Class is scheduled for Sundays, October 17, 24, and 31, 9:30-10:45am, beginning on Zoom. This no-obligation class is a great chance to get to know fellow newcomers and find out how you can learn, grow, and serve at Westminster. The class will be led by Darren Skeen and Thankam Rangala, our new Pastoral Intern. To sign up, please RSVP to Darren or Thankam.
From the Racial Equity Team: This Fall, it’s All About Pauli Murray!
Join us as we do a deep dive into all-things Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, one of Durham’s “biggest and brightest hometown heroes”! Choose any of these great options to learn more. Register now for any or all of these events!

NEXT SUNDAY: Pauli Murray Lunch ‘n Learn, October 17, 12:20pm  
Read the book, Proud Shoes: The Story of an American Family. While all of our library editions have been borrowed, you may be able to purchase a book through your favorite online vendor or consider supporting a black-owned business such as Rofhiwa. Bring a sack lunch and join us on the Terrace following worship to discuss this fascinating book.
Aperture Welcomes Pauli Murray Center Board Chair Mayme Webb-Bledsoe, October 20, 7:00pm on Zoom  
The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice engages diverse communities to lift up the life and legacy of activist, legal scholar, feminist, poet, Episcopal priest, and LGBTQ+ community member, the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, in order to address enduring inequities and injustice in our nation. This month we welcome Mayme Webb-Bledsoe to share with us about the historical impact and legacy of this remarkable person. Ms. Webb-Blesoe is a veteran of Durham grassroots work and is the Associate Vice-President of the Duke University’s Office of Durham Affairs and Community Development. She is a Samuel DuBois Cook Society Community Betterment Award recipient, in recognition of her outstanding service to the community. 
Visit the Childhood Home of Pauli Murray
Saturday, October 23, 11:00am followed by lunch at GRUB Durham
Join us as Barbara Lau, Executive Director, offers a tour around the grounds of Pauli Murray’s childhood home (906 Carroll Street). While the inside of the center is currently closed, the art installation offers a safe, socially distanced way to learn more about Pauli Murray, her family, the home built in 1898 where she grew up, and some of the ways her work and vision have continued to impact the world. After the tour, we’ll head over to Grub Durham to enjoy lunch together outdoors. Come and join us!
Time to Sign Up for Acolyte Ministry 
For Grades 3 - 6
Tina Allen trained a great group of young Acolytes, and we're looking forward to seeing them put their new skills into action. For those who couldn't make it, but are still interested in acolyting, or if your child did attend the training and would like some more practice, contact Tina to set up a time to run through the routine. 
Do YOU have gifts to Share?
(Hint: The answer is YES)
Check out these ministry needs - Sign up as an act of love!
Fall 2021 Worship Volunteers
Needed: Lectors, Ushers, Welcome Station Greeters, Attendance Station Hosts, Sound Techs, and Livestream Techs. It's fun, it's easy, and you can do it. Sign up now!

Nursery Helpers
 Individuals 9th grade and older are encouraged to come and hold babies and play with toddlers during the 11:00am worship service. All volunteers work with paid staff and should be trained in our WPC’s Safe Child practices (training provided multiple times a year and online.) To learn more, read this ministry description, and to sign up, click here. 

Families Moving Forward
Four volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, and clean up a meal for 12 on Thursday, October 21, 5:00-6:30pm. Please sign up on Signup Genius if you're willing to help. Contact Pat Trost if you have questions.

Iglesia Emanuel’s Food Ministry
Iglesia Emanuel continues to need volunteer help to make its food ministry possible! The need for food has not gone away, so please continue signing up to help weekly or monthly. Get the details and sign up now!!
Taco Fundraiser for Camp New Hope, October 13
Enjoy delish tacos for a great cause! Enjoy three soft tacos with all the trimmings and a cookie for $10 on Wednesday, October 13, 5:00-6:00pm (drive-through at the back of the dining hall). You can also purchase raffle tickets one for $5 or five for $20 – prizes include a week at camp, intersession week, and more. Purchase tickets online beginning Monday, October 11. All proceeds support Camp New Hope programs. Thank you!
Yarn Collection for Haiti
Attention Knitters and Crocheters: Do you have leftover yarn from your last project? We have the opportunity to put your leftovers to good use. The Haiti Outreach Ministry schools in Port-a-Prince are offering classes in knitting and crocheting to their students. We are collecting yarn to send to Haiti to help with this effort. Yarn should be enough to create a small project (e.g., a hat). Knitting needles and crochet hooks are appreciated too. Please leave your donations in the bin by the Mission Center main entrance by October 24. For more information, please contact Helen Harrison or Emily Strader.
Attention, WPC College Students: Conference @ Montreat, January 2-5, 2022 
This year, all former youth who have graduated from high school are invited to attend Montreat’s College Conference. It’s sort of like the high school conference, only smaller and catered to an older crowd. We’ve rented a beautiful house and are looking forward to reuniting with you in the mountains. Please contact Alex for registration details.