Our Advent 2021 theme is “Close to Home”. We hope you will join us throughout this sacred season for worship, music, and special events for all ages!
Advent Resource Available
WSBC is providing the printed Advent materials: Persist. Proclaim. Advent At Home., written by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey; the artist is Carlye Daugird. We also have a limited number of Advent candles available for pick up. If you would like the printed Advent materials and cannot pick them up at the church, contact esther@wattsstreet.org.
Advent I
Sunday, November 28, 11 am in the sanctuary
Livestreamed on WSBC Facebook page
Dorisanne Cooper preaching
Theme: Homesick (Hope)
Scripture: Luke 21:25-36; I Thessalonians 3:9-13
Advent II
Sunday, December 5, 11 am in the sanctuary
Livestreamed on WSBC Facebook page
Dorisanne Cooper preaching
Theme: Laying the Foundation (Peace)
Scripture: Luke 1:57-80, Philippians 1:3-11
WSBC Bull City Fair Trade Shopping Day
Sunday, December 5
After worship, come by the store (811 Ninth Street) for a Watts Street discount or shop online at https://bullcityfairtrade.com for handmade crafts, clothing and artwork created by craftspeople from over 50 countries and regions of the United States. This event is sponsored by WSBC Missions Committee. BCFT began as One World Market in the WSBC fellowship hall over 25 years ago! Contact Paula Januzzi-Godfrey (januzzip@gmail.com), Jan Williams, Melissa Godwin or Steve Booth if you have questions.
Outdoor Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 5, 3:30-4:30 pm,
Outside steps in front of the sanctuary
Come celebrate the season at an outdoor concert and sing-along hosted by the Watts Street Baptist Church Chancel Choir and members of the Durham Community Chorale. Directed by Melody Zentner and accompanied by Tom Bloom and Jon Latane. A section of Watts Street will be closed off for this event so plan accordingly for parking. Wear your festive sweaters, bring a chair, and join us for a fun neighborhood celebration. Canned goods will be collected for the Walltown Neighborhood Food Pantry. In case of inclement weather, this concert will be inside the sanctuary. Masks and social distancing required for this event.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 12
3:30-4:00 pm on the church playground
Experience the wonder of the birth of Jesus through the eyes of our children.
Youth-led Fum, Fum, Fum-Fest
Sunday, December 12
4:00-5:00 pm in the Urban Ave. parking lot
“Thanks to God for holidays, sing fum, fum, fum!” After the Children’s Christmas Pageant, stick around for some festive fun and fellowship led by the Watts Street youth, featuring cookie decorating, ornament making, live music, games, a showing of “Snooge” (the original Christmas movie classic created by the youth last year), and more!
Advent III
Sunday, December 12, 11 am in the sanctuary
Livestreamed on the WSBC Facebook page
Dorisanne Cooper preaching
Theme: A Home for All (Joy)
Scripture: Luke 3:1-18, Zephaniah 3:14-20
WSBC Christmas Party for Adults
Thursday, December 16
10:00-11:00 am in the fellowship hall
Join us for festive fellowship, carols, stories, games, and a Christmas sweater fashion show! Your ticket to the party is at least one pair of socks to donate to Urban Ministries!
Thank you to the WSBC Senior Adult Coordinating Council for planning this event.
Young Adult Ministry Christmas Party
Friday, December 17 4:30-6:30 pm
at the home of Blanche and Alan Williams
College students and young adults, out-of-towners and local-yocals, we’d love to see each of you at our Christmas party! We’ll gather outside on the patio for snacks and hot drinks and then move inside for some socially-distanced Christmas games. More details coming soon but plan to bring your mask and please RSVP to kelly@wattsstreet.org and blanche.williams50@gmail.com.
Advent IV
Sunday, December 19, 11 am in the sanctuary
Livestreamed on the WSBC Facebook page
Dorisanne Cooper preaching
Theme: Seeking Sanctuary (Love)
Scripture: Luke 1:39-55
Service of Lament and Hope
Sunday, December 19, 4 pm in the sanctuary
During this pandemic season, grief and loss have been accentuated in so many ways. This service will provide space for reflection and remembrance of losses—whether they are recent or carried over years. There will be spaces to name loved ones lost, but also other losses that you wish to mark in these days.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Friday, December 24
4 pm and 6 pm in the sanctuary
Theme: Invited Home (Luke 2:1-20)
While we’ll keep our masks on and forego the Moravian coffee and buns, we will still gather in the sanctuary to sing our favorite carols, hear the Gospel story of the birth of Jesus, and light the wrapped candles together as we celebrate this most sacred night.
Sign up here so we can allow for social distance and space out attendance between the two services.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 25
Christ is born! How great our joy!
First Sunday after Christmas
Sunday, December 26, 11 am in the sanctuary
Livestreamed on the WSBC Facebook page
Theme: Chosen Home
Scripture: Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17 Christmas-tide carols, readings, and special music
Second Sunday after Christmas
Sunday, January 2, 11 am in the sanctuary
Livestreamed on the WSBC Facebook page
Epiphany Sunday
Sunday, January 9, 11 am in the sanctuary
Livestreamed on the WSBC Facebook page
Theme: Home by Another Way
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Join us as we greet the Magi and follow the Star!