Advent 2025: What do you fear?
Our Advent theme comes from the worship resource Sanctified Art. Luke’s gospel begins the story of Jesus with this opening line: “In the time of Herod…” This detail may seem minor to modern readers, however, it reveals layers of information about the fearful world Jesus entered, one filled with rampant oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty and instability. A world not so unlike our own. And yet, through the stories of Christ’s birth, the whispers of angels deliver a surprising message: “Do not fear.” In our own time we might ask: Is it even possible to be fearless in a fearful world? When Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi are each called into God’s redemptive story, they do not deny their fears – they move through them. They ask questions, hold fast to courage, trust in good news, and say, “Here I am, Lord.”
Advent at Home!
We are pleased to offer the Advent devotional What do you Fear? from Sanctified Art. You can find the resource online here or pick up the booklet in the sanctuary foyers on Sunday.
Service of Remembrance and Hope
Sunday, December 7
4 p.m. in the Sanctuary
During this season, grief and loss are often accentuated and the weariness of life can be a lot to hold. Some come to this simple service for the quiet time to reflect. Some have losses that are more recent and raw. 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, and also other lament that you wish to mark in these days.
WSBC Senior Adult Christmas Lunch
On Thursday, December 10 at12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, all are invited to a Christmas Lunch hosted by the Senior Adult Coordinating Council. We’ll enjoy delicious food catered by Hope Valley Diner, good company, and sing Christmas carols. Bring socks, gloves, hats or underwear to donate to Urban Ministries. Cost for the meal is $12 per person. Please RSVP on Realm (or by emailing the church office) by this Sunday, December 7.
Bull City Fair Trade “Watts Street Shopping Day”!
After worship on Sunday, December 14, plan to come by Bull City Fair Trade (811 Ninth Street) for the WSBC discount or shop online (with the code “WATTSSTREET”) at https://bullcityfairtrade.com for Fair Trade handmade crafts, clothing and artwork created by craftspeople from over 50 countries and regions of the US that are struggling economically. Bull City Fair Trade (formally known as One World Market) began in the basement of WSBC in 1991 in an effort to support low-income artisans and farmers around the world.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 14
3:30 pm in the Sanctuary
“The Christmas Story” is presented by our children, nursery to fifth graders, in the sanctuary. We’ll also have a time during the pageant when you can bring gifts to the baby Jesus by donating socks, gloves, or hats for Urban Ministries of Durham. Join us and experience the excitement and wonder of Jesus’ birth, through the eyes of children.
Pageant Rehearsal is Saturday, December 13. Speaking part cast at 9:30 a.m. and the entire cast from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Youth-led Fum, Fum, Fum-Fest!
Sunday, December 14
4:00-5:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall
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, and more! “Thanks to God for holidays, sing fum, fum, fum!”
WSBC Young Adult Ministry Christmas Party!
Tuesday, December 16
7:00 p.m. at the home of Blanche and Alan Williams
College students and young adults, out-of-towners or local-yocals, join us as we catch up with old friends and meet new ones, all in the spirit of Christmas! We’ll have hot cider on hand. Bring a sweet or savory snack to share…and a fun, wrapped present (in the $15 range) for the Gift Exchange game! Please RSVP to kelly@wattsstreet.org or blanche.williams50@gmail.com.
WSBC Movie Night!
The Watts Street AV Club is hosting a screening of the family-friendly holiday film, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on the bestseller by Barbara Robinson. The movie tells the story of “The Hermans, the absolutely worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully…and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant!” Invite your family and friends and join us on Friday, December 19 in Room 102. Doors open at 6 pm with popcorn, drinks, and desserts provided. The film starts at 6:30 pm and runs for 1 1/2 hours. For more information, contact Scott Job (earthscott@gmail.com) or Kelly Sasser (kelly@wattsstreet.org).
Christmas Eve Lovefeast
Wednesday, December 24
5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. and please no saved seats after 4:30 p.m.
Join us as we hear the Gospel story of the birth of Jesus, sing familiar carols led by the Chancel Choir, organ and brass, and enjoy the traditional Moravian buns and coffee. At the conclusion of the service, we raise our candles as we sing Joy to the World. Collection plates near the sanctuary exits will receive a love offering for emergency relief for families in Gaza through MECA (Middle East Children’s Alliance).