Sunday, September 24
10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
(No Sunday School on this day)
We gather to celebrate 100 years of God’s people meeting together at the corner of Watts and Urban, seeking the path of following Jesus together – caring, risking, questioning, worshipping, and so much more. We also look to the future and lean into the beautiful Dag Hammarskjöld quote, “For all that has been, thanks! To all that shall be, yes!”
Our worship celebration will include the singing of “Let Us Walk in God’s Light” (Sherry Blevins), the anthem commissioned for Watts Street’s 100th anniversary. We will also present the new worship leader stoles made with fabric pieces from members of the congregation, open/update the church’s time capsule, and honor special guests. After worship, we will gather on the front steps for a Centennial photo and then enjoy a Dinner on the Grounds potluck feast!
Fried chicken provided – bring your favorite side or dessert and your lawn chair. Food can be dropped off in the fellowship hall or kitchen when you arrive that morning. After the church photo, we’ll ask everyone to take their food items to the serving tables near the Urban Ave. parking lot.
Throughout this celebration year, we have dedicated different months to the THANKS and YES of our various ministries:
January: THANKS and YES…A NEW BEGINNING!
Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
Sunday, January 14-15 – MLK Weekend
- Joint service project with St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church at Catawba Trail Farm
- Joint worship service and lunch with St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church
- Guest preacher: Rev. Amber Burgin-Brothers
Sunday, January 29 – Introduce Centennial Theme
February and March: THANKS and YES…FAITH FORMATION!
Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15 – Youth Discipleship Classes
Saturday, February 4 – Adult Education Retreat with Dr. Lauren Winner
Sunday, February 5 – Guest Preacher – Dr. Lauren Winner
Sunday, February 12 – Youth and Senior Adult Sweetheart Banquet
Wednesday, February 22 – Ash Wednesday, Lent begins
- Lenten Theme – Seeking: Honest Questions for Deeper Faith
Thursday, March 2 – “Bless the Lent We Actually Have” Lenten Small Groups begin
Sunday, March 5 – Chancel Choir sings “Let Us Walk in God’s Light” (Sherry Blevins)
- This anthem, based on Micah 6:8, was commissioned in honor of Watts Street’s 100th anniversary
Sundays, March 5, 12, and 19 – March Forums
Sunday, March 19 – Youth Sunday
April: THANKS and YES…NEW LIFE IN CHRIST!
Sunday, April 2 – Palm Sunday/Holy Week begins
Sunday, April 9 – Easter Sunday
Friday, April 14-Sunday, April 16 – All Ages Beach Retreat at Fort Caswell
May: THANKS and YES…MISSIONS and COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
Saturday, May 20 – Watts Street Community Connections Day
- An intergenerational, church-wide day of service projects and community connections with our Watts Street Mission Groups and Community Partners.
Sunday, May 21 – Worship Celebration and Service of Challenge and Recommitment to Watts Street’s mission “beyond our walls”
- Guest Preacher: Rev. Mel Williams
- Visual display of the missions and community connections that have grown out of (and are growing out of) Watts Street Baptist Church
June, July, and August: THANKS and YES…SABBATH and CONGREGATIONAL LIFE!
Presentation of New Worship Stoles and Paraments
June 4, August 27 – Eat Dessert First
June 24, July 22, August 12 – Vacation Bible School Days and Very Breezy Socials
June 28 – Hymn Sing and Ice Cream Social
July 2-7 – Youth service/learning week with Spark’Dwell, Winston-Salem, NC
July 9, 16, 23 – July Forums: Sabbath-Keeping, Faith Stories
July 18-24 – Senior High Week with Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in El Salvador
August 13 – Youth-led Service of Thanksgiving
September: THANKS and YES…WORSHIP and MUSIC and CELEBRATION!
Sunday, September 10 – Welcome Sunday
Saturday, September 23 – NC PRIDE Parade
Sunday, September 24 – WSBC’s Centennial Celebration
- Worship with special music, including the commissioned anthem
- Potluck dinner on the grounds
- Opening the time capsule, celebrating our history, looking ahead to the next chapter
October: THANKS and YES…STEWARDSHIP AND OUR FUTURE!
Stewardship emphasis
Sunday, October 15 – Outdoor Concert
Sunday, October 22 – Children’s Sabbath
Sunday, October 22 – Fall Church Meeting/Vote on 2024 Church Budget
November: THANKS and YES…GRATITUDE!
Saturday, November 4 – 46th Annual WSBC Fall Bazaar
Sunday, November 19 – Thanksgiving service
December: THANKS and YES…THE ADVENT OF CHRIST!
Sunday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
