The following descriptions are a compiled list of many of the places to serve at Watts Street beyond our communities and adult education programs. Whether you’re new to Watts Street or looking to educate yourself anew about all of the different ways to serve, we invite you to look at these “job descriptions” and the contact people for various recurring and one-time roles that might connect your gifts and skills with a place of need or call within the church. If there is an area or role you’d like to add to this list, please contact the church office, sherrill@wattsstreetbaptist.org, or the Gifts and Call Committee, Lisa Rhoades, lisabrhoades@gmail.com.
Beach Retreat Food Committee – Watts Street holds an all-ages Church Beach Retreat at Ft. Caswell on the last weekend of every April. Four (4) church members work together to coordinate healthy meals and snacks which meet the various needs (food allergies, etc) of those in attendance. The committee works on shopping for food and kitchen supplies; packing of equipment, food, and needed supplies for transporting to the retreat; assigning food items and kitchen duties (all retreat participants take a shift in the kitchen); setting up kitchens at the retreat; monitoring each meal; lending a hand where necessary; and dismantling kitchens and packing up boxes for transporting back to the church once the retreat is over. After the retreat, all equipment brought back to the church is washed, boxed up, and put away. If you are interested in helping with leadership in this area, please contact Kelly Sasser, Kelly@wattsstreet.org or Esther Soud Parker, Esther@wattsstreet.org.
Bereavement – provides a meal before the service or reception after the service to a family who has lost a loved one; this sporadic need uses volunteers as sandwich makers and cookie bakers; set-up helpers; servers; and clean up helpers. Additionally, the volunteer chair of bereavement is the liaison with the minister, church office, and team leaders to keep the closet stocked with punch supplies and paper products, and to recruit new team members. Contact Sue Kauffman, suekauffman67@yahoo.com.
Chancel Choir – an all-volunteer Chancel Choir sings a diverse selection of anthems accompanied by paid instrumentalists for extended works (e.g., Handel’s Messiah Part I), anthems accompanied by organ and instrument, and special programs like the Church’s annual Moravian Lovefeast. Choir rehearsal takes place on Wednesdays from 7:15 – 8:45 pm. Contact Melody Zentner, Mjzent1955@gmail.com.
Children’s Ministry – teachers, assistants and subs are needed for children, ages 0 – 5th graders, during Sunday School; in addition, volunteers are needed for Second Hour Ministry (during worship), for children, ages 0 – Kindergarten; all volunteers working with children must participate in a Volunteer Training Session and submit a Ministry Worker Application (which includes a request for references and consent to a criminal background check); you can serve as little as 1x/month with your preferred age group. Contact Esther Soud Parker, esther@wattsstreet.org.
Children’s Music – nurtures musical literacy and
familiarity with worship practices so that children grow to be active
participants in worship; develop as singers and musicians; learn about the
heritage of our hymns, the liturgical year, and Christian symbolism; and
experience the teamwork necessary to make music effectively. All Children ages
3-5th grade are invited to participate in one of our choirs. Each choir meets on Wednesday evenings from
6:15-7 p.m. after our Wednesday Night Supper. Kinderpraise is for children 3
years old – Kindergarten; Praise Choir is for children in 1st and 2nd
grade, and Alleluia Choir is for children in 3rd – 5th grade. Contact Melody Zentner, mjzent1955@gmail.com.
Church Meeting Meals – WSBC has a church-wide business meeting in February, May, and October after Sunday worship; volunteers are needed for prep work, sometimes cooking, serving, and clean-up; work once or all 3 times and get to know people you may not have a chance to meet. Contact Esther Soud Parker, Esther@wattsstreet.org.
Church Picnic – volunteers help with set-up by taking name tags/pens, several tables, a few chairs, paper supplies, water in large coolers, ice, and Coke products from the church to the picnic site on a Saturday afternoon in mid-October; then, they help clean up and return unused items to the church. Contact Clay Chandler, cchandler@fhi360.org, or Kyle Fox, kyle.fox@duke.edu.
Communion Ministry – sets up and cleans up for the service of communion and maintains communion ware; rotation among 4 teams of 2 people requires you to serve in this capacity about 3 times each year. Contact Lynne Ross, rossgo@nc.rr.com or Steve Ross, sross65@nc.rr.com.
Greeters – open the door and welcome people at the front and back of the church for the 30 minutes prior to Sunday School (~ 9:30-10am). Greeters make a good impression on visitors and can help jump start the morning for members. Volunteers work once a month or as a substitute. Contact David Goodman, rockhouse1@msn.com.
Hanging of the Greens – this festive decorating of the sanctuary for Advent takes place on the evening of the 1st Sunday in Advent; a crew of volunteers prepares a light supper to serve the volunteers who are decorating the sanctuary and the children who are making Christmas crafts. Just show up to assist with decorating. Contact Debra Freeman, debra_cole_freeman@hotmail.com, to help with the supper.
Library – Watts Street’s library can always use some extra hands to help catalog books and organize the shelves. Contact the church office, sherrill@wattsstreet.org.
Lovefeast Helpers – our Christmas Eve service is a Moravian Lovefeast when worshipers gather and are served a feast of bread and rich coffee while singing Christmas hymns. Later, volunteers distribute beeswax candles that are lit from the Christ candle and shared by the worshipers. There are 3 coordinator volunteers who recruit a team of 30 volunteers to serve the coffee, buns, and distribute the candles. Another group of volunteers wrap the candles during November Monday mornings, and another group prepares the coffee and cleans up after the service. There are many opportunities to serve. Contact Amy or Jonathan Sauls, jchsa@aol.com.
Memorial Garden – this team cares for and maintains the garden, esp. cleaning and trimming the area prior to the interment of ashes. Contact Bob Hellwig, bobhellwig@gmail.com.
Prayer Ministry – members who are committed to praying for the needs of the congregation and community are emailed a list each Monday with updates throughout the week. Contact Sherrill@wattsstreet.org to get the prayer list.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – volunteers knit prayer shawls in their own time, reminders of our love and prayers, for members of the congregation. The ministers and deacons have them to take to persons undergoing surgery, experiencing a loss, or anyone in stress. Contact Nancy Freeman for information at 919-383-3974 or nancy.freeman2@gmail.com.
Reception – sets up and coordinates food and beverages for ordination receptions, clergy receptions, and cookies and hot chocolate after the Christmas Eve 4 pm service. Contact Emily McCoy, mccoy6320@gmail.com, or Marisa Houser, marisahouser@yahoo.com.
Receptionists – volunteers staff the church office once a week for 3-3.5 hours each weekday morning or afternoon to cover phones, greet visitors, stuff the Sunday bulletin, help staff with projects, etc. Substitutes are also needed. Contact sherrill@wattsstreet.org.
Scouts – Cub Scout Pack 440 and Boy Scout Troop 440 are sponsored by WSBC; about 20 scouts meet on Monday nights at 7 pm and once a month the troop goes on a camping trip. The Scout Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7PM and currently consists of Scout Leaders and parents led by Worth Lutz. The Cub Scout Pack meets at 6PM on Mondays. Contact Worth Lutz, worthlutz@mindspring.com.
Sound System Operator – during 11:00 service and occasionally for special events such as Love Feast and various performances, volunteers assist the ministers with any special microphone needs, run the sound board, and record the service. If you would like to be an “operator in training”, contact Mike Killam, mike.killam@sas.com.
Soup Supper Helpers – sponsored by the deacons for building community, the WSBC annual Soup Suppers are held in members’ homes usually on a Sunday evening in January or at the church after worship that Sunday; deacons and others open their homes (usually have a co-host) and provide 2 different soups (one vegetarian) and beverage; members bring sandwiches, veggies, fruit, or dessert. Volunteers are needed to host or co-host and assignments are made depending upon how many people a host can accommodate. Contact the church office, sherrill@wattsstreet.org.
Sunday Flower Ministry – on Mondays when flowers from the Sunday service are available, a group of volunteers meets at 8:30 am to make small individual arrangements that are then available for anyone to take to homebound members or friends. Contact Emily McCoy, mccoy6320@gmail.com.
Ushers for Worship – beginning about 10:30am, ushers greet people at the front entry and assist persons from the curb to the door, if needed; then, they take up the offering during worship. Contact Joe Gary, gbsrealty@yahoo.com.
Vacation Bible School – Each summer, Watts Street provides a one week (Sunday through Thursday) half-day program for children, ages 3 through 5th grade. VBS is designed to share God’s love through Bible stories, music, crafts, science, recreation, and skits. Adults and youth volunteer by leading an activity or shepherding the children to each activity. Opportunities to volunteer are flexible and can be daily or as little as one day that week. All volunteers working with children must participate in a Volunteer Training Session and submit a Ministry Worker Application (which includes a request for references and consent to a criminal background check). Contact Esther Soud Parker, esther@wattsstreet.org.
W. E. Stanley Mission House (next door to the back parking lot at church) provides a comfortable, peaceful, and nurturing environment to assist in the care of patients and their families who are receiving medical care at Duke, are away from home, and need affordable housing assistance. Assistance with yearly spring cleaning is needed. Contact: Becky Dodson, rdodson1@nc.rr.com or Ginny Wiggins, vwiggins3@nc.rr.com.
WSBC Garden Club – outdoor workdays are held once in
October and once in April to provide extra assistance in sprucing up the
grounds and playground at the church and around the Mission House next door;
however, much more regular weeding, pruning, deadheading, etc. needs to be
done; volunteers try to work once a month (early morning during the summer) and
late afternoon during the fall and spring to keep our grounds looking as good
as possible. Contact Emily McCoy, mccoy6320@gmail.com.
Youth Choir – is composed of youth, ranging from grades 6-12; they sing in worship 6-8 times per year and occasionally sing with the Chancel Choir. Practice is on Sundays from 4 – 5 p.m. A consistent volunteer is needed to attend the rehearsals, even if only twice a month. All volunteers working with children/youth must participate in a Volunteer Training Session and submit a Ministry Worker Application (which includes a request for references and consent to a criminal background check). Contact Kelly Sasser, kelly@wattsstreet.org.
Youth Ministry – provides a place for middle & high school students to come together for worship, fellowship, study, and service in an environment where they feel safe to ask difficult questions, explore the Christian faith, and, hopefully, make lasting spiritual commitments. Through both a “journey inward” and a “journey outward,” youth are encouraged to discover their God-given gifts, talents, and interests and use them in service to God and neighbor. Volunteers are needed as Sunday School teachers, subs, and youth group helpers. Youth Group meets on Sundays from 5 – 7:15 pm. Contact Kelly Sasser, kelly@wattsstreet.org.
MISSION GROUPS and
MEMBER-LED PROGRAMS
AIDS Support Team – offers practical and emotional support to people in our community living with HIV/AIDS. The Team is paired with one care partner and provides support through individual contact and social activities including dinners, movies, and other outings. Team members complete a training program through the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina. Contact Greg Palmer, senorpalmer@gmail.com.
Diaper Bank of NC – accepts packages of opened or new diapers as well as feminine hygiene products, wipes, adult incontinence supplies, and girls’ underwear of all sizes for people in need; distribution is through partner organizations. Volunteers are needed for diaper-wrapping events that occur weekly; as diaper ambassadors to help organize volunteers, groups and diaper distribution to partner organizations; and as diaper drop hotspot pickup drivers. Call (919) 886-8085 or email info@ncdiaperbank.org for more information.
Durham CAN (Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods) – works in a non-partisan fashion across racial and ethnic lines for positive, non-violent social change in Durham. Issues to be addressed over the next two years include affordable housing, jobs and living wages, police accountability and opportunities for youth. WSBC has supported Durham CAN since 2005. Contact Bob Kruhm, rkruhm@nc.rr.com.
Durham Literacy Center – provides free literacy services to adults and out-of-school youth in Durham County. WSBC member, Lizzie Ellis-Furlong serves as Executive Director. Volunteers serve in direct instruction as a one-on-one tutor, a small group instructor, or a substitute tutor/instructor with one of our three core programs (Adult Literacy, ESOL, or Youth Education Program); as instructional support provider (preparing instructional materials, assisting students in the computer lab as they complete homework assignments and/or applying for jobs); as administrative support provider (receptionist, data entry, direct mailing prep, or fundraising helper) or as a Board sub-committee member. Prospective volunteers should call 919-489-838 or email volunteer@durhamliteracy.org for more information.
El Salvador Group – supports a working relationship with our covenant church, Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel. For the past 11 years, this mission group has worked to build relationships through mission trips to El Salvador and helped build affordable housing and youth centers. The most recent focus of this group is supporting the Culture of Peace through the Youth Centers there and sponsorship of scholarships for local children to attend public schools and universities. Contact Clark Godfrey, cgodfrey24@aol.com
Environmental Group – seeks to carry out God’s call to care for all of creation. It has promoted sustainability within our congregation and sponsored events to encourage thinking about faith-ecology connections. Members of the group donate time and energy in sponsoring educational sessions on “green” living, experiential lessons for kids, invited speakers, and recycling bins. Contact Scott Job, earthscott@gmail.com.
Families Moving Forward (formerly Genesis Home and Interfaith Hospitality Network) – provides transitional housing, meals and other support for families moving from homelessness to permanent or temporary housing. About once every 10 weeks, WSBC along with 2 other churches provide and share nightly meals at FMF from 5:30-6:30 pm and work with children age 0 – 5 from 6:30-7:30 pm while parents are engaged in a “house meeting”. Contact Stuart Wells, stuart.wells@duke.edu; Stella Smith, stellapsmith@frontier.com; or Elizabeth Forshay, Elizabeth.Forshay@unchealth.unc.edu.
Habitat for Humanity – builds new “green” homes primarily with volunteer labor and “sweat equity” from the homeowner with 0% loans; rehabs abandoned, historic homes; helps low-income homeowners make repairs to correct substandard housing conditions. Crews (16 yo and older) work on Saturdays for a 3 hour shift at 8:30 or 12:30 pm. A group of retirees, “The Geezers”, work every Thursday beginning at 8:30 am. Contact Steve Booth, 919-477-1843, or spbooth@mindspring.com.
H.E.L.P. – the health equipment loan program serves anyone in Durham County with durable medical equipment, e.g. wheelchairs, canes, crutches, bedside commodes, walkers, raised toilet seats, bed rails, etc. The loan is for 3 months with renewal possible. HELP is open on Tuesdays from 11 – 3 pm and Fridays from 2 – 6 pm. Volunteers serve at least 8 hours/month as front desk assistants, cleaners, and/or repairers. There may be some data entry work or calling about overdue items from home. WSBC member Amy Armstrong serves as manager and can be reached at HELP@projectaccessdurham.org, or call 919-470-7281.
Meals on Wheels: supports people in Durham who are homebound due to age, illness, or limited mobility by providing a nutritious meal, a smile, and an opportunity for a short, friendly conversation. Routes every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between 10 and noon are covered by WSBC volunteers. Substitutes are needed to either drive or be the runner, particularly on Friday. Each route takes between one and two hours from leaving your home until completing the route. For more information or to sign up, please contact the WSBC coordinator, Amy Sauls, jchsa@aol.com. To help with quarterly packing of meals on 3rd Tuesdays (Jan, Mar, Jun, Sep) from 8 – 10:30 am, contact the WSBC packing coordinator, Bob Kruhm, rkruhm@nc.rr.com.
Peace and Reconciliation – builds peace and advances justice through education and nonviolent action. The members work to foster a reconciled community and strive to combat systematic discrimination based on race, class, gender, or sexual orientation. During the past year, the group organized participation in Moral Monday events, WSBC’s Martin Luther King Sunday worship and conversations, outreach to the LGBTQ community, refugee advocacy and support, and voter registration and awareness. Contact Gordon Whitaker, whitakergordon@gmail.com.
Prison Ministry – has offered several worship services each year over the last six years at the Raleigh Correctional Center for Women where WSBC member Sarah Jobe serves as chaplain. Each worship service ends with a time of sharing food and fellowship. Participation in this group requires training at the prison in order to go into the prison multiple times each year. The Prison Ministry is currently re-organizing, but anticipates continuing with new leadership. Contact Sarah Jobe, sarah.jobe@duke.edu.
REAL Durham (Relationships Equipping Allies and Leaders) – supports individuals and families as they move out of poverty and into self-sufficiency by creating authentic relationships across race and class lines. Circle Leaders (those in poverty) and Circle Allies (community and church members) work together to accomplish career, financial, and life goals as set forth by the Circle Leaders. Contact Greg Palmer, senorpalmer@gmail.com or Maggie Chotas, maggiechotas@themulberrypartners.com.
Reality Ministries – creates opportunities for teens and adults with and without developmental disabilities to experience belonging, kinship, and the life-changing Reality of Christ’s love through evening and daytime programs; opportunities for sharing food, fellowship, games, singing, messages from the Bible, service projects, and more are available with individuals with developmental disabilities, age 14 and over. A current activity of this Mission Group is to coordinate a healthy lunch on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month @ Watts Street and volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, eat and clean-up between ~11 am – ~ 2 pm. Contact Cari Furiness, cs.furiness@gmail.com.
Reconciliation and Reentry team – This team partners with Northside Baptist Church in Walltown to assist a person who is recently returned to Durham after incarceration. The team helps with reentry: finding a job, housing, support of all kinds, including moral and spiritual support, and friendship/acceptance. The R&R teams work with the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham to receive training and support. The teams will meet 1 – 1.5 hours every other week. For more information, contact Maggie Chotas, maggiechotas@gmail or 919-801-4748.
Urban Ministries of Durham Community Café – the Sojourners Sunday School Class prepares and serves one meal each month at Urban Ministries. All WSBC members are welcome to help prepare the meal and/or serve it once each month. Contact David Heist, david.heist@gmail.com.
Walltown Neighborhood Ministries – engages in relationship building with churches, non-profit agencies, public and charter schools, and families in the Walltown neighborhood and close vicinity. Street-level justice activities, partnering to host a food bank, and education and training for community organizing are pursued along with nurturing neighborhood youth through educational development programs including Urban Hope. Contact: Dorisanne Cooper, dorisanne@wattsstreet.org or Kirsten Kruhm, Kirsten.Kruhm@redcross.org.
Updated September 2018, Gifts and Call Committee