Watts Street Baptist Church

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Watts Street Baptist Church Progressive, inclusive, ecumenical, welcoming & affirming congregation in Durham, NC "What does the Lord require of you?

But to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8.Watts Street Baptist Church is firmly committed to being a mission-oriented congregation, grounding that mission in vital worship, Christian education, and caring community.From its founding in 1923, Watts Street has been a different kind of Baptist church. Ecumenical in outlook, the church is affiliated with American Baptist Churches Rochester Genesee Region, the Alliance of Baptists, and the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists."Every member a minister" is more than a slogan here, for each member takes seriously the call to be involved in ministry. These ministries are rooted in a nurturing community, where one's gifts are called forth and affirmed. Long committed to quality Christian education, Watts Street provides Sunday school classes for all ages. Weekly Wednesday night ministry includes supper followed by children's choir, adult study electives, and Chancel Choir. The youth group now includes a growing number of middle and senior highs.In the vigorous life of this faith community, we seek to be a covenant community, alert to God's Spirit, as we find creative ways to continue the ministry of Jesus.

Link for LIVESTREAM Worship ServiceSunday, October 25, 202611 am in the WSBC Sanctuary Livestreamed at https://vimeo.com...
10/24/2026

Link for LIVESTREAM Worship Service
Sunday, October 25, 2026
11 am in the WSBC Sanctuary
Livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/user113739534

Children’s Sabbath
The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40
Introit: Alleluia Choir
Sermon: “Love God, Love Others” – Esther Soud Parker
Stewardship Moment – Watts Street Youth

The Watts Street children lead the worship service by sharing litanies, prayers, scripture readings, special music, art, and by serving as ushers.

If you’re worshipping with us online, we invite you to gather these items near your computer: the worship bulletin, a Bible, and a candle to light at the beginning of the service.

Wherever you are or whatever time you are watching the service, we gladly say, Thank God you are here!

Artwork: “God Holds the Earth and Surrounds Us with Love” by Eleanor King

During worship this Sunday, October 25, we bring forward our 2027 pledges during the offertory. This year’s Stewardship...
10/23/2026

During worship this Sunday, October 25, we bring forward our 2027 pledges during the offertory. This year’s Stewardship Theme, “Show Love is Louder” draws inspiration from Romans 12:9-11, “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord.”

Living out this kind of LOVE requires commitment and contribution from all of us. We invite each of you to pledge your support through gifts of your time, presence, ability, and finances. Please make your intentions known by placing your pledge card in the offering plate today, completing your pledge card online, mailing it to WSBC, or bringing it to the church office. Together, we can turn up the volume at Watts Street to do more good for more people in more places in 2027!

Stewardship Logo artwork by Kyle Fox

We were delighted to host Durham Congregations in Action today for their monthly gathering and strategic planning sessio...
10/20/2026

We were delighted to host Durham Congregations in Action today for their monthly gathering and strategic planning session!

Calling All Musicians: Lunch & Jam Session! Please join us for a casual lunch and a relaxed jam session on Sunday, Oct...
10/20/2026

Calling All Musicians: Lunch & Jam Session! Please join us for a casual lunch and a relaxed jam session on Sunday, October 25, immediately following the morning worship service. Whether you are an instrumentalist, soloist, handbell player, or are interested in getting involved with the music ministry for the first time, you are warmly invited. Please bring your instruments, your voices, and an appetite. Food and drinks will be provided. To help ensure we have enough lunch for everyone, please RSVP on Realm or reach out to Cyril Jolly directly by October 23. I look forward to making music and fellowshipping with you all!

WSBC Creation Care Ministry presents a Guided Forest Bathing Walk! Sunday, November 15 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Join us a...
10/19/2026

WSBC Creation Care Ministry presents a Guided Forest Bathing Walk! Sunday, November 15 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Join us at The Trees Retreat Center (1701 Pleasant Green Road) for a time to settle into the whisper of the wind, deepen your connection to earth, and restore yourself. Forest Bathing is a slow sensorial experience of being in nature. Elizabeth Newman will guide the group in simple invitations to experience the woods through your senses, allowing you to slow down, restore yourself and connect with the natural world. Forest Bathing is not a hike for exercise or a time to focus on learning plant identification, rather it's about moving slowly and taking time to notice. No skill required. Want to learn more about the history of Forest Bathing? Please check out the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy website: https://www.anft.earth. Limited to 15 participants. RSVP to Cari Furiness, [email protected]

🎵 WE ARE HIRING: Organist & Choir Accompanist 🎹Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham, NC is seeking a part-time Organist...
10/19/2026

🎵 WE ARE HIRING: Organist & Choir Accompanist 🎹
Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham, NC is seeking a part-time Organist & Choir Accompanist to join our collaborative ministry team! We are a progressive, inclusive, and welcoming congregation with a deep appreciation for vibrant, traditional sacred music.
🌟 Position Highlights:
• The Bench: Play our incredible 1969 3-Manual Austin Pipe Organ (47 Ranks) and a 6 ft. Kawai Grand Piano!
• Schedule: Low time commitment (~10-12 hours/week). Perfect for local graduate or advanced undergraduate music students.
• Core Hours: Wednesday rehearsals (7-9 PM) & Sunday mornings (9 AM - 12:30 PM).
• Time Off: Includes 3 paid vacation Sundays per year.
Competitive Compensation:
• $14,000-$18,000 Salary Range
• +$600 Special Service Bonuses
• Retirement Contribution
• Extra fee-for-service income opportunities available for weddings and funerals.
🎓 Qualifications:
• Strong proficiency in organ/piano performance and choral accompaniment.
• A commitment to alignment with our inclusive, justice-seeking mission.
📍 Location: 800 Watts Street, Durham, NC (Right near Duke’s campus!)
✉️ Apply Today: Send your cover letter, resume, and recordings to [email protected]. Position Open January 2027.

Link for LIVESTREAM Worship ServiceSunday, October 18, 202611 am in the WSBC Sanctuary Livestreamed at https://vimeo.com...
10/17/2026

Link for LIVESTREAM Worship Service
Sunday, October 18, 2026
11 am in the WSBC Sanctuary
Livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/user113739534

The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture: Matthew 22:15- 22
Sermon: “In God’s Image” – Dorisanne Cooper
Anthem: “Who Will Speak a Word of Warning” (Music by Thomas John Williams, Text by Richard Leach) – Chancel Choir
Stewardship Moment – The Fox family

If you’re worshipping with us online, we invite you to gather these items near your computer: the worship bulletin, a Bible, and a candle to light at the beginning of the service.

Wherever you are or whatever time you are watching the service, we gladly say, Thank God you are here!

Photo: scaliger/Getty Images

Give it up for these awesome YAM JAMmers from last Saturday! The rain (mostly) held off, we gleaned a bunch of sweet po...
10/16/2026

Give it up for these awesome YAM JAMmers from last Saturday! The rain (mostly) held off, we gleaned a bunch of sweet potatoes for those in need, and we capped it all off with some Smithfield’s Chicken and BBQ. 10/10 🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠

This week Dorisanne Cooper, Andrea Godwin, Rebeca Olmedo, Esther Soud Parker, and Barb Rumer represented Watts Street at...
10/16/2026

This week Dorisanne Cooper, Andrea Godwin, Rebeca Olmedo, Esther Soud Parker, and Barb Rumer represented Watts Street at the Alliance of Baptist’s Thrive Retreat in support of congregational racial justice work and the Alliance’s Fall Pilgrimage in New Orleans.

Churches that THRIVE for Racial Justice is a partnership between the Alliance of Baptists and Davidson College that equips congregations to engage the long, faithful work of becoming antiracist churches. Guided by leading sociologists of race and religion, THRIVE creates spaces where pastors and lay leaders can learn together, ask difficult questions, strengthen relationships, and develop practices that move racial justice from aspiration to lived congregational life.

The Pilgrimage centered on the Soul of New Orleans tour with 2nd Line Tours. More than a sightseeing tour, this immersive experience explores the Black history that has shaped New Orleans, from the contributions of people who were formerly enslaved and free people of color to the music, culture, resilience, and celebration that continue to define the city.

Fall Church Meeting this Sunday, October 18, 12:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for lunch and community time as...
10/16/2026

Fall Church Meeting this Sunday, October 18, 12:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for lunch and community time as we welcome new members, consider and vote on the 2027 church budget and a recommendation from the Missions Committee, and hear updates from various committees.

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800 Watts Street
Durham, NC
27701

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