WPC Programs, Ministries, & Online Worship
Join us live every Sunday for online worship, explore our streaming archives, and discover the many ways to connect, grow, and serve at Waldensian Presbyterian Church.
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Sunday Worship Live Stream
Connections Service at 8:45 AM | Traditional Worship at 10:55 AM
Music Ministries
Connections Band
Provides music for our 8:45 AM informal Connections worship in Pioneer Hall. Led by Director of Music Laurie Nicholson, the band currently includes keyboard, drum set, acoustic/electric guitars, and 6–7 vocalists. All worshipers are invited to sing along to a wide range of music: from contemporary Christian songs; to long-loved hymns passed down through generations; to more recent hymns from our Glory to God hymnal (2013). The band rehearses September through May on Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.
Music in Traditional Worship
Our music is offered to the glory of God each week during worship by: master organist Carla Sperry, who plays our 19-rank Létourneau mechanical action pipe organ (Op. 133, installed November 2017); several pianists who play our restored 1932 Model M Steinway baby grand piano; guest instrumentalists who join us throughout the year to accompany anthems and cantatas; 32-member Chancel Choir; Youth Choir; Handbell Choir; vocal ensembles; and the robust congregational singing we encourage from those in the pews who are our "larger choir."
Handbell Choir
Our 16 handbell ringers rehearse on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 PM, September through May. Led by Director of Music Laurie Nicholson, we ring 5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells and 5 octaves of Malmark Choirchimes. For the past 5 years, the WPC Handbell Choir has offered a Christmas Concert on a Sunday afternoon in December. In Fall 2026, we will ring twice during Sunday traditional worship in November and December (11:00 AM), and our concert will be held on Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 PM.
Chancel Choir
Our well-balanced volunteer choir of 32 members, led by Director of Music Laurie Nicholson, rehearses weekly September through May; and every other week from June through August. We meet on Wednesdays from 6:15 - 7:30 PM in our choir room or in the sanctuary. In addition to the congregational hymns the choir leads from our Glory to God hymnal (2013), we sing anthems of varied styles and genres. Some of our favorite current composers include Dan Forrest, Elaine Hagenberg, Craig Courtney, and Mary McDonald. We prepare and offer a full music service (sometimes a cantata, sometimes a series of anthems) during both Advent and Holy Week each year.
Children's Music
Children ages 4 years through 5th grade are a part of our Wednesday afternoon program, "WPC Friends," which meets from 3:30 - 5:30. We gather on the playground and have snack there (weather permitting). Then music is incorporated among several other activities and rotations the kids enjoy. The younger group (ages 4 through Kindergarten or 1st grade) sings and also plays rhythm sticks, deskbells and Orff instruments (4:00-4:20). The 2nd through 5th graders' music time is about 4:25-4:45; they sing and also play rhythm sticks and Orff instruments, with a plan toward beginning handchimes in early 2027. Together, our children sing/play occasionally during the Time with Children in 11:00 worship on Sundays. All of them are also included as singing and dancing angels and shepherds in our Outdoor Christmas Scene (Dec 9 and 10, 2026) with live music and live narrations.
Youth Choir
On Sunday afternoons from 4:30 - 5:30 (September through May), our 7 to 8 member Youth Choir (middle and high school) practices varied styles of music and hymns. Several times during 2026 they sang a joint anthem with our Chancel Choir. Over 6 of the past 8 years, WPC Youth have attended Montreat Worship & Music Week, which has bonded their friendships as well as their confidence in singing and playing music and leading worship. As an ensemble, they occasionally lead contemporary music from the Glory to God hymnal in our traditional 11:00 am worship. As this group has grown up together, they have taken lead roles in our musicals in past years. In Dec 2025, they were dramatic characters and singers in the Outdoor Christmas Scene. We added live music and narrations in 2025, so children, youth and adult choirs all are involved. This year's Scene is planned for Wednesday and Thursday, Dec 9 and 10, 2026, with 30 minute shows at 6:00 and 7:00.
Other Musicians in Worship
Throughout the year, other musicians join our Chancel Choir to accompany choral anthems or cantatas during worship. Those additional musicians include professionals, students, and church members who play. Over the past 8 years and currently, we have invited and appreciate the musical gifts of pianists, violinists, cellists, string quartets, brass quartets or quintets, flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet(s), French horn, bari sax, alto sax, and tuba players who are or have become our friends. In addition, we have a group called "Circle of Strings," currently composed of 9 musicians who play guitars, banjos, mandolin, ukelele, and 5-6 vocalists. They play occasionally for worship or fellowship meals at WPC, and they also take their music to other area venues. We are so fortunate to have such rich resources for music in our small town area!
Outdoor Christmas Scene
There is a decades-long history at WPC of offering an elaborately staged Nativity outside our church building. In 2025, we revised a previously pre-recorded music and narrative to add live music and narrations. This includes Christmas carols played from our recently donated Schulmerich carillon. From the Main Street side of the church lawn, the birth stories from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew come alive with various costumed characters of all ages involved: angels, shepherds, Magi, Herod; and Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in the nearby stable. Audience members gather on the sidewalk to watch the 30 minute program. For 2026, the Outdoor Scene is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Dec 9 and 10, with shows at 6:00 and 7:00 each night, weather permitting. It takes a village! Many volunteers are needed for behind-the-scenes help with meals for the cast, props, lighting and audio! Please call the church office at (828) 874-2531 to sign up!
Faith Formation
Children's Sunday School
Grades Pre-K– 5: Meets in the Education Building and features popular, engaging curriculum focused on foundational faith.
9:45 AM Sunday Mornings
WPC Friends
Grades Pre-K– 5: WPC Friends is our ministry to children. It lasts from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Wednesdays during the school year. All children grades pre-k through fifth grade are welcome.
We gather on the playground and have snack there (weather permitting). Then music is incorporated among several other activities and rotations the kids enjoy, including music time.
Youth & College Sunday School
Grades 6 – 12: Middle & High School class meets in Pioneer Hall immediately following the Connections Service. Many of our College Students and Young Adults also attend this class.
Youth Group
Grades 6 – 12: Youth group meets from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Sundays and Wednesdays with dinner provided. Youth group is a great opportunity for young people from sixth grade to twelfth grade to plug into a community that is a bit different than what they might find at school. We do some community building activities, community service, theological reflection, and having fun. We meet in pioneer hall initially and then go elsewhere.
Adult Sunday School
Meeting at 9:45 AM on Sunday mornings, the Adult class is lead by DCE Ford Chittom. He is currently teaching a series on the world of Jesus (establishing the historical context of the gospel).
College Group
College group is from 8-10 PM on Wednesday nights. College group is an opportunity for anyone ages 18-22 to come and reflect on God and themselves during their busy schedules. People are welcome to come even if they are not in college or are in college online. We meet in Pioneer hall initially and go elsewhere.
Christian Fellowship & Groups
Book Discussion Groups
Afternoon Group: Meets 2nd Thursday of the month at 4:00 PM at the Tron House.
Faith Matters Group: Meets 4th Sunday of the month at 4:00 PM in Room 200. Selections are listed in our monthly newsletter and feature relaxed group discussions.
The "JETT SET"
Just Enjoying Time Together: Shopping, Eating, and Traveling
Serving the retirees and seniors of WPC (and friends of all ages!). Our group plans van excursions to historic venues, theatrical performances, restaurants, and seasonal shows in Charlotte.
Monthly Luncheon: Meets the 1st Thursday of each month in the Fellowship Hall for theme decorations, door prizes, and a delicious meal prepared by our cook ($5 at door). Members also receive our monthly Jett Set Gazette newsletter.
Contact Office to Join JETT SETInquirer's & New Members
Want to learn more about WPC, the core beliefs of the Presbyterian Church (USA), how we worship, and how we are structured and governed? Let us know, we would love to have you!
"Come and See!"
Our congregation is friendly, welcoming, and vibrant. Whether in worship, fellowship, or service, we invite you to experience discipleship together with us.
Watch Online WorshipPresbyterian Women
All women are invited to fellowship with the Presbyterian Women. Meeting in small groups called “Circles” once a month, we provide a caring community that studies, prays, and serves together with morning, afternoon, and evening meeting options.
Our Spring Gathering (1st Monday in May) and Fall Gathering (2nd Monday in November) bring all members together for a noon luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.
Activities & Outreach
Monthly mission focus, Bible studies, bereavement support, kitchen maintenance, and local/global mission offerings.
Presbyterian Women Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are made available annually through both our local congregation and the Presbytery of Western North Carolina:
WPC Local Scholarship
Available via the Community Foundation of Burke County.
Apply at CFBurkeCounty.org Due March 1stPresbytery of WNC Scholarship
Available via the Presbytery of Western NC under the Ministries tab.
Apply at PresbyteryWNC.org Due February 15thBoy Scouts and Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts: Troop 13198
- Troop 13198 is in the final stretch of their Girl Scout journey as our six girls—Addie, Piper, Kendall, Hannah, Matilyn, and Marissa—have reached the Ambassador level. To celebrate making it this far, the girls recently traveled to Dollywood this summer and enjoyed some well-deserved fun together. Now, their focus has turned toward completing their Gold Awards, with Hannah already having completed hers, Matilyn’s project recently approved, and the other girls actively working through the planning stages of their projects. We are excited to see the impact these young women will make and look forward to seeing all they accomplish for our community. We are incredibly thankful to Waldensian Presbyterian Church for providing our troop with a welcoming space and for the continued encouragement and support they have given our girls throughout their Girl Scout journey.
Boy Scouts: Troop 192
- Boy Scout Troop 192, sponsored by WPC, meets on Monday nights at 7:00 at the Boy Scout Hut located at 213 Massel Ave. in Valdese (near the Valdese Rec). We work on merit badges, develop scout and outdoor skills and have fun with recreational activities. Scouts have the opportunity to attend camping trips or outings with the troop, usually about once a month. Popular outings include biking, backpacking, camping in the South Mountains or Wilson’s Creek and fishing in the Linville River. The troop also is active in community service projects including placing the American flags in downtown Valdese on national holidays. Scouts can also attend Camp Bud Schiele in the summer. In addition to working on merit badges, scouts enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, recreational team sports, rappelling, archery, shotgun and rifle shooting and more at the camp. Over the years, dozens of scouts from Troop 192 have advanced all the way to the rank of Eagle Scout. The troop is known for producing Eagle Scouts and leaders in the community. For more information, stop by the scout hut on Monday nights or contact the church office.
