OUr ministries
Inquirer's Class
Our new member class tells not only this fascinating history, it also articulates core beliefs of the Presbyterian Church USA, how we worship, and how we are structured and governed as a representative form of church government. All who call on Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome to explore our church and determine if we are a good match as a faith community for you. Our congregation has been identified by many as friendly and welcoming and we seek to grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Christ calls us to share food with our neighbors in our weekly pantry and to grow fresh produce in our community garden. We are called by Christ to teach our children how to love, and to welcome neighbor children who attend our Sunday and Wednesday programming from preschool to senior high students. Our vibrant young adult group grows together as disciples in fellowship, service and learning and all ages worship and gather together weekly in vibrant worship. In the words of Jesus’ disciples, “Come and See”!
OUR MINISTRIES
Faith Formation
Disciple Class - Our very own Elsie Whisnant offers an in-depth, disciple bible study each year beginning in September and concluding in May. These classes meet on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. We celebrate the participation in this group as it includes individuals from our membership and those from neighboring churches.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study - Each Wednesday evening from 5- 5:45pm during the fall and spring semesters, the pastor leads a Bible study and discussion on various themes of faith. Join us in Room 200 in the Education wing of our campus.
DCE 200 - is a perfect fit for you if you have a busy week! This group is designed to accommodate the schedule that may not allow for fellowship on Wednesday or Sunday. Our Thursday morning discussion group spends 45 minutes covering topics relevant to the church calendar but presented in a way that makes the material personal and fresh!
Sunday School - Grades 1 - 5 is our Sunday morning children's ministry and features a variety of programming and utilizes the most popular and engaging curriculum. This class is meets in Room 303. Grades 6 - 12 is our Sunday morning Middle & High School class in Room 305.
Adult classes: In Room 405 Contemporary Issues and in Room 200, focus on the PCUSA. On Sunday mornings, our DCE Jason Adams, motivates the College and Young adults each week.
OUR MINISTRIES
Christian Fellowship
Singles Ministry - Coming Soon
Book Discussion Groups - We offer an afternoon book group at the church. This group meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 4pm at the Tron House .
We also offer a Sunday afternoon group on the 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm. This group meets in Room 200 in the Educational Building. Book selections are chosen by the group and are listed in our monthly newsletter. The format of the discussions includes provided questions and group discussions in an informal setting.
OUR MINISTRIES
Seniors Ministry
Excursions The "JETT SET" acronym basically expresses the purpose and activity of the ministry, Just Enjoying Time Together Shopping, Eating and Traveling. The ministry serves the senior ministry, "older" retirees- if you will, of Waldensian Presbyterian Church, although we encourage folks to invite their friends and family to share in the fun! Occasionally, when we choose a super fun outing the young folks cannot resist and join us! Occasional van excursions are planned to interesting sites such as historic venues, performances, restaurants, and the Christmas and Spring Shows in Charlotte.
Contact the church office to get added to the newsletter list so you can join us when the mood strikes or never miss an event and come to everything. All are welcome!
Fellowship n the first Thursday of each month in the church's fellowship hall we enjoy a luncheon complete with theme decorations, door prizes, and an excellent meal prepared by the church's cook. The meal cost is $5.00, collected at the door. Birthday cards are sent to senior church members each month and the JETT SET have their own monthly newsletter. The front page is rich with colorful pictures of "JETT SETTERS" at various functions and notices of upcoming activities. The newsletter also features archived "Valdese News" tidbits of local and historic news of yesteryear comprise a large portion of the newsletter, entitled "The Jett Set Gazette." Some receive hard copies, and those with techno skill receive the newsletter via email. Numerous friends of our church are offered copies, as well, and seem to enjoy memories of the past. Join us anytime!
OUR MINISTRIES
Presbyterian Women
All women are invited to fellowship with the Presbyterian Women. The women meet in small groups or “Circles”. The Circles meet on the second Monday of each month providing an inclusive and caring community of women who study, pray and serve together. There are morning, afternoon and evening meeting times for the various Circles.
A Spring Gathering is held on the first Monday of May and a Fall Gathering is held on the second Monday of November. Both gatherings bring all members together and are held at Noon in the fellowship hall with a luncheon.
Activities of the Presbyterian Women include Bible Study, a specific mission focus each month, bereavement committees, maintaining kitchen property and special fellowships. Our offerings support local, national and international projects. Each year, the Presbyterian Women bestow the honorary life memberships recognizing faithful service of members. The Presbyterian Women of Waldensian Presbyterian and the Presbytery of Western North Carolina offer scholarships!
The Presbyterian Women of Waldensian Presbyterian offer scholarships. Information can be found on the Community Foundation of Burke County website - http://www.cfburkecounty.org Applications are submitted online and due March 1.
The Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina also offer scholarships. Information can be found on the Presbytery of Western North Carolina website - https://www.presbyterywnc.org/ under the Ministries tab. Applications are due February 15.
OUR MINISTRIES
Music
Connections is a more casual, informal service, held at 8:45am upstairs in Pioneer Hall, mid-August through May. Coffee and light breakfast are served buffet style, all are invited to sing with the band, and our pastor walks among us as he preaches. Our Connections Band currently includes keyboard, acoustic and bass guitars, and 6-7 singers. They sing and play varied music--new songs and old--from our Glory to God hymnal and beyond. The band rehearses on Thursdays at 6:00 pm in Pioneer Hall, and is led by our Director of Music, Laurie Nicholson. Our traditional service takes place in our sanctuary at 10:55am (shifts to 9:55am during summers when our two services are combined). We are blessed to have a 19-rank mechanical action pipe organ, Letourneau Op. 133, which was installed in November of 2017. Our organist, Carla Sperry of Black Mountain, is a master of the instrument and plays service music including classical organ literature and hymn settings by current organ composers and arrangers. We also have a refurbished Steinway 1932 Model M baby grand piano which is often used to enhance the music in worship. Our dedicated Chancel Choir is currently 22-strong, a well-balanced group of singers who rehearse on Wednesdays from 6:45 - 8:00 in our choir room. Their anthems inspire our worship each week. Our congregation sings from Glory to God, the Presbyterian hymnal published in 2013.
Handbell Choir:
We have an active Handbell Choir that rehearses September - May in the sanctuary, from 5:45 - 6:30 on Wednesdays. Bells are set up ahead of time so that we use the full 45 minutes for rehearsal. We ring five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and three octaves of Malmark Choirchimes. This faithful group plays in worship at least twice each semester and is currently ringing some challenging Level 3 music.
Children's Music Program:
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 At WPC, we offer a variety of exciting programs for children of all ages throughout the year. These programs focus on the good news of God’s love and are designed to support each child through fun and engaging activities as they grow in their faith and in their understanding of Biblical themes and concepts. Find out more
