The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, June 2, 2022

My Covid Story

Well, it was bound to happen at some point. I tested positive for Covid on Friday, and have been at home since then. I spent Memorial Day Weekend in isolation in our master bedroom suite, watching lots of sports on TV and receiving meals from my family at the door. I never had a fever, but I felt like I did. The best I could compare it to is a bad head cold or mild sinus infection. My symptoms are improving and I expect to be back in the office today and with you at church on Pentecost this Sunday.

This experience has made me reflect on a few things:

Covid is still very real and prevalent, and it will impact each of us to varying degrees. I likely was exposed while on our trip to Princeton for our reunion. With the ongoing variations of the virus, it will continue to be with us for some time to come.
This was the first time I’ve been sick in over two-and-a-half years. Because of social distancing and mask-wearing, I realized I hadn’t been sick – at all – over this whole time, which is pretty remarkable for me.
I am grateful for the ability to isolate and to keep my family safe and well – none of them tested positive. I am fortunate to have the space and support system to do that – everyone does not have that luxury.
I am grateful for Robert Owens, who stepped in at the last-minute and led worship on Sunday in my absence. I am grateful for lay leaders and staff who took the lead and made sure things ran smoothly over the weekend.
I am grateful that because of being vaccinated and boosted, my illness has been mild – which is the point and purpose of being vaccinated.

I will be wearing a mask in public for the foreseeable future when indoors and around the general public, and I will be wearing one at all times at church, for your safety and protection. The only time I will remove it in worship is when I am speaking from the pulpit.

Friends, continue to do what is necessary to keep you and others safe. Be respectful of where others are in their outlook on health and safety. I know we’re all tired of this – trust me, I am, too! But we will get through this by the grace of God and supporting one another through the power of the Holy Spirit – a gift we celebrate this Sunday on Pentecost.

Be well and take care of yourself!

With a full and grateful heart,

Frank

THIS SUNDAY AT WBPC

Sunday School for All Ages – 9:30am – Beginning on June 12, Sunday school classes and Children’s Chapel will be on summer hiatus.

Worship Service – 10:30am – Today we will recognize the graduating class of 2022. The CE committee invites the congregation to join us for a reception in the graduates’ honor to be held in the Columbarium immediately after worship service. There will be no Children's Chapel this Sunday as we celebrate communion in worship. This Sunday's communion bread is gluten free. Click HERE for the bulletin.

@The Table Worship – 5:00pm – The Zoom link may be found on the bulletin that’s available for download HERE .

Youth Group Potluck – 6:30pm – Youth and their families are invited to the Fellowship Hall for a potluck, game night and celebration of the year behind us! Bring your favorite dish to share.

PENTECOST SUNDAY

The worship committee invites you to wear something red for Pentecost Sunday (June 5, 2022) as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church!

Please click HERE for the Christian Education brochure.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

The WBPC VBS Team needs your help with donations of supplies. Please click HERE to sign up to donate as you are able. Also, remember, VBS is free and open to kids ranging in age from preschool to 5th grade. Attendees can register HERE through June 8, 2022.

MONTREAT CHAPERONE NEEDED – JULY 24-30

Anna needs a 2^nd adult to help her with cooking & general chaperoning. We have a small group of youth attending, and will be sharing housing with another church, so there will be a couple of other adults around. It should be a low key and fun week! Let Anna know if you're interested ASAP.

MISSION OUTREACH

Presbyterians Engage in God's Mission: “God's Mission Crosses Denominational and National Boundaries” Click HERE to learn more.

PENTECOST OFFERING – JUNE 5

We will receive and dedicate the Pentecost Offering on Sunday, June 5, on Pentecost Sunday. This offering of the Presbyterian Church (USA) goes to support children, youth, young adults, and children and risk. 40% of the offering collected is designated by Western Boulevard to Avent West Mentoring Program, which serves children in our community right here at WBPC. You may use the special offering envelopes that will be found in the pews, or mark your offering "Pentecost Offering" on your check or online donation. Thank you for your generous support of our children and youth!

DO YOU HAVE EXTRA WHEELS?

Is there a car that you are no longer using? Do you know of an older adult no longer feeling confident about driving? The unused vehicle in any condition is urgently needed by Wheels 4 Hope. This nonprofit repairs and cleans donated vehicles and makes them available to waiting families who must being receiving services from a partner organization and pay $500 for the car. A vehicle is vital for stable employment. Please share this information with friends and neighbors. A used car can be a life saver.

THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Western Boulevard is alive and well. Heartfelt thanks to all who have donated shawls as they are a wonderful and well appreciated gift when given. Recipients know they are truly surrounded in prayer when they receive one. We encourage anyone who wishes to contribute to continue to do so. We would also like to remind all who want to contribute that there are four bins of available thread in the closet where the shawls are stored so please feel free to look and see if there is anything you would like to use. Again thank you for this labor of love. If you have questions, please call Deacon Martha Barrick at 919-851-2249.

Baby Ministry Needs Baby Blankets

Calling all crochet/knitting masters! We are having a lot of fun making prayer shawls and now we have another fun project -- baby blankets! The Baby Ministry wants to present these blankets to babies who are baptized in our church. We have a few patterns you can use and instructions on the type of yarn to use (soft!). We only need a few each year. Please email Yevonne if you are willing to make one of these special gifts from our church (ybrannon@gmail.com or 919-244-6243). Once completed, you may leave your blankets in the church office.

BIBLICAL JUSTICE FORUM – JUNE 6

Biblical Justice Forum will be studying a snippet from the book, We Cry Justice (edited by Rev Dr. Liz Theoharis-PCUSA-clergy and co-chair of Poor People's Campaign). On June 6, Sandy will lead the discussion. BJF meets via Zoom on Mondays at noon to 1:30pm. Click HERE for participating in Monday's meeting via Zoom.

DAY AT THE LAKE – SATURDAY, JUNE 11

Mark your calendars for an exciting church family event on Saturday, June 11 when we gather at Falls Lake, Sandling Beach, Shelter #4 for a “Day at the Lake”. This is a great time of family and church fellowship. The morning begins around 10:30 am with inter-generational games followed by a devotional time. After a delicious lunch, the afternoon is free time for folks to enjoy boating, swimming, eating, hiking, biking, and playing games. Fishing is also possible, but a fishing license is required.

The meal is free, but families are encouraged to bring a food item (sides and desserts) to supplement hotdogs and hamburgers along with beverages for your family. There is no refrigeration so bring items that do not require refrigeration or bring a cooler.

The fee is $7.00 per car to enter the lake area.

Invite friends to join us for this fun event. There is a nice shelter with a nice beach area and a nearby playground. The shelter has bathrooms and is wheelchair accessible. All ages are encouraged to attend.

Please RSVP HERE by Wednesday, June 8.

DIVORCE CARE

If you are considering separation or divorce, don’t try to go through it alone. Connect with a DivorceCare group either in person or online. You’ll find caring people who understand the issues you face and practical counsel for decision making and managing stress. Contact DivorceCare HERE or speak with a Deacon or Elder for a list of several groups that meet in The Triangle area, churches or online.

PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS

If you have a prayer concern, please contact Frank Mansell (frank@wbpresbyterian.org), Marcia Bennett (sen1969@hotmail.com), or Betty Dean (betdean@nc.rr.com) and request that it be added to the Prayer Chain. Please note that any confidential prayer requests will not be added to the Prayer Chain.

ATHENS DRIVE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

NEW Summer (EXPANDED) HOURS! Starting June 14, you can access the Athens Drive Community Library during the day Monday through Friday! The library is also open on Saturday and Sunday! Click HERE for the hours of operation.

STAFF VACATION PLANS

Quentesa Pierce will be out of the office June 6 & 7 – The church office will be staffed by volunteers those days.

Please refer to the Calendar if you have questions about meetings. If you want to reserve a room, please email admin@wbpresbyterian.org. If you have photos from Church events this year, please share them with us. You may upload your pictures directly to our shared Church album by clicking HERE.

If you would like your birthday included on the monthly birthday list, please update your personal information on Realm or contact the church office.

Click HERE for June birthdays!

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