The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, November 11, 2021

New Beginnings

It is with great joy and gratitude that I write to you as the pastor of Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church! I have to admit, I feel like I’m walking in a bit of a daze, amazed by how many of you have graciously welcomed me and Debbie into your church family. We are deeply grateful for all who came to meet us on November 6, and to the PNC and Fellowship Committee which hosted that reception. And it was wonderful to experience worship together on November 7 – it was a joy-filled day, celebrating the sacraments, and giving thanks to God for the saints who have gone before us.

As I’ve started to unpack my office, this experience feels like moving into a new house. I’m searching for which switch controls which light, where things are located, how the doors lock and unlock – things which are unsettling at first, but over time become familiar and second-nature. It’s a reminder to me that I’ve been so used to certain rhythms in ministry, and it will take me a little bit to adjust to your routines. Thank you for your patience, especially as I learn your names and who goes with who! I appreciate very much your willingness to wear name tags, especially on Sundays, as that helps not just me but anyone who is new visiting Western Boulevard.

As I share more of my story with you, I look forward to learning your stories of faith. I believe it is in the sharing of our stories that God works in ways we could never predict, drawing us closer together as Christ’s Body. I also believe it is one of the best ways to welcome new people into the church, as through our shared conversations neighbors feel like they are loved and cared for by this community of faith.

One thing I will try my best to do is to communicate clearly and openly with you about my schedule and availability, so you know how to reach me and when I’m taking time for Sabbath rest. If you’d like to make an appointment, feel free to contact the church office (919-851-4713). We are working to get my work email address established, so once that is up and running, we will share that with you. In the interim, feel free to email the office (admin@wbpresbyterian.org), and it will get forwarded to me. My home address and cell phone are: 1940 Jupiter Hills Court, Raleigh, NC, 27604; (317)-607-2355. Feel free to use my number for calling or texting.

I am going to take Fridays as my Sabbath day each week, which means I will be not engaged in church work that day. I would request that you respect that and only call or text me on Fridays if it is an emergency. Whenever I am going to be out of town on vacation or continuing education, I will let you know with plenty of warning, and who to contact during that time in case of a pastoral emergency.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather to worship, learn, grow, and serve as disciples of Jesus Christ!

Peace be with You,

Frank

Giving Thanks for Our Veterans

On this Veteran’s Day, we are grateful for the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. We remember those who served in armed conflicts of the past, and those who continue to serve our country today, whether stationed at home or abroad. We thank them for their sacrifice and their commitment, and we remember their families who are supporting them in their service.

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

We are off to a great start with the 2022 Pledge Campaign! To date we have received 51 pledges totaling $274,820 or 64.28% of our total goal. If you have not turned in your pledge card or pledged on-line via Realm, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Your support of WBPC allows us to continue serving as the hands and feet of God.

WELCOME PASTOR FRANK!

Thanks to the PNC and Fellowship Committees for hosting a lovely meet and greet for our new Pastor Frank Mansell and his wife, Debbie, this past Saturday. We were so happy to welcome Frank to the pulpit on Sunday and into our church family. The PNC is working with the Presbytery to plan Frank's installation service for sometime after the holidays. Stay tuned for more information.

@THE TABLE WORSHIP VIRTUAL SERVICES

@The Table worship services are held virtually on Sunday evenings at 5:00pm using the following link:

@The Table Sunday Worship Link

Meeting ID: 839 8189 3144 // Passcode: 317589

WORSHIP COMMITTEE NEEDS

The Worship Committee needs volunteers to help decorate the Sanctuary for the Christmas season on Saturday, November 27th at 9:00am. Also, we need volunteers to serve as Welcome/Safety personnel for our Sunday morning worship and volunteers to serve as liturgists for morning worship services. If you are interested, please contact David Johnson at david_t_johnson@hotmail.com.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS!

This Sunday, November 14, in-person Sunday school will resume for our preschoolers, elementary aged kids, youth, and our parlor class. The nursery will be open, too. Class will begin at 9:30am and dismiss at 10:15am giving us time to join the worship service by 10:30am. We want to be sure we are safe so masks will be required inside the building. In addition, we ask that all remain socially distanced (3 feet). Hand sanitizer will be available in each classroom. For any adult who is not participating in adult Sunday school this Sunday, the CE committee welcomes you to reconnect with others face to face in the Fellowship Hall. Coffee and juice will be provided.

MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

WBPC is staffing 4 routes for Meals on Wheels on November 29th. If you and a partner can drive a route starting at 10 AM at 1001 Blair Dr. in Raleigh, let Sandy Irving know (s-dirving@earthlink.net, 919-787-2254). Mask and gloves are required.

URBAN MINISTRIES

Every week we donate food to Urban Ministries. A volunteer will receive your donation at the side door of the Fellowship Hall every Wednesday from 9:30am to 11:00am. We are working as a church to help those families in need of food and thank you for your contributions.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

West Raleigh CAC will be meeting on November 16 at 7pm via zoom. Email westraleighcac@gmail.com for zoom info and to be added to their mailing list. Also, West Raleigh Presbyterian is hosting an exhibition by local Raleigh artist, Gerry Lynch, through November 2021. The exhibit, titled Requiem, is inspired by Mozart’s work of the same name and features 21 pieces inspired by the various movements. Learn more/request a tour here.

NOTES FROM THE ADMIN DESK

The calendar on the church website is not working, but we are working on a solution. In the meantime, please refer to the November and December 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.

PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS

If you have a prayer concern, please contact Pastor Bruce (bgrady9039@aol.com), 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.

RONNY'S RECIPE

We had so many requests for this recipe, we just had to include in this week's email! Click here for Ronny Pittman's now famous Peanut Butter Hugs recipe. Do you have a much-loved recipe that you'd like to share? Email it to admin@wbpresbyterian.org and we will feature your recipe in an upcoming Weekly Word.

GIVING CATALOG

Christmas is 44 days away! Did you know the Presbyterian Church USA has its very own Giving Catalog (similar to Heifer International)? If you are looking for unique gift ideas while serving others, click here to "walk through" this special store. Happy shopping!

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