The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Lenten Hope

Lent has a different feel in the church’s life than Advent, doesn’t it? During Advent, we see decorations both in the church and in our world that put us in the holiday spirit. We really don’t have Lenten decorations, except for our purple cloths! Advent is shorter in length, with the expectancy of Christmas at its end. Lent is two weeks longer, and although we have the joy of Easter at the end, we also have to walk through the events of Holy Week to get to Easter.

Maybe that’s part of why Lent feels different: we can’t experience Easter without living through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We recognize that the crux of our faith is found in the depth of God’s love for us, so much so that God’s only Son is willing to die on the cross for our sake. Lent is our time to reexamine our faith, to ask questions, to delve deeper into what we believe, and to truly turn ourselves toward God and away from what distracts us from our calling as Christ’s disciples.

This Sunday we will hear the words of Psalm 27, as the psalmist makes a declaration of faith in the face of trial, fear, and enemies. It is a powerful proclamation that no matter what obstacles we may face, God is with us. There is much in our world which can cause us fear, and we are witnessing that on a daily basis with the war in Ukraine. I am struck by the psalmist’s words in light of that current conflict: “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident” (27:5).

Throughout this Lenten Season, how do you sense God’s light and hope amid all that causes you fear? How are you called to share that light and hope with those who are mired in the darkness of despair and hopelessness? May we all take strength in the psalmist’s words: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (27:14).

With a full and grateful heart,

Frank

THIS SUNDAY AT WBPC

Breakfast - 8:45am

Parlor Class – 9:30am

Sunday School – 9:30am

Adult Sunday School Class – 9:30am

Worship Service – 10:30am – Click HERE for the bulletin.

@The Table Worship – 5:00pm – Click HERE for participating on Zoom and click HERE for the @TheTable bulletin for this Sunday.

Youth Group – 5:30pm – Adventure Landing

BREAKFAST! – THIS SUNDAY

Tired of cold cereal for breakfast before church, well Chef Ron and the kitchen crew have the answer. Please join us Sunday, March 13 at 8:45am in the fellowship hall for a hot breakfast to kick off your day of worship. No need to RSVP, just show up with your smiling face and hungry tummy!

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY

Don’t forget that Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend! When you go to bed on Saturday evening, set your clocks FORWARD ONE HOUR, so that you’re here for church on time on Sunday!

COVID PROTOCOLS

We are aware that Wake County and other municipalities are making changes to their mask mandates, making them optional in schools and businesses over the coming weeks. The Reopening Task Force will be meeting tonight, March 10, to review the current health data and trends, and will communicate clearly any changes in our current guidelines. We are continuing with our existing protocols, which includes wearing masks at all times while indoors, unless you are eating or drinking. We have also resumed congregational singing in worship. We thank you for your continued efforts to keep one another safe and healthy during these challenging times!

LENT AT WESTERN BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Lent Adult Study on the Lord's Prayer

Frank Mansell and Beth Ware will be leading a Lenten Study on The Lord’s Prayer on Tuesdays at 11:00am. We will dive deeper into the prayer we all know so well, and consider new ways that this familiar prayer might speak to us during Lent. We will meet in a hybrid manner: for those who wish to join us in-person, you are welcome to meet in the Fellowship Hall. For those who would prefer to meet on Zoom, click HERE for the meeting link. If you are planning to attend, you are invited to read the lesson materials by clicking HERE. We also are recording the study each week - click HERE to watch a recording of the study from March 8. Please feel free to talk to Frank (frank@wbpresbyterian.org) or Beth (bethware52@gmail.com) if you have any questions!

Lenten Devotions

You are invited to utilize the devotions “Making the Road: Walking Through Lent,” by Teri McDowell Ott, for your spiritual nourishment this Lenten Season. Downloadable copies are available in the Weekly Word Email each week, and printed copies are available in the narthex and on the table outside Frank’s office in the Education Building.

Click HERE for Lenten Devotional.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study and Prayer Group in Lent

Our Wednesday Morning small group began a new Lenten study on March 9. We are studying the book Final Words, From the Cross by Adam Hamilton. Reverend June Fulton is leading us in learning about Jesus’ last words. All are welcome to join us March 9 - May 11 for this study. The group meets at 9:30am for the lesson and afterwards for prayer time. The last Wednesday of March and April we only meet for prayer then gather at a favorite restaurant for lunch. The book is available on Amazon and other websites.

Light: Lenten Prelude Series

Music during Lent is often more solemn, a bit more reflective and somber to represent the 40 days of wandering in our own spirits as we journey from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection. We put away our jubilant “Alleluias” and replace them with more introspective “Kyrie” in reflection of our own need for God. Each Sunday in Lent, the prelude music for Sunday worship will be based on one of the beautiful stained glass windows in the sanctuary. Look for a brief description each Sunday in the bulletin or insert, and as you worship, take time to enjoy the beautiful light streaming through the brightly displayed colors around us.

Join the Easter Choir!

If you have missed singing hymns during the pandemic and would like to give choir a try, now is a great time to join us! We will be preparing accessible and worshipful music for the Lenten season and would love to have you join us. Choir meets on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings prior to worship. No prior experience required- just bring yourself and we’ll provide the robes, music, and fellowship. Questions? Contact Elizabeth at music@wbpresbyterian.org.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS

Preschool Registration

IT'S REGISTRATION TIME!! Registration has begun for the new school year at the Preschool! Registration forms can be found on the website and on the board outside the Preschool office. Registration is now open to the public.

Please click HERE for the Christian Education brochure.

New Opportunity for Bible Study

The Thursday night Bible Study group has been meeting virtually to undertake a fairly rapid overview of the entire Bible. We have worked our way through a majority of the Old Testament. We are now setting our sights on the New Testament. As a follow up to Leviticus’ and Exodus’ study of the Law, our next study will be of Hebrews. The writer of Hebrews explains how we should understand the Old Testament teachings of the Law with respect to Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and with respect to our own lives.

The format of the study is that we typically cover 5 to 10 chapters per week and each of us presents a summary of assigned chapters with insights about that part of the reading. It is always an interesting discussion and each of us brings a unique perspective. Our study of Hebrews is held virtually on Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm and we invite any who would like to join us in this overview study. Contact Beth Ware (bethware52@gmail.com) for information about joining the Zoom meetings. All should feel free to join in the discussion. Although all are welcome to prepare chapter summaries, none should feel an obligation. Just come and join us in our study of the Good News.

Vacation Bible School

North Castle is hidden in a frozen land. The King’s valiant Knights are on a quest in search of the King’s Armor. But the armor isn’t what they think it is. Knights of North Castle: Quest for the King’s Armor invites children to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power by exploring how we put on the armor of God. Join us at the North Castle June 13-17 from 9am to noon each day that week for Vacation Bible School (VBS). Kids will take on the role of brave Knights and begin their quest each session by opening the King’s Book. They’ll explore Old and New Testament stories and discover different pieces of protective armor—the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Justice, the Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, and the Helmet of Salvation—at work in the lives of familiar Bible characters, and explore how that armor works in their own lives as they follow and serve God.

To make this VBS week a success, we need LOTS of volunteers. We will need people to help with snacks, crafts, games, music, bible story time, set design and creation. Please email Blythe (blytheclifford@gmail.com) or Allisen (lettography@gmail.com) if you are willing to help. We will hold a volunteer meeting once we have a group of folks ready to go. Youth in grades 6-12 and college students are welcome to volunteer (preferably those with experience working with children). Come ready to work. Even if you can’t volunteer every day, we can find a place for you to help. Registration for attendees can be downloaded HERE (completed forms can be emailed to Blythe/Allisen or left in the VBS box at Church).

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Summer Trip Chaperones Needed

Mark your calendars for these summer trips now! Anna will be looking for extra chaperones for all of these trips. Adults, take a look at your calendars and let Anna know if you're interested in joining us!

Massanetta Middle School Conference - June 21-24
Montreat Youth Conference (High School) - July 24-30
High School Mission Trip - August 7-13

If you are interested, please contact Anna at youth@wbpresbyterian.org.

FINAL CALL: T-Shirt Fundraiser for Youth Trips

WBPC Youth are fundraising for summer trips with a t-shirt sale! T-shirts were designed by Anna Richardson Raab and will be printed on Bella + Canvas fair trade cotton t-shirts. T-shirts can be purchased for a donation of $20 each, but donations of any size are welcome. Payments won't be collected until t-shirts arrive, but pre-ordering is required so that we know how many to order. You can pre-order your shirts using this form HERE.

WAYS

TO

GIVE BACK

MARCH MADNESS FOOD BAG CHALLENGE

You have done it, Western Boulevard. We just went over $2000. So, is it time to stop? If you watch the news you know there is a greater need than ever for food assistance because of rising prices. If you haven't donated yet, and you would like to help those in need, please click HERE to make a donation. Then if you would like to credit your college, please email clittlefield43@gmail.com and say you have made a donation and which school you are supporting. Thank you for caring!

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 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 919-851-2249.

HELP FOR FARM WORKERS - CHURCH WOMEN UNITED MINISTRY AND WBPC PARTICIPATION

For the last several years WBPC has contributed to the Church Women United (CWU) effort to help migrant farmworkers coming to NC. Previously we have contributed health kits with 10-12 items. This year the Episcopal Farm Ministry has asked us to contribute the items individually so workers can select the items they need.

This year, WBPC is collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste (regular size). Thank you to all who have brought in supplies! Our goal is to collect 100 of each and we are halfway there! If you would like to help the workers who pick our produce, please purchase a few toothbrushes or toothpaste tubes to contribute. There is a box outside Frank’s office labeled for this collection and we will be collecting through this Sunday, March 13.

Thank you in advance for helping the essential NC farm workers. Any questions, contact Sandy Irving (919-787-2254 or s-dirving@earthlink.net).

MISSION OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Presbyterians Engage in God's Mission: "SUPPORT for Ukraine through the Presbyterian Disaster Agency" - Click HERE to learn more.

RESPONDING TO THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created an enormous refuge crisis in Eastern Europe. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with partner reformed churches in Ukraine and Europe for how best to meet the ever-increasing humanitarian need. To learn more about their efforts, click HERE. If you wish to make a financial donation to support these efforts, you can do so directly through PDA or you can make a donation to WBPC and mark it "Ukraine Relief," and we will forward it to PDA.

WAYS

TO GET INVOLVED

BIBLICAL JUSTICE FORUM – MARCH 14

Food for our Lenten thoughts: "Poverty is the product of public policy and theft facilitated by white supremacy" (p.193). Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance by Edgar Villanueva

During Lent, Biblical Justice Forum will study the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterians Today: A Matthew 25 Lenten experience, accessible HERE. On March 14, we will begin with discussion of the devotionals for March 8-14. BJF meets via zoom on Mondays at noon to 1:30pm. Click HERE for participating in Monday's meeting via Zoom.

RACIAL EQUITY INSTITUTE (REI) GROUNDWATER TRAINING – MARCH 26

REI is hosting a FREE virtual Groundwater training on Saturday, March 26 from 9am-noon. REI is a Black-owned business out of Greensboro, NC, which is comprised of a multiracial team of trainers committed to the work of anti-racism transformation. They provide amazing and powerful insights into the origin, signs and symptoms of systemic racism. They provide racial equity training throughout the U.S. REI aims to have diverse and ecumenical participation. They are offering this training to other churches and social justice groups in our community and are receiving a great deal of interest. If you are interested in participating in the training, HERE is the letter of invitation - when downloaded, it gives you the hyperlink to register. Or you may contact Kathy Huffstetler to register (919-815-1748 huffstetler.k@gmail.com).

NEW MEMBER CLASS – MARCH 27

If you have been visiting Western Boulevard for a while and wish to learn more about becoming a member of the church, you’re invited to join us for a New Member Class on Sunday, March 27! We will meet in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the morning worship service, with a lunch provided by the Evangelism Committee. Childcare will be provided, as well. Please contact Frank Mansell (frank@wbpresbyterian.org) if you are interested, so we can make the necessary plans for lunch.

EASTER LILIES

As we begin our planning and preparation for Easter, the Worship Committee would like to offer the congregation an opportunity to honor or memorialize a loved one by putting a traditional lily in the sanctuary. The cost of a lily is $15.00. Please complete the Order Form provided on the Purple Update and put it in the collection plate with your payment or return it to the church office no later than Friday, March 25. If you write a check, please make it out to WBPC and indicate Easter Lilies on the memo line of your check.

NOTES FROM THE ADMIN DESK

Happy belated birthday Bobbi Cross (March 6)! If you would like your birthday included on the monthly birthday list, please update your personal information on Realm or contact the church office. 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.

Click HERE to access the February financial report.

WANTED: YOU!!!

WBPC is making plans and YOU are needed. Many of us have aged, children have grown, we have new families who have joined us, and our pictorial directory is WAY out of date. We are going online with a new directory and will be taking pictures of absolutely EVERYONE. These will be amateur pictures so no pressure to buy anything at all. Begin polishing your smile! More details to follow soon!

HAVE YOU SIGNED-UP FOR REALM?

Realm is our online directory for church members, and is a great way to find people’s contact information, make online contributions, and share with us changes to your address, phone, email, etc. It’s easy to start! Just let Quentesa know in the church office, and she will send you an invite to join (admin@wbpresbyterian.org).

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.

Click HERE for a list of March Birthdays!

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