The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Following God into the Future

I hope by now you have had a chance to look at the stewardship materials that were sent out by mail last week, or you can access them by clicking HERE. In two Sundays on October 23, we will come together on Dedication Sunday and bring to God our pledges of financial support for the ministry of Christ’s Church at Western Boulevard in 2023.

Our theme this year is “Give Thanks to the Lord,” which reminds us to be in a spirit of gratitude for all God has done in our lives. I also believe that speaks to our gratitude that God will be present in our future, trusting that the Spirit leads us with hope into how we are called to serve in the years ahead. In many respects, our narrative budget for 2023 reflects that trust in God’s future presence.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to transform lives in faith. In considering how we are led to answer that call in the coming year, we are forecasting a budget for ministry of $504,000. That is a 20% increase over this year’s budget for ministry. That is significant, to say the least. But it reflects our belief that God is calling us to serve in new and exciting ways this coming year:

· We will be hiring a full-time Director of Christian Education and Community Engagement, who will lead our youth, education, and outreach ministries.

· We will be investing in our online platforms, audio/visual, and other technologies to enhance the experience people have in worship, education, and other ministries.

· Now that we are back to pre-pandemic use of our facility by both the church and our community partners, we will be allotting the necessary funds to maintain and improve our physical space so that it is welcoming, safe, and updated for all who are here.

· We will grow into our calling as a Matthew 25 Congregation by strengthening current partnership and being open to new opportunities for growth in mission.

We are not oblivious to our current economic climate. These are challenging times, and it may seem insensitive or ridiculous to propose such a budget for ministry. I would say this is exactly the time for us to expand our ministry – when many in our world are hurting, when our choices reflect even more what we value most deeply, when we answer God’s call to transform lives in Christ’s name. I am grateful for the commitment of so many saints in our past to bring us to this point in time. And I am grateful for how God will be with us in our future as we follow the Spirit’s leading. I would ask you to prayerfully consider how you are called to answer this call in your giving for 2023. And may we all be amazed by what God is able to do in our shared lives of faith!

With a full and grateful heart,

Frank

THIS SUNDAY AT WBPC

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

@The Table Worship – 5:00pm on Zoom. Click HERE for the order of service, which includes the link for the Zoom gathering.

Click HERE for all the education offerings for 2022-23.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP NEWS - OCTOBER 16

Join us this Sunday for our next youth group gathering at 6:30pm! Dinner will be provided!

BIBLICAL JUSTICE FORUM - OCTOBER 17

Western Blvd Presbyterian Church began studying White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity on October 10 and will continue this study through November. We invite you to join us via Zoom on Mondays from 12:00-1:30pm for an in-depth discussion. This is a multi-church group. All are welcome to join us – contact Sandy Irving if you have any questions (s-dirving@earthlink.net).

Click HERE for the Zoom link.

WBPC AND THE CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL AMERICA

WBPC has supported the work of the Center for Development in Central America (CDCA) for many years through our mission budget and through their sale of handcrafts and other products that Sarah Junkin Woodard has brought to us. If you are interested in the latest happenings from their organization in Nicaragua, click here to see their September newsletter.

RESPONDING TO HURRICANES FIONA AND IAN

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is actively responding to the devastation that has occurred in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Florida, and throughout the Southeastern United States. To learn more about their efforts, click HERE. If you wish to make a monetary donation to PDA, you can donate to Western Boulevard and mark it “Disaster Assistance,” and we will forward it on to PDA. Thank you for your generous response to our neighbors in need.

PRAYERS FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN HAITI AT THE YJCF HOME AND ELIM CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Faithful WBPC servants, the needs are dire as they seem to have been for awhile now. As you know, Clarksville Presbyterian Church in Clarksville VA, was able to donate the funds for a new transitional apartment for the older boys to live in who have aged out of the YJCF Home. Chedlin has received those funds, but cannot get to the bank to use them nor can he get the materials to begin building, but as always he is praying that this will happen soon. The UN Task Force on Violence are considering sending in armed troops to help manage the infrastructure of the country. Chedlin still needs about $5,000- $8,000 in funding to be able to build the parameter wall, put in solar panels for electricity, build a clothing wash station and to connect water to the apartment. Currently we have about $4,800 which were budgeted for 2022 mission trip to Haiti and the love offering from Jazz Vespers in August that the MO Committee has approved to be used for the apartment. If you are able, please consider contributing specifically for this need for the older young men. They are living in the school bus on the property until their apartment is built. As always, as you are prayerfully considering your 2023 pledges, won’t you add a bit to the Haiti ministry? WBPC has contributed $1,000 a month for 15 years - all on donations. What a wonderful gift from God. From Chedlin this week: “My friends, we are safe by the grace of God. The goods shortage is horrible. Thanks be to God, thanks be to you who never stopped supporting us. Without you what would we do? The church members are starving in the village, I do not know what to do. Continue to pray for us.” Amen, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathy Johnson (wojo2006@nc.rr.com).

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE - OCTOBER 19

Dust off grandma’s box of recipes, the old Betty Crocker cookbook, or open up Pinterest…it’s time for the WBPC annual Casserole and Dessert Cook-Off! We are bringing this fun cooking “competition” back after a hiatus in 2020 and 2021. You know how this works, bring your favorite casserole and/or dessert…or try something new…we all sample the many yummy recipes, then everyone in attendance will get a chance to vote on their favorite. Winner gets their name on the WBPC Casserole Trophy and bragging rights for a year.

After the winners are announced, we will have a little fall fun and paint pumpkins to get us in the fall spirit. No artistic talent required, just an open mind and a little creativity. Pumpkins and paint pens will be provided.

We will also continue collecting toiletries for the Raleigh Women’s’ Shelter so please bring a few items to donate such as:

· Toothbrush/Toothpaste,

· Soap,

· Wash Cloths,

· Deodorant,

· Feminine Hygiene Products,

· Comb/bush

As always, please bring donations, food or money, for the Urban Ministries Food Bags.

We are also in need of volunteers to help with cleanup. Please indicate your willingness to volunteer on the Sign-Up Genius or on the Friendship Pad.

Dinner will be start at 6:00 pm. If you are not comfortable dining in, feel free to join us at 6:45 to paint pumpkins. Additionally, to-go plates are available if you just want a grab-and-go dinner.

Please RSVP if you plan to join us for dinner by Monday October 17^th by indicating number in your party on the friendship pad, using the sign-up genius linked HERE, email the Fellowship Committee at fellowship@wbpresbyterian.org or calling the church office at 919-851-4713.

EVANGELISM OUTREACH & INCLUSION COMMITTEE

Evangelism Outreach & Inclusion Committee invites you to attend our meeting on Monday, October 17th at 2:30 pm in the Church Parlor. Please let Pastor Frank or Becky Burmester (919-395-1373) know if you plan to attend so that we can make sure to unlock the door for you. This is an ideas committee that seeks ways to share with the community what makes WBPC special. Come and share your ideas!

CALLING ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS

Montreat is offering a conference just for you the week of January 2 – 5, 2023. If you are interested in attending, please email youth@wbpresbyterian.org. Click here for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR GLEANING WITH LOAVES AND FISHES – OCTOBER 15

On October 2, Joe Burmester shared information about the Loaves and Fishes Ministry in our Minute for Mission. He invited our members to join him and the kids of Loaves and Fishes on Saturday, October 15, to a sweet potato gleaning event called "Yam Jam." Click here to see the invitation and further information for what sounds like a great time with this mission partner!

NEW MEMBER CLASS – OCTOBER 16

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, October 16! 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) or the church office (admin@wbpresbyterian.org) if you are interested, so we can make the necessary plans for lunch.

CAMERATA CONCERT – OCTOBER 22 - 7:00 PM

Come enjoy a FREE concert of rarely heard music of composers from Eastern Europe by Raleigh Camerata, a professional baroque music ensemble. They open their 10th season bringing light to another group of composers often overlooked in an effort to continue to bring attention to the war that Ukrainians are still fighting. Music by Tůma, Čart, Zelenka, Richter, Zeutschner, Hůrka, and Jiránek.

They are anticipating a full crowd, so please reserve your free ticket HERE today.

The concert will be held at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church at 7:00pm on Saturday, October 22nd. If you would like to reserve a ticket via phone, please contact the church office at (919) 851-4713.

50+ THIS MONTH

50+ will not meet this month. Fortunately a number of activities have been suggested for future outings. Look for November plans later.

STEWARDSHIP DEDICATION SUNDAY – OCTOBER 23

We will celebrate God’s blessings in our lives on Sunday, October 23, with Dedication Sunday. We are all invited to bring to worship that day our pledges of support for the ministry of Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church in 2023. You are then invited to join us for a luncheon after church in the Fellowship Hall – the meat/entrée will be provided, and we are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. You may also find additional stewardship materials and pledge cards in the narthex. We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd as we give thanks for all God has done in our lives together! Click HERE to sign up!

WESTERN BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL NEEDS

YOUR HELP

The Preschool needs your help! We are having a yard sale from 9-12 on October 21st and 22nd. If you have any things that you have been wanting to clean out, now is the time! We will be accepting household items, children’s toys and clothes, etc. Please drop items off in the Preschool office by next Thursday, the 20th. We will also take baked items for a bake sale! We are trying to get money for a new sand box and sand, so any help is appreciated.

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS SAVE LIVES

Thank you to all who donated blood or asked a friend to donate. The FAN Day Blood drive was a success because of you! Hurricane Ian resulted in blood drives being canceled in many areas of the Southeast, we helped to meet a need. We had 14 units donated with another 4 folks not able to donate. That means we could save as many as 72 lives!

DDNA MEETS OCTOBER 15TH

The District D Neighborhood Alliance will meet this Saturday 9:30AM at the Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center. Councilor Stormie Forte will be in attendance and we will host an open discussion on what is happening in our neighborhoods in and how we as a community would like to see DDNA move forward.

OCTOBER SESSION MEETING

Here are the highlights from the October 9 Session Meeting:

Heard Board of Deacons Report, committee reports including the continuing support for the Sham family and an update on the search for Director of Christian Education and Community Engagement, updates on Stewardship Season, and Pastor’s Report on his work in the past month and his upcoming activates.
Approved that a special offering be collected for Urban Ministries on November 13 at Dr. Kirk-Duggan program with the cost of her program being paid by the Evangelism-Inclusion & Outreach Committee and by sponsorships secured by Dr. Kirk-Duggan.

STAFF VACATION PLANS

Frank Mansell will be out of town October 24-November 6, as he and Debbie visit their daughter, Heather, who is studying abroad in Paris this semester. If you have a pastoral emergency during this time, please contact the church office, John Bayne with the Deacons (919-649-0449), or one of our Stephen Ministers.

DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Every election matters. This year we will be electing a US Senator, US Representatives, State Representatives and Senators, Judges, School Board members, County Commissioners, City Council members, Mayors and more.

The first step is making certain that you are registered at your current address. You can make sure by clicking this link: Verify your voter registration is up-to-date, or register to vote, at this link.

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. Please let us know if you are nor receiving prayer updates and you had signed-up, and we will work to reconfirm you are on the mailing list.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: October 16 - October 23

Sunday, October 16

9:30am Sunday School

10:30am Worship Service

11:45am New Members Class

4:00pm Cub Scouts (Fellowship Hall, downstairs, parking lot)

5:00pm @ The Table Service (Zoom)

6:30pm Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)

Monday, October 17

12:00pm Biblical Justice Forum (Zoom)

2:30 pm Evangelism Committee (Parlor)

7:00pm Scouts (Fellowship Hall and Downstairs)

7:00pm Mission and Outreach Committee (Zoom)

Tuesday, October 18

4:00pm AventWest Children’s Mentoring (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday, October 19

9:30am Wednesday AM Prayer Group (Fellowship Hall)

5:45pm Wednesday Night Live (Fellowship Hall)

7:30pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Thursday, October 20

4:00pm AventWest Children’s Mentoring (Fellowship Hall)

6:30pm Bible Study (Zoom)

6:45pm BSA girls (Youth Room)

Friday, October 21

7:30am Preschool Yard sale (Fellowship Hall)

Saturday, October 22

7:00am Preschool Yard sale (Fellowship Hall)

7:00pm Raleigh Camerata Concert (Sanctuary)

Sunday, October 23 - Stewardship Dedication Sunday

9:30am Sunday School

10:30am Worship Service

11:45am Celebration Lunch (Fellowship Hall)

4:00pm Cub Scouts (Fellowship Hall, downstairs, parking lot)

5:00pm @ The Table Service (Zoom)

6:30pm Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)

RESERVATIONS, PICTURES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

GLASSES FOUND

Did you leave some teal and grey striped bifocal glasses in the education building? If so, they are on the church office desk!

Click HERE for October birthdays!

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