The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, April 21, 2022

God Speaking Through Our Youth

This Sunday is Youth Sunday, and I can’t wait! The youth have been working over the last several weeks to plan this service, and Kenlee Fischer will be sharing the message. Their theme is “Unity in Diversity: All for One, One for All,” a message that we desperately need to hear in our world right now. If you can’t join us in the morning at 10:30am, we will be sharing Kenlee’s message as part of the @ The Table Service at 5:00pm on Zoom.

These young people are such a treasure in our church’s life. I’ve seen them serve as leaders in our church, offering thoughtful insights as youth elders on the Session. I’ve worked alongside them in Wilmington on a weekend mission trip, tackling the tasks that were before them with energy, good humor, and commitment. I’ve heard them wrestle with challenging faith questions in Sunday School. They are inquisitive, funny, thoughtful, and a joy to be around – even when they can get a little rambunctious!

It’s a cliché to say that children and youth are the future of the church. In all honesty, children and youth ARE the church, just as much as you and I are the church. This Sunday is a great opportunity for us to celebrate this essential part of who we are at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, and to consider how we are called to strengthen and cultivate their lives of faith. What might that look like for you? Perhaps serving as an adult advisor to the youth? Perhaps volunteering to go with them on a summer conference or mission trip? Perhaps giving them affirmation or guidance when you see them on Sundays?

I can’t wait to hear what God has to say through these incredible disciples this Sunday – I hope you’ll be there, too!

With a full and grateful heart,

Frank

THIS SUNDAY AT WBPC

Sunday School for All Ages – 9:30am

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

Craft Fair & Mission Market – 11:45am – Outdoors

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

Youth Group – No meeting

YOUTH SUNDAY

This Sunday, we will celebrate Youth Sunday at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church. The youth will be leading our morning worship service. We hope you can join us for this special day in the life of our church, and support these incredible disciples in our midst!

CRAFT FAIR AND MISSION MARKET

This Sunday is a day to celebrate with all of WBPC's worship, lunch, games, crafts, community groups, and a blood drive! It’s going to be a beautiful, warm day on Sunday, and we would love to keep our vendors cool outdoors! If you have a pop-up tent or covering you can bring for Sunday’s Mission Market and Craft Fair, please let Kevin Fischer know. Thank you! RSVP HERE. Please share the event page and flyer with your friends and followers on social media.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS

Please click HERE for the Christian Education brochure.

Vacation Bible School

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).

To make this VBS week a success, we need LOTS of volunteers 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. Attendees can register HERE.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Chaperones and Dinner Volunteers – Only 3 More Spots Need Filling!

Our Safe Child policy requires two adults to be present when children/youth gather. Anna is having a hard time filling in the youth advisor team. She is in need of parental/adult assistance for the rest of the year. We’ve also brought back dinner for youth group – which they’re thrilled about! If you’re interested in serving as an adult chaperone once or twice this year, or helping with providing dinner, please sign up to help out HERE.

Food Drive Volunteers Needed!

The Food Drive Kids, William and Alexander Winslow, are hosting their 10th Annual Food and Funds Drive on Saturday, April 23 from 10am-6pm. Please consider signing up for one of the 2 hour shifts. All volunteers will get a free t-shirt! Sign up HERE.

Summer Trips

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.

WAYS

TO

GIVE BACK

MISSION OUTREACH

Presbyterians Engage in God's Mission: “We Live Like Jesus Through Prayer” 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.

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.

FREE Prayer Shawl Patterns, Instructions, and Yarn

There is a file box in the parlor closet with free patterns for shawls, baby blankets, and hats and handouts on how to crochet for your use. We also have bags of yarn you can use (not for baby blankets - they need soft yarns like “Pound of Love” brand). If you want to contribute yarn or patterns, please leave donations in the church office.

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.

Got Leftover Yarn?

If you are making shawls or other knitting/crocheting projects, you know how you always have a small ball of yarn left over?! Here is your answer! The Food Drive Kids have been putting knitted/crocheted beanie hats (and gloves) in the food pantries. They are very popular and much needed. We do not need these items until next fall. If you have some time this summer and yarn left over, please consider making some hats for next fall. You may leave your creations in the church office and email or call Yevonne (ybrannon@gmail.com or 919-244-6243).

WAYS

TO GET INVOLVED

BIBLICAL JUSTICE FORUM – NO MEETING APRIL 25

Biblical Justice Forum will not meet Monday, April 25, out of respect for Peggy Smith's homegoing.

LOAVES AND FISHES BARBECUE CHICKEN SALE! – APRIL 23

Loaves and Fishes is pleased to hold their first Barbeque Chicken Sale! This alternative to the annual chili sale features an outdoor barbeque with two delicious options: buy a delicious whole barbequed chicken or select a big half-chicken with sides of green beans, potatoes, and a fresh roll.

Date: Saturday, April 23 – “Grab and Go” pickup at 11:30am or 1:30pm.
Location: Parking lot behind Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 E. Whitaker Mill Rd.
Price: $15 for either option – order more and mix them if you’d like!
Order and pay in advance HERE.

FAMILY PROMISE – APRIL 24 - MAY 1

WBPC's next Family Promise week begins on April 24 through May 1. We are on the static track so we will be supplying evening meals to the Day Center for 3 to 5 families Monday through Friday. We have 3 slots still open! You can sign up HERE. Please contact Frank Fleming (ffleming2009@gmail.com) or Mel Holt (melholt18@gmail.com) and ask how you can help this local organization that is fighting homelessness right here in our community. Click HERE for more information.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR PEGGY SMITH

We share the sorrow of the family of Peggy Smith, who died on Tuesday, April 19, at home after a brief illness. A funeral service will be held at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 25, at 11:30am, with a reception and time of visitation with the family following the service in the Fellowship Hall. A private committal service for the family will be held at Oakwood Cemetery earlier that morning. Peggy's obituary may be found HERE. Thank you for your continued prayers for Joyce, Karen, and their entire family as they mourn Peggy’s death.

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.

NOTES FROM THE ADMIN DESK

***Please note that picture taking for the online directory will resume Sunday, May 8.***

Are you following @WBPresbyterian on Instagram? Click the icon below to keep up with us. 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.

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 April birthdays!

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