logotoUSE.jpg

The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Transfigured


In the dictionary, transfigure is defined as “to transform; to change the outward appearance or form.” We might transfigure our home by repainting it or changing the landscaping. We might transfigure ourselves by changing our hair style or losing weight or picking new clothes to add to our wardrobe. A company might be transfigured by rebranding itself or changing its logo. What motivates transfiguration can vary widely. We may have faced a health crisis, and so we wish to transform our bodies to live into greater health. An organization may be stuck in a rut and is in need of renewing its vision and purpose. Sometimes transfiguration is of our own choosing, and sometimes it is forced upon us.


I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. As Jesus is transfigured on the mountain top in front of Peter, James, and John, with Elijah and Moses appearing before them all, we hear God’s voice calling out of the clouds: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” It is the confirmation to the disciples that their rabbi is more than a teacher; he is God’s Son, and in following him you are following God. That form of discipleship requires obedience, humility, and an openness to be transformed into the women and men God wishes us to be.


What better way to prepare ourselves for the Season of Lent than to be open to transformation? On Ash Wednesday, which is March 2, we are invited to come and receive the ashes on our forehead or hand as a sign of our acknowledgement that we are dust, and it is to dust that we shall return. I have always viewed Lent as a journey toward Jerusalem, walking a road of discipleship that leads to the events of Holy Week which are the crux of our faith. As we all prepare for this journey, how are we being called to transfigure our lives so that we might follow Jesus faithfully, no matter where he may lead us?


You will see below many ways you can join in this Lenten Journey at Western Boulevard over the next several weeks. I pray that you will sense God’s Spirit transfiguring you in a way that deepens your faith and your calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ.


With a full and grateful heart,

Frank

THIS SUNDAY AT WBPC

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 – 6:30pm  Fellowship Hall


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 soon 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

Ash Wednesday Service – March 2 – 6:30pm

We will begin the Season of Lent this week with our Ash Wednesday Worship Service. Come for a simple meal in the Fellowship Hall at 5:45pm as part of Wednesday Night Live, and then join us for worship in the Sanctuary at 6:30pm. The service will include scripture, music, prayer, and the imposition of ashes. All are welcome as we begin our Lenten journey to Jerusalem.


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 beginning March 8. 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, there will be a link available in the Weekly Word Email. 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.

IMG_9694.JPG

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. We plan to start the study of Hebrews on March 3, 6:30-8:00pm and 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

High School Trip to Holden Beach Deposits Due THIS SUNDAY

Thanks to Larry, Lydia and Lily, we have rescheduled the high school mission weekend to March 25-28! We will drive down on Friday after school, work with WARM on Saturday, worship/hangout at the beach on Sunday, work a half day Monday, and then return to Raleigh (March 28 is a teacher workday). We will stay at the Shelton's beach house in Holden Beach and work at a site in Brunswick County. Interested high schoolers can reserve their spot with an email expressing their interest and a $50 deposit by February 27. A negative PCR COVID test within 3 days of the trip is required & rapid tests may be administered before leaving (depending on availability). 



Summer Trip Deposits Due THIS SUNDAY

Mark your calendars for these summer trips now! Reserve your spot for each of these trips with a $100 check. Registration deposits are due on February 27. Note: 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.

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.

WBPC Youth Fundraiser Shirt .jpg
serve the city.jpg

WAYS

TO

GIVE BACK

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. 


WBPC is going to be collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste (regular size). We will try to collect 100 of each, so if you would like to help the workers who pick our produce, please purchase a few toothbrushes or toothpaste tubes to contribute. There will be a box outside Frank’s office labeled for this collection and we will be collecting through 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

Sarah Woodard and the entire CDCA organization in Nicaragua need our prayers as they begin yet another year without volunteers coming to provide medical supplies, care and vital lodging revenue. The need is very great and a drop in funding support places a heavy strain on the organization. One small way our congregation can help is to order high quality, organic, fair trade coffee from Farmer Shares. Please visit their website to learn more about the products offered and consider placing a generous order HERE.


Presbyterians Engage in God's Mission: Behold, I Make all Things NewRevelation 21:3-5 - Click HERE to learn more.

WAYS

TO GET INVOLVED

colors_people_group.jpg

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE  MARCH 2

Ash Wednesday is the start of the season of Lent, a time of reverence and devotion signifying Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. Start your Lenten journey with a simple supper of vegetable or bean soup before attending Ash Wednesday service. Please bring donations, food or money, for the Urban Ministries Food Bags. 


Dinner will be served at 5:45pm followed by service in the Sanctuary at 6:30pm.


Please RSVP if you plan to join us for dinner, and indicate dietary restrictions by Monday, February 28 using the Sign-Up Genius link HERE, emailing the Fellowship Committee at fellowship@wbpresbyterian.org or calling the church office at 919-851-4713.


BIBLICAL JUSTICE FORUM FEBRUARY 28

BJF meets via zoom on Mondays at noon to 1:30pm. Our current book of study is Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance by Edgar Villanueva. We plan to study this book for the next week until Lent. Each week different members will lead the discussion. All are welcome to join. Click HERE for participating in Monday's meeting via Zoom.


Please click HERE for an update from BJF.



MAGDALENE CIRCLE RESUMES MARCH 8

WBPC's Presbyterian Women's Circle will meet in the church parlor on Tuesday, March 8, at 10:00am to reacquaint with each other and to discuss our future leadership and new projects. We welcome old friends back and new members to join us! All the women in the church are welcome! We will continue our meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, so please mark your calendars. Pastor June Fulton will resume our Bible studies in April. We will continue to wear our masks while enjoying each other's company after two years apart. We are thankful!


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. 

Chruch newsletter.jpg

NOTES FROM THE ADMIN DESK

Today is Pastor Frank's birthday! If your birthday is not listed and you would like it to be, please email us at the email below. 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.


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.  

yellow-bday-cake.jpg

Click HERE for a list of February Birthdays!

Click HERE for a list of March Birthdays!

Facebook  YouTube
Visit our Website