During this past week, my husband and I decided to take a “much needed” vacation and head to Roanoke, in the mountains of Virginia. We hiked, went to the zoo, heard some great music, and had some delicious food! We had been there a few years ago and really liked it. It was great once again, but we couldn’t help but notice how there was a pretty big homeless population for such a small city.

On our last day there, we decided to stop for lunch before the three-hour drive home. We went to a nice restaurant in City Market and decided to sit outside, since the weather was so beautiful. Once we got to our table, there were several homeless people sitting and lying on tables near the restaurant. They were a very close-knit community and seemed to get along well, talking, sharing the food that they had, and taking care of each other.

I was consumed. I asked Ed, “Where would they get their next meal?” ”Where would they sleep tonight?” “What caused them to be homeless?” and “Why couldn’t they find a job? “ These questions kept circling in my mind and are still weighing heavily today.

I had two “takeaways” from this experience. (1) I am so blessed to have a job, house, food, and the resources I need to keep me comfortable, and (2) I love the way that our church supports people in need! The homeless – through Family Promise and Habitat; the food-insecure – through Backpack Buddies, Tri-area Ministry, and the Community Garden; and much more. I love the way that we reach out to the community to help others. That is one reason that I was called to serve on the Mission & Outreach Team. I knew what a difference WFPC makes!!! Thanks to everyone who supports our missions whether via volunteering or monetary contributions. With all of us working together, we can make things better!!!

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

Kathy Tharrington

Our August sermons will each focus on a piece of literature. This week's book is The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. Our Scripture comes from I Corinthians 14:33-40. Marguerite will share her sermon, "Indecent and Out of Order."

10:00 in the Sanctuary

Our 10:00 a.m. worship service is livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

If you're joining us online, you can print an 10:00 service bulletin here.

The Mission Study Team wants to remind everyone to complete the Holy Cow! Church Assessment Survey Tool (CAT). It’s not hard and takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Your response is very important to help determine the future of WFPC. This was sent to you via email on July 15 and resent July 28. We thank those of you who have responded already (more than 100). If you have any questions please contact, Rick Mayo rmayo86913@aol.com or Lisa Solomon lsolomon29@yahoo.com.

August 7: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

August 14: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

August 21: Drawing God by Karen Keifer (Children’s Sunday)

August 28: Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman

September 4: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummings

This month’s class will be on Wednesday, August 17, at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Trey Bateman, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at Wake Forest School of Medicine and Clinical Co-Director of the Wake Forest Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, will be our speaker.  His topic will be “Treatments for Alzheimers, Vascular and Mixed Dementias.” Dr. Bateman is an excellent speaker and always provides practical and up-to-date information. Anyone who wishes to attend the Zoom class and who is not already on our mailing list may contact Pat Snyder via email (patsnyder137@gmail.com) to receive a link for the class. Classes are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about care for individuals with any type of dementia.

Adults and high school youth are invited to join us in the CLC gym this evening for some fun and fellowship. From 5:00-7:00 we’ll be playing volleyball, and from 7:00-9:00 we’ll play basketball.

If you're an adult (especially one who's been vetted as a children's/youth volunteer at WFP) and you're willing to help supervise open gym night for volleyball/basketball, please let us know! Any questions, please get in touch with Mike Honkomp (919) 606-7520 or honkompmike@gmail.com.

Where: Wake Forest Christian Church (701 S Main Street)

When: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8:00 beginning August 17

Cost: None

Contact: Janis Matthews janismatthews72@yahoo.com or 919-594-3405

The Wake Forest SOS Support Group will provide peer-led support for those who are left behind in the wake of the suicide of a loved one.

Suicide grief has many unique features that can be very difficult. By sharing our experiences and listening to the experiences of others going through similar circumstances, we can find some healing on this sometimes lonely, painful, and confusing journey.

The SOS group will be held in the fellowship hall of Wake Forest Christian Church, a free-standing building located in the middle of the parking lot in the back of the church.