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For Friday, June 26
, 2020
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WFPC Officers' Column
One of the last events I attended at WFPC this spring was the All-Church Retreat in early March. At that point, the novel coronavirus was causing increasing nervousness; I believe that attendees were asked not to shake hands or hug. But little did we know that in just a few weeks, our world would change drastically as shut-down orders took effect.
The retreat leader, Lisle Garrity, describes herself as a pastorist: a combination of a pastor and an artist. Through her workshop sessions, she invited participants to engage in hands-on art creation (no talent or experience required!) that allowed them to connect with scripture in a way that was more spiritual than intellectual. One of these activities, focused on the 23rd Psalm, required groups to gather around tables covered with paper and handfuls of crayons. As music played, Lisle instructed us to visually represent the thoughts brought to mind by the Psalm's words. At intervals, she stopped the music and had us rotate one position around the table to continue and build on the images drawn by another group member. At the end of the session, each group had created a rich, fully covered canvas of images, words and symbols related to our feelings and insights about the scripture.
Of course, Lisle had used this activity in other workshops, and she didn't create it with the pandemic in mind. But as the weeks have passed since our lives were "normal," my mind returns to this exercise, and the words of the Psalm seem perfectly suited to the stress, uncertainty and anxiety of our current situation. I find comfort in these verses and the feelings they inspire, and perhaps you will too.
PSALM 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
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He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name's sake.
4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff-
they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6
Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Sharon Lineberry
Discipleship Elder for Adults
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A Note from Rebekah Maul, Senior Pastor
Dear fine people,
The church staff has been meeting each week via Zoom. As we work together figuring out how we are doing ministry during these times that seem to be redefining who we are as a church, our meetings now take twice as long.... But... oh my, the creativity that spins around doing our meetings is inspiring. This past Tuesday morning we were doing "calendar planning." We do this a couple times of year, but what was obvious to us during the meeting, is that the calendar is like the game 52 card pick-up... There are so many variables that have to be considered and everything for the foreseeable future has us using words like "tentative;" "cautious;" "if we're able;" "subject to change;" "open-ended." It can make our brains weary, which I know many of us throughout the whole world are experiencing.
Typically, during a staff meeting, we begin by going around sharing what we are doing in ministry, and how we need to support/contribute to whatever effort is being dealt with. But Tuesday, Renee had our opening devotion and prayer, and she used a video [link below], that communicated to our hearts, helping us to put the real purpose behind what we are trying to do and accomplish as an evolving community of faith. Most of us know "what" we do. The real clarifying exercise is to figure out "why."
So... this week's faith exercise is to reaffirm our faith and then to wrestle with the "why." Remember, we can do all things through Jesus, who strengthens us.
Faith and Hope,
Rebekah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytFB8TrkTo
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Offering Envelopes
On-line giving has become an easier way to keep up with our pledges and with our over and above giving. Some are now transitioning from using envelopes (which we currently do not use as we did before), to giving on-line. A few requests have come into the office requesting that their envelopes not be reordered at this time.
If you are someone who now uses your unused envelopes for making grocery lists because you are giving on-line, contact Joanne Lambert at the church (
financials@wakeforestpres.org), and she'll take care of it.
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Tell Me More
An online via Zoom "Tell Me More" will be offered July 19, 26, and August 2 from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. This class will provide a brief introduction to Wake Forest Presbyterian, its ministries, the staff and leadership. Even in the time of COVID-19, there are ways to plug in and get involved. Registration is required so as to send each participant the required Zoom login information. Please contact Robin Roper at 919-673-8582 or
rgroper@gmail.com
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Softball Players -- Time to Play Ball!
WFPC has joined the Wake Forest Co-Rec Softball League. Games will start mid-July and run through the beginning of September. Games nights are typically Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings.
We need both men and women. This is not a highly competitive league; it is a social league and a great opportunity to make some new friends and enjoy some relaxed fellowship. Come out and have some fun!
The $500 entry fee is split among the players; if you need a jersey the cost will be $25-$30. Sign up ends on June 30. Please contact Louis Engel at
louisengel@me.com.
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General Assembly 2020
from the New Hope Presbytery Newsletter
The 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) convened for its first plenary session last Friday. The
full schedule
shows worship services, plenary sessions, and special events over nine days. All business items will be tracked in
PC-Biz
. The main service of worship is scheduled for today at 11:00 a.m. All events of the assembly will be conducted remotely and streamed on
the GA website
and
the
Spirit of GA page on Facebook
.
The assembly's theme, "From Lament to Hope," recognizes the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that have required the assembly to meet online for the first time and reduce the planned agenda to include only critical business issues. The usual assembly committee meetings have been set aside, and all items will either be considered directly in plenary session or referred to the 225th General Assembly in 2022.
Learn more about this decision
and get answers to frequently asked questions about the process going forward, or find out more about
the technology and people that are making this online assembly possible
.
Please be in prayer for the General Assembly as this work begins. Particular prayers are welcomed for our Young Adult Advisory Delegate, Christopher Morgan, and commissioners: Ruling Elders Ida Adams, Mary Bethel, Jerry Slaymaker, and Gary Wires; and Teaching Elders Katie Crowe, Debbie Kirk, James Lee, and Jody Moore. Several other members of our presbytery serve on national committees and will be participating as well. May God gift all of them and our whole with abundant grace for these unusual times.
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Mission and Outreach
Turnberry!!!
Hello wonderful people rooted in Christ! The Mornings with Christ small group has been busy providing needed items to residents of Turnberry during COVID19, and we'd like you to help be a part of this mission!
What is Turnberry?
It's a low-income apartment complex for seniors, many of whom are disabled and don't get out much. Our church has a very strong mission partnership with this community through the Mornings With Christ group -- and we'd like to open up opportunities to participate in this mission with the whole church.
What does it look like?
Things look a little different due to COVID19, but efforts include playing monthly Bingo, providing lunch, and celebrating birthdays. Efforts during the pandemic have been taking shape by donating paper towels, toilet paper, rice, laundry soap with quarters for the machines, and dish soap.
Why would my participation help?
Because these residents are limited in finances and ability to travel, social connection and fellowship are crucial to that communities' happiness. Residents regularly share how much they "live for Bingo every month"!
How can I participate?
You can come along on the next trip to Turnberry on
Sunday, June 28, at 3 pm
.
You can also go to
www.wakeforestpres.org
to the Give section and select Turnberry from the drop-down menu.
Thank you for your prayers and support of the residents of Turnberry.
Backpack Buddies
Help keep our supplies stocked for weekly meal deliveries by making a financial contribution to Backpack Buddies or purchasing items from the following list. Donated food (no glass) may be dropped for porch delivery at 1313 Cedar Branch Ct. Wake Forest:
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Cans of Soup, Ravioli, Spaghetti O's, etc (Pop top is preferred)
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Canned Tuna or Chicken
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Ramen Noodles, Easy Mac, Knorr Pasta Sides
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Small cans of fruits and vegetables (Pop top is preferred)
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PopTarts, Single Pack Oatmeal
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Carnation Instant Breakfast Single Serve Packets, 100% Fruit Juice Single Serve Options
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Single Pack Snack Crackers, Pretzels
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Pudding, Jello/gelatin or Applesauce Cups
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Individual Raisin boxes
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Peanut Butter Singles/Cups
Other items that are non-perishable and able to be given in single servings are acceptable.
Packing and deliveries take place weekly. Interested in learning how you can help the Backpack Buddies Ministry? Email Heather Wheeler:
heathersb73@yahoo.com
for more information.
WFPC Community Garden
Interested volunteers must either sign up online or contact Melanie Floyd to schedule all dates and times to work onsite. COVID-19 Precautions: Healthy volunteers. Sign up in advance. Practice physical distancing.
The sweet potatoes are in, the red potatoes are being dug through June, and the tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, beans, and squash are taking off! Keep up with frequently changing work in the summer garden by monitoring our Signup Genius for dates, times, and tasks, and sign up in advance so we can plan our work while reducing exposure.
Remember: To keep each other safe, we still require signing up in advance, physical distancing, and signing in and out of the garden, and we encourage wearing masks when working in close proximity to volunteers outside of your household.
Tri-Area Ministry (Food Pantry)
Did you know that our local Tri-Area Ministry food pantry continues to need volunteers on a weekly basis? Tasks vary from accepting donations, sorting goods, packing bags, and helping customers taking food to their vehicles. Volunteers are welcome on Mondays and Wednesdays and on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 8:00 AM to 1 PM. Visit their website at
https://triareaministry.com/volunteer/
for more information about opportunities and to download the Volunteer form. Volunteers must be 17 years of age. The food pantry is located at 149 E. Holding Avenue, Wake Forest.
Veterans Ministry
Our Veterans Ministry is postponing the fundraising event we planned for the 4
th
of July week-end because the Durham VA Voluntary Office has indicated they are not seeing high volumes of veterans at this time and will not need food deliveries from our church for the next few months. Please watch for a fundraiser in the fall when we resume deliveries.
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Prayer List
Please keep the following members of our church family in your prayers:
Jody Alston
Jennie Banco
Dianne Brown
Genie Hunt
Cindy & Jake Jacobsmeyer
Kirby Kline
Ruth Patterson
Don McCorkle
David Michaels
Denise Paxton and family
Linda Roberson
Roy Wilson
David Wyly
Jere York
Roy and Arlene
And those who are currently deployed:
Jordan Schuh
Dustin Wilmoth
If you have a prayer request, you may let us know
online here.
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Children's Ministries News
Make sure you tune in for our Children's Sunday service this Sunday at 10 on the church Facebook page!
~Katherine Peiper, Director of Children, Family & Youth Ministries | katherinepeiper@wakeforestpres.org
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Looking Ahead
New and different seems to be our new normal. Initially I grieved the loss of all of the things we did not get to do this year like we usually do each spring and summer. This week, I have been reminded of God's strong presence in our lives. He loves us so much! We are called to love just as God loves us! We have work to do! We are called to live in fellowship with one another, and to show God's love to others near and far. Basically what I am saying is that the one constant in all of this change and uncertainty in our lives is God! So, although I am still sad, I decided to stop having a pity party (yes, maybe I was having a little one) and get excited about the possibilities of our new year in youth ministries! Look out y'all -- it is going to be amazing! Tune in to the weekly youth email to get details on what is going on in youth ministries! Your new Youth Leadership Team, as well as advisors will be working together to make this a great year! We need YOU to get excited and come with an open heart ready to learn and love no matter what! Love you all and miss you!!
Peace, love, and HUGS,
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| June 28, 2020 Web Worship
It's Children's Sunday!
We will go live at 10 AM on our Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/wfpres/
Our Scripture this week comes from 1 John 4:7-12. Katherine Peiper, our Director of Children, Family and Youth will Share the Good News.
You can pull up the bulletin for this service by
clicking here.
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| 2020 Annual Budget |
$929,200.00 |
| 2020 Year-to-Date Actual |
$449,040.50 |
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| Year to Date Budget (May) |
$395,000.00
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Year to Date Actual (May)
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$376,390.00
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June Budget
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$73,600.00 |
| June Tithes and Offerings (thru 6/21/20) |
$72,650.00 |
| June 21, 2020 |
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| Tithes and Offerings (Mail/Online) |
$15,646.00 |
| Designated Gifts |
$1,344.00 |
| Debt Elimination Gifts |
$350.00
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| Web Worship Attendance (Facebook Views) |
500+ |
| Sunday School Attendance |
24 |
Debt Elimination Monthly Budget
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$5,000.00
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| Debt Elimination Received (thru 6/21/20) |
$2,925.00
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...all shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you.
Deuteronomy 16:17
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WFPC Calendar Highlights
Please use these links for current information:
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Wake Forest Presbyterian Church
12605 Capital Blvd
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-556-7777
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