The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Facing Our Wall of Boxes

Whenever I go into our garage at home, I see the wall of boxes. They line one side of the garage and represent stuff that we have yet to go through and unpack. Some of it belongs to the girls, some it belongs to us. Most of it is not stuff we need now – we’ve been living in the house for eight months and have been getting along just fine. It’s mostly mementos, childhood stuff for the girls, books, etc. Every day I look at that wall of boxes and think, “It sure would be nice to go through that stuff so I could put my van in the garage.” And each day, I find something else to do instead, because I can’t summon the amount of energy that is necessary to get to work on that wall of boxes.

It takes a lot of energy and commitment to make changes that are impactful on our lives. That wall of boxes may represent something else for you – seeking reconciliation in a broken relationship; making significant changes in our behavior for better health; developing new spiritual practices to deepen our faith. Lent is a season when we are called to examine our patterns, our attitudes, our outlooks and ask, “What do I need to do differently to follow Christ more faithfully in my life?” That is not an easy task, and when we start asking those kinds of questions, we come face-to-face with a wall of boxes that seem insurmountable.

One of the things that helps me in those situations is to start small: just do one thing first. In a recent Mission and Outreach Committee Retreat, we talked about discernment being what next step God is calling us to do – not necessarily understanding fully at once what is God’s will. Maybe that means me taking one of those boxes, sorting through it, throwing away what needs to be thrown away (in consultation with my family members!), and keeping what continues to be valuable for us. Maybe that means trying a new healthy behavior for a week and seeing how that worked after seven days. Maybe that means joining a study at church or giving of your time for a new outreach activity and seeing how that impacts your faith.

What’s your wall of boxes in your life? How might you tackle that wall in a way that is not overwhelming but feels productive and life-giving? May you feel God’s presence and strength as you walk through your Lenten Journey this year.

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

LENT AT WESTERN BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Lent Adult Study on the Lord's Prayer

Frank Mansell and Beth Ware are leading a Lenten Study on The Lord’s Prayer on Tuesdays at 11:00am. We are meeting 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, click HERE for the meeting link. If you are planning to attend, you are invited to read the lesson materials by clicking HERE. We also are recording the study each week - click HERE to watch a recording of the study from March 15. 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. Click HERE for the downloadable version of the Lenten Devotional.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study and Prayer Group in Lent

Our Wednesday Morning small group is studying the book Final Words, From the Cross by Adam Hamilton for Lent. Reverend June Fulton is leading us in learning about Jesus’ last words. All are welcome to join us March 9 - May 11 for this study. The group meets at 9:30am for the lesson and afterwards for prayer time. The book is available on Amazon and other websites.

Light: Lenten Prelude Series

Music during Lent is often more solemn, a bit more reflective and somber to represent the 40 days of wandering in our own spirits as we journey from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection. We put away our jubilant “Alleluias” and replace them with more introspective “Kyrie” in reflection of our own need for God. Each Sunday in Lent, the prelude music for Sunday worship will be based on one of the beautiful stained glass windows in the sanctuary. Look for a brief description each Sunday in the bulletin or insert, and as you worship, take time to enjoy the beautiful light streaming through the brightly displayed colors around us.

Join the Easter Choir!

If you have missed singing hymns during the pandemic and would like to give choir a try, now is a great time to join us! We will be preparing accessible and worshipful music for the Lenten season and would love to have you join us. Choir meets on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings prior to worship. No prior experience required- just bring yourself and we’ll provide the robes, music, and fellowship. Questions? Contact Elizabeth at music@wbpresbyterian.org.

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. 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. Our study of Hebrews is held virtually on Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm and we 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

Chaperone Sign Up

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 assistance for the rest of the year. Please sign up to help out HERE. Note: Anna is going away April 1-4 and will need two adult volunteers who are comfortable leading a program to sign up. She will provide the program plan to the volunteers by March 31 at the very latest.

Dinner is back!

Back by popular demand and lowering COVID stats - Youth Fellowship dinner! Can you hear the cheers of hungry boys? We can! Anna added slots for dinner providers to the chaperoning sign up genius link HERE. Each date needs two volunteers. Contact Anna if you have any questions.

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

MARCH MADNESS FOOD BAG CHALLENGE

Our total thus far for our March Madness Food Bag Challenge is $2254.92, which is wonderful. Thank you for your generous hearts. There are two weeks left to donate and, if you had planned to donate and just haven't gotten around to it, please click HERE to make a donation. Then if you would like to credit your college, please email clittlefield43@gmail.com and say you have made a donation and which school you are supporting. Thank you for caring!

HELP FOR FARM WORKERS - CHURCH WOMEN UNITED MINISTRY AND WBPC PARTICIPATION

Thank you for helping the essential NC farm workers! WBPC has supplied more than 100 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste for our farmworkers. They will be delivered to the Episcopal Farm Ministry this week as part of Church Women United's collection. YOUR GENEROSITY IS APPRECIATED.

MISSION OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Presbyterians Engage in God's Mission: "PDA Funds go to Ukraine" - 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 – MARCH 21

Food for our Lenten thoughts: "Poverty is the product of public policy and theft facilitated by white supremacy" (p.193). Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance by Edgar Villanueva

During Lent, Biblical Justice Forum is studying the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterians Today: A Matthew 25 Lenten experience, accessible HERE. On March 21, we will begin with discussion of the devotionals for March 15-21. BJF meets via zoom on Mondays at noon to 1:30pm. Click HERE for participating in Monday's meeting via Zoom.

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.

NEWS FROM THE SESSION

Highlights from the stated Session meeting on March 13 include the following:

Approved a member to receive the New Hope Presbytery Older Adult Award.
Approved the dates to receive special offerings in 2022.
Approved holding an Alternative Gift Fair combined with Red Cross Blood Drive in conjunction with a fundraiser for the WBPC Preschool on April 24. The cost for a vendor at the fundraiser shall be a minimum of $10 with it voluntary to pay more than the minimum.
Approve the pulpit supply for 2022 consisting of Robert Owens, Joe Burmester, and Joette Steger.
Approve removing the COVID Protocols from the WBPC website and disbanding the Reopening Task Force.
Approved establishing a task force for the purpose of studying the feasibility of building an outdoor shelter
Received a report on the February 26 New Hope Presbytery Meeting.

Click HERE to access the February financial report.

COVID PROTOCOLS

In light of the CDC recommendations, and because the level of our community transmission is low, the Reopening Task Force has decided to make masks optional for activities taking place inside the church building. Please refer to the Reopening Task Force Update email for more information (also posted on the website under the COVID-19 Protocol tab).

EASTER LILIES

As we begin our planning and preparation for Easter, the Worship Committee would like to offer the congregation an opportunity to honor or memorialize a loved one by putting a traditional lily in the sanctuary. The cost of a lily is $15.00. Please complete the Order Form provided on the Purple Update and put it in the collection plate with your payment or return it to the church office no later than Friday, March 25. If you write a check, please make it out to WBPC and indicate Easter Lilies on the memo line of your check.

NOTES FROM THE ADMIN DESK

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.

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!

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 a list of March Birthdays!

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