Life is like a box of chocolates!

This is a line from the movie Forrest Gump and is one of my favorite “Top Ten” as Rebekah would say. It’s the scene where Forrest (Tom Hanks) is sitting on the park bench with a young lady who he’s never met before, and he offers her a piece of chocolate. She politely declines, and then he proceeds to tell her that his momma always said that “Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get.”

Over the past couple of months, I have felt like I’m eating from life’s box of chocolates – some good things happened, some bad things and some things are well, bittersweet, I guess. I have lost some friends recently including some within our church family and have had others diagnosed with serious illnesses.  I know it’s part of life but it’s still painful. A strong reminder that life is precious and at times doesn’t feel fair. It’s like that piece of chocolate that looks ok on the outside but it’s filled with some kind of pink goo. You know, the one that no one wants! The one you take one bite and wish you had picked the one next to it!

Then something wonderful happens. Like when our son, who lives in Portland Oregon, told us that they would be visiting us for two weeks. Two whole weeks to spoil the grandkids!! How wonderful is that! Now, that’s a piece of chocolate with rich dark chocolate inside!! It’s gone before you know it and wish you had another piece just like it!

And then there are events that we have mixed emotions about. Like when I heard that Rebekah was retiring. Selfishly, I don’t want her to leave WFPC because she has been a true blessing for our church and has personally challenged me in many meaningful ways. At the same time, I want her to be happy and for her and Derek to get time to do the things they have always wanted to do. Maybe that’s a piece in the box that you like but it’s not one of your favorites, sort of bittersweet.  You know that there’s always going to be some of those pieces in your box of chocolate.

As we deal with life’s ups and downs and all its surprises, I do believe that there is one constant – that God is always with us. He knows what we are dealing with. He is with us when we celebrate the wonderful things in life, and He is with us to help us get through the difficult things that we have to face. We are never alone!

Isaiah 41:10

Randy Parrish

Elder, Mission and Outreach

On Sunday, August 1, Pastor Rebekah Maul will share her last sermon before retirement. She will share her #10 of Her Top Bible Passage, Ephesians 3:14-12, Benediction.

You can print a bulletin to use at home here: August 1

Bulletins will be provided for those attending in-person.

9 A.M. In-Person Worship in the Sanctuary

Our 10:30 a.m. worship service is livestreamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Nursery is open to any and all children from birth through age 4, and will be open for both worship services! The nursery room is staffed by two fully background checked paid staff who are ready to love on any children in need of a space where they can move, squirm, squeal, etc.!

Please note -- the nursery will NOT be available during the Reception for Rebekah's Retirement which follows our 10:30 service.

The nursery is in room A127 of the Children's Wing. Please contact Katherine Peiper, Director of Children, Family and Youth Ministries with any questions! (katherinepeiper@wakeforestpres.org)

Thank you so much for your prayers last week while our high school youth were at the Montreat Youth Conference. The theme was “Called to Connect,” and they did just that! Our youth are honest, vulnerable, brave, dedicated, loving, authentic, and truly all around amazing young people! We learned how we are all interconnected because the same God created us and the same Holy Spirit is in all of us. Sometimes disconnection is a good thing...God will help us with the reconnection! We are well connected with one another — we need each other; where I am weak, you are strong. And how beautiful is it that we are biconnected? That means we can’t be disconnected. Because of our faith, we will never be disconnected! By the way, if you haven’t had a chance to sit down and chat with a young person lately, I highly encourage it! You will be blessed! Thanks again for your support of the youth of WFPC and your prayers during our trips to Massanetta and Montreat this summer.

Mornings With Christ has officially retired as a Discipleship Small Group after decades of fellowship and learning. We want to give a big shout out and thanksgiving to Loretta Highfield – the final leader of that group – for leading and serving faithfully for years with those women. The group has had many leaders since its inception.

Mornings began in Paula Goodson and Fran Sowisdral’s homes, and has had many leaders over the years including Leslie Olmo, Ann Brackett, Deb Keller, and Loretta Highfield. Mornings has faithfully partnered with Turnberry Housing in a missional way and has brought food, fellowship, and tremendous happiness to the residents who live there. Turnberry has even come to WFPC for Wednesday Night Dinners in the past as well. The mission of Mornings with Turnberry will live on and stay intact even as the group comes to a gracious completion. The picture is a food delivery to Turnberry.

Thank you Mornings for creating a space for discipleship, fellowship, and ultimately faith to grow and be lived out! We will miss you!

Pastor Rebekah's last Sunday with us is approaching very quickly! On August 1 we will celebrate her last Sunday after 40 years in ministry.

During the luncheon, we will hear from several important folks in Pastor Rebekah's life, including those from her previous churches. Rebekah will also have some final thoughts to share with us before she goes, and we have some special music to share with her as well. We hope you will be able to join us to celebrate Rebekah and to wish her and Derek the very best as they enter retirement!

If you would like to honor Rebekah further:

Do you have the gift of public speaking and worship leadership? Please consider joining the team of liturgists who serve during the second worship service at WFPC. Liturgists prepare and deliver the Prayer of Dedication following the offering. They also lead liturgy prepared by the pastor. Training and guidance are available. Each liturgist typically serves one to two times per year. If you are interested in joining the team, contact Kathy Dudley at kathyrdudley@gmail.com or 919-539-7732.

Please join us in extending love and sympathy to Dawn Wilson and family. Dawn's father, Rick Prevette, passed away on July 28, 2021.