The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, September 15, 2022

"Sharing in Ministry"

This past Sunday was a big day at Western Boulevard. We started the Sunday School year off with Rally Day, and the fellowship hall was full of children, youth and adults for breakfast and then going off to their classes. We presented Graham Mixon with his Third Grade Bible in the morning worship service, and later that day the youth and their parents began a new year of Youth Group at WBPC. We worshipped in a multitude of ways – in-person in the morning, and on Zoom at the @ The Table Service in the evening. Sunday was a vibrant, active, hope-filled day for our congregation.

The Session also had its monthly stated meeting after the morning worship service on Sunday. As we shared a meal together, we shared stories, talked about important issues the church is facing, laughed aloud, prayed, and felt God’s presence in our midst. Ever since I arrived as your pastor, I have been inspired and grateful for the leadership of this congregation, including the time and talent that women and men give to enhance the church’s ministry as elders, deacons, staff, and lay leaders.

In a time of prayer that day, one of our elders gave thanks for the incredible ways people are leading at WBPC, and then asked God to invite others to share in that leadership, so that too much of a burden isn’t carried by a few. We are all susceptible to burnout when we give so much of our energy and attention to one particular thing, including our service in the church.

I would invite you to hear that prayer petition from one of your elders as an invitation. Have you had an interest in volunteering for something at church, but didn’t know how to get involved? What is your passion? What gets you excited? What would you like to learn more about at WBPC to see how that matches with your gifts and talents?

If you’re not sure who to talk to, start with me! I’m happy to talk with you about your interests, and then put you in touch with those leaders who match with your passions. You can always call me at the church (919-851-4713) or email me (frank@wbpresbyterian.org). Or feel free to talk to any elder on the Session who would be happy to help in that discernment.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we gather for worship, education, and service of our living, loving God.

With a full and grateful heart,

Frank

THIS SUNDAY AT WBPC

Worship Service – 10:30am – Click HERE for the bulletin.

@The Table Worship – 5:00pm on Zoom. Click HERE for the order of service, which includes the link for the Zoom gathering.

Click HERE for all the education offerings for 2022-23.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP NEWS

Join us this Sunday September 18 at 6:30pm in the Fellowship hall for Youth group. Dinner is provided!

Two adult chaperones are needed for the Middle School Retreat on Sept.30-Oct.1 at Camp Kanata. Yes, one night only!! What a great opportunity to hang out with 5 of our awesome middle schoolers and earn gratitude and accolades from all youth parents. Please email Larry Shelton if you are able to chaperone.

WBPC AND THE CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL AMERICA

WBPC has supported the work of the Center for Development in Central America (CDCA) for many years through our mission budget and through their sale of handcrafts and other products that Sarah Junkin Woodard has brought to us. If you are interested in the latest happenings from their organization in Nicaragua, click here to see their September newsletter.

RESPONDING TO FLOODING DISASTERS

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is actively responding to the flooding disasters that have happened this summer in Kentucky, Virginia, St. Louis, and Illinois. To learn more about their efforts, click HERE. If you wish to make a monetary donation to PDA, you can donate to Western Boulevard and mark it “Disaster Assistance,” and we will forward it on to PDA. Thank you for your generous response to our neighbors in need.

MISSION OUTREACH

Presbyterians Engage in God's Mission - Acting Like Jesus in the World - Click HERE to learn more.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE – SEPTEMBER 21

Ever wondered about the cool stuff our Scout Troop does? Well, join us on Wednesday September 21st to learn about one of their many adventures. This past summer a group of Scouts led by Kevin Fischer and Mac Winslow ventured out on an 8 day backpacking excursion at the Scout High Adventure Camp called Philmont Ranch in the high deserts of New Mexico. First, we’ll start with Ron’s famous Meatloaf dinner with vegetarian options, followed by a presentation from our Scouts. Please bring donations, food or money, for the Urban Ministries Food Bags.

We are also in need of volunteers to bring dessert and help with cleanup. Please indicate your willingness to volunteer on the Sign-Up Genius or on the Friendship Pad.

Dinner will be served at 5:45 pm. If you are not comfortable dining in, feel free to join us at 6:30 to join in the fun. Additionally, to-go plates are available if you just want a grab-and-go dinner.

Please RSVP if you plan to join us for dinner, and indicate dietary restrictions, by Monday September 19h indicating number in your party on the friendship pad, using the sign-up genius HERE, email the Fellowship Committee at fellowship@wbpresbyterian.org or calling the church office at 919-851-4713.

50+ MEETING - SEPTEMBER 23

Greetings, friends! Fall is that time of year when all kinds of activities are reactivated at WBPC – church school, WNL, choirs and, of course, 50+. Please mark your calendars and plan to join your friends on Friday, September 23, for ice cream at NCSU’s Howling Cow, 100 Dairy Lane (off Lake Wheeler Rd.). We will carpool from the church parking lot at 2:30pm, or if you prefer, you can just meet us at the Howling Cow. Looking forward to seeing you on the 23^rd and enjoying visiting and having some ice cream together! Everyone age-appropriate is invited and encouraged to join us in 50+. It’s easy. All you have to do is show up with a smile on your face and you automatically have a lifetime membership!

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS DAY - OCTOBER 2

Join us October 2 for a Sunday of Fun! Friends and Neighbors (FAN Day) is a beloved tradition at Western Boulevard Presbyterian and this year it is better than ever. Start off with a worship service at 10:30 am followed by a BBQ lunch (vegetarian options available), inflatables, backyard games, and cap it off with a Blood Drive. This event is open to the entire community so invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Please RSVP below and note any dietary restrictions. We are also in need of volunteers to bring dessert and help with cleanup. Please indicate your willingness to volunteer on the Sign-Up Genius. Please RSVP if you plan to join us for lunch, and indicate dietary restrictions, by Monday, September 26, by clicking HERE. Hope to see you there!

RECEPTION FOR ANNA RICHARDSON RAAB – SEPTEMBER 18

Anna Richardson Raab finished her work with us as Youth Ministry Coordinator on August 31, and we want to express our deep gratitude for all she has done in her ministry here at Western Boulevard over the last five years. The Christian Education Committee will be hosting a reception for Anna after the morning worship service on Sunday, September 18, in the Fellowship Hall. Please plan on joining us that day as we celebrate Anna!

BIBLICAL JUSTICE FORUM - SEPTEMBER 19

On September 19 at 12:00pm, the Biblical Justice Forum will be discussing new curriculums to use starting September 26. All are welcome to join us – contact Sandy Irving if you have any questions (s-dirving@earthlink.net). Click HERE for the Zoom link.

DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Every election matters. This year we will be electing a US Senator, US Representatives, State Representatives and Senators, Judges, School Board members, County Commissioners, City Council members, Mayors and more.

The first step is making certain that you are registered at your current address. You can make sure by clicking this link: Verify your voter registration is up-to-date, or register to vote, at this link.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SEPTEMBER 11 SESSION MEETING

· Approved the Sunday School and Preschool teachers for 2022 – 2023.

· Heard Board of Deacons Report, committee reports, and Pastor’s Report on activities in the past month including the planning for the Celebration of the Saints in the worship service on November 6th, expressed appreciation to the Christian Education Committee and especially Beth Ware for their work on Rally Day, discussed the need to share WBPC’s events broadly on social media, noted the beginning of Wednesday Night Live on September 14th and upcoming FAN Day, discussed the schedule for the Stewardship Campaign and possibility of having a potluck lunch following the morning worship service on October 23rd Dedication Sunday, heard of the continuing support for the Sham family, heard a report on the search for Director of Christian Education and Community Engagement, heard a report on the updating of service contracts for our facilities, heard of a need for training of more people for the operation of the sound board and camera, and heard a report from Rev. Frank Mansell on his work in the past month and his upcoming activities.

Click HERE to view the Financial Update from August 2022.

STAFF VACATION PLANS

Frank Mansell will be on vacation September 20-26. During this time, please contact the church office, one of the Deacons or Stephen Ministers in case of a pastoral emergency.

DIVORCE CARE

If you are considering separation or divorce, don’t try to go through it alone. Connect with a DivorceCare group either in person or online. You’ll find caring people who understand the issues you face and practical counsel for decision making and managing stress. Contact DivorceCare HERE or speak with a Deacon or Elder for a list of several groups that meet in The Triangle area, churches or online.

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.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: September 18-25

Sunday, September 18

9:30am Sunday School

10:30am Worship Service

11:45am Reception for Anna Richardson Raab (Fellowship Hall)

5:00pm @ The Table Service (Zoom)

6:30pm Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)

Monday, September 19

12:00pm Biblical Justice Forum (Zoom)

2:30pm Evangelism: Outreach and Inclusion Committee (Parlor)

7:00pm Scouts (Fellowship Hall and Downstairs)

Tuesday, September 20

4:00pm AventWest Children’s Mentoring (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday, September 21

9:30am Wednesday AM Prayer Group (Fellowship Hall)

5:45pm Wednesday Night Live (Fellowship Hall)

6:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

7:30pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Thursday, September 22

4:00pm AventWest Children’s Mentoring (Fellowship Hall)

6:30pm Bible Study (Zoom)

Friday, September 23

2:30pm 50+ Fellowship Group – Howling Cow Ice Cream

Sunday, September 25

9:30am Sunday School

10:30am Worship Service

5:00pm @ The Table Service (Zoom)

5:00pm Youth Group Bowling (Dinner in the youth room)

RESERVATIONS, PICTURES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

If you would like your birthday included on the monthly birthday list, please update your personal information on Realm or contact the church office.

WE'RE HIRING! WBPC is seeking a Director of Christian Education & Community Engagement. If you or someone you know is interested, please click HERE for more information.

Click HERE for September birthdays!

Visit our Website