The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Your Will Be Done

In our Lenten Adult Study on the Lord’s Prayer this week, we focused on the line, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” I don’t know about you, but many times when I’m saying this part of the prayer, I’m just zipping along through each phrase and not really listening closely to what I am praying. That’s one of the benefits of taking a closer look at something we often take for granted: we are forced to consider more intentionally what these familiar words mean to us in our life of faith.

Your will be done. Too often, I want my will to be done – don’t you? We have in our heads and hearts what would be best for us and those we love, and we expect God to share that same perspective. Healing from illness, opportunities opening for our children, happiness for our spouse, elimination of crime and violence in our community, peace where there is war, an end to poverty, racism, and hatred. Certainly those align with God’s will, right? So, why don’t all of those things happen right away when we pray, “Your will be done”?

One of the things we talked about Tuesday was how in praying that prayer, we are in a place of submission. Not in terms of being enslaved or lorded-over, but in terms of giving-up our controls and desires, and instead submitting to God’s will for us and our world. Our group recalled times when we were able to see with a longer perspective how what initially felt like rejection or failure instead turned into better opportunities that God provided. The author shared this prayer that he often prays:

You know what I think is best,

but you also know how often my perception is poor;

please show me your will, so that I will pray as I should.

(Ellsworth J. Kalas, Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer, Session 3)

As we continue our Lenten Journey, how are we called to align our will with God’s will, so that what God sees in heaven might also take place here on earth? Our group talked about the many ways we are witnessing God’s will taking place in the life of our church. What new things does God yearn for us to experience that will bring us even more in-line with God’s will? The next time you pray the Lord’s Prayer, how will you hear the prayer in a new way than before?

Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. May it be so now and forevermore.

With a full and grateful heart,

Frank

THIS SUNDAY AT WBPC

Parlor Class – 9:30am

Sunday School – 9:30am

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

New Member Class – 11:45am

@The Table Worship – 5:00pm – The Zoom link may be found on the bulletin that’s available for download HERE.

Worship Committee – 6:30pm – Meeting in the parlor.

Youth Group – No meeting; High Schoolers on mission trip in Wilmington.

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

Please click HERE for the Christian Education brochure.

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

The amount you have donated to our web site at Urban Ministries reached $2304.92 over the weekend. Our March Madness Food Bag Challenge runs through the end of March and our hope is that there are those of you who have meant to donate but have just not gotten around to it. Well, now is your opportunity to help those who do not have enough food to eat. If you wish to give, 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!

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

MISSION OUTREACH SURVEY

Thank you to everyone that attended the Mission's WNL program two weeks ago. As part of the program we received responses on a survey about the missions of WBPC and got great feedback.

If you haven't had a chance to fill that out, it's attached HERE and can be completed and emailed back to Missions@wbpresbyterian.org. We'll also collect them Sunday and have hard copies available. We really appreciate the congregation's feedback as we discern God's mission call to us!

NEW MEMBER CLASS – THIS SUNDAY!

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.

BIBLICAL JUSTICE FORUM – MARCH 28

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 28, we will begin with discussion of the devotionals for March 22-28. BJF meets via zoom on Mondays at noon to 1:30pm. Click HERE for participating in Monday's meeting via Zoom.

LOOKED IN THE MIRROR LATELY?

WBPC wants to take your picture.

WHY? Because we want to have a pictorial directory of members and friends that reflects how we look today.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO? Go to Pastor Frank’s office for a few minutes after worship starting Sunday, April 3 and have your picture taken.

HOW MUCH WILL YOU HAVE TO PAY? Absolutely nothing.

Thank you in advance for making our “Family Album” complete. You are important to WBPC!

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 LILY ORDERS DUE TOMORROW

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

WBPC has joined Instagram! Please follow @wbpresbyterian and spread the word. 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.

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!

Visit our Website