Instead of the officer’s column, we’re going to take a couple months to share with WFPC the responses to Scripture that participants in our congregational gatherings wrote down in Bible study. The Mission Study Team felt that these responses were so Spirit-filled we wanted you to share in reading them.

Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.

What does the life of Jesus say to you about planning?

● Jesus got his guidance from the Holy Spirit. He had a goal and planned for it; worked His way towards it.

● He knew what he was there to do. We have to stay positive. We need to stay focused on what we think our goal is. We make mistakes but need to remember the end goal.

● Knew where he wanted to go, didn’t worry about what he would eat or where he would stay. Try not to worry about the details: stay focused on the goal.

● Jesus trained the disciples in how to carry on after he left them. He focused on the next life, not this one. He didn’t plan for wealth or stature.

● Jesus had a plan and he knew what He was up to – and He was the plan. He knew where he was headed, and he saw what the disciples didn’t understand. Early Christians thought Jesus’ plan was that He would be right back.

● Direction > planning? What Jesus did affected the outcome. Reforming can take planning even if it isn’t directly/strictly objective; your plan vs. God’s plan; individual plans can be more comfortable than God’s or discerning God’s plan.

● Jesus’ life on earth was planned before. He knew the end goals. He didn’t lose sight of the goals. Prayer was integral. Was inclusive with others to train and prepare them for the road ahead. Be prepared to make changes as needed. May need to make detours along the way.

● God has a plan. Not knowing what lies ahead for us, we can’t wait to act. Our planning is not about us. Life is a perpetual journey and you take what comes with your goal in mind. The goal does not change but the plan does.

● All ministry is interruptions, not ignoring holy interruptions. God’s plan is fluid, fulfilling Scripture challenged by roadblocks. Depth in the moment. What’s God’s plan for you?

February 5

Marguerite Sirrine is back in the pulpit and continuing the discussion on our recently adopted vision statement: "To follow Christ by welcoming all as we seek to listen, understand, and learn how to serve our church and community with love and hope."

This week our Scripture comes from Ruth 2:8-13 and Matthew 19:13-15 inspiring our sermon, "Welcoming All."

10:00 in the Sanctuary

Our 10:00 a.m. worship service is livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

If you're joining us online, you can print a bulletin here: February 5

On December 19, all three Presbytery co-moderators, along with the Executive Presbyter of New Hope Presbytery, signed off on the Mission Study Report which Session unanimously approved at its meeting on December 15. WFPC will now begin forming a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) to nominate a candidate for the installed position of Head of Staff.

At its December meeting, Session requested the Officer Nominating Team (ONT) to nominate seven members for this committee, representing a diversity of ethnicity, length of membership, age, gender, and theological perspective. The Session is sensitive to the Holy Cow critical success factor about having leadership represent the congregation of WFPC and asked the ONT to apply these same representation goals to the PNC.

If you are interested in serving on the PNC or have someone to nominate, please enter these name(s) in the Google Form link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYN_u4OXjwpv1mdAjQhO408W8U_e0QM2A4I3UiXn_79nE6oA/viewform

Have you noticed something new on campus beside the sanctuary? WFPC now has a Labyrinth! “What is that,” you ask? A labyrinth is “an ancient symbol of wholeness. The imagery of the circle and spiral combine into a meandering but purposeful journey. The Labyrinth represents a journey or path to our own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.” Hannah Schuh was a recipient of the Strength, Courage, and Grace scholarship sponsored by Randall and Melinda Keen. A portion of this scholarship is a generosity project. The labyrinth was Hannah’s generosity project and gift to our church. After many hours of planning and hard work, the labyrinth is ready for you! There is no right or wrong way to journey through. There is also a bench if you would like to sit and have time to reflect and pray. Thank you to the Keens and the S+C+G Scholarship, Hannah Schuh, all those that helped make this a reality, and WFPC! Enjoy! 

The WFPC Premise Keepers will be meeting for breakfast, fellowship, and facilities upkeep on Saturday, February 11, at 8 a.m. in the CLC. All are welcome, regardless of skill level. We will have something for everyone to do, so please join us! Questions? Contact Facilities Elders Denny Ide and Mindy Hidenfelter at wfpcfacilities@gmail.com.

We began a series of basic skills in dementia care in January 2023. The basic skills classes cover the fundamental knowledge and skills to support proactive and positive problem-solving throughout the dementia journey. The January class was Dementia and the Brain. A video of this class is available at Pat Snyder - YouTube. Class dates and topics for the next three months include:

• February 15 – Choose Your Attitude. How you approach your role as caregiver can make all the difference. Includes specific tips for making the journey easier.
• March 15 – Improving Communication with Others Involved in Care. Conversations with family members, medical professionals, and other key people on the dementia journey can be challenging. Tips on how to improve your chances for better outcomes.
• April 19 – Improving Communication with the Person Living with Dementia. Practical things you can do to create better communication with your loved one who lives with dementia which, in return, reduces stress for both of you.

All classes will be held in person from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in Room B106 of the CLC. The same class will be held from 2:00 to 3:30 pm via Zoom. Classes are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about care for individuals with any type of dementia. Those who wish to attend the Zoom class and are not already on our mailing list may contact Pat Snyder via email (patsnyder137@gmail.com) to receive a link for the class. 

Thank you so much for your support last week at our youth-sponsored Pancake Breakfast! It was a great morning filled with delicious food and wonderful fellowship with our church family. Your generosity helped us raise over $1,500 to be applied to our youth trips this year! THANK YOU!!

Please join the Fellowship and Events team on Sunday, February 12, immediately after the 10 a.m. service for a bowl of homemade soup and all the fixings. Be sure to wear your team’s colors and be prepared to enjoy fellowship with your teammates at WFPC. Donations will be accepted for lunch as well as a collection of nonperishable food items for donation to area food pantries. Sign up on SignUpGenius to reserve your bowl of soup! Reservations are due February 8.

Due to logistics encountered, pre-Sunday School Holy Grounds Coffee service has ceased. Coffee will continue to be available prior to and after the 10 a.m. service (beginning at 9:30 a.m.)

Theology on Tap is a gathering for adults to explore what it means to be Christian in the modern world while discussing a range of topics on how we put our faith into practice. What does it even mean to be Christian these days? We will cover that questions as well as topics like

• racism
• nationalism
• cultural pressure to have children in America
• LGBTQ+
• does God let bad things happen to good people?

We meet 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 7—8 p.m. at Norse Brewing (inside front door, to the right). RSVP to Rev. John Fawcett with your interest: johnfawcett@wakeforestpres.org 

Starting on Thursday, February 9, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. If you are currently grieving the loss of a loved one and feel lost, unsure about how to grieve, or just overwhelmed, please consider joining the GriefShare Support group. This ministry helps guide you as you travel the grief journey. It has three parts; first we watch a DVD together which contains doctors, ministers, psychiatrists and regular folks who are well versed in all facets of grief. Second, we have a group discussion concerning what was presented on the DVD and your reaction to the thoughts and ideas shared. Lastly, there is a workbook which contains short devotions and questions to work through in your own home and time during the week between sessions. This ministry has been facilitated by, Jane Hydeman (919-622-3324) and Rick Mayo (919-302-2651) for more than a decade. Please call Rick or Jane for more information and how to register for this Christ centered, healing ministry. 

Do you have a special anniversary or other occasion coming up and would like to honor someone with a floral arrangement for an upcoming Sunday service? If so, here’s what you do: Call or text Joni Amerson, 919-270-7246, to reserve a date, and then once that date is confirmed, you may use the florist of your choice (or arrange the flowers yourself if you have that talent). You are responsible for ordering and paying for the arrangement, which must be delivered during church office hours, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. To ensure the person(s) to be honored appear in the Sunday bulletin, please call or text Joni Amerson at 919-556-7777 by Tuesday of the week prior to your selected Sunday service. After the service, you are welcome to take the flowers home with you.