|
In November of 2018, my husband Randall, was first diagnosed with ALS. At that time, right before Christmas, we chose to keep the diagnosis to ourselves. After Christmas, we shared it with our girls, our family and our closest friends. We had feelings of disbelief, frustration, anger and a deep, deep sadness. But when we decided it was not in our hands, Randall’s motto “Strength+Courage+Grace” was born.
In February of 2019, my sister-in-law, Karen, came to us with the idea to form a team for the ALS walk in April. This annual walk raises funds for ALS research as well as helping those dealing with all of the issues that surround the disease. Karen suggested she and I become team captains, and with courage “Randall’s Ralliers” was created, and it has grown into something we never imagined.
That first year we furiously created a team, got help designing a team t-shirt, and went to Facebook to start our fundraising campaign. It amazed us that we were able to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. But what really amazed us, was the support we received from everyone. When Randall put the call for support of Randall’s Ralliers on Facebook, that was the first time some people were hearing he had ALS. Boy, did people rally! We went to that first walk with about 115 of our family and friends. We raised over $21,000 for ALS, and were named “Rookie Team of the Year.”
The following year, COVID hit. We all know what happened that year when everything was shut down, including the big ALS walk in Raleigh. The association encouraged teams to “walk their way.” Through the grace of WFPC allowing us to host the walk on the church campus, with all of the COVID protocols in place of course, Randall’s Ralliers raised $25,716.
Our strength and our trust in God has kept Randall’s Ralliers going. The 2024 ALS Walk took place two weeks ago. People rallied again! Our team of walkers was 135 people strong, not including countless others who supported us in many other ways. To date, our team has raised $28,820 for this year’s ALS walk. In total, Randall’s Ralliers have raised over $152,000 in the six years we have been walking. That helps fund lots of research and helps lots of people affected with the disease. We even applied for a grant this year with ALS United, receiving funds to help purchase that snazzy new wheelchair that Randall zips around on campus.
Each year our team keeps getting bigger, and we cherish that team photo we take at the end of each walk. Knowing we have support behind us, yours and God’s, helps us have Strength+Courage+Grace every day.
Joshua 1:9—“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
2 Corinthians 12:9—“My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak.”
Melinda Keen
Elder of Finance
| |
|
Worship at WFPC
10:00 in the Sanctuary
| |
Our Scripture for this Sunday comes from Psalm 24:1-6 and Mark 6:30-44. Marguerite will share her sermon, "More Than Enough."
Our service is livestreamed on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/wakeforestpresbyterianchurch
Print an at-home bulletin here
Elder on Call: Joni Amerson
Deacon of the Day: Traci Marchand
| |
|
A Night Under the Stars With Some Classic Cars!
Friday, May 3, from 6:30-8:30 join us in the parking lot outside the rose garden. We will have some VERY COOL cars, fire fellowship with s’mores, and some MUSIC to enjoy (perhaps some line dances!!!!) Bring your camping chairs, your picnic dinner, your blankets… the weather is slated to be warm and perfect for an evening outside! The whole church is invited to come check out cool cars, connect with each other, dance, play, and enjoy the evening!
| |
|
Congratulations to Our Confirmands
A special thank you to our Confirmation teachers (Amy Allridge, Mindy Hidenfelter, and Jay Joyner), our 2024 confirmands and their parents! They have devoted their time and made a commitment to explore more about their faith, and learn what it means to be Presbyterian. They have chosen to become members of WFPC, and we are excited to welcome them into our family! See the Confirmation insert in the bulletin for names and more details.
| |
|
Let's Celebrate Pentecost -- May 19
On the Day of Pentecost we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit descending in a mighty rush of wind and flame to inspire the church’s proclamation of Christ’s rising and to empower its mission and ministry to the world. (See Acts 2:1-13 and Joel 2:28-32.)
At WFPC we celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of the church with cupcakes and other sweet treats, balloons and bubbles. We invite you to join us at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 19, and don't forget to wear red!
For more information on our Presbyterian beliefs surrounding Pentecost, check out the Presbyterian Mission Agency website.
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/worship/christianyear/pentecost/
| |
|
Sunday Morning Fellowship
The fellowship team is looking for some fine volunteers to provide and serve snack and beverage on Sunday morning for May through August. Cookies, muffins, anything homemade — all are enjoyed by our members while they fellowship with each other after the service. To sign up for a Sunday, click here.
| |
|
Thanks!
Last Sunday the Alleluia Choir presented a musical, “Nic at Night,” the story of how Nicodemus met with Jesus. They worked hard to learn all the music. When something like this is shared, its takes numerous people for everything to come together. Super “thanks” to Lisa Dolfi and Athy Robinson for the hours they spent working with the children. Also thanks to Jermaine for the sound and lugging the risers to the sanctuary, putting them up and then taking them back down. Thanks to Amy Cebrick for designing and putting that design on the shirts for the Alleluia Choir. Lastly, thanks to the parents who brought their children to rehearsal each week. Without the support of all these people, none of what you saw and heard last week would have occurred. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be Music Director at Wake Forest Presbyterian and work with these amazing, giving people.
Karen Reardon
| |
|
Mission and Outreach
TURNBERRY
Thank you all for the wonderful expression of God's love to the residents of Turnberry that came to the Garden last Sunday! They went home knowing that WFPC is a place that puts God's love into action in many ways. I am so grateful for your giving hearts.
Loretta Highfield
GOLF TOURNAMENT
And a fun time was had by all! Though it began as a chilly April Monday, the sun shone brightly on forty-two golfers and two drink cart volunteers, to complete a
successful golf outing to benefit the Mission and Outreach ministries of WFPC. The Si
Seiler Annual Golf outing netted funds just over $10,000 for this ministry. A big thank
you goes out to all the sponsors of every level and the participants on Monday the 22nd.
A special thanks to Henderson Country Club for allowing us to play on their course and
Jane and Ray Evans for paving the way for us! We could not have done it without
everyone and the grace of God!
GIVING GARDEN
Sunday, May 5, 4:30 pm: Ukrainian Family Garden Cookout. This is the day Ukrainians celebrate Easter, so there will be no garden workday as previously planned. Past and present Giving Garden volunteers are welcome to come break bread with our Ukrainian friends. Pork and grilled chicken will be served. If it rains, this event will be relocated to the CLC.
Tomatoes: Our first tomatoes appeared on the vines before the beginning of May! That’s early even for our Early Girl tomatoes! Our next plantings are tentatively scheduled for May 11 and 28. Please check Leaflets next week for more information.
Grant Award: The Giving Garden was awarded a grant from the Community Garden Network for the installation of drip irrigation in all of our planting areas!
Regular Garden Workdays: Tuesdays & Saturdays, 8 -11 am. Please register on
SignUpGenius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4EABA62FAB9-2022.
For More Information, contact Pam Schulze at (919)-522-3146 or wfpcgivinggarden@gmail.com.
Website: wfpcgivinggarden.org
BACKPACK BUDDIES
Please join us on May 11th at 9:30 in the red mod for the May packing event. The more, the merrier! Any questions can be directed to Heather Wheeler at heathersb73@yahoo.com.
Want to know more about Mission and Outreach at WFPC?
Please contact Kathy Tharrington at kathleenekirschner@gmail.com or Carol Winans-Geiser at carol@winans.com.
| |
|
Children's Ministries
FRIDAY, MAY 3 — CLASSIC CAR SHOW
We will have several types of VERY cool classic cars on deck for Friday, May 3, as we invite the whole church to come out, explore these cool cars, make a s’more in the firepit, and have fun! 6:30-8:30 p.m.
MAY 12 — CLUB 4/5 END OF YEAR POOL PARTY
Fourth and fifth graders, we will be at Granite Falls, 3-5 p.m. More info to come! :)
VBS
VBS is closer than you think, so register for your children to participate, and for volunteer opportunities NOW. Our theme this year is Compassion Camp: What Every Living Thing Needs. A quick overview: participants will explore what all living things need to live —shelter, food, water, air, and community — and how they can have compassion for the living earth! Psalm 104 is the grounding scripture for the week, and each night other scripture will be woven into the nightly theme. It will be an AWESOME week together, and we can’t wait to see all of you!! June 23-26, 6-8 p.m. Family Dinner and Celebration on June 27! Must be 4 years old by June 23. www.wakeforestpres.org/vbs
| |
|
Youth Ministries
Youth Activities on Sunday!
Youth group will meet as usual on Sunday, May 5. We look forward to seeing you there!!
Middle School youth group - 4:30 - 6:00 (start in the youth room, end in the CLC gym)
High School youth group - 6:00 - 7:30 (start in the youth room, end in the CLC gym)
Youth calendar at a glance:
May 5 - Confirmation Sunday; youth group
May 12 - NO youth group (Happy Mother’s Day)
May 19 - Graduate recognition Sunday (during worship); End of year youth group celebrations
Questions about youth ministries? - Contact Janet Briley youth@wakeforestpres.org
| |
|
Please keep the following members of our church family in your prayers:
Jody Alston
Don McCorkle
Evelyn Patton
Dan Root
Don and Sally Shupe
| |
|
Friday, May 3
6:15 am SonRisers
6:30 pm Classic Cars and Firepit
Saturday, May 4
8:00 am Garden Workday
Sunday, May 5
9:00 am Sunday School
10:00 am Worship Service
11:00 am ONC Meeting
11:00 am Worship Team Meeting
11:30 am Pickleball and Ping Pong
4:30 pm Ukranian/Garden Team Celebration
4:30 pm Middle School Youth Group
6:00 pm High School Youth Group
Monday, May 8
7:00 pm Cub Scouts
7:00 pm Boy Scouts
Tuesday, May 7
5:30 pm Glory Tones
6:30 pm Praise Team
Wednesday, May 8
5:45 pm Grace Notes
7:00 pm Chancel Choir
Thursday, May 9
10:00 am Morning Glory Circle
7:00 pm Outreach Team Meeting
| |
WFPC Finance and Attendance | |
Offerings/Tithes vs Expenses -- March 2024 | |
|
** Offering includes several members giving total year 2024 pledge in January & February $43,000
April 28, 2024 Attendance: 206
| |
|
WFPC Deacons
Class of 2024
Karla Frye, Welcome
Bonnie Habicht, Fellowship
Mike Honkomp, Fellowship
Traci Marchand, Compassion
Class of 2025
Joy Blanton, Compassion
Eric Earle, Welcome
Class of 2026
Elizabeth Esguerra, Fellowship
Robin Hendricks, Branch
Eunice Shankland, Fellowship
| |
|
WFPC Session
Class of 2024
John Akerman, Generosity
Joni Amerson, Worship
Harold Panel, Personnel
Kathy Tharrington, Outreach
Keith Thomas, Finance
Class of 2025
Mike Chapman, Facilities
Kathy Drake, Worship
Melinda Keen, Finance
Lisa Solomon, Generosity
Karen Sperati, Personnel
Jacky Wilson, Congregational Life
Carol Winans-Geiser, Outreach
Class of 2026
Andy Dunlap, Congregational Life
Mindy Hidenfelter, Facilities
| |
Stay in touch with what's happening in New Hope Presbytery by reading their e-news! | | | | |
