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As a people of faith, especially one embodying Christian values, we know that we are called to take care of the Earth. As we read in Gen. 2:15, The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden to take care of it and to look after it. We are not to undo what was made whole in the natural world around us, but to preserve what was already made perfect by God.
I would like to take a moment to touch on a serious threat to Creation — plastic pollution, specifically created by single-use plastics. There are many publications available to educate ourselves on this topic. I offer to you today the concise, 4-minute video The Story of Plastic (Animated Short). Many other sources of scientific information are available to help us learn how simple items such as plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene are overwhelming our global ecosystem.
For some time now, actions have been taken by the Presbyterian denomination to promote care of the Earth as a central concern of the Church. At this moment, a draft overture is being passed around amongst presbyteries in the U.S. that may very well end up being considered by the PCUSA General Assembly when it meets in June. “On Becoming Free from Plastic Pollution,” if passed, will encourage congregations to take steps to change from a disposable culture to a reusable, sustainable one by mitigating the crisis of plastic pollution.
We need to be inspired as a church congregation, as well as individuals, to take steps to do our part in taking care of, and looking after, God’s creation by drastically reducing our dependence on single-use plastics.
Let us offer up a prayer: Dear Loving God, You have charged us from the beginning to take care of your Creation and look after it. Although we often take our blessings for granted, we pray that you continue to guide us to cherish and protect all that you have entrusted unto us. Amen.
In Peace,
Mindy Hidenfelter
Elder of Facilties
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Worship at WFPC
Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
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This Sunday our Scripture comes from Galatians 3:6-9 and Genesis 22:15-18. Our guest preacher, Bob Beichner, will share his sermon, "The Forgotten Promise."
You can watch our service livestreamed our YouTube channel.
A print-at-home version of the bulletin can be found here.
Elder of the Week: Carol Winans-Geiser
Deacon of the Week: Joy Blanton
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Pancake Breakfast
Mark your calendars for our annual youth sponsored PANCAKE BREAKFAST! Join us in the CLC gym on Sunday, February 25th! Come anytime from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.! Come grab breakfast before Sunday school, or bring your class down for breakfast! Enjoy great conversations over some yummy pancakes! Donations appreciated and all money raised will go directly to help subsidize our youth faith formation retreats.
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Save the Date
Sunday, February 11, following the worship service, please join us for our Souper Bowl Lunch and Annual Congregational Meeting in the CLC!
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Feel the Warmth!
Sometimes it takes more than a blanket to keep a person warm. Sometimes it takes the presence of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers share the warmth of God's love with those who need it most: the lonely, the depressed, the grieving. Is God calling you to reach out to those who are hurting? Consider serving as a Stephen Minister. We plan to start training soon. For more information, please contact one of Stephen Leaders: Barbara Winch at 919-870-5918, Armin Harrell at 919-414-0529, or Karen Sperati, at 919-389-0211.
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Thank You for the Prayers!
Our Youth Leadership Team had a wonderful retreat at Lake Gaston last weekend. They planned a beautiful Youth Sunday service, and also talked about the importance of Sabbath. The weekend itself included some Sabbath time! Thank you for your prayers and your support of the youth of WFPC!
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For Parents: NEW Group!! (formerly NAPTIME)
Allie Wilmoth, parent at WFPC, invites all who are interested in joining her in a Lenten self- study! No major reading, just good self-care, reflection and fellowship for burnt-out parents!
During the transformative forty-day journey leading up to Easter, you are warmly welcomed to gather your weary and burnt-out souls. Together, let us delve into the story of Christ's journey as joyously detailed in the book of Luke, and immerse ourselves in the early life of the Church, as depicted in the Book of Acts. Throughout this sacred season, we will diligently prepare our hearts and minds, embracing the anticipation and significance of the impending resurrection of Jesus.
It is a time of reflection, community, and spiritual renewal, where the timeless narratives of hope and redemption guide us toward a deeper understanding of our faith. The “Burnt-Out Mom’s (BOMs) 40 Day Study of Luke and Acts” will utilize coloring and doodling as participants are guided through the daily readings. Monthly Mom Meet Ups will be hosted at the Makery for encouragement, fellowship, and reflection.
Our kick off celebration will be at the Makery -- 317 E Roosevelt Ave. on February 13 from 7:00-8:00 PM.
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Musical Opportunities
Singing
The Chancel Choir will be presenting a cantata on Palm Sunday (March 24). We will start rehearsing for that on February 7 from 7 to 7:30. The only exception to our Wednesday rehearsals is the following week when we will rehearse on Monday, the 12th, because that particular Wednesday (February 14) is Ash Wednesday, and rehearsal would conflict with the worship service. This is a great opportunity for a short term commitment to the choir that will allow you to share your talent with the rest of the people in the Chancel choir.
Ringing
Have you ever wanted to be part of a handbell choir? We have a couple of openings in our Glory Tones beginner group. You don’t have to read music — although it is helpful. This is a great opportunity to be with people who want to make a “joyful noise” to enhance our worship service. We meet on Tuesdays in A133 from 5:30 to 6:30.
For more information, please contact Karen Reardon at [email protected].
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Sunday Morning Fellowship -- Holy Grounds Cafe
We are looking from some fine volunteers to provide and serve snack and beverage till the end of May. 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, please use this link.
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Are you ready for the “Big Game” on February 11?
Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy a delicious slow cooked Pork Butt while watching the Game?
Well, you can support the Church’s Scout troop and get to enjoy a pork sandwich at the same time. Our Troop is holding a fundraiser where you can get a slow roasted 8-10 lb. pork butt for just $36! We will be cooking February 10 in the grass field next to the Giving Garden, and pickup will be there between 3 and 5 p.m.
Scan the QR code to prepay and order with Pay Pal; if you want to support a specific Scout put their name in the memo area. If you’re not comfortable with Pay Pal, you can stop by our meetings in the CLC between 7-8:15 on Jan. 22 or 29 and prepay by cash or check.
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Mission and Outreach
TURNBERRY
The Turnberry Ministry Group would like to give a big thank you to the following groups at WFPC. They have contributed volunteers, bingo prizes and quarters (for laundry machines) far beyond our expectations.
We appreciate the ladies of the WOW group, Daughters of the King and the Morning Glory Circle. Special thanks to the men of Iron Sharpens Iron, and to the Giving Garden that delivers fresh vegetables to the residents. The senior citizens that live there feel very valued by our WFPC family.
If you would like to join us or would like more information, please contact Loretta Highfield at [email protected] or by text to 985 640-1538
BLOOD DRIVE
THERE IS STILL TIME TO VOLUNTEER TO DONATE BLOOD OR TO HELP!
The WFPC Blood Drive on Sunday, February 4th, from 11:00 to 4:00 in the CLC needs your help! The Wake County blood supply at this time is dangerously low.
WFPC Mission & Outreach also receives a contribution for each pint donated, and each donor is offered a gift card. Youth who are over 16 can donate with written parental permission.
Nearly 40 donors have signed up (Thank you!), and 50 donors is our target! The link to donate is https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/221990
Welcoming donors and community members is an important mission of this ministry! We need about 20 volunteers to assist the day of the drive and/or to contribute snacks and drinks. Please consider this kind of involvement if donating blood is not of interest to you! The link to volunteer is https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4CAFAF23AA8-44460241-oct#/
For more information contact Gary Skinner at [email protected] or 919-402-3697.
WAKE UP AND READ BOOK DRIVE
The 2024 Wake Up and Read Book Drive will run from January 17 to February 17. Wake Up and Read is a community coalition committed to ensuring each and every child — regardless of race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status — is reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. We believe that literacy is a right and that all children need access to high quality books!
Great book donations include:
- New or gently-read books for babies and children from birth to grade 5
- Recently published books that children are excited to read
- Books that reflect the diversity of our community
- Books that are visually appealing and high-interest
- Books that children and families will be proud to own
Collection boxes will be available in the office area on Sunday, January 14th. Thank you for being a literacy champion!
GIVING GARDEN
To Volunteer:
For More Information:
Want to know more about Mission and Outreach at WFPC?
Please contact Kathy Tharrington at [email protected] or Carol Winans-Geiser at [email protected]
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Children's Ministries
Here is the Children's Ministry specific calendar! Please make a note of special activities and know that as always, dates are fluid based on weather, etc., and we will always send updates on changes! Spring 2024 at a Glance
Alleluia Choir has started for all children from kindergarten through 8th grade. We meet in the sanctuary every Wednesday from 5 to 5:45 to learn music to share in the worship service. This is a great chance for your child to make a “joyful noise” with other children as we praise the Lord. If you would like information, please contact Karen Reardon at [email protected].
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Youth Ministries
A Look Ahead at our Youth Calendar
January 28 Youth group and youth band
January 31 Youth open gym (6:00 - 7:00)
February 4 Youth worship service and SCG Scholarship winners announced
February 7 Wednesday night mission
February 11 Super Bowl Parties
February 18 Youth group and youth band
See the weekly email for specifics on all of our upcoming youth events! [email protected]
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Please keep the following members of our church family in your prayers:
Jody Alston
Dania Borowitz
Benny Hoots
Evelyn Patton
Don and Sally Shupe
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Friday, January 26
6:30 am Son Risers
Saturday, January 27
8:00 am Iron Sharpens Iron
Sunday, January 28
10:00 am Worship Service
3:00 pm Club 4/5
4:30 pm Middle School Youth Group
6:00 pm High School Youth Group
7:30 pm Youth Band
Monday, January 29
7:00 pm Cub Scouts
7:00 pm Boy Scouts
Tuesday, January 30
5:30 pm Glory Tones
6:30 pm Praise Team
Wednesday, January 31
5:00 pm Alleluia Choir
5:45 pm Grace Notes
6:00 pm Children's Open Gym
6:00 pm Movies and Mission
6:30 pm Iron Sharpens Iron
7:00 pm Chancel Choir
Thursday, February 1
7:00 pm Mission and Outreach Team Meeting
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WFPC Finance and Attendance | |
Offerings/Tithes vs Expenses -- December 2023 | |
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** $30,333 of that came from the PPP reserve (US Government Grant) so we could reduce the year-end deficit of $30,000
January 21, 2024 Attendance: 202
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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
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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
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