First, Credit Where Credit is Due

If you read last week’s Officers’ Column about King Saul, that was actually written by Chad Robertson. Well done, my brother.

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She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:26-27

Last Sunday we celebrated Mother’s Day. At some point folks began chiming in on one of our family group text message threads, and my brother sent his well wishes to all the mothers and ended with “I’d be lost without Jen.” (His wife.)

I can relate. I’d be lost without my wife and mother of our two boys, Summer, too. Chef. Event planner. Chauffeur. Life coach. Locator of any of her boys’ (myself included) misplaced items within seconds. The list goes on, and all while successfully navigating a full-time career. She is truly a blessing from God.

Sadly, my own mother isn’t on our family group chat. She has been afflicted with advanced Alzheimer’s disease for years now. And my heart goes out to anyone who may be in a similar situation. But, as my brother, sister and father will attest, she was (is) the best mom we could have ever dreamed of. And we can’t possibly be thankful enough for all the love, support and inspiration she provided to us over the years. God is good.

Dear Heavenly Father

Thank You for blessing us with all the wonderful mothers in our lives—whether here with us in the physical world, living fondly in cherished memories, or perhaps somewhere in between. We are so incredibly grateful for all that they do and have done for us. Please keep them surrounded with Your love and strength, now and for all eternity.

In Your name we pray.

Amen

Seamus Duerr

Elder IT/Communications

May 21

This morning we will be recognizing our graduates!

Our Scripture is Mark 6:1-13, and Marguerite will share her sermon, "When in Doubt."

You can print an at-home bulletin here: May 21 Bulletin

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

Wear red and plan to join us in worship on Sunday, May 28, at 10 a.m. That is the Day of Pentecost where we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit that descended 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. God’s gift of the Holy Spirit draws us together as one people, helps us to comprehend what God is doing in the world, and empowers us to proclaim, in word and in deed, God’s plan of reconciling all people in the name of Christ. There will be streamers, balloons, bubbles and cake. Come help us celebrate the birthday of the church! 

A gift to the Pentecost Offering is one of the markers of being a connectional denomination. Gifts help the church encourage, develop, and support its young people, and also address the needs of at-risk children. 40% of the Pentecost offering will be given to the Youth Ministries of WFPC. The remaining 60% is used to support children-at-risk, youth, and young adults through ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Please give generously!

https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/make-a-gift/gift-info/pentecost/

As we enter the season of worship attendance being up and down — meaning, some will be up in the mountains and others down at the coast — we invite all WFPC members and friends to send photos of the mountains, oceans, lakes, or rivers that connect them most with God’s creation. These photos will be shown prior to worship services during the three summer months in which we will celebrate Scriptures that took Jesus (and others) up to the mountains and down to the coast as well. June will focus on lakes and oceans; July will focus on mountains (Montreat youth conference!); August will focus on rivers. So please email your favorite ocean or lake photos to Jermaine Taylor ([email protected]) by May 26. Mountain phots should be sent by June 24, and river photos by July 25. You can include some photos of your family, but also share your favorite nature shots! Questions? [email protected].

Please join the WFPC Premise Keepers on Saturday, May 20, at 8 a.m. in the CLC gym as we meet for breakfast and fellowship. Afterwards, we will spend time working on various projects to enhance the church building and campus. Your help is needed, and no experience is necessary. All are welcome! Questions? Please contact Mindy Hidenfelter and Denny Ide at [email protected].

Fellowship and Events would like to solicit your assistance during the summer months to allow our team members some much needed time off to rest and enjoy our families. WE would LOVE to have our church families take on the responsibility of one Sunday (June 4—September 3), providing snacks and lemonade and friendship to the rest of the church attendees. Please contact Bonnie Habicht ([email protected]) or Carol Noble ([email protected]) with questions or use our SignUpGenius to sign up for a Sunday.

NOTE: Beginning this Sunday, May 21, coffee service will be discontinued until September. Lemonade and water will be served during the warm weather for our fellowship time after the service.

It is that time of year again! The Rose Garden needs regular maintenance to encourage the growth of healthy roses that will produce many flowers for years to come. Pruning old blooms is one of the key factors in promoting new buds, strengthening the plants, and preventing disease. Please join us and volunteer through this SignUpGenius link:

 WFPC Rose Garden Volunteers: WFPC Rose Garden Maintenance (signupgenius.com)

Are you interested in exploring the Scriptures to learn more about our relationships to the earth, our descendants who will inherit the planet from us, and our Creator? Here is your chance to delve into what the Bible has to say about our role as caretakers of Creation, especially during these times of ecological crisis. Join us in the CLC for our final session following the book Inhabiting Eden by Patricia Tull. John Fawcett and Mindy Hidenfelter will lead the discussion. All are welcome, even if you did not attend previous weeks' lessons. All materials will be provided. Questions? [email protected] 

On Palm Sunday, many in our choir participated in singing with Pepper Choplin at Meymandi Hall. We have another enriching opportunity on May 21 at 5 p.m. to hear Pepper Choplin in “A Time of Humor and Inspiration” as he concludes his interim position at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. It will be a time of music (many of our Chancel Choir will be singing) and uplifting humor. There will be a reception and refreshments afterwards. This is a great way to spend Sunday evening and start the week refreshed and renewed with his beautiful musical compositions, wit and humor.