The Weekly Word at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church
Thursday, September 19, 2024
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"Never Alone”
When I was laying in a hospital bed in Owensboro, Kentucky, having just been told I needed to have my gallbladder removed later that day, I realized I wasn’t feeling afraid or anxious. And I was a bit surprised by that. I mean, I had driven myself to the hospital that morning in great pain, was a 10-hour drive from home, and didn’t have anyone there with me in-person. I could have very easily gone into a panic-attack. But I didn’t. Why?
Part of it was because I knew I was where I needed to be to be taken care of. The pain I was in made it clear I needed to be at the hospital, because it wasn’t going away on its own. Another key element was what happened once I was seen in the ER. It took a while – they were very busy that Saturday morning – but once I was taken back, I was treated with care, respect, empathy, and swiftness. I was heard and seen by every nurse, doctor, technician and staff member, especially as they heard my story that I was there out-of-state on my own. It was reassuring and calming, and it only reaffirmed by decision to listen to my body and go to the hospital.
I also always felt connected to my loved ones and support network through modern technology. As the surgeon talked to me in the ER, Debbie was on speakerphone and able to be a second set of ears, asking questions which I hadn’t thought of. Through texting I could let my golf buddies know what was going on, as well as my children, one of whom is halfway around the world. Those are just a few of the examples of how that little handheld device called a smartphone helped me feel connected to the larger community I belonged to.
In the end, I had faith and trust in the people who were caring for me that I would be made well. That translated into me feeling calm and peace amid a very anxious situation. It was a reminder to me of God’s loving presence surrounding me at all times. It was a reminder that I am never alone.
As a community of faith and individual believers, perhaps we need to hear that, as well. Through the personal trials we endure, we never have to face them alone. As others experience trauma, loss, and unexpected challenges, we as the church can be God’s hands, feet, heart, and ears, letting others know they are not alone as they walk they road ahead of them.
May we all find those moments this day when we see and hear God saying to us, “It’s going to be alright. You’re not alone.”
With a full and grateful heart,
Frank
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THIS SUNDAY AT WBPC
Worship Service – 10:30am – Click HERE for the bulletin.
@ the Table Service–5:00pm – Click HERE for the Order of Service and click HERE for the Zoom Link.
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STUDENT REGISTRATION
Every year we reach out to you before the new church school year to provide some important information about your children or youth. Here is a link to an online form that will allow you to enter the information for all of your kids in one place. Families with multiple children can fill out one form with separate sections for each child. Please take a few minutes to complete the form. We will keep the information secure to protect the children and youth.
BIBLICAL JUSTICE FORUM – SEPTEMBER 23
The Biblical Justice Forum will be meeting on Sept 23, from 1:00-2:30pm. BJF will begin a study of the book Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby Millicent Fauntleroy will lead us on Sept 23 (1-2:30) in a discussion of the first two chapters. Click HERE for the link.
THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
Beginning in May, the Thursday evening virtual Bible Study will step away from the study of the Psalms and begin a study of the Gospel according to Mark. While the debate about which synoptic gospel (Matthew, Mark and Luke) is the oldest, a majority of scholars believe that Mark was written first. He likely wrote his account of Jesus’ life in the mid- to late-50s AD and probably relied heavily on the eyewitness account of the apostle Peter. Mark’s Gospel was aimed at the wider church, especially those who had not been raised as Jews. This is evident from the way Mark often takes time to explain Jewish customs. We welcome you to join this study of Jesus’ life and mission by Zoom on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00. Contact Beth Ware or Harris Cummings to access the link to this weekly Zoom link.
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COFFEE AND FRUIT STAND POP-UP - THIS SATURDAY - 8:00-11:00AM
Looking for a fresh start to your Saturday? Stop by the church parking lot from 8 AM to 11 AM for a special pop-up event! Ava, one of our youngest members, will be hosting a small fruit stand featuring a selection of handpicked, farm-fresh fruits. And that's not all—our neighbor Dani, known for his exquisite coffee, will be brewing up some delicious caffeinated drinks (think cappuccinos and americanos) to make your morning extra special. Come shop local and enjoy some of the best coffee in town. We’d love to see you there!
EMILY'S MATERNITY LEAVE - HELP NEEDED
Thank you for being willing to cover me while I am home with my sweet new baby! I am so grateful for such a supportive family here to help me in this transition. If you can, please sign up to cover a slot in the office. I will begin working from home in November until baby makes his arrival then I will have 2 full months off and the last month I will be working from home. I will need coverage for all of November, December and January with the potential for some of February as well depending on when baby makes his arrival. Again thank you so much for you willingness to cover and support my growing family. I will be leaving step by step instructions for everything that needs to be done each day/week. Coverage will most often be Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-12pm. If you can cover a day please sign up HERE. Email me with any questions or concerns.
UPDATE FROM HEATHER MANSELL -
YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTEER IN SCOTLAND
Heather arrived in Scotland last week after a weekend of orientation with the other Young Adult Volunteers (YAV's) in Arizona and Mexico. She is keeping a blog of her experiences - click HERE to stay updated on her year of service!
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
In late May, we were made aware of an Afghan refugee family who recently moved into our community. We were connected to them through the social worker at AB Combs. Initially the request was for groceries, and we were happy to provide food for them several times on behalf of WBPC.
There are 6 children in the family. The father, Mohammed Sabir Ahmadi, was legal counsel and interpreter for the US military, and the family's escape from their homeland was both protracted and dangerous. He and one son are currently seeking work. Another son is attending on-line classes at Wake Tech. One son is a freshman at Athens Drive, and a daughter and son are enrolled at AB Combs. There is also a young adult daughter who helps the mother care for their home.
The family's most pressing need currently is transportation. They have bicycles, obtained through the help of the social worker at AB Combs. They are also using the bus system, which was free until September 1st. However, in addition to being costly, the bus schedules and routes are very complicated, and often, the buses are not dependable, which has caused them to arrive late for interviews and family medical appointments.
We are in the process of helping the family obtain a car, and are asking that if you, or anyone you know, has an affordable, reliable car they would like to sell or donate, please contact Jane Brown (jane.r.brown311@gmail.com) or Verna Wentz (vernawentz@ymail.com). Or if you would be able to provide transportation for family members to go to interviews or medical appointments, please reach out to us, as well. We have been truly blessed by this family as we have come to know them, and we have felt a strong calling to walk beside them through their journey. We know that you will, too! Thank you!
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LIKE GREETING AND WELCOMING FOLKS?
WE’VE GOT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!
One of the things we hear over and over again from guests who attend WBPC is how friendly everyone is, making them feel very welcome. One of the important ways we do that as a church is to serve as an usher and greeter for morning worship. It’s not difficult, you get to know people much better, and when more participate it lessens the burden on a small group of servants. Would you be willing to serve in this way? Contact Kate Trimble of the Worship Committee (kmtrimble1@gmail.com; 919-954-2076). Or click HERE to access the online sign-up and put your name down!
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE - SEPTEMBER 25
Join us for Wednesday Night Live on Wednesday, September 25, starting with dinner at 5:45pm. We’ll have a delicious meal of hamburgers/ veggie burgers, fries, bean casserole, with a vegetarian option, as well. It’s a big help to the cooks if you can RSVP for dinner by Monday, September 23. You can RSVP using the friendship pad in worship, clicking HERE, email at admin@wbpresbyterian.org, or calling the church office at 919-851-4713. Let us know if you can bring a dessert, fresh fruit, or help with cleaning up after dinner! We also accept donations, food or money, for the Urban Ministries Food Bags on Wednesdays, as this helps feed others in our community who are facing food insecurity. Childcare is also available.
Let's enjoy the daylight in the evenings while we can! Bring your favorite lawn game and let's get outside and play! Some ideas are spikeball, croquet, ladderball, gaga ball, or a football to throw around! Alternatively, feel free to bring traditional playing cards, Uno, Apples to Apples, etc and strike up a card game!
JUDY SHELTON UPDATE
Dear Church Family- I want to thank you for the flowers, cards, texts, emails and meals I’ve received since my surgery last week. I hope to be back at church soon, but until then, all of these things keep reminding me of what a wonderful church family we have.
Peace… Judy Shelton
TABLE CLOTHS
The round royal blue table cloths are missing! Does anyone know where they are? If so contact Sally Curtis or Emily at (admin@wbpresbyterian.org.)
A BABY SHOWER!
The Wednesday Morning Small Group joyfully invites you to a baby shower to celebrate the upcoming birth of Emily and Joshua Lorbacher’s sweet baby boy! Join us on Sunday, September 29, following the morning worship service in the fellowship hall. They are registered at www.babylist.com/emily-lorbacher, and the nursery theme is space/planets.
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS DAY – OCTOBER 6
Join us October 6th for Friends and Neighbors (FAN) Day! We will begin with Sunday School at 9:30am for all ages, and worship at 10:30am when we will observe World Communion Sunday. This will be followed by a BBQ lunch (vegetarian options available), inflatables, and backyard games. This event is open to the entire community so invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Please RSVP by clicking HERE, email the church office (admin@wbpresbyterian.org), or calling the office (919-851-4713) and note any dietary restrictions. We are also in need of volunteers to bring dessert and help with cleanup. Please indicate your willingness to volunteer on the Sign-Up Genius. Please RSVP if you plan to join us for lunch, and indicate dietary restrictions, by Monday, September 30. Hope to see you there!
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. Please let us know if you are nor receiving prayer updates and you had signed-up, and we will work to reconfirm you are on the mailing list.
IS YOUR GROUP MEETING?
If your committee or other group is meeting at the church, please make sure to get your space and time reserved. Email Emily at admin@wbpresbyterian.org or call the front office at 919-851-4713. The more notice you can give us is so appreciated! Thank You!
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Marte & Gil Burnet
Gil is a retired USAFR and USAF civil service. He has a BSCE and MCE at NC State ('70 & '71.) He was a USAF academy admissions liaison officer. He is originally from Charlottesville, VA. Marte is a graduate from Lees Mc-Rae. She is a retired medical secretary. She is originally from Mt. Airy.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS: September 22 - 29 | |
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9:45am
10:00am
10:30am
4:00pm
5:00pm
6:00pm
6:30pm
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9:30am
10:00am
10:30am
11:45am
4:00pm
5:00pm
6:00pm
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Sunday, September 22
Sunday School for Children and Youth
Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Worship Service (Sanctuary)
Cub Scouts
@ The Table Service (Zoom)
Youth Group (Fellowship Hall and Youth Room)
Worship Committee (Parlor)
Monday, September 23
Biblical Justice Forum (Zoom)
Scouts (Fellowship Hall)
Wednesday, September 25
Wednesday Morning Bible Study/Prayer Group (FH)
Wednesday Night Live (Fellowship Hall)
Thursday, September 26
Bible Study (Zoom)
Friday, September 27
Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Sunday, September 29
Sunday School for Children and Youth
Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Worship Service (Sanctuary)
Lorbacher's Baby Shower (Fellowship Hall)
Cub Scouts
@ The Table Service (Zoom)
Youth Group (Fellowship Hall and Youth Room)
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RESERVATIONS, PICTURES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
If you would like your birthday included on the monthly birthday list, please update your personal information on Realm or contact the church office.
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Click HERE for September Birthdays. | | | | |
