Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night!
WFPC office will be closed Tuesday, 11/8 from 8 am -1 pm.
Wake Forest Presbyterian Leaflets
For Friday, November 4, 2016

OfficersbLogWFPC Officers' Column
Proverbs 22:9 (NRSV) Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.

I am continually amazed at the generosity of our church and the number of mission and outreach ministries that we support. We give blood. We provide financial support to those who are working to alleviate hunger in South Africa. Our adults and youth go to places beyond our own community to assist those that are struggling following natural disasters. We feed the homeless. We provide temporary shelter and nourishment to families that are trying to get back on their feet. We assist in building homes for families that otherwise could not afford them. We support efforts to fight cancer and to support our sisters and brothers that are fighting that terrible disease. We send gifts and words of love and support to our military brothers and sisters. We provide gifts of food to public school students in our own community and to those that struggle day by day to put food on their own tables.

Here is another opportunity to serve. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina provides food to 34 counties in our part of the state. One of the 800 partner agencies served by the Food Bank is Tri-Area Ministries. The Food Bank distributes over 65 million pounds of food annually, including 19 million pounds of produce. Recently I was asked by Rebekah to attend a meeting regarding a capital campaign titled "So All May Eat" that is being run by the Food Bank at this time. Christopher Edmonston of White Memorial Presbyterian Church, who spoke to us during our 25th anniversary worship service, is the chair for the faith-based portion of this campaign. The Food Bank is bursting at the seams in their current location on Tarheel Drive in Raleigh, and have acquired a new facility that is much larger, with more refrigeration to allow the storage and delivery of more fresh produce. They have raised over $8.5 million of $10 million needed to cover the cost of acquiring the new property on Capital Blvd and renovating that property for its intended purposes. They are seeking support from churches in the service area to help them reach their capital campaign goal. WFPC has pledged $1,500 toward this campaign, to be funded by loose change offerings. You will hear more on this in future Leaflets.

This is one more way that we can fulfill what Christ says to us in Matthew 25:35: "For I was hungry and you fed me."

Peace,
Bernie Hardy
rebekahA Letter from Rebekah
Dear church family,

This link will take you to a letter/sermon I have written to the congregation regarding the task force's work and the Session's final vote on the revision of the WFPC wedding policy. The letter itself has also been sent to you via an email blitz earlier this week. I hope it will be informative and thought-provoking as we continue to strive to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. 

I love you deeply and am so blessed to be your pastor and friend.
Rebekah
~~~

Note: As many of you are aware, Pastor Rebekah is having a challenge with her back, and is having neck surgery this Wednesday.  She will be in recovery for the next few weeks, but her email and phone are working just fine. You can also get messages to her through Renee Engel at [email protected]. Rebekah misses us, but is trying to be good.  She says, "Thank you for your prayers. I miss you. Be generous in loving discipleship.  I love you."
commitmentWFPC Commitment Season is Upon Us
All that we have comes from God. And as Christians, we are taught to give a portion back to Him. We can never repay God for the love and grace that He provides; but by returning gifts to God, we show that we are committed to what we are called to do - to be disciples of Christ and to make disciples of Christ, which is our mission.

WFPC is in the midst of its commitment season. We encourage you to prayerfully consider your financial commitment for 2017 and then commit. If you pledged in 2016, think about whether you can do a little more. You should have received your commitment card in your mail about two weeks ago. If you didn't receive a card, you can also find them on the tables at the entrances in the CLC, in the narthex, and in the seat back pockets in the sanctuary. The ushers will have them each Sunday as well.

Commitment cards can be placed in the offering plates on Sunday or on the communion table on Commitment Sunday, November 13.

Finance Facts
As you pray over your financial commitment to the work of God's church here at WFPC for 2017, please consider the following:
  • We need the financial support of every WFPC family in order to plan for and fund all of the wonderful ministries available to us at WFPC.  Not only do we need your financial support but we need it in the form of a financial commitment through an annual pledge to the operating budget of the church so that we can adequately plan for and be able to meet our financial obligations in 2017.  Currently only about 40% of our WFPC family makes an annual pledge, and we would like to see that number closer to 60% in 2017 (wouldn't 100% participation be great?).  No pledge amount is too small; the important thing is that you commit to the work of the church and make a pledge.
We need to increase our annual operating budget from $865,000 to $1,000,000.  Most of our annual budget goes to support the staff and our facilities that allow for all the different ministry areas offered here.  Some specific needs for 2017 include:
  • Beginning in 2017 the Board of Pensions will require the church to cover a significant portion of health insurance costs for our non-pastoral staff.  Now you don't become a staff member at a church because it's lucrative and you're going to make a lot of money.  I think you do it because you want to serve the church and love what you're doing.  Our staff is amazingly gifted and dedicated to WFPC.  The staff received raises in 2014 but had not received a raise prior to that since 2009.  We were able to give raises also in 2015.  No raises were given in 2016.  At the very minimum we need to cover the increased cost of medical benefits for the non-pastoral staff - if we don't we will in effect be giving them a substantial pay cut. 
  • Provide merit increase for staff.
  • Fund the second recommended part-time position to support children, family and youth ministries.
  • Provide additional funding to other ministry areas of the church.
  • Our facilities are aging, things break and we need to start setting money aside toward upcoming capital improvements so we don't have to borrow additional money if AC units fail or if the CLC flat roof has to be replaced.  We do not want to incur any additional long-term debt.
  • Improve our cash reserve position so that when opportunities present themselves we as a church can respond to God's call and have the resources available to fund these calls.
  • Additional debt reduction.
Now - on average - we need every family in the church to commit to $10 a week over and above your current level of support.  At that level of increased giving, that would put our budget at about $1 million.  At that level of giving WE CAN take care of our staff.  WE CAN appropriately fund our growing ministry needs and be more focused on discipleship and mission and outreach opportunities as they present themselves to us.  WE CAN plan and meet our facility needs.  Now the only question is WILL WE?

Now it's up to all of us to joyfully commit to serving the church with our generous offering of not only our time and talents but with our financial resources as well.  It's in our hands to say yes we will support our immediate staff needs.  It's up to us to say yes we will support increased funding to ministry areas.  And it's up to us to say to say yes we will support facilities needs and setting aside funding for future capital improvements in a way that we will not incur additional long term debt.

Thanks for your consideration and continued generous support of the life and work of Wake Forest Presbyterian Church.

WFPC Finance Committee
Alan Perry, Randall Keen, Ed Pulliam and Steve Casey
wtbWalk Through Bethlehem Cast and Crew Needs
We are in need of a few more cast members to round out our cast. Specifically, we are looking for the following speaking parts:
  • Prophet (Saturday)
  • Town Leader in Tiberius (all three nights)
  • Joseph in Tiberius (all three nights) very little speaking
  • Joseph at the manger (all three nights) very little speaking
  • Mary in Tiberius (Saturday) very little speaking
  • Roman Soldiers with Herod (all three nights)
  • One Wiseman with Herod (Saturday)
  • Innkeeper's Wife (Friday and Saturday) nonspeaking but important
  • One Wiseman at the manger (Sunday)
  • Guides (all three nights)
You can sign up to join our cast by clicking here.

We need costume assistants (3-4 each night) to help our cast get ready to go.  We ask that these volunteers arrive one hour before the start of Walk Through Bethlehem and stay until all cast members are on the set.  Click here to sign up to help.

There will be a mandatory rehearsal for all volunteers on Thursday, November 10, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Christian Life Center. Lots of important and useful information will be shared. Cast members, you will be assigned your costumes and have a chance to see the set and walk through your part. We look forward to seeing you there!
wowWOW Change of Meeting Date
Women of the Word (WOW) will be changing their meeting date from Tuesday, November 8 to Tuesday, November 15. The meeting will still be at 7 PM in the CLC Room B103.
luncheonUnwrapping the Gifts of Christmas
It's that time again! The annual ladies' holiday luncheon: We will be "Unwrapping the Gifts of Christmas" and preparing for Advent. As always, it will be a special time to look forward to keeping Christ at the center of this busy season. Join us on Saturday, November 12, 1:00-3:00 pm in the CLC. In the past we have enjoyed a potluck, but we are changing it up this year! We wanted to include a service project and would like to have our guests bring donations for Safe Space, a local women's shelter and domestic abuse facility. Our team will be serving up some yummy soups, veggies, fruit and dessert! We really want you to be there and bring a friend, so click here to RSVP and get more details! For more information on Safe Space, click here. Please contact Leslie Olmo at [email protected].
joyJOY Group 

The JOY Group will meet on Friday, November 11. We will gather in the CLC around 6:15 and enjoy our potluck at 6:30. Emory & Ann Butcher and Paul & Carol Swartz will host the dinner. Please contact Emory at [email protected] or 919-435-7170 with your covered dish offering. For our program, Carolyn Farmer from the Attorney General's office will inform us about scams.
mandsMission and Service Opportunities at WFPC
Hurricane Matthew Recovery Efforts
Rebekah mentioned a couple of weeks ago that opportunities would arise for us to "put boots on the ground" and help victims of Matthew in the eastern portion of our state. That opportunity is here via the NC Baptist Men and Women group. This is what their website says:
There is an urgent need for volunteers to help with Hurricane Matthew relief efforts! Teams are needed to help individuals and families remove the wet furniture, floors, walls and other items as needed. We will need many recovery volunteers for many months to come. You do not need to be trained; there will be on the job training. Lodging and meals are provided free of charge at our various sites. Youth are also welcome to participate. Thousands of homes and many thousands of people were affected by Hurricane Matthew and we need volunteers to assist with cleanup.

According to the information we have received, they will immediately accept volunteers for one day up to several days. As mentioned above, they will house and feed volunteers, and, from past experience, they will have the tools needed to do the work. The areas below are where they already have a presence:
Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Lumberton, Red Springs, Elizabethtown, Warsaw, Kinston, Greenville, Goldsboro and Windsor

If you feel the call to help, please email Judy Finch Ide at [email protected].

The need will be long term and, at some future date, we will get information from our denomination on how we can volunteer with them.

Tri-Area Ministry Urgent Need 
Thank you all so much for contributing in the past to this food pantry. Right now they have hit crisis mode. With food donations from both individuals and the Raleigh food bank going to flood victims, there are almost no donations going to Tri-Area Ministry, and they can't feed the hungry here in Wake Forest. The Lord has provided us with abundance, and we can feed the hungry flood victims AND our hungry neighbors. There are Tri-Area Ministry collection boxes in both the CLC (by the doors) and in the main building (near the copy room).
 
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child makes it possible for millions of children to experience God's love through shoe boxes filled with gifts. It's not too early to start thinking about packing shoe boxes for OCC and keeping your eyes open for deals as you shop! Boxes will be available for pick up starting today. The last day to bring your boxes to WFPC is November 20. For more information, contact Trish Floyd at [email protected].
bodysoulBody & Soul Ministry Factoid

November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Did you know...

  • Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms of loss of memory and other mental abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is caused by physical changes in the brain.
  • Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is only one form of dementia, but it is the most common form and accounts for between 60% and 80% of dementia cases.
  • The greatest know risk factor for AD is being over 65 years of age. The rate of dementia doubles every decade after the age of 60.
Click here for more information on the most common types of dementia and links to more in-depth descriptions of each.
dinnerWednesday Night Dinner
Wednesday Nights Together menu for November 9:
pot roast with carrots and potatoes
green beans
rolls
fruit and carrots
pumpkin praline torte
The cost is $5/adult and $3/child. Please make your reservation by Sunday evening by emailing Dean Tryon at [email protected] or calling/texting him at 919-441-1271.

Click here for a complete list of Wednesday Nights Together offerings. Click here for the entire fall menu.
HisKidsHis Kids News
Hi families! As we move into November and look ahead to the anticipation of the Advent season, there are many ways to get your whole family involved in the ministry of WFPC!

Friday, November 4: First Friday for Families! Pizza served at 6; movie (Ice Age Collision Course) begins at 6:30. Bring a blanket, chair or pillow, and bring the whole family to enjoy fellowship together! RSVP to Amy Cebrick at [email protected].

Sunday, November 6: Sunday School lesson: In the Wilderness (Exodus 15:22 - 17:7) CAR RIDE QUESTION: It was probably really scary for the people of Israel to not know how God would provide for them... it took a lot of trust. What are some ways we can trust in God for our family this week? How about ways we can help others trust? How can we show the grace, love and trust God provides this week?

Wednesday, November 9: 5:30 church family meal together, 6:30-7:30 children engage in lessons, songs and activities together
~~~

CLUB 4/5 (for 4th and 5th graders) is starting up again! Our first gathering will be November 20 from 3:00 to 4:30 in the CLC.
 
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EMAIL GROUP: I am working on building a comprehensive email group to use for regular communication to parents of children ages birth - 5th grade. This email will provide special event info, registration links, general information on ministry happenings, and faith development tools for families. If you haven't received a welcome email from me, please send me your contact information to [email protected]. Blessings on your week! 

~Katherine Peiper, Director of Children, Families and Youth Ministries | [email protected]
YouthNewsYouth News
SALT Conference: We have 11 YLT (Youth Leadership Team) members, 2 of our college students and 3 adults travelling to Massanetta Springs next weekend for the SALT (Serving And Learning Together) Conference. Please pray for safe travels, and that they will see God move in their lives and others in mighty ways!

Liturgical Dance is gearing up for our Christmas performance and looking to add some dancers to our group. Rehearsals will start November 20. If you're interested, please contact Lynn Briones at [email protected].
 
Are you hearing from us? We are still building our database of youth and their families. If you are not receiving our emails, please let us know so we can get you added.

~Janet Briley & Christi Cox, Interim Directors of Youth Ministries [email protected] 
ScriptureSermonMusicSunday, November 6, Scripture, Sermon and Music
This Sunday our Scripture comes from Luke 19:1-10. Pastor John Fawcett will share his sermon on our Scripture passage.

We have a Contemporary Worship Service at 9 AM in the Christian Life Center and a Traditional Worship Service at 11:15 AM in the Sanctuary. Join us for our Discipleship Hour between services beginning at 10 AM for Sunday School for all ages!

Click here to check out our Music Ministry's selections.
Tithes and Offerings
Numbers
Yearly Budget
$846,212.00
Year to Date Budget (September)$627,849.00
Year to Date Actual (September)$630,669.76
Year to Date Balance
$2,820.76

October Budget
$74,121.00
October Tithes and Offerings (thru 10/30/16)$66,666.13

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Tithes and Offerings$9,914.50
Designated Gifts$1,222.00
Debt Elimination Gifts$2,290.00


Sunday School Attendance97
9:00 Worship Attendance148
11:15 Worship Attendance167

Debt Elimination Monthly Budget
$8,000.00
Debt Elimination Received (thru 10/30/16)$17,893.00

give
...all shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you.
Deuteronomy 16:17
Calendar
WFPC Calendar Highlights

Friday, November 4
6:15 AM | CLC | Friday Morning Men's Bible Study
6:00 PM | CLC | First Fridays for Families

Saturday, November 5
6:45 AM | CLC B017 | Iron Sharpens Iron
7:00 AM | CLC Youth Room | Iron Sharpens Iron

Sunday, November 6
9:00 AM | CLC | Contemporary Worship Service
10:00 AM | Campus Wide | Discipleship Hour
11:00 AM | CLC Youth Room | YLT Meeting
11:15 AM | Sanctuary | Traditional Worship Service
12:15 PM | CLC B103 | Confirmation Mentor Luncheon
12:30 PM | CLC | Timeless Creation Youth Praise Band
2:00 PM | CLC B103 | Officer Training
4:30 PM | CLC Youth Room | Middle School Youth Group
6:00 PM | CLC Youth Room | High School Youth Group

Monday, November 7
6:00 PM | CLC | FaithFit
7:00 PM | Campus Wide | Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Crew

Tuesday, November 8
No preschool
All day | CLC | Polling Site
7:00 PM | Blue Mod | Stephen Ministry

Wednesday, November 9
9:30 AM | CLC B103 | Mornings with Christ
5:15 PM | CLC Music Room | Harmony Youth Choir
6:00 PM | Sanctuary | SHinE Singers
6:15 PM | CLC Music Room | Adult Handbells
6:30 PM | CLC B103 | Adult Acts Bible Study
6:30 PM | Blue Mod Room 3 | Be Still Bible Study
6:30 PM | Green Mod Room 1 | God's Girls
6:30 PM | Green Mod Room 3 | GriefShare
6:30 PM | CLC B017 | Iron Sharpens Iron
6:30 PM | CLC Youth Room | Movies and Missions
6:30 PM | Sanctuary and Red Mod | SHinE
7:00 PM | Sancutary | Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, November 10
10:00 AM | CLC Youth Room | Morning Glory Circle
5:30 PM | CLC | FaithFit 
6:00 PM | CLC | Walk Through Bethlehem Rehearsal
7:00 PM | CLC B103 | Diaconate

Looking Ahead
Friday, November 11: JOY Group
December 2,3,4: Walk Through Bethlehem

Wake Forest Presbyterian Church
12605 Capital Blvd
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-556-7777
STAY CONNECTED: