Wake Forest Presbyterian Leaflets
For Friday, December 16, 2016

OfficersbLogWFPC Officers' Column
When I was four or five years old, some older kids in my neighborhood put on some sort of goofy play on the back deck of someone's house. They had costumes, and I couldn't possibly tell you what it was about. It probably lasted all of five minutes. For me, it was pure magic. It was a one-time event and never happened again, but I wanted it to and I wanted to be part of it. Later, in high school, I was in three plays, none that you've ever heard of. I got the role of the father who yells a lot because he just couldn't understand young people. Think Mr. Cunningham from Happy Days only angrier. I loved it. I got to be in one performance of a play in college, and then the acting bug went dormant.

Since I've been at WFPC, I've been blessed to play a variety of roles - some serious, some goofy - but the ones I value the most are the memorable ones like Moses and Judas and Herod. For me, Herod is an important part of the Walk Through Bethlehem pageantry. He epitomizes the dangerous times in which Immanuel came forth into the world. Romans ruled the land. Fun fact, Herod was neither a Jew nor a king. He was allowed by the Romans to believe he was in charge. He was an awful man, great builder, lousy human being.

I enjoy playing the part of Herod. I know I'm over the top. I know I scare children. I also know that I am play-acting. I know that at the end of the day, I am not that person. It's a character. It's why I'm unnerved when folks call me King or Herod after the play is done. I'm not Herod, and Jesus is King. So I ask you to remember that the only King of any importance in the pageant of WTB is that baby in the manger, God on Earth, sent not to condemn the world, but to save it. As you gather with your family or reflect alone this Christmas season, I encourage you to read the story of Jesus' birth in Matthew 1:18 - 2: 23 and Luke 2: 1- wherever you decide to stop. It's a beautiful testimony of how powerful God's plans can be and how important this baby is to our salvation. 
Merry Christmas,
Paul Kucyk
rebekahRebekah's Update - Revelation
Dear Fine People,

Advent is moving right along. As I have rested and healed from surgery that has been far more challenging than I anticipated, I have gazed out the window from my borrowed overstuffed recliner and gazed at the seasons changing. Just over a month ago, the view revealed that fall was delayed, and green leaves still clung to the trees. Then they turned yellow, red, and brown, and we had our first chilly night. The next morning, the leaves seemed to drop on cue, and now it's almost winter.

I can see the houses that surround ours. I see the neighbors when they leave for work and when they come home in the evening. I enjoy watching the Christmas lights on others' homes come on... like clockwork. The foliage had hidden our neighbors since last spring, leaving us feeling that we were living out in the woods far from the lights of civilization. It's a very pleasant place to live... regardless of the season. I love the seasons, which I really didn't appreciate until we moved up here. And as my voice continues to strive to be heard, I am being fed by the silence, the contemplative environment it fosters, the sounds it reveals that had been hidden by the "noise" of daily tasks. Silence really can be "golden."

Two thousand years ago, no one had a clue that a Light had been born right in the middle of the dark world... little hope; shaky faith; peace based on tyranny. Today, that Light has been revealed, and there are so many who still do not recognize it. But we do. We are Christ followers, with the amazing task to serve as avenues of the Light of Jesus... to reveal that God is with us still, right in the middle of every dark corner. So, fine brothers and sisters in Christ... be the Light of Christ... reveal the hope, faith, love and joy that is ours.

I'll see you Christmas Eve... if you come to the 11:00 PM communion service.

I love you,
Rebekah
financeFinance Notes

A couple of reminders to the congregation as we approach year end:

  • It's not too late! We are still collecting commitment cards for our 2017 operating budget. Please consider making a financial commitment to the church so that we may more effectively plan for 2017 and ensure that we are able to meet our current financial obligations. Let us hear from you!
  • In order for your financial gifts to WFPC to be tax-deductible in 2016, they must be received in the church office or postmarked by December 31, 2016.
  • Please submit all current year expenses to be reimbursed or paid by the church by Monday, December 26. Checks will be generated on Tuesday, December 27. Please make every effort to get all 2016 expenses paid by this date.
  • Are you facing pesky capital gains taxes in 2016? Why not consider a gift of appreciated stock to the church before year's end? You get a basis adjustment and avoid paying taxes on the gain, while getting a charitable contribution deduction as well. Consult your tax advisor.
 scheduleAdvent/Christmas Schedule
FOR OUR ADVENT SERIES THIS YEAR, PASTOR JOHN FAWCETT will be exploring the following:
                 December 18   The Gift of Revelation
                 December 24   The Gift of Joy
                 December 25   The Gift of Proclamation
On Christmas Eve, we will have a 4 PM service in the CLC geared toward families, a 7 PM service in the CLC featuring carols and candlelight, and an 11 PM service in the sanctuary. Nursery care will be provided at 4 and 7. On Christmas, we will have one combined service at 10 AM in the sanctuary.
liturgist2017 Liturgist Team
Do you have the gift of public speaking and worship leadership? Please consider joining the team of liturgists who serve during the 11:15 AM worship service. Liturgists prepare the Prayer of Praise and Adoration and the Prayer of Dedication (following the offering). They also lead a prepared Call to Worship, Prayer of Confession, the Sharing of the Peace and sometimes the Assurance of Pardon.

Training and guidance are available. Each liturgist typically serves 2 to 3 times per year. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Kathy Dudley at [email protected].
sminStephen Ministry         
Are you a good listener? Have you thought about becoming a Stephen Minister? Come to the Blue Modular to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Stephen Ministry on Tuesday, January 3, at 7:00. This is not a commitment but an information session where you can get all your questions answered. Please join us; refreshments will be served.
parkingChristmas Eve Help Needed
We are in need of some friendly folks to serve as greeters and parking attendants for our 4 PM and 7 PM Christmas Eve services. We will be welcoming over 400 people at each of these services, and it's important that each and every one of them feels welcomed. If you are available to help out, please click here.
meetingUpdates for January 1 and January 8
THE MODERATOR HAS CALLED A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING for the purpose of hearing a report from the Officer Nominating Team. They will present the name of Wayne Moore to fill the unexpired term of one year as Elder for Facilities and Property. The meeting will be held immediately following the worship service on Sunday, January 1 -- it should not be very long. Remember: there will only be one service at 10:00 on New Year's Day.

~~~
 
LOOKING AHEAD: MARK JANUARY 8 ON YOUR CALENDAR. At the 11:15 service of worship we will have the Service of Ordination and Installation of the new officers who begin their terms in January. This is always a very meaningful and powerful service of worship. Keep the officers-elect in your prayers: Elders Sandy Christos (MEG), Ray Evans (Finance), Alan Perry (Generosity), Millie Seiler (Missions), and Carolyn Joy Wiles (Discipleship). Deacons George Dudley (Welcome), Liz Herman (Branch Ministry), Jane Hydeman (Compassion), and Dana Wills (Fellowship).
dinnerCollege/Young Adult Holiday Dinner
Join us for a fun holiday dinner and catch up with friends! Wednesday, December 21, 6:30 - 10 PM, in the CLC. What to bring: a heavy appetizer and a gift for our White Elephant Re-Gift Exchange! Do not buy a gift; we are sure there is something in your home that you would love to pass along! College students - go ahead and represent! Wear your school colors and sweatshirts. RSVPs are not required but will help us with planning. We'd love to know if you can make it! Plus, you don't want to miss our door prizes!! You are welcome to bring a guest. Click here to RSVP. For more info and questions, contact Deanna Welker, [email protected], 919-426-5026.
mandsMission and Service Opportunities at WFPC
Christmas Angel Program
Come to Hillside Nursing Home at 10 AM tomorrow, Saturday, December 17! Please plan to come sing carols and help hand out the gifts with other church members. We had a GREAT turnout last year; let's make it even bigger this year! Older adults LOVE to see children, so it is a great way your family can make lonely people very happy! The presents are wrapped and ready to hand out. Hope to see you there! Address: 968 Wait Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587

New Year's Family Promise
The holidays are a stressful time for most of us, but even more so for homeless families. But homeless families are not hopeless when they are in the Family Promise program. In 2017, our first of two host weeks will be the first week of January, beginning on New Year's Day. We need your help to make the week successful. We need van drivers, overnight hosts, dinner hosts and evening activities coordinators. This is a wonderful ministry that gives everyone, kids and adults alike, the chance to help.

Add "getting more involved in our church's ministries" to your New Year's resolutions and get started by volunteering with Family Promise. You can sign up to volunteer by clicking here. If you have questions about volunteering, contact Sharon Kucyk at [email protected].
bodysoulBody & Soul Ministry Factoid
Physical and Mental Benefits of Being Joyful
If one were asked to define joy, the word "happiness" would almost certainly be included in the definition. While a feeling of happiness is a part of being joyful, joy is really a much more profound and difficult state to attain. Happiness is generally relatively short-lived and comes from outside experiences, like making a good grade on a test, getting a promotion at work, or winning the lottery. Joy is a continuous state of being satisfied and content and comes from within a person.

Most of the research related to health looks at the effects of happiness on an individual. According to the Great Good website, which is part of the University of California system, being happy
  • protects your heart by lowering heart rate and blood pressure
  • strengthens your immune system
  • decreases stress, which in turn decreases that nasty hormone cortisol
  • decreases pain
  • combats disease and disability
  • lengthens your life
If one can get this much benefit from happiness, imagine the physical impact of living a life that is truly joyful!

HisKidsHis Kids News
PREP FOR WORSHIP: Families of 3rd graders (and those who haven't gone through the class), it's time to begin planning for Prep for Worship, which begins January 15! If you haven't done so, please complete the registration form and drop it in the His Kids box. More information will come soon!

~Katherine Peiper, Director of Children, Families and Youth Ministries | [email protected]
YouthNewsYouth News
Random Acts of Kindness: WOW!!  Almost 70 youth and 30 adults participated in this annual event.  So many stories have been shared about all of the random acts of kindness that were done around our community.  Being kind is a beautiful thing, and our youth definitely have hearts for doing good!!  Thanks to everyone that helped make this event happen!!
~~~

December 18th Christmas Parties:
Middle school youth are having a party at the Tinkers' home from 4:30-6:00!
High school youth are having class dinners at church members' homes from 6:00-8:00!
For details on these events, contact Janet.
 

~~~

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! There will be no youth group on December 25 or January 1. Enjoy the time with your families!

~~~

Family Promise/WIHN Evening Activities: WFPC is hosting families with the Family Promise organization during the first week of January.  The youth are going to help with the evening activities on Wednesday, January 4.  Mark your calendars now to join in on the fun!
 

~Janet Briley, Assistant Director of Youth Ministries [email protected] 
ScriptureSermonMusicSunday, December 18, Scripture, Sermon and Music
This Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Advent, our Scripture comes from Isaiah 7:10-16 and Luke 1:26-38. Pastor John Fawcett will share his sermon, "The Gift of Revelation."

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 (November)$769,081.00
Year to Date Actual (November)$768,079.40
Year to Date Deficit
$1,001.60

December Budget
$77,121.00
December Tithes and Offerings (thru 12/11/16)$39,120.00

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Tithes and Offerings$21,085.00
Designated Gifts$2,125.00
Debt Elimination Gifts$805.00


Sunday School Attendance107
9:00 Worship Attendance269
11:15 Worship Attendance144

Debt Elimination Monthly Budget
$8,000.00
Debt Elimination Received (thru 12/11/16)$2,816.00

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, December 16
6:15 AM | CLC B017 | Friday Morning Men's Bible Study

Saturday, December 17
6:45 AM | CLC B017 | Iron Sharpens Iron
7:00 AM | CLC Youth Room | Iron Sharpens Iron

Sunday, December 18
9:00 AM | CLC | Contemporary Worship Service
10:00 AM | Campus Wide | Discipleship Hour
11:15 AM | Sanctuary | Traditional Worship Service
12:30 PM | CLC | Timeless Creation Youth Praise Band
4:30 PM | Offsite | Middle School Christmas Party
6:00 PM | Offsite | High School Class Dinners

Monday, December 19
6:00 PM | CLC | FaithFit
7:00 PM | Sitting Room | Body and Soul Ministry Meeting
7:00 PM | Campus Wide | Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Crew

Tuesday, December 20
6:30 PM | CLC | Praise Team Rehearsal
7:00 PM | CLC Youth Room | Generosity Team Meeting

Wednesday, December 21
6:00 PM | CLC B017 | Young Adult/College Dinner
6:15 PM | CLC Music Room | Handbells
7:00 PM | CLC | Combined Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, December 22
10:00 AM | CLC Youth Room | Morning Glory Circle
5:30 PM | CLC | FaithFit
7:00 PM | CLC B103 | Session

Friday, December 23
6:15 AM | CLC | Friday Morning Men's Bible Study

Looking Ahead
Christmas Eve Services: 4:00, 7:00 and 11:00
Christmas Day Service: 10:00 in the sanctuary
January 1: one worship service at 10:00 in the sanctuary
January 1: Congregational Meeting (after service)
January 1-8: Family Promise at WFPC
Wake Forest Presbyterian Church
12605 Capital Blvd
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-556-7777
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