WMPCWEEK LY Volume LII
January 3, 2018
No. 1
I’ll be honest, I kind of have a love/hate relationship with New Year’s. I love the idea that we somehow get to slam the book closed on what has been in favor of a fresh script which has yet to be written; and I love that we are encouraged to prepare for the new year ahead by sorting through and organizing all of our junkdrawers and closets and playrooms. I love that there is always something fun and celebratory to do, like going to First Night Raleigh, The Avett Brothers’ New Year’s Eve concert, a once-a-year prix fixe dinner at our favorite restaurant or heading to a friends’ house to binge-watch college football and eat greens and black-eyed peas for good luck. But here’s what I don’t like: I don’t like all the hype and pressure that New Year’s generates. Each year when January 1 rolls around, I find myself feeling a little irritated and deceived because all of the lingering questions, concerns and anxieties from the past year still show up, soiling the blank canvas I had been promised. (Turns out not even a new year can stop the disappointments of one year from bleeding into the next.) And then there are those ever-popular and always-discussed New Year’s resolutions—talk about pressure! I shared with some of my friends at New Year’s Eve brunch that my only resolution this year is to drink more water. It’s nothing revolutionary or earthshattering, but it is what I have resolved to do, one eight-ounce glass at a time. And what about you? Do you make New Year’s resolutions each year? If so, do your resolutions point you in the direction of healing, wisdom, growth and wholeness, or do they simply end by propelling you into a relentless cycle of guilt and frustration (because they can certainly do that, too)? I think four-year-old YouTube sensation Laura Tingman sums it up best when she says to the camera: I have a problem with New Year’s resolutions, not because they often fail or because they’re too difficult, and not because I’m bad at them either . . . I have a problem with resolutions because people think that that’s it: it’s the one time to change. Now, don’t get me wrong we definitely all need to change. I have no idea how to ride a bicycle, and my little brother has no idea what a toilet is for. And some of you, yeah, you should probably get out of the house more. But one big decision probably isn’t going to do it. Sorry. So now what? Flush your resolutions down the toilet? Of course not! Keep your resolutions but go easy on yourself. Will you change? Maybe, but it probably won’t happen in one big moment—it’ll happen in thousands of little moments. Every time you choose to forgive or slow down or be grateful or stay calm, each little moment that you choose what’s right instead of what’s easy, faith instead of doubt, love instead of hate, that's where the change happens! Even if you fail one or two or 30 times, it’s ok! You’ve got thousands of more little moments ahead of you. You'll get better. So happy New Year, God bless, and I’m off to ask my dad to get a bike . . . either that or a pony. So Happy New Year, and God bless, indeed. May 2018 be for us a year of growing in faith together by forgiving and loving more, by cultivating lives of gratitude and generosity and by slowing down in order to savor and celebrate the abundant grace which God has gifted to us in Jesus Christ. Cheers to the new year ahead!
Grier Richards
Joys and Concerns Prayers and Christian Concerns to: Josie, Tim, Wilson and Eli White on the death of J osie’s father, Joseph Alfred Wilson, December 22; Jason, Kelly, Wyatt and Eva Gold on the death of J ason’s br other , William Andrew "Andy" Gold, December 24; Elizabeth, Bo, Jack and Kate Dempster on the death of Elizabeth’s mother, Margaret Fountain, January 1. Baptism - December 31: Clara Martha Gibbons, child of Will and Ashley Gibbons, grandchild of Susie and Chip Gibbons. New Presbyterians: Hampton Dunaway Hargrove, born December 20, child of Laura and Drew Hargrove, grandchild of Sandy and Wade Hargrove; Storey Elizabeth Menzel and William Royall Menzel, born December 23, children of Spencer and Kenny Menzel.
Hospitals (*designates discharged): Rex: *J udy Br ight; UNC Chapel Hill: *Ray Lichtner ; Rex Rehab, Apex: *Eunice Cummings. Birth Announcements Sometimes, due to short hospital stays and weekend births, we miss finding out about our “new Presbyterians.” Call Rebecca Turner at 919-834-3425, ext. 222, if you have a new baby. Imagine Campaign Update As of Tuesday, January 2, we have received 704 pledges totaling $14,403,438.73 toward our goal of $17.5 million. Stewardship 2018 Update As of Monday, January 2, we have received 771 pledges totaling $3,203,254.82. Thank you for your support of the ministry of White Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Your Attention Please Beginnings New Member Classes Interested in membership at White Memorial Presbyterian Church? The next Beginnings class for new and prospective members will meet on Sunday, February 11, and join on Sunday, February 18. To register, please visit whitememorial.org/join by January 15. Church Officer Nominations Nominations are being accepted for new ruling elders and deacons. The Churchwide Nominating Committee will begin meeting in late January to consider nominations for new church officers. Please give prayerful consideration to placing a church member into nomination for the office of elder or deacon. The officer nomination form can be found on pages 7-8 of this newsletter and on our website. Cancer Companions The next Cancer Companions support group will be March 4 through May 6, with no meeting on April 1. Cancer Companions also offers one-to-one support year round. Contact Mary Ann Poole at
[email protected] for more information. Men’s Retreat: April 13-14 Save the dates! Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in community with other men from White Memorial as we enjoy the outdoor setting of Camp New Life led by Steve Lindsley, senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Our theme will be What’s Next: The Challenge of Being Church in the 21st Century. The retreat will include deep discussion, live music and great fellowship.
The WMPC Weekly, January 3, 2018 Page 2
2018 Youth Lockout
7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. January 12-13
All Middle School students are invited to join us FEBRUARY 2-4, 2018 for a weekend service learning experience in Charlotte, NC, through Myers Park Presbyterian Church’s CROSS outreach ministry. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce our students to meaningful service trips. For more information and to register, visit whitememorial.org/youth/trips.
Middle and high School students
Register now! Whitememorial.org/register
The WMPC Weekly, January 3, 2018 Page 3
Community Ministry and Missions Show Up and Serve The Community Service committee invites you to “Show Up and Serve” on Saturday, January 6, from 10:00 a.m.- noon in the Calvin Building. Let’s Do Lunch (making sandwiches for Raleigh Rescue Mission) will begin promptly at 10:00 in C100, and then, in C102, we will make fleece scarves to be delivered to Oak City Outreach. No experience or sign-up is needed—Just show up and serve! Contact Carolyn Younger at
[email protected] with questions. Loaves and Fishes Chili Sale Chili Sale for Loaves and Fishes Ministry is back! Order yours today! Cost is $13 per quart. Choose between meat or the veggie recipe. Place your order through Jan Ross at
[email protected] before Sunday, January 21. Pickup will be on Friday, January 26, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. or Saturday, January 27, from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4961 Six Forks Road, Raleigh. Food Needed Remember that food is needed in our local pantries. When shopping, pick up a couple of extra cans to place in the crate in The Connector. Canned pasta, canned meat and canned fruit are always needed.
Flight of Imagination Abu Raed is an aging airport janitor who has always yearned to see the world but has never been able to afford to travel. After finding a captain's hat in the trash can, his poor neighborhood’s children assume he is a pilot and beg him to share stories of the world outside of Amman, Jordan. Through imaginary tales of his world adventures, he offers hope in the face of their harsh reality. Please join us Wednesday, January 31, at 6:45 p.m. in the chapel as the Middle East Peace and Justice Committee sponsors the film Captain Abu Raed. Oak City Outreach Collection Help the WMPC Young Adults collect donations for Oak City Outreach. Items needed are: bars of soap, wash cloths (dark colors), lotion, shaving cream, deodorant (men and women), toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, cough drops, tissue (individual packs), lip balm, disposable razors, over the counter pain relievers. Items need to be travel size and unopened/unused. Drop off items in marked bins located in The Connector.
Family to Family Class Starts January 6, 2018 NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness. The course includes information on illnesses such as bipolar disease, schizophrenia, major depression and other mental health conditions. It is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness, while maintaining their own well-being.
Hosted by NAMI Wake County and White Memorial Presbyterian Church
January 6 – March 24, 2018 For more information or to register, contact Sheron Sumner at
[email protected] or 984-200-0620. www.nami-wake.org “I wish I had known about this course when my family member first experienced difficulty. It will make a difference in your life and in your family member’s life.” The WMPC Weekly, January 3, 2018 Page 4
The WMPC Weekly, January 3, 2018 Page 5
First - Fifth graders
For more information contact Lynn Springfield at 919-834-3425, ext. 232
January 20 | 10:00 a.m.-noon Jellybeans | 1120 Buck Jones $4 admission; $1 extra for skates Bring money for game machines and refreshments, if you wish. Parents are welcome to leave or stay and skate (same price)! Reservations are not required.
The WMPC Weekly, January 3, 2018 Page 6
Officer Nomination Form - Instructions In March or April 2018, you will be asked to vote for a slate of officers to serve a three-year term in leadership, planning and care for the church. Please give prayerful consideration to placing a church member into nomination for the office of Elder or Deacon. Nominations for rising high school juniors will also be considered. Typically, those elected to be officers have been members of WMPC for at least three years. OFFICERS AT WHITE MEMORIAL ARE EXPECTED TO SERVE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: Participate in Officer Training Classes (Wednesday nights in September) Begin service next October Serve on a Sessional or Diaconate committee Attend monthly meetings and called meetings to the best of one’s ability Act as commissioner to a Presbytery meeting as available (elders only) Serve communion as available and as needed (elders only) Provide pastoral and spiritual care for congregation Share in leadership of the annual Stewardship Campaign Communicate pastoral concerns and helpful suggestions to the pastors in a timely manner Participate in visitation, ushering and serve as Treasurer’s Assistant (deacons only) TO HELP YOU JUDGE THIS PERSON’S QUALIFICATIONS AS A CANDIDATE FOR ELDER OR DEACON, PLEASE CONSIDER SUCH AREAS AS THE FOLLOWING: PARTICIPATION IN CHURCH LIFE Christian commitment Attendance at public worship Participation in church activities (church school, fellowship groups, etc.) Offices held Services rendered CHRISTIAN LIVING IN DAILY LIFE Within the family At work In the community PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS Cooperativeness Willingness to learn Ability to follow through on assignments/commitments Openness to new ideas Maturity of judgment ******* All recommendations must be received by January 16, 2018. This form may be placed in the offering plate on Sunday or mailed to the church office marked: White Memorial Presbyterian Church Attn: Officer Nomination Committee 1704 Oberlin Road Raleigh, NC 27608
(See next page for nomination form.)
The WMPC Weekly, January 3, 2018 Page 7
Officer Nomination Form White Memorial Presbyterian Church Person recommended: _____________________________________________________________________ For Elder _________ For Deacon _________ The Presbyterian Book of Order states the “Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world. It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation...” “The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ.” They shall “minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless…” How long has this person been a member of WMPC? ____________________________________________ Has this person been an elder/deacon of WMPC or governing officer of another church? _______________ If so, where? _____________________________________________________________________________ Why do you recommend this person for the office of elder or deacon? _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ In what ways has this person demonstrated involvement in the ministries of WMPC? _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ To the best of your knowledge, does this person practice sound theology and accept the theology of the Presbyterian Church? _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ How has this person demonstrated Christian commitment outside the church? _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Recommended by: _____________________________________________ Date _______________________
The WMPC Weekly, January 3, 2018 Page 8
Calendar for the Week
PYC Mini Kick-Off January 7, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Pickard Hall. Youth and parents are encouraged to attend. Come meet our Interim Director of High School Ministry. Church League Basketball Youth basketball practice starts January 4: Middle School - 6:00 p.m. High School - 7:00 p.m. Games begin January 6 at First Presbyterian Church. All Youth Lock-Out Our lock-out will be Friday, January 12Saturday, January 13. Check in Friday at 7:00 p.m. in Pickard Hall. International Book Club Sunday, January 14; see page 6 for details. Confirmation Spring Retreat Our Confirmation class (eighth graders) and their mentors will travel to Camp Willow Run on March 10-11 for their spring retreat. Enjoying the beautiful grounds, finding rest or playing hard during free time, eating s’mores and experiencing a devotion around the campfire, and reflecting on their relationship with our triune God are all a part of this important weekend. Register at whitememorial.org/register. Contact Deb Smith at
[email protected] for more information. Weekly Youth Email Newsletter Additional details about all youth programs and events, can be found in our youth email newsletter. Do you want to receive the weekly youth email newsletter that’s full of great information? Contact Deb Smith at
[email protected] to be added to the contact list.
Sunday, January 7 (Genesis 1:1-5; Mark 1:4-11) Worship/Communion (8:15, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary; 11:00 a.m. - OnPoint@1704, Pickard) 9:30 a.m. - Cover to Cover (C302); OnPoint House Band (Pickard) 4:00 p.m. - Youth Choir (S300); Women’s Retreat Committee (K200) 5:00 p.m. - 2018 Youth Mini PYC Kick-off (Pickard); 5:30 p.m. - SG2 - Leden (C301-302) Monday, January 8 (Ps. 114; Ex. 17:1-7; Col. 1:15-23; John 7:37-52) Presbyterian Women Circles - See feature in Dec. 27 newsletter. noon - Women’s Monthly Fellowship Luncheon (Pickard) 5:30 p.m. - T’ai Chi for Exercise (Pickard) 6:00 p.m. - Stephen Ministry Leaders (K202) 7:00 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous (C100); Stephen Ministry Training (K302); Stephen Ministry Continuing Ed./Supervision (K200); Handbell Choir (S300) 8:00 p.m. - Adult Basketball (Pickard) Tuesday, January 9 (Ps. 93; Isa. 45:14-19; Col. 1:24-2:7; John 8:12-19) 7:00 a.m. - Men’s/Women’s Breakfast Bible Study (Geneva/K100) 8:30 a.m. - Yoga for Exercise (C100) 9:30 a.m. - Fit after Fifty (Pickard); God Talk (W400); Weekday School Open House (S200/Sanctuary) 10:30 a.m. - Tuesday Morning Bible Study (C301) noon - Inquirers Committee (W400); Lunch & Learn: Conversations with Parents about Grief (C200) 3:00 p.m. - Labyrinth Open for Walking (Chapel) 5:30 p.m. - Property Care Committee (C204); Service Committee (W400); Small Ensemble (S300) 6:00 p.m. - StepUp Life Skills Program/Dinner (Geneva) 7:00 p.m. - Chancel Choir (S300); Boy Scout Troop 395 (Pickard) Wednesday, January 10 (Ps. 27; Jer. 23:1-8; Col. 2:8-23; John 10:7-17) 7:45 a.m. - StepUp Employment Week (C100, C102-103) 9:30 a.m. - Bible Belles (Off Site) 1:00 p.m. - Midsummer Celebrations Committee (Geneva) 4:30 p.m. - Carol Choir (L304); Joyful Noise Choir (S300); Cherub Choir (L311) 5:00 p.m. - Wednesdays Together Dinner (Pickard) 6:15 p.m. - Youth Band (K100) 6:30 p.m. - Disciple I (K307) 6:45 p.m. - OnPoint House Band (K100) 7:00 p.m. - Young Adult Bible Study (C102) 8:00 p.m. - Al-Anon (C100) Thursday, January 11 (Ps. 47; Isa. 55:3-9; Col. 3:1-17; John 14:6-14) 7:45 a.m. - StepUp Employment Week (C100, C102-103) 8:00 a.m. - Labyrinth Open for Walking (Chapel) 9:30 a.m. - Thursday Morning Bible Study (W400); T’ai Chi for Exercise (C200); Lilies of the Field Bible Study (C301) 10:45 a.m. - Keenager Program: The Oakwood Project (K100) noon - Keenager Lunch (Geneva) 6:00 p.m. - Middle School Basketball Practice (Pickard); Concert Series Committee (C203) 7:00 p.m. - High School Basketball Practice (Pickard) 7:30 p.m. - Webelo Scouts (K304-307); Sanctuary Choir (S300) Friday, January 12 (Ps. 46; Gen. 49:1-2, 8-12; Col. 3:18-4:6; John 15:1-16) 7:45 a.m. - StepUp Employment Week (C100, C102-103) 9:30 a.m. - Fit After Fifty (Pickard) 6:30 p.m. - Healing Prayer Practice Support (Chapel) 7:00 p.m. - Youth Lock-out (Pickard) 8:00 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous (C100) Saturday, January 13 (Ps. 97; Isa. 61:1-9; Gal. 3:23-29, 4:4-7) 8:30 a.m. - Sunday School Setup (Classrooms) 9:00 a.m. - NAMI Family to Family (C301)
January 24 newsletter & January 28 bulletin deadline: Tuesday noon, January 9 The WMPC Weekly, January 3, 2018 Page 9
Faith Formation Lunch and Learn: How to talk with your preschool/ elementary-aged child about death and grief. Please bring a bagged lunch and join us for conversation and information about how to talk to preschool and elementary children about death and grieving. Our Lunch and Learn will be led by Tracey Daniel and Grier Richards on Tuesday, January 9, at noon in C200. Tuesday Morning Bible Study – Creating the Covenant Come join us for an eight-week Bible study about God’s Covenant. The format of the study includes daily Bible readings and a weekly class meeting on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in C301. The class will begin on January 9 and conclude on March 1. Sign-up for the class on our website, email Tracey Daniel at
[email protected] or call Katie Britt at 919-834-3425, ext. 212. The book is $11 and can be purchased at the first class. It’s Time to Plan for Toddler Open Gym and Worship! This is a faith and fellowship time geared to caregivers with children who are walking up to 3 years of age. Babies and big brothers and sisters are welcome, too! The program meets in Pickard Hall on the first and third Mondays, February through April, from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Contact Gwen Whiteman at
[email protected] or Katherine Wall at
[email protected] for more information. Children’s 2017 Sunday School Offering Project Our church’s children reached their goal of paying for 2,000 Haitian children to have milk with their Carnation Instant Breakfast for a nutritious meal in 2017!
