Inside this issue

Sermon Schedule …..………..2

Ingathering..…….……………...2

Missions Opportunity..……..2

Westwood Nuts & Bolts……3

Singles……..….……………….....3

GriefShare………………………..3

Thank You & Welcome……..3

Youth .................................. 4

Children .............................. 4

Annual BBQ ........................ 5

Graduation Sunday…………..5

On Call ............................... 5

Birthdays/Anniversaries ..... 6

Seniors ................................ 7

Financial Highlights ............ 7

Operation In As Much……....7

Ladies Luncheon……………….8

Being the Church Positive in a Negative World

Sometimes it seems like life is one incessant argument between the naysayer and the true believer - the pessimist versus the optimist. Perhaps you've discovered that there's one of each extreme in most of us. We easily recognize the pessimist: the failure predictor, the troubled worrier, the obstacle visionary, the problem imaginer, the "we-can't-afford-it" cost estimator, all of whom are fueled by fear of the worst. Realistically, bad news does abound, break-downs occur, accidents happen, illness strikes, and yes, death always looms. Murphy's law, that worst-case scenario code of reality and reason, usually applies. Goodness knows there is sufficient cause to proceed cautiously in this world. There are few guarantees in this fragile life where the worst always seems on the brink of happening. With all the fearful, contrary and negative voices in us and in the world, there are, however, many good reasons to struggle by faith upstream against them. According to Martin Seligman, psychological incentives abound for people to squelch the naysayer's voice inside themselves. In his book, Learned Optimism, Seligman says that optimists are "life's big winners." In his study negative thinkers perform more poorly in school, work and play. Pessimists, he says, have poorer resistance levels, weaker immune systems, are more susceptible to depression, physically aging faster than optimists. Whether or not one believes Seligman or follows Norman Vincent Peale's classic, The Power of Positive Thinking, true believers in Christ have every spiritual incentive to resist negativity. The Cross of Christ and the Resurrection are, after all, the most powerful reasons for hope in the history of humanity! Having been called and committed to faith in Christ crucified and risen, our Christian mission is

forever to press on, living in Christ, witnessing to Christ, building up the church, doing good and encouraging one another to do the same.

….Continued on Page 2

West Wind

Joining God in His Work Westwood Baptist Church April 2016

Sermon Schedule April 3

Dr. Steve Bolton “The Blessings of Belief”

John 20:19-31

April 10 Dr. Steve Bolton

“That Dynamic Street Called Straight”

Acts 9:10-19

April 17 Dr. Steve Bolton

“Eight Words that Change the World”

John 13:30-35

April 24 Youth Sunday

2

...Continued from Page 1

Down through the centuries Christians who remained true to their belief in the grace and goodness of God in Christ have continually called upon their Lord for strength to overcome discouragement and rise above reversals. In doing so, they have been rescued from pessimism and have gone on to live victoriously in the praise of God. John Milton, who remains one of the most noted 17th Century English authors, late in life lost his eyesight. Yet, even after his world went dark, he composed what became known as his magnus opus, "Paradise Lost" and, later, "Paradise Regained." In preface to these two literary Christian classics, he asserted: "I argue not Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer Right onward."

When catching ourselves in the negative mode or mood, let all true believers issue a prayerful claim on the hopeful promises of Christ and press on, determined to serve the Lord and His mission and re-committing ourselves to being "the Church positive in a negative world." We, Christ's Church, who have just so gloriously celebrated Easter, can afford to do no less. Blessings,

Steve

Ingathering for NC State

Missions Offering

May 1, 2016

Church Goal: $8,000

We will be collecting the

offering throughout the

month of May.

Westwood Mission Opportunity

We are looking for volunteers to travel to Johnsonville, SC for 1 week from

May 15 to May 21. There is much work to do down there from this winters

massive flooding and NC Baptist Men has set up a command

center in that area.

We will leave from the church around 3 pm on the 15th and return the

following Saturday morning. This trip should be similar to our New Jersey

trips, with rebuild and restoration work. Please pray about it and then sign

up at the church or contact Ed Tetlak at ed.tetlak@yahoo.com

GriefShare 2016 Spring Session

It hurts to lose someone

you love. You do not have

to go through the grieving

alone. Find help at

GriefShare. GriefShare is a

friendly, caring group of

people who will walk

alongside you through one

of life’s most difficult

experiences. GriefShare is

a 13-week Bible based,

Christ centered program

for people who have lost a

loved one through

death. All are welcome to

attend.

Spring Evening Session

2016, Tuesdays 7-9 pm

April 5th - June 28th

Teen GriefShare

Session, Saturdays

10 am-12 pm

April 2nd-June 25th

For more information

contact Jackie Woodcock

cell: 919-302-4846 email:

jackie.woodcock827@

yahoo.com

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Spring Westwood Nuts and Bolts Our spring Westwood Nuts and Bolts class will take place in May on the 1st, 8th, and 15th. The class will be held during the Sunday School hour in Room 208. This class is for visitors, prospective members, and new members. Keith Vaughn will lead participants through a brief Baptist history, the history of Westwood, and our relationships with the Raleigh Baptist Association, CBFNC and CBF Global. We will also cover worship; church polity; leadership selection; Sunday School; missions and ministries. You are invited to join us for these three Sundays of discovering more about the body of Christ which is Westwood.

Thank you to all who helped with

the Easter Baskets for Foster

Children. 100 beautiful baskets

were picked up to be delivered by

Wake County Social Workers.

We appreciate your “Joining God

in His Work” here at Westwood.

~The Mission Committee

Singles Missions and Activities Movie Night: April 22 Revelation Road

1st Sunday of the Month: Singles Luncheon

2nd Sunday of the Month: Singles Meeting

Please note: All are welcome at these events, singles, widowed, divorced, and

never married! Even if you are not “single” you are welcome!

Westwood would like to

Welcome our new Interim

Music & Worship Minister

Lee Webb! Make sure to

welcome Lee and his wife

Patti to Westwood!

4

Wednesday April 6: 6:00-6:45 Bible Study

6:45-7:30 Praise Band/Ministry Team

Sunday, April 10: $70 Student Life Payment Due

5:30 Puppet Practice

6:30 Large Group YAC

Wednesday, April 13: 6:00-7:30 Meal Delivery

6:30-7:30 Praise Band

Friday, April 15: Church wide BBQ Fundraiser (a portion of proceeds

will benefit the Belize mission trip)

Sunday, April 17: $400 Belize payment due

5:30 Puppet Practice

6:30 Small Group YAC

Wednesday, April 20: 6:00-7:30 Rehearsal for Youth Sunday (sanctuary)

Saturday, April 23: 10:00 am-Noon Rehearsal for Youth Sunday (sanctuary)

Sunday, April 24: YOUTH SUNDAY!!

Quarterly Business Meeting/Fundraiser Lunch

Deadline to submit photos for Graduation Sunday

Wednesday, April 27: 6:00-7:30 Study Night

Saturday, April 30: Operation In As Much (sign up for projects on website)

Sunday, May 1: 5:30 Puppet Practice

6:30 Large Group YAC

Wednesday, May 4: 6:00-6:45 Bible Study

6:45-7:30 Praise Band/Ministry Team

Wednesday, May 11: 6:00-7:30 Meal Delivery

6:30-7:30 Praise Band

Upcoming Events: Impact 456: Sunday, April 10th

Topic: 20 Things We Should Say More Often Time: 5:30-7:30 pm Location: The Straight’s Home 1417 Grappenhall Dr. Apex Please RSVP to Jim & Christy at cstraight@bellsouth.net

Vacation Bible School

June 26th-29th 5:30-8:30 pm Sign up now available on the church website

Come join us for a wild ride with

Cokesbury’s Surf Shack ..

Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love

Church Staff

Dr. Steve Bolton

Transitional Pastor

Dr. Keith Vaughn

Associate Pastor

Michelle Anderson

Minister of Youth

Lee Webb

Interim of Music & Worship

Charles Allard

Pastor Emeritus

Becky Bullock

Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Watkins

Secretary

Anna Ferdinando

Church Hostess

Diane Owens

Pianist

Kim Taylor

Organist

Ministers On Call If you have a ministerial need

when the church office is

closed, please contact the

minister on call:

April 1-7

Keith Vaughn

919-605-5714

April 8-14

Michelle Anderson

919-368-6508

April 15-21

Talmage Williams/Carolyn

Hopkins

919-815-0222/919-614-8688

April 22-28

Joanne Giles/Jerry Richards

919-745-7902/919-349-4698

April 29-May 5

Keith Vaughn

919-605-5714

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Friday, April 15 is our annual

churchwide BBQ fundraiser! All

proceeds will be used to fund

Westwood missions and

neighborhood ministry efforts.

We still need your help to make this

event a success. You can sign up to

help by visiting the church website,

emailing/calling Michelle, or filling out a pink volunteer form and placing

it in the BBQ basket in the Fellowship Hall or Hall A.

You can also help by advertising at businesses or your workplace. We will

make lunch deliveries to businesses that have multiple orders. You can

find the order form on the church website or pick up a form at the church.

All lunch pre-orders must be submitted by Wednesday, April 13.

And of course we need people to come eat! You can get a delicious meal

of NC style whole hog BBQ, country style potatoes, cole slaw,

hushpuppies and homemade dessert for only $8. We even have drive

through service available if you’re in a hurry!

Sunday, June 5th will be Graduation Sunday. At 7:45 am we will

have a breakfast in the fellowship hall for high school and college

graduates and their immediate family.

High School and college graduates will also be recognized in

morning worship. (caps and gowns are worn for this).

Here is what I need from you!

1. 8 pictures of your child (from childhood until present) in

digital format by April 24!

2. A headcount of how many total members from your

immediate family will be attending the breakfast.

Weekly Activities

Sunday

9:15 am Sunday School

10:30 am Worship

5:30 pm Puppet Practice

6:30 pm YAC

Monday

4:00 pm Youth Handbells

7:00 pm Boy Scouts

7:15 pm Adult Handbells

Tuesday

6:30 am Prayer Breakfast

6:30 pm ESL

7:00 pm Cub Scouts

Wednesday

5:15 pm Fellowship Meal

6:00 pm Preschool & Children’s

Music & Missions

6:00 pm Youth Activities

6:30 pm Pastor’s Bible Study

6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study

6:45 pm Youth Praise Band &

Ministry Team

6:45 pm Ensemble

7:00 pm Quartet

7:40 pm Westwood Choir

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Birthdays

1 Tommy Revelle

1 Janet Horne

2 Paula Duke

2 Sally Goodwyn

2 Keith Minster

2 Alexander Ware

3 Glenn Oliver

5 Matt Brandon

5 Kinsey Leonard

7 Becki Canterberry

7 Karen Nolan

8 Dorothy Shearin

9 Maddie Hutto

10 Hannah Anderson

10 Noah Anderson

11 Emmie Morrison

11 Beverly Stinson

12 Lagray Wells

13 Ethan Bolden

17 Darrel Vuncannon

18 Rachel Minster

19 Bettie Rabb

20 Jim Baker

20 Clem Maynard

21 Lea Hovis

24 Analise Gehrmann

25 Barbara McEntire

28 Harrison Duncan

30 Herman Creech

30 David Harris

30 Jim Straight

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5 Ed & Fran Tetlak

11 Wayne & Kelly English

12 Matthew & Elizabeth Brandon

12 Patrick & Beth Donner

14 Ronnie & Eve Stephenson

20 Ken & Leta Ward

21 Randy & Carol Watts

23 Brian & Mandy Smith

24 Rob & Marcy McLain

26 CB & Charlotte Tyson

Anniver-

Cash Balance - General Operating Budget $262,095

Cash Balance - Designated Funds $216,426

TOTAL Cash Balance $478,521

General Fund Average Weekly Giving vs. Budget (through 3/31/15)

March Average Actual $18,721

Weekly Budget $19,226

Average weekly receipt versus budget for March <$505>

Year to Date Average Actual $16,517

Actual as a % of budget 86%

7

Financial Highlights for March

Westwood Membership as of 3/31/2016

585

Westwood Seniors SENIOR ADULT LUCHEON- April 12th 12:00 pm Special Guests: Members of the Senior Adult Choir from Good Hope Baptist Church, led by Felton Yeargan. Join us as this choir presents a musical program and meet us at noon in the fellowship hall. Bring a covered dish and join us. SENIOR ADULT TRIP-April 8th 8:30 am Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park Scotland Neck, NC We will meet at the church parking lot and leave promptly at 8:30 am.

Mark your calendars for April 29th & 30th for

Operation in As Much!

There will be a sign-up genius available on the

church website on Monday April 11th; make sure

to sign up to help with a project.

Also, there will be a table set up in the foyer with

“wish list” items that will be needed so make

sure to stop by the table and pick an item or two to contribute to this great

event.

The ladies of the church are invited to

a Ladies’ Lunch at 11:30 am on

Tuesday, April 19th at Ruby

Tuesday’s, Crossroads in Cary .

Everyone will be responsible for their

own lunch and transportation. RSVP

to Carolyn Ausley by Sunday April 17th

at 919-777-4444 or 919-234-1683 or

e-mail at pharryaus@gmail.com

Westwood Baptist Church

“Joining God in His Work” through missional living is the heart of who we are and what we are about at Westwood. Missional living is the ongoing process of ministering to the whole person by sharing the love of Jesus through both word and deed. It is about building relationships and meeting physical, tangible, emotional, and spiritual needs of people in our world in the name of Jesus. Throughout the year, Westwood offers mission education groups for children, youth, women and men. We also partner with a variety of local and national ministries and support them through finances, prayers, volunteers and other tangible resources.

We believe that every believer has been given spiritual gifts and natural talents that are to be shared and used for the growth of God’s kingdom. Westwood’s goal is to equip and encourage individuals to find their God-given passion and call to service and to live out that call by “Joining God in His Work.”

Westwood Baptist Church

200 Westhigh Street

Cary, NC 27513

Phone: 919-469-9393

www.westwoodbc.org

Deadline for May Newsletter:

April 22, 2016

Please check the bulletin board in Hall A for Thank You

Notes, Invitations and other information that you may be

interested in knowing about!