If you drove by First Baptist on Wednesday, June 7th, you would have seen a spectacle on the playground. Around 60 children and adults were enjoying “Wonderful Water Day”, the culmination of the Pen Pal Project and the 1st Explorers After School semester. What fun we had!
After meeting their adult pen pals and hearing some brief thoughts about friendship from Reverend Mathis, it was “off to the races”!
There were water relays, squirt gun shooting contests, a fishing booth, pick up ducks game, bean bag toss, super bubbles, and water balloons. Oh, the water balloons! Many of the children were soaked by the end of the afternoon and even some of the adults got wet. In addition, there was an under the sea photo op and a visit from the Kona Ice Truck. It was an exciting afternoon.
“Wonderful Water Day” would not have been possible without the hard work of Melanie Stokely, Andrew Beck, and the 1st Explorers staff, and the Pen Pal volunteers who hosted the various events. Thank you.
This was the third year for the Pen Pal Project and celebration at Sylva FBC. Born out of the isolation of COVID 19, it was meant as a way to foster cross-generational friendships between the children of 1st Explorers and other children of the church and adults in our congregation. It has blossomed into more than this. The letters exchanged have been sources of support and encouragement for the children. The words penned by the adults have been affirming for some young folks who struggle with low self-esteem, family issues, and the day-to-day on-again, off-again friendships of elementary school-aged children. As they ripped open their letters, you could see the excitement in their eyes that someone cared enough to write to them.
In addition, the Pen Pal Project has promoted the age old art of letter writing. Although their attempts are often rudimentary, the children are learning to converse via pen and paper and learning how to address an envelope. It doesn’t sound like a big deal but it is.
On a larger scale, Pen Pals has connected adults and older teens of First Baptist with 1st Explorers, the children of the church, and their families. The church pen pals are a part of the children’s ministry efforts. They are a shining example of love in action—a mission of our church. Here’s a roll call of these wonderful folks:
Linda Minor
Linda Stewart
Judy Seago
Marina Graham
Ann Melton
Barb Holquist
Beverly Midget
Jennie Hunter
Millie Proctor
Nancy McConnell
Teresa Deitz Manring
Cindy Kolb
Tonya Lloyd
Rebecca Middleton
Will Bentley
Cliff Kolb
Andrew Beck
Arlin Middleton
John Dills
Sandi Allen
Cheryl Beck
Linda Phelps
Judy Henderson
Glenda Dills
Gaye Buchanan
Diane White
Othello Crawford
Mary Lou Millwood
David McDonald
Tom Graham
Bob Holquist
Carey Phillips
Zeb Mathis
Scott McConnell
Chris Moore
Rob Stokely
Jimmie Stewart
Morgan Hunley
Carroll Buchanan
Charlie Whitea
We hope to continue our Pen Pal Program next school year. After all, who doesn't love to receive a letter from someone who cares!