The Sylva Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2 beginning at 3:00 pm in downtown Sylva. Join us on our front lawn to fellowship and watch together.
Youth News
On Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00 PM, the Youth will be helping to pack Food Bags for United Christian Ministries in the Mission and Fellowship Center.
Then on Friday, December 8th at 6:00 PM, the Youth will be going on a trip with their families to see ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ in Franklin.
For more information, contact Carol Cloer at lccloer@aol.com
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party
Photos from our Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Packing Party!
#shoeboxes2017
#285boxes!
#thankyouFBC
Words of Gratitude from Kelly Brown
During the month of November, we are demonstrating our gratitude to our church staff. Some of our staff members will be offering their own words of gratitude for our church in the Chimes each week. We pray that these words of thanksgiving will model for us a spirit of appreciation for our church and for one another.
This week, we will hear from our 1st Explorers Ministry Director, Kelly Brown, and Julie Faulkenberry.
Why I Am Grateful for First Baptist Church
By Kelly Brown
The word Ubuntu comes from the South African Zulu language and has been introduced to many by Bishop Desmond Tutu. The meaning of Ubuntu is often translated as the universal bond which connects all of humanity to one another and reminds us of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31: We all are uniquely gifted and share in making our world a better place because of the gifts God has given us. I’m thankful that part of my journey has led me to First Baptist Church of Sylva. My time here has shown me how truly beautiful it is to be in community with fellow Christians who desire to hear where Christ is leading us and faithfully respond.
I recall a few years ago meeting with Jeff and the After School Exploratory team to consider the possibility of us journeying together to begin what would become 1st Explorers. We were anxious and unsure of what the future would hold for our church and my leadership. And our leap of faith has been a beautiful expression of what happens when WE work together and listen to where God is calling us. I’m grateful for the church and myself faithfully listening to God and where He was leading us. We have worked together with God’s guidance to share our gift of the 1st Explorers Ministry with countless children and their families. We have shared in joys, hurt, mistakes, laughter, tears, frustrations and confusion together. Most important of all, each of you has been family to me. You have been patient with me as I’ve grown and learned how to be the best expression of who God has created me to be – for that, I say thank you. I feel supported in my leadership here in so many ways and I will never be able to adequately say “thank you” for the ways in which you have supported me and changed my life.
Mother Teresa said “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, and the lonely right there where you are — in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools. You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have the eyes to see. Everywhere, wherever you go, you find people who are unwanted, unloved, uncared for, just rejected by society — completely forgotten, completely left alone.” I’m grateful to have found my Calcutta here in Sylva!
Words of Affirmation for Kelly Brown
By Julie Faulkenberry
Speaking on behalf of the parents of FBC of Sylva, let me express how thankful we are for Mr. Kelly. The children involved with the 1st Explorers ministries here at FBC of Sylva are so blessed to have such a caring, thoughtful, and gracious director.
Kelly is so patient, kind, and loving towards all that cross his path. He greets everyone with a contagious smile. He has accomplished so much with our childrens' ministries. We are grateful to have his guidance and blessings bestowed upon our children.
As for my family, we are so grateful for Mr. Kelly. He has taught Lindsey about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has taught her how to respect our family and friends. She has learned so many life lessons because of Kelly and his awesome staff at 1st Explorers. We are so blessed to have an outstanding program to enlist our children in, all because of Mr. Kelly's hard work and dedication!
Mr. Kelly goes above and beyond in his role as director. He wants the best for our children and wants them to understand the Bible and see the importance of faith and fellowship.
With that said, thank you Mr. Kelly Brown, and may God continue to bless you!
Poinsettias
It's time to order your Poinsettias for Christmas!
The Decorations Team is taking orders for Christmas Poinsettias. The cost is $15.50 each.
Please fill out the information below and put it along with a check in the offering plate or bring it by the church office. Be sure to make the check payable to the First Baptist Church and put “Poinsettia” in the memo line. The poinsettias must be paid for at the time the order is placed.
Also, the Decorating Committee will be decorating the sanctuary on Dec. 1st at 9 AM - until. If you are interested in helping, please contact Carol Hennessee at 828-508-6912.
Your Name _______________________________________________
In Honor of ________________________________________________ OR,
In Memory of ______________________________________________
Number of Poinsettias
______________________________________________
Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas Calendar 2017
Sunday, November 19: 6:00 PM, Community Thanksgiving Service at First United Methodist Church in Sylva
Please bring finger-foods to share for the reception that will follow the service. Childcare will be provided.
Wednesday, November 22: No evening activities
The church office will be closed on Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24
Saturday, December 2: 3:00 PM, Sylva Christmas Parade; 6:00 PM-9:00 PM, Adult Choir Practice
Sunday, December 3: 3:00 PM, Youth to Pack Food Bags for United Christian Ministries
Friday, December 8: 6:00 PM, Youth and Family Trip to see ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ in Franklin
Sunday, December 10: 10:30 AM Worship Service featuring our Children’s Choir & Drama Troupe as they share the Christmas story; 4:00 PM, Western Carolina Community Chorus Concert in the sanctuary
Wednesday, December 13: 6:00 PM, Moravian Love Feast in the Mission and Fellowship Center—Join us for an affirming and uplifting program of carols, hot cocoa and sweet pastries!
*This will conclude our Sylva First Wednesday programs for 2017. Wednesday Night Activities will resume on January 3, 2018
Sunday, December 17: 10:30 AM Worship Service featuring our Adult Choir as they share songs of the season.
Friday, December 22: 7:00 PM, Youth Lock-In
Sunday, December 24: 5:30 PM, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
The church office will be closed on Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26, Friday, December 29 and Monday, January 1.
UCM Fruit Cups
Please color the image above and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder to buy fruit cups for UCM!
United Christian Ministries needs 108 fruit cups for Christmas break bags
There are 450 children in Jackson County Schools who are eligible to receive free lunch and breakfast but who will not receive them during the long Christmas break. UCM will provide a special bag of food for each one. Churches have been asked to provide items selected for this purpose. We have been asked to provide fruit cups. The deadline is Nov. 26 to have them in the Loving Kindness room.
Smoky Mountain High School Football Lunch
Bob Holquist shared an inspiring message of faith with the SMHS Varsity Football team before Senior Night for the Mustangs.
Ruth McConnell led the ministry to the varsity football team's pre-game ministry/meal prior to Senior Night for the Mustangs.
We are thankful for the leadership of Ruth and Bob, as well as everyone else who helped with the luncheon for the SMHS Varsity football team!
Children Learn About Baptism
Pastor Jeff has been meeting with our after school children to talk about making a profession of faith and being Baptized. The children have been invited to fill out an activity book on Baptism. These two children completed their book and are receiving a small cross as a reminder of God’s love for them. Please be in prayer for our children and their families as they consider God’s invitation to follow Jesus. And if your child has not received a Baptism book, please see Pastor Jeff as he has many to distribute.
Words of Gratitude from Lorie Meservey
During the month of November, we will be demonstrating our gratitude to our church staff. Some of our staff members will be offering their own words of gratitude for our church in the Chimes each week. We pray that these words of thanksgiving will model for us a spirit of appreciation for our church and for one another.
This week, we will hear from our Church Organist, Lorie Meservey, and Linda Stewart.
Why I am Grateful for the First Baptist Church of Sylva
By Lorie Meservey
I love First Baptist Church because of your loving kindness toward me these 10 years as your organist. I also want to thank you for your kindness toward my husband Norman and accepting him as one of your own, especially the Men's Sunday School Class.
During this time as your organist I've learned so much from Dr. Bob Holquist, such as learning to play different styles of music, giving me wonderful opportunities, and his patience in helping me through difficult rhythms.
In the 59 years of my career and the many places I've played, never have I found (outside of my "home" church where I grew up) a more loving, tolerant, and forgiving congregation as you.
Thank you for the honor of serving God in this house of worship.
Words of Affirmation for Lorie Meservey
By Linda Stewart
When I think about Lorie, several words come to mind - talented, faithful, dependable, dedicated - to name a few.
Lorie has faithfully served our Church for almost ten years. She has ministered to us through her music as well as endearing herself to so many of our Church family. She leads us in worship every Sunday. She dedicates herself to practice and is always well prepared and willing to play whatever music is required of her. Her faithfulness is outstanding, as she seldom ever takes time off.
I know how much Lorie loves playing for our Church and choir, and how much she loves using her God-given talent to serve her Lord. It has been a joy for me to get to work with her and I always enjoy playing our duets. We are indeed blessed and fortunate to have someone as talented and trained as Lorie to play the organ and piano for our Church. Oh, and the name Lorie, means crowned with laurels. And I believe she is!