The Pastoral Care Team is one of service, caring for elderly members who are homebound or in a nursing home. Our goal is to help alleviate loneliness and to let them know that they are being remembered by their church. We send cards, visit, and make phone calls. We need your help. There will be a brief meeting immediately after church on Sunday, May 20 in the 3rd-floor conference room where you can see how to put your gifts to work. If you have questions, call Shirley Kool at 586-5066 or e-mail at kooldean_nc76@frontier.com.
Trip to Visit Elois Clegg
A trip is planned for Thursday May 17 to see Mrs Eloise Clegg. We will leave the church at 10:30 am, eat lunch (probably at Fatz) and then visit Mrs. Clegg for an hour or so. We will return by 3:30 or 4:00 pm. Please sign up on board in hall or let Jennie Hunter, 399-0623, know if you want to go.
A Note from Circles of Hope
Dear Friends,
The dynamics of your heartfelt contribution have provided peace to those who are participating in the classes we offer through Circles of Hope. Know that you all have found your purpose in life to help those that are trying to find a life of prosperity for them and their families. It's all so empowering on both ends of this glorious spectrum. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
It's all of us working together to make this program successful, as this special message from one of our Circle Leaders so clearly expresses: "When I began coming to Circles, I had a very confusing life. I am a single parent and I had an unsatisfactory living situation. I had no car and no full-time job. Now, 1 1/2 years later, I have a full-time job, an apartment for me and my child, a car, and my life is so much better. I have wonderful friends at Circles, and I still attend different events they continue to offer."
Out of your "giveness" surprising and rewarding results begin to happen. Truly, you all are demonstrating your love and concern for people in our community. Please continue to stay involved with us. You do make a difference!
Sincerely,
Laura Wallace
Ferns Planted in Honor of the Messers
The newly planted Kimberly Queen ferns outside of the church were planted in honor of Harold and Gwen Messer by the Seasonal Decorating Team.
Tollie's Landscaping Donated Gardening Beds!
Last Friday, Tollie's Landscaping installed our raised beds that will be used for gardening! Tollie's Landscaping donated the raised beds to 1st Explorers. We're grateful for their partnership.
A Note from the Fisher Family
We would like to thank our dear church family for your many acts of love and kindness during Jim's illness and passing. The cards, phone calls, visits, and food offerings were so very appreciated. We are blessed with many wonderful friends.
Diana, Ryan, and Jared Fisher and Family
Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics
Special Olympics of Jackson County is having their annual spring games on April 18, Wednesday. It will be from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Smoky Mountain High School football field. There are eight teams participating and eight churches are needed to sponsor these teams. Volunteers and sponsors would need to provide a pop-up tent, water and healthy snacks for your team. Two or three volunteers from each partnering church are all that would be needed. Responsibilities include providing a place for the teammates to stay and relax between events. Additionally, volunteers would get a free T-shirt and lunch. The team sizes range from six athletes to 20 athletes. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the church office ASAP.
Thank You Note from Battle of the Books Partners
To the Congregation of First Baptist,
Thank you for allowing us to use your facility this week. You so graciously welcomed approximately 75 middle school students from all over Western North Carolina into your church for a friendly book competition that can be a very serious matter in the heat of the competition. Thank you for opening your doors and hearts. Your kindness is greatly appreciated and a role model for us all.
Sincerely,
Linda Potter and Jackie Methven
Baby Shower for Nicole and Jeremy Bolduc
A baby shower for Nicole and Jeremy Bolduc is being held March 18th from 2-3:30 pm in the MFC. Please come help us celebrate and prepare for the birth of their baby boy, Jackson. They are registered at Walmart.
Book Drive
Congratulations First Baptist Sylva!
You exceeded the goal of 1,000 Children’s books for McCreary, County, Kentucky.
At last count there were 1127 books and still a few coming in.....Amazing!!!
A special thanks to Linda Phelps who turned her car into The Bookmobile and delivered them to Scarlette Jasper, the contact for donations in Kentucky.
There were so many books some were left behind and those will be delivered later March/mid April. The collection box is still in the Loving Kindness Room, so please keep donating books for 3 - 17 year olds.....they will surely be Blessed.
Gratefully,
Charlie and Diane White