Don’t forget, next Sunday is our first Fabulous Fourth Sunday! We will meet down front after the morning service THIS Sunday, February 26 and travel to Layla’s house for lunch and some fun together. We will return to the church by around 3:30 PM. Plan to join us for this first Sunday afternoon event! Hope to see everyone there! (We will get a head count in Sunday School.)
Mission Moment 2.22.23
Elket Rodríguez
CBF Field Personnel at the United States-Mexico Border
My prayer life has evolved to incorporate different styles of prayer as I mature in my relationship with God and as I adapt to the different seasons of my life. During my youth years, I spent many hours praying alone by myself in a room, following Jesus’ recommendation in Matthew 6:6. But then I married, had children and began working. I then adapted my prayer time to that reality. Early morning prayer and meditation are the norm, following Matthew 6:33. I still spend hours alone in prayer to God, trying to replicate the practice of the Sabbath to rest in God—but mostly on the weekends.
My prayers have also changed with time. I pray more for others, practice contemplative silence (wordless prayer) to listen to God’s voice and pray the psalms out loud to nurture and liberate my soul (Lectio Divina). Psalms 62 and 139 are among my favorites to pray because they open my heart to God in worship.
Nowadays, I spend much of my prayer asking God to open the eyes of this world to God’s justice, mercy and love. Even though, my prayer is very focused on God and God’s majesty, I often request God to help us Christians understand how we can make God’s presence feel more real to our neighbors in practical and tangible ways through our actions. I would love to see a church that incarnates the new humanity in Christ that serves the “least of these,” including but not limited to immigrants and refugees who are among the most prone to suffer from exploitation.
Given the increase of evil, injustice and indifference I am often relying on breath prayers crying out “Hosanna!” and “Maranatha!” to God. On a given day, I would use different approaches to prayer depending on where I think the Holy Spirit is leading me.
Pray. . .Give. . .Go.
Bridal Shower
There will be a drop-in bridal shower for Hannah Doolittle, granddaughter of Frank & Rachel Wilkie, on Sunday, March 5 in the Gathering Room from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Bringing a favorite recipe instead of a card has been requested.
Youth Newsletter
Click HERE to view the spring youth newsletter!
Sylva First Wednesday Returns Wednesday, March 1!
Join us for a time of table fellowship on Wednesday, March 1! Whether food from your kitchen, the grocery store, or a restaurant, you may put your food offering on the tables in the MFC beginning at 5:15 p.m. A blessing will be offered at 5:30 p.m, and then we will dig in!
At 6:00 p.m., we will watch the fifth episode, season two, of the series, The Chosen. In this episode titled, “Spirit,” Jesus is now pursued by Simon the Zealot, Atticus, and Shmuel after stirring the water. John the Baptizer visits the group and tells Jesus his dangerous mission. Meanwhile, back at the camp, Mary Magdalene is devastated by an encounter with a mysterious and dangerous stranger.
We look forward to seeing you and your family! Children have their own dedicated time together while the adults and youth watch The Chosen in the Mission and Fellowship Center.
Run and Tell!
Families of children ages 6-11 are invited to participate in a Lenten journey starting on Ash Wednesday. "Run and Tell" is a 40-day missions-based program to help families prepare for Easter. Each family participating will receive a calendar with suggested activities to complete every day during Lent as well as a weekly devotional guide that complements the theme of sharing the Good News.
If you are attending the Ash Wednesday service on February 22 (the first activity on the calendar!), see Cheryl Beck for your family's "Run and Tell" kit. If you won't be there, please let Cheryl know that you want to participate.
Sunday School and Childcare is Available!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
Thank you to Ally Lima, a 1st Explorers staffer, for filling in in the nursery this past Sunday. We appreciate you!
Brooke Drum will be in charge of the nursery on February 26. Thank you, Brooke.
There is still room on the schedule to serve “the least of these”
on Sunday mornings. It is a blessing to see their smiles and enthusiasm as you spend
time with our infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Please contact Cheryl Beck (cabeck@ncsu.edu) if you would like to help.
Join Us for Worship!
Join us for worship on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary! There is no Sunday school on this Christmas Morning.
The CDC recommends that you wear a mask indoors.
Maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others.
Our worship service will be streamed online at firstbaptistsylva.com.
Two Dips!
Two Dips
Take your pick—a savory and a sweet one!
Dill Dip
Ingredients
8 ounces Hellman’s mayonnaise
8 ounces sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley (dried)
1 1/2 teaspoons beau monde (Spice Islands spice)
1 1/2 teaspoons dill weed
Instructions
Mix together and chill.
Fruit Dip
Ingredients & Instructions
Mix equal amounts marshmallow creme and cream cheese.
Two Dips!
Click here to acess a printable version of the recipes. Both recipes provided by Ruth McConnell