If you would like to provide flowers in the sanctuary for Sunday morning services, please contact Gwen Messer at 828-506-8370, or Janice in the church office to be placed on the calendar.
Giving the Jesus Way
United Christian Ministries is in need of pasta sauce, ramen, pancake syrup, applesauce (6-pack individual cups), and laundry detergent. To donate items, please drop them off at UCM’s building at 191 Skyland Drive. Thank you!
United Christian Ministries' Director Retiring in May
Our executive director, Karen Johnson, is retiring (again) at the end of May. We are so thankful for the time, energy, and love that she has poured into UCM in her years here. Her departure means that we are interviewing for a new executive director. If you know of anyone seeking work with a heart for ministry, please refer them to us!
The executive director position is permanent, part-time (30 hours per week). The director oversees all aspects of the food pantry, financial assistance programs, operational procedures, budgeting, etc., and supervises paid staff and our wonderful group of volunteers (about 40!). Applicants may submit a resume to chairucm1@gmail.com.
Recipes Appreciated!
Each week we include a recipe in the Church Chimes and we hope that you are enjoying reading and trying them. You can add your favorite recipes to the Chimes by sending them to Cheryl Beck at cabeck@ncsu.edu. This is an ongoing WMU project.
Thanks for participating!
God at Work in the 1st Explorers After School Ministry
Occasionally, we have an element in worship titled “God at Work In ...” focusing on a different ministry endeavor of our church. It is an opportunity to share with the congregation how God is moving through the people in that particular work. In this week’s Chimes, I’d like to share with you some ways I see God at work in our 1st Explorers After School Ministry.
First, a little background. 1st Explorers is a vital outreach of Sylva First Baptist Church. Begun in 2014, 1st Explorers has provided a valuable service to families who need child care between the end of the school day and the time the parents’ work day ends. This year 34 children, kindergarten through 6th grade are participating in the program. Twelve young people and Melanie Stokely, On-Site Coordinator, staff the program alongside a cadre of volunteers, resource people, and the Children’s Ministry Director. A 1st Explorers Committee headed by Janelle Messer oversees and provides guidance for the program.
As the school year nears an end, take a look at some ways God has been at work through this After School Ministry.
—A college student patiently braids the hair of a 4th grade girl for her appearance in “The Sound of Music”. Her father, who shares custody with the mother, had unsuccessfully tried to braid it the night before. He was so grateful to the 1st Explorers staff member.
—A tough-as-nails 3rd grader who struggles with making friends was thrilled to receive a letter from his pen pal. He was noticeably touched and said “How nice of him.”
—1st Explorers staff members show up at the ball games, plays, and other special events the children are involved in. The children and their parents are thrilled to see them. The care the staff gives goes beyond the 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. time frame.
—God’s love is evident on the faces of the volunteers who greet the children at the back door and wish them a good evening when they depart. They go the extra step to talk with parents as they wait for their children.
—While meeting with his Book Buddy, a first grade boy shared some of his worries. The Book Buddy listened carefully and they had a good discussion about how to handle his concerns.
—Two college students organized a Bible study (led by a church member) for their fellow staffers.
—Each Friday, a couple brings special snacks for the children. They also provide seasonal decorations and materials to brighten up the 1st Explorers space.
—Christmas was brighter for 2 girls and their families when the WMU Circle purchased clothes and other gifts for them. One of the girls told her Dad, “This is going to be the best Christmas ever!”
—God’s presence was felt in the voices of children and staff singing “This Little Light of Mine” at full volume at a recent Chapel.
—Joy radiates from children as they swing on the tire swing, race across the playground, or enjoy a game of kickball on a beautiful spring day.
—Music on Monday, Science on Tuesday, Be Your Best Self on Thursday, led by dedicated volunteers eager to share and make learning new skills fun, echoes God’s love.
—GAs and RAs recite their pledges on Wednesdays, learn about missions, and pray for missionaries. Their “Hands” project with the children of Kerigma Baptist Church allowed them to reach out in a unique way.
—The painted flower pots filled with plants along with homemade cookies made by RAs and GAs netted funds for the church in Cuba.
—Perceptive staff members have spent extra time with children who need a little more attention and love.
—The staff prepares for the day with a devotional led by Melanie Stokely or another staff member. A benediction at the end of the day is sometimes given.
—A staff member buys a new pair of shoes for a 3rd grade girl whose shoes are worn out.
—The love and appreciation shown by the WMU Circle when they hosted a Mexican fiesta for the 1st Explorers staff was an extension of God’s love. The beautiful decorations and food meant a great deal to the staff.
—The children in 1st Explorers have become more patient as they listen to a 5th grader struggling to express herself in English after moving here from Puerto Rico.
These are just a few examples of God at work on a daily basis in After School. Thank you Sylva First Baptist Church for supporting, praying, and participating in 1st Explorers.
WMU Leadership Team Meeting Is May 8
The WMU Leadership team will meet on Monday, May 8 at 10:30 in the Table Room. Hope to see you there!
1st Explorers After-School Ministry Update
Here are a few highlights of the last week in April at After School:
Monday: Music with Diane Shallock and beautiful weather for outside play.
Tuesday: Lots of fun planting sunflower seeds with Emily and Mike Taylor.
Wednesday: RAs and GAs worked on pen pal letters and enjoyed reading notes from their pen pals.
Thursday: Reverend Blake Daniel from Sylva First Presbyterian.led Chapel.
Friday: The staff and children enjoyed their last Friday of the school year in the First United Methodist Church gym. The key was returned and we are welcome to come back next year!
Captions for photos:
Left: Dex Murchie, Maddox Howell, and Carson Woodard write cards to send to their pen pals during RAs last week.
Right: Emsley Davis and Neleydee Torres plant sunflowers.
Greening of the Mountains Recap
The Acteens, Girls in Action, and Royal Ambassadors, had a very successful Greening of the Mountains. They raised $1,000 for the Cuban Project.
This will go to our sister church in Cuba to help with the needs of the members whose food is being rationed.
Thank you to everyone who participated. The WMU, GA's,
Acteens, and RA's who showed up to help. The baked goods they all brought and sold and the flower pots the RA's, GAs, and Acteens, painted and potted with flowers to sell. Thanks to the leaders and Melanie,in First Explorers, who let us use their after school time to complete our pots.
It always amazes me how well our church come together to help our children learn what missions are all about!
Send Us Your Prayer List Updates
Add this email address to your contacts list on your devices so that our staff and Pastoral Care Team can learn of your prayer requests as quickly as possible. And yes, you may still contact the church office directly at 828-586-2095 to share your prayer concerns, as well.
Men's Breakfast Update in Pictures
Our Men’s Breakfast Was Nourishing for Spirit, Mind, and Body!
