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.
WMU Leadership Team Meeting
Leadership team meeting Monday, August 14 at 10:30 am in the Table Room.
The Hospitality Table After Worship Is Back!
Sign up here to provide goodies and beverages on Sunday mornings after worship.
When we are hospitable, our congregation can become a church on the sidewalk after worship while munching on a cookie or sipping fruit punch. Click here and find a Sunday to host our Hospitality Table!
Youth Newsletter
Click HERE to view the spring youth newsletter!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
Thank you to Autumn Burnes for working in the nursery during Sunday School. A big thanks to Mary Lou Millwood and Judy Henderson for all your good work in the nursery during worship.
Sounds like you all were having a great time!
On Sunday, August 13, Melanie and Izzy Joiner will be in charge of the nursery.
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.
On the Horizon: Church-Wide Picnic at Deep Creek Pavilion in the Smokies!
We're excited to invite you all to our Church-Wide Picnic at the beautiful Deep Creek Pavilion in the Smokies, near Bryson City! Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 27, as we gather for a day of fun, fellowship, and spiritual celebration.
Come early and dive into the wonders of Deep Creek! Whether you love tubing down the creek, admiring the majestic waterfalls, or taking a leisurely stroll on the shaded hiking trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Then, 4:30 PM: Join us at the Deep Creek Pavilion for our delightful covered-dish feast. Bring your favorite dishes to share!
6:00 PM: After the feast, we will gather at the creek for a special baptism service. Witness the profound expressions of faith and support our fellow church members.
Please be aware that the national park now requires parking fees for those without an annual or weekly parking pass. To avoid any inconvenience, plan ahead and ensure you have your $5 parking fee either paid onsite or online before arriving. Also, consider carpooling to share the cost of parking!
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with your church community while surrounded by our breathtaking mountains. We encourage everyone to bring friends and family, as this event is open to all!
Join us for a day filled with joy, fellowship, and a deep sense of love! Let's make memories together at Deep Creek Pavilion in the Smokies to close out our summer!
Mission Moment 8.9.23
Rev. Rebecca Brown
EMT (Allied Universal) and Chaplain/EMT (American Red Cross), President of the Kentucky Federation of Fire Chaplains, Louisville, KY
As I made my rounds on the intensive care unit of a rural hospital in Kentucky, I came upon a middle-aged woman recently diagnosed with a lung disease. I spoke with her regarding her recent diagnosis. She confessed that she felt anxious and angry at God, but she believed it was a sin to have those negative thoughts towards God. During our conversation, I guided her to the book of Psalms which, I believe, displays human emotions in their rawest form. The psalmist opens his soul to God without hesitation because he feels the freedom to confront his creator with the ailments of humanity. Within this freedom that the psalmist has with his relationship with God, the psalmist experiences comfort, guidance and restoration of his life within the bounds of his open relationship with God.
On my next visit with this patient, she expressed that she had peace like she had never experienced. By having this open communication with God, we are not only able to experience peace as this patient did, but we are able to build an intimate relationship with our God and Creator as the psalmist did.
PRAY . . . GIVE . . . GO . . .
1st Explorers After-School Ministry Begins August 16
With the start of school on August 16 comes the 1st Explorers After School Ministry. We are anticipating another great year full of enrichment activities, fun, missions education, and faith encounters through Chapel and special guests. What a wonderful ministry this is to children who need a safe, nurturing place while their parents are at work.
Registration is taking place right now for the program but we know that there will be a few open spaces. If you know a family who needs this type of support, please contact Marina Graham for more information.
This program is successful because of the dedication of On-Site Coordinator Melanie Stokely and the staff who lead the program. In addition, the myriad of volunteers who give of their time and energy to the children is a tremendous boost to 1st Explorers.
If you would like to contribute to this important ministry of our church, you may want to consider volunteering a couple of afternoons a month or contribute some supplies that are needed. Check with Melanie Stokely or Marina Graham about volunteer opportunities. Perhaps your Sunday School class would provide some snacks or sports equipment. There are ways for you to be a part of the mission of 1st Explorers.
Here is a "Wish List" of items that would be helpful over the next couple of months:
Sidewalk Chalk
Balls -Footballs, basketballs, soccer, dodge ball, wiffle ball and bat
Hula Hoops
Checkers
Chess Game
Card Table
Dry Erase Markers
Paper Towels
Wipes
Cups
Plates
Healthy Snacks: graham crackers, apples, applesauce, granola bars, cheese and peanut butter crackers, popcorn, etc.
Band-aids (assorted sizes)
Items can be left on the cart at the back entrance to the church. Thank you for considering ways to be of service to this ministry.
School-Age Children’s Reading Program Ends August 14
If you’ve been keeping track of your reading over the summer, please let Cheryl Beck know the number of books you have read by August 14th. Prizes await!
