In the midst of a scorching Tennessee Valley summer in 2011, my home video collection recently unearthed a memory--a memory of a time when the earth was parched and Chattanooga was in the grip of an extensive drought. However, a remarkable event unfolded just when it seemed like nature had forsaken us.
A tropical system from the Gulf swept in, defying all expectations. It unleashed an unprecedented ten inches of rain upon us, cleansing the gutters and quenching a thirsty land. It was a moment of nature's grandeur, but what made it truly special was the innocent perspective of a four-year-old named Zeb.
As I watched Zeb standing by the screen door, gazing at the steady downpour, he exclaimed, "Good job, God!"
It was a simple yet profound expression of gratitude for the life-giving rain rejuvenating the world around us.
In this moment, Zeb unknowingly tapped into a profound truth. The creation accounts in Genesis teach us that God delights in celebrating the beauty of His handiwork. Throughout the Psalms, we find a rich collection of "Good job, God!" prayers that openly acknowledge His extraordinary work in the world and our lives. These expressions of gratitude remind us that being thankful isn't merely a matter of politeness; it's a transformative act that reshapes our hearts and minds.
Thanksgiving has the power to transform sourness, envy, and frustration into an appreciation for God's abundant grace. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the blessings surrounding us.
In our church community, we are presented with numerous opportunities to join God in His ongoing work. A glance at this week's Chimes newsletter reveals how God is at work in our church's life, creating avenues for us to "Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Our God," as the prophet Micah encourages (Micah 6:8).
I invite you to give these opportunities your time and attention. Our church's desire to embody Christ's spirit in dynamic ways warms my heart and fills my soul with energy. We can wholeheartedly echo Zeb's praise: "Good job, God! Thank you for inviting us to join you in your good work!"
In celebrating God's abundant grace and embracing the opportunities before us, we actively participate in His ongoing creation. Together, we can be good for the world, just as that life-giving rain did for Chattanooga a decade ago.
Flowers for Sanctuary
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.
Save the Date! Homecoming 2023 Is Sunday, October 15
We are thrilled to announce a very special Homecoming celebration as we honor Dr. Bob Holquist for his remarkable 40 years of dedicated service as our Minister of Music. This momentous occasion calls for a grand reunion, and we are calling all FBC Choir alumni to join us in this joyous event.
On Homecoming Sunday, we will gather on October 15 in worship to celebrate Dr. Holquist's incredible contributions to our church and community. Prepare your vocal cords, as all former FBC Choir members are invited to return and raise their voices during the 10:30 AM worship service. Let us fill the sanctuary with the harmonious sounds of praise and gratitude!
In addition to the exciting reunion of our FBC Choir, we are honored to welcome former FBC pastor, Rev. Ed Beddingfield to fill our pulpit. Presently serving as the pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek, NC, Rev. Beddingfield will grace our service with his leadership.
After the worship service, we will continue the festivities with a feast for the ages in the Mission and Fellowship Center. It will be a time of fellowship, laughter, and reunion. This is an opportunity not to be missed as we commemorate Dr. Holquist's extraordinary tenure and the impact he has made on our church family.
Please help us spread the word about Homecoming 2023. In particular, share this announcement with any FBC Choir alumni or former members of our congregation who may not be aware of this special Homecoming celebration. Let's come together to make this day truly spectacular!
Save the date, mark your calendars, and join us on October 15 for a day filled with reunion, celebration, and gratitude. We look forward to seeing you there!
GAs & RAs Update
Girls in Action and Royal Ambassadors are off to a wonderful start on Wednesday afternoons in the children’s Sunday School Rooms. We had about 30 children attending this week!
Join Us for Worship!
Join us for worship on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary! Also join us for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. for all ages!
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.
Youth Newsletter
Click HERE to view the spring youth newsletter!
Sunday School and Childcare is Available!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
It was a busy day in the nursery on Sunday! Thank you to Andrew and Cheryl Beck
for working during Sunday School. A big “thank you” to Gaye Buchanan who
enjoyed rocking our smallest attendee, Xander.
On September 10, Sandi Allen is in charge of the nursery. Thank you Sandi!
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.
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!
Clothing Donations Needed
We have a clothes closet for our students in need at Jackson Community School and are currently in need of belts (both male & female), bras/sports bras in larger sizes (L, XL, 2XL). Also, hot weather clothing such as shorts, short sleeve tops, etc. in larger sizes.
I hope we can collect some donations of these items with the help of our congregation. There will be a collection box in the Loving Kindness Room. Thank you for your consideration. –Brooke Drum