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!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
Thank you, Gaye Buchanan, for working with the children in the nursery last week.
Everyone had a great time!
Beth Moore will be in the nursery on December 10. Thank you, Beth!
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.
Cheese Ball
Ingredients
16 ounces cream cheese
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons onion, chopped
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
Cream together cream cheese and pineapple. Add green pepper, onion, seasoning salt, and 1/2 cup of the pecans. Shape into a ball and cover with remaining pecans.
–Provided by Ruth McConnell
Cheese Ball
Click here to download a printable version.
– Provided by Ruth McConnell
Pastor Transition Letter to FBCS Members
from Linda Minor, Chair of Deacons
Dear Church Family,
Our Deacons, Nancy McConnell (Chair of Personnel) and I continue preparing for church leadership during our time of transition following Jeff’s last service with us on the evening of December 24th and ultimately, offering a call to a new pastor. The whole process of calling a new pastor will take time…time for reflection, evaluation and planning.
With the assistance of CBF-NC, we have learned that this transition time is important for our congregation and should not be rushed. CBF reminds us “Prayer should be at the forefront of every conversation, meeting, interview and decision throughout the search process. It cannot be stated enough that prayer is critical for a healthy search process for all individuals and committee members involved.”
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
While we cannot predict a timeline for calling a new pastor, we anticipate several phases to the process and are pleased to share with you the planning for what we will call “Phase I—Pulpit Supply Pastors.” Several ministers will be called to preach to us on Sunday mornings. During this time, there will be no Wednesday night church programming. Following are those who will be our Sunday guest pastors (pulpit supply):
12/31/23
Dr. Rev. Wanda Kidd (lives in Mars Hill, NC)
1/7/24
Dr. Rev. Joe Yelton* (lives in Candler, NC)
1/14/24
Dr. Rev. Dr. Steve Harmon* (lives in Shelby, NC)
1/21/24
Rev. Doug Murray (lives in Weaverville, NC)
1/28/24
Dr. Rev. John Tagliarini (lives in Bryson City, NC)
*Please make every effort to be present to hear these ministers as some will be interviewed by the Deacons to become our Interim Pastor.
We welcome your input and continue to ask for prayers that God will lead us over this road of transition together and to the destination that He has already planned for First Baptist Church of Sylva and its members.
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.
Passport — Already?
Believe it or not, it is time to start planning for next summer’s Passportkids! Sylva FBC children grades 3–6 will be at Montreat College, June 30–July 3 for a week of learning, fun, Bible study, and more.
Please register to attend by letting Cheryl Beck know as soon as possible. Space is limited. A $100.00 deposit is due by Friday, December 1. The total cost for camp is still to be determined.
December Birthdays
Cole Nelson (Dec. 1)
Michael Frazier (Dec. 1)
Glenda Dills (Dec. 2)
Melanie Stokely (Dec. 3)
Melanie Joiner (Dec. 4)
Jason Bryson (Dec. 5)
Carey Phillips (Dec. 6)
Jerry Fullbright (Dec. 6)
Philip Ayers (Dec. 8)
Dana Ayers (Dec. 13)
Angela Frazier (Dec. 14)
Riley Hunter (Dec. 16)
Steve Beck (Dec. 17)
G.W. Revis (Dec. 17)
Othello Crawford (Dec. 22)
Robert Burnes (Dec. 24)
Jimmie Stewart (Dec. 31)
Let Heaven and Nature Sing!
You are invited to a wonderful celebration of the true meaning of Christmas on Wednesday, December 20, at 6;00 p.m., in the MFC. 1st Explorers and children of the church are working hard to prepare for an outstanding hour of skits, Scripture reading, and music. “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” will make you want to sing along with the enthusiastic voices of our children. Please come! Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
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.
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.