Pen Pals Set to Begin Soon

The Pen Pal Project, in its 4th year, will begin soon. This is an opportunity for the adults in our congregation to connect with the children from our church and from 1st Explorers After School Ministry by corresponding through letter writing. The children are always excited to receive a letter and their replies to their pen pals helps with their literacy and writing skills.

Cheryl Beck will be contacting folks soon about participating. In the meantime, please let her know if you are interested.

Devotional Resource for Families/Youth/Children

Passport Camps offers a daily devotional resource that is easy to access and use. The devotionals can be used by the entire family or individuals. Check them out at passportcamps.org/kids and download 365 Daily Devotions on an app on your phone.

Nursery Facelift Project

With a recommendation from the Trustees, the Deacons during their November meeting approved upgrades for the church nursery, and the Budget & Finance Committee has allocated funds for the project. The nursery carpet is dirty, stained, and the carpet is bubbled in places, creating a tripping hazard. The recommended replacement flooring is Coretec, which is the same type of flooring we currently have in the Gathering Place. In addition to new flooring, some of our church members will give the nursery a fresh coat of paint. The overall estimated cost of the project is $12,000. In accordance with the Church By-Laws, any expenditure over $10,000 requires approval by the church membership. Therefore, a vote on the Nursery Facelift Project will take place following the worship service on Sunday, January 21. Any questions related to the proposed project should be directed to Linda Minor, Chair of Deacons or one of the three Trustees: John Dills, Arlin Middleton, Jim Campbell.

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.

Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!

Thank you to Autumn Burnes for being charge of the nursery on December 24. 
We are grateful for you, Autumn!

Melanie and Rob Stokely will work in the nursery on December 31. 
We are grateful for both of you and your willingness to help with our youngest children.

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.

Send Us Your Prayer List Updates

fbcsylvapray@gmail.com 

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.

1st Explorers After-School Ministry Update

This was the last week for 1st Explorers until school resumes on January 8. The week was filled with practicing for the Christmas program, snacks, and fun. On the last day, Andrew Beck reports that the children cleaned up the MFC, made a craft, and took home a Christmas goodie bag with a beautiful ornament.

Alex Wittekind, Maddox Howell, and Ella Dux wait in the wings for their turn on the stage during practice for the Christmas program.

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.

Leadership Team Meeting

The Leadership Team will meet on Tuesday, January 9 at 9:45 a.m. in the Table Room.

Help Us Undecorate!

We will be taking Christmas decorations down on Friday, January 5.  Please meet in the sanctuary by 9:00 a.m. if you are available to help.