If you are 70 years of age or older, have we got a meal for you! The children of the church invite you to a "Blooming Into Spring" lunch right after worship on Sunday, February 25, in the Mission and Fellowship Center. They are preparing a simple but tasty meal and providing entertainment to boot! It will be a good time to fellowship with new and old friends.
Please let us know that you are coming by calling the church office at 828-586-2095!
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.
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.
By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
Good things end and begin in February. In February of 2022, I concluded 44 years of full-time ministry and…retirement began. Obviously, I didn’t know then that in two years, I would get to meet each of you. You have welcomed me warmly. So, I want to take a moment to share what my expectations are of myself as we minister together.
First, however long we are together in this ministry relationship, I will look at each of you as my Church family. I have connections with several churches in my past, but you are the church of my now. You are family. Secondly, I promise to give you my best. This is not, nor shall it ever be for me, a job … This is ministry and I’m glad I’m in it with you. Finally, we will dream together. I’m not sure yet what that means, but I’m positive it’s a very good thing. Thank you for allowing me to have this opportunity with you and among you.
Thank you, First Baptist Church, for allowing Jackson Neighbors in Need to use your Mission Fellowship Center for our annual fundraiser, Charlie’s Challenge.
Many hands helped get ready for this event and we raised over $15,000.00!!!
We can’t say thank you enough, Jackson Neighbors in Need Advisory Board
Jimmie and I thank you from our hearts for your prayers, love and concern during Jimmie’s recent hospitalization. Your prayers sustained us and we are so grateful.
– Linda Stewart
3 to 4 pounds grapes (red, green, or mixed), rinse and set aside
Mix: 1 8 ounce cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
Add: 1 8 ounce sour cream. Pour this mixture over grapes.
Topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup pecans, chopped
Put 1/2 of topping mix in grape mixture and save other 1/2 for top.
*Put topping on just before serving.
–Barb Holquist
Grape Salad
Click here to download a printable version.
-Provided by Barb Holquist
One theme in my spiritual life that I am discovering and honoring is stillness. It is similar and synchronous with the themes of silence and darkness. Generally, when Christians feel like they are experiencing a season of darkness, silence and stillness, they may feel as if they are in the “wilderness” or “valley.” The wilderness is thought of to be scary, lonely and exhausting.
I am reminded of these biblical characters: Hagar, the Israelites, Elijah, David and Jesus. Each of these was led into the wilderness by God. Hagar was comforted by God and even named God in her situation. Elijah was comforted by God when he was in the cave feeling defeated. The bread was provided to the Israelites as they wandered around the desert. Jesus showed us how to pray and recount scripture when he was facing temptation by Satan in the wilderness.
All these narratives have a common theme and setting. In the wilderness, we learn to depend on God like Hagar did. We learn that God sees what we are going through. Hagar names God, El Roi, the God Who Sees. Elijah’s loneliness in his cave teaches us that while we are waiting and things seem still, to seek the still, small voice of God. King David who expressed many emotions in his Psalms teaches us that even though we walk in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear because the Divine is with us. In other psalms, David teaches us the importance of lament. Our laments are sacred and when we cry out, we get closer to the Lord. Finally, Jesus teaches us to remain in the word and keep scripture in our hearts, for even In the silence in the Garden of Gethsemane, in the silence of the wilderness before the angel shows up to Hagar, and in the silence of Elijah’s cave, God dwelled there.
In my spiritual life, through these characters, I am learning to appreciate silence, stillness and darkness. I am grateful that in these three things, God is present. That is comforting to me. While we wait in periods of silence, stillness and darkness, we listen for the still, small voice of God that eases our hearts and minds. The wilderness is not our final destination. We are only passing through. Silence and stillness are temporary. In conclusion, this quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspires me to be steady and unmovable: “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
The Ladies Mission Circle will meet
on Tuesday, February 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the
Gathering Room. Ruth McConnell will be talking with
us about Neighbors in Need. Join us!
We are initiating the Family-Care program which is similar to the Deacon-Care program we had for years. This time the program will use volunteer church members along with some deacons.
In the next month you will be receiving the name of the person who has volunteered to be your family care person. This person will connect with you and work in close liaison with you and your family. You can contact this person in a time of crisis, in a time of joy, when church concerns or questions arise, or just to talk.
If you would like to volunteer to be a member-care person, please contact Jennie Hunter (828 399-0623 jnnhunter@aol.com) or Ann Melton (828 421-7689 meltonann@att.net).
Please join us TONIGHT, February 7 at 5:15 p.m. to welcome Dr. Joe Yelton with a potluck meal followed by time spent with him in fellowship. Our time of fellowship will be from 6:00 to 6:45 pm with choir practice to follow at 7:00 p.m.
Please bring your favorite homemade or take-out meal or dessert to share. Water and tea will be provided as well as paper products and plasticware.