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.
Weekly, we broadcast our service to YouTube.com and FirstBaptistSylva.com, with 30 to 50 connections. During the broadcast, one camera focuses on the pulpit, and another showcases different church areas. However, the camera’s only capture the front half of the pews, making it seem like there’s less attendance. We ask that the congregation please consider moving closer to the front during the service. If attendees could sit closer to the front, it would accurately reflect our congregation’s size. Your help in showing the true might of our congregation is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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.
Emma Burnes placed fourth in the inaugural Women's State Wrestling Tournament held recently in Greensboro. Smoky Mountain’s Wrestling Coach, Erik Wilson, praised Emma for coming back from a tough loss in the quarterfinals to pick up a win for placement. We are proud of you, Emma. Congratulations!
By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
During this season of Lent, I hope we are finding our way to offloading our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes that slow us down. Further, in the absence of those things, we must be just as diligent, putting into their places thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes that deepen our faith.
Certainly part of the Lenten journey includes finding ways to strengthen the local church. Part of what I understand my place is among you includes, putting a firm foot forward in the direction of becoming something new. Remember from last week: continue doing what you’ve always done and you’ll continue getting what you’ve always gotten.
There are places in the world in which the church is bursting in growth and energy: Central and South America, much of Africa, and places in Asia. However, the European and American church is in a tailspin. We’ve been in this place for a while so, not surprisingly, many are losing hope that we can be recovered. NONSENSE!
There are pockets within the American faith community that are thriving. Mega churches have largely held their own, and in some cases, continue to grow. No offense to anyone, but I suspect much of that growth is found in the low hanging fruit of the previously involved who want to watch Church happen more than they desire to be involved in what’s happening. More about that later. Mid-sized and smaller churches with immense, hands on approaches that reach within the community that surrounds them are positioned to grow. That’s you. Due to your past strong pastoral and lay leadership, First Baptist Sylva is doing that. The question must be asked: why aren’t we growing?
Two quick thoughts, and then, more on this soon. First thought: we are growing. Each time I encounter our beautiful church, I’m surprised by the depth of faith and the loyalty of commitment found here. We have all the roots in place to move into a position of thriving. A second thought: we must learn new ways of counting. At least, for the time being, warm bodies in the pews will serve as little more than a registry of our frustration. What about the other, less countable ministries in which our church is invested. Two examples: There are children…and lots of them…who are heavily involved in our Wednesday ministries. They are hearing about Jesus. Secondly, Kaitlyn, our intern, along with others are establishing strong relationships between the Western Carolina University community and our congregation.
This great church, long before you heard my name, was already dedicated to doing things well. Yes, we are in a lean time along with most churches across the nation. (84% are in decline). WE WILL THRIVE AGAIN. However, we can’t continue doing what we’ve always done. More about that real soon.
Thank you Ally Lima, one of the After School staff, for serving in the church nursery on Sunday.
That was good practice for helping taking care of your new nephew!
On March 3, Dana Ayers will be in the nursery. Thank you, Dana!
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.
Each week we include a recipe in the Church Chimes and we hope that you are enjoying reading and trying them. You can add your favorite recipes to the Chimes by sending them to Cheryl Beck at cabeck@ncsu.edu. This is an ongoing WMU project.
Thanks for participating!
Baptist Student Fellowship students at WCU of which our intern, Kaitlyn Cabaniss, is a member, have been invited to join us each first Wednesday evening of the month continuing March 6 during spring semester.
They will share our delicious potluck (5:15 – 6:00 p.m.), rich fellowship, and enlightening evening Bible Study (6:00-6:45 p.m.) led by our new interim pastor, Joe Yelton. So ... when preparing your best foods, bring extra for our guests! Spending time dining together around our tables will give us the opportunity to engage in conversation as we begin showing our love and support for these our young fellow Christians who are living and learning away from home. Let’s welcome them in a BIG way with open hearts and the warmth of Christian love.
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.