Dining for Jackson to Help Full Spectrum Farms

Please join us on May 7, 11:30 a.m. in the Mission and Fellowship Center of Sylva First Baptist Church as Dining for Jackson County works to support Full Spectrum Farms. This organization was founded in 2002 by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Full Spectrum Farms is a non-profit organization serving individuals with ASD in western North Carolina. Their programs are 100% supported by the generosity of donors and all donations directly support their client programs and core farm operations.

The farm has thirty-four acres where individuals with ASD can live, work, and explore in a safe and encouraging environment.  Full Spectrum Farms provides a unique model for ASD services as a nurturing community where individuals with ASD can live and work with a focus on organic farming and natural crafts and art.

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term “spectrum” in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.

The Farm helps individuals with autism spectrum disorder develop lifelong learning and living skills through projects such as woodworking, pottery, and weaving, as well as growing and selling organic produce and flowers. Their clients have access to a fully-functioning organic garden, chickens, and grounds to partake of a wide range of farm activities. 

They also offer Neurodiverse Life Coaching for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and for parents/caregivers of people with ASD. In June they will offer two sessions of youth summer camp in cooperation with Southwestern Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Applications for both programs are available now; email erin@fullspectrumfarms.org for a copy or more information or you may call Erin McManus, the director at 828-293-2521. Erin works tirelessly to coordinate weekly programs, plan special events, manage donations, and cultivate relationships in the local community.

We hope you will bring a covered dish and join us as we work to support Full Spectrum Farms.  We promise a lunch filled with good food, warm fellowship, and an opportunity to learn more about Full Spectrum Farms.

Concert in Memory of Bruce Frazier

On Sunday, April 28, The Western Carolina Community Chorus, the WCU Concert Choir, and the Artist in Residence Orchestra will present Mozart's Requiem in D Minor. Recognized as one of the greatest choral-orchestral works of all time, it expresses many emotions, and the text presents a fervent prayer for the deceased to enter eternal life.  

Brief remarks about Dr. Frazier will be offered, and the concert will conclude with his setting of "The Lord is My Shepherd." Members of our church family participating in the program are Ron Bumgarner, Chris Dickerson, Jay Coward, Mike Taylor, Diana Fisher, and yours truly.

The program is free, and will be performed at 3:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:30) in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building on the WCU campus. We hope to see you there.

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.

Baptist Children’s Homes of NC Food Roundup

Each year churches, businesses and other community members unite for the Annual Food Roundup which allows hundreds of boys and girls living at Baptist Children's Homes to have their bellies well-fed. The goal is to collect nonperishable food, supplies and gift cards. Gift cards are extremely helpful in purchasing perishable food items. Please see the list of needed items here. We have placed a box in the Loving Kindness Room to receive your gifts.

Sunday School and Childcare is Available!

Recipes Appreciated!

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!

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

With the theme “Taking Care of Our Body through Nutrition,” 1st Explorers enjoyed a busy week that included lots of activities and a delicious snack.  On Monday, the children learned about macro nutrients and how they help our bodies.  On Tuesday, staff member Donnie Smith made pizza toast and there was a discussion about what nutrients are in this yummy snack.

Curtis came from the Health Department on Thursday and talked about the “Daniel Diet” and how Scripture says it’s important to take care of our bodies.  

There was also time to write to Pen Pals, paint flower pots for the Greening Up the Mountains work on the Cuba banner fundraiser, and have GAs, RAs, and Mission Friends.  

A fun week!

Ladies' Bible Study

Please join us for the continuation of the Ladies Spring Bible Study on Monday, April 22, at 10:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room. We are studying the Book of Esther. This study has video sessions led by Beth Moore. Study books are available in the Church office but are not required to do the study.

Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!

We appreciate Vanessa Bryson and David McDonald serving in the nursery last Sunday. 
They always have fun with the children. Thank you both!

On April 21, Melanie and Izzy Joiner will work in the nursery. 
Thank you ladies for your help!

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.