There is so much going on in the next month. We hope that you will download and print out the attached list of events so you can be sure not to miss all of the fun!
1st Explorers After-School Ministry Update
Damon enjoys building with Legos and blocks during some downtime at 1st Explorers.
The focus of 1st Explorers last week was learning about different countries. On Monday and Tuesday, the children split into groups to read some library books about other places and then they came back together to share 3 facts about each one. They learned a lot! On Tuesday, Donnie Smith made tacos and 1st Explorers watched a video about Mexico. It was a fun week!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
A big “thank you” to Gaye Buchanan for taking care of the nursery on Mother’s Day. It was a busy place!
Next Sunday, May 19, Sandi Allen will be in charge of the nursery. Thank you, Sandi!
Ladies Bible Study
Please join us for the continuation of the Ladies’ Spring Bible Study on Monday, May 20, 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.
Joe's Window
By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
A few days ago, Corinne and I entered the immortal halls of grandparentdom. At our ages, we are late entering the learning curve of what’s involved and being Sophia‘s grandmother and grandfather. It occurs to me that she will graduate high school in 18 years.… When we will be 86 years old. And yes, in spite of the joy of this wonderful birth, it also occurs to me that there is a fairly pronounced likelihood that one or both of us will not be around any longer to watch her walk the stage.
Be assured, the vast majority of my thoughts, this past week have been filled…even overflowing with joy. Still, there is the nagging awareness that the sands in my hourglass are running low.
We can’t slow the sand from slipping through. However, we can, with great intention and energy, build a relationship with Sophia, assuring that our pieces of her puzzle will be important.
In our Christian lives, we may come to a place in which the evidence indicates that we have been sluggish in our dedication to Jesus. The temptation can be overwhelming to accept our failure, lick our wounds, and continue doing as we’ve always done.
The better way would be a fresh commitment, starting right now. It’s never too late to do the right thing. If you have breath, you have an opportunity to become more of what Christ calls you to be. You are my faith-family, and it’s important that we not only remind one another of the joy of our salvation, but that we find fresh ways to encourage one another into a closer walk.
I may or may not make it to Sophia‘s graduation. I’m sure gonna try. But this I can tell you, I am determined to be a more faithful child of God. That part is in my hands. Join me, please. First Baptist Sylva is an amazing enterprise of some of God‘s choicest people. But let us be reminded, if we continue doing as we’ve always done, we will continue getting what we’ve always gotten. It’s not too late to walk the stage, wearing the gowns and banners of Kingdom achievement.
– Joe
Deacons' Meeting
A regularly scheduled Deacons’ meeting will be held THIS Sunday, May 19, at 8:15 a.m. with new Deacons attending.
PassportKids Yard Sale a Success!
After working hard to set up, Alex Wittekind finds a "treasure" at the Passport Yard Sale.
Thanks to all the people who contributed items for the sale, the parents, volunteers, and the kids going to Passport. $2,081.80 was raised to help with the cost of camp this year. Tremendous work!
Bible Study
May 22 at 6:00 p.m.
Please join us this Wednesday, May 22 in the MFC at 6:00 p.m. for Bible study, and choir practice will follow at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Yelton will lead us in Bible study. There will not be a meal this week.
Men's Breakfast
We will hold our Men’s Breakfast in the Mission and Fellowship Center (MFC) on Saturday, June 1, at 8:00 a.m. We will have great food, fellowship and a special guest speaker. Please plan to attend and also invite your friends.
If you are available, please assist us on Friday, May 31, at 10:00 a.m. in the MFC to set up for the breakfast.
Spring Church Conference TONIGHT!
Wednesday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m.
The spring Church Conference will be held in the MFC at 6:00 p.m. There will be no meal for this meeting.