United Christian Ministries is in need of: shampoo (prefer 2-in-1 shampoo & conditioner), body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, child diapers (all sizes), cereal, spaghetti sauce and spaghetti noodles. To donate items, please drop them off at UCM’s building at 191 Skyland Drive. Thank you!
Joe's Window
By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
Much of the joy we experience is unadulterated. It is completely positive, overwhelmingly euphoric, and it leaves nothing but a smile-making memory. Every now and again though, wonderful moments get marred by the unanticipated, unwelcomed arrival of something dark.
As I write, my granddaughter Sophia today becomes one-month old. She is beautiful and growing. She is blessed to be in a home in which she is adored by her mom and dad ... a home that is already tuned-in to the importance of teaching her about Jesus. She will grow up being defended, encouraged, disciplined, celebrated and best of all, loved.
But today, one month to the day since Sophia’s birth, her mother, my daughter Rosemary, has learned that an ultrasound on her neck revealed something abnormal. Rosemary is strong and fearless, almost.
She is a well-educated Social Worker who works with the homeless of New York City. No fear! Rosemary goes into the jail/prison at Riker’s Island. No fear! On Saturdays she goes into Hell’s Kitchen handing out backpacks to the street-people, laden with foods, water, a small blanket, and more. No fear! However, a small, sore-to-the-touch place on the side of Rosemary’s neck ... something about the size of a pencil eraser brings waves of terror. Why? Normally, Rosemary would be stronger than most, waiting to hear from the biopsy next week before forming fears and dreads. What changed? Sophia! That tiny infant pushed Rosemary into places she’d never been ... terrifying places. Every good parent understands that kind of holy fear.
Generally, she handles it respectfully and courageously. However, when those “reality waves” come crashing in on her, she and husband Kevin (he’s amazing), nearly buckle. Her faith is immense but that doesn’t chase away the clamor in her soul as she now waits a week for a biopsy that may reveal... anything. Of course, we are hopeful that simpler explanations are at work. Of course we are asking God to step up. And of course, we are trembling.
It occurs to me, maybe this is how our God feels so very often when we go through something hard, something dangerous. All of us want to step in and make the terrifying experiences go away. We can’t. But we can be faithful, no matter what the outcome. We can witness to the presence of God as we traverse harsh trails. We can pray, not that “my will be done,” but that God be given free-reign to work out God’s perfect purpose in times like these.
My daughter has taught me so much about Jesus, sacrifice, joy, and remembering the “least of these.” We are asking for your prayers, but not at those with no hope. NO MATTER WHAT, our hope is overflowing ... our hope is Jesus.
VBS—Thank You's
CAMP FIRELIGHT was a successful VBS experience for around 65 children and youth, May 28-31. First Baptist members played a big role in this joint effort with Sylva Presbyterian, FUMC, and St. John's Episcopal Church.
Thank you to:
Harold Messer and his team—Arlin Middleton, John Dills, Scott McConnell, Guy Hall—for setting up tables and tents and taking them down each day.
Gaye Buchanan, Nancy McConnell, and Andrew Beck for serving as group leaders.
Betty Blanton for assisting with the storytelling by the campfire led by Cheryl Beck.
Glenda Dills for helping with registration.
Janelle Messer for being a "floater."
We appreciate all of you!
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!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
Thank you, Cheryl Beck, for serving in the nursery on June 9.
The calming colors in the nursery coupled with the rocking chairs made a pleasant nap time experience.
On June 16th, Heather and Jeremy Ellenberg will be in charge of the nursery.
Thank you for serving.
A new nursery workers schedule for July to December will be issued soon.
Male Chaperone Needed for Passportkids Camp
PassportKids is June 30 through July 3, and we need an extra person to help chaperone. Brooke Dills will be leading the Sylva FBC delegation of five girls and three boys, but we need an adult male to assist. If you would be willing to accompany the group to Montreat, please let Cheryl Beck know as soon as possible. Passport is a great experience for kids and adults, too.
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.
Celebration of Life and Graveside Services for Hattie Lee
The mother of long-time and beloved First Baptist Church member, Linda Minor, passed away at age 97 on Monday, June 3. Please be in prayer for Linda and her family.
A Celebration of Life and Graveside services for Hattie Lee are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Crestlawn Cemetery in McCaysville, GA. For full obituary, refer to Akinscobb.com.
Sunday School and Childcare is Available!
Send Us Your Prayer List Updates
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.