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!
Hands on Jackson
Hands On Jackson will be on Thursday, October 10. We had very good participation last year and are hoping to do as well—or even better—this year! Please contact Team Leader Harold Messer at 828-506-2344 and leave a message if you are willing to volunteer your time to do some landscaping or general clean-up for neighbors in our community. You may also call the church office at 828-586-2095, and Janice can take your information. Thank you!
1st Explorers Updates
Kayla Hartman, Assistant Director, says “We’re off to a great start! We spent the first 3 days getting to know each other, going over the rules and expectations for how we will behave and treat one another at After School and, of course, a lot of playing outside.”
Next week they will begin themed days and a series on the Fruits of the Spirit. The staff will work with the children on memorizing Galatians 5:23 and focus on 3 “fruits” each week for 3 weeks. “So next week we will learn all about love, joy, and peace” says Kayla.
1st Explorers Has Some Openings
If you know of someone looking for after school care for their child grades K–6th grade, please let them know that there is still some space in 1st Explorers. The church van picks up children at Scotts Creek. Also, if they attend Fairview School, a school bus brings them to the church. The program begins August 14 and runs from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day that school is operating in full session.
For more information, contact Marina Hunley-Graham.
Joe's Window 8.21.24
By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
We’re told, “Our generation is the most connected since the beginning of humanity.” I suppose it’s true, especially in particular contexts. Because of social media I now have reconnections (most superficial) with friends with whom I’ve not spoken since graduating Asheville High School. There are cousins who two or three times a year reach out whereas before, we lost touch. But when I think about the word “connection,” most of these friends and family are still largely disconnected ... what’s happening in their lives? Has there been a death, birth, graduation or huge prayer request? But isn’t most of life lived outside of big events? Who is struggling with depression? Are they facing relationship hazards? Would they like someone to pray? These are instances of actual connectedness.
Bell Hooks said, “The choice to love is the choice to connect-to find ourselves in the other.” I’m not the only one who struggles to have this kind of deep connection.
When we close ourselves off, we narrow the realm of relationships we once enjoyed. In the Book of Acts, we read the story of Cornelius who was “saved, both he and his household.” The Greek word used here is oikos. It means realm, and it is so much larger than a family. The Greek notion of oikos is the community one encounters with regularity: your grocer, barber/beautician, the guy at the gas station, the server at your favorite restaurant, etc. Cornelius was so thoroughly changed by the Gospel, that his changed nature changed everyone around him.
As we seek out a new pastor, let us commit in fresh ways that the new pastor will find us connected deeply to one another. Let us rededicate ourselves to the Jesus idea of community. Let us enlarge ourselves by enlarging OURSELF.
– Joe
New Book Exhibit in Children’s Library
The display table this month features books about sports for a variety of ages. Look for a book about soccer, one about mountain climbing, and a classic on football!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
Nancy McConnell and Cindy Kolb had a full house on Sunday with several little ones.
We are thankful that you worked together to take care of the nursery.
Next Sunday, Heather and Jeremy Ellenburg are in charge of the nursery.
Thank you to this husband and wife team for volunteering.
We still need some folks to fill in some vacancies in the nursery.
Want to help? Call Cheryl Beck for more info.
GAs/RAs/Mission Friends to Begin on September 4
Our children in 1st Explorers and the children of the church who aren’t in the after school program have a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the work of missionaries around the world and how they can be missionaries right where they are. The groups will meet on Wednesdays when school is in session from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Sandi Allen will again lead the GAs (Girls in Action) for 2nd through 5th graders. Beverly Duncan-Midgett is in her second year as Mission Friends leader for children kindergarten through 1st grade. Right now, we are without an RA leader.
Benefit Gospel Singing for Skyland Care Center
To help raise money for a new van
Skyland Care Center's own “Songbirds” will be the opening group for this event. You don’t want to miss it!
Sponsored by: Secure in Him Ministry
Hosted by: Sheila Blackwell
When: Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Singing Groups Include: Peyton Cathey and New Generation;
His by Grace; The Clarke Kesler Singers; and Isaac’s Well
Place: First Baptist Church of Sylva | Mission and Fellowship Center
Everyone is welcome!
Summer Picnic (Potluck)
Bring your favorite dishes this Sunday, August 25 to Deep Creek Pavilion from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Please plan to attend for good food, fellowship & family fun. Please note that parking permits are required for each vehicle and can be purchased at either the kiosk on site or through the recreation.gov website. The cost of a one-day permit is $5. See you there!
August Is Family Fun Month!
Finish off Family Fun Month with a bang with some of these observances for each remaining day of the month:
August 22 is National Burger Day! Grill some up!
August 23 is Hug Your Sweetheart Day!
August 24 is National Peach Pie Day!
August 25: Go to the Church Picnic at Deep Creek!
August 26 is National Dog Day. Pamper your pooch!
August 27 is World “Rock, Paper, Scissors Day”!
August 28 is National Bow Tie Day! What fun!
August 29 is More Herbs, Less Salt Day! Get the family involved in seasoning with herbs.
August 30 is National Toasted Marshmallow Day! Put a marshmallow on a saltine and broil in the oven for a different treat!
August 31 is Eat Outside Day!
Have fun with your family!