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.
Student Ministry Associate
First Baptist Church of Sylva is hiring a part-time position (average of 20 hours per week) for a Student Ministry Associate. This position will help guide students and their families through their unique challenges with love, encouragement and sound biblical teaching. Posting to social media focusing communications on the needs and interests of students and their families is a duty of this position. This role will also participate in Sunday worship services, personally and with students. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or be in their final year of a degreed program. This position will require some weekend and evening work. Interested applicants should email a resume to FBCSylvaRecruit@gmail.com.
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!
Joe's Window 8.28.24
By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
Brett Younger, senior minister at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. said, “We don’t think of ourselves as materialistic because we don’t want much, but we do want more. Wanting more is so American; not wanting more is so un-American.”
Coveting leaves us blind to our own wealth and the beauty that surrounds us. After spending four and a half decades in ministry I’ve discovered patterns that have transcended space and time. Most Christian people I’ve encountered who struggle with having plenty but wanting more aren’t materialistic hoarders who have unreasonable demands. No! Instead, they are troubled by a quieter, more personal struggle. They can’t enjoy their own homes for fixating on their neighbor’s house. They miss the joy of the friendships they have because they can’t figure out why one certain person doesn’t seem to desire their time. Coveting robs us of what is already ours.
If we are but consumers, we will always strive for more than we have. When we see ourselves as the children of God, when we bathe in the waters of more grace than we can possibly imagine, we discover the foundational truth that wanting what isn’t ours keeps us from seeing and celebrating what is. As Younger said, “When we covet, our lives are small and petty, but when we open our eyes to God’s goodness, we see a big, wide world. The antiddote for envy is gratitude. God wants us to stop looking at what’s on other people’s plates and love what we’ve been given.”
– Joe
Join Us for Worship!
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP ON SUNDAY MORNING AT 10:30 A.M.
IN THE SANCTUARY! ALSO JOIN US FOR
SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 9:30 A.M. FOR ALL AGES!
Our worship service will be streamed online at firstbaptistsylva.com.
Giving the Jesus Way
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!
Congregation-Wide Conversation
The Pastor Search Committee is asking our church family to put Sunday, September 15 on our calendars and to make every effort to be in attendance that day. Before we begin taking resumes, we would like to give you one more opportunity to talk about what you want in a pastor and to do so in small intimate groups that are not rushed and are quieter and more private.
So, please plan to attend this important meeting. A sandwich and chips lunch in the MFC following the worship service will be provided by the Kitchen Team and helpers. Following the meal, we will break up into small groups that will be led by members of the Pastor Search Committee. —Ann Melton
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.
Sunday School and Childcare is Available!
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!