Mission Moment 9.4.24

Ellen Sechrest 
CBF Director for Mission Engagement, GA

When I think of prayer, it often seems complex. But in reality, it’s simple. The ways I prayed as a child were honest and simple. As a youth, I was encouraged to pray and use a devotional guide, and I did so without fail. I was a rule follower and didn’t want to disappoint God. 

My youth minister, Ty, told us once that sometimes we may not be able to pray because of a situation in our lives, but to know that someone else is praying for us when we can’t. I struggled with that because I thought I should always be able to pray. My dear youth mentor, Bill (a woman) always told us she was praying for us by name. I thought that was sweet, but not until later would I understand the importance.

My Grandma Mize was a faithful pray-er. She always signed her cards: ”With love and prayers, Grandma.” She was a poor woman of simple means, but with a great understanding of the power or prayer which made her rich.

Then came college and seminary. With so much work to do, you’d think I would have prayed all the time. But I would go for long periods of time not praying. Those were the days in the valley when I remembered that Bill, Grandma, my mother and others were praying for me when it seemed words escaped me. I finally understood why we needed others praying for us.

While serving as a church minister, I wrote a lot of prayers for worship and experiences. At times it was hard because I wanted to say the right words and would fret over them. Then I saw the movie Shadowlands, about the life of C.S Lewis. One of his quotes is, “I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” I yearned for that prayer to flow out me all the time.

Now at age 58, I find myself back to my childhood way of praying. Simple conversations with God. Praying for others. Listening. It’s not the words that matter so much, it’s the time I spend with God that is life changing. 

I am praying for you, my sisters and brothers.

Pray. . .Give. . .Go.

1st Explorers After-School Ministry Report

Kayla Hartman, assistant director of 1st Explorers, reports that the children are continuing to learn about the Fruits of the Spirit focusing on patience, kindness, and goodness.  Curtis Collins came from the Health Department to speak on patience and a very lively discussion about patience and kindness ensued.  Kayla says that the children were very engaged in talking about this topic.

Tuesday was “Tasty Tuesday,” and counselor Claudia led the group in making yogurt parfaits in sugar cones, which the kids loved.  On Wednesday, Anne Sullivan did a story time about Sabrina the Flying Squirrel.  The children really enjoyed the story.

The week concluded with Christian Hartman speaking on goodness and challenging the 1st Explorers to show goodness to all those around them.  Following his visit, the children watched the movie “Inside Out 2” and looked for things they had been discussing in the character Joy and her relationship to anxiety as it can be a good picture of Biblical joy overcoming anxiety.

Thanks to all those who have contributed snacks to after school.  Apples, yogurt, oranges, and graham crackers have been huge favorites so far this year!  Kayla says they are in need of plastic cutlery and paper plates if anyone would like to donate these.

The makings of the yogurt parfait.

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.

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!

First Baptist Church of Sylva, 669 West Main Street, Sylva, NC, 28779, United States828-586-2095fbcsylva@gmail.com

First Baptist Church of Sylva

669 West Main Street | Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-2095

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!

 
 

Copyright © 2016 First Baptist Church of Sylva. All Rights Reserved.  |  Asheville Web Design & Development by The Web Shepherds.

Cart (0)