By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
Last week I spoke of the bursting colors autumn brings. Already, we are moving through fall toward Advent. These four months take a good-bit of planning but the rewards of being together are more than worth it. Just take a look:
Our Autumn Welcome Back Potluck is TONIGHT, September 18.
World Communion Day will be observed Sunday, October 6.
Our annual Homecoming Day is October 13.
We’ll observe All Saints Day November 3.
Our Shared Community Thanksgiving gathering and service (along with Sylva First Presbyterian and Sylva First United Methodist) happens Sunday, November 24.
Sunday, December 1 is the First Sunday in Advent, followed by so many wonderful opportunities for worship, friendship and joy.
For most Christian congregations, the four months ahead are delightful, filled with anticipation. Unlike sporting events and concerts where tickets must be purchased in advance, we rejoice that those choosing to participate in worship/fellowship do so without expending resources (yes, we are grateful for your tithes, but those matters are between you and God). There are no ticket booths at our doors. The moment you enter the space being utilized for worship or gathering, your very presence brings smiles. Why? Because we know that you have choices and with intention, you’ve chosen to come alongside other believers, here. Yes, your presence is a gift, and it is assuredly not taken for granted.
With that in mind, allow me to close with a challenge: what if, with the same attitude and zeal, we chose to invite others to join us for these Autumn opportunities. I suspect some would come once, be grateful, and move on. But there is a very real possibility that some, upon discovering you, would choose to come alongside you regularly. After all, didn’t you, at some point in the past have a first visit to First Baptist, Sylva? Boy, that would be something ... it really would.
– Joe
