1st Explorers After-School Ministry Update

1st Explorers finished up their Fruits of the Spirit series with gentleness, faithfulness, and self control.  The story of the woman caught in betraying her husband demonstrated how Jesus showed extreme gentleness.  Joseph's story in the Old Testament showed faithfulness to God through all the hardships he endured.  Curtis Collins with the Health Department finished off the series with a discussion on self control.  

On Thursday, Cheryl Beck gave the children a tour of the sanctuary and the various elements of worship.  They particularly enjoyed seeing the story of Jesus on the stained glass windows.  Mrs. Beck invited the kids and their families to attend  Sunday School and worship at FBC.

On Friday, Marina Hunley-Graham led play practice for the Christmas performance.  Many of the kids were excited to add their talents to the show with three of the girls spending the rest of the day choreographing a dance for it.

Thanks for the snacks church members have been providing.  One of our favorite recipes so far has been a yogurt parfait in an ice cream sugar cone!

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 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 9.18.24

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

Sunday School and Childcare is Available!

Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!

It was a tag team day in the nursery with several people working together to provide
care for the five children in the nursery. Thank you to Carrie Nelson, Sarah Davis,
and Cheryl Beck for working during Sunday school and worship.  

Sandi and Lexi Allen provided care during the Conversations luncheon. 
Thank you for volunteering at the last minute!

On September 22, Beth and Lucie Moore will be in charge of the nursery.  

We appreciate all those who give of their timeto make the nursery a safe and loving space.

Passportkids and Passport Youth 2025

It isn't too early to start making plans for next year's Passport experiences.  In fact, the church has to register by October 1!  If you are interested in attending Passportkids (completed grade 3 through 6th grade) or Passport Youth (7th through 12th grades), please let Cheryl Beck know by September 25.

Wednesday Night Bible Study to Resume Next Week!

Join us for our Wednesday evening Bible study! After enjoying last week’s potluck dinner together, we will resume our Bible study time this Wednesday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m. in the MFC. There will be no meal. Join us!

Mission Moment 9.18.24

Delores Stimpson
Global Service Corps, North Carolina

We all have the freedom to make plans for our life. We may be thinking about college, families and careers; but we must also have faith and trust in God that our steps will be established according to the plan that God made for us before we were formed in our mother’s womb. When we follow God, we will find our purpose. God instructs us in the path we should follow; but we often desire to control our lives, predicting the outcome. God directs us according to God’s plan and watches to make sure we stay on the right path.

I developed the plan that I thought was right for me. What I learned early in my career is that God was executing God’s plan. While I enjoyed my work and career, my joy was in forming intense relationships with others that were very fulfilling. My spiritual life was intertwined closely with my work life and I needed both every day! Demonstrating care and compassion for others, growing relationships, mentoring, encouraging others offering support and praying for and with others, is much more than a job. A job is also a mission and working for God gives more joy and comfort than ever imagined!

After leaving the workplace, I asked God, “What next?” I became restless, but I prayed and waited. God led me to Welcome House Ministry, then to manage the Welcome House ministry across the Research Triangle, North Carolina Region, and now to volunteer as a CBF Global Services Corps Post-Career Field Representative. 

I will follow God and the purpose God designed for me.

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.

Gotta Flute, Trombone, Trumpet...?

The band program at Scotts Creek School is really growing, and they are in desperate need of band instruments.  If you or someone you know has a flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, snare drum, or bell set and are willing to donate them, please contact Brooke Dills.

RA (Royal Ambassador) Leader Needed

Job Description:  Would meet with the young men in grades two to six on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.  Work on character building, missions education, teamwork. Build in fun and active play, too!  Requires someone with a love for children, has lots of patience, and likes having fun.  Materials are provided by WMU.  Please see Gaye Buchanan for more information.