Deacon Benevolence Fund at FBC

“This fund exists primarily to serve as a source of financial aid to church members in need of emergency financial assistance. However, it may also be used to assist others if deemed appropriate by the committee responsible for the administration of the fund." (Updated and adopted by Board of Deacons, August 23, 2015).

The committee responsible for administering funds follow established guidelines which includes vouchers or payments to third parties. No money is given directly to an individual/family approved for aid."

At this time our available funds are low. To assist with replenishing our resources:

1. Deacons have begun collecting donations at each of their monthly meetings.

2. Deacons are reinstating collection of funds after each observance of the Lord's Supper which is once each quarter. At the conclusion of these services, Deacons will be stationed at the doors of our sanctuary for the congregation to make donations. Our next communion is scheduled for this Sunday, July 30.

When searching for the meaning of Benevolence we find these words: being truly concerned for the welfare of others; kindness; goodwill; desiring to do good to others; generosity; and, love directed to others.

*Please come prepared to help increase our Benevolence Fund on Sunday, July 30.

Mission Moment 7.26.23

Jenny Jenkins

CBF Field Personnel in Grand Goâve, Haiti

 When I think of where prayer started in my life, I realize that it has always been there— even before I was born. My first memory of prayer was the blessing at the dinner table. It was a prayer of thanksgiving. Prayer was a part of the fabric of our lives. As I grew, the most significant prayer I can remember was the prayer asking Jesus into my life and accepting His grace and forgiveness. It changed my life forever—even In ways I could not see at the time.

My belief is that prayer is meant to be a continuous conversation with God, drawing us into closer relationship with God. Oswald Chambers talks about prayer being worship and a chance to form the mind of Christ in us. But I think for most of us, it is a way to tell God what we think is best and to ask God’s blessings on our plans and wants. 

What is amazing is the way God works even in our selfish motivation to pull us closer. And at some point, I started to realize the wonderful blessing in the requests that were answered “no” or “wait.” At the time, I didn’t like it, but when I looked back at the journey, I start to realize how God was bumping me into the path God had intended for me and I am then grateful God didn’t let me marry that cute guy in my first period class or give me that fancy dress. I never thought I would be grateful for what seemed like missed opportunities and failures and closed doors; but through all the answered prayers. God was furthering God’s plan for my life.

When I heard God’s call for my life in Haiti, prayer took on even more significance and importance. I have learned more from the Haitian people about really praying for daily needs, crying and reaching out to God in pain and hardship, as well as praising and thanking God. I was humbled by what I experienced and again realized that God was yet again bringing me closer and drawing me into deeper relationship. God was taking me to a place where I had to depend on and trust HIM. And that was truly the point of prayer— not to receive things or accomplish things but relating more deeply to God—to get to know HIM, to hear HIM.

And my prayer life is ever evolving and changing. This past year, I learned to ask God what my prayers should be—for whom and for what I should pray. I pray that it is a continuous conversation that never ends. It is ongoing and fluid, drawing me ever closer to God.

Pray. . .Give. . .Go.

Save the Date! Homecoming 2023 Is Sunday, October 15

We are thrilled to announce a very special Homecoming celebration as we honor Dr. Bob Holquist for his remarkable 40 years of dedicated service as our Minister of Music. This momentous occasion calls for a grand reunion, and we are calling all FBC Choir alumni to join us in this joyous event.

On Homecoming Sunday, we will gather on October 15 in worship to celebrate Dr. Holquist's incredible contributions to our church and community. Prepare your vocal cords, as all former FBC Choir members are invited to return and raise their voices during the 10:30 AM worship service. Let us fill the sanctuary with the harmonious sounds of praise and gratitude!

In addition to the exciting reunion of our FBC Choir, we are honored to welcome former FBC pastor, Rev. Ed Beddingfield to fill our pulpit. Presently serving as the pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek, NC, Rev. Beddingfield will grace our service with his leadership. 

After the worship service, we will continue the festivities with a feast for the ages in the Mission and Fellowship Center. It will be a time of fellowship, laughter, and reunion. This is an opportunity not to be missed as we commemorate Dr. Holquist's extraordinary tenure and the impact he has made on our church family.

Please help us spread the word about Homecoming 2023. In particular, share this announcement with any FBC Choir alumni or former members of our congregation who may not be aware of this special Homecoming celebration. Let's come together to make this day truly spectacular!

Save the date, mark your calendars, and join us on October 15 for a day filled with reunion, celebration, and gratitude. We look forward to seeing you there!

Reading Challenge for Children in Grades 1–5

First through fifth graders are encouraged to read a book a week in our 8-week challenge starting June 18th.  See Cheryl Beck for a calendar where you will record the books you read.  At the end of the challenge, prizes will be awarded.  Be sure and check out the church library for some great new titles.  Find some books you like and get lost in the world of reading!

Send Us Your Prayer List Updates

fbcsylvapray@gmail.com 

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!

Communion in Worship This Sunday

Join us in worship THIS Sunday, July 30,
for worship and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

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!

The CDC recommends that you wear a mask indoors.
Maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others.

Our worship service will be streamed online at firstbaptistsylva.com.

Flowers for Sanctuary

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.

Recipes Appreciated!

Each week we include a recipe in the Church Chimes and we hope that you are enjoying reading and trying them. You can add your favorite recipes to the Chimes by sending them to Cheryl Beck at cabeck@ncsu.edu. This is an ongoing WMU project.

Thanks for participating!