United Christian Ministries is in need of pasta sauce, ramen, pancake syrup, applesauce (6-pack individual cups), and laundry detergent. To donate items, please drop them off at UCM’s building at 191 Skyland Drive. Thank you!
Free Hostas
On Sunday, July 30, after the service, stop by the hospitality table in front fo the church. Enjoy refreshments and fellowship with your church family….and take a Hosta home for your garden to remember the day by!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
Thank you to Vanessa Bryson and David McDonald for working in the nursery on July 23.
You are always so willing to help!
On July 30, Beth Moore is in charge of the nursery. We appreciate you, Beth!
There is still room on the schedule to serve “the least of these”
on Sunday mornings. It is a blessing to see their smiles and enthusiasm as you spend
time with our infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Please contact Cheryl Beck (cabeck@ncsu.edu) if you would like to help.
Women’s Missionary Union Regional Annual Meeting
Ladies! The Women’s Missionary Union regional Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Lighthouse Baptist Church on Hwy 441 S from 9-12. The cost is $15. The meetings are very interesting and since it is being held 4 miles from our church, it would wonderful for us to go. We will have wonderful speakers and it would be an excellent way to meet other WMU members in our county and Western NC. Hope you can attend! If you need help with your reservation, please call Gaye at 828-506-3270. To make your reservation yourself, send an email to assistlbc@frontier.com.
The Hospitality Table After Worship Is Back!
Sign up here to provide goodies and beverages on Sunday mornings after worship.
When we are hospitable, our congregation can become a church on the sidewalk after worship while munching on a cookie or sipping fruit punch. Click here and find a Sunday to host our Hospitality Table!
Pool Party for Children and Families THIS Sunday!
THIS Sunday, July 30, right after church, all families with children through 5th grade are invited to a pool party at the home of Jeff and Melanie Joiner. We will have a pizza lunch (Dutch treat) and have fun cooling off in the pool.
Please let Cheryl Beck know if you are coming.
Youth Newsletter
Click HERE to view the spring youth newsletter!
August Birthdays
Jim Campbell (August 19)
Mike Taylor (August 21)
Dennis Wilkey (August 26)
Jerry Parker (August 28)
Chris Maney (August 29)
Cindy Parker (August 30)
Myrna Campbell (August 30)
Truman Joiner (August 30)
Shirley Kool (August 5)
Bruce Frazier (August 8)
Marie Leatherwood (August 8)
Mattie Moore (August 8)
Bodhi Joiner (August 9)
Nancy McConnell (August 10)
Linda Stewart (August 15)
Don Kennedy (August 16)
Linda Phelps (August 18)
The Significance of “Church Family”
I want to thank Jeff for his complimentary remarks concerning my tenure as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Sylva. I certainly have been blessed during my service here, which began on 9/18/83. It has been my pleasure to serve along with Dr. John Bunn, Dr. Hal Salisbury, Dr. Bunn (yes, again), Rev. Roger Williams, Rev. Ed Beddingfield, Rev. Jack Hinson, Dr. Wayne Hill, Dr. Jack Bishop, Rev. Kenny Bird, Dr. Bill Henderson, and Dr. Mathis. (I might have missed an interim pastor, or two??). I have loved and prayed for all of them, and have worked together effectively in worship planning and several other ministries of the church. One of the main reasons I have remained in this leadership role is the support of the music staff and the choir members through the years. We work diligently to prepare musical presentations, but it takes a level of talent and commitment that many congregations do not have available. The tradition of excellence in music was well established before I was hired, and our pastors and members of the congregation value and appreciate the music ministry we offer. Thank you for that continued support!
One of the preparations that I am doing, looking forward to the Homecoming '23 event, is calling former choir members, inviting them to join us for this occasion. Many of these names are former WCU students (over 70) along with another 40 who have moved from here, or are attending other churches. Of course, it is wonderful to hear their voices again, and to catch up on news they have to share. So many of them have made a special point of recalling what it meant to them to be part of a community of worshiping Christians during their student days. They developed friendships and relationships with people in the church. They came to our church, because I asked them to sing in the choir (or because they asked me if they could come to sing in the choir), but they established a church life at Sylva FBC during their student days. That was very significant, and the members of our congregation always made them feel welcome in so many ways.
My family, and Barb's family live in northern Wisconsin, nearly 1,100 miles from us. This church family has always been important to us, because you are the people we are closest to, beyond our biological families. The distance factor has been an issue for many things, although advances in technology have made things much more convenient, concerning communication. This body of believers has often provided the support we needed, and our closest friendships are among the members of the church. Make no mistake--church family relationships are very important. They should not be taken for granted, and should be nourished. There's no doubt that your relationships with those who who are no longer here has made a lasting positive impression. I am sure that these recipients of graciousness have passed on the kindness.
Bob Holquist
Minister of Music
Next Men’s Breakfast is THIS Saturday, July 29
Men and boys, guests and friends, join us as we gather for some good food and fellowship at our next Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, July 29.