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!

Grits and Sausage Casserole

Ingredients
2 cups water
1/2 cup uncooked grits
4 cups grated cheddar cheese
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound sausage

Instructions
Cook sausage, drain.  Cook grits in 2 cups water.  Mix all ingredients.  Pour into 13”x9” baking pan.  Let set overnight in refrigerator.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 50-55
minutes.

– Provided by Ruth McConnell

Grits and Sausage Casserole

Click here to download a printable version.

--Provided by Ruth McConnell

A Message from Carol Cloer to the Youth at First Baptist Church

We have all been on long journeys. We think of them in terms of vacations, trips to Grandma’s house and major events or big venues like ballgames and amusement parks. Journeys also include changes in our normal routine. A Journey can be physical, but it can also be spiritual. We are all on our own spiritual journeys. Sometimes our paths cross with others and we travel together for a time and then move on. When the time comes to go, it can be challenging for both the one leaving to continue their personal journey and those they leave behind, with whom they have traveled for a time. 

As most of you know by now, that time has come for me. I pray all the best for you guys. I challenge you to be strong as you are confronted with things in life that might cause you to stumble. Be brave when you are faced with circumstances that are new or difficult. Hold on to your faith and each other when the road is hard and lift each other up daily in prayer. Be a family of faith that supports each other in trials and celebrates with each other in triumphs. By supporting each other through your daily lives and holding each other accountable in love, you will all grow stronger in your faith. 

I wish you all the best as our journeys part. I know that you all have great things ahead of you and l look forward to hearing from you as you grow into the amazing 20 somethings I know you will be! 

Remember when Peter saw Jesus walking on the water during the storm? Peter said, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus answered, “Come.” At first, Peter was doing pretty well. Bur do you remember what happened next? Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and started watching the waves and he began to sink. The lesson is, keep your eyes on Jesus! Encourage each other and help each other keep your eyes on Him as you walk the path that God has laid out for you, both individually and together! 

You will be in my prayers always. 

In Christ, Carol 

Please join us for a reception immediately following Worship
on Sunday, September 24 as we thank Carol Cloer for her ministry with us. 

Clothing Donations Needed

We have a clothes closet for our students in need at Jackson Community School and are currently in need of belts (both male & female), bras/sports bras in larger sizes (L, XL, 2XL). Also, hot weather clothing such as shorts, short sleeve tops, etc. in larger sizes.

I hope we can collect some donations of these items with the help of our congregation. There will be a collection box in the Loving Kindness Room. Thank you for your consideration. –Brooke Drum

Youth Newsletter

Click HERE to view the spring youth newsletter!

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! 

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.

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.

Dawnings Begins Next Wednesday, September 20

Our first of four congregational meetings will be Wednesday, September 20th beginning at 6:00 PM in the Mission and Fellowship Center. A blessing for our potluck meal together will be at 5:30 PM. 

Childcare will be provided for children up through the fifth grade in our nursery. Youth are encouraged to be a part of our congregational meeting in the MFC alongside adults. 

Dawnings is a narrative-based approach for personal and congregational visioning and discernment. Our four congregational meetings this fall will help us determine together who God is calling us to be and what God is calling us to do. Our entire church's participation in this process is critical to our determining what our future will look like. 

"This is what God says,

  the God who builds a road right through the ocean,

  who carves a path through pounding waves,

The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—

  they lie down and then can’t get up;

  they’re snuffed out like so many candles:

“Forget about what’s happened;

  don’t keep going over old history.

Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.

  It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?" Isaiah 43:16-19

Brian Foreman, the Coordinator of Congregational Ministries for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, comments that "These last two lines of scripture are both encouragement and command. The former encourages us to remember that God is still in control. The latter reminds us of our responsibility to notice and join God in doing something brand new."

"Dawnings is a congregational resource that helps you accomplish both of these things. By leaning into a spiritual discernment process through listening and responding to stories, your congregation will open itself to its place in God's sacred story for the community."

"Congregational postures of prayer and curiosity cultivate a sense of calling, not just for the congregation, before individuals as well. What better way to "be alert, be present," and to be a part of the "something brand new" God is doing!"

Giving the Jesus Way

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!