Church member Carey Phillips was recently honored for his 42-year streak of attending and reporting on Smoky Mountain High School athletics. He covered 1,102 consecutive women’s basketball games during his tenure, a record sure to remain unbroken! Congratulations, Carey, on a career well-lived. First Baptist Church of Sylva is proud of the example you set and to call you a fellow member.
1st Explorers After-School Ministry Update
Assistant After School Director Kayla Hartman reports that 1st Explorers had a great week of learning about kindness and patience. In Chapel on Monday, Cheryl Beck shared the story of Ruth; Tuesday’s Chapel centered around the difference in niceness and kindness and the children were encouraged to THINK before speaking, 1st Explorers Alex Wittekind and Maddox Howell led Chapel and did a wonderful job sharing the story of “The Boy Who Shared HIs Lunch.”
Missions Friends and GAs made Valentine cards for nursing home residents on Wednesday, while RAs got to practice their sportsmanship in a lively game of kickball. RAs also welcomed two WCU students, James and Christian, who have volunteered to help with this mission group. Thank you to Andrew Beck for leading RAs for several weeks.
Rounding out the week, Curtis from the Health Department shared the importance of having patience with others. On Friday, the children shared their favorite part of the week and the most challenging part of the week, then finished off with a movie.
Below:
(From Left to Right) Sawyer Anderson was welcomed back to 1st Explorers in February; The newly installed tire swing is enjoyed by Ava and the other children in 1st Explorers; Maddox and Alex leading chapel.
Ages 70+ Lunch to Be Hosted by Children of the Church
If you are 70 years of age or older, have we got a meal for you! The children of the church invite you to a "Blooming Into Spring" lunch right after worship on Sunday, February 25, in the Mission and Fellowship Center. They are preparing a simple but tasty meal and providing entertainment to boot! It will be a good time to fellowship with new and old friends.
Please let us know that you are coming by calling the church office at 828-586-2095!
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
Thank you, Brooke Drum for subbing in the nursery this past Sunday. Thank you for your willingness to help!
On February 18, Sandi Allen will be in charge of the nursery. We appreciate your help, Sandi!
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.
Send Us Your Prayer List Updates
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.
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!
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!
Mission Moment 2.14.24
Dianne McNary
CBF Offering for Global Missions Advocate, Arkansas
During the past year, I had some incredible emotional and spiritual lows. I was suffering burnout. I needed something, but wasn’t sure what. I wanted to read and study, but didn’t know where to start. I couldn’t pray, I couldn’t sing. My voice was strangled and cut off.
Finally, I admitted I couldn’t drag myself out of this hole. I reached out for help from my husband and CBF’s member care folks. Through guided discussions and prayer, some meds and time, I began to come out of the fog. I made the decision to spend some dedicated time restoring my relationship with God. During this process, I found “T” who agreed to be my spiritual director.
Previously, I was uncomfortable with the idea of spiritual direction. What is that? Why would I need this? But at this time in my life, I realized that I needed a little help and my experience has been nothing but positive.
I have a place to talk through my thoughts without judgment;
to cry or laugh;
to share my highs and lows;
to have someone to reflect back what I am saying;
and to ask questions that I may not have considered,
or am afraid to ask.
I’m so thankful that the suggestion was made and that God led me to a good match for me. Praise for member care and the concern they show for our field personnel daily. Pray for an accepting environment that allows Christians to seek guidance when it’s needed.
Pray. . .Give. . .Go.
Adjusted Office Hours
The office hours for Wednesday have changed
to noon to 5:00 p.m. All other days remain the same.
Dr. Yelton will be in the church office from
2:00 – 5:00 p.m. each Wednesday afternoon.
New Office Hours
Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday: Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
More Good News
Baptist Student Fellowship students at WCU of which our intern, Kaitlyn Cabaniss, is a member, have been invited to join us each first Wednesday evening of the month continuing March 6 during spring semester.
They will share our delicious potluck (5:15 – 6:00 p.m.), rich fellowship, and enlightening evening Bible Study (6:00-6:45 p.m.) led by our new interim pastor, Joe Yelton. So ... when preparing your best foods, bring extra for our guests! Spending time dining together around our tables will give us the opportunity to engage in conversation as we begin showing our love and support for these our young fellow Christians who are living and learning away from home. Let’s welcome them in a BIG way with open hearts and the warmth of Christian love.