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.
A Good Time Was Had By All at the 70+ Luncheon!
Congratulations, Emma!
Emma Burnes placed fourth in the inaugural Women's State Wrestling Tournament held recently in Greensboro. Smoky Mountain’s Wrestling Coach, Erik Wilson, praised Emma for coming back from a tough loss in the quarterfinals to pick up a win for placement. We are proud of you, Emma. Congratulations!
Joe's Window
By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
During this season of Lent, I hope we are finding our way to offloading our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes that slow us down. Further, in the absence of those things, we must be just as diligent, putting into their places thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes that deepen our faith.
Certainly part of the Lenten journey includes finding ways to strengthen the local church. Part of what I understand my place is among you includes, putting a firm foot forward in the direction of becoming something new. Remember from last week: continue doing what you’ve always done and you’ll continue getting what you’ve always gotten.
There are places in the world in which the church is bursting in growth and energy: Central and South America, much of Africa, and places in Asia. However, the European and American church is in a tailspin. We’ve been in this place for a while so, not surprisingly, many are losing hope that we can be recovered. NONSENSE!
There are pockets within the American faith community that are thriving. Mega churches have largely held their own, and in some cases, continue to grow. No offense to anyone, but I suspect much of that growth is found in the low hanging fruit of the previously involved who want to watch Church happen more than they desire to be involved in what’s happening. More about that later. Mid-sized and smaller churches with immense, hands on approaches that reach within the community that surrounds them are positioned to grow. That’s you. Due to your past strong pastoral and lay leadership, First Baptist Sylva is doing that. The question must be asked: why aren’t we growing?
Two quick thoughts, and then, more on this soon. First thought: we are growing. Each time I encounter our beautiful church, I’m surprised by the depth of faith and the loyalty of commitment found here. We have all the roots in place to move into a position of thriving. A second thought: we must learn new ways of counting. At least, for the time being, warm bodies in the pews will serve as little more than a registry of our frustration. What about the other, less countable ministries in which our church is invested. Two examples: There are children…and lots of them…who are heavily involved in our Wednesday ministries. They are hearing about Jesus. Secondly, Kaitlyn, our intern, along with others are establishing strong relationships between the Western Carolina University community and our congregation.
This great church, long before you heard my name, was already dedicated to doing things well. Yes, we are in a lean time along with most churches across the nation. (84% are in decline). WE WILL THRIVE AGAIN. However, we can’t continue doing what we’ve always done. More about that real soon.
Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!
Thank you Ally Lima, one of the After School staff, for serving in the church nursery on Sunday.
That was good practice for helping taking care of your new nephew!
On March 3, Dana Ayers will be in the nursery. Thank you, Dana!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Join Dining for Jackson to Support Jackson Neighbors in Need
On Tuesday, March 5, Dining for Jackson will work to support Jackson Neighbors in Need. We will meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Mission and Fellowship Center of Sylva First Baptist Church. We hope you will come, bring a covered dish, donate what you would pay if you ate at a restaurant, and enjoy the fellowship of folks who have a heart for the poor.
Jackson Neighbors in Need, (JNIN) was organized in November of 2009. Its main purpose was to keep people warm from November through March and not let anyone die from the cold. This idea came about when Patsy Davis was working for Mountain Projects and was helping people in the community who were having trouble paying their power bills and had exhausted all assistance with no place to turn.
One day the money came to an end. The next person in line was a grandmother trying to raise two grandchildren. Mountain Projects had to turn her away after checking with other agencies that had also exhausted all their resources. Rumor has it, that night's homework was being done by candlelight and somehow the house caught on fire. The grandmother and the two children died in the fire. That absolutely broke Patsy’s heart. So, Patsy, together with Bob Cochran, Director of the Department of Social Services at that time, with Charles McConnell, a friend concerned about people, got together and formed Jackson Neighbors in Need. The purpose of this group was to help people when they were out of money and in a bind, to keep the heat going when it was cold. Since Charlie’s death, his wife, Ruth McConnell has worked tirelessly to make sure the needs of the poor are met.
The first year the group spent about $50 per household and served about 25 families. In the year 22-23, the group served 273 families with heat at a cost of $54,214 and special needs at a cost of $13,294. Also, many generous donations from individuals in the community made it possible to give away approximately 248 blankets, scarves, hats and gloves!
United and together we can make a difference in our community! So please join us on March 5 at 11:30 a.m. and let’s work to help the needy in our county.
Pastor Search Committee Approval
The Deacons are recommending the following for the Pastor Search Committee and will seek approval from the congregation on Sunday,March 3 during worship service.
Arlin Middleton, Chair
Jay Coward
Nancy McConnell
Janet Ford
Teresa Manring
Brooke Dills
Chris Moore
Tom Graham
Carrie Nelson
Ann Melton