Joe's Window 9.11.24
By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
I
t’s happening even as my fingers dance on the keyboard. The morning and evening air is cool, the leaves are no longer vibrantly green (some are even colorful), and the sense that autumn is here is freeing. It is a splendid time of year. We’ve shared winter (I came to you February 1), spring and summer. And now, we embark on the fall foliage journey when all around us, mountains turn into a palate of bursting color.
Many of us are old enough now to understand that the seasons of nature are mimicked in our very beings. We once were young and filled with spit and vinegar. Now, we find ourselves puzzled that everything is moving so swiftly. Once we had ambition and fresh ideas only to find them replaced with aches and pains.
Isn’t it refreshing though, to discover that slowing down isn’t threatening. Yes, it sounds ominous, but it isn’t. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly upon wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
In fact, who would argue that forest leaves are at their most striking beauty as the end of their journey approaches. Green becomes red and yellow, peach and orange. Drabness becomes brilliance.
More than a few have remarked in my presence, “our church is mainly older folks.” I say, celebrate that. Use these days when our flames are brighter than ever before to become light in the paths of searchers. Embrace these days when we are moving less swiftly, allowing us to enjoy the beauty we once were too busy to notice. Prove to those younger than our “average congregant” (there’s nothing average about any of you) that they are needed more than ever and we are wiser and more available to assist them, than ever.
First Baptist Sylva has a very bright future. However, with all things futuristic, we must have a sure foundation. We do! Thanks be to God.
– Joe
Giving the Jesus Way
United Christian Ministries is in need of: shampoo (prefer 2-in-1 shampoo & conditioner), body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, child diapers (all sizes), cereal, spaghetti sauce and spaghetti noodles. To donate items, please drop them off at UCM’s building at 191 Skyland Drive. Thank you!
Preschoolers Through 5th Graders' Art Exhibition: God’s Wonderful World
Parents of children in this age group: Using the theme "God's Wonderful World," please work with your little one to draw, paint, or craft something that we can display on a bulletin board at church through October. They could use handprints or footprints, recycled materials, natural materials (leaves, etc.), or any other ideas you have. All who participate will be recognized. Please check with Cheryl Beck for more details.
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.
Hands on Jackson
Hands On Jackson will be on Thursday, October 10. We had very good participation last year and are hoping to do as well—or even better—this year! Please contact Team Leader Harold Messer at 828-506-2344 and leave a message if you are willing to volunteer your time to do some landscaping or general clean-up for neighbors in our community. You may also call the church office at 828-586-2095, and Janice can take your information. Thank you!
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.
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!
Thank You
A special thanks goes out to Gwen Messer for her wonderful decorating talents. She handmade the two large wreaths on either side of the baptistry. Plus, she made our whole sanctuary look beautiful for fall. We appreciate you, Gwen!
Church Homecoming
Join us on Sunday, October 13, for our homecoming celebration and worship. More information to come!