Monday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Fall Bible Study will continue Monday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. in the Gathering Place Room. We are studying “Jesus In Me” by Anne Graham Lotz. Books are available in the church office.
Mission Moment 11.13.24
Carson and Laura Foushee
CBF Field Personnel, Kanazawa, Japan
Nestled between the Japan Alps and the Sea of Japan in Central Japan lies the city of Kanazawa. Though traditional sites and cultural activities as well as delicious seafood are a few of the reasons I love my city, what saves my life is time spent along the Saigawa (Sai River).
Snowmelt from the mountains runs down into the Sai River and is carried out to sea. Flowing through the middle of the city and located just under half a mile from our family’s home, the river features greenways on either side that go for miles. These provide space for exercise, communal gatherings and appreciation of the beauty of nature that surrounds us.
Podcasts escort me on runs as I look up at the snowy peaks, take in the clear water and search for herons, whom I affectionally call my “bird friends,” hunting for supper. I pass youth heading home from school on bicycles, couples chatting on steps leading to the water and groups of seniors playing ground golf on the floodplains.
Public parks dot the greenways and offer places for families and friends to gather. My family and I often spend weekends, our children climbing on playground equipment, pretending to fish with sticks in a tadpole pond and playing tag with school friends and their families.
Each season brings new beauty and opportunities for adventure along the Sai River. Picnics under puffy white blossoms on cherry trees in spring offer chances to deepen relationships with old friends and to make new ones. Unobstructed views of firework shows in the city and in towns in the distance light up summer evenings. Bright yellow, orange and red leaves burst forth in the trees along the banks to announce the arrival of fall. In winter, small hills and open spaces create pleasant sledding spots for all ages.
While all of this leads me to join the earth in shouts of joy to the Lord, it is the unpredictable nature of these trips that make me appreciate life along the Sai River even more. Due to its location on the west side of the mountains, coupled with unique weather patterns that come across the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is one of the rainiest extratropical cities in the world. Wet and heavy snowfalls are also a winter reality and often force me to stay indoors. Weeks sometimes go by before I find myself on the river once again.
But I know that when I return, the river, in all its beauty and opportunity, will be waiting. And this continues to give me life.
Pray, Practice, Ponder
Take a walk in a natural space today. Observe the life and beauty that abounds. Join the earth in praising our Creator God who has and continues to make all things new.
Pray. . .Give. . .Go.
A Way You Can Help
The relief needs are changing daily. The immediate needs at this time are: generators, heaters, basement dehumidifiers, Visa cards, cash, and prayers. We do not need any more clothing or cleaning supplies donated for the time being.
That said, there are so many great ways to help our WNC neighbors in need. May I offer what I heard folks saying they needed to better serve hard hit areas like Mitchell and Yancey Counties? HEAT!!!
They have ample supplies of most other things but REALLY need these on Amazon (but certainly other places, too): heaters, generators, dehumidifiers for basements, and air purifiers. Please consider this as a possible way to honor a family member or loved one for early birthday or Christmas present.
You can ask that it be shipped to: Helene Recovery Coalition, 2002 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28804. This is the staging warehouse serving WNC counties. Thank you!
Passport Youth & Passportkids
A $100 deposit is due November 30 for each child or youth attending Passport.
Please take your check or cash by the church office as soon as possible.
Please let Kaitlyn Cabaniss know if you are planning to attend Passport this year.
Spaces are limited, so please hurry and register with her.
Deck the Halls!
Join us as we transform the sanctuary and church grounds with beautiful Christmas decorations on Tuesday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday Night Bible Study
TONIGHT, Wednesday, November 13
Join us for our Wednesday evening Bible study
TONIGHT, November 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the
Gathering Place Room. There will be no meal. Join us!
Giving the Jesus Way
United Christian Ministries requests that we temporarily suspend providing supplies and instead provide monetary donations. Given the current situation with Hurricane Helene’s suppliers, the needs of clients are changing daily. A monetary donation will allow them to purchase specifically what is needed at any point in time. To donate, please drop off a check at 191 Skyland Drive or mail it to PO Box 188, Sylva, NC 28779. Thank you!
1st Explorers After-School Ministry Update
This week, we had an “Uncle Sam” week. Jay Coward came and spoke to the kids about the importance and process of voting and what is like to hold local office. We had an election of our own to elect an After School president with Ivy Abbey winning the title. We are gearing up for our Christmas program, so we had play practice as well, while the beautiful fall leaves provided a plethora of fun outside!
Three Ways You Can Help 1st Explorers
Assistant Director Kayla Hartman would love to have some folks from Sylva FBC help with the monthly Bible Q&A Time. Please see her for more details.
Anyone who would like to share a skill, present a program, read a story, etc., for After School would be most welcome. Just let Kayla know.
Snacks are always appreciated. Leave individually wrapped snacks on the cart at the back entrance to the church.
Thanksgiving Worship
Youth Game Night!
Youth game night! Calling all youth!
Join us this Friday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m.
All youth are welcome to join in the youth room.
Bring your favorite game and a friend!