Dear Friends in Christ -
A simple act of kindness creates an endless ripple! The unification that has evolved since Circles of Hope's inception is blessings upon blessings! What an inflow of love, support, and donations the people of Jackson County and those miles beyond home bestowed on our project because that ripple continues to expand and grow for those in need in our community! Praise God!
Circles of Hope is filled with gratitude for your continued support and donations. Our commitment is to reach 10% of the 9,000 people now living in poverty in this county. We all know that will truly bring positive changes.
To our Circle Leaders and those who just graduated in July 2018, Circles establishes hope, encouragement, alleviating fear of the future, instilling confidence to proceed in new directions, how to manage finances and difficult situations, and learning how to have a positive job interview.
"In other words, we may not be able to control all events that happen to us, but we can learn ways and decide not to be reduced by them." - MA
Again, we thank you from our hearts for being a rainbow in someone else's cloud! Remember our dreams are wishes, thoughts, actions, ideas, lessons, wants, and realizations, and that's exactly what you are truly helping to accomplish for our program for others! Please continue to stay connected with us!
Sincerely,
Laura Wallace
A Note from Ray Dunn
A special thank you to our church family and friends for your prayers, calls, and cards of encouragement. My new heart valve is working great and I am feeling better daily. Marlene and I hope to get to the mountains by the end of August.
Blessings,
Ray Dunn
A Note from Ruth Crawford
My heart is filled with the deepest gratitude for you - my Church Family. Your prayers, cards, phone calls, visits and food have meant so much to me these last years and have sustained me through difficult times. Your prayers for my son, Jimmy Crawford, during the time of his bereavement and his cancer surgery and treatment, have brought me such comfort. He was able to come see me for my 95th birthday. What a joy that was. Thank you so very much. Ruth Crawford
Ramp Building Crew
Before and after pictures of the work done by our church’s ramp crew. We are grateful for their willingness to help those in need in our community.
Letter from Community Table
PO Box 62 Dillsboro, NC 28725
828.586.6782
CTofJackson@gmail.com
Communitytable.org
Providing nutritious meals, in a welcoming environment, to our neighbors in need.
Dear Friends:
Thank you. These words are insufficient words, but heart-felt. In 2017 your generosity heped us serve 26,731 meals and distribute 9,523 boxes of healthy food!
It is difficult to express how much your support means to us. As the new Executive Director, I have been overwhelmed by the love and support this organization receives. The people who make up this community are astounding, and your willingness to care for your own is a blessing.
Together, we can continue to make sure no on in Jackson County goes to bed hungry.
Sincerely,
Paige Christie
Executive Director
Special Thanks to Cheryl Beck for Submitting this Story to the Sylva Herald
Colorful “Be Kind” posters have popped up in some of the store windows around Sylva recently. They are part of the “Kindness Project” mission activity from the Vacation Bible School held recently by Sylva First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Sylva, and St. John’s Episcopal Church at Bridge Park. The children created them as reminders to the public to consciously focus on being nice and helpful to others. Also to be found are “kindness rocks” in town parks. More than 90 children participated in the week-long VBS.
A Note from Roy B and Sandy McClure
In memory of Roy C McClure
We are so blessed to have such a great church family as the First Baptist Church of Sylva. It is always difficult whenever you lose a family member and especially a parent.
Thank you to Rev. Mathis for providing a Graveside Service that was befiting of my father's wishes.
The church’s Bereavement and Pastoral Care Team have been wonderful to help with any needs that we had. Even though I don’t live in Sylva, I still call FBC my church since I grew up in the church and was baptized here.
A big thanks to Ms. Tonya Lloyd, Ms. Ruth McConnell, and Ms. Holquist and other church members who were very helpful in coordinating and providing the luncheon provided at the church. A big special appreciation to Ms. Tonya Lloyd who was very caring and supportive in coordinating between our family needs and the church’s Fellowship Hall.
As you know my father, he was a very quiet and reserved person. He didn’t want his death and burial to be a big event. But he was blessed to have many family members that wanted to come to say good bye to (Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and friend) including the many wonderful church friends, hiking and bridge friends that the family needed a place to celebrate dad’s life and visitation with family and friends.
Thank you for the use of the fellowship hall and the wonderful luncheon provided by your church family. Ms. Lloyd, Ms. McConnell and Ms. Holquist were a big help.
I also want to say thank you to Mr. Proctor as he helped with a lot of our needs in Sylva. Mr. Proctor was very helpful in taking care of some our needs and the assistance that he provided.
It is so wonderful for the love and support from First Baptist Church.
Thank you for your prayers, love and support.
Love
Family of Roy C. McClure
A Note from Dianne and Greg Scott
Dear members of the Pastoral Care Team,
We cannot express to you how grateful we are to you for your continued prayer for our daughter Tracy and for us.
We are upheld by such a cloud of witnesses to the love of Christ that we feel his comfort in the midst of such a long battle for Tracy. She remains stable at this time. We remain with her in Virginia as she and her son need help to care for her and to run her household affairs.
Thank you for your kind hearts and faithful prayers.
In Christ's love,
Dianne and Greg Scott
Change of Plans
Due to our church’s efforts to provide care for the families who are grieving losses at this time, we are postponing our ‘Supper on the Grounds and Ice Cream Making Competition’ from Sunday, July 15th until Sunday, July 29th.
At present, the hospitality and care that we provide our bereaved loved ones takes precedence over our evening of fun. At our core, we are a people who loves and serves. Our fellowship together on Sunday, July 29th will be all the richer for it.
Thank you for the countless ways you love one another, First Baptist Church. I am grateful and inspired by the way in which you ‘love kindness.’
Rev. Jeff Mathis
A Note from Lorie Meservey
Dear Congregation,
Thank you so much for your extremely generous gift in my honor on Sunday, June 3. It was a totally wonderful surprise! I am truly honored to be the organist of this great church. Thank you again and please forgive my tardiness in getting this written. May God continue to bless you all.
In His service,
Lorie Meservey