The First Baptist Church of Redlands
T A PE S T R Y
APR 2020
Wo v e n To g e t h e r I n L o v e : C o l o s s i a n s 2 : 2
It Will Be Easter!
A Message from Pastor Shawn
Issue No. 4
What a month this has been! I can’t think of anything that has been like this season of living with the crisis of COVID-19. It is a time that is testing us as a nation, as a global community, and as a church. As I write this article in the middle of March in order to meet the deadline for April 1 delivery, I am anticipating that we are looking at more weeks ahead of us with limited physical access to each other. This means that we will not be able to meet with one another physically for the activities that we observe and celebrate at this most important season in the church year. I will miss the Holy Week activities of Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday. I will miss the ecumenical gathering that we have come to appreciate for Good Friday. It is unbelievable that we will not be able to be together physically for worship to celebrate Easter. In my 60+ years of life, I have never experienced anything like this. It has been, and continues to be, really difficult! The struggles that many of us have faced during this time are only compounded by our not being able to be with each other in the ways that we are accustomed. Some of us may be struggling with illness, while others are struggling financially, and all of us with the anxiety of so many unknowns and knowns! In all of this, God is near. I pray that each of us has become aware of God’s presence and power in our lives in unexpected ways. I pray that we have been an encouragement to someone in our lives. I pray that our children have developed character that will continue to grow in ways that will make this world a better place in the future. I pray that we all have been given a stronger sense of mission that is connected to the Kingdom of God. This will end and we will gather again to worship. And when we do, IT WILL BE EASTER! Whatever the date, we will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and what it means to us and to the world! New life will rise out of the ashes of grief, struggle, illness, anxiety and difficulty. As we wait for that day, and the new days to follow, may we continue to be faithful to trust and serve our Lord. May the world see the Church be what God has intended and empowered us to be. Let us continue to encourage one another during this time as we look to the day when we will celebrate Easter together again! The Lord has Risen! Jesus has risen, indeed! Be strong in the Lord! In Christ, Pastor Shawn
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COVER 1 A Message from Pastor Shawn : “It Will Be Easter!”
MISSION
2 Staff and Contents
7 Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Haiti, Congo, China
F E L LOWS H I P
MINISTRY
8 “Two Hymn Texts” courtesy of Richard W. Steffen
3 Pastor Nick : “New Life and New Times” 4 Richard W. Steffen: “Who is on MY Side?”
NEWS
5 Prayer to God
10 Church News
6 Children’s Ministry
11 April Calendar
S TA F F Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows Senior Pastor shawn@fbcredlands.org
Nathan Jones Youth Director youth@fbcredlands.org
Nicholas Quient Associate Pastor nicholas@fbcredlands.org
Angel Florence Office Administrator angel@fbcredlands.org
Rev. Cheryl Sneller Director of Children’s Ministry cheryl@fbcredlands.org
Isa Terrell Communications Specialist isa@fbcredlands.org
Richard W. Steffen Minister of Music rwsteffen@gmail.com
Richard Colunga Buildings/Grounds
Linda Gentile Organist
The Tapestry is published monthly by The First Baptist Church of Redlands, 51 West Olive Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373. All material for the Tapestry should be typed and emailed no later than the 15th of each month to tapestry@fbcredlands.org. If you would like to be added or removed from the Tapestry mailing list, please email tapestry@ fbcredlands.org. Current and previous Tapestry issues are available in digital format at issuu.com/fbcr.
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Telephone: 909-793-3289 Web: www.fbcredlands.org Email: admin@fbcredlands.org
Office Hours Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. I 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MI N I S T RY
New Life and New Times Pastor Nick Quient
Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. 5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. 4
Psalm 126:4-6 (NRSV)
Well, it has been a week, friends! When we were in staff some recent time back, we talked about a theme of sorts to guide our writing for the Tapestry. I forget who, but someone suggested “new life” as a theme for us, and little did I know how personal and true that theme would be for all of us. Amidst the state of emergency declared by Governor Newsom and the general TP panic of 2020, we welcomed a new life into the world! Nolan Michele Quient was born Saturday morning at 3:48am and we were discharged from the hospital on Sunday afternoon after Nolan and Allison were cleared to leave. New life, it seems, finds a way. New life is the reality of God’s gentle work in creation, bringing what was small to greatness. How can we be people of life where ever we go? In the midst of all that is going on, I think we need to be honest with how difficult it is. I know it is difficult for me, especially knowing that it will be some time. But, on the other hand, how sweet it will be to all be back together again. The anticipation is both joyful and genuine, and I know we’re all waiting to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord together soon. But, while we walk through the vales and the wilderness, we know we are not alone. May the Lord restore us, empower us, protect us, and use us for great and wondrous things. May our sense of new life be a sign of the new times, where God’s Spirit works and reconciles. May the Lord be with us and may we sense God’s kindness together. We are not alone. You are not alone.
Let them know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth. Psalm 83:18 (NRSV)
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Who is on MY Side? by Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music There have been times of fear and uncertainty throughout human history. And we know about people of faith that have experienced those times in their lives. There was Job: “I shout for help, God, and get nothing, no answer! I stand to face you in protest, and you give me a blank stare!” (Job 30:20 MSG) There was the psalmist: “Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 NIV) And there is this prayer for the end of the exile: “I thirst for you, the living God. When can I go and worship in your presence? Day and night I cry, and tears are my only food; all the time my enemies ask me, ‘Where is your God?’ ” (Psalm 42:23 NRSV) There was Jeremiah who asked in his anguish: “Is this nothing to all you who pass by? Look around: Is there any suffering like the suffering inflicted on me, the grief that the Lord caused on the day of his fierce anger?” (Lamentations 1:12 CEB) And the disciples standing at the foot of the cross when Jesus cried out in a loud voice: “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 NIV) I don’t know how our family community will physically be worshipping when you read this. We will worship together, although now I don’t know when. We are beginning our work to provide opportunities for worship in a digital manner, and I am learning much. But this has been a perplexing week; for me personally, it’s been confusing. How did I go from hearing the glorious 300 voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir on March 7 to wondering if tomorrow will be our last worship service in the sanctuary for a while. (I will always be grateful to FBC for the wonderful opportunity to pursue my continuing education this year at the ACDA Western Division conference in Salt Lake City.) How did I return to Redlands less than a week ago so excited about preparing our children’s choirs to process down our center aisle carrying palms on Palm Sunday? And about the Worship Choir’s sharing of their Easter Special Music: “This Is a Day of Rejoicing”? And about choosing just the right Mother’s Day selection? (Oh, the troubles and worries of a choir director!) We will rejoice together again in our sanctuary; in the meantime, we will worship: through prayers and scripture and songs and sermon using a DVD, through prayers over the phone with each other, and through personal communion with God in study and in song.
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The lyrics of a selection the Worship Choir had been working on this winter for a Sunday in March is constantly in my thoughts these days. Poet Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel was born in Köthen, Germany, in 1697. Born just 12 years earlier was Johann Sebastian Bach, 80 miles away in Eisenach. Bach served six years in the court of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen as director of music starting when Katharina was 20 years old, and she may have known the brilliant organist and composer. Katharina wrote “Stille, mein Wille, dein Jesus hilft siegen” in 1752, and it was translated into English by Jane Borthwick in 1855. We know the English lyrics: “Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side.” We sing those lyrics, as well as the Gloria Gaither lyrics of “I Then Shall Live,” to the tune Finlandia by Jean Sibelius. (The texts of both of these hymn are found later in this Tapestry.) Probably the best known of all his works, “Finlandia” is a tone poem written as a highly patriotic piece in 1899. Although Sibelius insisted it was primarily an orchestral piece, the tune Finlandia became popular around the world, especially as a hymn. Finally Sibelius agreed that his melody could be used with words as a hymn. This tune is a glorious setting for harmony singing by choirs and congregations and is the tune most used for Katharina’s words. During this uncertain time, we can have confidence in these inspirational words: “the Lord is on thy side.” The Lord is on our side: my side and your side. We can ask with King David when he provided assurance to the leaders of Israel: “Is not the Lord your God with you? Has he not given you peace on every side? Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.” (1 Chronicles 22:1819a NRSV.) And we can proclaim with Paul the Apostle: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 NRSV)
by Pastor Nick Quient
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.
Loving God
Psalm 84:1-4 (NRSV)
Be with all of us as we wait for this to pass, and as we look forward to celebrating your resurrection from the dead.
We pray for our doctors, our nurses, our medical staff, our children, our students, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our friends, and our enemies. We know that you are great and good, merciful and just, overflowing in righteousness and love. We ask that you would be with us and that you would reveal yourself to us. We ask for special protection upon those who are suffering from a lack of medical care and for those who are waiting for healing.
Amen.
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C hildren’s ministry
Our Church children were given “Scratch it” Lenten forty-day calendars to scratch off the cover with a pen or penny to discover the daily message. Underneath are written messages of what one might do to show kindness and then to practice service to family, friend or neighbor. A message might be to say thank you or share a toy with someone. Very good reminders even for an adult. Children understand life in a more literal way. While adults may nod their head in agreement to the good suggestions the calendar gives; children see it as a message from God. Two children in our community, a brother and a sister believe that it is indeed a directive from God. The other day when the calendar message said “clean your room” they did just that. Their mom was in shock when the moaning, groaning and delay tactics did not manifest themselves. Could this calendar be magic? Or is it that children understand it is a good idea to keep a clean room and if God approves why not do it. Throughout the Old and New Testament God has used young people to hear, believe, and follow the instructions of the Lord. Reread the stories of Joseph, Samuel, Mary and Timothy (to name a few).
Jesus encourages us adults to be like children. He desires us to be teachable and to listen/read the Bible for wisdom, direction and action. God’s Spirit often nudges us to take some action that we normally wouldn’t consider. Be humble and not judgmental and realize we probably have limited understanding about a situation anyway. Children need to rely on others for their wellbeing and so do we. Not only do we serve a loving and generous Lord but one who walks alongside us in our confusion and need. A community of believers, called the church, is a support group that Jesus put in place to offer love, acceptance, encouragement and more. Perhaps the clean rooms did not create joy but maybe it did. Joy and satisfaction are the rewards of a job well done. Lost toys may have been found and played with again. Worry about tomorrow and stresses of each day is an adult way of coping. Jesus said believe and become like children. They are the example to follow to understand the kingdom of God. Listen, believe and then take action. What act of kindness or good deed is the Lord directing you to do today? Be filled with joy and eager to serve, Pastor Cheryl
Putting together a jumbo puzzle
Virginia Chapman showing off her African bug collection
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MI S S ION S
Worldwide Prayer Concerns
“But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.” –Hebrews 10:32-33
HAITI internationalministries.org Nzunga and Kihomi recently posted that they have been busy fixing the water pumps in their area so that people are able to properly wash thier hands and limit the spread of infections like the coronavirus. With that threat, their eye clinic is in need of hand sanitizers and face masks. Additionally, our State Department has warned against travel to Haiti due to violent crimes including carjacking and kidnapping. Missionaries are sometimes targets since it is known they have connections to foreign support. Praise God for the daily efforts that these missionaries make and ask for His protection and provision so that this work can continue.
CONGO
internationalministries.org The Baptist hospital in Vanga, Congo has piloted a software system that has proven effective in improving cash flow and efficiency while reducing fraud. Now International Ministries is seeking to raise $52,000 in order to spread this system to four other hospitals. Pray for this financial goal to be met and for this technology to bless tens of thousands of patients in these hospitals.
CHINA
www.persecution.org International Christian Concern shared a story out of China about a church in Wuhan that found God’s faithfulness in the midst of the outbreak. Though they had to move their service online, they also set up small groups that were able to meet online for prayer and study, which drew the members even closer together. They have also delivered meals and supplies to those who were infected. Pray for Christians around the world as we all grapple with how to shine with Christ’s love during these dark times.
- Jonathan Peske If you have information to share about the persecuted church or news from the mission field, please share it with Jonathan Peske.
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F ellowship
Two Hymn Texts
Tune: Finlandia (These words may be helpful in your personal time of prayer and worship.)
“Be Still, My Soul”
Words by Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel (1752) Be still my soul! the Lord is on your side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to your God to order and provide; in every change He faithful will remain. Be still my soul! your best, your heavenly friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul! your God doth undertake to guide the future as he has the past; your hope, your confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul! The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below. Be still my soul! the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment grief and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored. Be still my soul! When change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last
“I Then Shall Live”
Words by Gloria Gaither (1981) I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven; I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid. I know my name is clear before my Father; I am His child, and I am not afraid. So greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother, the law of love I gladly will obey. I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion; I’ve been so loved that I’ll risk loving too. I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges; I’ll dare to see another’s point of view. And when relationships demand commitment, then I’ll be there to care and follow through. Your kingdom come around and through and in me; Your power and glory, let them shine through me; Your Hallowed name, O may I bear with honor, and may Your living Kingdom come in me. The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor, and may You feed a hungry world through me.
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Say hello to the newest addition to the Quient family!
Nolan Michele Quient
March 14, 2020
N O I T C A N I R FBC Thanks, to all the people for a successful work day, at Family Service! The group accomplished a great deal of work! Also shared and enjoyed a fun and delicious pizza lunch. Thank you for the support! Local Outreach
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HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAYS TO... 5
Beverly Niss
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Marla Steffen
5
Richard Rogers
23
Barbara Ford
8
Sophia Kishimoto
23
Derek Updegraff
9
Ruth Wardschenk
25
Hugh Huntley
12
Raymond DelRosario
26
Christine LLewellyn
12
Tom Herron
27
Carolyn Hampton
12
Charles Walker
27
Wally Powell
13
Kay Kallander
27
Robert Yocum
13
Allyson Zabaleta
28
Anya DiJohn
14
Rosy Sarkar
29
Amy Carpenter
15
Richard Steffen
29
Ginni Fogle
18
Laci Morgan
30
Judi Harrington
18
Jim Williams
20
Jo Hale
Jean Gail (July 16, 1937 - February 16, 2020) Nancy Parke (August 28, 1945 - February 25, 2020) Margaret Bierschbach (May 23, 1921 - February 25, 2020) Betty Jo Graves (January 23, 1926 - March 4, 2020)
Submissions for the Tapestry should be sent to tapestry@fbcredlands.org by the 15th of each month.
* PRACTICE MINDFULNESS *
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING DATES Thursday, April 16, 2020 (POSTPONED)
Remember to wash your hands and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Be safe out there.
Sunday, July 19, 2020 Thursday, October 15, 2020 Sunday, January 31, 2021
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WATCH SERMONS ONLINE Using the link tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands to watch the latest sermon playlists.
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- Palm Sunday -
Reflect on New Life
Pray for Congo
10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)
9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader)
Your Neighbors
26 Pray for
10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)
9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader)
Pray for Hope
Call someone in the church directory that is 5 alphabet letters to the left of your last name to say hi.
27 Pray for Unity
Call someone that is 3 alphabet letters to the right of your first name to say how are you today?
Pray for the Weary
Say out loud 5 times: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
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Send an email or card to someone that is 10 alphabet letters to the left of your first name.
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Monday
19 Pray for Growth in FBCR 20
10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)
9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader)
- Happy Easter -
12 Reflect on the Resurrection
10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)
9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader)
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Sunday
Pray for Redlands
Pray for Mindfulness
Watch a bird soar in the sky and contemplate the freedoms we still have.
7 p.m. Executive Council meeting electronically
28 Pray for Gratitude
Wash your hands singing the chorus of “Jesus Loves Me” (about 20 seconds)
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Commission Meetings: check with Commission chair for postponements or electronic meetings.
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Who is the Holy Spirit nudging you to call?
7 Pray for Reconciliation
Tuesday 2
Pray for China
Pray silently: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
29 Pray for Haiti
Sit in prayer for 4 minutes to pray for the world and the changes we are experiencing.
22 Pray for Focus
6 p.m. Men’s Fellowship meeting electronically. Email kevinfisher007@ gmail.com to join
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Pray for pregnant women giving birth at this time of extreme family restrictions.
- Maundy Thursday-
Pray for Understanding
Pray for Hospice clients who are restricted from getting hugs from their loved ones.
Thurdsay Night Programming postponed indefiniely
Pray for Students
Send a card, email or text to tell someone you love them.
30 Pray for Wisdom
Spend 5 minutes repeating “Be still and know that I am God” as you breathe.
23 Pray for Calmness
If you have pets, what have you learned from being home with them all day?
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- Good Friday -
Pray for Reflection
Sit on your front porch and wave to people who walk by.
Pray for Patience with others
Pray for Justice Take a moment to say thank you to God for 5 blessings in your life.
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Take 5 deep breaths, after each breath give a praise of gratitude and thanksgiving.
17 Pray for Safe Travels
Sing: “Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see.”
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Friday Pray for Health
Pray for those who have hurt you
Pray for the Weary
Pray for each of the children in our God’s Kids Choir and JD Choir by name.
7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It
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Observe a bug’s activity as they go about their day. Proverbs 6-8
7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It
18 Pray for Calmness
7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It
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7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It
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Saturday
AP R I L 2 0 2 0 Pray for Medical Staff
Thursday
Write in your journal, or start a journal.
8 Pray for Church Leaders 9
- April Fool’s Day -
Clean out a drawer.
Pray for Joyfulness
Wednesday 1
See events online at: http://www.fbcredlands.org/Calendar.html
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The First Baptist Church of Redlands 51 West Olive Avenue, Redlands CA 92373-5243 909-793-3289 | www. fbcredlands.org
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit No. 2111
PLEASE JOIN FBCR IN WORSHIP AT tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands
Be sure to check out the calendar for daily activities to participate in.
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