Issuu

The First Baptist Church of Redlands

T A PE S T R Y

Dec 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

A Time...

A Message from Pastor Shawn For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 A time, a season. Exactly how long is that? We keep asking that question. In March when we first moved everything “home” our lives changed drastically. We thought that it could last a few weeks. Then we thought a season…a literal season, like spring. Then we realized, with some modifications, that this was going to last longer, but maybe we could venture out for some activities. Yet, even with the potential of a vaccine, promising treatments, and personal habits (mask-wearing, social distancing, washing hands, doing things outside), we still have a long way to go until things are normal. What originally seemed like a season of the year (which was certainly long enough) is now, evidently a season of life. When I was 40 years old, I moved with Rod and the kids from Los Angeles, where I had lived my whole life, to Indiana. Christmas in L.A. was FULL. Between every branch of our family as well as church and friends, every moment of the Christmas season was busy and full. We loved it, but it was exhausting. When we moved to Indiana our closest relative was 4-1/2 hours away. It was a time to create new traditions. Not everyone gets to do that in their lives. Most of our traditions are inherited. When we get married, or if there are divorces in the family, our traditions are formed by trying to juggle and put together the various traditions of various parts of our family and loved ones… not to mention church and other aspects of our social life. Sometimes, when all of that is taken away (or far away), we can be intentional about creating traditions. It is hard at first. We miss the things that we used to do along with missing the people with whom we did them. But after a while, the new traditions come to have special meaning, because we have been intentional in creating them. We can ask the question, what is important to me, and those around me, as we celebrate these important holidays.

Issue No. 12

As we come to this season as a church family, we are mourning the loss of time to be physically present with one another, to shake hands and hug, to hear each other sing as we join together in worship in one place. We miss the traditions of Advent and Christmas at FBCR that have been developed over the years. But this is A Time, A Season, that is different. It is a time to create new traditions. They may be for only this year. But some of them may last longer. But let’s allow the new traditions for this year to be meaningful for this time, this season. It is going to be hard. It will probably be sad. We will feel like we are missing out on something. But don’t let it get in the way of gaining something new and appropriate for this time. I hope you will take advantage of all that is available for meditation and celebration this season. We have devotions for each day of Advent, prepared by our own church family, available in print form as well as by email and Facebook. We have advent wreaths for our homes. And we will have special worship opportunities online and, hopefully, a brief time of worship on our lawn on Christmas Eve. At the end of the passage in Ecclesiastes 3, verse 11, we read, Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. God has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. We don’t understand all that God is doing at this really difficult time in our lives and in our world. May we be intentional to spend enough time with God that we begin to see the beauty of this time, this season. Think about this: God has planted eternity in the human heart! Meditate on that one for a while! May God richly bless this time, this season, of Advent and Christmas! May we see the beauty of the incarnation as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! Glory to God in the Highest! Peace and Goodwill to All Humanity!

Pastor Shawn

COVER

MISSION 7 Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Hong Kong, Columbia, Philippines

1 A Message from Pastor Shawn: “A Time” 2 Staff and Contents

F E L LOWS H I P 8 Gregg Sneller: “Global Servants Our Church Family is Supporting Update Part 3”

MINISTRY 3 Pastor Nick : “A Dream of Time Gone By” 4 Richard W. Steffen: “That Special Story in Scripture and Song”

NEWS

5 Prayer to God

10 Church News 11 December Calendar

6 Children’s Ministry

S TA F F Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows Senior Pastor

Angel Florence Office Administrator

Rev. Nicholas Quient Associate Pastor

Isa Terrell Communications Specialist

Rev. Cheryl Sneller Director of Children’s Ministry

Richard Colunga Buildings/Grounds

Richard W. Steffen Minister of Music Nathan Jones Youth Director

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.

Contact us: admin@fbcredlands.org 909-793-3289 www.fbcredlands.org Due to the coronavirus shutdown, our office remains closed until further notice. However, we are receiving mail and phone messages. Staff can be reached by email (see above).

MI NI S T RY

A Dream of Time Gone By Pastor Nick Quient

“There’s a season for everything” (CEB)

God is good. All the time. In my morning prayers, usually offered up while holding a fussy and squirmy baby, I try to meditate and pause upon that phrase. It reminds me of what I learned in Sunday School long ago (not too long ago, of course), that God loves us and that God doesn’t change.

While everything feels like it is hopeless and lost, God is good. All the time. May we rest in the reality of God’s goodness and gentleness, and may we find new energy to press on with our journey. May we never lose sight of our dreams and may we continue to pursue the God of faithful love who gave up everything for us.

Time changes all things, and yet time does not seem to change God.

For me, taking delight in God’s kindness over the course of this entire pandemic has been a lifeline.

God is our rock.

May our dreams of the times that have gone by be a vision of hope. Hope does not disappoint us. May we work to transform the times we live in with an eye toward God’s coming kingdom.

God is our strong tower. God is faithful to us. While the world seems to be spinning precariously on it’s axis, God is good. All the time.

On earth as it is in heaven.

That Special Story in Scripture and Song by Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music Are you longing to sing Christmas carols? Singing them outside and into your mask will sound different to you than it did in the past. But the beauty of the story in word and in song will bless you, especially in these days. Those first 20 verses of Luke 2 (here in the NIV) have inspired the writing of words for carols for centuries. As you read them here, let the melody and the lyrics inspire you now. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. (“O Little Town of Bethlehem;” Phillips Brooks; 1868) He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. (“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel;” Latin hymn; 12th century) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. Silent night! holy night! All is calm, all is bright. ’round yon Virgin Mother and Child, holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. (“Stille Nacht,” Joseph Mohr, 1816; “Silent Night,” John Young, 1863) She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Away in a manger no crib for His bed the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head. The stars in the sky look down where He lay the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. (“Away in a Manger;” Anonymous; 1885) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for

all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. (“The First Noel;” Trad. English carol; circa 16th century) Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o’er the plains and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. “Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.” (Trad. French carol: “Les anges dans nos campagnes”, 18th century; “Angels We Have Heard on High,” English lyrics by James Chadwick, 1862) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. What Child is this, who laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste, to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary. (“What Child Is This?” from the poem “The Manger Throne” by William C. Dix; 1865) When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Joy to the world! the Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. (“Joy to the World!” Isaac Watts; 1719)

by Pastor Nick Quient

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Give us peace. Amen.

C hildr e n ’s ministry

Transformed children stepped into the Zoom window in their costumes on Nov. 1st (All Saints Day). There were characters from Star Wars, Super heroes, and even a book costume with a book mark and dog eared pages. Fun and Fellowship was the goal. The Sunday school teachers led games such as a Scavenger hunt and we went searching for something orange, black, sweet and scary. We created a “Mad Lib” silly story filling in nouns and adjectives randomly in the story’s sentences. We guessed “How many lollipops could fit in a jar” and participated in a “Freeze Dance”. When the music stopped, we did too and we tried to get into funny positions. There was a mystery costumed boy and we tried to figure out how he might be dressed. His screen was black and we would ask questions to see if we were able to guess his costume. We failed and Robert had to reveal himself as a Star Wars character. Fun and fellowship was achieved.

Come out for Family Fun Weekly Advent Crafts sent in our midweek lesson packet Saturday Prayer on the Lawn starts at 9:30 Wednesday Drive Through and Pick Up Dinners (order the Friday before) Fiesta (Wednesday Night Dinner with enchiladas) Night on Dec. 16 but order by Friday Dec. 11th • Pick up dinner 5:45-6:15 and a children’s “movie night” bag • Return home and get in your winter pajamas • Grab your favorite stuffed animal or blanket • And join us for the Christmas movie “The Star” at 7:00 • I am communicating with Santa to see if he is able to get on the Zoom platform to visit with us. Christmas Eve Service on the Lawn Dec. 24th. • The correct time and further information is coming. • Our own FBCRedlands live Christmas tree is arriving soon!

Holiday Blessings, Pastor Cheryl

Lisa, Natalie, and Ja Seng

Robert

Some Information for Family Giving for you to consider: American Baptist Churches, USA International Ministries: https://www.internationalministries.org/category/projects/ This web address will send you to a many page list of projects that you might be interested in supporting. You might recognize some of the missionaries we have hosted at our Church. Feed My Starving Children Pastor Cheryl was involved with this organization as a volunteer and helped to complete food packets to be sent abroad. https://www.fmsc.org/ Heifer Project: https://www.heifer.org/ This organization has been around since I was a young person. One year I bought a goat for a family.

missions

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

This month we offer prayers of praise for the way the Holy Spirit has been at work around the world:

Hong Kong COlumbia

www.persecution.org theguardian.com and other sources Pray for the continuing unraveling of democracy in Hong Kong and loss of freedom that will result. In mid-November, China passed a law that bars anyone from Hong Kong’s 70 member Legislative Council if they “support independence, refuse to recognize Beijing’s sovereignty over Hong Kong, seek help from foreign countries… or commit other acts that endanger national security.” Within minutes after this new law was announced, four pro-democracy legislators were informed by the Hong Kong government that they must immediately resign. The remaining 15 pro-democracy lawmakers announced that they would also resign in principled protest, stating that this clearly marks the end of the “one country, two systems” agreement that China had made in 1997 when they regained Hong Kong. All of this comes on the heels of the drastic national security law imposed in July that allowed extradition of Hong Kong citizens to China, and the delay of the legislative election that had been scheduled for September. Pray for the citizens of Hong Kong who fear what comes next, since this new law effectively eliminates any political opposition. Pray also for Christians in Hong Kong who currently enjoy religious freedom, but could see those freedoms erode under mainland control. Pray that the citizens of Hong Kong find hope in God during these dark times. - Jonathan Peske

Voice of the Martyrs reports that 60 churches in northern Columbia have been threatened by the drug trafficking paramilitary group AGC. Church buildings and pastors’ homes were graffitied with the initials AGC. Congregations were sent official letters from AGC ordering them to close down. Some pastors were even told not to visit the homes of their parishioners. Pray for all who are living in this region amid cartel violence. Pray for wisdom for pastors as they try to discern how to serve faithfully in this environment. Pray that the message of the gospel would penetrate even into the hearts of these militia members.

Philippines www.internationalministries.org Pray for Aaron and AmyEstelle Trout and their daughter Amaryn as they have been endorsed as Global Servants to the Philippines. They plan to serve in partnership with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. Their home church is the First Baptist Church of San Francisco, where they have served in many different capacities over the past several years. Aaron is a trained artist and plans to teach art in CPBC schools while AmyEstelle will use her administrative and musical gifts to help schools and churches with programs to mentor and disciple youth through Bible studies and music. Pray that they are able to build their Mission Partnership Team and raise the funds needed to begin their ministry overseas.

If you have information to share about the persecuted church or news from the mission field, please share it with Jonathan Peske.

f e l l o ws h ip

Global Servants Our Church Family is Supporting Update I Part 3 by Gregg Sneller The American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, now known as International Ministries, has been around since 1814. We as a church are privileged to partner with the work of International Ministries as they touch lives around the world. At our September Missions Commission meeting we decided to distribute funds to 14 individual Global Servants or couple teams in the amount of $11,700 over the next year. Who are these people we will support as a church family? In the last two Tapestries, you have learned about nine of those Global Servants. Here are three more of these great Global Servants. Jae Stockton, Baja California and beyond Jae Stockton will serve through the Baja Baptist Seminary in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. Jae is an information technologist who will provide technical assistance to seminary students and church leaders, both at the Mexicali campus and at other seminaries in the region. She will also provide assistance for the online Masters for Theological Studies in Latino/a Ministries (MTS), a joint effort with Palmer Seminary of Eastern University through which International Ministries and American Baptist Home Mission Societies personnel train church leaders throughout the Americas. Jae will also support the Baja Baptist Seminary programs of Evangelism and Discipleship. She wrote to us in September and said, This truly brings great joy! As of right now, I am at 94% (now 98%) with my Personal Support Goal. I’m getting close to the mission field! I have two trainings to accomplish, Pre-assignment Orientation, Commissioning Service, and 6% (now 2%) to 100% funding goal. Thank you so much for your prayers. And again, please extend my love and gratitude to everyone. Thank you for sending me to the mission field!

Katrina & Kyle Williams in Chiang Rai, Thailand Katrina and Kyle serve by training and supporting Southeast Asian leaders who are seeking to build bridges across tribal lines in the Mekong region of Thailand. Using state-of-the-art techniques, these men and women are combating human trafficking, which affects so many ethnic minorities. In partnership, Katrina and Kyle seek to point them towards God’s kingdom, where captives are set free, as they strengthen human rights and dignity in the area. Kyle wrote and said, Katrina is teaching at the Chiang Rai International Christian School and loving it. Much of our work at the office has pivoted to support COVID efforts in Myanmar as things are worsening there heading into the colder season in SE Asia. We also are expanding our work to Zimbabwe as we work with some peacemakers there that were originally trained by Daniel and Sharon Buttry. We were given a grant to work there for another year in support of their efforts which we are very grateful for. Mike and Becky Mann, Thailand Becky and Mike serve with hill tribe villagers who are living below the poverty line. They work to ensure the well-being of these people and provide them with the kind of development that will last for generations. As an International Ministries Global Consultant for rural development based in northern Thailand, Mike serves as Director of the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF) where he and Becky assist hill tribe people and tribal farmers with clean water, sanitation, agriculture, education, health, and cash crops. Becky works with Hands to Heart Hill Tribe Women’s Cooperative and Lanna Foundation. She also helps to market Thai coffee.

To be able to partner with each of these Global Servants as they share God’s love with others is an incredible privilege and honor. Thank you church family for your care for others as we work together to bring some “heaven on earth” to others. Next month we will tell you about more of our partners we support. It’s a gift to be able to support and care for many people who are tangibly touching lives around the world with the love and care of Christ.

Ne ws

HAPPY december BIRTHDAYS TO...

WEDNESDAY DRIVE-IN TAKE-OUT 1. Order in advance online at tinyurl.com/FBCRTakeOut. **NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MIDNIGHT** - All orders must be made in advance.

2 Marge Emrick

22 Scott Nelson

3 Johndalene Mitchell

22 Katie Zabaleta

5 Janet Kornmesser

23 Colin Melcher

7 Alexander Brown

23 Ross Melcher

7 Melinda Kluza

26 Nicholas Daniel

9 Alex Lowe

26 Giselle Martinez

10 Emma DeDoes

26 Melody Wolfe

11 Matt DeDoes

27 Chris Keierleber

12 Tracy Agboke

28 Erin Estey

16 Charlie Zureick

28 Janet Lee

3. Come to the church parking lot between 5:45 and 6:15 PM, park in a designated space and remain in your car.

17 Allison Kishimoto

29 Brendan Morgan

4. Place a paper with your name on it on your dashboard.

17 Lyla Schultz

31 William Sullivan

18 Kate Applebee

31 Carol Townsend

21 Jose Mendoza

31 Ellen Tseng

5. Wait for someone to bring your order to your car. Your meal will be packaged to-go. Please wear a mask for the safety of your server.

22 Darla Dillow

31 Maja Whitley

Submissions for the Tapestry should be sent to tapestry@fbcredlands.org by the 15th of each month.

ADVENT EVENTS DEC 9 – HANGING OF GREENS, 4 – 5

(If ordering online is not an option, call the church office and leave a message with a phone number to reach you) 2. Make payment online on the donation page of our website or write a check to be given to server upon pickup. $7 adult; $4 child (11 & under)

For those unable to drive-in, delivery is available. December 2 Meatloaf served with mashed potatoes, string beans and apple sauce, Spice Cake for dessert December 9 Parmesan Chicken served w/ angel hair pasta and vegetables, Chocolate Chocolate Cake for dessert December 16 Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas served with rice and beans, Brownies for dessert

DEC 16 – PAJAMA PARTY THING

December 23 There will be no “Wednesday Drive-In Take-Out”

DEC 21 – CANTATA DURING WORSHIP; ONLINE AT 12, 5PM IN EVENING:

December 30 There will be no “Wednesday Drive-In Take-Out”

DEC 24 – BLUE CHRISTMAS PARADE DEC 27 – WORSHIP APPRECIATION THING

Adopt a family This year, unfortunately the event for The Adopt A Family for Family Service, is different. The tradition of giving to a family, for Christmas, is still an opportunity for us. Monetary gift donations will be accepted, to the church address or electronically. Please designate your donation is for Adopt a Family. Your support and generosity is always appreciated!

Pray for First Responders

Pray for the Homeless

Pray for Bible Studies

Pray for Togetherness

4 p.m. Children’s Sunday School

10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)

9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader)

4 p.m. Children’s Sunday School

10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)

9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader)

4 p.m. Children’s Sunday School

10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)

9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader)

4 p.m. Children’s Sunday School

10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)

9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader)

Sunday

Pray for Hong Kong

Pray for Refugees

Pray for Caregivers

Pray for the Philippines

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7 p.m. Acts: Going Deeper

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7 p.m. Acts: Going Deeper

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7 p.m. Acts: Going Deeper

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7 p.m. Acts: Going Deeper

Monday Pray for the Advent Season

Pray for Compassion

Pray for World Peace

Pray for a Happy Spirit

7:45 p.m. Bible Study for College Students

7 p.m. Executive Council online

29 Pray for FBCR in 2021

7:45 p.m. Bible Study for College Students

Tuesday Pray for Grace

Pray for Missionaries

Pray for the Cookes

Pray for Separated Families

Pray for the Earth 5:45 p.m. “Drive-In Take-Out”

5:45 p.m. “Drive-In Take-Out”

Wednesday Pray for the Staff Pray for those struggling with health

Friday

Pray for Medical Staff

Pray for the Needy

- Christmas Eve -

Pray for Reconciliation

- New Year’s Eve -

7 p.m. Youth Group online

6:30 p.m. “Corner Booth” Class online (check with leader)

31 Pray for the New Year

7 p.m. Youth Group online

6:30 p.m. “Corner Booth” Online (check with leader)

7 p.m. Youth Group online

6:30 p.m. “Corner Booth” Online (check with leader)

7 p.m. Youth Group online

Pray for your family

Pray for Good Health

- Christmas Day -

Pray for Joy

6:30 p.m. Jesus According to Scripture

6:30 p.m. Jesus According 6:30 p.m. “Corner Booth” Online (check with leader) to Scripture

Thursday

Pray for the Lost

Pray for the Wounded

Pray for Columbia

Pray for Change 7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

Saturday

All gatherings and studies are online through Zoom. Sunday Worship at 10:15 a.m. at tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands.

D EC E M B E R 2 0 2 0

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

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