Issuu

The First Baptist Church of Redlands

T A PE S T R Y

Jan 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

Issue No. 1

2 0 / 2 0 V ision A Message from Pastor Shawn

and Brang Ying are already blessing our church with their presence. Our podcast is touching the lives of people all over the world! We have an amazing, talented, committed staff. God has led us to this place. But we still need vision for what God has next!

It has been a long time since I had 20/20 vision without the help of corrective lenses. It used to be that I only needed correction to see far away. Now I need lenses that help me see far and close-up. But with that help, I am pretty close to having 20/20 vision. As we enter the year 2020, the question is, “What is our vision?” This is a question to ask ourselves individually, but also to ask ourselves as a church family. How can we see clearly what God is calling us to be and do as we move into a new decade? We start by closing our eyes. Ok, maybe we don’t always close our eyes when we pray, but prayer is where we start in order to have clear vision. We need regular times of sitting quietly before God, listening to what God is saying to us and lifting up to God our questions, needs and concerns. We also listen to God as

we read and study the Bible. As we get more practice listening to God, we turn our ears to those around us, whether they are fellow church family or our neighbor in the community. We ask questions to clarify that we are hearing clearly and we pray for discernment. We share with others who are also praying and listening to see if we find commonality in what we are discerning. 20/20 vision doesn’t always come quickly. It also doesn’t always come at once. So we need to wait on God. God is already doing great things among and through us. We have a committed group of leaders in our congregation. We are involved in so many ways in the community of Redlands. We are a church that supports World Missions. We have a partnership with a church and school in Myanmar and as a result we will have two teachers here with us while they get their master’s degrees at the University of Redlands. Ja Seng

Join me as we continue to pray for “20/20 Vision.” God has given us amazing resources as a church. But we must use them wisely as we move into a future in which we thrive in following Christ and making a difference in the world around us. We can look at our history as a church and see how we have been a part of how God has impacted and shaped Redlands and beyond. But even with the current wealth of resources we have right now, if we are not faithful in our use of those resources, we, as a church, will only be in the history books. I believe that God has an exciting future for the First Baptist Church of Redlands. During this season of Epiphany, please commit time to intentionally pray for our church, particularly for vision. Let’s listen all around us for the voice of God. Also, commit with me to share our gifts, talents, time and resources, as much as it is possible, to the ministry of this church and beyond!

Grace and peace in Christ, Pastor Shawn

COVER

MISSION

1 A Message from Pastor Shawn : “2020 Vision” 2 Staff and Contents

7 Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Bolivia, Ethiopia, Congo

F E L LOWS H I P

MINISTRY

8 FBCR in Action

3 Pastor Nick : “New Every Morning” 4 Richard W. Steffen: “Seeing Clearly”

NEWS

5 Prayer to God

10 Church News

6 Children’s Ministry

11 January 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.

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 Every Morning Pastor Nick Quient

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.” —Lamentations 3:22-24 (NRSV) Well, the New Year has officially arrived! Of course, as we look around, we realize that it probably looks a bit like the old year. Amidst numerous visions and competing ideas, we are reminded as the church to reflect upon the goodness of our Lord whose “mercies never come to an end.” How has your year challenged you? Shaken you? Empowered you? Such questions, at least for me, arise again and again upon simple reflection and I am left wondering more about how I “hope in” the Lord. Hope is a powerful word. For some, it is mere idealism, hoping in the unknown. For others, it is a positive smile or an attempt at believing the unbelievable. For our church, I think hope is something far more powerful. Hope is anticipation amidst reflection.

We reflect at First Baptist Redlands on what God has done for us and through us in the past year, and we anticipate what God is doing and going to do for us and through us in this year. Without reflection, we risk repeating past mistakes and never growing. Without anticipation, we fall into easy snares and risk apathy. As God is at work, so we hope and wait upon what the Lord will do. The New Year means new challenges and new opportunities. With our growing connections with the University of Redlands and the podcast, I am very excited to see what God will do with our gifts as a church. Our youth are especially poised to do great and wondrous things, whether in worship or for the sake of the world. I am beyond excited to see what God will do with their gifts and their callings! God is always on the move, and our job is to try and keep up with the rushing wind of the Holy Spirit. We may anticipate what God will do, but we wait with eagerness for our being swept along in God’s grand mysteries. May we thrive amidst the calling gifted to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. May our legacy—our commitment to Christ and the church—be a reflection of God’s goodness and glory!

SEEING CLEARLY

by Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music

“Open my eyes, so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18 NRSV) We know that eyeglasses or contacts help us see. In fact, you hope to have 20/20 vision while wearing them. But what does the expression “20/20 vision” really mean? J. Kevin McKinney, MD, an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist at Eye Health Northwest in Oregon City, Oregon, says that the phrase “20/20 vision” refers to normal vision. “A person with 20/20 vision can see what an average individual can see on an eye chart when they are standing 20 feet away,” says Dr. McKinney. An eye chart measures visual acuity, “which is the clarity or sharpness of vision.” The top number refers to your distance in feet from the chart. The bottom number indicates the distance at which a person with normal eyesight can read the same line. And we know that 20/20 is an American television newsmagazine that has been broadcasting on ABC since June 6, 1978. That’s 41 seasons! Seeing clearly: an important activity that can be a goal for this new year. Clara H. Scott (1841-1897) was an American composer, hymnwriter and publisher. She was the first woman to publish a volume of choir anthems, The Royal Anthem Book (1882.) A Midwesterner, she lived her 56 years in Illinois and Iowa. In 1895, shortly before her death, she wrote one of her most beloved hymn texts: “Open My Eyes, That I May See.” These lyrics of consecration, focusing on repentance and commitment, have been sung in worship for over 100 years. They were published in her collection: Happy Songs, Truth in Song for Lovers of Truth Everywhere in 1896.

Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me; Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see, Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! Open my ears, that I may hear voices of truth Thou sendest clear; And while the wave notes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear. Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see, Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine! Open my mouth, and let me bear, gladly the warm truth everywhere; Open my heart and let me prepare love with Thy children thus to share. Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see, Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine! Each stanza tells of our goal of being open to the “Spirit divine.” Open eyes lead to “glimpses of truth.” Open ears lead to “voices of truth.” An open mouth leads to sharing the “warm truth everywhere.” An open heart leads to sharing “love to thy children.” Paul the Apostle knew of the importance of seeing clearly. We read of the story of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:1-19, 22:6-21, and 26:12-18. On the Road to Damascus, Saul, who became Paul the Apostle, was struck down by a blinding light. Saul heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4, NIV) When Saul asked who was speaking, the voice replied: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5-6, NIV) Saul was blinded. His companions led him into Damascus. Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, laid his hands on Saul, telling him Jesus had sent him to restore his sight and that Saul might be filled with the Holy Spirit. Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. After his conversion, Saul is known as Paul. And Paul tells us of seeing now and then: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NRSV) This is my goal: “To see more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day.” (From the 1971 song “Day by Day” from Godspell.)

“O Sovereign and Almighty Lord, bless all Thy people and all Thy flock. Give peace, Thy help, Thy love unto us, Thy servants the sheep of Thy fold, that we may be united in the bond of peace and love, one body and one spirit, in one hope of our calling, in Thy Divine and boundless love; for the sake of Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep. Amen.”

by Pastor Nick Quient

—Liturgy of St. Mark, Third Century CE

You, O loving Lord, are holy and just. You, O Lord, are exalted and mighty over all the land. You have planned a day where you will act against all that is prideful and haughty; you will act against all that is high and lofty, against every strong tower and immense power. For you, and you alone, are worthy of our worship. You, O Lord, are righteous and true. May your people turn from their sin and repent. May your people flee from iniquity and strife, from violence and war. May your people seek peace and justice. May we be a people of hope, a people of forgiveness and mercy. For you, and you alone, are worthy of our praise. You, O Lord, are merciful and kind. May your righteousness shine from heaven, and may we live in the light of your goodness. To You alone, O loving God, we pray with fervent hope, in the name of your eternal Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Who is, who was, and who is to come. You, O Lord, are righteous and true. Your name endures forever, your glory continues as far as the setting of the sun. All nations are blessed by you. O God, do not be far from us, do not hide yourself from us. Our mouths tell of your righteousness and of your holy mountain, the place of everlasting peace. You, O Lord, are kind and gracious. You are our rock and fortress in times of trial and fear. We exalt in your steadfast love, for you have seen our afflictions and pain, and have set us at the side of your beloved Son, our King of Glory. Even when our strength fails, our breath turns to dust, and our hearts waste away, you are with us. In you we take our sanctuary. You, O Lord, are our fountain of joy. Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and sustain us with your Holy Spirit. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in you, O Lord, and the neediest people shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

C h ildr e n ’s ministry

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PONDERINGS

What can we hope to experience in the New Year? What we have seen God do every year since the beginning of time: God loving the world. God initiating a relationship with us. God walking beside us. God showing us people to love and care about. God providing opportunities for growth. God challenging us to be the best version of ourselves. God opening up our eyes to see the creation that surrounds us and we agreeing that it is indeed very good. For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. - John 3:16, Amplified Bible Classic Translation

Blessings in the New Year, Pastor Cheryl

Children’s Craft Night Dec. 12

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

Bolivia International Ministries Hallelujah: God answers prayer! Last month we were praying for Sarah Nash and JD and Rhonda Reed after they had to decamp for the United States when a contested election in October led to widespread strikes and protests. But both sides in the standoff in Bolivia were able to agree to holding new elections (in which the former president and vice president would not run) and this was enough to lift the blockades and allow life to return to normal. Baptist and other mission agencies are sending their staff back into Bolivia to resume their work there. Praise God for this dramatic turn of events. Pray for a peaceful Christmas season in Bolivia and that Sarah and the Reeds can continue to build up their community through the ministry of House of Hope.

Ethiopia International Ministries Voice of the Martyrs offers praise to God for the rebuilding efforts in one area of Ethiopia where Christians had suffered persecution. Support from Christians outside the country made it possible to rebuild several homes, which created new hope for believers there. And fellowships of different denominations came together to rebuild one another’s church buildings, leading to a spirit of unity among them. Pray that these efforts can continue to lift this community and heal the wounds left by the prior suffering. the national strike.

Congo International Ministries and Washington Post Ann and Bill Clemmer shared their joy in mid-December as they celebrated and thank God for the growth that has happened in their Sunday School program. They have indoor classrooms for all the children and were able to give out Bibles in various languages. The highlight of the celebration was taking all 47 of these young teachers out to enjoy a pizza party. For some, it was their first time tasting pizza. Praise God for the joy of seeing young people grow in faith.

- Jonathan Peske 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

N O I T C A FBCR IN

Hanging of the Greens I Dec. 8

Fiesta Night I Dec. 19

Thursday Night @ FBCR I Dec. 12

Fiesta Night I Dec. 19

Ne ws HAPPY january BIRTHDAYS TO... 1

Milton Baidya

Riley Miller

Lori Powell

Nina Zureick

Sam Zureick

Natalie Olson

Rhys Jones

Brian Wolfe

Cherylin Keister

Craig Baker

JoAnne Stewart

Mike Freire

Joseph DeRoulhac

Aidan Huynh

Ed Irvin

Sanjeet Mann

Carolyn Sullivan

Betty Jo Graves

Paul Zanader

Johnie Nottingham

Dori Dominguez

Scott Bierschbach

Seth Medlin

Allison Quient

Janie Mendoza

Cathy Zander

Taylor Herron

Mark Estey

Janelle Matthews

Elise Huynh

Joyce Smith

Elsie Warren

Judy Miller

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

SAVE THE DATE Annual Congregational Meeting JANUARY 26 11:45 AM FELLOWSHIP HALL

Members and Friends of The First Baptist Church of Redlands: A life-altering event will occur around the middle of March when our Associate Pastor Nick Quient and his wife, Allison, will become parents for the first time. To help them celebrate and prepare to welcome the newest Quient to their family and the FBCR family, you are invited to share in a Baby Shower with a light lunch, folloiwng the Worship Service on Sunday, February 16th. Nick and Allison have suggested gift cards from Amazon, but if you wish you may add to a combined gift, see Berva Smith for details. To assist in preparation for the lunch, an RSVP would be appreciated.

Berva Smith and Dianne Creech

9:15 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 10:15 a.m. Worship Service Plymouth Village 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting, Board Room Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Fellowship Hall

6 - 8 p.m. Dental Clinic

28 Pray for those caring for elderly parents

Family Reconciliation

27 Pray for

Fellowship

26 Pray for

Pray for Bolivia

7 p.m. Prayer Meeting, Board Room

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Plymouth Village

Pray for the Youth

Pray for Justice

6 - 8 p.m. Dental Clinic 6 p.m. Executive Council 7 p.m. Christian Ed, Field Hall Worship, Board Room Fin & Prop, Judson Hall Local Outreach, Chapel Diaconate, Pastor’s Office

7 p.m. Prayer Meeting, Board Room

7 Pray for Peace

Tuesday

8:45 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 9 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting, Board Room

Pray for our visitors

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Plymouth Village

8:45 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 9 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting, Board Room

Pray for First Responders

Pray for Congo

12 Pray for Charity

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Plymouth Village

Pray for Reflection

Monday

8:45 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 9 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting, Board Room Youth Winter Camp ends

Sunday

Kachin School

29 Pray for the

22 Pray for Missionaries

6 p.m. Men’s Fellowship

Pray for those with conflicting views

8 Pray for the Ill

OFFICE CLOSED

Happy New Year!

Pray for Refreshment

Wednesday 1

See events online at: http://www.fbcredlands.org/Calendar.html

Pray for Neighbors

Pray for Stillness

Pray for Self-Awareness

9 a.m. Tapestry Team 5:45 p.m. Thursday Night @ FBCR 6:45 p.m. Opportunities Start 7:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

30 Pray for Wisdom

5:45 p.m. Thursday Night @ FBCR 6:45 p.m. Opportunities Start 7:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

23 Pray for Courage

5:45 p.m. Thursday Night @ FBCR 6:45 p.m. Opportunities Start 7:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Youth Winter Camp, Middle School starts

Thursday

Pray for Accountability

Pray for Acceptance

31 Pray for Communication

17 Pray for the Grieving

Pray for Ethiopia

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

7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It 9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study: “Burning in God’s Presence,” David’s Corner

Pray for the Women’s Bible Study

Pray for Guidance

7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

Youth Winter Camp

Pray for Study Groups

Saturday

Youth Winter Camp, High School starts

Friday

J AN UARY 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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