Issuu

The First Baptist Church of Redlands

T A PE S T R Y

March 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

Blessings of the Wilderness A Message from Pastor Shawn

Issue No. 3

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that come from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:1-4)

The idea of wilderness has many dimensions. I love getting out into the mountains away from crowds, smelling the pines and cedars and enjoying the sounds of birds singing, water moving over and around rocks and wind shaking the leaves on the trees. But wilderness also brings about the feeling of going through difficult times, not knowing what is around the next turn, wondering when one will return to civilization. As a young adult I experienced wilderness in this way when I would go backpacking. I would look forward to the experience with excitement and anticipation. It was amazing to go places one could only reach on foot. The idea that you were seeing sights that only a few people would see— the quiet of the surroundings, where you just hear the sound of your own footsteps and maybe those of your companions on the journey—it touches one’s soul in powerful ways. I always felt closer to God in those places and decades later I can still see those places in my mind. But it was hard work. Carrying what you need to live for those days in the backcountry, climbing steep hills and walking narrow trails. Sleeping on the ground and dealing with hot sun during the day and cold air at night and that most inconvenient rain storm. Admittedly, I was generally ready at the end of the trip to go home and take a shower and sleep in my bed. But the experience changes you--the accomplishment of pushing oneself beyond comfort zones and expectations; learning to depend upon one’s companions as well as be there for them. The challenges faced and met become examples and inspiration for future challenges.

Jesus intentionally went into the wilderness. When Jesus went into the wilderness it was a time of drawing close to God. Not only did he face the temptations that would challenge his identity and his mission, he found in the wilderness the strength and clarity of visions to bring the message of the Kingdom of the Heavens. As we enter into the season of Lent may it be a time in the wilderness where we find challenge and difficultly, but also the strength and beauty of the presence of God. May we find companionship with others on the journey as we work together and support one another. May we be blessed by the time in the wilderness in a way that changes us. This is more likely to happen when we are intentional in our practices of prayer, reflection, study and even fasting. We are providing a Lenten devotional guide, called “Blessed Are,” of meditations shared by members of our congregation. These will be available in print as well as online by email and Facebook. On Sunday mornings we will be on a Lenten journey called “Out of the Wilderness: Encountering Jesus.” Be blessed as you travel in the wilderness!

Grace and peace in Christ, Pastor Shawn

COVER

MISSION

1 A Message from Pastor Shawn : “Blessings of the Wilderness” 2 Staff and Contents

7 Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Pakistan, Laos, Venezula

F E L LOWS H I P

MINISTRY

8 Ann Smith: “Interview with Herb Dominguez”

3 Pastor Nick : “The Lenten Season” 4 Richard W. Steffen: “This Is My Story, This Is My Song”

NEWS

5 Prayer to God

9 Church News

6 Children’s Ministry

11 March 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

THE LENTEN SEASON Pastor Nick Quient

“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” —Mark 1:35 NRSV Reflection on Lent is essentially an opportunity to think about the unthinkable. We paradoxically sit in the ashes of terror and horror with a holy smile on our faces. We weep with anger at what has happened and we hope with reckless abandon at what will happen. Lent is the cliffhanger of the Christian story, where we are suspended in disbelief amidst the specter of failed expectation. Christ has come and Christ was crucified. The unimaginable became unthinkable. God present among us, God buried in a tomb deep in the earth. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the advantage— we know the ending of the story. Lent is our chance to reflect on the horrors of the world. We remember that we are ash, marked by death, marred by our own sins. We sit and pray and repent of our sins—sins done with intent and sins done under the guise of good. We remember that God is merciful, joyously so, and is willing to forgive before we’ve even gotten that faltering phrase out of our mouths. We know our sin is taken away and we know that God is gentle and kind. We know that sin and death are still present. And yet. We know Easter is near. We find ourselves in a desolate place where God was silent in the midst of unspeakable tragedy—the death of his only Son. Jesus, even Jesus, went out to a deserted place and spent time in prayer. May we, as followers of him, remember that we are dust and that we are loved. Amen. 3

“ T his Is My Stor y, T his Is My Song ” by Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music

Frances Jane Crosby, or “Fanny” to all of us who love her songs, wrote the lyrics to the hymn: “Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine” in 1873. Blind at a very young age, her words in this hymn’s 2nd stanza are truly profound, for her and for us: “Visions of rapture now burst on my sight.” Fanny (1820– 1915) was a lifelong Methodist who began composing hymns at age six. She became a student at the New York Institute of the Blind at age 15 and joined the faculty of the Institute at 22. Fanny wrote the lyrics for more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, and she is also known for her teaching and her rescue mission work. She understood the concepts of New Heaven and New Earth when “the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped” (Isaiah 35:5). In stanza 1 she tells us that having this blessed assurance that Jesus is our Lord is a “foretaste of glory divine.” And this was Fanny’s response to that confidence in God’s saving grace: to praise her Savior all the day long. Every day, because “the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15 KJV). Here and now. Sometimes the lyrics of a song come to a writer first, with the tune coming later when the words are shared with musicians. But that is not how this hymn came together. One afternoon Fanny Crosby was visited by her friend Phoebe Knapp. Phoebe and her husband Joseph were members of the John Street Methodist Episcopal Church in New York City. Fanny was also a member of that church, and she had been a longtime friend of Phoebe’s family, Walter C. Palmer and Phoebe Worrall Palmer. Phoebe, using the piano, played a new melody she had just composed. When she asked Fanny, “What does the melody say to you?” Fanny, leaning back in her rocking chair, replied, “Blessed assurance; Jesus is mine.” The hymn appeared in the July 1873 issue of Palmer’s Guide to Holiness and Revival Miscellany, a magazine printed by Dr. and Mrs. Palmer, complete text and piano score. This hymn, with the title bearing the words of Fanny’s response to her friend, has been one of the most beloved hymns that Fanny wrote. I thank Janet Roberts for giving me an inspirational book from Janet’s library entitled: Blessed

Assurance: the Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by John Loveland (Broadman Press 1978). About “Blessed Assurance,” Broadman says that “whether the words make up a poem that some great poet would judge good, I do not know. And what has made it survive the years, I do not know. But I do feel that it is a testimony that came from the heart of a blind Christian lady more than a hundred years ago, and it is a testimony of every Christian.” And in just 3 years, the hymn will have inspired worshippers for 150 years! Much of this hymn is focused on heaven, on our arrival to a realm where “perfect submission” and “perfect delight” [stanza 2] will take place. Our existence on earth is one of “watching and waiting, looking above” [stanza 3]. This hymn also appeals to our senses in a rich way, here and now. We have now a “foretaste of glory divine;” we hear now “echoes of mercy, whispers of love” [stanza 2]. As much as I love the essence of this hymn through its poetic phrases, as much as I love playing the 9/8 meter of the music, as much as l love telling “my story” in the form of “my song,” it is the beginning of the 3rd line of the 1st stanza that truly inspires me: I am – we are – “heir(s) of salvation.” Wow. We are now beginning the Lenten Season: 40 days prior to Easter (not including Sundays.) The scripture for the 2nd Sunday of Lent this year includes a loved verse: “For God so beloved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). Are we really heir(s) of salvation? Why and how? This verse answers those questions: God loves us and he gave his Son. And that Son showed us whom God is, as he walked, talked, healed, wept, and prayed. He showed us that we can experience the kingdom of God here and now. This is my story; this is my song. Thanks be to God.

by Pastor Nick Quient

“When are we closest to God? When we see ourselves as we really are.” —Fleming Rutledge

Loving God, We ask you to bless the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We ask you to be present with those who mourn, for they must be comforted. We ask you to empower the meek, for they have a grand inheritance. We ask you to satisfy those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. We ask you to be generous to those who are merciful, for they are in need of mercy. We ask you to see the pure in heart, for they reveal you. We ask you to remember the peacemakers, for they are your children. We ask you to vindicate those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is your kingdom. Be with us in this Lenten season. Amen.

C hildren ’s ministry

CONVERSING WITH GOD ON THE JOURNEY

TAKE BOLD STEPS IN 2020 *Plan to travel with a Purpose* Mt. Hood, Oregon’s Camp Arrah Wanna April 17 - 19

I started to notice that when on a journey I was most open to seeing God. Yes, it is true that God was there at home waiting to reveal truths but it was harder to empty myself of responsibilities to notice and receive them. I began to see the vastness of God as I travelled. Experiencing God’s geological masterpieces in the Cascades of the Northwest as I backpacked to the base of Mount Jefferson. Feeling in my body the difficulty of pedaling up and down hills in the head winds of the Columbia River Gorge. Listening to the crash of the angry ocean winter waves while walking down a secluded Oregon beach. Delighting in the taste of the blueberry orchards of the Willamette Valley. God knew this was the time that we communicated the best. Seeing, feeling, listening, tasting and even struggling was the way of learning for me. The practice of 40 days of Lent is a similar journey of stepping out of the mundane and becoming acutely aware of God. In my mind’s eye I can see the Via Dolorosa in the old walled city of Jerusalem. There are very small postings along the rocky road that commemorates the stages of the cross. One really must be looking for them to find them. The modern city buzzes outside the walls. People walk by and never notice. I sip the tart sweetness of freshly pressed pomegranate juice. The greatest event in history would be easy to overlook if one is not looking. The journey is intentional and so must be our personal Lenten journey this year.

Blessings on your journey, Pastor Cheryl

Confer with other American Baptists of the west how to lead our church in the process of “Growing Young” in this new decade.

*SUMMER 2020* Kodiak Island, Alaska to the Kodiak Baptist Mission June 21 - 27 Along with other westerners, work, serve, worship, and discuss together what our American Baptist churches can offer in this new decade.

*Bold Steps* • • •

Challenge yourself Share your ideas Seek understanding of God’s presence: In community In study In work In the natural world

*Traveling with a Purpose is a Life Changer* Contact Pastor Cheryl for more information.

Junior Disciples Winter Campfire Sunday, March 15, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Bring a Friend Pastor Cheryl’s House Warm clothes necessary More information? 951-640-3616

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

Parkistan

Persecution.com and Telegraph.co.uk Last May, we rejoiced when Asia Bibi was finally allowed to leave Pakistan for Canada. She had spent about a decade in prison on blasphemy charges that were dismissed by Pakistan’s Supreme Court, but only after a lengthy appeals process. It was a difficult period for her as she languished in prison, unsure what would happen. Even upon her release, she was basically on house arrest as the government was unable to assure her safety against vigilantes who wanted to murder her. Arrangements were made to move her to Canada, where she has been able to live a more normal life again.

Laos

However, there are still many others in Pakistan who are victims of this unjust law, under which a false accusation can land someone in jail for years as the case drags on. Pray for Imran Masih, who is another Christian who has been imprisoned since 2009, falsely accused of burning a Quran. His case has had one appeals court hearing in 2015. There are at least 22 other Christians in similar situations. But there are also dozens of Muslims jailed under this law, since the accusation can be leveled as a means of silencing a rival or settling a score. Pray that the government of Pakistan will work to reform this law and free these prisoners.

Voice of the Martyrs VOM shared that about a year ago, police in the Boke province of Laos destroyed a building that had been used as a house church. But instead of quashing the gospel, there are so many new believers that the church doesn’t have room for them all, and a new addition is being constructed. Praise God that He can work powerfully, even amid opposition. Pray that the government leaders would come to know the love of Christ.

Venezula

Pray for the church in Venezuela as the economic crisis continues. Shortages of food and supplies as well unimaginable inflation continues to make daily life extremely challenging. Pray that a political and economic solution could emerge so that the people of Venezuela can have hope for the future. Pray that Christians would be able to show Christ’s love in the midst of this crisis. Pray that relief would get to those who most need it.

- 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 W S H IP

Interview with Herb Dominguez by Ann Smith

Rev. Herb Dominguez was born in Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He lived there until he was 5; then his family moved to Houston, Texas where they stayed until he was 13. Then WWII came along and his father joined the Navy, moving the family to Oxnard, California. Herb graduated from Oxnard Union High School in 1948. One of Herb’s earliest memories was of his mother praying over him and his brother before they left for school, from kindergarten through the 12th grade. Her prayer was: “Lord, be with my boys as they go to school and may they they learn one good truth today.” He started college and then was drafted into the armed services. He served as a chaplain’s assistant from 19511953 in Stuttgart, Germany. When he returned from the service he entered California Baptist Theological College and Seminary in Covina, CA where he met his lovely wife Dori. Herb accepted Jesus as Lord at the age of 10 and was baptized at Magnolia Baptist Church in Houston. He was most influenced by his parents’ example and by his Sunday School teachers there. He began to understand Christ’s care for him when the family moved to Oxnard. The First Baptist Church (ABC). The church was most helpful in finding a house for the family when rental houses were difficult to find during the war. Some of its members were also on hand to greet the family with groceries when they arrived. He felt the call to the ministry there and has never wavered from it. Herb met Dori when he returned to seminary. They were married at the FBC of Redondo Beach by her high school pastor, Dr. C. G. Emanuel and Herb’s pastor, Dr. Ernest Main, 1955. They served in several churches in So. Cal. Prior to retirement, he was on the Regional Staff of the ABC of Pacific Southwest for 19 years. After retirement in 1993, he served as Interim Executive Minister of the Pittsburg, Pennsylvania region. After several interim pastorates they retired and came to Redlands to be close to their

children; Plymouth Village became a natural choice in 2010. They immediately joined the First Baptist Church of Redlands. He has become more and more aware that we live in a world of pain and suffering where no one is immune and that it is futile to blame God for suffering and pain. Here he quotes the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:18 where he asked the Lord to remove his “thorn in the flesh” and, the Lord’s response was “My grace is sufficient for you.” His favorite Bible story is the narrative of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and return. He places full confidence in Jesus’ promise of eternal glory in His Presence. Herb’s favorite hymn is How Can I Say Thanks to God otherwise known as My Tribute. They have been blessed with 3 adult children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 greatgrand daughters. Herb and Dori have indeed been a team in their family life and in their ministry.

News

FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION

2020 Easter Food Box Guide 1 5lb bag flour

1 cake mix, Jello-0, or dessert

1 5lb bag sugar

2 cans misc. vegetables

1 dozen eggs

1 roasting pan

1 bottle Cooking Oil

Margarine

1 Cheddar Cheese Soup (can)

Apples or Oranges

1 box of Potatoes

Canned fruit

Will be collected on the Patio:

$10.00 gift card to Stater Bros. to purchase a ham (Most clients have a Stater Bros. within walking distance) Any extra special holiday items that make the holiday more festive (candles, dishtowels, treats, decorations) Local Outreach will provide boxes to hold the items

March 15, 22, 29, April 5 *Please note this guide does not replace our need for ongoing food drives to fill FSA’s Pantry.

FAREWELL TO LINDA GENTILE It is with deep gratitude for her years of service that we sadly announce that Linda Gentile has decided to retire as our organist. We have been so blessed for more than 10 years as she has shared her very special gift and talent as our organist and accompanist. It has been such a pleasure working with Linda, not just on Sundays in worship, or Thursdays with the choir, but also as she has shared in memorials and wedding with such finesse. We have also enjoyed having her spouse, Ron, as he has shared his musical talents with us as well. We pray that God will continue to bless them as they move into this next phase of life and service. We will be saying “thank you” to Linda in a reception following worship on April 5 on the patio. Easter Sunday will be Linda’s last worship service with us as organist. Thank you, Linda!

Sunday Morning Communion during the Lent Season Beginning March 7, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Lounge

A Huge Thank You to the those who helped with the Quient Baby Shower: ~

Barbi Carpenter, Jim Creech, Martha Hone Warden, Alli Kishimoto, Melinda Kluza, Fleury Laycook, Laci Morgan, Scott Nelson, Caroline Ray, Mike Warren, Matt and Jennifer Winter, Paul Zander

And a special thanks to the good sports who drank from baby bottles: Bruce Laycook, Josh Morgan, David Stanley and Mike Warren.

Without your help, we couldn’t have done it. Dianne Creech and Berva Smith

HAPPY March BIRTHDAYS TO... 2

Gwen Jones

Christine Carpenter

Bob Leonard

Lillian Peske

Gregg Sneller

Ashley Hansen

Daniel Winter

Don Craw

Sydney Keierleber

Aaron Zureick

June Copple

Tom Kirkpatrick

Anne Hansen

Dorothy Somers

Violet Allen

Joseph Peske

Angela Keierleber

Marion Jensen

Sandy Carlson

Shelby Pleiss

Blane Harrington

Lily Applebee

Ellie Huynh

Wendy Peske

Sarah Whitley

Shannon Pleiss

Mary Wolfe

Andrea Zureick

Nathan Jones

Cheryl Sneller

Mason Wolfe

Submissions for the Tapestry should be sent to tapestry@fbcredlands.org by the 15th of each month. ADDENDUM TO 2019 CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT

LOCAL OUTREACH EVENTS YouthHope Dinner: A Walk in Their Shoes Thursday, March 5, 2020 Orton Center @ University of Redlands 1249 E. Colton Ave. Redlands, CA 92374 Awareness Hour 6:00 PM Dinner and Program 7:00 PM For more information, contact Cathy Zander

Family Service Work Day Saturday, March 7, 2020 9AM - 12PM

Lunch will be served afterward at Uncle Howie’s.

Gerrards Craft Beer and Wine Festival Tickets Friday, March 13, 2020

American Baptist Women: Mirium Circle and Saturday morning Bible Study continued to meet in 2019.

Local Outreach will need volunteers. No cost to volunteers!

Women were involved in numerous ministries of the church. $920.25 was given for Love Gift in support of the total mission of American Baptists. Thank You to all who contributed. Message from Janet Robets: To all who prayed, sent cards, spoke words of encouragement, and helped distribute my possessions, thank you! You have been the channels of God’s Grace in my life. I still need your prayers as I adjust to the details of Assisted Living and receive God’s healing for my physical problems which brought me there. Belonging to the First Baptist Church Family is wonderful. I thank God for all He helps us to be. Janet Roberts

RAINBOW ACRES MISSION TRIP APRIL 20 - 25 COST: $200 Join the Team! See Pastor Shawn if you are interested.

Pray for Caretakers

Monday

God’s Love

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