The First Baptist Church of Redlands
T A PE S T R Y
Sept 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
Fall of 2020
A Message from Pastor Shawn Some are saying that in years to come “2020” will be a term that means everything going wrong. Others have said that “2020” is going to become a cuss word. Who knows exactly how we are going to remember 2020, but it seems that everything that we do during this year is different than we have ever done before. Trying to find “normalcy” amid nothing that is normal is something that we are all experiencing as frustration, and even grief. Even more so, trying to generate enthusiasm in what seems to be “virtual” and/or “social distanced” world requires a creative genius. And thus we enter the Fall of 2020. Every year we come back after Labor Day with some new programming, but usually just a fresh approach to what we always do. We get Sunday School going again and Thursday nights with dinner and studies and choir rehearsal after a summer of more relaxed activities. It’s hard to describe both what summer has been and how we are revving up for fall. And if there is anything that we have learned so far in 2020 it is that we really don’t know what to expect. But something else we have learned from 2020 is that we have some rather creative and industrious people in our congregation that continually make things happen. And thus we enter the Fall of 2020.
Issue No. 9
From new classes, prayer groups, Sunday School that isn’t necessarily on Sunday morning, to a new definition of “potluck” in a Zoom breakout room, we are discovering new ways to Connect, Grow and Serve as the First Baptist Church of Redlands. We are discovering ways to impact the world, near and far. As we explore how to be good stewards of the gifts and resources we have received, we are rediscovering our identity as God’s people in general, and God’s people at FBCR in particular, in a way that will help guide us into a viable future for ourselves and the next generation. And thus we enter the Fall of 2020. As you explore this issue of the Tapestry, may you get a sense of excitement about how God is at work in our midst. May we each approach this new season with a sense of curiosity and wonder…and dare I say faith…at what it means to be a follower of Jesus in these times. May we each open ourselves to the movement of the Holy Spirit as we grow in our understanding of what it means to be the people of God—a community of believers who are not limited in the realm of physical space. This pandemic will not last forever. May we make the most of what we can learn about God, ourselves, our calling, our capabilities, our resources, our ability to share the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. May it be more than we can even imagine during this time. And thus we enter the Fall of 2020. Grace and peace in the power of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Shawn
