Issuu

The First Baptist Church of Redlands

T A P EST RY

Feb 2021

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.2

Seeds of Hope A Message from Pastor Shawn

January has come and gone. For our church, January is the time we tidy up and tie loose ends from the year before. We see it in our annual meeting, which this year was held on the last day of the month. Many of us put away our Christmas decorations and take down the colorful lights that we enjoy during the holiday season. It almost seems as though February is the beginning of the new year. We think thoughts of future and fresh starts and we look for signs of hope. Some years are easier than others, when it comes to signs of Hope, but every year has seeds of Hope. Like seeds planted in the ground, we generally can’t see these seeds. We remember that we put them there. We begin to see growth, but if you are like me, you wonder “Is this what I planted or is it a weed?” And so, you wait to see.

Here are some of the seeds of Hope in my own life: �

Reconnecting with family, having been separated by time and space, through Zoom.

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The taste of oranges that have just come into season.

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The beauty of the mountains, especially when they are covered in snow.

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The sound of my daughter and husband talking and laughing on the phone.

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The sound of my son as he teaches his class as I walk down the hall of our house.

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The realization that the National Anthem can still bring tears to my eyes.

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The power and insights that I hear in the poetry of the young.

What are the seeds of Hope in our church? Let me start the list: � Every face I see or voice I hear in the “boxes” of a Zoom meeting, Sunday School class, Bible study. � A group of new leaders that are joining commissions for the first time. � The amazing possibilities made possible by the money we are giving away. � The growing friendships and partnerships we have in our neighborhood and community. � Every time a young person shares their gifts and thoughtfulness, in worship, writing and service. � Every day that I hear that another person has received the vaccine. � The people, who week in and week out continue to do hours of work to make sure that worship happens, people are cared for, and business gets done. What are the seeds of Hope in your life? What are the seeds of Hope you are aware of in the life of our church? I invite you to make a list!

I am confident that God is at work in us during this time in the wilderness. It won’t be long until we begin to see more signs of Hope. But for now, let’s keep watering the seeds. He told another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his field. It’s the smallest of all seeds. But when it’s grown, it’s the largest of all vegetable plants. It becomes a tree so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32)

Grace and Peace in Christ, Pastor Shwwn

COVER

MISSION

A Message from Pastor Shawn: “Seed of Hope”

Staff and Contents

Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Haiti, India, Republic of Congo

MINISTRY

NEWS

Pastor Nick : “Here is to Hoping”

Church News

Prayer to God

February Calendar

Richard W. Steffen: “Seeing the Signs of Hope”

Children’s Ministry: “Christ Followers Are The World’s Sign of Hope”

S TA F F Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows Senior Pastor shawn@fbcredlands.org

Nathan Jones Youth Director youth@fbcredlands.org

Rev. 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

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).

MIN I S T RY

Here is to Hoping Pastor Nick Quient Hope delayed makes the heart sick; longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12 CEB)

Hope is a strange animal. It can give us new life and new energy in times of immense sorrow. It has the power to sway the human heart from the valley of shadows and give us a new perspective. However, hope in some sense requires more of us, more of our thoughts. Hope is built upon the idea that the present reality is both dark and fearful, and that it is not the end of the story. Hope presupposes the dire straits we all dwell within, and hope also presupposes the budding truth of new creation. For the First Testament prophets, their cries of deliverance against oppression and violence were rooted in the belief that God delivers. God saves. God redeems. Even in times of trial and tribulation. I think, for those who are suffering, the delay of hope reminds us of the Christian calendar— Advent and Lent. Times of waiting, anticipation, and reflection. We look forward with hope and we seek after the God of glory—but we still wrestle with the now. The valley will eventually lead to the mountain. The salt will eventually melt the snow. I am, despite my own cynicism and anxiety, hopeful about what God is doing. God has preserved and blessed our church through this time, and God will continue to bless the global church if the church remains faithful to God. Our longings reveal our knowledge that what is will not always be. We long for the greater glory beyond the grand, and I invite us to reflect upon this glory in our new year—with hope and joy and rest on our hearts.

by Rev. Nick Quient

Loving God

I bring my ______ to you in recognition of my brokenness We ask that you would remind us again and again of your kindness For when we forget, may we be reminded that you have not forgotten us Your hands and Spirit comfort us Bless us with new eyes Bless us with new hearts Bless us with dreams and visions In turn, may we bless others and lead them to you Do not delay in giving us hope! Do not wait to remind us of your loving kindness! We call upon you to give us a revelation of peace May your glory fill the whole of creation And may we take delight in dwelling with you forever On earth as it is in heaven Amen

Seeing the Signs of Hope by Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music

There are signs around us. Many are physical signs: signs on freeways, bike lane signs on streets, signs for parking and check-in for COVID testing. On our walks in Redlands, we see signs. Michele DeCourten, longtime local outdoor ambassador and COVID survivor, wrote last July about the new signs on the Redlands Orange Blossom Trail. The usual paper sign-in system for recording usage of the trail has been replaced by a QR code system. “This is a touchless way to sign-in at the trail heads,” said DeCourten to a reporter for The Redlands Community News. “During the pandemic and beyond, this will enable trail users to sign-in without having to touch a pen that others have used.” And during the month of January, Redlands Conservancy and the City of Redlands encouraged us to exercise in their Fresh Air Challenge on the many trails throughout our community. There are behavioral signs. An article titled “Mind for Better Mental Health” speaks of signs of stress. They are described as: “How you might feel: irritable, aggressive, impatient or wound up; over-burdened; anxious, nervous or afraid.” (www.mind.org.uk, November 2017) And there are signs that we just “know” because of actions around us. We read in the New Testament that one day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.” (Luke 17:20-21 NLT) We rejoice when the signs we encounter are signs of hope. Musical artist Peter Kearney joined the group Crossover and recorded the album Signs of Hope in 1986. About the songs on that 35 year old album, Peter says, “These songs take on the grim realities of human oppression, the nuclear threat and environmental pollution but are themselves ‘signs of hope.’ The imagery is rich and stimulating and the tunes reflect the joy of a follower of St. Francis of Assisi.” But there is sign of hope – clear signs of hope: Poor has joined with poor, weak has joined with weak Overcoming doubt, daring now to speak. Opening their eyes, softening their hearts, Toughening their minds… shoulders to the wheel. Shoulders to the wheel. There are signs of hope.

We are rejoicing in the signs of hope that we experience now. My mother’s sore arm is a sign to her that she received the COVID vaccine! (And her sons 2,000 miles rejoice!) A powerful hymn that I’ve always loved is “Hope of the World.” It tells me that we can see signs of hope as we ask God to be active in our lives. Written in 1954 by Georgia Harkness, it was chosen - out of hundreds of new hymns submitted – to be the theme of the Second Assembly of the World Council of Churches that year. The hymn is a prayer that Christ, “the hope of the world,” will reconcile those involved in conflict and strife and will direct the ministry of the church to be faithful to His gospel. Dr. Harkness was the first woman hired to teach theology at any seminary in the U.S. She served on the faculty at the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary from 19401949. She ended her active teaching ministry at The Pacific School of Religion, a seminary outside of San Francisco, as a Professor of Applied Theology from 19491960.

The Apostle Paul experienced suffering, and he knew that suffering is not the end of the story. Thrown out of towns, imprisoned, and living with his “thorn in my flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV), he tells us that God is with us: God’s presence is a sign of hope that we see, as we live in the kingdom of God. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5 NIV)

Hope of the world, thou Christ of great compassion, speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent. Hope of the world, who by thy crosss didst save us, take thou our lives, and use them as thou wilt. Hope of the world, O Christ over death victorious, Thou art our Lord! Thou dost forever reign!

C HIL DR E N ’ S M I N I S T RY

Christ Followers Are The World’s Sign of Hope The United States government mailed us $600.00 each. Not clear why. We were the fortunate ones who worked during the pandemic. God had provided everything we needed. The Spirit whispered into our ears “I will show you where the true needs are”. The money was sent somewhere locally. A sign of hope for others who God loves. The God’s Kids and Junior Disciples gathered on Zoom to celebrate Three Kings Day (Epiphany). We decorated crowns and brought some noise makers too. It was a loud and fun time and Global Servant Deliris from Puerto Rico shared with the children how this special day was celebrated in Latin countries. The Three Kings (wisemen) epitomized how to respond to a sign of hope. Hope was shaped like a star encouraging them to follow where it led. They were the educated of the world and had little material needs but the Spirit directed them to a situation of true need. They traveled many uncomfortable miles, during political upheaval, carrying gifts to a child that they understood would be the king of the Jews. The child was found. They worshipped him, presented the gifts and the result was great joy! Spirit led, they avoided the political intrigue of Herod’s palace, met the true need and headed back home. Children want to help and make a difference in others’ lives. It is innate. Deliris shared a need of other children and their parents. The families did not have warm clothing and blankets for wintertime living at the border of US/Mexico. Some didn’t even have shelter. This was not a call for toys but basic survival gifts that were truly needed. We can follow the example of the wisemen of old and be a way for God to meet the true needs of our world. I’ve heard from parents that their children have enthusiastically helped them find winter wear for the families on the Mexican/US border. A carload of their gifts will be delivered about the time you read this. A sign of hope for others who God loves.

Blessings, Pastor Cheryl

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 This month I wanted to highlight some of the projects of our Baptist partners around the world so that we can be praying for them.

HAITI The eye clinic in Cap-Haitien helps 500-800 patients a month (pre-COVID) with eye exams, glasses, and early diagnosis of cataracts and other diseases. They used to have a vehicle for a mobile eye clinic that could travel to remote areas and help people who would not otherwise be able to travel to the main clinic. Unfortunately that vehicle was totaled in an accident, so the clinic is raising funds to purchase a new vehicle. The total cost of this project, including import duties, is $41,176. So far 13% has been raised. Pray that the clinic can get this needed vehicle in order to continue offering mobile eye clinics.

INDIA The Council of Baptist Churches of North East India is planning to establish a liberal arts university near Dimapur, Nagaland that would accommodate 3,000 students. Their vision for North East Christian University is to integrate faith and knowledge, character and service to transform and empower students for leadership in challenging times. They are seeking to raise $100,000 and have 25% so far.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO There are four Baptist partner hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are hoping to improve their financial management by upgrading their computers to use the Basic Hospital Information Management Application, which is specifically designed for hospitals in low income countries. They anticipate increased efficiency and financial transparency as well as reduced fraud and theft. The total cost of the software, hardware, and training to modernize all four hospital’s systems is $52,000, of which 30% has been raised. Pray that this important tool would be able to help the administrators and accountants in the hospitals improve the ability of patients to be helped with lifegiving care. If you want to donate to any of these projects, you can find more information online at www.internationalministries.org.

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

NE W S

HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS TO... 1

Robert Hayden

Ron Kallander

Matthew Meelker

Itsel Updegraff

Victoria Hansen

Karen Olson

Colby Estey

Joshua Morgan

Kathleen Alexander

Joseph Allen

John Baker

In Memory JoAnne Stewart (1/04/1930 to 12/30/20) Graveside service, Feb. 6, 11:00AM, Hillside Memorial Park Doyle Miller (5/02/1934 to 1/22/21) Services, Feb. 12, 11:00AM Emerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel

Winter Martin

Matt Applebee

Berva Smith

Danielle Daniels

Marcia Kovacic

IN MEMORY OF

Kaye Espinosa

Linda and Clark Franz, given by Cathy Zander

Elizabeth Laine

George Ledesma, given by June Copple

Neely Estey

Walker Price III

Tuesday Martin

Marie Hamilton

Lloyd Howard

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

Poinsettia Dedications

David Zander, given by Paul Zander Bob Moore, given by Paul Zander Rick and Linda Popovich, given by Nathan Jones In Memory of Harriet and Ralph Hone, given by Martha Hone-Warren John H. Townsend, given by Alecia Kintner Alan Dyer, given by June Copple Norma Barajas, given by June Copple

IN HONOR OF Carol Townsend, given by Alecia Kintner

Pray for a Positive Attitude

Pray for Relaxatiojn

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)

28 Pray for Neighbors

9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader) 10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands) 4 p.m. Children’s Sunday School

4 p.m. Children’s Sunday School

9 a.m. Sunday School classes online (check with leader) 10:15 a.m. Worship online (tinyurl.com/FBCRedlands)

7 Pray for the Discouraged

Sunday

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7 p.m. “Grateful” Study

Separated Families

22 Pray for

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7 p.m. “Grateful” Study

15 Pray for Grace

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7 p.m. “Grateful” Study

8 Pray for Unity

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

Pray for Inequality

Pray for Congo

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

7 p.m. Executive Council online

23 Pray for Our Pastors

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

7 p.m. “Grateful” Study

Pray for Persistence

Tuesday

1 Pray for those unheard

Monday Pray for Frontline Workers

Pray for Selflessness

7 p.m. Bible Study in John

24 Pray for Missionaries

7 p.m. Bible Study in John

those struggling

17 Pray for

7 p.m. Bible Study in John

Wednesday Pray for Disadvantaged

Pray for Charity

Pray for India

Pray for Healing

Friday

7 p.m. Youth Group online

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

25 Pray for Haiti

7 p.m. Youth Group online

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

Family Service

26 Pray for

18 Pray for the Tech Team 19 Pray for Peace

7 p.m. Youth Group online

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

7 p.m. Youth Group online

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

Thursday

Saturday

Pray for Strength of Character

Pray for Hope

7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

Good Judgment

27 Pray for

7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

Pray for the neighboring churches

Due to current need to “Shelter at Home,” all in-person meetings are either canceled or moved online.

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 1

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