Issuu

The First Baptist Church of Redlands

T A PE S T R Y

JUNE 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. 6

I’ve Been Meaning to Ask… A Message from Pastor Shawn

Graphic design by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org

We are excited as we begin the month of June as we are now worshiping in-person again in our sanctuary. After 14 months of learning new ways to connect, study, fellowship, worship and do business without being physically present with one another, we now have some work to do. We must move into a future with one another after living through a very difficult, challenging, but powerful season due to this pandemic. We need to catch up with one another. This past year has been filled with experiences and events that have been unprecedented. How did it impact each one of us? What have we struggled with? What have we learned? There may even be questions and conversations that have not come as a result of this pandemic--they may have always been there, but we haven’t talked about them. This new beginning gives us an excuse to share with one another on a new level.

This summer, as we often do, we are taking a break from the lectionary and we are encouraging all sorts of conversations that will hopefully lead us to get to know one another better, to get to know ourselves as a church family, to get to know our neighborhood, community, and world. With these conversations we are hoping that we begin to see how God has been shaping us and leading us to the call God has for us as we move into this next 100+ years of life and ministry as the First Baptist Church of Redlands. We will begin (June 20-July 18) with a series that is guided by a group called “Sanctified Art” that will provide us with a number of resources to explore conversations of “curiosity, courage, and connection.” Our goal is that this will prepare us to talk with one another in the context of focus groups that we will be organizing in July and August. As we think about following Christ into the future as a church, we will need to do it with curiosity, courage, and connection. It will be exciting, scary, messy, inspiring, frustrating (I’m sure that we will come up with other words as time goes on). But we are inviting the Holy Spirit to lead us. What have you been meaning to ask? Grace and peace in Christ, Pastor Shawn

COVER

MISSION 7 Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Nigeria, Haiti, Worldwide COVID Response

1 A Message from Pastor Shawn: “I’ve Been Meaning to Ask…” 2 Staff and Contents

F E L LOWS H I P 8 Church Biennial Mission Summit Watch Party

MINISTRY 3 Pastor Nick : “Holy Rest” 4 Richard W. Steffen: “Oh, I Was Meaning to Ask That!”

NEWS

5 Prayer to God

10 Church News 11 June Calendar

6 Children’s Ministry News

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

Holy Rest Pastor Nick Quient

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. 6

The LORD protects the simple;

when I was brought low, he saved me. 7

Return, O my soul, to your rest,

for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. (Psalm 116:5-7 NRSV) When I’m not working here at the church, I spend a lot of time taking Nolan for walks around our apartment complex. And during that time, I pray. As I mentioned often throughout the past months, a word that has repeatedly come to mind is “rest.” Often in Scripture, rest is focused on the human person as she is called to pause and reflect. Other times, God is the one who rests. We might immediately think of God resting after creating the world in Genesis where after all was said and done, “he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Gen 2:2). God took some time off, at least in some way. I don’t know if God was tired or a bit beleaguered, but God saw fit to take a few moments to relax after the intended work of creation was complete.

Part of the struggle of the Christian life is summed up in the Exodus narrative: “On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 8 The LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and instructions? See! The LORD has given you the sabbath, therefore on the sixth day he gives you food for two days; each of you stay where you are; do not leave your place on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day” (Exodus 16:27-30; NRSV). While rest is most certainly for our benefit and our refreshment and healing, even God thought it was wise to participate in that same rest. For us, we are called to pause for a stretch and remember the sacredness of time. As we continue to figure out this whole church thing in the midst of these times, we cannot forget God’s call for holy rest. Rest is an extension of God’s mercy because God invites humankind to not forsake our bodies and our minds and grind them to a pulp. Pump the brakes, God says. There is always time to do whatever it is that you need to do. Just remember the holy drops of life that echo in the bucket all around you. Maybe prayer is more than just asking God for things, or imploring God to act. Maybe prayer is also a transformative act that causes us to. Slow. Down. May these coming days and weeks and months be a reflection of our work and our rest. May God bless us as we continue to find the time to be holy just as he is holy.

“Oh, I Was Meaning to Ask That!” by Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music

I’ve always had questions to ask. I had many questions for my father when I was young about his wonderful experience. You see, my father was one of the shepherds THAT night. I heard the story over and over again – it was always so exciting to hear! The night the angels filled the sky praising God and singing, “Gloria in excelsis Deo! (Glory to God in the highest!)” The night they went down the hillside, bringing their sheep with them, and finding Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. The night they worshipped that newborn King. My questions were: “Angels?” “What was it like?” “And then?” I’m not a shepherd as my father was. I like working with wood, and I have lots of questions about wood working! Such as: how did Noah find so much cypress wood to make the ark 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high? And: how hard was it for Moses and the people of Israel to work with acacia wood to make the Ark of the Covenant which was 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high? I keep busy making tables for the folks of my village, but I always have questions. I’ve been following this Jesus, son of Joseph. He’s an itinerant preacher and healer from Nazareth, and I’m thinking that he is the one my father worshipped as a newborn 30 years ago! The crowds surrounding Jesus become very excited when they hear him preach: about God loving us, about how we should love each other, and about that Kingdom of God being here and now! I’ve been close to this Jesus, almost close enough to ask some of my questions. At times I have been ready to ask them, and someone else in the crowd will ask questions similar to mine before I get to! That’s okay, because I still get to hear his answers. Questions such as: “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3 NLT) And: “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21 NRSV) And: “How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?” (Matthew 18:21 CEV)

The Jewish leaders in our village talk about a time when God will send a Messiah. He will have the qualities of a prophet, priest, and king in Israel. He will be the “suffering servant” and he will be the descendent of King David. I have heard about questions that were asked in our earlier Hebrew times. Some were asked by Satan, by God, by Cain, by Abraham, by Job, and by Moses. I remember these: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1 NIV) “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9 CEB) “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9 NKJV) “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25 NKJV) “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14 ESV) “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13 ESV) I heard that this Jesus answered questions with other questions. “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:38, 40 NLT) Some of my questions didn’t have the words I needed to ask them, but when I heard the words of others – even from a rich ruler – I really listened to the answer this Jesus gave. “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And he did it again! He answered the ruler’s question with another question! “Why do you call me good?” But then their conversation made me even more confused. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” This Jesus replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” (Luke 18:18-27 NRSV) So, I’m still asking questions. I’m still following this Jesus. And I’m believing what he is saying.

by Pastor Nick Quient

Prayer Loving God Our time is fragile Our bodies and mortal and frail Hear our prayers and guide us Do not forget your promises to us Great is your faithfulness You are merciful and true, protecting the humble and the lost Return vitality to our bones and our minds Fill us with your Holy Spirit Lead us along the path to eternal life And remind us to stop and enjoy the flowers and the sky and the grass You are holy and good Remind us of that always In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit Amen 5

C hildren ’s ministry RECOGNIZING OUR NEW JUNIOR DISCIPLES JUNE 13TH DURING WORSHIP We will recognize our young students who will become Junior Disciples on June 13th during the Church service in the sanctuary. During the time of the Church service on the following summer weeks, we will offer a summer session to introduce the Junior Disciples to our Baptist practices and Christian disciplines. The entire second story floor of our CE building will be their classroom (inside and out.) Historically we have recruited our members, that have walked with Jesus for many decades, to share the practices and disciplines with our children. They explain baptism, communion, prayer, etc. and what it means to them. It is a wonderful intergenerational experience as the mature Christ Followers befriend the children. The JDs will start to participate in the Church service in the Fall and continue their learning in how to love the Lord and serve His body (the Church). Calendar in this special Sunday to honor these children. In addition, we will be recognizing our graduating youth as well.

KINDERS, FIRST AND SECOND GRADERS

CHILDREN’S ART ON THE LAWN EVENTS

Soon the primary grades will start their time learning to grow more in the love and knowledge of Jesus. They probably will wish to see their older peers level-up to Junior Disciples so we will take them to their class area after the recognitions on June 13th. This summer we will meet on the ground level of the CE building, specifically the lawn, portico area and chapel. There will be three rotations for them to experience. The chapel will be the Deep Blue Bible story/study area. The portico area will host the craft time and the lawn will be where we do some physical activities.

Three times this summer the children will have an opportunity to join “Children’s Art On The Lawn”. These events will be led by Lori Powell, a retired school district art teacher and artist herself. We would appreciate volunteers to help out; so if you are interested let Pastor Cheryl know. The dates of the events will be announced later.

PRESCHOOLERS We have welcomed back our preschoolers to their own room (old Toddler room) on May 23rd. They are learning about Jesus, creating crafts, and participating in activities from our Deep Blue Preschool curriculum. This is the same curriculum our kindergarten through second grade learn with. There will be some opportunities to do some outside activities on the CE sidewalks.

INFANTS We praise God for our infants and hope they will enjoy their time in our wonderful Church nursery. They will be under the care of Rhiannon and David, our seasoned childcare workers. Since they are just next door, I wouldn’t be surprised if they befriend our amazing preschoolers. They have started also on May 23rd with the preschoolers.

Blessings From the One Who Loves Us So Much, Pastor Cheryl

During this post-pandemic time there will be the evolving and tweaking of the children’s programming. Please be patient with us. If you want a copy of the summer post-pandemic guidelines, please contact Pastor Cheryl. Won’t it be wonderful to all be together again?!

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

NIGERIA Pray for Leah Sharibu, who recently turned 18 as she enters her fourth year in captivity with the Islamist group Boko Haram. She was only 14 when militants abducted her along with over 100 other schoolgirls. Though all of the others were returned, she was not, since she reportedly refused to renounce her Christian faith. Pray for her to have strength each day as she must live under what can only be imagined as very difficult circumstances. Pray for her parents, who are worried about their daughter and are frustrated by the government’s inability to help return their daughter. Pray that Leah’s faith in Christ would remain strong and that her witness would influence the men that kidnapped her.

HAITI Pray for the nation of Haiti as it struggles with political instability. Elections are scheduled for a constitutional referendum, but many Haitians believe it is illegal and should not be held. Though COVID has thankfully had little impact on the country, kidnapping has been a major issue, as well as violence between rival gangs. Pray for the people of Haiti to experience peace and for its leaders to be good shepherds.

Worldwide COVID response Praise God for the progress we have made so far against COVID, and continue to pray for those all around the world who are threatened. Pray for vaccine production to continue to expand so that vaccines can be distributed all around the world where it is needed. Pray that new variants would not be more infectious or damaging. Pray for strength for doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who are being stretched to their limits as they care for those who are suffering.

- 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 ellows h ip

Church Biennial Mission Summit Watch Party June 24-26, 2021

This year the Mission Summit will be coming to us. Would you consider setting time aside to join in one of the evening gatherings between June 24-26. In years past this virtual opportunity has not been possible. Plan to experience the vitality of our American Baptist family together with other American Baptists from all corners of the United States and the world through the June 2021 online Biennial Mission Summit event! Join one of the most diverse Baptist denominations as we imagine new possibilities and celebrate together the love of Christ and the joy of being a part of American Baptist Churches USA. The online Biennial Mission Summit will feature scheduled programming on each of the three event days, June 24-26, 2021. Opening Worship June 24, 4-5 p.m. The opening worship service will focus on imagining unity as we celebrate coming together as an American Baptist family, as the Body of Christ. We invite you to join us for upbeat and diverse worship with music from across the country, including Puerto Rico, moments of prayer and response, and a celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Communion will be led by Rev. Dr. C. Jeff Woods (Interim General Secretary), Karen Podsiadly (ABCUSA President), and Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri (Associate General Secretary for Mission Resource Development). June 25 Worship 4-5 p.m.

Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones This year in particular, we recognize the need for healing in our churches, communities, nation, and the world. On Friday evening we will invite you to imagine and experience God’s healing spirit in our lives. Through a virtual choir, liturgical dance, and a time for prayers of the people, we will acknowledge the hurt in our midst and celebrate the balm that heals us all. Our preacher for the evening will be the Rev. Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones.

Rev. Susan Sparks Special Comedy Hour As a trial lawyer turned standup comedian and Baptist minister, Rev. Susan Sparks is America’s only female comedian with a pulpit. A North Carolina native, she received her B.A. at the University of North Carolina, law degree from Wake Forest University, and Master of Divinity at Union Theological in New York City. The twenty-year senior pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City

Rev. Susan Sparks (cont’d) (and the first woman pastor in its 170 year history), Sparks’ work with humor, healing, and spirituality has been featured in “O” (The Oprah) Magazine, the New York Times, and on such networks as ABC, CNN, CBS, and the History Channel. A featured TEDx speaker and a professional comedian, Sparks tours nationally with a stand-up Rabbi and a Muslim comic in the Laugh in Peace Tour. She is the best-selling author of five books and an awardwinning nationally syndicated columnist. Most importantly, she rides a Harley, loves tasty BBQ, and collects fabulous cowboy boots. Find out more at SusanSparks.com! Sparks is presenting the Comedy (half) Hour “Laugh Your Way to Grace” on Friday, June 25 at 5:15 PM.

June 26, 2021 Rev. Dr. Brianna Parker We are a people of hope and a Body of Christ who celebrates what God can do through us and in our midst. In our closing worship we will imagine hope through the children and youth leading portions of our worship, through a virtual choir inviting us into a time of praise, and through a prayer of thanksgiving for the imaginative hope that we feel. Our preacher for this worship service will be the Rev. Dr. Brianna Parker. We will end with the announcement of our 2023 Biennial Mission Summit to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Directory Updating The Diaconate Commission is planning to print a new church directory in the Fall. This will be names and addresses only, no photos. We’re hoping to do that at a later date. We would appreciate your help in making sure we have correct information about our church members and friends. If you’re absolutely sure we have all the correct information for your family, you can ignore this request. But if you have any changes that you know need to be made, or you’re not sure if we have the most current information, please respond to the church office at admin@fbcredlands.org, or to Berva Smith at knitwhiz@roadrunner.com. Things we’d like to know: Names of all immediate family members, address, home phone number, cell phone number for all family members and their birthdays. If you are not in the current directory and want to be, or if you are now in the current directory and do not want to be, please let us know. Thanks for your help.

News

HAPPY JUNE BIRTHDAYS TO... 1

Deena Barwick

Don Olson

Holly Allen

James Estey

Myra Daniels

Salvador T. Martinez

Kevin Fisher

Charles Miller III

Jonathan Peske

Royal Copple

Samuel Warren

Fleury Laycook

Hilary Craw

Mae McLaren

Barbara Williams

Dianne Creech

Betty Thomas

Penny Walker

Ben Dillow

George Nelson

Claudia Guzman

Allison Nottingham

Madeline Keierleber

Richard Bueermann

Erick Mendoza

Nicholas Quient

Lisa Olson

Michael Reynolds

Meridyth McLaren

David Hamilton

Haylee Richardson

Melanie Medlin

Richard Carlson

Lauren Olson

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

Thank you from the Worship Commission Thanks to everyone who helped with the beautification of the church campus on Saturday, March 27th. Flower gardens were cleaned and new flowers planted. Palm Fronds were hung on the patio, and the entry walk way. New bark was added to some of the garden areas. A lovely, sunny day of gardening and fellowship. Another group of volunteers, on Sat. April 3, decorated the fountain, with floating flowers, and greenery. The cross was designed and decorated with various flowers. Lilies were arranged in vases, for the Easter morning service.

WEDNESDAY DRIVE IN TAKE OUT 1. Order in advance online using the form attached to the weekly email. **NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MIDNIGHT** - All orders must be made in advance. (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 the server upon pickup. $7 adult; $4 child (11 & under) 3. Come to the church parking lot between 5:45 and 6:15 PM, park in a designated space and remain in your car. 4. Place a paper with your name on it on your dashboard. 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. For those unable to drive-in, delivery is available.

MENU JUNE 2 Chicken and Cheese enchiladas, Spanish rice and beans, Pumpkin Cake for dessert JUNE 9 Tamale Pie, Spanish Rice, Vegetables, Cinnamon Rolls for dessert JUNE 16 Chicken and carnitas street tacos, Grilled Vegetables and corn cake, Cookies for dessert.

Pray for Safe Travels

Pray for Humbleness

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7:15 p.m. Bible Study for College Students

10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed

Worldwide COVID Relief

28 Pray for

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7:15 p.m. Bible Study for College Students

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

7:15 p.m. Bible Study for College Students

27 Pray for Recovery

10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed

10:15 a.m. Worship

9 a.m. New Youth Welcome

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

Pray for Haiti

Pray for Children

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Fellowship

10:15 a.m. Worship

7 Pray for Parents

7:15 p.m. Bible Study for College Students

Pray for Openness

Monday

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

Sunday Pray for Increased Faith

Pray for Optimism

29 Pray for

Myanmar

7 p.m. Executive Council online

22 Pray for Firefighters

8 Pray for Wisdom

Tuesday 3 Pray for the Displaced

7 p.m. Bible Study in John

30 Pray for Nonbelievers

7 p.m. Bible Study in John

23 Pray for Pastor Nick

Pray for Boldness

Mission Summit Watch Party times TBA

7 p.m. Youth Group online

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

7 p.m. Youth Group online

7 p.m. Bible Study in John

17 Pray for the Anxious 6:30 p.m. “Corner Booth” Class online (check with leader)

Pray for Endurance

5:45 - 6:15 p.m. “Drive-In Take-Out” Dinners - Prkg Lot

7 p.m. Youth Group online

Pray for the Discouraged

7 p.m. Bible Study in John

10 6:30 p.m. “Corner Booth” Class online (check with leader)

Pray for Nigeria

7 p.m. Youth Group online

5:45 - 6:15 p.m. “Drive-In Take-Out” Dinners - Prkg Lot

7 p.m. Bible Study in John

6:30 p.m. “Corner Booth” 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. “Drive-In Take-Out” Dinners - Prkg Lot Class online (check with leader)

Pray for Wednesday Night Drive-In

Wednesday Thursday

Pray for the Hurting

Pray for Embracing Change

Pray for Separated Families

26 Pray for Missionaries

8 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

19 Pray for Pastor Shawn

9 a.m. Children’s Art on the Lawn

8 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

9 a.m. Youth Hunger Walk & Communion Baking

8 a.m. Walking for the Health of It

Saturday

Mission Summit Watch Party times TBA

Youth Pool Party

Mission Summit Watch Party 8 a.m. Walking for the Health of It times TBA

Generous Hearts

18 Pray for

Pray for Clarity

Pray for College Students

Friday

Due to current coronavirus safety protocols, all meetings and services are online unless otherwise indicated.

JUNE 2021

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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