The First Baptist Church of Redlands
T A PE S T R Y
Feb 2022
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
Sabbath
A Message from Pastor Shawn Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. Exodus 20:8-11 NRSV Most of us would like to think that we do a pretty good job of following the Ten Commandments. And yet, the commandment that we seem to have the most trouble with is the one about keeping the Sabbath. I know it is certainly one that I have trouble with! Jesus clarified this commandment somewhat, ultimately pointing out that the people were not created for the Sabbath but that the Sabbath was created for people. As a part of the creation story we see that God establishes a day for rest in the week. We can debate all day whether or not God needed to rest, but I think that there is no doubt that we do. And yet we often live as if we don’t need to rest. Keeping Sabbath is something that many of us are not good at. But we need to get better. Our bodies and minds are designed to rest. When we don’t intentionally set aside time for rest, our bodies and minds eventually react, usually at times that are inconvenient or unhealthy.
So what do we need to do to put rest into our routine? We need to be intentional. We need to schedule it in. I don’t think that it necessarily needs to be on Saturday or Sunday, though there is something to the idea that the whole community rests at the same time. It may be difficult to take a whole day to rest each week. So we begin by setting aside a whole day once a month, possibly. Or we can take baby steps and set aside a period of time each day. Maybe you will sit in a particular place in your house or yard where you will not be distracted or disturbed. Maybe you will go for a walk around your neighborhood or in the local hills. And what to do during that time? Do something that allows you to remember and realize that God is God: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Reading and meditating on Scripture, praying, reading a spiritually uplifting book, or even just doing nothing, can all be practices of Sabbath. For me as a pastor, I find that it is important that I take a day off each week, where I do not do the things of work. I take my vacation time as well as time for continuing education and study. All of these are forms of Sabbath for me. As we are early in a new year, let us all think of ways that we can practice Sabbath in our lives. Let us take the time to be still and know that God is God. Grace and peace in Christ, Pastor Shawn
COVER 1
A Message from Pastor Shawn: “Sabbath”
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Staff and Contents
FELLOWSHIP 6
MISSION
MINISTRY 3
Cheryl Sneller: “Simple Sabbaths”
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Rita Chapman: “Reflections on Sabbath”
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Rhonda Bauer: “An Introduction”
Ann Smith: Interview with Pamela Verosik
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Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Afghanistan, China, Iran
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Submitted by Gregg Sneller: “Global Servant: Moise and Deliris Goods Drop”
NEWS 10 Church News 11 February Calendar
STAFF Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows Senior Pastor
Angel Florence Office Administrator
Rev. Cheryl Sneller Director of Children’s Ministry
Isa Terrell Communications Specialist
Rhonda Bauer Interim Choir Director
Stephen Stark Senior Maintenance Custodian
Sally Rehfeldt Organist 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 Our office will be semi-open during regular office hours. However, we are still receiving mail and phone messages. Staff can be reached by email (see above). Office Hours Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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M I NI S T RY
Small Sabbaths
by Pastor Cheryl
Created for us humans that were made to rest and rejuvenate. Modeled by God on the 7th day of creation, God rested. Sabbath can be defined as the “Fullness and completion.” God is always imploring us to rest, but we are determined to go on working. We yearn for rest, talk about it but there is no time for rest; we forfeit that promise of fullness and completion. There is always more to do, to improve on yet we miss out on God’s blessing. The 7th year sabbath, according to Jewish history, was to be a time of liberating the land from raising crops and releasing the slaves who work the land. 7x7 sabbath was the “Year of Jubilee” when all were restored and forgiven. It was a new beginning. Jesus preached the “ultimate sabbath”. Jesus called himself the “Lord of the Sabbath”. Jesus claims he can provide to us “fullness and completion” Jesus died on the cross on Friday and on the Saturday Sabbath, he laid dead in a grave. Was his death timed to resurrect on a Sunday? Was he establishing a new order, a new sabbath and a new creation? “Come to me …” Sabbath is not easy and we are prone to busyness and weariness; “all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens…” Stop to watch the sunset, a bird flying, a squirrel chittering on the fence. A dog playing, a child singing, the old dancing in a park. A lizard sunning, someone laughing, a teen reading, a cyclist pedaling down the road. A surfer catching a wave, a child running to first base and the seniors playing card games in an assisted living community. “and I will give you rest…” Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV 28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Begin to take small steps of Sabbath Toward fullness and completion
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Reflections on Sabbath by Rita Chapman
Growing up as the daughter of missionaries to the Congo, Sunday – or the Sabbath always held a unique place in our lives. It was an unquestioned tradition in our family with deep roots in our past and in each of the communities in which we lived. At the time, Sunday, our Sabbath, had a collection of specific practices that were explained to us in terms of how they “honored God.”We wore special Sunday clothes, for example, to celebrate going to God’s house on his special day. I don’t ever remember missing a Sunday church service growing up. Even when we were traveling! We simply stopped at a convenient church along the way and joined them for worship. Our Sabbath was to be a God honoring day, but we also learned that our Sundays were to be a day of rest. We were taught that, “…On the 7 th day, God rested.” But, as a child, what did resting really mean? And, was resting for one person, or one family the same as resting for everyone else? It turned out that handed down family traditions became pretty important here. In our family, anything that related to the working world, that could be related to the manufacturing of something, or that were related to sports events or games were put aside. We sometimes didn’t see the logic, but understood that these Sabbath practices had their roots in our family’s understanding of what it meant to rest and honor God.
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As I grew and my faith deepened I began to own the Sabbath. Setting aside Sunday as a day of rest and spiritual renewal became an important principal in my own life. “Be still and know that I am God.” In Congo, this often meant a quiet Sabbath morning with time to reflect and sit with a hot cup of tea; refocusing and re-centering on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Animated church services which followed, were surely powerful collective expressions of joy and exuberance in the Lord, further renewing faith and purpose. Reconnecting with others who shared in faith with me became a meaningful part of my Sabbath, too. Easier done in Congo where people live outdoors and only sleep inside their houses. In reflection, I am so grateful for the early training my parents gave me in keeping the Sabbath holy, and for how those practices, as imperfect as they might have been, provided me with spiritual guidance that has strengthened and directed the rest of my life. Letting go of the furious pace and the disorienting distractions of life for a Sabbath season of quiet and recommitment to God brings me refreshment and strength.
An Introduction by Rhonda Bauer
I am very excited to be welcomed at First Baptist Church of Redlands as the Interim Choir Director. I feel very blessed to be able to bring two important areas of my life together, my faith and my choir conducting. While this is my first position as a Church Choir Director, I have extensive experience leading and conducting choirs of all ages in the secular setting. I am in my 20th year teaching secondary choir. I have taught choir and other music courses in grades 6-12 in the public school system, conducted the Citrus Community Singers, an adult community group, and led the Riverside Arts Academy Children’s Choir. I have sung with several Southern California Choirs, including Redlands own Inland Master Chorale. Currently I am the Choir Director at San Bernardino High School. I am also currently attending Claremont Graduate University pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Conducting. I have been married to my College sweetheart, Brian, for 20 years and we have 2 beautiful children, Elijah (13) and Emmelynn (6). Aside from music, my hobbies include reading, crocheting, camping, murder mysteries, and all things British. I believe my life verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 has led me to this position and I am truly looking forward to all the Lord will do through this new endeavor. May the Lord Bless you, Rhonda Lynn Bauer
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
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F E L L O W S H IP
Interview with Pamela Verosik
by Ann Smith
Pamela was born in Cleveland, Ohio to a young woman who was not sure she was ready for motherhood. After a short time, the young woman decided she was right and gave Pamela up for adoption. Pamela was adopted at the age of 6 months. She grew up in Pomona, California and graduated from Pomona High School in 1975. She has a foster brother named Steven who lives in Cucamonga and works for one of the area police departments. She met her husband, Joe Verosik, when they were both working for GTE. He was a traffic analyst and she was an administrative clerk. They were married at the Edward Mansion here in Redlands in June of 1989. Pam’s first memory of church was when she was three years old. It was during Sunday school which she recalls was on the second floor of the building. She was looking at the Warner Sallman head of Christ. She says it made her feel happy. She first began to take Christ seriously after she began attending evening service at the Pomona First Baptist Church with a friend. She had been attending for about a month when she remembers that “everything clicked” and she knew this was the right path for her. She was baptized at that same church.
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The story of how Pam came to be a member of Redlands First Baptist requires going back to when they were still courting. Joe already lived in Redlands. He kept telling her she should move from Baldwin Park where she was then living because Redlands was “God’s country.” She came to Redlands to be with him. When she first came to Redlands, she attended the Church on the Hill. After a while she found that it no longer seemed to meet her needs. She “church shopped” and found Redlands First Baptist. She says it was like going back to her roots. She has now become an intricate part of our congregation. Pam’s favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not evil; to give you a future and a hope. This verse was given to her forty years ago by a therapist when she sought counseling at age 25. She says that at that time she was not in good shape – that she was in a fragile state and was “hanging on by a thread.” This promise from God sustained her then and sustains her now. Her favorite Bible story is the story of Ruth. While she was taking an Old Testament literature class, she chose to do a research paper on the book of Ruth. Ruth’s vow and unwavering commitment and devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, moves her to this day.
Pam’s favorite hymn is The Old Rugged Cross. She sang it in Sunday school as a little girl. It takes her back to the memories of attending church with her family. One of her most cherished memories is of her father placing a quarter in her brother’s hand and in hers for the offering plate before they got out of the car. “This hymn will bring me to tears whenever I hear it.” She has become especially close to God since she became a widow 2 years ago. After she wakes up, she begins the day with God. She talks to God all through the day and ends the day with Him before falling asleep. She says she needs Him. Her parents have passed away, her brother is no longer in her life, and she has no children. Her husband was her last family member and now that he is gone she feels that technically, she has lost two families since she is adopted. That is why God is so important to her. The belief that there is someone who loves her unconditionally and won’t abandon her is what gets her though the day. It is what gets her through her life. She had comforted herself with the following quote her husband’s heart diagnosis in 2010. It comes from Abraham Abulafa, a 13th Century Jewish sage: Now we are no longer separated from our source, and behold we are the source and the source is within us. We are intimately united with IT, we cannot by any means be separated from IT. And because of this, we never need to fear being alone.
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M I S S ION
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
AFGHANISTAN World Vision Pray for children and families in Afghanistan who are in dire need of food and aid. Ongoing drought has led to 40% of crops being lost. In the past year, over 400,000 Afghans have been displaced from their homes, on top of the nearly 3 million who were already refugees. Over a million Afghan children are at risk of starvation and at least a third of Afghan children are malnourished and have experienced stunted growth. Pray for organizations like World Vision and others that are working to get food and relief to those who don’t know what they will eat tonight. Pray for rain and weather that will support crop growth and refill dry wells. Pray for peace so that ordinary Afghans can experience safety and stability in their daily lives.
CHINA International Christian Concern Pray for Zhang Ligong, Wang Runyun, Wang Shiqiang, Zhang Yaowen, and Song Shoushan who have been sentenced to prison for terms of six to eight months due to their “illegal” travel to Malaysia for a Christian conference. They departed and returned through China through customs with their passports, but were prosecuted since any exchange or communications between Chinese churches and overseas Christian communities requires pre-approval by the government. Their families say they are in good spirits and are looking forward to their release. Pray that they would be safe in prison. Pray that the gospel would spread in China despite the attempts by the government to control the church.
IRAN Jerusalem Post Pray for Pastor Matthias Abdulreza Ali Haghnejad and eight other church members who were sentenced to five year prison terms in 2019 for “endangering state security” and promoting Christianity, but were recently released pending a review of their sentences. Praise God that they are able to return home after these past few years in prison. Pray that the charges against them would be completely dropped and that they would be free to exercise their 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.
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Global Servants
Moise and Deliris Goods Drop by Gregg Sneller
Moise and Deliris were met in San Diego with a load of goods lovingly shared from our church family. They expressed gratitude and tears for your love and care. Our car was absolutely loaded down. The back was full to the brim and then the rack had five boxes behind the car. Moise and Deliris have been spending money out of their pockets to purchase tents, blankets and other items needed by people in the cold. After talking with Angel about how much you have shared financially, I wish you could have seen their faces when they heard that $1575 will be coming from International Ministries and $280 in cash was handed to them. They were absolutely stunned by your care. Ministry and care for those who are suffering, living on the edges is what Jesus is calling us to do in our community and world. Thank you, church family, for your care and love. Pray that they will be able to find space, rent space or buy land to build a center where people can process papers, get work skills, and take courses to better their lives. Moise and Deliris wrote back and said, Thank you Gregg, Cheryl, Pastor Shawn, Redlands Church, for your love and care. We owe you a visit just to say THANK YOU. We wish God to keep on blessing the church with everything you need to keep God’s mission to be accomplished in Redlands, California, Tijuana and the world. We are what we give…you have proven to be LOVE AND CARE. With grateful hearts, Moise and Deliris
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News HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS TO... 1
Robert Hayden
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Ron Kallander
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Matthew Meelker
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Victoria Hansen
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Karen Olson
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Colby Estey
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Joshua Morgan
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Kathleen Alexander
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Joseph Allen
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John Baker
10
Winter Martin
11
Matt Applebee
13
Berva Smith
14
Danielle Daniels
17
Kaye Espinosa
18
Elizabeth Laine
20
Neely Estey
22
Walker Price III
23
Tuesday Martin
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Lloyd Howard
Submissions for the Tapestry should be sent to tapestry@fbcredlands.org by the 15th of each month.
WEDNESDAY Dinner MENU Due to COVID, we will not be having Wednesday dinners in February. Dinners are scheduled to resume on March 2.
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Sunday Outdoor Church School
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Pray for Steadfastness
15 Pray for Widow/ers
16 Pray for At-Risk Children and Youth
Pray for Compassion
11:30 a.m. BYF
10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed
9 a.m. Sunday School Classes
27 Pray for the Church
11:30 a.m. BYF
10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed
9 a.m. Sunday School Classes
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11:30 a.m. BYF
Pray for Students
28 Pray for Caregivers
21 7 p.m. Executive Council online
22 Pray for Iran
Pray for Afghanistan
7:15 p.m. Choir Practice
5:30 p.m. Gatherings
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6:30 p.m. Corner Booth online
Pray for Endurance
6:30 p.m. Corner Booth online
17 Pray for Minimum Wage Workers
6:30 p.m. Corner Booth online
Friday
Pray for Generosity
7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It
19 Pray for Gratitude
9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study: “Spiritual Gifts”
7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It
12 Pray for those without homes
7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It
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Saturday
7 a.m. Walking for the Health of It
25 Pray for a Joyful Spirit 26 Pray for Peace
18 Pray for Stillness
Pray for China
Pray for Church Leaders
10 Pray for the Exploited 11
6:30 p.m. Corner Booth online
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Thursday
23 Pray for Local Outreach 24
7:15 p.m. Choir Practice
Pray for Christians Abroad
7:15 p.m. Choir Practice
5:30 p.m. Gatherings
Pray for Medical Staff
7:15 p.m. Choir Practice
5:30 p.m. Gatherings
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7 p.m. Commission Meetings
6:30 p.m. Commission Meetings
Pray for Teachers
5:30 p.m. Gatherings
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Wednesday
8 Pray for those in Denial 9
1 Pray for Radical Faith
Tuesday
10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed
Pray for the Handicapped
7 Pray for Parents
Monday
9 a.m. Sunday School Classes
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11:30 a.m. BYF
10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed
9 a.m. Sunday School Classes
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Sunday
F ebruary 2 0 2 2
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
Wednesday night dinners and programming will resume in March with special activities for the season of Lent.
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