Cheryl Sneller: “Cherishing Memories And Looking Towards a New Year of Possibilities”

Cherishing Memories And Looking Towards a New Year of Possibilities

by Pastor Cheryl

November and December were months of participating in meaningful traditions for First Baptist Church of Redlands. Joining together we experienced the Agape Gratitude Sunday and focused our hearts on service and thanksgiving and collected needed items for Redlands Family Services and the Tijuana Mexico Mission.

We engaged in the season and activities of Advent. On the Church lawn was erected the Advent themed boards to witness to anyone who passed by that God still proclaimed hope, peace, love and joy for the nations. The sanctuary was transformed during the “Hanging of the Greens” event with green wreaths decorating the pews and red poinsettias surrounding the chancel area. White decorative Christian symbols and colorful baubles joined the sparkly lights on the towering Christmas tree. We enjoyed the singing of familiar Christmas carols, the worship bands and the choir presentations of weekly song and a meaningful Cantata. And how about the Junior Disciples Chimes Music Makers’ group?

The generations were side by side as we used our creativity during intergenerational craft night and met weekly for warm dinners and fellowship. Some Sunday School groups met for a Covid safe Christmas party. On a chilly Friday night families snuggled together with blankets and sleeping bags for the movie night. Santa was warming himself under the propane heater in the portico greeting the children from a safe distance.

We grieved and remembered our loved ones and friends during the “Longest Night Service” dinner and memorial service. In contrast we celebrated Jesus’ upcoming birthday on the family friendly Christmas Eve and consumed bagels and other goodies during our Sunday after Christmas Bagel Bar. Notice a theme anyone? In the last months of 2021 we were finally allowed to gather as an intergenerational family of Christ followers.

Quoting God I must say “IT WAS GOOD”! What will we add to our beloved FBCR traditions in 2022? It is a new year of possibilities so let’s offer up our God given talents and gifts to God’s vision for us personally and corporately. Let’s welcome others to our Lord Jesus and a place among our Church family. I am confident the Spirit of God will direct us into strengthening previous ministries and beginning new ones. It will require time and effort from you and me. It will take all of us asking God how the First Baptist Church of Redlands family can make a difference in our neighborhoods, work and learning places, our communities, our nation and our world.

A Blessed New Year Pastor Cheryl