December 2023 Tapestry

TAPESTRY

How Does A Weary World Rejoice?

O Holy night!

The stars are brightly shining It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

“O Holy Night” is a favorite Christmas Carol for many of us. It is a powerful song that sets the scene of the wonder, power and significance of the birth of Christ. In the middle of the first verse is the line, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.” Honestly, I have glossed over that line every time I have sung the song and never really thought about it until now.

How does a weary world rejoice? It is a good question! We live in a weary world, and for some in this world, this is an understatement! It is hard to think about all that is going on in this world that seems way beyond anyone’s control and not feel the heavy weight of weariness. Whether it is world news of war between Ukraine and Russia, or the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza; Myanmar, Sudan, and more; or the effects of climate change near and far; or local worries like a loaded gun found in the trash can at Cope Middle School. Even as I write these things I find myself sighing. We live in a weary world! We are weary! How does a weary world rejoice?

I think some of the answer is in the song: “A thrill of hope,” “For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” It is this question that we will explore this Advent, Christmas and Epiphany: How does a weary world rejoice? We will do it on Sunday mornings in worship, through daily devotional thoughts through emails, Facebook and devotional guides. There will be something for the whole family with Advent Calendars for children and adults, as well as through our normal traditions of the season here at FBCR.

May we experience the Good News of the coming of Christ once again in this season of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany! For those who find it especially hard to enjoy this season, due to grief and loss, or reminders of difficulties of the past, we pray for deep hope, joy, peace and love to blanket us and help our souls to find their worth. For those who are so busy, may we find time to rest and reflect on the Good News of this season. And finally, may we be messengers and instruments of the Good News of Hope so that a weary world can rejoice.

Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and a Spirit-filled Epiphany to all!

Pastor Shawn

COVER STAFF

1 How a Weary World Rejoices, Message by Pastor Shawn

2 Staff and Contents

MINISTRY

3 Grief and the Holidays, Message by Pastor Sara

4-5 Christmas: An Adundance of Hope, Message by Pastor Glenn

MISSION

6 World Prayer Concers: Guatelmala and Nicaragua

MINISTRY Updates

7 Advent Happenings

8 Youth/Children’s News

NEWS

9-10 Church News

11 December Calendar

Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows Senior Pastor shawn@fbcredlands.org

Glenn Molina

Associate Pastor of Arts in Worship and Community Life glenn@fbcredlands.org

Sara Swift Tharpe

Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Community Life sara@fbcredlands.org

Angel Florence Church Administrator angel@fbcredlands.org

Sally Rehfeldt Organist playitbach@verizon.net

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 www.fbcredlands. org

Jennifer Winter Interim Communications Specialist jennifer@fbcredlands.org

Rhiannon Fisher Youth Director youth@fbcredlands.org

Jared Sumners Intern for Young Adult Ministry jared@fbcredlands.org

Saul Cruz

Senior Maintenance/Custodian

Contact us: admin@fbcredlands.org 909-793-3289 www.fbcredlands.org

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m .

Grief and the Holidays

Melancholy by

Albert Gyorgy

This may seem an odd image to include in a December Tapestry issue right alongside news of the festive events of Advent and the joy and hope that this season usually inspires. Yet, grief and melancholy go hand in hand with this time of year as well. Though we may want to brush aside our sadness and shift our gaze to the twinkling lights and the colorful decorations all around us, Advent and Christmas can often bring feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss. These times that are “supposed to be” merry and bright, full of memorable moments with family and friends, may only be stark reminders for some who’s loved ones have passed on and are no longer physically present to share in these moments with them. The holidays may feel empty and full of melancholy, devoid of meaning and joy. Thus, I share this photo of Meloncholy alongside the festive announcements and holiday decorations to remind us that our grief, our weariness, our loss, are also a part of this season. There is space for all of it this Advent and Christmas. Jesus comes for all of us and only asks that we show up as we are. If the only gift that we have to offer this season is our weary, grieving presence, that is enough. You are enough.

May the peace of Christ be with you, Pastor Sara

Christmas: An Abundance Of Hope

by Pastor Glenn Molina

I know that there are many of you who scoff at the appearance of Christmas merchandise and sales that seem to happen much earlier than they would prefer. Even though “Black Friday”, as the day after Thanksgiving has been known, has become the “official” beginning of the Christmas shopping season, we are getting used to seeing stores marketing holiday merchandise in early November, or even during the month of October. Many people experience this as a negative experience, not allowing them to fully enjoy some of the other holidays and celebrations during the autumn season, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.

When I have conversations with friends who are reluctant to see these early signs of Christmas, I like to mention that in the Philippines, the homeland of my parents and ancestors, the celebration of the Christmas season begins in mid-September. By the time you read this article, the holiday season has been in full swing in the Philippines for over two months. If you were to drive through the city of Manila (rather slowly, that is, considering the horrible state of traffic in that country), you would see not only stores, but also houses and entire barangays (neighborhoods) decked out with colorful lights and religious and non-religious decorations all around. One unique tradition in the Philippines is the making and displaying of parols , handmade lanterns made of bamboo and paper that are lighted from within (originally with candles, now often with electric Christmas lights). Many modern parols are made in the shape of stars, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, and can be seen EVERYWHERE throughout the country (and even in our home in Highland). The predominantly Catholic population will attend mass for nine consecutive days leading up to Christmas, a tradition known as Simbang Gabi. These services are usually held in the early morning, as early as 3:00 or 4:00 AM. When Christmas Eve finally arrives, families typically stay up long past midnight, often gathered with most of their extended family relatives, and open up presents either before or after attending a midnight mass.

As you can see, Christmas is quite a big deal in the Philippines. It is arguably the longest celebration of the holiday among all of the Pacific Rim countries, and it certainly outlasts what we do here in the United States. There are a lot of theories about how this extended celebration has evolved. I have my own theory about why this is so. Although the Philippines does have a middle class within their society, a larger portion of the population still lives in third-world conditions, both in rural areas and in the large cities like Manila. In a country that has experienced Spanish colonization, occupation by both the United States and Japan, a brutal dictatorship, continued government corruption and the threat of internal terrorism, extending the Christmas season gives Filipinos the chance to extend a season of hope that lasts for almost a third of the calendar year. Hope is one of the cornerstones of commemorating Advent and Christmas; knowing that God’s love and Grace was so freely given to humanity through His Son, Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior of all. God reached down to a world in need of mercy and compassion with the gift of life and salvation.

I was born and raised here in the United States, and only began to truly appreciate Filipino culture well into my adulthood. One thing that has been ingrained into my soul has been a love of Christmas. In a year that has seen so much heartache and loss in our own communities and around the world, I’m more than happy to celebrate a little more hope. Maligayang Pasko, mga kaibigan. Merry Christmas, friends.

Soli Deo Gloria.

A typical street corner in Manila during the extended Christmas season

Philippine Christmas 3 by Victoria Lakes

Worldwide Prayer Concerns

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Rev 21:1

As we wrap up a year in which there are many things happening around the world that can be disheartening, here are two places where we celebrate the birthing of God’s new creation:

Worldvision.org

World Vision recently shared stories on their website from the Guatemalan community of Alta Verapaz that explain how the work of World Vision becomes a chain of blessing reaching outward into the community. World Vision first began working in this high-poverty community after Hurricane Eta caused landslides in 2020. After the initial emergency relief phase ended, the World Vision team began looking for ways to help the community thrive over the longterm. They began a child sponsorship program and talked with local leaders about the most challenging issues they faced. They discovered there was weather-related food insecurity as well as chronic health issues. One way they began to address these was through getting high efficiency wood-burning stoves to families so that they would use less wood and chop down fewer trees, as well as reduce the amount of smoke they would all breathe while cooking. Then they taught families how to raise pigs and chickens for food and income. These animals were funded through World Vision’s annual holiday gift catalog, through which donors are able to pay for various animals. As families raised the animals they received, they were able to earn extra money and learned to begin saving a little at a time. One group of families set a goal to save 500 quetzals in order to bless someone in their community. This amount, equal to $64, seemed like a lot of money for the group at first, but they worked together and accomplished the goal. Through their savings, they were able to purchase chickens for a single mother and her children. This allowed her to begin building a small flock of chickens and earning additional money as well. It’s beautiful to read these stories of how small gifts multiply to change lives in real ways. Praise God for the generosity of donors who sponsor children and purchase animals. Praise God for the World Vision staff members who work alongside with their neighbors in the community to truly be a blessing to them and extend God’s kingdom of hope and love.

nicara G ua Internationalministries.org

Dan Buttry and Damaris Albuquerque have written a new book together, titled Healing the World: Gustavo Parajon, Public Health and Peacemaking Pioneer. It tells the story of Baptist minister and missionary Gustavo Parajon and how his work has become a model all around the world. When he began community based public health care in the 1960s in Nicaragua, his idea was radically different from what had been done before But the ministry has persisted to the present day as David and Laura Parajon continue the work of AMOS Health and Hope in Nicaragua, which continues to bless thousands and thousands of people in remote areas across the nation. Gustavo’s work was recognized by the UN as a model for other countries to emulate and led to President Carter nominating Gustavo for a Nobel Peace Prize. Praise God for the way that this humble servant was able to help others learn to be a blessing and extend health and healing to their communities. - Jonathan Peske

Ifyouhaveinformationtoshareaboutthepersecutedchurchornewsfromthe missionfield,pleaseshareitwithJonathanPeske.

The Happenings of Advent 2023

Special Intergenerational Advent Gatherings

Sunday, December 3rd

10:15am

Hanging of the Greens

We will begin our Advent season by bringing our annual tradition into our Sunday morning worship service. The entire congregation is invited to join us as we prepare and decorate together our worship space for this special season of Christ’s coming.

Wednesday, December 6th

5:30pm

A Service for the Weary

Blue Christmas

Join us as we enter into a space of prayer, reflection and remembrance. Bring your grief, bring your weariness, bring your fatigue, and allow yourself a quiet space to reflect and draw near to God.

Wednesday, December 13th

5:30pm

Ornament Making Workshop Ornament making for all ages. Come and create, come and observe, come and visit with friends! All are welcome.

Wednesday, December 20th

5:30pm

Ugly Sweaters, Santa, and a Tale of Christmas … oh my!

Join us for our annual Advent Fiesta Night dinner, complete with an Ugly Sweater Contest, holiday crafts & games, a Christmas movie, and a visit from Santa. There will be popcorn, hot chocolate, and candy canes too!

Sunday, December 24th

7:00 p.m.

Candelight Christmas Eve Service

Church Sanctuary

CPR/1st Aid Course at FBCR

Saturday, January 13th

9:00am – 1:00pm

If you work or volunteer with children, youth, and/or other vulnerable persons and you need CPR & 1st Aid training (which is required for all staff and volunteers), we will be offering a course at FBCR in January!

Please RSVP to Pastor Sara by Sunday, December 17th.

If you do not work or volunteer in one of these capacities at our church, but would like to be trained in this area, please see Pastor Sara as others are invited to join as space is available.

*LiveScan Fingerprinting Update*

Our LiveScan forms are now LIVE! The Department of Justice seems to have worked out the kink on their end and we are now able to complete our LiveScan fingerprinting for ALL those who work with children, youth, and/or other vulnerable persons in our church. If you have not received a form or need a new copy OR if you are unsure whether you need to complete the LiveScan fingerprinting process, please see Pastor Sara. For a complete list of LiveScan locations, go to www.oag. ca.gov and enter “LiveScan” in the search bar. Cost is $30 and will be reimbursed by the church. Please save your receipt.

Please contact Pastor Sara at sara@fbcredlands.org or 336-354-8194 with questions or for more information.

Lock-In & Christmas Party

December 15th.

Arrive between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Fellowship Hall

White elephant gift exchange party so feel free to bring a gift.

Contact Rhiannon Fisher for more information

Thank you for your patience and … Happy LiveScanning!

In Memory of ...

Bill Cunningham

October 5th, 1926 - August 17th, 2023

Kevin Fisher

June 4th, 1962 - Sept 26, 2023

Jeff Waldron

May 29th, 1943 - November 12, 2023

Elaine Hyon

Upcoming Services for ...

Jeff Waldron Saturday, December 2nd 2 p.m.

FBCR Sanctuary

Elaine Hyon Saturday December 9th 11 a.m.

FBCR Chapel

July 23rd, 1940 - Nov. 18th, 2023

Holiday Poinsettias

Worship Commission will be selling poinsettias on the church patio.

Purchase one (or more) in Honor of someone or In Memory of someone. On sale after church Sunday Dec. 3rd, 10th, and 17th or online. You can pick up your poinsettias after the Candelight Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24th to enjoy, at your home, over the holidays.

A Service For The Weary

Wednesday, December 6th 5:30pm

Join us as we enter into a space of prayer, reflection and remembrance.

Bring your grief, bring your weariness, bring your fatigue, and allow yourself a quiet space to reflect and draw near to God.

“Give sorrow words, the grief that does not speak knits up the over wrought hear and bids it break.”

William Shakespeare

Please contact Pastor Sara at sara@fbcredlands.org or (336) 354-8194 with questions or for more information

Lyla

Ethan

Erin Goddard

Luthor Parks

22 Darla Dillow

Scott Nelson

Kate Zabaleta

23 Allison Guzman

Colin Melcher

Ross Melcher

24 Kyle Savage

25 John Biswas

26 Nicholas Daniel

Giselle Martinez

Melody Wolf

27 Chris Keierleber

28 Erin Estey

29 Brendan Morgan 31 Sonny Htoo

William Sullivan

Carol Townsend

Ellen Tseng

Maja Whitley

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

Samuel Medlin and Alison Rosteet were married in a small private ceremony in Townsend Tennessee, on Tuesday, November 21st. She will be taking his last name. They will be residing in Townsend for the time being. Sam is employed as a lineman apprentice and Alison is an event coordinator. Both are working in town.

Wednesday Dinner Menu

Dec. 6th Soup and Salad - Meatball/vegetable soup and bean/vegetable soup, salad and served with hot fudge cake for dessert.

Dec. 13th - Birthday Night- Chicken and gravy, mashed potatoes, veggies and served with birthday cake for dessert.

Dec. 20th - Mexican Fiesta dinner and served with assorted desserts.

December 5th

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Judson Hall

* Bring a salad to share for 6-8 people. *No RSVP required

Questions?

Contact Anne Sandel, Barbara Ford or Carol Ray

A Message About the Christmas Cards

The Christmas Card rack will be up in the Narthex. Place the cards you are giving to your FBCR friends in the pockets by first letter of their last name (no postage stamp necessary!). Don’t forget to check for cards sent to you under your last nameSanta won’t deliver.

Christams Eve Service 5:30 p.m.Ornament Making 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Dinner 7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Office Closed for Christmas 5:30 p.m. Ugly Sweaters & A Christmas Tale 6:30 p.m.