April 2024 Tapestry

TAPESTRY

That’s Love!

What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who God is or what God’s up to. But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own. 1 John 3:1-3 (The Message)

We’re called the Children of God…and That’s Who We Are! All because God loves us!

I think we need to just rest in that reality for a little bit. As we have moved through the season of Lent, the reflection of Holy Week, and the celebration of the Resurrection, let us take some time now to sit in the comfy reclining chair of God’s Love that calls us Children of God. Sit back in that comfy chair, secure in the reality of the Resurrection of Christ and think about what it means to be loved that much! Every once in a while (probably more often than we think) we need to lean back into the realities of God’s love for us and the identity that we have because of that love. (Deep breath. Sigh. Repeat.)

This is the season called “Eastertide.” Now I don’t completely know the etymology of that word, but imagine the wave (in some warm tropical place, of course) washing over us, the reality of Easter. This is the season that we spend some time focusing on what it all means. And that is what we are going to do for the next few weeks until Pentecost. On Sunday mornings we will be focusing on the impact of the Resurrection on the early followers of Christ. And we will be getting into the scriptures on Wednesday nights: I will be leading a Bible study through the Letters of John and Jude, called “Everything You Need to Know About Love.

So, fellow Children of God, let’s lean back into the Love of God and see what that feels like!

Grace and peace in the Risen Christ, Pastor Shawn

STAFF

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

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

Rev. Karin Mazzeo Interim Pastor of Children’s Ministries karin@fbcredlands.org

Angel Florence Church Administrator angel@fbcredlands.org

Tapestry is published monthly by The

All material for the Tapestry should be typed and emailed no later than the 15th of each month to tapestry@fbcredlands.org.

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Sally Rehfeldt Organist playitbach@verizon.net

Jennifer Winter Communications Specialist jennifer@fbcredlands.org

Rhiannon Fisher Youth Director youth@fbcredlands.org

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

HOPE FOR THE WORLD: WORDS

OF WISDOM FROM MARTIN, HENRI, & PAUL

Over the last several months, I have found it very difficult for me to know exactly how to pray–both personally and corporately–when it comes to global issues. I feel overwhelmed thinking about despair, war, death in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, Myanmar/Burma… and the list goes on and on. The year 2024 does not hold the monopoly on international conflicts, yet here we are. Many of us cry out to God, call out governments, converse (or argue) with others about our frustrations… and yet, war and oppression continue on. We pray and hope for lasting change, yet what do we do when we see little or none on the horizon?

One night, I followed an online rabbit hole looking for wisdom. I came across these quotes from writers and speakers that I highly respect. Each was written in its own particular context, but they all relate to searching for hope in difficult situations:

“Of course some of us will die having not received the promise of freedom. But we must continue to move on. On the one hand we must accept the finite disappointment, but in spite of this we must maintain the infinite hope. This is the only way that we will be able to live without the fatigue of bitterness and the drain of resentment.” (Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., “Shattered Dreams”)

“Hope is not dependent on peace in the land, justice in the world, and success in the business. Hope is willing to leave unanswered questions unanswered and unknown futures unknown. Hope makes you see God’s guiding hand not only in the gentle and pleasant moments but also in the shadows of disappointment and darkness. No one can truly say with certainty where he or she will be ten or twenty years from now. You do not know if you will be free or in captivity, if you will be honored or despised, if you will have many friends or few, if you will be liked or rejected. But when you hold lightly these dreams and fears, you can be open to receive every day as a new day and to live your life as a unique expression of God’s love for humankind. There is an old expression that says, ‘As long as there is life there is hope.’ As Christians we also say, ‘As long as there is hope there is life.’” (Henri Nouwen, Turn My Mourning Into Dancing)

“... we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (The Apostle Paul, Romans 5:2b5 [RSV])

I offer these quotes with little to no commentary, as I believe they speak for themselves. All three recognize that answers do not come easily nor quickly in many situations. As much as I sometimes wish God would answer with certain and concrete solutions, I also recognize the reality that the process of God working in us happens simultaneously while we pray for others. The same Holy Spirit that enabled individuals like Dr. King and the Apostle Paul to have hope stands ready to enable us today in how we pray for justice and compassion around the world.

Soli Deo Gloria… and Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy).

Glenn

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

HAITI

Various

news sources

Pray for the volatile situation in Haiti. The leaders of various violent gangs recently broke hundreds out of prison and forced the resignation of the prime minister, whose legitimacy had already been questionable since the president was assassinated in 2021. As the Tapestry went to print, a seven member transitional council was supposed to assume power, but it’s not clear whether they will be able to actually govern. There is also talk of a Kenyan-led multinational security force that would attempt to wrest back control of roads, ports and hospitals. But several prominent gang leaders have already vowed to fight back against an outside force. The Wall Street Journal reported that Dr. Ronald Laroche, who leads Haiti’s largest nonprofit group of medical centers, was loading up equipment from several of his hospitals to move it before it could be looted by the gangs. Haiti is a nation of 11 million people, and the UN believes about half of them are in need of humanitarian assistance. Pray that God’s Holy Spirit would shine light into this very dark situation. Pray that arson, looting, and violence would be replaced by hope, love, and joy. Pray that food, water, and medicine would be able to reach ordinary Haitians, and that political leaders would serve those whom they are watching over, rather than their own interests.

NIGERIA

Various news sources

This month marks the 10-year anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria by militants from the group Boko Haran. This brazen action shocked the world at the time, but a decade later, about 90 of the girls remain missing. The stories from the girls (now women) who have managed to escape are harrowing. They tell of torture, rape, and forced marriage to members of the militant group. Sadly, this kidnapping was not a unique event, and radical groups continue to abduct children in Nigeria. Pray that young people who are suffering would be rescued from their captivity.

BURKINA FASO

Voice of the Martyrs newsletter

Please pray for pastor Pierre Lassane who seeks to be a faithful evangelist despite threats to his physical safety. He had to flee for his life five years ago when Islamist militants rode into his village and told people they were looking to kill the pastor. He and his wife were tipped off by a friend, so they gathered their children and walked 25 miles to where they would be safe. He and his family now rent space in a small house they share with 20 other people. He shares the gospel with others who have been displaced by the militants. Pray that God would allow his ministry to continue and for people in Burkina Faso to be free to worship Christ.

If you have information to share about the persecuted church or newsfromthemissionfield,pleaseshareitwithJonathanPeske.

Message from Global Missions

Dear First Baptist Church of Redlands,

Jae Stockton has asked me as a member of her Mission Partnership Team to thank you for your faithful and continuing gifts and prayers. Jae may be moving to serve at Deborah’s House, an American Baptist Mission in Tijuana, Mexico. She will be helping the women and children learn basic computer skills, leading Bible Studies, and doing whatever else is needed.

We are very grateful for your gifts and prayers.

Blessings,

Gail Grovenstein

Children’s Programming Update

by Karin Mazzeo

The first thing I noticed when stepping into the role of Interim Pastor of Children’s Ministry in February was the people who have committed to working with the children of FBCR each week. I wanted to take a moment to recognize and celebrate them.

From our faithful nursery workers who make sure that the babies and toddlers are safe and well cared for; to the Kids Choir directors who help students learn to sing to the Lord, pray for each other, memorize scripture, and use their gifts and talents in Worship. To the teachers and leaders who plan lessons, prepare crafts, and go out of their way to bring the Bible to life for our kids, their love for God and the kids is admirable and I am grateful for each person who serves.

I would ask you to pray for our Children’s Ministry Volunteers:

• Pray they would hear God’s voice as they read His Word and prepare the lessons.

• Pray for their spiritual growth and relationship with Christ.

• Pray they will see ways God is using them to make a difference in children’s lives.

• Pray for renewed strength, energy, and health as they teach each week. Include their family member’s strength, energy, and health in your prayers, as well.

• Pray God would encourage them with time of adult fellowship and godly friendships.

God’s Kids Lesson Time

Special Craft: “Light of the World Lanterns”

Ice Broomball with First Baptist Youth Group and The Methodist Church Youth Group (March 22nd)

God’s Kids, Junior Disciples, and Youth Group waving palms on Palm Sunday (March 24th)

Earth Day Workshop

Growing Flowers that Attract Pollinators

Saturday, April 20, 2024

10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

FBCR Chapel

Come learn about how to grow flowering plants that attract pollinators! Free seeds given away! We will be planting afterwards, so bring your garden gloves.

The Flower Calendar is starting back up!

Are you interested in purchasing a flower arrangement for Sunday Worship Service? Please sign up in the church office on the flower calendar. Flower arrangements are $75. Checks are made out to the church, and you can place them in the offering plate. Contact Angel in the office if you have any questions.

S

pecial T hank

S !

A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped decorate our church patio with palms for Palm Sunday as well as those that helped decorate for Easter Sunday Service.

With Gratitude, Worship Commission

What’s New at 51 West Olive Avenue

Imagine sitting in the chapel or in Judson Hall and it is reasonably cool in the room. You may be thinking that it isn’t that unusual to feel that way in one of those spaces. Now imagine that it is 3:00 p.m. on an August afternoon! Well, you don’t have to imagine anymore. We now have air conditioning in Judson Hall and the Chapel. We are excited about this because it will allow us to do more activities in those rooms during the heat of the summer. It also means that we will be able to allow other groups to use those spaces during the half of the year that can be really hot in Redlands. Also, there is new flooring in the Library. There is more work to be done in that room and in the Ministry Suite, which is attached to the Library, and it is progressing. The Library will become a welcoming space for those who will be meeting with staff who will have office space in the Ministry Suite. It will also be a library, with some comfy chairs, a meeting table, and a children’s corner. We are excited that we will have a bookcase dedicated to some of the pastors, denominational leaders, missionaries and other ABC leaders who have a connection to FBCR. That bookcase will have books that have come from their personal libraries—people like Lloyd Howard, Hugh Huntley and John Townsend, to name a few. There are other things going on around the church campus and, hopefully, they will become more visible as days go by. We are thankful to have the resources to keep our very old buildings up to date so that they can be used for ministry for us and the wider community.

We’ll keep you updated on future projects!

Beverly Niss

Richard

Tom Herron

Charles

Everett

Allyson

Carolyn Hampton

Wally Powell 29 Amy Carpenter Ginni Fogle

Tamera Schreur 30 Judi Harrington

April 3 - Porcupine meatballs, white rice, mixed vegetables, fresh baked rolls, and assorted desserts.

April 10 - Baked chicken, Spanish rice, beans, and birthday cake for dessert.

April 17 - Parmesan chicken, pasta, salad and garlic bread, and chocolate pudding pie for dessert.

April 24 - Lemon herb chicken, rice pilaf, veggies, and brownies for dessert.

We meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 11:30am to 1:00pm downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a salad to share with 6-8 people. No reservations required! If you have food allergies or challenges, please feel free to bring your own lunch and come join us at the tables for lunch and wonderful conversation.

Here are the upcoming dates for the next three months:

April 2, 2024

May 7, 2024

June 4, 2024

Questions? We have answers! Please talk with Anne Sandel, Barbara Ford, or Caroline Ray.

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

Saturday 20

April 2024

HANDS-ON CLIMATE ACTION PROJECTS 9AM - 12PM

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT REDLANDS BOWL FROM 12:30PM-2:30PM FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

ECO-FRIENDLY EXHIBITORS

LIVE MUSIC

FREE FOOD FOR ALL!