January 2024 Tapestry

TAPESTRY

Happy

New Year! A Message by Pastor Shawn

What are you looking forward to in 2024? Several families will be having major accomplishments, planned and unplanned: graduations, college, new schools, awards, plays, concerts, athletic events, etc. Some in our church family may be getting ready to change jobs, or get back into the workforce, or retire. I’m sure that new people will become part of our lives and even our church family. And, sadly, we will lose people that we love and care about.

In 2024 we will strive to continue to be a community of Jesus-followers which helps people grow in their relationship with God and with others. We will continue with our priorities to “Connect, Grow, and Serve,” making a difference in the lives of those within our church family, in our community and in our world.

We live in a weary world, and we find that we are weary at times as well. Let’s lean back into some of the things that we talked about during Advent:

• Let’s acknowledge that we are weary and find rest and refreshment in “silence.” Let’s take time to step back and spend time with God, whether for a little bit of time each day, a couple of hours a week, a day or more. Let’s be intentional about it – “Be still and know that God is God.”

• Let’s make connections that not only get us through difficulty, but ultimately bring us JOY! Let us be that connection for others – “Where two or more are gathered God is in their midst.”

• Let’s allow ourselves to be amazed! Let us look around us and find wonder and amazement in the world around us: the beauty of nature, acts of kindness and valor, laughter and humor, and ultimately, the works of God in our lives and world. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of God’s hands…”

• Let’s sing stories of HOPE! Do our friends and people around us think of us as people of HOPE? Do our words and actions and activities communicate the Good News of God? Does it look real in our lives and the life of our church? “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you.”

• Let’s always make room: for Christ in our daily lives and for people who want to be a part of our church family. “May we be known for our faith in God and our love for God’s people.”

• Let us be rooted in the activities that remind us of God’s work in history and our lives and may we always know that we are God’s beloved child. “Rooted and grounded in love.”

We have discovered in past years that we don’t know what is ahead in the coming year. I anticipate that this year is going to be tough in a lot of ways. Yet, we can plan and we can be intentional about our relationship to God, our commitment to one another and our devotion to God’s work in the world. We can invest all of who we are and the resources God has given us in the Reign of God, and we can be messengers of HOPE, instruments of PEACE, sowers of JOY and people of LOVE. Let’s see what God is going to do!

With anticipation in 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

Sara Swift Tharpe

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

Angel Florence Church Administrator angel@fbcredlands.org

Tapestry is published monthly by The First Baptist Church of Redlands, 51 West Olive Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373.

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Sally Rehfeldt Organist playitbach@verizon.net

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

Connect & Grow Gatherings Spring 2024

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Sundays

Beginning January 7th

Nursery Care

9:00-11:30am

God’s Kids (Kinder-2nd grade)

9:00-11:30am

The Sunday School hour begins with music and then God’s Kids will continue to dive into our Spark:Activate Faith curriculum and explore the Bible through story, art, and movment. Snacks and additional activities offered during worship.

Junior Disciples (3rd-5th grade)

9:00 am

JD’s enjoy music with God’s Kids and then transition into Sunday School where they are also working through the Spark:Activate Faith curriculum that is based on the lectionary passages for the week. The curriculum follows the liturgical year and includes special lessons during the Advent and Lenten seasons.

10:15am

Worship Service

Children’s worship bulletins & alternate activities offered

YOUTH MINISTRY

Sundays

Sunday School

9:00am

Come take a deeper look at the Bible as we journey through select books and see what God is saying to you & how that relates to your everyday life RIGHNOW. Discussion & DONUTS for all!

BYF

11:45am-2:00pm

BYF (Baptist Youth Fellowship) is a weekly fellowship time where our youth can spend time together, eat lunch, play games, do crafts, and grow together in Christ and communty. Please join us on Sundays after church from 12-2pm!

ADULT MINISTRIES

Sundays Returning January 7th 9:00am

A Gathering for Young Adults

The Room … formerly known as The Junior HighRoom

Facilitator: Jared Sumners

The Lectionary Learning Community

The Heritage Room

The Lectionary Learning Community class is a group of open-minded, welcoming seekers who discuss Bible passages each week an how they apply to our individual lives and to our larger society. These Bible passages are from the Revised Common Lectionary, a calendar schedule of readings from the Bible’s Old Testament and New Testament.

Facilitator: Sunny Hyon

The Agape Class

The Lounge

Let’s continue exploring the book of Luke with the help of William Barclay’s

The Gospel of Luke: The New Daily Bible Study. Facilitator: Bruce Laycook

A ROCK BAND, LECH WALESA, AND GOD’S GRACE

by Pastor Glenn

Some of you have become aware that I am a rather big fan of the rock group U2. As I write this article, a close friend of mine from high school, the person who actually introduced the band’s music to me when we were classmates, is flying home to the East Coast after spending the weekend in Las Vegas, where U2 currently holds a residency at the newly constructed Sphere venue just off the Las Vegas Strip. Scheduling issues and ticket prices have made it unlikely that I will be able to attend a concert before their residency ends in a few months, which is a bit heartbreaking. The first rock concert I ever attended was when U2 played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during my senior year of high school. I have attended at least a dozen of their concerts in subsequent years. The music of U2 typically includes lyrics dripping with a unique mix of spiritual conviction, social action, and human triumphs and failings, painted with a musical palette of operatic-yet-growling vocals, haunting-yet-raging guitar and bass guitar lines, and driving-yet-passionate drums. Few bands can still draw sold out crowds to concerts after four decades of active composing, recording, and performing, yet U2 endures.

Throughout my years of church ministry, I have perennially tried to sneak in a short musical motif from one of U2’s early songs within the structure of the worship service during either the last Sunday of December or the first Sunday of January. The song “New Year’s Day” was written and recorded as one of the songs from U2’s third album, War. It is essentially a love song, written by lead singer Bono to his wife, Ali. But during the composing of the song, as was (and still is) the tendency of the band, Bono was also heavily influenced by what would be happening in and around the world at the time. In the early 1980s, a tremendous amount of political turmoil existed, not only in the band’s home country of Ireland, but also in the country of Poland, where the Solidarity movement was growing in strength and influence as a response to the Communist rule of the country. Many leaders of the movement, including union leader and activist Lech Walesa, were arrested and imprisoned. Bono has a knack for intertwining subjects, and so his “love song” lyrics also reflected the tension of what was happening in Poland at the time, describing the longing for connection contrasted with doubt about how the future would unfold (“nothing changes on New Year’s Day”).

During this past Advent, we explored “how a weary world rejoices.” As followers of Jesus, we rely on the hope and Grace of Christ as we navigate uncertain circumstances and challenges. This hope and Grace continues to be reinforced in my soul through God’s revelation in his Word and in my life. The themes in U2’s music parallel these ideas, which is probably part of why they are my favorite musical artists. Whatever external symbols, works of art, or other testimonies might influence us, may we never cease to remember that we endure not by our own power, but through God’s ever-amazing Grace.

Soli Deo Gloria.

(Postscript: Some time after U2 recorded “New Year’s Day” for their album, it was announced that martial law in Poland would be suspended by New Year’s Day of 1983. God’s work in our world is often ironic in our midst!)

Worldwide Prayer Concerns

Mauritania

persecution.org

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

Pray for Christians in the north-west African country of Mauritania. In midDecember, 15 Christian leaders and their families were arrested after a video showing baptisms went viral. There are only an estimated 1,000 Chrisitans in this nation of about 4 million people, and apostasy is punishable by death in this Islamic Republic. Despite statements by some that “Christians have no place in Mauritania,” pray that the people of Mauritania would grow to be more tolerant and accepting towards Christians in their communities. Pray that God’s Holy Spirit would be able to change the hearts of those who are hostile towards the gospel.

t hailand

internationalministries.org

Pray for a new project that our Global Servant Kit Ripley recently shared about called “Arts for Community-Based Healing.” The US Embassy in Bankok bringing two trainers from New York’s Bond Street Theater to come to Thailand for a week in February 2024 to share how arts can provide psychosocial support to address mental health issues. A Creative Arts Team will then develop and implement a curriculum for a series of workshops to help marginalized people groups in Thailand. Pray for community-based healing to emerge from this creative expression.

worldwide

Christian Science Monitor (csmonitor.com)

About two years ago, when the war in Ukraine began, one of the things we prayed for was global wheat production. Russia and Ukraine are both major exporters of wheat, so many analysts feared that the war would lead to food shortages elsewhere in the world. Praise God that this has not happened! In fact, this year, the Russian wheat harvest was at a record level, and Ukrainian farmers were able to continue to bring in high yields of wheat, even while coping with the chaos of war. Thank God for his abundant provision for our world. Despite strong global harvests for wheat, soybeans, and corn, pray for those who are experiencing food insecurity and hunger as a result of conflict or extreme poverty.

-Jonathan Peske

Ifyouhaveinformationtoshareaboutthepersecuted churchornewsfromthemissionfield,pleaseshareitwith Jonathan Peske

Update From Goma

Greetings from Africa!

I am in Goma (Democratic Republic of Congo) while Bill is in Juba (South Sudan) as I write this update…but we’ll be together here at our home in Goma for Christmas.

In the interim, we are busy preparing for the child-led Christmas service and the distribution of 2,000 pairs of shoes to children in Goma. Our theme for the Christmas service is HOPE! One of our young students named La Gloire (‘Glory’ in English) was recently promoted from student to teacher in our Sunday School program. He was chosen to preach the sermon on Christmas morning to the entire church! What a joy it is to work with such gifted children…and be able to celebrate the hope we have, despite the uncertainty around us, because of Jesus!

May you have JOY and HOPE in the Lord as you celebrate!

Ann and Bill

These cards were made by street kids in Kisumu, Kenya as a way to make a living. The paper is made from water hyacinths dredged and discarded from Lake Victoria and the designs from cans collected on the roadsides. They call it “Dirt Craft”.

The most important thing... I am often humbled by the faith of the young people with whom I work here in Goma.

Muteule is a senior in high school and attends all his classes in the afternoons. About a year ago when the M23 rebel coalition had their sights on Goma and many among them infiltrated the town, Muteule decided that he would screen all visitors and accompany me whenever I left my office and walked about the campus. He continues to take those responsibilities seriously, more so now as tensions in town have increased.

When we returned to Goma last month with the many suitcases and trunks filled with laptops, baby layettes, clothes for the children, school supplies, etc., we dropped them off in my office on our way home where they filled half the room.

The first day back to work, I was anxious to begin creating order out of chaos and plunged into the work of unpacking, sorting, and putting things in their place. As I did so, Muteule came into my office. He simply said, “Maman Ann, before you get too busy can we pray?”

I put down what I was doing, and we prayed together … the work could wait. God has blessed me with the privilege of working with a team of faithful young people who live in an uncertain environment but know the power of prayer. I learn from them and am encouraged by their faith each and every day.

Submitted by Ann & Bill Clemmers

Global Servants

Upcoming BYF (Baptist Youth Fellowship) Dates

7th 14th 21st

Save The Date Winter Retreat in February

See Rhiannon Fisher for details

December 10th, Christmas Pagent Skit

Children and Youth Ministries

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 ASAP.

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 approximately $30 and will be reimbursed by the church. Please save your receipt.

Thank you for your patience and … Happy LiveScanning!

On Monday, December 4, a group from FBCR, ranging in age from less than 6 months to 98 years old, took the Arrow and Metrolink to see Union Station, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Philippe’s, and Olvera Street. It was a great day!

A heartfelt thank you to all those volunteers that made this event such a success!

-The Worship Commission

Bellissimo Handbell Choir from Redlands Adventist Academy Coming Home - A Thanksgiving Celebration at FBCR

Events at FBCR

FBCR had a meaningful Thanksgiving and Advent season. Starting off with our Agape Dinner and special concert from the Bellissimo Handbell Choir. Then, right into our Advent Season with the beloved Hanging of the Greens starting the very first Sunday in Advent. Also, Sing Gloria! Songs of Celebration from the FBC Choir.

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

In Memory of

Kevin Fisher

Judith Newton

Judith Newton

Virgina Herron

Opal Pickett

Nancy Neely

Gregory Hansen

Gwen Hansen

Phil Allen

Tom Hampton

Shirley Rieger

Florence Laycook

Marge Emrick

Sue and Speed Ferris

Jim and LaRita Craw

Paul Zander

Bob Moore

Doris Moore

Martin and Joyce Pruett

Nancy L. Parke

Ralph and Harriet Hone

Elaine Hyon

Given By Eve, Rhiannon, & Liam Fisher

Kathleen Alexander

Bert Meelker

The Herron Family

Sandy Pickett

Amy Carpenter

Anne Hansen

Anne Hansen

Anne Hansen

Carolyn Hampton

Carolyn Hampton

Fleury Laycook

Debbie Crowley

The Craw Family

The Craw Family

Cathy Zander

Cathy Zander

Cathy Zander

Rod and Shawn Zambrows

John Parke

Martha Hone-Warren

& Mike Warren

Sunny Hyon

January 10 – Enchiladas, rice, beans, salad with birthday cake for dessert

January 17 – Pasta Bar, garlic bread, roasted veggies and brownies for dessert

January 24 – Ham and Scalloped Potatoes with roasted veggies and cookies for dessert

January 31 – Oven friend chicken with rice pilaf, roasted veggies and lemon cake for dessert

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Ladies Lunch and Conversation group has enjoyed our past six months of delicious times together. We will continue in the new year and hope more ladies will be able to join us.

We meet on the first Tuesday of the month from 11:30am to 1:00pm. downstairs in 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 dates for the next six months, so mark your 2024 calendars and come join the fun!

January 2, 2024

February 6, 2024

March 5, 2024

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

Wednesday Nights

Beginning January 10th 5:30pm

Building our Neighborhood Together

Come join us to build a model of our neighborhood together! We will explore what makes a neighborhood a neighborhood and why neighborhoods are important. As we create and play with glue and paint and LOTS of cardboard, we will also talk about the importance of including everyone in our neighborhood and loving our neighbors as God first loves us.

*Nursery offered for Children 4 and under*

Journey with God: A Study of the 23rd Psalm

Judson Hall

Psalm 23 is one of the most memorized passages in Scripture.  It is also the one that is read most in Memorial and Funeral Services. What is the relevance of this beloved Psalmfor our daily lives? Come see the rhythms of life and the promises of God as they relate to our lives, young, old or in between.

Led by Pastor Shawn

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

San Bernardino, CA Permit No. 2111

Parents (Young and Old) Group

The Lounge

Come share stories, laughter, and gain support from other parents in this Wednesday night group.

Led by Allison Kishimoto and Melanie Medlin Nonprofit Organization