December 2014 Tapestry

The First Baptist Church of Redlands

TA PE S T RY Woven Together In Love: Colossians 2:2 December 2014

ISSUE No. 12

A LETTER FROM THE INTERIM

C

The blessing of waiting

hristmas is one of my favorite seasons of the year. This year I am so pleased to be here with you as we celebrate the birthday of our Lord. I love all of the wonderful events that come with the season, the special programs, the beautiful music performed in the church and community concerts as well as the other church programs, gatherings and services.

This year I am looking forward to our special children and youth program and the Cantata presented by our church choir. I am also looking forward to two other events I have never before experienced, the Feast of Lights and Las Posadas.

Of course, much of what we call the Christmas season really takes place during Advent.

Advent, which comes from a Latin word meaning “coming,” begins on Sunday, Nov. 30 and ends on Christmas Eve. Traditionally, in the Christian church, it has been a time of waiting for the celebration of the birth of Jesus and for the Second Coming of Jesus.

Waiting I believe is at the heart of Advent and I want to share a few thoughts with you about the

blessing that waiting can be in our lives. As we study the Scriptures, we find that waiting has always been an important part of the lives of God’s people. It has been an integral part of Israel’s history

as the Jewish people waited for their Messiah. In the New Testament, an emphasis on waiting was part of the instruction to Jesus’ disciples and the early church.

In our lives, waiting is an integral part of our everyday life. It heightens our sense of excitement as we wait for some special event.

Conversely, it might involve waiting for a doctor’s report, the answer to some important inquiry or waiting for the news about a loved one or friend. Waiting can mean many different things to each of us.

However, the waiting I am suggesting be part of our Advent experience is the kind that waits on God to help us understand what God wants for us and how He wants us to serve. It is the kind of waiting that gives us the strength we need

to continue on doing what we are called to do. It is the kind of waiting that blesses us while we meditate.

The writer of Isaiah wrote: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary.

They shall walk and not faint.”

Thinking about waiting, I am reminded of the excitement I feel sitting in a theater, waiting for the curtain to go up, wondering how the plot will unfold, or what the characters, the sets or the special effects will be like. Then the lights begin to dim, a hush comes over the audience, the curtain goes up and the play begins.

I think a similar thing, only so much more important, takes place when we take time to wait on God. There is an excitement, an expectation of what lies ahead and figuratively speaking, Heaven’s curtain goes up, then God, in His way, shows us His plan for us. It may not be a long-range plan. It may just be for today but it will bring a whole new dimension to our Advent experience.

May the blessings of Advent be yours, Richard

FELLOWSHIP

MISSIONS

MINISTRY

COVER

CONTENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

A Letter from the Interim Contents and Staff Box A Few Words from Pastor Deena

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, written plainly, and emailed no later than the 10th of each month to tapestry@ fbcredlands.org. Title the Word document with your name, the article’s name and the month.

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.

Mustard Seed Launches Typing Class Pastoral Search Committee Update: Getting To Know Pastor Candidates

Worldwide Prayer Concerns: North Korea, Central African Republic, Indonesia From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe: Praying Through the Countries

S TA FF

Reverend Richard Burke Interim Pastor richardb@fbcredlands.org Deena Barwick, Ph.D. Associate Pastor of Family Ministries deena@fbcredlands.org Jared Sumners Youth Director jared@fbcredlands.org Richard W. Steffen Minister of Music rwsteffen@gmail.com Eric Goddard Music Director eric@fbcredlands.org

8 9

First Baptist Plays Santa Finding Peace In The Pilgrimage of Las Posadas

Linda Gentile Organist Angel Florence Office Manager/Bookkeeper angel@fbcredlands.org

CALENDAR

Amanda Warner Communications Administrator amanda@fbcredlands.org

2

10 11

Upcoming Service Opportunities The December Calendar

Dennis Chenevert Buildings/Grounds

CON TACT S

Telephone: 909-793-3289 Web: www.fbcredlands.org Email: admin@fbcredlands.org Office Hours Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

A few words from Pastor Deena

T

We need to set aside time to reflect on Jesus this season

he first day of December and it is already crazy busy! The word “chaos” in Christmas? I don’t see it. I have looked and all I can find is “Christ.”

But our calendars for December are probably pretty booked and we know more invitations are yet to come in. How do we fit it all in?

Many of us even double book ourselves telling ourselves it is okay to leave one place early and arrive at the second place late. But is it okay?

I am not really sure. I could argue both sides and not convince anyone that either way is correct, or right or wrong. It just is for each person to decide.

How did we get here? And more importantly, how do we get back to a simpler way of celebrating Christmas?

In Luke 2:6-7, we read “While they were there (in Bethlehem), it came time for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

They were not a part of revelry going on in the inn, not a part of the crowds walking in the streets; but rather in a stable, possibly with

some animals, alone. Joseph and Mary were alone with the baby Jesus — the one who would become our savior, the forgiver of all our sins and the path to God. What a quiet, peaceful moment they must have had — alone with their firstborn son — God’s son. It is this small quiet scene that I would like to encourage us to remember, while in the midst of our chaotic schedule of December. If we were to all take a look at our calendars right now, where is there a two-hour or a four-hour block of time we could spend alone, in quiet solitude with Jesus? If you set aside the time now, AND remember to keep it sacred, you can reflect in the quietness of the reason we celebrate Christmas — the birth of the one we worship and follow as disciples throughout the year.

I know the “keep it sacred” phrase doesn’t seem to work out at times, does it? A phone call, a card in the mail, an invitation comes and we convince ourselves that we can “reschedule” the sacred time to another day. Then that day comes and we move it again. Pretty soon, you are getting ready for the New Year’s Eve party, reflecting back on the year 2014 and Christmas activities, and you realize you moved it right off the

calendar. Yeah, that happens to me.

So, I am doing something different this year – I am actually going to book that time when I finish writing this article and I am going to keep that date with Jesus. Why don’t you, when you finish reading, look at your calendar and find a day and time you know you will be able to keep sacred for time with Jesus?

A time for praise, a time for thankfulness, a time for reflection on the past year and your journey’s rough times, struggles, celebrations, a time for forgiveness, and a time to ask for wisdom for the coming year.

Proverbs 3:5 reminds us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Jesus came to us as a baby and we celebrate that every December.

We follow Jesus as the man he became – the savior and forgiver of all our sins. Let us spend a little quiet time, in solitude with Him, as we are surrounded by the worldly chaos that Christmas has become. Let Jesus be remembered as the reason for Christmas.

-Deena Barwick

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Wednesday, December 24 7 p.m. | Sanctuary 3

M I N I S T RY

Mustard Seed launches typing class first four students enrolled

W

hen looking at the jumble of numbers and letters and symbols on your computer keyboard have you ever wondered who thought it was a good idea to put the letters “C” and “V” next to each other? What about why the exclamation symbol is over the number one and the front and back parenthesis are over the numbers nine and zero? If it seems confusing, it was actually designed that way.

Let me explain by giving you a little history of the computer keyboard. As many of us older than 20 years know, the computer keyboard looks a lot like the typewriter keys of old. Certainly there are some differences like the function keys which now appear at the very top of the keyboard, but much of the basic computer keyboard layout retains its similarity to the typewriter. The keyboard layout that most of us learn is named the “QWERTY” layout. The name “QWERTY” is an acronym taken from the six letters on the upper left side of the common keyboard. This arrangement of letters was designed by the same man, Christopher Sholes, who invented and patented the typewriter in 1874. The keys of the early typewriters frequently jammed and the keyboards were actually designed to slow down the speed at

which they could be used.

Over time the typewriters improved but the confusing letter placement remained roughly the same. In the early 1900s several improved keyboard layouts were put on the market. None of these designs gained widespread use because change would have required that all the people who trained on the “QWERTY” typewriter would have to be retrained.

Touch typing is the ability to type accurately without looking at the keys. This is possible because through repetition we train our fingers to remember where the keys are located on the keyboard.

This is called muscle memory. The retraining of millions of typists to a new keyboard layout is apparently too daunting to be considered a real possibility by the computer and typewriter industry, so nothing much about the keyboard layout seems likely to change anytime soon.

So, this confusing legacy is what we pass down to each generation. In the past typewriters may have been used by office workers and students, but today computers are used by nearly everyone both personally and professionally. The students of this generation are using computers more and more in the classrooms. The new Common Core

also requires that students take at least some of their exams on the computers.

To help address this need, in November, Mustard Seed began offering keyboarding classes to elementary students. We advertised these classes with flyers that were delivered to every third through fifth grader in the Redlands Unified School District. We also advertised at some private schools and at the AK Smiley Library Family Fair. In early November the first class with four students began. We used a combination of online typing sites and the “UltraKey” software program installed on the computers in the computer lab at Mustard Seed. These software programs were donated by Tom Herron and have been wonderful learning tools for the students.

For young children typing can be a daunting task, requiring patience and practice to show improvement. It is so important that children learn these skills the right way the first time so they don’t have to unlearn bad habits.

Please watch for more information about keyboard class offerings coming up in Mustard Seed.

-Eve Tompkins-Fisher

LOCAL OUTREACH COMMISSION WOULD LIKE TO

THANK YOU FOR DONATING

567 pounds of food

4

&

$425

Stater Bros

gift cards

DURING FIRST BAPTIST’S THANKSGIVING OFFERING

PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE

Getting to know pastor candidates

I

n our search for a new senior pastor the discussions have started as many names have come before the committee. Some candidates we’ve passed on, others we’re investigating further. We have begun receiving audio and visual sample sermons of our candidates. And we are about to start having a few one-on-one conversations with some.

It was only several months ago that our committee was “born.”

If you compare our committee with that of the growth of an individual, I would equate our current position to that of a pre-teen. That awkward time early in life, when you start talking to new people whom you don’t really know and everyone is just a little uncomfortable.

So, we ask for your prayers and understanding as we take the time we need to grow in this process and with our potential new senior

Hanging of the Greens December 4 6:45 p.m.

Sanctuary

pastor candidates.

We move forward knowing that we have the confidence and support of our staff and congregation.

If you have not had a chance to take a look at the finished profile you can see it in the church office or if you visit: Tiny.cc/FBCRProfile.

-Mark Estey

Hanging of the Greens

Celebrate the beginning of Christmas as we decorate the Sanctuary, read Bible verses of Christ’s coming and sing carols.

Each decoration in the Sanctuary symbolizes something deeper: The evergreens represent eternal hope — The hope we have is for more than a season. The evergreens stand in the deepest winters as a sign that spring will come.

The wreaths represent unending love — The love of Christ encircles our lives and future, allowing us to surrender to the One who is love.

The poinsettias represent sacrifice — Christ’s offering of self for love of God and love of humanity is what draws us to love Christ and draws us into God’s family as brothers and sisters.

The chrismons represent the Name above all names — So glorious is the One who comes that names abound and praise never ceases.

The lights represent a new day — The light which shatters the darkness leads us to new paths.

5

M I S SION S

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

North Korea Praise God for the release of pastor Kenneth Bae from his imprisonment in North Korea.

We praise God for watching over him during his 730-day imprisonment, the longest time any American citizen has spent in a North Korean prison. He had been serving a 15-year sentence for his evangelistic work in that country. During his imprisonment, he experienced many health problems and we have been praying frequently for him. In early November, the North Koreans unexpectedly released Bae and another American prisoner to James Clapper, Obama’s director of national intelligence. Dennis Rodman also claimed that a letter he sent was responsible for this surprise gesture of mercy from the North Korean leader. Ultimately, we give the glory to God, and we rejoice that Pastor Bae was able to enjoy this Thanksgiving reunited with his family.

Central African Republic Pray for Timothy Chapman as he returns from his mission in the Central African Republic.

Due to the continued fighting there, he is returning home and seeking God’s guidance as to what his future may hold. Pray for him to have wisdom and discernment during this time. This was not the outcome that Timothy expected, but he has been able to help and train the local people during his time there. Praise God for the work that Timothy was able to do in Gamboula, from helping them learn to tend bees and raise healthier crops, to helping build a new multipurpose building for worship services. Pray that his efforts would continue to bear fruit (literally), even in his absence. Pray for peace to return to this nation.

Indonesia Praise God for the election of a new government in Indonesia and the promise of the new president Widodo. Pray that his government would protect the rights of all religious minorities in this Muslim nation. While the outgoing administration had marginalized and persecuted non-Muslims, the new Religious Affairs minister is promising new legislation within six months that would streamline permitting for building new places of worship and the Interior Minister announced plans to remove religious affiliation from national ID cards. Praise God for these tangible acts that will protect religious freedom and expression in Indonesia.

-Jonathan Peske If you have information to share about the persecuted church or news from the mission field, please share it with Jonathan Peske.

6

A Z FROM

fghanistan TO imbabwe

T

here are 196 countries in the world, and most of us wouldn’t be able to name half of them. Yet, we are commissioned by Jesus to go out to the ends of the earth. The first step to remedying this problem is knowledge.

By adapting the prayer calendar of Operation World, every day in the year 2015 will feature a prayer petition for a different country. Some country names will be familiar, some will be names we’ve never heard of before. But every claimed territory on earth resides people needing the love and joy of Jesus. People who need prayer.

We will pray alphabetically through all 196. As there are 365 days in the year, we will repeat the largest countries to stretch to the end. In the Tapestry’s calendar will be a little reminder to “Pray for Afghanistan” or whatever is the day’s featured country. And if you log on to fbcredlands.wordpress.com, at the beginning of each month I will write up a blog post — with information taken off of Operation World’s website — about each country highlighted that month.

I highly recommend purchasing “Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every

Nation,” as its daily prayer points are more exhaustive and comprehensive than the ones I will post on our blog each month.

Still I pray that you open up your hearts and minds to the needs of the world and remember that God hears every single one of our prayers.

They matter. In so doing, be open to the possibility that your awareness may lead to action. This time next year you may be packing your bags for Uzbekistan! In any case, may this journey through the nations be a joyful addition to your prayer lives.

And a New Year’s resolution you actually keep.

-Amanda Warner

7

F E L L O WSHI P

K

First Baptist Plays Santa

en Gifford is sure of one thing: First Baptist Church has never failed at fulfilling the needs of its adopted family’s Christmas wishes.

Each year Redlands Family Service Association collects applications from families wanting help for holiday gifts.

These families are then matched with donors in what’s called their Adopt-A-Family program.

Ken always lets Family Service know in September that First Baptist will participate.

The details of FBCR’s adopted family arrive in November. This year, the church was matched with a single mom and her four children.

The family listed each member’s clothing and shoe sizes, favorite colors, and requested toy.

Then Ken gets to play Santa.

He, along with other volunteers, set up a table on the Patio Sunday mornings, and ring a bell in order to draw people over. Church members can sign up to purchase any item the family has requested.

“The vast majority of our congregation have been blessed, and I just think this is a way to give back,” Ken said. “We have to understand how tough it must be to be in their situation.”

For 10 years, Ken and his wife Mary Nell have been the coordinators for First Baptist’s role in Redlands Family Service’s AdoptA-Family program. He keeps coming back to how the church has always pulled through. Even when their adopted family’s requests have been more costly than shoes and shirts.

A few years back, Ken remembers a family of four who had no beds, mattresses, tables or chairs.

And members of the congregation not only scrounged up the furniture

8

but personally delivered it to the house. Other requests have been for a television, a microwave, and once a father even asked for power tools to help him find employment.

“There are people out there who are hurting,” Ken said. “The families that really stand out in my mind are the ones who have nothing, the ones who are asking for the most basic of things. It makes me humble.”

After all the deliveries have been made, it’s inevitable that a letter from the family will come in, the parents expressing their gratitude.

Many such letters have made their way to the church in the past. One can only imagine the relief and joy

“The families that really stand out in my mind are the ones who have nothing, the ones who are asking for the most basic of things. It makes me humble.”

-Ken Gifford

ADOPT-A-FAMILY Sign up Sundays on the Patio, and drop off donations any time before Tuesday, Dec. 16. the parents felt.

Some people can opt to give money instead of purchasing a gift.

Ken makes sure the money will go towards the family — whether in Stater Bros gift cards or for buying requested items no one signed up to buy. Donations can be brought to the church anytime before Tuesday, Dec. 16. The next morning, Wednesday, Dec. 17, is when the gifts are taken to Redlands Family Service.

Seeing how the congregation comes together has been a joy for Ken. It’s a feel-good thing, he says.

“I can honestly say, being horribly redundant, we have never failed to fulfill their needs. I think that speaks well for us.”

-Amanda Warner

Photos courtesy of Tom Herron Chris Keierleber and Tammy Herron manning the Adopt-A-Family table on Nov. 23.

Finding peace in the pilgrimage of Las Posadas S

First Baptist to host the interdenominational fiesta

ix years ago Linda Apmadoc of Trinity Episcopal Church set out to take a tradition originally rooted in Mexico and adapt it to the center of faith in Redlands. She knew she needed the guidance of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community for the sake of authenticity.

When Linda proposed a Las Posadas pilgrimage among the cluster of churches near Cajon and Olive, the responses were similar; church after church replied, “We’ve been looking for something to get out of ourselves and this might be the answer.”

Each year the procession begins at Bethany Reformed Church and then snakes its way downhill to six or seven other church doorsteps.

All along the way, leaders urge a solemn mood to the walkers as they reflect on the steps Mary and Joseph must have walked those thousands of years ago when they knocked on door after door seeking refuge and finding none. At each church door, a song is sung, in Spanish and English, the lyrics to the effect of “Pray give us lodging, dear sir … let us in, let us in!”

Each church sings back, saying “You cannot stay here … Find somewhere else. Go away, go away!” Children rush to collect the treat each church will toss in their bags, sometimes candy, sometimes pencils or tangerines.

Finally, the walkers arrive at the last church in the procession line, the host church, who welcomes them into a fiesta of tamales, pinatas, and music. Here, the solemness ends.

This year, the First Baptist Church of Redlands is hosting, and Mike Reynolds says he has no worries about the logistics of making sure there are enough refreshments and coffee and colorful decorations; his only concern is whether enough people from First Baptist will show up and be open to the throngs walking through the doors.

“Redlands is such a city of

tradition,” Linda says. “You hear all these stories of how many people go to the Feast of Lights or the lighting of the tree at Kimberly Crest. Longtime Redlanders wouldn’t think about doing Christmas without doing those things. I think Las Posadas should be put on people’s must list. Because the other things have nothing to do with Jesus’ birth. This does.”

One to three representatives from each church sit on the planning committee and begin prepping for Las Posadas in August. The event is very dependent on Holy Name, who does much of the cooking, because, Linda says “We gringos don’t know what we’re doing.”

Initially each church was asked to give $50 toward the Posadas Fund, and donations were collected from participants each year at the end of the fiesta. Now, the event receives enough donations that each church no longer needs to provide $50. The money sits in the bank until it’s time for the Holy Name cooks to buy the pork, cheese and other ingredients to make the tamales. The rice, beans, and tres leches cake are all donated.

It has become a united responsibility. Parishioners from the seven churches join in the tamale assembly at Holy Name, and herein lies the magic.

“When you’re sitting there spreading the masa or loading the pork or the cheese, you’re working alongside somebody you do not know.

And you start talking,” Linda says.

People belonging to various denominations — whether Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal, or Presbyterian — start conversations that allow them to rejoice in each other’s successes and empathize in one another’s hardships. In doing so, interdenominational understanding is built. The chasm is bridged.

This reconciling experience is extended to the night of Las Posadas

where many like Linda have pledged to not eat or walk next to anybody they already know.

“There’s a big division amongst Protestants and Catholics, and one of the things we’ve improved upon is our understanding of them, and their understanding of us. This is outreach. This is outreach amongst us. If we can’t reach beyond our walls within a four-block radius, how do we expect to bring the light of Christ to the world?”

Last year a concern came up that the event may be overworking Holy Name, and the suggestion was made to only hold Las Posadas every other year. When this was mentioned in the January meeting, the planning committee gave a loud and resounding: “Absolutely not.” And Holy Name’s representatives assured the group they were not burdened.

They needed to keep the momentum of the event going as long as possible.

This is Linda’s wish. “I feel a responsibility to keep this alive.

And because of that, even though I’m getting too old for this, I’m afraid to let go for fear it will flag, it will fail, it will fall off the calendar.”

For her and her husband, this event is their Christmas. It’s what Christmas is about.

And it wouldn’t be the same, she says, if every church — including First Baptist — wasn’t a part of it.

-Amanda Warner

The Route

Saturday, December 13

1. Bethany Reformed: 3:30 p.m.

2. Trinity Episcopal: 3:50 p.m.

3. United Methodist: 4:05 p.m.

4. Congregational: 4:25 p.m.

5. First Presbyterian: 4:45 p.m.

6. Holy Name of Jesus: 5:05 p.m.

7. First Baptist: 5:30 p.m.

9

C A L E N DA R

Happy December Birthday To...

After watching the movie at last year’s Polar Express event, kids greet Santa as he walks in.

SERVE = CONNECT+GROW

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who took on the form of a servant.”

Philippians 2:7 Let's find a place where you can connect and grow through service! Please speak to Anne Sandel, Hien Huynh, Jonathan Peske, or any member of the church staff for more information.

CREATE THE WORSHIP SLIDESHOWS The church is in need of volunteers who are tech savvy and able to use media programs such as Media Shout to create the weekly worship slideshows. Those interested please contact the church office.

DEDICATE A POINSETTIA

Sign up to dedicate a poinsettia in memory of or in honor of a loved one. The cost is $7.

Dedications will appear in the December 21 bulletin.

ATTEND A SPECIAL SUNDAY SERVICE

10

Children and Youth Worship Service Sunday, December 14 at 10:15 a.m.

Christmas Cantata Sunday Sunday, December 21 at 10:15 a.m.

DRINK HOT COCOA AND WATCH POLAR EXPRESS

Friday, December 19 Chapel 5:45 p.m. bring-your-own-dinner 6:30 p.m. movie begins Come watch the family-friendly movie, sip some hot cocoa, eat some treats and visit with Santa! The event is free for all.

COME TO THE ADVENT BREAKFAST

“Being a Missionary in Your Backyard” Saturday, December 6 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall Adults: $6, Children 6-12: $3, 0-5: $1 Childcare provided Please bring: Love Gift Mission Offering, and hygiene items to share with our neighbors.

Featuring music by the JD Choir and the Chapmans The guest speaker will be Kyra Stewart, the executive director of Redlands’ Family Service Association, who will share new ways the agency is serving hurting families in the community, and how the church can partner with them.

Alan Beltran — 1 Carol Htoo — 1 Marge Emrick — 2 Cynthia Hayden — 3 Johndalene Mitchell — 3 Janet Johnson — 5 Alexander Brown — 7 Melinda Kluza — 7 Alex Lowe — 9 Stacy Rafferty — 9 Emma DeDoes — 10 Matt DeDoes — 10 Tracy Agboke — 12 Taysia Galeano — 12 Trenton Galeano — 12 Richard Burke — 13 David Holden — 14 Fred Bandel — 15 Charlie Zureick — 16 Sue Ferris — 17 Alli Kishimoto — 17 Frank Zabaleta — 17 Kate Applebee — 18 Erin Goddard — 18 Luthor Parks — 18 Darla Dillow — 22 Scott Nelson — 22 Katie Zabaleta — 22 Nicholas Daniel — 26 Melody Wolfe — 26 Chris Keierleber — 27 Jose Mendoza — 27 Erin Estey — 28 Mary Nell Gifford — 28 Janet Lee — 28 Bill Craw — 29 Brendan Asher Morgan — 29 Lee Fogle — 31 Sonny Htoo — 31 Carol Townsend — 31 Maja Whitley — 31

You’re invited to a birthday dinner in your honor!

December birthdays eat free on Thursday, December 11 in the Fellowship Hall at 5:45 p.m.

The Menu: Joe’s mom’s spaghetti served with garlic bread, sides, and birthday cake and ice cream.

DE C E M BE R 2 0 1 4 Sunday

Monday Pray to be good stewards for Christ 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 5 p.m. Griefshare in the Lounge

1

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 2

Pray for Israel

Noon to 6:30 p.m.

Blood Drive, RCH rooms C&D

4

3 Pray for Glen Chapman’s mission in Congo

Pray for Pastor Richard 5:45 p.m. Dinner line opens 6:45 p.m. Hanging of the Greens in the Sanctuary

Pray for the grieving to find Pray to receive the peace in Jesus hope Jesus gives 8 a.m. Men’s 9 a.m. Sunday School Breakfast 10:15 a.m. Service 5 p.m. Griefshare in 5 p.m. Singspiration the Lounge in the Chapel

Pray for the Diaconate 6:30 p.m. Diaconate Meeting 7 p.m. Commission Meetings

for our 10 Pray for Pastor 11 Pray choirs and

14

16

for the 17 Pray 18 women’s circles

7

8

15

9

Pray to be open to Jesus’ love 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Children & Youth Special Worship Service

Pray for Christians around the world 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 5 p.m. Griefshare in the Lounge

to really 21 Pray worship Jesus

for those 23 22 Pray who are alone

9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Christmas Cantata Sunday 11:30 a.m.

Fellowship Time

Pray for the pastor search

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 5 p.m. Griefshare in the Lounge

Pray for the people of Ukraine

for open for those 30 28 Pray 29 Pray hearts to Jesus with special 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m.

Fellowship Time

needs 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 5 p.m. Griefshare in the Lounge

Pray for caregivers 9 a.m. Tapestry Team

Deena and Dale

6:45 p.m. Parents White Elephant Exchange in David’s Corner

leaders 5:45 p.m. Dinner line opens 6:30 p.m. Thursday night classes

Pray for the church and men’s fellowship Christmas dinner 5:45 p.m. Mexican 12 p.m. Miriam Fiesta Night Circle 6:30 p.m. Thursday 6 p.m. Men’s night classes Fellowship

for our 24 Pray military and

their families Holiday Office Hours: 9-noon 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

25

Pray for our family gatherings Merry Christmas!

Church Office Closed

Friday

Saturday 6

5 Pray for the sick

12

Pray for our preparations for Christmas 9 a.m. to noon Family Service Day 9:30 a.m. Advent Breakfast

13

Pray for Women’s Bible Study

19

Pray for Pastor Saeed in prison in Iran 5:45 p.m. Polar Express in the Chapel

26 Pray for our

youth to choose the right path

Pray for Las Posadas

3 p.m. Las Posadas starting from Bethany Reformed

20 Pray for our celebrations to honor Jesus

27 Pray for those looking for the right college

31

Pray to keep close to Jesus all year Holiday Office Hours: 9-noon

Cut Here

Yes, please mail me the Tapestry each month.

No, Don’t mail me the Tapestry anymore.

I’d Rather View it Online.

Name(s): Address: City:

State:

Zip:

Email Address: Yes, please add me to the weekly email list. (OR you can add yourself at: eepurl.com/30riv)

11

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

Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit No. 2111

Cut Here

Do you want to continue receiving the Tapestry?

Please fill out this form (see other side) and mail it or drop it off in our office at 51 W. Olive Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373, Attn: Amanda Warner, Communications Admin. We’ll only take you off our mailing list if we receive written or verbal consent to do so. And, if we do hear that you’re opting out, we’ll assume that you’re an eco-friendly and computer-savvy person who’d rather view our monthly newsletter online at issuu.com/fbcr.

Let’s Still Keep in Touch!

Blog: fbcredlands.wordpress.com | Website: fbcredlands.com | Facebook: facebook.com/fbcredlands

See other side.