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The First Baptist Church of Redlands

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

FEBRUARY 2016

ISSUE No. 2

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR RICHARD

Thorns and Roses Recently, I had a wonderful California experience. Thanks to Ed Irvin, who is an excellent “Tournament of Roses Parade” tour guide, I went to see the parade. The magnificent flowers, especially the roses, displayed with so many different themes and in so many different ways are certainly something very special to see. Ever since I was a little child I have had a love of roses and I would visit my father who had a rose garden on a plot of land right in the city of Bayonne, New Jersey that was directly across from New York City. These visits occurred during what was a difficult time for our family. My mother had died when my sister and I were very small children, so we were reared by an aunt and uncle in Pennsylvania. Because of this, it was a real treat when we would go and visit our dad. Spending time in his rose garden was almost magical for me, dozens of rose bushes and so many varieties with special names. Of course, the rose is one of the most popular flowers. It has been a favorite of poets and romantics at heart for a very long time and one of the most popular symbols of Valentine’s Day, which we celebrate this month.

There are several legends about the Valentine Rose. One tells that once Cupid was carrying a vase of sweet nectar to the gods on Mount Olympus and some nectar spilled on the ground. From the spot where the nectar fell, there emerged the beautiful Rose flower. Another tells that once a beautiful maiden by the name of Rodanthe was pursued by several passionate suitors. In their desperate pursuit, they broke the doors of

...life is not only filled with roses, things that are beautiful, but also thorns, things that are painful.

Rodanthe’s house. That so enraged the goddess Diana that she turned Rodanthe into a rose and her suiters into thorns. Roses and thorns. How familiar. We all know about them. I remember one time when I was about 10-yearsold, I went to pick a rose from a bush in my father’s rose garden and pricked my finger on a thorn. Oh, how it hurt and bled. Of course, I yelled and my father, coming to my aid, also taught me a lesson. He said that life is not only filled with roses, things that are beautiful, but also thorns, things that are painful. He then told me that what makes the difference is what we do about them. As a child, I did not understand it but after a lifetime of experiences, now I do. In the New Testament we read about a man who experienced many wonderful things. His name was Paul. He had so many “roses experiences.” Imagine encountering the risen Christ face to face. However, he also had trouble with a thorn in his life. He said, “A thorn was given to me.” We don’t know Continued on Pg. 7

COVER

CONTENTS

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

A Message from Pastor Richard: Thorns and Roses

All material for the Tapestry should be typed and emailed no later than the 10th of each month to tapestry@fbcredlands.org.

Staff and Contents

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.

Ash Wednesday

MINISTRY

S TA FF

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From the Minister of Music Ah, the New Room Ah, the New Room cont.

Reverend Richard Burke Interim Pastor richardb@fbcredlands.org Reverend Deena Barwick, Ph.D. Associate Pastor of Family Ministries deena@fbcredlands.org

MISSIONS

Jared Sumners Youth Director jared@fbcredlands.org

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Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Philippines, Egypt, ABC Worldwide A Redlands Story Thorns and Roses cont.

Richard W. Steffen Minister of Music rwsteffen@gmail.com Linda Gentile Organist

CALENDAR

Angel Florence Office Administrator angel@fbcredlands.org

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Thank you from Paul & Cathy Zander Pastoral Candidate Schedule February Calendar

Marion Gil Communications Specialist marion@fbcredlands.org Dennis Chenevert Buildings/Grounds

HIGHLIGHTS

CON TACT S

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Family Service Day Discipleship Desserts David & Marie Hamilton Vow Renewal

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.

Ash-Wednesday Service

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 7:00 PM First Baptist Church of Redlands Chapel Music, readings, and prayers We gather to prepare ourselves for our journey with Jesus during this season of Lent Music will be led by: Junior Disciples Choir, Worship Ensemble, duet by Ellie Huynh and Hilary Craw

M I N I S T RY 4

Ah, the New Room By Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music

That is the sentiment I expressed in my FBC 2015 Annual Report, and I can’t think of a more meaningful title to this article. Eighty-nine years after our educational building was dedicated (January 16, 1927), the Ministry of Music so greatly benefited from the church’s decision to renovate Field Hall and to have it be the hub of the preparation for our worship music. Jasper Newton Field was the 6th pastor of FBC, and the 1st president of the University of Redlands. Field Hall, named after him, has served as a Sunday School room and as the reception area of Christian Counseling Service. Now it is filled with the singing of praises of our Lord by the Worship Choir on Thursday evenings and the Junior Disciples Choir on Sunday mornings. On the evening that Tom Herron photographed our Worship Choir, all 22 chairs were filled. But don’t worry, we DO have room for more singers: an additional eight chairs are placed on the side JUST FOR YOU! The room, on the ground floor by the drinking fountain, has a beautiful wood floor that has been refinished, a new air conditioning unit, new paint, attractive window coverings, and lovely wood chairs. The piano donated by Robert and Doris Moore is now in Field Hall for our rehearsals.

Our Linda Gentile seems to love the action and response of the piano. And a stunning view greets you as you enter: five paintings by Dr. George Riday and one by Dorothy Cox. And there is a print given by Anne Morlan, former member of the choir. Also, an impressive

On our first rehearsal, I was heard to say: “When did you all get so good?” A response was heard: “We’ve always been good; the room just makes us sound better!”

mounted photo of our 2008 Easter Cross given by Jim and Dianne Creech hangs in the room. One of the paintings by Dr. Riday is a water color of “things about Redlands.” It was commissioned by Liz Laine, and the impressionistic scene “could be” Mt. Baldy or Mt. San Gorgonio. But the oranges in the foreground are certainly Redlands! Liz is allowing the

painting to be hung in Field Hall, and the Ministry of Music – especially the JD Choir - is so appreciative of her generosity. So in this room, sound meets visuals and God’s creativity is proclaimed! Having a room dedicated to our preparation for worship is a true joy of the FBC music staff. The sound in the room when the Worship Choir practices is amazing. On our first rehearsal, I was heard to say: “When did you all get so good?” A response was heard: “We’ve always been good; the room just makes us sound better!” Yet to be finished this winter is my new office and the new Choir Library. Both will be reached by the inside stairway in the back corner of Field Hall. Also with beautifully refinished wood floors and window coverings, my office now has ceiling fans, thanks to Dale Barwick and Scott Medlin. So, whether it’s our choirs preparing for the Special Music of an upcoming service, or a soloist getting everything “just right” – as Ed Irvin did for his solo in “There Is a Balm in Gilead,” or Linda showing us “our notes,” the Ministry of Music gratefully thanks the church for its commitment to the music in our worship. Through singing, playing, dancing, and works of art: may the great name of the Lord be praised!

FBC Field Hall renovated and in use as the Choir Room

Ed Irvin, Richard, and Linda prepare for Worship

Our Linda: always prepared, always ready, always helpful, always joyful

Corner plant and photo of the Easter Cross 2008

Liz Laine and JD Choir with the painting Liz donated to the Field Hall/Choir Room

David Hamilton loves the new room

So happy and excited as we prepare for worship

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

Philippines There were multiple attacks against Christians in the Philippines around the Christmas holiday. In one region, 200 gunmen raided villages on Christmas Eve, killing 9 people. The gunmen were members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which is a group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. In another attack, a grenade was thrown at a chapel. Pray against the spread of this violent ideology. Pray for the safety of our Christian brothers and sisters in the Philippines. Pray for Christians in the Philippines to continue to have courage and not be overcome by fear.

Egypt Praise God for Egypt’s president Abdel El-Sisi, who came for a second year in a row to speak at a Coptic Christian Christmas Mass in a show of support. El-Sisi famously gave a speech in early 2015 calling on the Islamic community to reform itself and has been one leader in the Middle East who has worked to promote peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims. Praise God for El-Sisi’s courage and pray for his continued protection. Pray for Christians throughout the Middle East who feel besieged and abandoned amid the rise of the Islamic State.

ABC Worldwide Pray for our denomination as we look for a new Executive Director of International Ministries. Pray that God would raise up someone with the calling and qualifications to lead our worldwide missions outreach with grace and vision. Praise God for the more than 200-year history of mission work done by American Baptists and pray that the new Executive Director would help us push that forward into this new century.

-Jonathan Peske

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

A Redlands Story By Reverend John Townsend

he year was 1951. At the corner of Olive and Cajon in the city of Redlands, California, a new church sanctuary to replace the old was under construction. The church’s educational building remained and its large chapel (now the social hall) was used for Sunday worship. That chapel had a pipe organ, pews, and a balcony. Each Sunday its space quickly filled with parishioners. During the school year, the University of Redlands students added their numbers to the total congregation. A chartered bus regularly brought 20 to 60 students from the U of R campus to the church. A Sunday Church school class awaited them, followed by the worship service. A new minister would be coming

to the new sanctuary, but not until 1952. There was excitement among the church members as plans moved along. The minister was Frank B. Fagerburg, coming from a 22-year pastorate at the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles. He was known as one of America’s outstanding preachers and was described as “one of the real Baptist statesmen of this day.” He became a leader in the Redlands community and an inspiration to many students. Dr. Fagerburg was only 62 years old and had served Redlands First Baptist for eight of those years when death came. The congregation was grief-stricken. The church staff was asked to pull together until a successor pastor could be called. The youngest member of that staff, John Townsend, was given

responsibility for preaching and overall administration. He was a U of R graduate (1954); Dr. Fagerburg had been his mentor. The next year, when a new minister was named for the Redlands church (Dr. Ivan Bell), Mr. Townsend was called to be Baptist College Chaplain at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1961 he returned to California, called to the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles, the church Dr. Fagerburg had led. John Townsend served there for 35 years as senior minister, until retirement in 1997. The Redlands story of this city’s First Baptist Church and the Los Angeles story of its First Baptist Church are linked together, their unusual histories still influencing local communities and the world beyond.

Thorns and Roses cont. Continued from Pg. 1 what the thorn was but it must have been very painful because Scripture tells us he asked the Lord three times to remove it. Probably many more times. He called it a “Messenger from Satan.” We also learn from Scripture that God did not remove the thorn but gave Paul wonderful words of encouragement that helped him get through the ordeal. God said, “My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

I knew a dear lady once. She is now with the Lord many years. She was the Dean of Women in the first college where I taught, a small Baptist college in Minnesota. Something very unfair was done to her. However, she maintained such a Christian spirit. Many months after it was over, I asked her about it. She replied, ”I would not trade one valley experience for all the mountain top experiences because it is the valley experiences that draw me closest to the Lord.” Personally, that promise to Paul has helped me through so many “thorns” in my lifetime. Of course a

promise is only as good as the one making the promise. Let us give thanks that the one who made that promise is the one who says He accepts us as we are, and where we are. He says nothing can separate us from His love. This Valentine’s Day as we see the beautiful roses, let’s take a moment to touch the thorn and remind ourselves of the times when a “thorn” pricked our lives and how God’s grace brought us through.

Richard 7

C A L E N DA R

Happy February Birthday To...

Hanging of the Greens was one of the highlights of 2015.

Thank You from Paul & Cathy Zander The Local Outreach Commission would like to thank the congregation for their generous donations of presents and money. The adopt-a-family of nine greatly appreciated the gifts for their Christmas. The gift cards of $225.00 gave the families food to enjoy as well during the holidays. A special thanks to Virginia Chapman for knitting scores of caps and scarfs for the children of Family Service. We thank First Baptist for all their support for Family Service all year round! Bless you! Paul & Cathy Zander

Sr. Pastoral Candidate Schedule Members and friends of the First Baptist Church of Redlands are reminded that a Senior Pastor candidate will be on our campus the week of February 3-7. All friends and members of the church are invited to attend as many of the following public events as their schedule will allow:

Thursday, February 4 Weekly church dinner in the Fellowship Hall. 6:00 p.m. - reserve space as normal in the church office. The candidate will make an informal presentation after dinner. Saturday, February 6 A tea and reception for the candidate in the church Board Room from 3-5 p.m. No reservations necessary.

Sunday, February 7 Regular Sunday morning worship for all in the sanctuary at 10:15. The candidate will preach. For FBCR Members: Formal Business meeting immediately following Worship in the Sanctuary for the purpose of voting on the Search Committee’s recommendation to call the candidate.

Robert Hayden — 1 Matthew Alexander — 2 Itsel Updegraff — 2 David Horelle — 2 Karen Olson — 4 Colby Estey — 6 Joshua Morgan — 6 Kathleen Alexander — 7 Joseph Allen — 8 John Baker — 9 Sarah Arthur — 9 Jessica Crisantes — 9 Evan Jones — 10 Winter Martin — 10 Virginia Joyce — 10 Matt Applebee — 11 Barry Lee — 11 Berva Smith — 13 Daniella Daniels — 14 Marcia Kovacic — 15 Kaye Espinosa — 17 Jenna Guzman — 18 Elizabeth Laine — 18 Neely Estey — 20 Jeannie Adair — 20 Walker Price III — 22 Tuesday Martin — 23 Marie Hamilton — 24 Renie Price — 25 Doreen Condron Waters — 28 Lloyd Howard — 28

Pray for Infants

Pray for Single and Adult Couples

Pray for our Office Volunteers

16 Pray for Drivers

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at 7 p.m. Executive Council, Plymouth Village Lounge 4-6 p.m. GriefShare, Lounge

8:45 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting

Pray for Prayer Team

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Plymouth Village 4-6 p.m. GriefShare, Lounge

4 Pray for Sound and Visuals Team

Thursday

5 Pray for Nursery and Toddler Room Volunteers

Friday

Pray for the Blessing Center

12 p.m. Miriam Circle 6 p.m. Men’s Fellowship

for Fire 17 Pray Department

7 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service, Sanctuary

10 Pray for Children

Pray for Students

Pray for Restaurant Staff

10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery

5:45 p.m. Thursday Night Dinner 6:45 p.m. Classes

Praise for Building a Generation 10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery

for Christian 25 Pray 26 Counseling Services

5:45 p.m. Thursday Night 10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery Dinner 6:45 p.m. Classes

Officers

18 Pray for Police

5:45 p.m. Thursday Night Birthday Dinner 6:45 p.m. Classes

11 Pray for Youth

5-9 p.m. Progressive Din11 a.m. Pastor Candidate ner for Commissions Lunch with staff 10-11 a.m. Play Day 5:45 p.m. Thursday Night in the Nursery Dinner 6:45 p.m. Classes

Wednesday

for the Salvation 24 22 Pray for Youth Hope 23 Pray Army

28 Pray for New Members 29 Pray for Visitors

Pray for Health Care Professionals 8:45 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 9 a.m. Brunch with Burke, Judson Hall 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting

Pray for Toddlers

15 Pray for Educators

9 6:30 p.m. Diaconate, Lounge 7 p.m. C.E, Mezzanine Worship, Boardroom Local Outreach, Library Fin & Prop, Judson Hall

Pray for Men’s Breakfast

for Greeters and 2 Pray Ushers

Tuesday

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Plymouth Village 4-6 p.m. GriefShare, Lounge

Monday

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 8:45 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers at Plymouth Village 9 a.m. Sunday School 4-6 p.m. GriefShare, 10:15 a.m. Worship Service Lounge 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time Office Closed 11:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting

8:45 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Special Congregational meeting in the Sanctuary

Sunday Pray for Pastoral Candidate

Pray for Family Services

Pray for our Church Budget

9 a.m. - Noon Family Service Work Day

9 a.m.-noon Women’s Bible Study David’s Corner

13 Pray for Adults

3-5 p.m. Reception & Welcoming afternoon tea in the Boardroom for Sr. Pastoral Candidate

Saturday

F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 6

FAMILY SERVICE WORK DAY Join us for Family Service Work Day on February 20th from 9 a.m. till noon. We’ll be hard at work sorting junk then we’ll have a wonderful lunch at the Gourmet Pizza Shoppe sponsored by Local Outreach.

Discipleship Desserts Dear members and friends of First Baptist, Who are we and where are we going? How do we as a congregation fulfill our role as stewards of the church’s resources with that question in mind? As a church family, we are our best selves when our mission and ministry are empowered by the Holy Spirit to lead us through the continuation of our church’s vision. A key step to this process is the full disclosure of our church resources and where they are going to a congregation that must fully participate in decision making. Our congregation is obligated to participate in decision making to ensure our priorities are being addressed. To this end, the Property and Finance Commission is sponsoring a series of Stewardship Desserts this winter. These are opportunities for people to gather in small groups at the home of a church member and reflect on how we are directing our church’s resources towards our mission and ministry. Our hope is that every member and friend of First Baptist will take the opportunity to participate in one of these Stewardship Desserts, which will offer us the information, encouragement, and challenge we need to continue our spiritual growth as disciples of Christ. We look forward to seeing you there. If you wish to host or attend a Stewardship Dessert, please contact Brian Wolfe or Tom Herron. Sincerely, Property and Finance Commission

You’re Invited! David and Marie Hamilton’s Renewal of Vows David and Marie Hamilton will be married 50 years on June 18th. Come celebrate with them as they renew their vows here at FBCR on Sunday, February 14 at 12:30 p.m. A reception will be held at their home (12782 13 Street, Yucaipa) following the renewal ceremony. Please contact the church office for more information.

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

Menu Tea & Fellowship

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

Come meet the Senior Pastoral Candidate! Saturday, February 6 A tea and reception for the candidate in the church Board Room from 3-5 p.m. No reservations necessary.