July 2015 Tapestry by The First Baptist Church of Redlands

The First Baptist Church of Redlands

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

JULY 2015

ISSUE No. 7

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR RICHARD

Spreading seeds of kindness

hile preparing a sermon recently, I found myself once again exploring Jesus’ parables from Mark 4 about sowing seeds in the process of building the Kingdom of God. In the course of my study I came across an old favorite story of mine, the story of Johnny Appleseed. Let me tell you about him. Johnny Appleseed’s real name was John Chapman and he especially loved apple trees. He planted them all around the town where he lived. However, that was not enough for John, he wanted people everywhere to enjoy apples just as much as he did, so he traveled all around the country planting apple trees and giving away apple seeds. He was a simple man. One might even say he was an eccentric man. Legend has it that he traveled around the country on foot, often without shoes. He wore a shirt made from a seed sack with holes cut in it for his head and arms. He had a beard and wore a tin cooking pot as a hat. When it came time for supper, he took the pot off his head and cooked his supper in it. He was a kind and gentle man who liked everyone he met. Eventually he became well known and people began to call him Johnny Appleseed. His life was, one might say, a truly fulfilled life. Johnny Appleseed was passionate about spreading apple seeds. He did not worry about the seeds once he spread them. He seemed

to have faith that they would develop and grow. So it was with the sower in Jesus’ parable. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he is asleep or awake, the seeds sprout and grow, but the man doesn’t know what happened.” ( Mark 4:26-27) Just as Johnny Appleseed and the sower in the parable diligently sowed seeds, I believe the Lord wants us to diligently sow seeds of the Good News, God’s message of love as we travel on our faith journey. However, there are two other kinds of seeds that I believe the Lord also wants us to sow in our society today, perhaps in preparation for sowing the seeds of the Good News. They are seeds of love and kindness. The message of love and the demonstration of love were paramount in Jesus’ ministry. His great commandment said that we should love the Lord our God and love our neighbor as ourselves. He also taught His disciples that people would know they were His disciples if they loved one another. One writer commented that the milk of human kindness has curdled. In a poll taken by U.S. News & World Report, 89 percent of people believed that incivility is a serious problem. If anyone should make a difference in spreading kindness it should be those of us

“He did not worry about the seeds once he spread them. He seemed to have faith that they would develop and grow.” who call ourselves followers of Jesus. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven you.” Let us become passionate about spreading seeds of love and kindness and of course the Good News everywhere we go, praying that those seeds will take root and grow, advancing the Kingdom of God.

Richard

CALENDAR

FELLOWSHIP

MISSIONS

MINISTRY

COVER

CONTENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A Message from Pastor Richard: Spreading Seeds of Kindness Contents and Staff Box A Few Words from Pastor Deena: What Does God Want From First Baptist?

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 10th 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 issuu.com/fbcr.

S TA FF

Reverend Richard Burke Interim Pastor richardb@fbcredlands.org

Skip the Offering Plate, Give Online June Challenge Raised Over Half of Sound System Funds; We’re Redecorating!

Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Lebanon, Haiti, Nicaragua Missions Commission Update: Reading Glasses for Haiti

FBCR Staff Departures: Eric Goddard and Amanda Warner; Toddlers Take A Social Hour FBCR Member Profile: David’s Legacy Lives On

10 11

Reverend 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 Linda Gentile Organist Angel Florence Office Administrator angel@fbcredlands.org Amanda Warner Communications Administrator amanda@fbcredlands.org Dennis Chenevert Buildings/Grounds

CON TACT S

Upcoming Service Opportunities The July Calendar

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 What Does God Want From First Baptist?

started this article while in Alaska. Dale and I were sitting on the couch chatting over tea and asking philosophical questions that usually start a discussion but don’t go very far. This time Dale asked the question: “What does God want us to do?” It was asked in the context of our congregation: “What does God want our congregation to be doing right now?” And like other discussions, it didn’t last long. However, the question lingered and haunted me for a few days. My first response was “I have no idea what we are supposed to be doing.” It isn’t because I don’t know the answer but rather it is because I don’t know what to do during this time of transition and all of the changes our congregation is experiencing. There have been more than our share of personnel changes and more will continue to happen as the search committee seeks out our new senior pastor. There are changes in programming as we seek to offer new and different classes. We do this to encourage more members of our congregation to spend time with other believers in God’s Word, deepening their calling from God. We invite others to join us for classes so they can get to know who we are as a congregation and as the body of Christ. Organically, when people attend our classes, they can deepen their knowledge by asking questions they’ve been struggling to answer. These classes can be a starting point to learning how to answer our personal call from God. Changing up the curriculum from time to time is good and healthy. There are always the ongoing changes with our members: People

moving away, people passing away and going to be with the Lord, people coming and joining us, families adding to their family. Well, you get the idea. Changes, changes, changes! Isn’t that really just life happening? So, back to the question: “What does God want of us? How do we answer that call?”

“I believe God is calling us to go back to our Christlike roots and welcome those who are broken in spirit, disillusioned about church and church people, telling them about the mercy God has shown each of us.” One of my favorite passages is in Mark 5 where Jesus heals the demon-possessed man. When we are inviting others to our church, it seems we use some of the following to describe it: “Well, we have been here over 125 years. We have a heritage and a presence in Redlands. We have the best musicians in town. We have the best classes around. We have the best children’s programming.” The list could go on and on. In verse 19, Jesus called this demon-possessed man to just go

home to his family and tell them how much the Lord has done for him and how he had mercy on him. I believe we need to do the same. Sometimes, I pray that we could just be simple in the course of these invitations. When people ask me why I go to First Baptist (Well, they really ask: “Why do you go to a Baptist church?”) I don’t usually list off the great music, good classes, or great sermons, but instead choose the Mark 5 route. In other words, I like to say “I came to this church with a terribly broken spirit, disillusioned about God, church, and Christian people and I was welcomed here. I began to heal my spirit, learn more about who Jesus was and why I should follow Him, and I found brothers and sisters in Christ who didn’t judge me and just let me heal at my own pace.” I also like to say that the people of this church have shown me grace and mercy just like Jesus did. People here can be so incredibly Christ-like. So, what does God want of First Baptist? I believe God is calling us to go back to our Christ-like roots and welcome those who are broken in spirit, disillusioned about church and church people, telling them about the mercy God has shown each of us. It is that simple. God wants us to show grace to others. He wants us to be kind in discussions and to invite others to come and heal from their own demons in a non-judgmental place. Let’s keep it simple as we get through the changes. As changes will always be upon us, so too is God’s promise from Genesis 28:15: “I am with you and will watch over you.” Peace be with you.

M I N I S T RY

Skip the offering plate, give online

Electronic giving provides another option to support First Baptist

he First Baptist Church of Redlands is offering our members and friends a new way to support our ministry. Our new electronic donation program allows you to make contributions without having to lift a pen to write a check or reach into your wallet for cash. This new electronic donation program offers many benefits to both the church and the donors. Electronic donations are low maintenance, allowing our office administrator additional time to devote to other pressing tasks. Additionally, electronic donations provide a way for members and friends to regularly support our church even when they are away from a service due to vacation or other activities. There are three ways you can utilize this program: One way is to go online to our website (www.fbcredlands.org) and

click on the “Donate” button. From there you will be taken to a page where you can set up your online giving account and link it to a bank account or credit card. You may set up recurring donations if you desire and you can also donate to special funds (such as the Fellowship Fund). Another popular way is to use your mobile device to scan the QR code found on the Electronic Donation Slips on the back of the pews. Once the code is scanned you will be taken to a mobile donation page that will allow you to make your donation. If you want to set up recurring donations but do not want to do it online, you can get a donation form from the church office or from one of our ushers. Once this form is returned with your banking or credit card information, Angel, our office administrator, will securely set up the donation for you. When you give electronically

we encourage you to place one of the “I Gave Online” slips in the collection plate as it comes around on Sunday. This will help to provide a visible reminder of all the tremendous support our church receives and will help to encourage others to try electronic giving. Just as we do with cash and check donations, FBCR will give you a donation statement for your tax records, and your bank or credit card statements also provide a record of transfer. You can change or cancel your authorization at any time by going to your account online or by speaking with our Office Administrator. Remember, electronic giving is just another option for you to give your tithes and offerings to The First Baptist Church of Redlands and all the local and global programs we sponsor. -Tom Herron, chair of the Finance and Property Commission

Is donating online secure? Your bank account or credit card information is processed only on Vanco Services' secure system which is verified by GeoTrust, Inc. Vanco Services is a PCI (Payment Card Industry) Level 1 compliant service provider which means all transactions are handled in accordance with the most rigorous security standards. You can see more information about Vanco Services security at www. vancopayments.com/security

through Vanco. FBCR benefits from the tracking and recording offered by electronic donations which frees up time for our office administrator to do other important tasks to serve our members and the community. If you are not comfortable using a computer to donate, Angel, our office administrator, can do it for you. Simply fill out an information and authorization form available in the office. Any time you want to update information, she can make those changes for you.

giving far outweigh these fees. Note: The lowest fees are for EFT donations.

How much of my donation actually goes to First Baptist? Your entire donation is tax deductible but the church pays a nominal fee to Vanco Services for the convenience and security of the services they provide. The benefits of electronic

In every case, however, the full $100 donation would be recorded for pledge and tax purposes.

Do I have to sign up for electronic giving? No, you may continue giving in whichever way you like best, and The First Baptist Church of Redlands, as always, is grateful for your generosity. However, we prayerfully ask that you consider giving electronically

For example: A $100 donation by American Express would be a net contribution to FBCR of $96.05 after fees. A $100 donation by Visa, Mastercard or Debit Card would be a net contribution of $96.80 after fees. A $100 donation by EFT (direct debit of checking or savings account) would be a net contribution of $99.65 after fees.

To learn more, please visit: fbcredlands.org/donate.html

We’re Redecorating! T

June Challenge raised over half of sound system funds

he fundraiser to replace the failing sound system in our Sanctuary has been going amazingly well. As of mid-June, well over half the funds needed to replace and upgrade the existing sound system have been donated by members and friends. With continued support and faith the job of replacing this system should happen this summer. After carefully reviewing multiple proposals from three recommended and highly regarded sound specialists, the Finance and Property Commission selected a system that will be engineered and installed by Ireland Sound Systems of Upland. The heart of this system will be Renkus-Heinz Iconyx speakers to replace the old cluster of speakers mounted on the ceiling. A unique feature of the new speakers is that they can be digitally steered and tuned to provide clear and even sound throughout the Sanctuary and balcony. Whether you choose to sit in the front row or in the back of the balcony, you will be able to hear pleasing music and crisp, intelligible speech. Even though these speakers will provide a noticeable difference in audio quality they are designed to be

as visually unobtrusive as possible. First Baptist will be joining many of the most historic and significant churches and cathedrals around the world when we install our set of Iconyx speakers. In addition to new speakers, the Sanctuary’s vintage amplifiers and equalizer will be replaced with high quality digital equipment designed for the demands and needs of our active congregation. Rounding out the new system will be new wiring as well as specialized training for our sound technicians. If you haven’t already, please consider making a donation towards this new system. The improved sound quality, reliability and aesthetics that will be enjoyed by generations will be a lasting memory of your support and generosity. To check on the current status of the Sound System Fundraiser visit: fbcredlands.org/ give.html -Tom Herron, chair of the Finance and Property Commission

ucked behind David’s Corner and the Arts and Crafts Room is a notso-little corner of First Baptist that is getting a major makeover. Hoping to better utilize space as well as preserve and celebrate our church’s rich history, a group of volunteers have been working hard on a plan to repurpose the space that was formerly occupied by Mustard Seed Tutorial Center into spaces that will serve the needs of our church and organizations we support. The largest of these rooms is the Heritage Room. This 676 square foot room with beautiful floor to ceiling windows will serve as a comfortable meeting space and classroom space for medium-sized groups. The walls of the room will be filled with pictures and artifacts celebrating our church’s 127 year history. This room will have modern audio/visual equipment to facilitate classes and will also be handicap accessible. The church archives have been relocated from a small, dusty storage room behind the Chapel into two climate-controlled rooms adjacent to the Heritage Room totaling over 300 square feet. A larger room will provide much needed working space and display space for the archives and a smaller room will provide secure storage. Construction and remodeling costs of this project were paid for by a very generous and thoughtful anonymous donor. Major construction and remodeling should be finished by Labor Day. We look forward to you being able to enjoy these rooms in the fall and for many, many years to come. -Tom Herron, chair of the Finance and Property Commission

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

Lebanon Pray for Melanie Baggao as she continues raising support to become a missionary to Lebanon. She is planning to head to the Arab Baptist Seminary in Beirut and study along with Dan Chetti. She is currently at 55 percent of her goal. Her recent journal entry, spurred on by her experience bringing home tahini on a recent trip from the Middle East, was about her wrestling with surrendering her plans to God. Pray for Melanie’s ongoing preparation for this calling and pray for God to provide the needed support.

Haiti You may remember the missionaries from Haiti — Kihomi and Nzunga — who visited our church some time ago. They recently wrote about how powerful the experience of coming together on Sunday morning is for the people in their community. They start with a 90-minute Bible study and follow up with a three-hour worship service. In fact, Kihomi and Nzunga requested prayers for the elderly members in their congregation who sometimes lack the physical endurance to make it through such a morning; yet still insist on coming. As their journal post says, “The people of Haiti have learned to rely on the Lord as they have no other resources.” Praise God for the work He is doing in the lives of these Haitian people and pray that we would also hunger as deeply for His grace.

Nicaragua As this issue of the Tapestry is being written and edited, Dr. Mark Carpenter and his dental team are busy working on teeth in Nicaragua. Pray that as they fill cavities, clean and polish teeth, and seal healthy molars, the people they meet would directly experience the love of Jesus — for perhaps the way into a person’s soul is through their teeth. Praise God for the partnerships that have been developed over the 16 years that Dr. Carpenter has been going to Nicaragua and pray that this ministry would continue to bless the people of this nation. Pray that God would extend his grace in a special way so that the team can find true rest when they return home to the U.S. -Jonathan Peske If you have information to share about the persecuted church or news from the mission field, please share it with Jonathan Peske.

MISSIONS COMMISSION UPDATE

Reading glasses for Haiti

American donations replaced by Haitian ones

any members of our congregation have contributed gifts of used eyeglasses and pill bottles in support of the efforts of our American Baptist missionaries in Haiti: Kihomi Ngwemi and Nzunga Mabudiga. However, we have come to learn that the collection of eyeglasses and pill bottles will no longer continue, though as the old adage would remind us, even as this door closes, a new window of opportunity has opened. Air travel and the shipping of goods to the region of Haiti where our missionaries are stationed has traditionally been rather complicated and required a patchwork of flights connecting Venice, Florida, the international airport in Port-AuPrince, and their local airport in CapHaitian. Recent improvement and expansion of the local airport has meant that direct flights of American Airlines jets are now available at a lower cost. However, with this increased convenience and efficiency have come new customs officials and new administrative efforts that have so greatly increased the costs of receiving pill bottles and eyeglasses that the collection efforts are no longer financially feasible. Thus closes the door of our collection efforts. However, through some hard work, generosity, and the support of prayer, our missionaries’ efforts will continue unabated and indeed with greater efficiency as new opportunities are becoming available. A U.S.-based charity will now provide eyeglass frames at no cost and a lowcost lens maker in Port-Au-Prince is planning to establish a branch in CapHaitian.

In addition, the largest eyeglass need has been for reading glasses, and our missionaries have connected with a source able to provide them for a total cost of less

“Through some hard work, generosity, and the support of prayer, our missionaries’ efforts will continue unabated.” than 50 cents each! Now, the eye clinic will be able to provide complete sets of eyeglasses made-to-order to meet the individual needs of each patient, ensuring a good fit for the frames

and the right prescription lens every time. Though individually and as a church we will continue to support Kihomi and Nzunga’s efforts in Haiti through prayer and financial gifts through International Ministries, however odd it may sound, it is truly a blessing to have our efforts mothballed as new, improved, and sustainable services begin to bear fruit in Haiti. Thanks for this important information are owed to Dennis Shewell and the newsletter of the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches: Evergreen Note. -Nathan Jones, chair of the National and World Missions Commission

Photo courtesy of www.internationalministries.org Kihomi Ngwemi and Nzunga Mabudiga, IM missionaries in Haiti.

F E L L O WSHI P

FBCR STAFF DEPARTURES

Eric Goddard A

Music Director

s my family and I prepare to leave Redlands this month, I have been reflecting a lot on the past 15 years that I’ve spent with the gathered body of Christ at The First Baptist Church of Redlands. And so I wanted to write you all a note. Thank you for welcoming and caring for a scared 22-yearold who’d just finished college and had no idea what was next. Thank you for giving me my first job working at Mustard Seed. Thank you for introducing me to my wife. You let me play the piano in worship services and experiment with crazy ideas like listening to Bach in the dark on Good Friday, doing a Seder service in Hebrew, and arranging ‘70s songs for a men’s quartet.

When I was diagnosed with diabetes, you cooked for me and prayed with me and cried with me and raised money to help me pay for medication. When Erin and I considered adopting three kids ranging in age from 5 to 13, you prayed with us and promised to help us raise them. And you made good on that promise: Your collective love for my kids has honestly changed their lives, helping heal old wounds and making possible what would otherwise have been undoable. You taught me about Jesus, but more, you showed me how people can follow this Jesus over a long time, even when life is complex and wrenching. You let me participate in your lives and you carried me through hard times in my own. You have done well by me and my life has been fundamentally changed by you. Thank you.

Amanda Warner I

Communications Administrator

have truly been blessed this past year to work with and serve some of the kindest people here at The First Baptist Church of Redlands. It’s been an honor to tell some of your incredible stories and, for a short season, to be a part of your church family. July 9, 2015 will be my last day working for FBCR. I have accepted a full-time editor position at a Christian publishing house in Covina. I am truly thankful for all that FBCR has given me this past year. Most of all, the chance to do what I love for a church that deserves all the best and more. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome. And so, this issue of the Tapestry is the last one I will ever put together.

I’ve loved being the editor of this newsletter, writing stories about the people of First Baptist and getting to interview quite a number of you. From my first issue last July interviewing Mark Carpenter about his trip to Nicaragua to the issue in November where I interviewed Shellie Skinner and JoAnn Stringer about their love of cooking to this July issue where I got to hear Lynn West’s story, which you can read on the very next page — I’ve loved listening to all of you, and I know I am wiser because of it. If you would like to stay in touch with me and my writing ventures, please feel free to email me at amaewarner@gmail.com or to visit my website: amandawarnerbooks.com. Thank you again.

Toddlers take a social hour

ur toddler Abe is a very active and curious little guy. I thought it sure would be nice to have a place where he could crawl around, be safe, clean and entertained. There aren’t many places for crawlers outside of one’s home. At FBCR, we have this wonderful nursery and toddler facility that is free on weekdays. And we are blessed with a bustling population of babies and toddlers at FBCR right now. I knew moms had hosted a play group at church in the past, so I wanted to get that started again. We’ve been meeting for a

few months now, and it has been rewarding for all parties involved. Abe is happy and entertained; he gets some social time, as do I; and I even get to sit down now and again. We feel very blessed to have the opportunity to utilize the church space in this way; and we are thankful for the friends who have joined us, too. Babies, toddlers and adults who like to play with babies and toddlers are welcome to join us Friday mornings at 10 a.m. in the nursery. Come! -Barbara Stein

Photo courtesy of Barbara Stein Abe at the play group.

David’s legacy lives on

How a simple fund has helped numerous special needs children Lynn West became a member of First Baptist in 1983. When her four-year-old son, David, passed away in 1995, Lynn wanted his legacy to live on. With help from FBCR, Lynn established a fund that would help other families in the community with special needs children, year after year. 1. Tell me a little about David and his story. Lynn: I was eight months pregnant with David when doctors discovered that something was wrong with his brain. Where a brain should have been on the sonogram, there was only a black area. The damage was caused partly because of David’s twin who had stopped growing around 15 weeks gestation. All I knew at the time was that it brought me closer to the Lord. I began to pray like I never prayed before. We were told by a doctor that David would never see, he would not know us, he would never hear and he was not really worth keeping because he was going to live a long life being a burden. The doctor advised us to abort him and move on with our lives. He claimed that David was not going to be worth all the trouble. Well, I can tell you that the only person we got rid of was the doctor. David did see perfectly, his hearing was intense and he totally knew us. He communicated with his eyes and his big giant smile. God gave us a peek into heaven with this little angel. I can tell you he changed my life and taught me so much that I would not give up even one of the days he was with us. He died suddenly while at home with a babysitter. The spastic muscles in his throat cut off his airway. David’s life on earth was finished but his legacy was just beginning. While on my way home after hearing that the paramedics were at my house, a voice whispered in my ear. I will never forget the words that I heard: “David is totally healed and happy.” I did not comprehend those words or what they meant until later

when I realized that the Lord had spoken to me that my son was in heaven. The words were a comfort. 2. What made you want to start David's Fund? And how did you start it? Lynn: David’s passing on June 30, 1995 was unexpected and heartbreaking to say the least. Many people sent cards as well as money to express their condolences. We appreciated each and every note. However, I wanted the money to go to something more than just funeral expenses. It became very important to me that David would somehow be remembered and in some little way kept alive. I began to research what we could do with the $3,000 we received. I approached First Baptist Church to ask for help with creating a fund to help families with children that had special needs. The church’s Endowment Fund Committee agreed to start David's Fund for which I was very grateful. I held garage sales to add more money to the fund, and it continues to grow with interest each year. My goal is to get the fund to $20,000. We are getting there slowly but surely. 3. How many families have you helped since you started the fund? How does the fund work? Lynn: Each year we use the interest the money has collected to donate to a deserving family. It never fails that God will put someone in my path to help around the time of David’s birthday, April 30. I believe our first year the family we helped was in need of a special stroller for their child. The family struggled with taking him to places because he would take off running. By purchasing them a large specialized stroller, they were able to take him to events and keep him safe. I want to say we have helped a total of 20 families since the start of this fund. That is amazing to think about. We have given money for respite care, to buy diapers, purchase medications and to provide for horseback riding

David at 3 years old.

therapy. The list goes on to what children need. 4. When was David's Corner at FBCR named? What's the story behind that? Lynn: While I was talking to Pastor Joe about David's Fund, he asked me a question I will never forget. He said the church felt they could have done more for our family and he wanted to know what could have been done to help us while David was alive. He asked how I felt about some kind of program for children with special needs. We brainstormed, contacted a few people and the program was born. The name came from me. We named our son David because the name meant "Beloved." I asked that the program and room be named "David's Corner" because the children and adults in that room were truly beloved. I still receive the Tapestry and I love when I read about an event happening in David’s Corner. It makes me smile to know the name has stayed even though the program is no longer needed. Lynn now lives in Texas and works as a special education teacher but continues to help families in Redlands which, she says, will always be David’s home.

C A L E N DA R

Happy July Birthday To...

Doris Baker and Ellie Huynh helped organize the Worship Appreciation Luncheon on Sunday, June 7, presenting worship staff and volunteers with awards and goodies.

PRAY WITH THE CHURCH

Join fellow members and friends as we lift up the needs of the congregation in prayer. We meet in the Board Room every Sunday at 11:45 a.m.; and in the Lounge every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m.

DONATE FOOD TO THE HUNGRY

This month we are collecting canned fish, canned meat and canned fruit for Redlands Family Services. Drop off your donation in the designated bin on Sundays.

JOIN THE FBCR BELIEVE WALK TEAM The eighth annual Believe Walk isn’t scheduled until Sunday, Oct. 4 but our First Baptist team page is already up and running at tinyurl.com/believewalk2015 courtesy of Jonathan Peske. From the team page you can click "join team" and register. Take advantage of the special early bird registration discount and start raising money for cancer patients. Joining the walk is a great way to get out into the community.

SEND YOUR CONDOLENCES

It is with great regret we share the passing of:

Sue Ferris

December 17, 1923 - May 27, 2015

Cynthia Hayden

December 3, 1946 – June 12, 2015

EAT BRUNCH WITH BURKE

9 a.m. Sunday, July 12 Come to the Baptist Brunch with Pastor Burke and learn more about the ministry of the church. Here, you can ask questions, find out how to become a member of First Baptist, and enjoy a light meal with other church friends. Hosted by the Diaconate.

ATTEND A SHOWING OF THE PRODUCERS One of our church members, Josh Morgan, will be performing in the show, “The Producers,” playing in Rialto from July 11 through Aug. 2. Tickets are $15, and seniors and students are $12. To see showtimes and to purchase tickets, call 909-873-8514 or visit www.rialtocommunityplayers.com.

Rhiannon Fisher — 2 Marilyn Dodson — 2 Nicholas Poyle — 3 Jason Hine — 3 Ruby May Price — 6 Sara Nelson — 7 Sabrina Kleinman — 8 Lela Savage — 8 Yholddy Jones — 9 Eric Goddard — 9 Kathy Hine — 11 Sara Graham — 12 Niki Farmer — 13 Irene Coggins — 13 Mary Lou Sheffer — 15 Paul Williams — 15 Linda Hollenberg — 17 Wiley Craw — 18 Gwenyth Kirkland — 18 Mary Covington — 19 Teri Jensen — 20 Allie Baker — 21 Josh Kleinman — 22 Donald Allen — 22 Elizabeth Updegraff — 23 Solace Huynh — 24 Laura Hunt — 25 John Parke — 25 Loretta Bueermann — 26 Michelle Poyle — 27 Barbara Stein — 28 Stuart Nelson — 30 Lloyd Savage — 30 Robert Carpenter — 31 Robert Pote — 31

NOW HIRING A Part-Time Communications Administrator 25 hours a week $15 an hour To view full job description, visit: fbcredlands.org/jobs.html email resume and CL to admin@fbcredlands.org

Pray for Malta

Pray for Martinique

Monday

Pray for Nicaragua

Pray for Niger

Pray for Mauritania

Pray for Maldives

Pray for Mexico

Pray for Nigeria

7 p.m. Executive Council meeting

7 p.m. Prayer meeting in the Lounge

21 Pray for Nepal

Pray for Norway

Pray for Netherlands

Pray for Oman 9 a.m. Tapestry Team

Pray for New Caledonia

Pray for Pakistan

Youth leave for San Francisco Trip

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

23 Pray for Neth Antilles 24

5-9 p.m. Put It Together in David’s Corner

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

Pray for Mozambique

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

10 a.m. Youth Beach Trip 12 p.m. Miriam Circle 6 p.m. Men’s Fellowship

Pray for Mayotte

Pray for Malaysia

7 p.m. Commission Meetings

Friday

Pray for Mauritius

Pray for Malawi

Thursday

15 Pray for Montenegro 16 Pray for Morocco

Wednesday

14 Pray for Mongolia

7 p.m. Prayer meeting in the Lounge

Noon to 6:30 p.m. Blood Drive, RCH rooms C&D

Tuesday

For an in-depth account on how to pray for the country of the day, see the book “Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation.”

No Sunday School 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 10 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers at Plymouth Village 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting 11:45 a.m. Coed Summer Study

Pray for Monaco Pray for Moldova No Sunday School 9 a.m. Baptist Brunch 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 10 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers at Plymouth Village 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting 11:45 a.m. Coed Summer Study Pray for Namibia Pray for Nauru

No Sunday School 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 10 a.m. Nursery/ Toddlers at Plymouth Village 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting

Sunday Pray for Mali

Pray for Myanmar

Pray for New Zealand

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Put It Together in David’s Corner

11 Pray for Micronesia

Saturday

J ULY 2 0 1 5

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

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YOUTH TRAVEL TO

SAN FRANCISCO Please keep the youth in your prayers. They leave for a four-day trip to San Francisco on Friday, July 31, where they will serve the homeless and tour the city. See Jared Sumners for information on how to support the youth financially.