The First Baptist Church of Redlands
TA PE S T RY Woven Together In Love: Colossians 2:2
JULY 2016
ISSUE No. 7
A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR SHAWN
Ordinary Time Recently I went back to the Midwest to officiate at a wedding in northeast Ohio and then I went back to my house in Indiana, for the last time, in order to help sort and pack to get ready for the movers. Nearly every summer for the past 17 years has included at least one road trip. So the drive across the top parts of Ohio and Indiana seemed like the usual way to begin summer. Flat and green as far as the eye can see, with an occasional silo or church spire
“...it is the time of the year that we get into what it means to live day by day as followers of Jesus.”
poking above the trees and breaking into the expanse of blue sky, I began thinking about Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time almost sounds like a brand of lemonade, but it is the time in the church year that occurs during the summer and much of the fall. There is a bit of Ordinary Time between Epiphany and Lent as well. It is when the colors in the church are green. Ordinary Time at first glance is when nothing is happening, not Christmas, not Easter, not Pentecost, not Advent or Lent. It’s just Ordinary Time. And yet, surprise, it is the time of the year that we get into what it means to live day by day as followers of Jesus. I don’t know why the color for Ordinary Time is green, but I would like to think that it is because it is often the time that the most growth happens. In Indiana where there are four distinct seasons, the longest Ordinary Time happens when everything is green, really green, and it ends with the amazing blast of fall colors before everything is bare and dormant and Advent begins. Ordinary Time in the Midwest is when the corn and the soybeans grow and you can see the progress
from week to week. It’s when the zucchini and tomatoes grow in the gardens of true Hoosiers. Life is all around. In the same way in church, week to week, we hear about Jesus healing people, casting out demons and teaching us what the Kingdom of God is like. Jesus invites us to experience the Kingdom of God in our daily life. Just like we look forward to the big, sparkling moments of the year, like Christmas and Easter and even Pentecost, Christians think that it is during the “big events” of life that we grow in our faith – conferences, camps, concerts, revivals (especially in Southern Indiana). Yet it is actually in the regular, day by day activities of our walk with God that we grow the most. In regular Bible study, prayer, worship and meditation – even if we don’t feel anything happening – that is when we actually grow into the people God has created, redeemed and called us to be. It is during the regular, even at times mundane, practices that God transforms and develops us to be able to respond to what the world throws at us in a way that shows the Continued on Pg. 9
COVER
CONTENTS
1 2 3
The Tapestry is published monthly by The First Baptist Church of Redlands, 51 West Olive Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373.
A Message from Pastor Shawn: Ordinary Time
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.
A Few Words From Pastor Deena: ...and What Do You Do For the Youth?
MISSIONS
MINISTRY
S TA FF
4 5 6 7
An Inspirational Year What’s Going On With the Youth?: Summer Activities
Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows Senior Pastor shawn@fbcredlands.org Rev. Dr. Deena Barwick Associate Pastor of Family Ministries deena@fbcredlands.org Richard W. Steffen Minister of Music richard@fbcredlands.org
World Prayer Concerns: North Korea, Refugee Crisis, Nicaragua A Word From the Kikongo
Linda Gentile Organist Hilary Craw Volunteer Youth Director youth@fbcredlands.org
CALENDAR
FELLOWSHIP
Angel Florence Office Administrator angel@fbcredlands.org
2
8 9
Embracing Imperfection Thank You from the Creechs Thank You from the Kiels Ordinary Time Cont. A Day In the Park Flyer Women Bible Study and Fellowship
10 11
Worship Appreciation Sunday Thank You Musicians Emergency Contacts June Calendar
Marion Gil Communications Specialist marion@fbcredlands.org 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
“...and What Do You Do For the Youth?” If you recall, last month Pastor Shawn and I were invited to present some of the programs we offer at First Baptist. I shared a lot of details about our Junior Disciples program which I then shared with you in the June Tapestry. At one point in our presentation, someone from their congregation asked “and … What do you do for your Youth?” I wanted to be humorous and say that we keep them in the basement of our Education building; however, knew they were probably asking about the programs we offer them and “not where do we keep them”. And like last month’s Tapestry article, I wasn’t sure how many of you knew about our JD program; so this month I am going to take a chance and assume that some of you don’t know about the opportunities we offer our youth and share those as well. For our youth, we have two opportunities to spend time learning: Sunday morning and Thursday night classes. Hilary Craw has been teaching them on Sunday mornings with assistants Wendy Peske and Robert Yocum while Jennifer Winter teaches the middle schoolers. The Youth consists of ages 6th Grade – Graduation from High School which seems like a very large age difference and it is. Our youth leaders work on separate lessons when a topic warrants and a combined group when the topic calls for a diverse age group. The opportunities to volunteer and serve are the “behind the scenes” things that the Youth do which you may not be aware of. We also offer a “Youth Working with Children” program. They spend one year in the Youth group learning and growing with a different set of peers from the Junior
Disciple peers they have spent so much time with over the past three years. So about the time they turn age 14 and are in the 7th grade, they can apply to this volunteer program and work with our children. They have to complete an application, are screened by our insurance and have a short interview with me. We like to “treat” this opportunity as a learning process for applying for a job. Once they are “accepted”, they complete a training program (as many as we can get trained) where they complete an adult CPR/ First Aid/AED class and earn their two-year certificate from the Red Cross. They are then trained on how to interact with children, how to lead games and/or activities and, in general, support the primary teacher for the day. They rotate on a monthly basis (one Sunday a month) during the worship service time with our God’s Kids. They clock in and out as they would a job for which they earn Community Service hours. At the end of the year, we write them a Community Service Hours Earned letter which they can apply to their high school requirements for community service.
Occasionally, Richard Steffen invites youth to sing and/or play a musical instrument for our worship services as well. They are also encouraged and invited to be a Worship Leader during the service. For example, every Sunday this summer, there will be a youth or Junior Disciple scheduled to be a part of the Worship Leader experience. This too can be added to their volunteer leadership hours should they choose to add this experience. It is our hope that once they start attending college, they will stay engaged and participate in a church close to school; perhaps working with children or participating in a worship service with their talent of singing, playing a musical instrument, etc. We have opportunities to keep them engaged in worship components: volunteering, singing, leading in a service, playing an instrument, etc. along with having opportunities to learn more about following Jesus as a disciple. So technically, being a Junior Disciple never really ends. We just take off the “Junior” title and let them just be disciples of Christ – “helping our Youth discover God’s best for each of them in Christ.”
Learn what opportunities we offer our youth! 3
M I N I S T RY
“An Inspirational Year”
I enjoy learning, and I’ve always loved the opportunities to learn from observation. Whenever Marla and I are at the Redlands Bowl on those evenings when Maestro Fetta is leading the San Bernardino Symphony with a guest pianist, she knows I want to sit toward the front of the Bowl on the west side. That way I can watch the fingers on the pianist! So for many years, I positioned myself in the front row of our sanctuary on the west side so I could watch Eric Goddard at our Boston piano in worship. Whether Eric was leading congregational singing, accompanying the Worship Team in their special music, or playing AND SINGING a duet with one of FBC’s fine soloists, I was there watching and learning. And as I learned from watching him, I was constantly amazed at the music he made from frequently a sheet with only lyrics and chords on it! I now feel comfortable playing with notes on lines on a page on the music rack, and I do hear music in my head, but my fingers need my eyes to read the musical score before they “know” what to do on a song. I am so fortunate to have worked with Eric as a colleague at FBC, and I benefited so much from sharing the leadership of music with him. Eric’s leadership with the Worship Team and the God’s Kids Choir and his style at the piano brought so much energy and meaning to our services for so many years. I’m glad I was watching him make his magic at the keys! While I continue to relax
4
By Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music
“And so what has been an inspiration to you that has occurred musically in worship throughout this last year? For me, it is the opportunity to be blessed by working with another group, another style of musical composition, and another pathway on which I am able to worship God.”
adequately as to allow the rhythms of the songs that are new to me to flow smoothly, my experience in musical styles has certainly broadened in this last year. The question that our Worship Ensemble members have heard me ask more times than they can count is: “Is there printed music for that song?” I am so grateful to our Finance and Property Commission for their support of music in the forming of the annual church budget. We have found so many songs that we sing in worship now that have been written in the last few years in printed form for our
musicians to use. And so what has been an inspiration to you that has occurred in worship throughout this last year? For me, it is the opportunity to be blessed by working with another group, another style of musical composition, and another pathway on which I am able to worship God. For me, this has occurred each week since last July 1. During this last year, our Worship Ensemble and our Worship Choir have led our singing in worship Sunday after Sunday. Their selection on June 5 of “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name” combined the two groups and resulted in an exciting presentation. We have also had many very meaningful solos and duets shared this last year. I continue to be enriched by my memory of the recent duet of Lisa Olson and Garrett Zambrows, combining vocals and mandolin on Stuart Townend’s meaningful piece: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” Ellie Huynh worked closely with Eric in the selection of music for the Worship Team. That was for Sunday worship as well as for special services such as Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday. Her experience in worship and knowledge of repertoire has been an invaluable resource to me as we have sought to include music that is new and meaningful as we praise God. During this summer as we sing in worship, if you realize that you would be blessed by being a part of our music leadership this fall in one of our groups, please let me know.
what’s going on with the youth? Over the summer months, we’d like to highlight some of our Youth. Here is what their summer plans are. Neely Estey Neely will be in the pool all the time. Either life guarding, teaching swim lessons or training for her big meets this summer. She will fly up to meet her family at Cape Disappointment so that she does not miss too much practice (her wish). She and her mom will also head to New York in early August to visit some colleges and see the city before her junior year starts.
Liam Fisher Liam is working as the equipment manager for the summer circus classes at the YMCA.
Abby Kishimoto This summer Abby will be going to Peru and Atlanta. Both of these trips are to visit family.
Colby Estey Colby is playing polo, working in the baseball snack bar, going white water rafting with his grandma on the Salmon River in Idaho, and flying from there to meet family at Cape Disappointment in Washington State to camp for a reunion with family friends.
Mitchell Carpenter Mitchell will be spending a lot of time playing water polo on two different teams. He is excited for his camping trip up to Washington with family and friends, a water polo tournament in San Jose, using his pass to Pharaohs, more relaxation time and a trip or two to the beach.
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 A former political prisoner named Jung Gwang-il has taken the familiar state-sponsored propaganda songs that praise the communist leaders and instead changed the names so that it praises Jesus! In all other respects it is identical: the same type of voice, the same vocal styling, the same accompaniment, the same key; so customs officials assume it is just like the music they always hear on the radio. Now Jung, who also smuggles in foreign movies and TV shows, says that he is simply working to destabilize the regime and show North Koreans that there are “alternate ways of thinking.” But we know that God’s word never returns to him empty-handed (Is 55:11) and we pray that this music can awaken a hunger for people to hear more about Jesus.
Refugee Crisis Continue to pray for the crisis of migrants trying to enter Europe. The same week that our news cycle was dominated by the story of a gorilla who was killed after a toddler climbed into his exhibit, more than 700 people drowned in a series of sinkings in the Mediterranean. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are attempting to enter Europe, and they are willing to take whatever risks they can to get there. Once they are in Europe, the situation is similarly bleak, and even nations such as Sweden that had initially welcomed refugees are finding themselves unable to accept more. The prospect of infiltration by Islamist fighters complicates the desire to welcome refugees, and the turmoil in their home countries does not seem to be improving. Pray for our world leaders to have wisdom as they attempt to address this growing crisis. Pray that wealthy nations, including our own, would find compassionate ways to help these desperate people displaced by chaos and destruction in their home countries.
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 17 years that Dr. Carpenter has been going to Nicaragua and pray that this ministry would continue to bless the people of this nation. Pray also for the team’s work with helping diabetic children and their families in Nicaragua. Finally, pray that God would extend his grace to the team so that they can find true rest when they return home to the US.
-Jonathan Peske
6
If you have information to share about the persecuted church or news from the mission field, please share it with Jonathan Peske.
A Word From Kikongo By Glen and Rita Chapman, ABC Missionaries Dear Friends, Three lives have been saved at Kikongo! On Tuesday, the MAF plane came with an important delegation. After several months, we finally have a new doctor. He came in the presence of our national General Secretary, plus Katherine Niles, the medical coordinator for the Baptist church in Congo. The new doctor came in the nick of time. When the delegation arrived, the wife of one of our students was in the hospital in very serious condition. Two weeks earlier she had given birth to premature twins by cesarean. The mother seemed to do fine right after the surgery but after six days became very sick. Our students had decided that the mother’s illness was a sorcery issue, so they went to the village to
Photo courtesy of Glen and Rita Chapman
arrange with the villagers who they thought were responsible for the illness. The next day the mother was no better, so this time a group of students went to the village to threaten the people whom they thought were responsible for the worsening condition of the mother. That evening the students came back to campus celebrating like after winning a match. I was angry and told the students that we are better than this. As Christian university students, we should not imitate the village mentality characterized so often by a violent mob who are motivated by what the sorcerer says. We need to be different in our thinking and actions. The students were obedient, but unconvinced. The new doctor arrived the next morning (Tuesday) after the village confrontation. Doctor Lay was supposed to be introduced and have
meetings with the station leaders. After visiting the hospital, however, and seeing the poor condition of the woman, our newly arrived doctor decided he needed to go immediately into surgery to save the woman’s life. The hospital is rather unorganized with the departure several months ago of our last doctor. The lights did not work in the O.R. so Dr. Lay had to do his first surgery at Kikongo until 2 A.M. with a flashlight. The morning after the surgery, the woman who had not eaten in days was asking for something to drink, then something to eat. Now several days later, she is able to nurse her newborn twins. The University has been given some very important practical lessons. Number one, don’t believe the false accusations of the sorcerer. Number two, we don’t need to be like the villagers. We can be different and seek different solutions to illness and misfortune. Number three, God’s powerful hand was demonstrated in the timing of Dr. Lay’s arrival, and also in the value of well-educated people. Word has gone far and wide that Kikongo now has a very competent doctor. The day after the surgery, I shared Romans 12:1,2 at University chapel time. “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by the complete change of your mind.” Rm. 12:2 GNT The new University is here to provide education, but also to reorient our thinking. God is certainly at work among us ! Blessings, Glen and Rita Chapman
7
F E L L O WSHI P
Embracing Imperfection By Lisa Olson
This past week a few friends and I were laughing about some missteps in the service on Sunday. Whether it’s a typo on the slides, a child picking his nose while singing on stage, a missed cue, a microphone that doesn’t work, or an acolyte dangerously close to setting the pastor on fire, a Sunday service is never perfect. But I’m thankful for that. I’m glad I go to a church where it is OK to make mistakes and where we can all be imperfect together. Particularly as someone who is often on stage, it is easy to start thinking about the
Sunday service as a show that we are trying to pull off. Personally, that feeds my insecurity: if I miss a note I feel like I let Richard down, or that people in the “audience” all winced. But then I get a hold of myself and remember that this is not a show, and there is no audience. We are a family, a family that can embrace imperfection as acknowledging our need for God and for each other. Without those missteps, we would be missing lessons in humility, in kindness, in loving each other unconditionally, in forgiveness. If God required a perfect church, then we should have all stayed home.
Thank You from the Creechs
Thank You from the Kiels
Dear Church Family and Friends,
Dear First Baptist Church Family,
Thank you very much for all the beautiful cards, warm greetings and special notes we received for our 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration. All of you made our day very special. We are so blessed to be part of this church family.
Thank you for your prayers, love, concern and support for all of us following the passing of our father. It is deeply appreciated. We are richly blessed to be part of such a loving church family.
In Christian love, Dianne and Jim Creech
8
Instead, I think He rejoices in a church that uses many opportunities to say “We worship a perfect God, but we don’t come close. We’re here anyway - come join us.” It doesn’t mean we give up; as a fellow worship team member said last Sunday, “Next time we do that, let’s...not be flat.” But when it comes to it, we can say to God and each other “This is the best we’ve got today. God, be magnified in our imperfection.” What better way for Him to become greater while we become less (John 3:30).
Sincerely, Caroline Kiel Ray, Kathy Toy and Charles Kiel, Nancy and Steve Hulla and family
Women Bible Study and Fellowship The new Women Bible Study and Fellowship had their first meeting in June. We are studying Galations so please join us on Thursday, July 14. We will meet in Judson Hall at 10:00 a.m. See you then! Thank you, Muriel Wagner
Ordinary Time Cont. Continued from Pg. 1 character that is being developed in us. It is where we find the faith that gets us through the tough things of life and helps us to wisely make a difference in the world around us. Often during Ordinary Time, or even Advent, Christmas or Easter, things happen in our lives or in our world that we can’t explain, that bring us sorrow, grief, frustration or anger. We may even be angry with God. There may be days or even weeks when it is hard to believe in God. We want answers but they don’t seem to come. Little by little, often starting with that peace that passes understanding we find the strength and encouragement to continue on, walking with Christ and making a difference in the world. It is because of Ordinary Time that the messages of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost come to take root in our lives. And we are able to respond to the difficult times with faith, hope and love. This Ordinary Time has begun with a horrible tragedy, only months after the tragedy that happened within a short distance from our very own church. Through prayer and companionship with God and each other, may we find that assurance that comes, even when there are no answers. May we be challenged to work harder against hate, fear and violence in the world, in whatever form we find them, beginning with ourselves. When this Ordinary Time has passed may we look back to see that God has done powerful and long-lasting things in our lives and beyond, to God’s honor and glory and for the good of the world. Amen.
9
C A L E N DA R
Happy July Birthday To...
Photo courtesy of Tom Herron On Sunday, June 12, 2016, The First Baptist Church of Redlands celebrated our worship teams with Worship Appreciation Sunday. The service and the luncheon that followed showed our appreciation for all those who put their time and effort into making each and every Sunday a success. Thank you!
Thank You Musicians
Thanks to the groups who led musically in worship this past year: Clarinet Ensemble Drum Circle God’s Kids Choir Handbell Ensemble Junior Disciples Choir Men’s Ensemble The Group The Young Group The Youth Ensemble Women’s Ensemble Worship Choir Worship Ensemble
10
All groups are open and seeking more people for this next year. If you want to be a part of any group, please contact Richard W. Steffen, Minister of Music.
Emergency Contact As your church family, we care about your health and well being. Because of that, we request that you submit to us emergency contact information so that we know exactly who to contact should any emergencies arise. Please contact Angel in the church office to submit information or if you have any questions.
New Monthly Bible Study There is a new bible study for women who wish to study God’s Word and enjoy fellowship. They will be meeting the second Thursday of each month beginning Thursday, June 9. The Bible Study will take place at 10 a.m. in Judson Hall. Come join the study and enjoy spending time together and learning from God’s Word.
GriefShare We invite FBC members who have suffered a loss, no matter how long ago, to visit GriefShare on Mondays in the Lounge at 4:00 p.m. There is no cost, and materials will be provided for the participants. We also have refreshments. For more information please contact the church office or Marge Emrick.
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 Jean Gail — 16 Linda Hollenberg — 17 Wiley Craw — 18 Gwenyth Kirkland — 18 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
SEND YOUR CONDOLENCES
It is with great regret we share the passing of:
Vi Wiant
August 12, 1925 to June 11, 2016
Mary Covington
July 19, 1920 to June 24, 2016
11
Pray for Freedoms
4
Pray for our Country
Monday
18 Pray for Police
17
10 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting 31 11:30 a.m. Congregational Meeting, Sanctuary
for Pastor 24/31 Pray Deena
10 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting
Pray for Shut Ins
19 Pray for Families
No Commission Meetings
8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Plymouth Village 4-6 p.m. GriefShare, Lounge
for the 25 Pray Homebound
Pray for our Commissions
7 p.m. Executive Board Meeting, Lounge
26
8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at 10:30 a.m. Mary Plymouth Village Covington Memorial 4-6 p.m. GriefShare, Service, Sanctuary Lounge
8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Plymouth Village 4-6 p.m. GriefShare, Lounge
Pray for Richard Steffen
5
Tuesday
11 Pray for the Grieving 12 Pray for the JDs
10 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 Fellowship Time 11:45 Prayer Meeting
10 Pray for Teachers
10 a.m. Nursery/Toddlers Office Closed 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting
3
Sunday
Pray for those who are Struggling
27
20
Pray for Youth Director Search
Pray for Dennis
13 Pray for Angel
6
Wednesday
for the 28 Pray Homebound
21 Pray for Doctors
10 a.m. Ladies Bible Study, Judson Hall
Bible Study
Pray for Guidance
14 Pray for the Ladies
7
Thursday Pray for Volunteers
Pray for Nurses
Pray for Firefighters 10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery
29
10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery
22
10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery
15 Pray for Toddlers
10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery
8 Pray for Mothers
10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery
1
Friday
Pray for Grace
30
23
16
Pray for Fathers
Pray for Sick
Pray for Family Service
9 Pray for Peace
2
Saturday
J ULY 2 0 1 6
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
Summer BBQ series Mark your calendars for our annual Summer Fellowship BBQs. This is meant to be a “mixer� event so that you get a chance to share a meal with someone outside your usual circle at church and perhaps make a new friend. Or bring an outside friend along and introduce them to your church family! Sign ups will take place after church on the patio in July. You can attend multiple BBQs. All will begin around 6 pm.
Dates: July 30 August 6 August 7 August 13 August 14 August 20 August 21
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit No. 2111