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The First Baptist Church of Redlands

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

JUNE 2015

ISSUE No. 6

Finding healing in the darkest hour R

ecently, I came across an article about the sinking of the Titanic. It was April 10, 1912 when the RMS Titanic set sail from Hampton, England to New York for her maiden voyage. The Titanic was the greatest ocean liner of her day, massive, elegant and powerful. She was called "the unsinkable ship." However, that title proved tragically untrue. Within five days at sea, the mighty ship lay broken and destroyed at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. The Titanic crew was repeatedly warned of iceberg sightings in her path but the radio operator dismissed the warning with angry retorts. Even the captain's attitude was "full speed ahead." After all, the Titanic was unsinkable. Then, to make matters worse, the lifeboats were woefully insufficient to accommodate all of the passengers. As a result, 1,517 people perished at sea. Information about the Titanic has always had a special fascination for me because the couple who built the house in which I grew up, perished along with the other passengers. In reading the recent article about the Titanic, the writer drew a parallel between the passengers on the Titanic and the lives of many people today. Although I disagree with the parallel he drew, I thought of another parallel. Certainly not as dramatic as the Titanic story but often shattering and life changing.

I thought of those times in people's lives when everything seems to be going wonderfully, where people are enjoying life much like the passengers on the Titanic. Then something life changing happens. Unfortunately, for some, the burden is so great, they figuratively drown in sorrow, defeat, depression or addiction. Yet for others, in a time of tragedy, they are able to rise above the circumstances and go on to new heights in their walk with God and service to others. Thinking about that, three supports come to mind that can bring hope and inner peace to hurting lives and eventually healing: loving friends, a loving church family and the love of God. The book of Proverbs describes a loving friend as “one that sticketh closer than a brother.” What a treasure such a friend is because no matter what one is going through, that friend is always there. A song writer declared, ”I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God. Those of us who are part of a church family can say “amen” to that. High on the list of blessings is the support of loving members who are willing to listen, pray with you or just put an arm around you to let you know you are not alone. There is nothing more comforting than that. Then, there is the love of God. That is the ultimate of support and healing. Jesus healed on three levels: the physical, the psychological and the spiritual. The physical: He

“Without love, Paul told us, we are nothing. In loving God, ourselves, and others without reserve, we continue the healing that was conceived in Nazareth, brought to birth in Bethlehem, and consummated on Calvary’s cross.” -Walter J. Burghardt commanded the paralytic to take up his bed and walk. The psychological: He restored dignity to the adulteress. The spiritual: Above all other healing he did, he brought God’s love to the world. When he died, his love redeemed us and it is that same unconditional love that brings healing to us, even in the darkest hour of our lives and gives us a sense of wholeness again.

Richard

CALENDAR

FELLOWSHIP

MISSIONS

MINISTRY

COVER

CONTENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A Message from Pastor Richard: Finding Healing in the Darkest Hour Contents and Staff Box A Few Words from Pastor Deena: Gearing Up for the Summer

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

What Will The JDs Learn This Summer? Anonymous Donor To Match $15,000: All Donations to the Sound System Fundraiser Will Be Doubled in June

Worldwide Prayer Concerns: Nigeria, Congo, Europe Missions Commission Update: Dental Team Prepares for Nicaragua

Service Day Photo Recap Youth Ministries Update: Fasting for Empathy

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 June 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 Gearing up for the summer

ummer is almost here and the planning is all done … for summer programming that is! Our summer schedule begins on Sunday, June 21. That worship service has two special events for which you will want to be in attendance. First, we will honor our high school seniors. Come and pray with them to send them off to college, working life, or wherever God may be calling them to go. Second, we will graduate the second graders into the Junior Disciples program by awarding them their Bibles. They are so excited and so ready to be Junior Disciples! The Junior Disciples program is described with more information on page four of this issue of the Tapestry. Here is a brief outline of why we present these older elementary children with these topics. A small group of parents got together about eight years ago and brainstormed a way in which we could integrate children into the worship service. We didn’t want to just have them begin attending the services without having any knowledge about what adults do when they follow Jesus as a disciple. We identified topics that we felt demonstrated discipleship: Scripture (Bibles), prayer, baptism, sermon, worship, communion, missions, tithing, acolytes, and hospitality. We invited adults to present these topics to the children as an intergenerational aspect of learning from our elders, with parents rotating through, assisting the teacher of the day. Once they learn about a topic, they then practice it in a worship service later in the summer. They

receive navy blue T-shirts to wear so it identifies them as the “JD Club.” Watch for them over the summer as they learn how to participate in worship. Encourage them and help them out if they need a little assistance with a task. Our younger elementary children, ages 4 to second grade, will be engaged in “lab experiments”

“A small group of parents got together about eight years ago and brainstormed a way in which we could integrate children into the worship service. We didn’t want to just have them begin attending the services without having any knowledge about what adults do when they follow Jesus as a disciple.” this summer. They attend a program called Summer Celebration. This year their program will be called “TruthLab Investigations.” The fun and adventure of a wacky research lab is combined with the discoveries Dr. Luke made about Jesus’ life. Using the Gospel of Luke,

the purpose of TruthLab is to help children develop an understanding of what it means to be a member of God’s family. This program is designed to offer knowledge of God’s Word and the application of His truth to live out a Christian faith every day. Katherine Kluza is our parent and teacher liaison this summer. Weekly, she will contact the assigned teacher and assist them with the story, lesson, lab experiments, and general administration duties. There will be teachers rotating every week to present the lesson and offer practical applications to our younger children. In addition, this year, we will have some of our youth assisting as well. Lastly, there will be one adult class that will immediately follow the worship service every Sunday from July 12 to August 30. They will meet in the Lounge. The study will be based on the book, “The Teaching of the 12: Believing and practicing the primitive Christianity of the ancient Didache Community” by Tony Jones. Childcare for kids in nursery to fifth grade will be available upon request. Books will be available at a cost of $10 each. For more information or to sign up for the study, please contact Melinda Kluza or Angela Keierleber. Our Summer schedule begins Sunday, June 21 and ends on Sunday, Sept. 6. Also, during the summer, The First Baptist Church will be offering prayer meetings, picnics, barbecues and other events. I would love to see all of you over the summer! -Reverend Deena Barwick, Associate Pastor of Family Ministries

M I N I S T RY

What will the JDs learn this summer?

This summer, Junior Disciples will learn the significance of being lifelong disciples of Jesus. They will participate in the church worship service and then be excused before the sermon where they will learn about a new topic each week. Members of our congregation will be asked to share their area of church involvement with our Junior Disciples. Listed below are the topics, along with a brief description, which they will learn throughout the summer. We are excited that the Junior Disciples program has been an enriching experience for our older elementary children! Feel free to contact me for more information regarding programs for our children. -Deena Barwick, Associate Pastor

Bible: “Studying God’s Word” Children entering the third and fourth grades will receive Bibles to begin their JD journey. Discussion will include why the Bible is the foundation of discipleship and service in church life. Prayer: “Talking with Jesus” Discussion on the significance of public and private prayer as well as how and why we pray. Our children will also learn the Lord’s Prayer. Sermon: “Listening to the Word of God” Discussion will include strategies on how to listen for meaning to gain an understanding from the sermon. Conversation may include ways to apply or practice a sermon point. Acolytes: “Bringing Christ into the World” Discussion on what it means to bring the light of God into the world and how one does this in everyday life.

Missions, Local and Foreign: “Taking the Word of God to Others” Discussion on the importance of serving our local community and also extending the love of Christ throughout the world. The ways in which FBC-Redlands serves the community and foreign missions will be presented.

TOPICS Communion: “Remembering Jesus’ Sacrifice” Discussion on the significance of the elements (sacraments) of communion and how it represents Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the cross. Children will learn the different methods of taking communion and then accompany the diaconate when communion is being served. Tithing: “Giving Back to Jesus” Discussion on the importance of stewardship and how gifts are used to continue God’s work.

Baptism: “Following Jesus in Baptism” Discussion on the significance and differences between being dedicated and being baptized. Conversations may include how to follow Jesus in baptism. Hospitality: “Serving Others for Jesus” Discussion on the role of hospitality, welcoming others to church and our spiritual life as we reach out to others. Discussion may also cover the various ways people can serve.

ANONYMOUS DONOR TO MATCH $15,000 All donations to the sound system fundraiser will be doubled in June

he Finance and Property Commission has set a goal of raising all the funds necessary to install the new Sanctuary Sound System by July. This will allow the new system to be installed and technicians trained during the summer so that we can all enjoy the beautiful system this fall. Thanks to a challenge grant from the special gift an anonymous donor has made, you have the opportunity to DOUBLE YOUR DONATION! From now through June 30, all donations made to The First Baptist Church Sound System Fundraiser will be doubled, up to a maximum of

$15,000. A $10 donation becomes $20. A $50 donation becomes $100. A $250 donation becomes $500. It’s easy to make your taxdeductible donation. You can either place your donation in the Sunday collection plate (label the envelope “Sound System”) or mail your donation to: The First Baptist Church of Redlands Attn: Sound System Fundraiser 51 W. Olive Avenue Redlands, CA 92373 Remember, the sooner we raise the funds, the sooner we will have a well functioning sound

system in our Sanctuary, Narthex and Lounge. Don’t wait, donate today and take advantage of this donation doubling opportunity. Keep up with our fundraising progress at fbcredlands.org/give.html. -Tom Herron, chair of the Finance and Property Commission

Mental Health First Aid Mental Health First Aid is an in-‐person training that teaches you how to help people who are either developing a mental illness or in a crisis. Mental Health First Aid teaches you: Signs of addic9ons and mental illnesses 1 5 4

2 3

Five-‐step ac9on plan to assess a situa9on and help

Saturday, June 27, 2015 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The First Baptist Church of Redlands 51 W. Olive Avenue CA 92373 Redlands,

Please note: Registration is required. Full day attendance is required for course completion.

Impact of mental and substance use disorders Local resources and where to turn for help Register through Eventbrite at http://mhfaforfirstbaptist.eventbrite.com or contact Jamesia Brown at Jamesia.Brown@dbh.sbcounty.gov 909-388-0884 Class size is limited! Please register by June 19, 2015. This training is not a therapeutic intervention.

www.SBCounty.gov

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

Nigeria Praise God for liberation of more than 1,000 captives as the Nigerian military has recently taken the offensive against Boko Haram. Pray that these women and children, who both witnessed and personally suffered terrible atrocities, would find hope and healing as they return home. The military reported that they also found video recordings of beheadings and other barbaric acts. Pray that the review of this footage would yield valuable intelligence that can assist in the fight against this terrorist group.

Congo Glen Chapman recently shared a praise from Congo. He had some Girl Scouts from Kinshasa visit in Kikongo and had enjoyed the memories they stirred of his daughter’s upbringing there. However, after they left, his friends from a village across the river were jailed on false accusations that also reflected on Glen. Glen was able to “have his day in court” and stand up for himself and his friends. At one point, he even pulled out a copy of Congo’s constitution with relevant sections highlighted in order to argue their case. In the end, through much wrangling and Glen’s “firm, but respectful” argument, all charges were dropped and everyone was able to go home. Rita said she had never seen the village men so ecstatic at being vindicated. Praise God for giving Glen and Rita wisdom as they live and minister in the Congo.

Europe Over the past year, there has been a surge of asylum seekers crossing the Mediterranean Sea in overloaded boats in a desperate attempt to find a better life in Europe. There were over 200,000 refugees who successfully made the crossing in 2014, which was more than triple the number of the previous year. Unfortunately, with the dramatic increase in attempts has come more high profile failures. In 2015, there have already been over 1,700 deaths, which is on top of the 3,500 who died trying to cross in 2014. The largest number of refugees are fleeing the civil war in Syria, with others fleeing from Eritrea and other nations. Pray for Europe to have wisdom to know how best to respond to this crisis. Pray for the situations in the refugees’ home countries to settle so that they don’t have to flee to find opportunity. -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

Dental team prepares for Nicaragua Please pray for the dental team, our mission partners, and our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua.

wenty-five people will be leaving for LAX from our church Thursday, June 11 to catch a plane to Nicaragua. The other 25 will be flying in from elsewhere or on different flights. Making up this group are 10 dentists, two dental anesthesiologists, two pediatric dentists, one nurse, one dental hygienist, 20 dental students, three dental hygiene students and 10 volunteers. Wherever we work in Nicaragua, we will be joined by dental students and faculty from UNICA School of Dentistry in Managua. This will be our 16th year going to serve the children of Colegio Bautista, a school for students in kindergarten through high school. We are now providing dental care for the children of children we have served in the past. We also serve the children of our sister church Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. We no longer serve the children of the dump, because they have closed the dump to people living there. We now have two clinics, serving the poorest people of Managua. One is called the Mission of Hope and the other is Esquipulas. At Esquipulas we mainly treat the children of the local school. There are two clinics here: One which is an ongoing study on the affect of placing glassionomer sealants on all healthy six and 12 year molars. This is a long term study in which this study population will be compared to the average in the country. The other clinic will do fillings on teeth that were too decayed to place sealants. Again we will have our clinic at Metropolitan Hospital, where we provide dental care for special needs patients under general anesthesia.

Photos of past Nicaragua dental trips Many of these children have been badly burned. We will also be checking in on the Tierra Nueva clinic, which is now self sufficient and serving a population of over 3,000 people.

We will return after 10 days and rest after having been blessed by using our gifts of love and healing. -Mark Carpenter

F E L L O WSHI P

SERVICE DAY On Saturday, May 2, more than a dozen First Baptist members spent the morning volunteering at Family Service Association of Redlands. Afterwards the team enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at Gourmet Pizza.

Photos by Tom Herron

YOUTH MINISTRIES UPDATE

FASTING FOR EMPATHY

How youth were blessed through April’s 30 Hour Famine

he 30 Hour Famine is something in which many youth groups throughout the nation participate. On the same weekend we were fasting, thousands of other students were also fasting. And while we were discussing poverty and hunger, youth groups across America were also thinking and praying about the poor and hungry. So, in the same weekend, thousands of young people are becoming aware of global issues, fasting and praying about those issues, and deciding to do something about it. You can see how this is awesome. Thousands of students – deciding to make a difference – on the same weekend. World Vision (the people behind the 30 Hour Famine, and myriad of other noble causes) notices a massive swell in support following the fast. Here’s a breakdown of our weekend:

1) The Fast The students ate breakfast Friday morning. This was their last meal. Their next would be Saturday at 2 p.m. After much grumbling Friday night, the students began to learn the meaning of the fast. Instead of complaining about their own circumstances, they began to extend empathy to those who go hungry regularly; and they began to think beyond themselves and their immediate needs. We prayed, read the Bible, and meditated. These aren’t normal Friday night activities for American youth; but that’s kind of the point. We’ve been blessed with three or more meals a day, cars, homes, and education; and we take our blessings for granted. Therefore, as we prayed and fasted, that which we took for granted became a reason to be thankful, and a reason to want to bless others. If we are blessed, it is to be a blessing.

2) The Service If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to do hard work on an empty stomach, wonder no more: it’s awful. But props to our students for sorting cans of food, scrubbing floors, and cleaning facilities at Family Service on Saturday morning – after about 26 hours into the fast. (They also walked there and back, but we did that just to mess with them.) It was one thing to pray for those in need around the world; but it was a blessing to be able to be a part of the answer to our prayers by helping those in need. If we pray for God to help others, we have to be willing to be that help. 3) The Breakfast We ate pizza Saturday afternoon. Lots of it. And it was good. -Jared Sumners, Youth Director

Co-ed Bible study to start in the summer Sundays, July 12 through August 30 Immediately following the worship service, you’re invited to join a group in the church for Bible study in the Board Room. The study will focus on the book "The Teaching of the 12: Believing and Practicing the Primitive Christianity of the Ancient Didache Community." Books will be available at a cost of $10 each. There is childcare available upon request. For more information or to sign up for the study, please contact Melinda Kluza or Angela Keierleber.

C A L E N DA R

Happy June Birthday To...

Members and friends enjoying pizza at Gourmet Pizza shortly after volunteering at Family Service Association of Redlands on Saturday, May 2.

PRAYER MEETINGS

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.

ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC

Sunday, June 14 at 11:30 a.m. Mark your calendars! After the worship service on June 14, stay for a BBQ, potluck, pie-baking contest, water balloon toss, and lots of great fun and fellowship.

ATTEND WORSHIP APPRECIATION SUNDAY

10:15 a.m. Sunday, June 7, 2015 Join us to celebrate the commitments of those who have served in our worship services throughout the year. A luncheon will follow the service for those who have served as music ministry leaders, worship leaders, ushers, sound and visuals technicians, as well as those in the worship choir, the worship team, God's Kids choir, and the JD choir.

A NOTE OF THANKS

To my FBC family and friends, Thank you for your prayers, love and concerns during my hospitalization for pneumonia and heart problems. Your cards and best wishes were greatly appreciated. How special it is to be a member of this FBC fellowship. In Christian love, Shirley Rieger

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHURCH LIBRARIAN

I will be going on a month-long vacation and will miss Sundays June 21 through July 12. I am looking for a volunteer to keep the church library open those days. It’s a great opportunity to serve the kids and adults in the church, and to foster literacy. The mascot Owl is not going with me, so he will be at the library for company and consulting. If anyone is interested, please let me know. Betty Jo Emler, Librarian

Deena Barwick — 1 Holly Allen — 2 Imogene Knight — 2 Emily Crowley — 3 Myra Daniels — 4 Kevin Fisher — 4 Jonathan Peske — 5 Marilyn Solter — 5 Sam Warren — 6 Hilary Craw — 7 Barbara Williams — 8 Betty Thomas — 11 Ben Dillow — 13 Madeline Keierleber — 13 Eric Mendoza — 13 Tom Hershey — 14 Lisa Olson — 14 Alexis Ortiz — 18 James Duncan — 20 Eric McClain — 20 Don Olson — 21 James Estey — 22 Fleury Laycook— 23 Meridyth McLaren — 23 John Townsend — 25 Dianne Creech — 27 Nancy Hulla — 27 Allison Nottingham — 28 Richard Bueermann — 29 Mike Reynolds — 29 David Hamilton — 30 Melanie Medlin — 30 Lauren Olson — 30 You’re invited to a birthday dinner in your honor! June and July birthdays eat free on Thursday, June 11 in the Fellowship Hall at 5:45 p.m. The Menu: barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings, with cupcakes and an ice cream social out on the Patio. The last Thursday night dinner before summer break will be on June 11. There will be no Thursday night programming until the fall.

Pray for Ireland

Pray for Kenya

Pray for Lithuania

Pray for Hungary

Pray for Israel

Pray for Iceland

9 Pray for Italy

7 p.m. Prayer meeting in the Lounge

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

Tuesday

Pray for Macedonia

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Plymouth Village 3-5 p.m. GriefShare in the Lounge

3-5 p.m. GriefShare in the Lounge

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Plymouth Village

22 Pray for Lebanon

3-5 p.m. GriefShare in the Lounge

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Plymouth Village

15 Pray for Kiribati

Pray for Madagascar

7 p.m. Executive Council meeting

23 Pray for Lesotho

7 p.m. Prayer meeting in the Lounge

(North)

16 Pray for Korea

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at 6:30 p.m. Plymouth Village Diaconate Meeting 7 p.m. 3-5 p.m. GriefShare in Commission Meetings the Lounge

3-5 p.m. GriefShare in the Lounge

8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Plymouth Village

Monday Pray for India

Pray for Indonesia Pray for Iran

Pray for Jordan

Pray for Liberia

9 a.m. Tapestry Team

25 Pray for Libya

Pray for Liechtenstein 10-11 a.m. Play Day in the Nursery

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

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

Pray for Kyrgyzstan

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

Friday

5:45 p.m. Dinner in the Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social on the Patio (Last Thursday night dinner until September.)

11 Pray for Japan

5:45 p.m. Dinner in the Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. Nursery and Toddler Care sign-in 6:45 p.m. Thursday night classes

Thursday

17 Pray for Korea (South) 18 Pray for Kuwait

10 Pray for Jamaica

Wednesday

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 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time on the Patio 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting in the Board Room

Pray for Latvia Summer Schedule Starts No Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service and recognition of graduates and JDs 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting

9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Annual Picnic

9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:45 a.m. Prayer meeting 2 p.m. Deena’s Sacred Story at Plymouth Village

Sunday Pray for Iraq

Pray for Kazakhstan

Pray for Luxembourg

Pray for Laos

9-11 a.m. Women’s Bible Study in David’s Corner

9 a.m. to noon Family Service Day

Saturday

J UN E 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

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

ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC Sunday, June 14 Join us for a BBQ, potluck, pie-baking contest, water at 11:30 a.m. balloon toss, and lots of great fun and fellowship.