The First Baptist Church of Redlands
TA PE S T RY Woven Together In Love: Colossians 2:2
SEPTEMBER 2015
ISSUE No. 9
A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR RICHARD
“Wow”Impressions from an Interim Pastor Recently, while spending some R&R time at my home in Florida, I did some reflecting on the privilege I have had this past year serving as your interim minister. I thought of some of my impressions and of course, some of my experiences. Let me share with you about some of my impressions by telling you about one of my experiences. It was the Easter Sunday Worship Service, and at the climax of my sermon a young child loudly called out “Wow.” Of course, people laughed but in an interesting way it made clear the point of my message. Later I decided to look up the word, Wow, since I hear it a lot and even use it myself quite often, if only as a filler word. I learned that when used appropriately, it expresses admiration and pleasure. While reflecting on this year at FBCR, “Wow” seemed the appropriate word for some of my impressions. Let me mention three. Thinking back to my first visit when I came to meet with the officers, commission members, and staff, I was so impressed. I thought what a beautiful church building, spacious, so well equipped, so well maintained, and it even had an
In the Gospel of John we are remind that “we are to love not only in word or speech but in truth and action.” That is evident at FBCR.
Wow! elevator. Impressive also were the church programs, the dedicated staff members, faithful officers and volunteers. I left saying to myself, “Wow.” However, in the weeks and months that followed, as I got to experience FBCR personally, something else began to stand out, something that brought to mind “Wow” again. It was the warm, inviting spirit one feels among the church family. I think it can best be described as a presence that is not just heard
in words but seen in works of love. It is witnessed in the relationship members have with each other. It is seen in the active concern for those in need. It is noticeable in the interaction of the young people with seniors. It is seen in the willing volunteer service of so many members who do it out of love for the Lord and FBCR. In the Gospel of John we are remind that “we are to love not only in word or speech but in truth and action.” That is evident at FBCR. Wow! While continuing my reflection, something else came to mind that merited a “Wow.” It is the passion for outreach that the church family demonstrates. It can be seen in the many local outreach programs and in the mission emphasis. During one of our Thursday night gatherings, the evening was dedicated to reports from representatives of FBCR local outreach programs and mission ministries. The magnitude of the ministries was amazing. It was a night to be remembered. Thank you for this privilege of being your interim minister. Wow! Faithfully yours, Pastor Richard