TAPESTRY The First Baptist Church of Redlands Woven Together In Love: Colossians 2:2 FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE No. 2 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR RICHARD An occasion to celebrate God’’s love T here are various popular and interesting legends of St. Valentine’s Day. One of the legends links it to the early Christian church and a priest named Valentine who lived in Rome during the tyrannical reign of Emperor Claudius II. Under his rule, Rome was engaged in several bloody battles. To strengthen his army, he kept trying to recruit more soldiers but because of their family ties, young men tried to avoid joining the army. So to break this attachment, Claudius canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine defied the decrees by secretly arranging marriages to take place. When the Emperor found this out, he had Valentine brutally beaten and put to death on Feb. 14 about 270 AD. Legend also tells us that while in prison Valentine was missed greatly by children. So the children began to toss loving notes and flowers between the bars of his cell windows. In time, the legend goes on, he made friends with the jailer’s blind daughter who brought to him notes and flowers from children who loved him. Days before his execution, Valentine prayed for the jailer’s daughter and she regained her sight. The legend also says that before his death he wrote a farewell note to the jailer’s daughter and signed it ”From Your Valentine.” For his martyrdom and dedication to the teachings of the church, he was declared a saint after his death. By the Middle Ages he became so popular as the patron Saint of Love that Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day, an occasion to celebrate love. As I read the statement ”an occasion to celebrate love,” I thought of occasions during our spiritual journey that we have to celebrate God’s love. The first thought that came to mind is that every time we read the Gospels, it is an occasion to celebrate God’s love for us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16 When we come to the communion table, it is an occasion to celebrate God’s love for us. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” -1 John 4:10 Every time we meet someone in need and reach out to help that person, it is an occasion to celebrate God’s love for us. A little boy about 10 years old was standing outside a shoe store window, barefoot, peering through the window and shivering with the cold. A lady approached the boy and said, “Little boy, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?” He replied: “I was asking God for a pair of shoes.” The lady took the boy by the hand and went into the shoe store. She asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if the clerk could bring her a basin of water. When he did, she took the boy to the back of the store and washed his feet, put a pair of the socks on him and then bought him a pair of shoes. She had the clerk tie up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to the boy. As she turned to go, the boy caught her hand and said, “Are you God’s wife?” “No,” she said, “But I am one of God’s children.” “Well,” the boy said, “I ‘knowed’ you must be related to him.” In God’s Love, Pastor Richard
Transcript
TAPE ST RYT h e F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u r c h o f R e d l a n d s
W o v e n T o g e t h e r I n L o v e : C o l o s s i a n s 2 : 2
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 I S S U E N o . 2
A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR RICHARD
An occasion to celebrate God’’s loveThere are various popular and
interesting legends of St. Valentine’s Day. One of the legends links it to the early Christian church and a priest named Valentine who lived in Rome during the tyrannical reign of Emperor Claudius II. Under his rule, Rome was engaged in several bloody battles. To strengthen his army, he kept trying to recruit more soldiers but because of their family ties, young men tried to avoid joining the army. So to break this attachment, Claudius canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine defied the decreesby secretly arranging marriages to take place. When the Emperor found this out, he had Valentine brutally beaten and put to death on Feb. 14 about 270 AD. Legend also tells us that while in prison Valentine was missed greatly by children. So the children began to toss loving notes and flowers between the bars of his cellwindows. In time, the legend goes on, he made friends with the jailer’s blind daughter who brought to him notesandflowersfromchildrenwholoved him. Days before his execution, Valentine prayed for the jailer’s daughter and she regained her sight. The legend also says that before his death he wrote a farewell note to the jailer’s daughter and signed it ”From Your Valentine.” For his martyrdom and
dedication to the teachings of the church, he was declared a saint after his death. By the Middle Ages he became so popular as the patron Saint of Love that Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day, an occasion to celebrate love. As I read the statement ”an occasion to celebrate love,” I thought of occasions during our spiritual journey that we have to celebrate God’s love. The first thought thatcame to mind is that every time we read the Gospels, it is an occasion to celebrate God’s love for us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16 When we come to the
communion table, it is an occasion to celebrate God’s love for us. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” -1 John 4:10 Every time we meet someone in need and reach out to help that person, it is an occasion to celebrate God’s love for us. A little boy about 10 years old was standing outside a shoe store window, barefoot, peering through the window and shivering with the cold. A lady approached the boy and said, “Little boy, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?” He replied: “I was asking God for a pair of shoes.” The lady took the boy by the hand and went into the shoe store. She asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if the clerk could bring her a basin of water. When he did, she took the boy to the back of the store and washed his feet, put a pair of the socks on him and then bought him a pair of shoes. She had the clerk tie up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to the boy. As she turned to go, the boy caught her hand and said, “Are you God’s wife?” “No,” she said, “But I am one of God’s children.” “Well,” the boy said, “I ‘knowed’ you must be related to him.”
In God’s Love, Pastor Richard
The Tapestry is published monthly by The First Baptist Church of Redlands, 51 West Olive Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373.
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A Few Words from Pastor Deena: How To Love More Like Jesus This February
A Message from Pastor Richard: An Occasion to Celebrate God’s Love
InterVarsity at the University of Redlands: Bringing the Gospel to College Students
Pastoral Search Committee Update: First Baptist and the Super Bowl
Missions Commission Update: FBCR to Support Baptist World Alliance
FBCRMemberProfile:Four Questions for the Morgans
Mourning With Those Who Mourn: GriefShare’s Impact on the Community
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A few words from Pastor DeenaHow to love more like Jesus this February
Love abounds in February. Or does it? There are many people who
dread the week of Valentine’s Day. There isn’t anyone special in their life towhomtheycouldsendflowers,ora card, or take to dinner; but they get to see it happening to other people all around them. I, for one, dreaded that Hallmark holiday for many reasons and for many years. So, why do I enjoy it now? Most would think it is because I have someone special in my life now. Truth is that I have many special people in my life AND so do all of you! In John 13:34-35, Jesus offers us, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Does this define Valentine’sDay then? No. However, this year you can turn a dreaded holiday into a day you can look forward to. Using Jesus’ new commandment, you can share some of your love with someone; either on Valentine’s Day or any day of the month of February. How? There are many ways in which you can show Jesus’ love to others. You can pray for them and send a note saying so. You can buy them a cup of coffee and a cookie and tell them how much you appreciate them. You can send a note thanking them for teaching your children on Sunday mornings – which makes a difference in your children’s lives.
Jesus always had compassion for others – especially those in need. Often we, as a church, care well for people when they are sick, injured, recovering from a surgery or a recent death. But do we do a good job of caring for others who are just hurting inside? I do know that many are hurting right here in our midst. A single word of cheer can and does make a big difference. So, I offer you the experiment of doing something out of love for someone else this holiday season.
kindness. Pray for that person. Think about what would be special just for him or her. You don’t need to spend any money. Writing a note could be more meaningful than receiving a generic gift card. If you decide to give this person something, let them know that you are praying for them and he or she is loved by Jesus, too. Just think, a whole lot of Jesus’ love could permeate this congregation. Be it Valentine’s Day or throughout the month of February. Look around you: Who could you pray for and bless this month?
-Pastor Deena Barwick
Some ways to share
Jesus’ loveo Pray for someone and write a note saying soo Buy someone a cup of coffeeo Bake someone cookies o Write a thank you note to a Sunday School teachero Treat someone to a movie showingo Take someone out to luncho Surprise someone with flowerso Share the Good News with someoneo Stop and listen to someone’s story
“Just think, a whole lot of Jesus’ love could permeate
this congregation. Look around you: Who could
you pray for and bless this month?”
Where to begin is always a challenge, however. If you are creative, begin to look for people who might need a little of Jesus’ love. If you aren’t very creative, here is one way to offer Jesus’ love through kindness. Recently, a friend posted on Facebook about paying it forward. The first five people to “like” herpost were added to her list. Then throughout the year, she would surprise everyone on her list with a random act of kindness. For example, a small gift, a card, a theater ticket, a note saying she was praying for them during a difficult time, or alunch together. The “act of kindness” would be something that would be specific to therecipient–not justagesture, but something thoughtful. (I did “like” it and am really looking forward to my “kindness surprise!”) You could share Jesus’ love in much the same manner. Write a listofthreeorfiveoreven10peopleto whom you would like to show
Congratulations!Rhys To’maswas born January 3, 2015 to Jesica and Nathan Jones
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Julio Batta wasn’t a Christian when he first attended the
University of Redlands in 2003. But, he had friends who were, and these friends were a part of InterVarsity, a ministry that trains and encourages students to share their faith on campus. “InterVarsity was the gateway through which God
called me to dedicate my life to Him,” Julio said. Now, Julio is fundraising to be the campus’ only full-time InterVarsity staff member. Since July, he’s managed to secure 40 percent of the needed expenses, and explains that having a full-time college minister on campus is vital to the growth of the ministry. For a few years, InterVarsity at the University of Redlands lacked a full-time or even part-time staff member, and so the group went into “conservation mode” and looked inward. They became a small close-knit group of about eight students. Julio says a full-time staff member can push the group to look outward. “Instead of being a club where Christians come and hang out, we need to be a club where Christians come and are sent,” Julio says. In the 11 years Julio has been at the university (as both a student and an employee), he’s realized that the main religious belief is agnosticism. Even so, opposition has been rare, as most people he’s talked with have been open to discussions about God and the gospel. “Overall I’d say people are curious, but for the most part it’s like, ‘oh that’s cool that you’re doing this, but I’m going to do my own thing’,” Julio said. “And those are the students we’re trying to reach.” While some Christian groups have had to butt heads with their
college administrations — like the recent move in the CSU system to derecognize the InterVarsity Christian groups — that hasn’t been a problem at the University of Redlands. Contrarily, Julio says that religious life is strongly supported by the Redlands administration who sees it as part of the college experience. The university is very protective of that. While there’s about 3,500 undergraduate students at the University of Redlands, with more than 70 percent living in dorms, currently there’s about 30 regular participants in its Christian fellowship. But the number of Christians on campus is actually much larger. Julio says Christians probably make up the second largest religious belief on campus, but there’s been a lack of community and a misunderstanding of what it means to live out one’s faith in college. Julio has plans to change that. Starting this spring, he’ll be teaching a Friday night evangelism class called Out of the Boat that will last 10 weeks. This is in addition to the weekly dorm Bible studies and bi-weekly worship gatherings that take place on campus. “In order to grow our chapter, it can’t just be the university students and staff, it has to be the community, as well,” Julio said. InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Redlands will continue long after Julio leaves, he says. So he’s been meeting with local churches, telling them about the ministry and asking a simple question: “Would you like to join us?” The First Baptist Church of Redlands has had a longstanding relationship with InterVarsity. Last
year, the Local Outreach Commission gave $2,000 to support its work and has budgeted the same amount this year. They also have hosted parties here in the past commemorating all graduating seniors. Many of our church members were even involved with the ministry back in their college days. “The benefit,which can’t bepredicted, is that students become involved in our church and serve, and be a part of our membership. That’s not guaranteed, but a lot of these students stay in town and they’re looking for a church,” said Hien Huynh, who began attending First Baptist in his senior year at the University of Redlands. Julio would agree, noting that it’s important for students to know that there is support and resources for them in the church after college. So, Julio hopes to keep the connection strong between InterVarsity and The First Baptist Church of Redlands. “To partner with us, people would just have to believe in what InterVarsity does, and see how it has been able to affect the community,” Julio said.-Amanda Warner
A special info meeting sponsored by the Local Outreach
Commissionwill be held in the Chapel on
Sunday, February 22after the worship service
so that the FBCR family can easily come, ask questions, hear about
All right, all right—granted you don’t see it written about often,
but there ARE some real similarities between the NFL and the FBCR. Consider this: on Sunday, Jan. 4, mid-afternoon our time, deep into the game clock, the referees in Detroit, Michigan, in an ill-advised move, stoopedtopickupapenaltyflagthathad been dropped to call attention to a smothering pass interference play by a Cowboy cornerback that would have resulted in a Detroit firstdowndeep inCowboy territoryand then who knows what? But, the flagwas retrieved, stuffedback in ahip pocket, no penalty was called, Dallas takes over, scores the winning touchdown and secures for itself a placeinthefieldof8.Detroit,foryetanother year, goes home—well they were already home, they just would stay there. That left eight teams in the Super Bowl tournament which by your reading of this will have been reduced to no more than two and maybe just The One. At about that same time that Sunday afternoon, the Senior Pastor Search Committee, after an extended meeting, reduced itsfieldofcandidates forourseniorpastorate also to eight. The inexorable logic of their tournament and our charge means neither of us could remain at eight. The 2015 Super Bowl Champs absolutely will be one of the eight teams that remained in the tournament on Sunday Jan. 4; it is likely, but not certain, that our next senior pastor may be found in our “field of eight.” We’ll see—but thiscanbesaidofbothfields:togettothefield of eight requires considerableevidence of rare talent, skills and persistence.
The field of eight for both the NFLand FBCR is one of demonstrated excellence; a long discernment process has guaranteed that for both. That said there is considerable variety included in each group of eight. In both, one would find seasoned veterans,careers identified with excellenceover time—excellence that fans and foes alike point to when thinking and talking about models worthy of acclaim. (Doesn’t everyone love guys
our congregational survey that tells us that you believe the marginal characteristics of our new pastor (gender, age, ethnicity) are of far less importance than securing a person of strong faith, demonstrated skills as a preacher and pastor, and an inviting and inclusive theology and manner who can lead and challenge us in our faith journeys, embracing both our minds and our hearts. So while many will huddle around television sets in January as the NFL moves inexorably from eight to four to two to one—your Search Committee will also be huddled around a television set—video conferencing with our group of eight. First in an interview that will allow us and them to come to know each other in ways that our exchange of print has not allowed, then in a Bible Study directed by each candidate with the Search Committee, and then thirdly in a much more discerning, in depth, perception sharpening exchange (for both the candidate and us). By Sunday, Feb. 1, we will know for sure, dropped hankies and all, who this year’s Super Bowl Champion will be. By Feb. 1, this much will also be certain: we will not know who our next senior pastor will be—the NFL works more quickly than your Search Committee—but then they have less at stake! For our part, we will use these encounters this spring to narrow our field—not one second more quicklythan the Spirit leads us to do so. May your prayers and thoughts continue to be with us in our work, as yours remain in ours.
-Ben Dillow and the Senior Pastor Search Committee
First Baptist and the super bowlSimilarities between eliminations of football teams and pastor candidates
named Payton and Tom whether a fan of Broncos or Patriots or not?) But at the same time there are much younger folks on the front edge of their career who with a little luck, and a trophy called Super, which might make a guy named Cam, Aaron, Joe or Russell even more famous. Our field of eight also hasvariety, but for reasons too obvious to articulate names are not here offered. We, too, have some with long distinguished careers and some not so characterized. Our group of eight includes men and women, some with southern accents (of course!) and some with white hair. We have some in our group which, if selected, may stretch us as a faith community in some challenging but wholesome ways. We have read, and reread, with pleasure and comfort, the result of
“It is likely, but not certain, that our
next senior pastor may be found in our
‘field of eight.’”
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MIS
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Cuba
Pakistan
Worldwide Prayer Concerns
If you have information to share about the persecuted church or news from the mission field, please share it with Jonathan Peske.
“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
-Jonathan Peske
Pray for religious freedom in Cuba to be strengthened as a result of the steps the US has taken to a more open relationship with it. The church in this communist nation is often under government watch and effective pastors are often targets. In the past, the government has tried to entice them to commit some sort of indiscretion, or simply arrested them on false charges. There were also limits on churchconstruction.ButinOctober2014,thefirstnewCatholicchurchin55yearswas built in the western town of Sandino. Pray that this would be a signal of new opportunitiesforthegospelinCuba.Praythatthiswouldbethefirstofmanynewchurches and that the people of Cuba would be able to learn the power of God’s love.
Boko Haram, the militant Islamist group that kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls last year, continues to spread terror in Nigeria. In early January, hundreds of people were massacred in the northern town of Baga as the Boko Haram membersdroveinfiringassaultriflesandRPGs.AmnestyInternationalestimated that there were 2,000 people killed, but local reports were that there were so many bodies that they gave up trying to count them. Many of the victims were women and children. Pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria.
Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi, the young mother who remains imprisoned in Pakistan under that nation’s blasphemy law. In October 2014, theLahore(state)HighCourtaffirmedherconvictionanddeathsentence.Now she has several more years of waiting for an appeal to the Supreme Court. She has already been on death row, separated from her family, for four years.Praythathercasewouldbeexpeditedandshewouldfinallybefreed.Pray also that when she is released, her family would be granted asylum elsewhere, since she is likely to be an assassination target.
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The mission of Baptist World Alliance is to network the Baptist
family to impact the world for Christ. The Missions Commission of our church has recently decided to support its work, and has added the Baptist World Alliance to the 2015 budgeted quarterly distribution of mission funds. These funds will help provide programs of unity, fellowship, evangelism, freedom, justice, relief, development and theological reflection meant to equip andempower Baptist churches of the world in their gospel work. BWA works through Baptist agencies whenever possible to ensure that personnel, materials, training and resources are available to churches worldwide. The worldwide Baptist family has been brought together in the
Baptist World Alliance, a fellowship of 231 Baptist church organizations in 121 countries, comprising a membership of 42 million baptized believers in over 175,000 churches. American Baptists were among the Baptist World Alliance founders in 1905. Together we are people of wide-ranging differences who affirm Baptist identity within theChristian family and commitment to each other as we engage in mission and evangelism, respond to people in need, defend human rights and promote theological education. “The BWA is the place where Baptists around the world can be heard and supported,” said former BWA vice president in Ukraine Gregory Komendant. “The BWA will never leave you on your own. If you
suffer or are in need, the BWA will always be your shelter, protecting your human rights.” The Baptist World Alliance also hosts the Baptist World Congress, a once every five years gathering,which will take place in Durban, South Africa this year from July 22-26. It will focus on the theme “Jesus Christ,theDoor.”ThiswillbethefirstCongress on the African continent. We look forward to helping to continue the work of Baptist World Alliance. As we celebrate our partnership in the worldwide Baptist family, let us give thanks for the Baptist World Alliance and pray for the faithfulness and witness of our brothers and sisters.
-Janet Roberts
FBCR to support Baptist World AllianceMISSIONS COMMISSION UPDATE
We will be taking up this offering in February.
How to help retired Baptist ministers
In 2013, thanks to your generosity, contributions to RMMO totaled more
than $1.1 million. RMMO recipients often tell us about the difference your gift makes in their lives. Sometimes your gift is the answer to an urgent prayer. Other times it is a heartwarming reminder that the American Baptist Churches still love and support those who gave so much to the church. In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Paul urges the new converts in Thessalonica to show appreciation for those who
provide leadership for their faith journey. The recognition that we are touched and inspired by a minister or leader as we grow deeper in our faith and then become an inspiration to another is woven into the fabric of our Christian identity from our earliest traditions. In 1977 American Baptist Churches USA launched the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) to continue this appreciation of God’s service.-An American Baptist news release
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Before Marge Emrick was the leader of First Baptist’s
GriefShare group, she was a participant. About 10 years ago, she needed help dealing with the death of her daughter, Pamela. “It helped me get a lot of the tears out,” Marge said. “It helps to understand a little bit of what’s happening; because it hurts a lot when you lose a daughter. A loss like that just stays with you. You can try to get rid of it, and you do get
better, but it’s never gone. It’s never ever gone.” M a r g e came to learn that people are fragile, and that emotions aren’t something to hide. So while in the GriefShare program she was finallyabletoletherselfcry. “Yes, I cried and I cried and I cried and I cried,” she said. “If we don’t get it out, if we just keep it stuffed in, it’s going to explode in ways that we don’t like. My grandson, for instance, was only 8 when his mother died. What I noticed in him was anger; he was really angry. At 8 years old, he couldn’t understand it all. People have to learn to express it. They have to cry. They have to get it out, or it’s going to do bad things to them, physically and emotionally.” GriefShare was a place where Marge met other people who were struggling with the loss of a loved one. She found she wasn’t alone, and she had other people who understood her pain. Unless someone has gone through it, Marge says, they can’t understand it.
“By the time I could help lead the program, I was in much better shape,” Marge says. “I couldn’t have done it earlier.” Marge took over as leader three years ago. Now, every Monday at 5 o’clock in the lounge, coffee, tea and one of Marge’s fresh-baked treats is served as a new batch of people share how they’re feeling. Marge says it’s pivotal that people have a place to talk out their grief and its many stages. “Some of them say they wouldn’t have made it if they didn’t have the group,” Marge says. The discussion is aided
by a 40-minute video that features psychologists as well as other mourners explaining the different emotions that grief is expected to bring. The group is
open year-round because, as Marge said, death doesn’t keep a schedule. Sometimes the group attracts a lot of people, other times only a few; but even in the seasons when attendance seems to wane, Marge is determined to keep the group alive. Over the years GriefShare has helped hundreds of people in the church and in the community. Marge knows its effectiveness firsthand.Andshewelcomesanyone,at anytime, to join in on a GriefShare session.
-Amanda Warner
Mourning with those who mourn
“Some of them say they wouldn’t have
made it if they didn’t have the group.”
-Marge Emrick
GriefShare meets every Monday at 5 p.m. in the church Lounge.
Rosalyn VandeSteegdied January 12, 2015Rosalyn was born in 1923 and had been a First Baptist member since 1992. She was involved in such activities as the choir, the prayer chain, and was even the church librarian for a time.
Richard Stantondied January 2, 2015Richard was born in 1926 and had been a First Baptist member since 1999.
Anna Hollenbergdied December 20, 2014A longtime Redlands resident Anna died at her home in Claremont after a short illness. She was 85. She was born in Los Angeles in December 1929 and raised in Alhambra. She graduated from the University of Redlands in 1951, where she met and married John Hollenberg. She was a First Baptist member since 1963. She was very generous and supported many causes. She donated blood regularly and volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years. She will be greatly missed for her love, thoughtfulness, kindness, warmth and sense of humor.
In Loving Memory...
GriefShare’s impact on the community
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Josh and Laci Morgan have attended First Baptist for the past three and a half years. They live in Grand Terrace and are regular volunteers at the church. Josh even preached a sermon last summer.
1. How did you find First Baptist?We found it online. We both have been part of multiple
churches, on staff and on leadership positions, and have seen the good, bad and ugly of churches. We had some pretty clear ideas of what we were looking for and what we weren’t looking for. So we did a lot of research on the congregation beforehand. Laci was the one who found First Baptist online, and she told me, ‘Look at the website, I think we might like it.’
We wanted to find acommunity that would be
a little more open and accepting, and just looking at some of the things on the website, we thought this might be worth a try. We were blindsided by how nice and friendly everyone was thefirsttimewecame.Wehadpeopletake us out to lunch and ask us about our lives. It just felt so welcoming. It feltliketherightfitprettyquicklyon.
2. What are some things God has taught you since you’ve been here?
Our time here has challenged me to more fully live out the
things I have more intellectually ascribed to. Mainly: unity, patience, compassion, love, accepting people who you disagree with. It’s been something where in my head I knew I wanted that. But, here, it’s lived out. It’s been nice being part of a community where I know I can learn from other people.
It’s taught me to focus on the relationships rather
than just going to church and listening to a sermon, which is kinda how it’s always been for me. And here, I want to go to church and see people and ask how their week was. It’s not so much about what can church do for me, but what can I do for my church family.
3. How has First Baptist impacted your lives?
We started talking about adopting within our first
year here. It was kind of neat to see how much adoption has touched our congregation. Through the adoption journey, people have shown us unconditional acceptance and love. When Brendan got here, he was just one of us. There was no difference. He was born in Florida, and we spent a month there, and when we came back, I was just amazed and impressed about how many people brought us food. I think that says something about the community and the character of the congregation.
[The birth mom] was able to come out here to Brendan’s
dedication at church [when he was 6 months old]. She loved it here, said everybody was so nice. It was fun to introduce her to people and let her see where he’s living and how he’s doing.
4. So, how did you become Christians?
Mine is a little silly. The first time I can actually
remember realizing, okay God is real and He does work in my life, was my seventh birthday. I was born in April and what I wanted more than anything was a kitten. I specifically wanted aSiamese kitten with blue eyes just like the one in ‘Lady and the Tramp.’ Well April is not kitten season. My mom tried to tell me, if you just wait a little longer ... but I really wanted a kitten, so she says, ‘let’s go to the animal shelter and we’ll just look.’ We went to shelter aftershelter,nokittens.Sofinallywewent to one more and we’re sitting in the parking lot and she says ‘Laci, we’ve looked everywhere, we might have to just wait. But you know what, why don’t we pray about it? Why don’t we sit here and ask God and we’ll see what happens because He answers prayers.’ I say, ‘Okay mom,’ so I sit there and I go, ‘Okay, God, I would really, really, like a little Siamese kitten with blue eyes, and it has to be a girl, because my mom says it has to be a girl.’ And my mom is sitting there going, oh no, this is going to be bad. We walk into the shelter. There’s no kittens so we’re leaving, walking out the door and all of a sudden somebody walks in with a cardboard box and we go, ‘What’s in there?’ ‘Oh, it’s a Siamese kitten somebody just dropped off. They left it at the front desk.’ And my mom turns white. We named her Angel. God listens to prayers even of 7-year-olds, even about the silliest things. And that cemented my faith right there. It was pretty amazing to me at the time.
After my parents got divorced, my mom took us
to church. I remember going to youth group a couple of times. There wasn’t an exact moment in time where it was like oh, this convinced me. In researching the life of Christ, it was more of realizing that that’s the kind of life I want to participate in. I want to be part of that story. My faith has been about wanting something rather than avoiding something.
Josh:
Laci:
Josh: Laci:
Josh:
Josh:
Laci:
Laci:
Four questions for the MorgansFBCR MEMBER PROFILE
In Loving Memory...
CA
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February Birthday To...
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FBCR church members went down to the Family Service Association of Redlands on Jan. 3, 2015, and spent the entire Saturday morning volunteering.
Robert Hayden — 1Matthew Alexander — 2David Horelle — 2Karen Olson — 4Colby Estey — 6Josh Morgan — 6Kathleen Alexander — 7Joseph Allen — 8Sarah Arthur — 9John Baker — 9Jessica Crisantes — 9Evan Jones — 10Virginia Joyce — 10Winter Martin — 10Matt Applebee — 11Barry Lee — 11Berva Smith — 13Daniella Daniels — 14Kaye Espinosa — 17Marjorie McLellan — 17Fern Palmer — 17Christa Savage — 17Jenna Guzman — 18Liz Laine — 18Neely Estey — 20Kelsi Mathey — 20Walker Price III — 22Tuesday Martin — 23Marie Hamilton —24Helen Connolly — 25Renie Price — 25Erin Kirkland — 26John Boone — 27Doreen Condron Waters — 28Lloyd Howard — 28
You’re invited to a birthday dinner in your honor! February birthdays eat free on Thursday, Feb. 12 in the Fellowship Hall at 5:45 p.m.
The Menu: Turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes, dressing, sides, salad and fresh-baked desserts.
SERVE = CONNECT+GROW
CREATE THE WORSHIP SLIDESHOWS
The church is in need of volunteers who are tech savvy and able to learn media
programs such as Media Shout to create the weekly worship slideshows. Those
interestedpleasecontactthechurchoffice.
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who took on the form of a servant.” Philippians 2:7
Let'sfindaplacewhereyoucanconnectandgrowthrough service! Please speak to Anne Sandel,
Hien Huynh, Jonathan Peske, or any member of the church staff for more information.
ORGANIZE A FOOD PANTRY
Saturday, February 79 a.m. to noon
Redlands Family ServiceJoinusonthefirstSaturdayofeverymonthtoserveatawonderfullocalnon-profit.Servingactivities vary according to the needs of the
organization, but can be anything from cleaning to organizing. Anyone under 18 needs to be
accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes.
Sponsored by the Local Outreach Commission
DROP OFF FOOD ITEMS FOR THE HUNGRY
In February, the Local Outreach Commission is asking the congregation
to donate the following for Redlands Family Service:
cereal boxespowdered milk
cake mixPlease drop off your non-perishable food
items in the Narthex cart any Sunday.Thanks for your generosity!
SIGN UP FOR A DAILY LENTEN EMAIL
Pastor Deena invites you to be a part of a Lenten Devotional Study. Each day you
will receive an email with a brief Scripture passage,areflectionandashortprayerto
help guide you through this Lenten season. To be included on these daily emails, either
communication card and place it in the offering plate.
The devotionals will begin Wednesday, February 18 (Ash Wednesday) and end on
Saturday, April 4. It is our hope that these devotionals will
deepen your understanding and appreciation of our Lenten journey together. For more information, please contact Pastor Deena.
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Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAIDSan Bernardino, CA
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
The First Baptist Church of Redlands 51 West Olive Avenue, Redlands CA 92373-5243909-793-3289 | www. fbcredlands.org
a s h w e d n e s d a yBeginning on February 18, or
and until the day before Easter, April 4, you can sign up to receive a daily Lenten devotional via email.To be included on these daily emails, either let us know by emailing [email protected] or make a note on a communication card and place it in the offering plate. Each devotional will include a brief Scripture passage,areflectionandashortprayertohelpguideyou through this Lenten season. It is our hope that these devotionals will deepen your understanding and appreciation of our Lenten journey together.
