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July 2014 Tapestry

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The monthly newsletter of The First Baptist Church of Redlands.
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TAPESTRY The First Baptist Church of Redlands Woven Together In Love: Colossians 2:2 JULY 2014 ISSUE No. 7 Rev. Richard Burke won’t arrive at FBCR until Sunday, Aug. 17, but we got a chance to chat with him over the phone — to pre-introduce him and his heart for ministry — while he finishes his current interim pastorate in New York. What about First Baptist Church of Redlands made you interested in serving here as interim pastor? I love interim ministry. I sometimes feel that all my past experiences in ministry have equipped me for interim work. I’m looking forward to, of course, first of all, getting to know the folks in the church. I’m very excited about it because I love what the church is doing with the many programs you have and the concerns you have for people. What are you hoping to bring during your time here? When an interim comes into a church, they’re not developing new programs, but rather supporting what’s already going on. It’s a time of healing in the church when a pastor you’ve loved leaves. Also it’s a time to reflect on the history of the church, give thanks for that; and to think about the identity of the church today, in its community. Every congregation has a personality of its own and I have enjoyed the challenge of learning about that personality — how the leaders and members work together. As I look forward to coming to serve the Lord with you, I promise my full support of your present ministries. As such I promise to be present, to listen, to pray, to guide in areas where guidance is needed. The task of interim pastor takes a lot of listening — listening to the needs, the hopes and even the fears, especially at a time when the church is in transition. I promise to pray for you and request that you also pray for me. How did God confirm to you that He wanted you to come here? When I received the phone call, like with most things, I certainly prayed about it, seeking the mind of the Lord. I just had a really strong feeling that this is what God wants me to do. And then that was confirmed when I had a visit with the church leaders. But that’s very important: getting confirmation from the Lord. That’s the key. How do you feel about moving to Redlands, California? I’m excited about it. I’ve always wanted to live in California. What’s a fun fact about you? What are some of your interests? I’ve done quite a bit of traveling. A year ago I went to Alaska. I also love London. If I didn’t live in New York City, I would live in London. Another favorite place of mine is Singapore. I was on my way to India for a month-long mission trip awhile back, and went to Singapore on the way there. Besides traveling, I’m also an avid reader and I love theater. When I was teaching speech and theater, I directed Shakespearean plays. I wanted to originally be an actor, which was my desire until the Lord called me to preach. I never did acting because I knew my first calling was to ministry. What’s something you’ve learned in all of your time in ministry? People. That’s what ministry is about. It’s about certainly serving the Lord, but being involved with people, reaching out to people, showing them the love of God. I think that’s missing in most churches. I was blessed because I heard how much importance your church places on people and showing them God’s love. An Interview with the Interim: Rev. Richard Burke Rev. Richard Burke in Alaska last year. Photo courtesy of Burke
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

J U L Y 2 0 1 4 I S S U E N o . 7

Rev. Richard Burke won’t arrive at FBCR until Sunday, Aug. 17, but we got a chance to chat with him over the phone — to pre-introduce him and his heart for ministry — while he finishes his current interim pastorate in New York.

What about First Baptist Church of Redlands made you interested in serving here as interim pastor? I love interim ministry. I sometimes feel that all my past experiences in ministry have equipped me for interim work. I’m looking forward to, of course, first of all, getting to know the folks in the church. I’m very excited about it because I love what the church is doing with the many programs you have and the concerns you have for people.

What are you hoping to bring during your time here? When an interim comes into a church, they’re not developing new programs, but rather supporting what’s already going on. It’s a time of healing in the church when a pastor you’ve loved leaves. Also it’s a time to reflect on the history of the church, give thanks for that; and to think about the identity of the church today, in its community. Every congregation has a personality of its own and I have enjoyed the challenge of learning about that personality — how the leaders and members work together. As I look forward to coming to serve the

Lord with you, I promise my full support of your present ministries. As such I promise to be present, to listen, to pray, to guide in areas where guidance is needed. The task of interim pastor takes a lot of listening — listening to the needs, the hopes and even the fears, especially at a time when the church is in transition. I promise to pray for you and request that you also pray for me. How did God confirm to you that He wanted you to come here? When I received the phone call, like with most things, I certainly prayed about it, seeking the mind of the Lord. I just had a really strong feeling that this is what God wants me to do. And then that was confirmed when I had a visit with the church leaders. But that’s very important: getting confirmation from the Lord. That’s the key.

How do you feel about moving to Redlands, California? I’m excited about it. I’ve always wanted to live in California.

What’s a fun fact about you? What are some of your interests? I’ve done quite a bit of traveling. A year ago I went to Alaska. I also love London. If I didn’t live in New York City, I would live in London. Another favorite place of mine is Singapore. I was on my way to India for a month-long mission trip awhile back, and went

to Singapore on the way there. Besides traveling, I’m also an avid reader and I love theater. When I was teaching speech and theater, I directed Shakespearean plays. I wanted to originally be an actor, which was my desire until the Lord called me to preach. I never did acting because I knew my first calling was to ministry.

What’s something you’ve learned in all of your time in ministry? People. That’s what ministry is about. It’s about certainly serving the Lord, but being involved with people, reaching out to people, showing them the love of God. I think that’s missing in most churches. I was blessed because I heard how much importance your church places on people and showing them God’s love.

An Interview with the Interim:Rev. Richard Burke

Rev. Richard Burke in Alaska last year. Photo courtesy of Burke

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, written plainly, and emailed no later than the 10th of each month to [email protected]. Please do not double space between sentences. Title the Word document with your name, the article’s name and the month.

If you would like to be added or removed from the Tapestry mailing list, please email [email protected].

Current and previous Tapestry issues are available in digital format at www.fbcredlands.org/news/events.html.

Deena Barwick, Ph.D. Associate Pastor of Family Ministries

[email protected]

Angel FlorenceOffice Manager/Bookkeeper

[email protected]

Amanda WarnerCommunications Administrator

[email protected]

Dennis ChenevertBuildings/Grounds

Richard W. SteffenMinister of Music

[email protected]

Eric GoddardMusic Director

[email protected]

Linda Gentile Organist

STAFF

Telephone: 909-793-3289Web: www.fbcredlands.org

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Sunday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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CONTACT S

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Worldwide Prayer Concerns

The Nicaraguan Dental Trip

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Member Profile: How The Rogers Bike On The Roads Less Traveled

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Photo Recap of Pastor Joe’s Pie Reception | The Heart Behind the Summer BBQs

A Few Words from Pastor Deena

Contents and Staff Box

The Interim Fact Sheet

Upcoming Service Opportunities

The July Calendar

1 An Interview with the Interim

C O N T E N T S

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Updates from Mustard Seed and the Children’s Ministry

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Over the past few months the Pastoral and Personnel Commission has been

working diligently with Transition Min-istries ABCUSA to find an interim pastor to provide leadership during this import-ant stage in the life of our congregation. An interim pastor serves as a transitional pas-tor, and will usually stay anywhere from nine months to two years. In this time period the pastor will lead congregational life and ministry, provide support for staff, enhance se-lected areas of congregational life and ministry, as well as guide the congre-gation through interim ministry tasks.

Some things the interim pastor will not do are to assume long-term responsibili-ties, initiate their own goals or programs, nor be a candidate for pastor. With all of this said, we are ex-

cited to announce that Pastor Rich-ard Burke will be joining us on Sun-day, Aug. 17 to help guide us through the next part of our journey. As you will see from his biography, he has

much experience and we look forward to the wisdom he will impart to us. -Erin Estey, chair of the Pastoral and Personnel Commission

What’s the difference between an interim and a long-term pastor?

Reared in Scranton, Penn., Rev. Rich-ard Daniel Burke grew up in an

American Baptist Church. He was active in his church youth group and church choir. At age 15 following his commit-ment to follow Christ as savior, he felt called to become a minister. Burke’s bachelor’s degree was in speech and theater but after seminary training he received his master’s in pas-toral counseling. Prior to becoming a pastor, he held a range of educational positions, including assistant professor of speech and theater, as well as director of stu-dent activities and campus ministries at colleges in the Midwest. For nearly 30 years Burke served as pastor in the New York City metropolitan area. He spent almost 23 years as senior pastor of the First Bap-tist Church of New York, the oldest Bap-tist Church in New York City; and five years as pastor of First Baptist Church of

Mount Vernon in Bronxville, N.Y. In addition he hosted a week-ly radio broadcast, ”A Voice From Broadway” on WOR-radio for 17 years. According to Arbitron radio ratings, the broadcast had a listening audience of more than 50,000 listeners. Burke then managed a volun-teer pastoral care hospital visitation program for the HIP Insurance Com-pany for six years at hospitals in the greater New York City area. He has served as interim min-ister at four American Baptist Church-es: First Baptist Church in Bronxville, N.Y., First Baptist Church in Penn Yan, N.Y., Scarsdale Community Bap-tist Church and presently at Hunting-ton Baptist Church in Huntington, N.Y. When not serving American Baptist Churches in an interim capac-ity, Rev. Burke resides in Pompano Beach, Fla.

“Pastor Burke will help guide us through

the next part of our journey.”

By The Numbers

17 number of years he hosted a radio show and taught theater

6 number of years he led pastoral care in a

hospital

number of churches he served as interim pastor before coming

to Redlands4

23 number of years he served as senior

pastor of First Baptist Church in New York

City

The Interim Fact Sheet:A brief biography of Rev. Burke

Would you like your kids to do some summer reading?

Come and check out a book in the

church library before or after the worship service.

MIN

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RY A few words from Pastor Deena

In May, many of you completed a wor-ship survey which questioned “What

is meaningful and helpful?”; “What do you want to see more of or less of?”; “What dreams or comments do you have?” Many of the comments neutral-ized each other; some asked for more of something while others asked for less. There were a lot of very kind and hum-bling comments: “Prayers are thought-ful and encouraging”; “Sermons challenge us and help us grow on our faith journey”; “I love that the children and youth are in-volved”; and “I love the new ways in which we connect, especially during the fellowship time after worship.” Overall, your effort to thought-fully write out and share your comments is greatly appreciated. You are welcome, indeed, encouraged to come and talk with me — I enjoy good conversations —especially controversial ones!

To Robe Or Not To Robe? Let me offer you a brief history about robes. Academic robes, usually re-ferred to as Regalia, originated in Europe to be worn everyday as practical gar-ments in the classroom. They were black, made out of wool and had hoods for the foggy, cold and damp winter months. Capes (today they are called hoods) and stoles were added upon graduation day. Today, academics wear robes in many colors and various accoutrements are added as degrees are accumulated. These are the type of robes that we have been

wearing. Then there are clerical robes that are more fitting (less puffy look-ing) and usually black. They are typically worn in liturgical congregations. Lastly, there are the albs — beige or flax color with a fabric belt — less formal and can be worn by lay leaders and is considered liturgical everyday wear in Anglican churches. (I have worn these in the past and on Ash Wednesday.) There is a prac-tical and spiritual side to robes. Practically, it is very helpful to have pockets and hooks to keep papers, mics or pens all contained out of sight. Spiritually, I personally like the consideration that the robe separates me from my street clothes, so to speak. This may sound a bit odd, as I feel we always need be “representing our best selves for Jesus” when out and about in street clothes and not just on Sunday when wearing a robe. I enjoy wearing one on Sundays for a number of reasons. How-ever, I prefer them if only to control the mic wires. I will leave it up to our interim and next senior pastor to determine their preference for wearing robes. For the summer? It will be whatever is cooler as there are no air conditioning vents up on the platform.

How Should We Take Communion?

For as many that participate in sharing the bread and cup, there are preferences for sharing. In the church where I grew up, they served communion once a quarter and it was very exclusive as to who could share in the bread and cup. That alone seemed so contradictive after the pastor had just preached that God loves everyone. I often wondered, “If this really was a reminder (i.e, “in remem-brance of me”), why did we only do it once every three months?” There are many members in our congregation that find sharing in the bread and cup every Sunday to be both reflective and meditative to begin their week with “in remembrance of me” for their faith journey. This is why we fol-low a risen Lord — His body was broken and his blood shed for us. When we de-cided to offer communion every Sunday

throughout the summer, it was so no one would miss sharing in communion due to vacations. How we share in that bread and cup is also important to many of you. Trying to be respectful of two preferenc-es, we will be serving communion in two presentations: to those who want to be presented with the bread and cup while seated and to those who want to pres-ent themselves to the bread and cup by Intinction. Breaking off a small piece of bread and partially dipping it into the cup “in remembrance of me” is just as meaning-ful as prayerfully taking a piece of bread, followed by the cup. Whether seated or presenting ourselves, our intent is to be in prayerful remembrance together.

What Changes Will Be In The Summer Services?

Lastly, the worship service throughout the summer will be a bit different: the structure, music, prayers, communion, children and youth involve-ment, forms of meditations and scripture interpretation will offer some inspira-tion and challenge for your faith journey. Jesus calls us to serve as His hands and feet as we journey together. He calls us to worship Him and to praise God with thankfulness. Many of us have been spend-ing time and energy trying to develop a worship service that would be uplifting, encouraging and inspiring for each faith journey. I have come to the realization, that in all our humanness, that is not possible. I believe Jesus would have us spend our time and energy loving others, as they need to be loved. I offer an anon-ymous comment from someone (only you know who you are), that for me, said it best “....dream about a congregation where we encourage and support the desires and needs of others in our congregation, even if they don’t match our own. While I have a lot of strong opinions about what I’d like a wor-ship service to be, the worship service itself will neither be the reason I stay nor leave this congregation. What keeps me here is the love and unity of the members and their willing-ness to grow and be open to change, both in thought and behavior.”

Photo courtesy of Tom Herron

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The theme is “Treasure Seekers” and by using a treasure island theme,

the children will learn how much they are loved by God. Katherine Kluza is the curriculum and weekly coordinator. Teachers will rotate each week providing a lesson and an activity or craft that reflects one of God’s characteristics.

On a Friday afternoon about midway through April, I had the chance to

meet a great bunch of tutors from the University of Redlands. They came to familiarize themselves with our facility and the educational resources at Mustard Seed. The six tutors worked at Mustard Seed throughout the month of May. These “May Term Workshops” were an experimental extension of the University of Redlands Jasper’s Corner homework assistance program. The focus was primarily but not exclusively on K-12 students who needed extra help in math. There were 22 students who received a combined total of 124 tutoring sessions during the May Term. Each of the six University of Redlands tutors was either working towards his or her University of Redlands community service requirement, on a work-study program or volunteering. At least one of the tutors was familiar to me as she had worked in our Jasper’s Corner/Mustard Seed pilot program this winter. The tutors and two supervisors were here for about an hour. After their tour of the site, we all sat down and talked about what it takes to be an effective tutor. The last half hour or so was devoted to role plays. The tutors were asked to pair up or work in threes. Each group was given a tutoring scenario to act out. In each group the students were asked to play the part of a tutor or a tutee. The tutors originally thought the role plays would be easy but found it was harder than it sounded. Some

example scenarios were, “You are a tutor with a five-year-old student who always brings a toy, game or a personal item to the tutoring session. How do you handle this?” Another scenario was, “You have been tutoring a student for three months. Your tutee is frustrated with his or her progress in a certain subject. He or she has a test in that subject the next day. How do you handle this and what do you say at the end of the session?” Each group

was allowed to role play for about three to five minutes before I stopped them. Then the university tutors discussed the positive aspects of the scenario and made suggestions for areas that needed improvement. It was great to see the university students being willing to role play and hear and give positive and constructive feedback. I have been very impressed with the quality of tutoring and the spirit of service that these university students bring to their work. They are young

enough to have fun with their tutees but mature and dedicated enough to provide substantive learning experiences for their tutees. One of the reasons I like the partnership we have with the university is that several different groups of people benefit from this association. First and foremost are the tutees who are getting help with both their homework and with the academic concepts behind their homework. The parents of the tutees are also benefiting. It is a great relief for parents to know their children are getting solid academic support and are thus more likely to succeed in school. The tutors are enriched as well. They are able to fulfill an important graduation requirement while using their knowledge to enhance the skills and achievement potential of the tutees. Those tutors on work-study programs benefit monetarily as well. Not surprisingly, several of the tutors want to be teachers. The tutoring they are doing gives them experience in their chosen field. I benefit from this partnership because I get practical experience by helping to run, organize and schedule a tutoring program without the paperwork or extensive monetary outlay of “going it alone.” The University of Redlands Office of Community Service Learning supervisors have been wonderful partners in this project and I look forward to working with them again once the new school year starts up in September.

-Eve Tompkins-Fisher

SUMMER CELEBRATION focusing on characteristics of God

Summer Celebration is located in the Arts and Crafts room on the second floor of the education building and runs from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the conclusion of the worship service. God’s Kids serves those from age 4 to second grade. -Pastor Deena Barwick

Mustard Seed connects with university tutors

Topics include:God Is Love

God Is CreativeGod Is Kind

God Is PatientGod Listens

“I have been very impressed with the

quality of tutoring and the spirit of service

that these university students bring to their

work.”

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Glen and Rita Chapman are our American Baptist Missionaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Kikongo Pastor’s school. A new class of pastors is graduating and being sent back out to local churches. Pray that they will have fruitful ministry in the places where they will serve. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them as they cope with new challenges and frustrations; and that the training they received will have equipped them well. Pray also for Glen’s safety as he pilots his “powered parachute” to local village churches and schools. Praise God for all He has done through the Chapmans.

In June, Mark Carpenter led a team of dentists and dental students down to Nicaragua to provide dental care and train Nicaraguan dental students. This was a massive undertaking requiring coordination with many different groups and agencies. Pray that the team’s work will have positive effects that will continue to ripple outward long into the future. Pray for economic opportunities and development in Nicaragua so that the people of this nation have the chance to work and provide for their families.

The recent newsletter from International Christian Concern highlighted their ministry to children whose lives have been touched by religious persecution. One boy, Naveem, lost his parents during the 2008 persecution in Orissa, India. A neighbor gave them cups of tea that had been laced with poison. He now lives with 13 other Christian orphans in a home sponsored by ICC. The newsletter also shared stories of children in Egypt and Bangladesh. Praise God for the way these children have remained faithful in these difficult circumstances. Pray that they would be able to grow up strong in both body and soul.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Nicaragua

India

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The 200th anniversary celebration of American Baptist International

Ministries is happening July 21-25 at the American Baptist Assembly in Green Lake, Wis. All current International Ministries missionaries and their families will be there along with newly endorsed missionaries preparing for their first term of service, 150 international partners as well as American Baptist people from everywhere. Herb and Dori Dominguez, Nathan and Jessica Jones, and Jan Roberts from our church will be

part of this great gathering. We are eagerly anticipating our time at Green Lake where we will connect with missionaries we have known, learn to know others, hear stories of current struggles and God's transforming work, and enjoy all that makes ABA a wonderful place to be. We will be inspired and educated through worship, music, Bible study, and interactive events. Best of all, we will share in the celebration of God's mighty work through American Baptists, discover what God is doing in global

missions today, and glimpse where and how God is leading us as we head into our third century of mission. We look forward to sharing the vision and commitment of the experience with you following our return to Redlands. Please pray for us as we travel and for all that happens during the World Mission Conference. God grant that our American Baptist family will rise to the challenge to which we are being called.

-Janet Roberts

Church to send group to missions conference

If you have information to share about the persecuted church or news from the mission field, please share it with Jonathan Peske.

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From June 12-23, Mark Carpenter and his team of 50 dentists and dental stu-

dents ran five clinics in Nicaragua, seeing approximately 800 patients, a lot of whom were children. The days were full. A team of or-ganizers arrived at the clinics by 6 a.m. to sterilize and make preparations. Other groups arrived around 7:30 a.m. working nonstop in the muggy heat until 4 in the afternoon. The team did more fillings than extractions in the hopes of saving as many teeth as possible. With the high demand for teeth cleaning, the dental hygienists wore themselves out trying to get every-one in. And even with the hectic condi-tions, the team says they’d go back in a heartbeat. “You can’t turn away from it. If you’ve been given a gift, you use it,” Mark says. “I keep going because that’s what God has asked me to do.” And even as the dentists worked hard in Nicaragua, FBCR members — trea-surer Jose Mendoza and technology spe-cialist Kurt Collins — were working from Redlands. “Our church is imminently in-volved in this,” Mark says. “It’s extraordi-nary.”

In addition to the great amount of prayer support the team received from the church, FBCR also donated $3,500 for supplies. The amount was necessary, Mark says. Without it, they would not have had what they needed. In 1999, about a year after Mark began attending FBCR, a well-known medical missionary, Gustavo Parajon, spoke about his work in Nicaragua. Mark approached Parajon afterward, suggest-ing he could gather up a group of dentists to help; the idea was well received and in 2000 the team embarked on the first of 15 consecutive medical mission trips. Mark says the Nicaraguans are used to seeing Americans visit, build a building, and never come back. But John MacGregor, a missionary in Peru and the Amazon, advised Mark that to have a real effective influence he needed to go back to the same place. That has proven true for Mark’s team as their consistent 15-year record gives the Nicaraguans some-thing to count on. “They know we’re coming,” Mark says. Local pastors and doctors get patients lined up, many coming from the poorest communities. Even with the hundreds of pa-tients they see each year, Mark knows it’s

only a drop in the bucket. “There are endless needs down there,” Mark says. “Someone could walk up and say, ‘There are thousands of peo-ple; you’re only going to treat a few hun-dred, what difference are you making?’ To one person, it means everything.” The Nicaraguans show their gratitude in hugs, hospitality and very clearly in their expressions. “We’re guided by Matthew 25:40: ‘What you do to the least you do unto Me.’ Whether we’re in The Blessing Center in Redlands or in Nicaragua or wherever we’re at, we treat everybody as if they’re Christ. That is our intent and they understand that.” Mark says his goal isn’t to try to treat everyone; but rather to develop compassion in the dental students on the team. Many have continued work-ing with the Nicaragua medical mission group, becoming board members and taking on other leadership roles. A week after arriving back in the United States, the group is already meet-ing to discuss next year’s work.

-Amanda Warner

NICARAGUA

A team of dentists spend 11 days cleaning teeth for Jesus

Photos courtesy of Gary Underwood

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FBCR member profile

How The Rogers Bike On the Roads Less Traveled Some people think Richard and Susan

Rogers are crazy. But biking across the United States is a passion of theirs; it’s an adventure and a challenge. “You can see parts of the United States that you just don’t see from the freeway,” Richard said. “On the less traveled roads, you meet a lot of people. Every day is new.” It all started in 1999 at Richard’s 40th reunion, a former classmate boasted of riding his bike from San Diego to New York. There was talk among the group of friends to do it again, riding together to the 45th reunion of the West Point U.S. Military Academy’s class of 1959. Richard discussed the idea with his wife Susan who swiftly replied that there was no way he’d go on a two-month bike ride without her. So the Rogers bought a tandem

bike for the first time in 2004 and tested it out. ... And then the training began. In the process of preparing for their first cross-country tour, the Rogers figured they could use their upcoming adventure as a means to fundraise for Mustard Seed, a tutoring organization housed at First Baptist Church of Redlands. (At the time, the Rogers had been tutors at the organization.) So they shared their story at several venues, handed out pledge cards and raised about $10,000, the majority of it coming from FBCR members. A few months later they flew to Seattle in 2004 to start their trip across the northern states. They crossed the Cascades and then the Rockies in Montana, trudged through the Dakotas, took a ferry over Lake Michigan, viewed Niagara Falls, and 3,100 miles and 57 days later they landed in West Point, N.Y. for Richard’s 45th reunion. They’d bike about 60 miles a day, stopping at twilight to set up their tent or find a motel. They’d eat at restaurants, never dreaming of hauling along equipment to cook their own food. “Every ounce that you add on means making more work for yourself,” Richard said. “Whittling down what you’re going to take is a challenge, but we need to carry just the bare necessities.”

Then five years later in the spring of 2009, they did it again. After fundraising about $8,000 for Mustard Seed, they pushed off from Redlands this time traveling 3,600 miles through the southern states and then up the East Coast. It took them 67 days to reach West Point, stopping to stay overnight with friends, relatives, and hosts from a cycling hospitality organization called Warm Showers. Camping was no longer on the agenda. Later that year to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary they traveled with their bike to New Zealand, taking a 10-day, 500-mile ride around the South Island. Lastly, and most recently, they flew again to Seattle in 2011 to embark on a monthlong tour down the Pacific Coast Highway to Redlands. They have no plans to stop. This year on Sept. 18, they will start their fifth bike tour, heading to Richard’s 55th reunion, returning in October. “If you work hard and practice,” Richard says, “you might even surprise yourself the things you can do.”

-Amanda Warner

If you know an FBCR member with an interesting story, send a tip to [email protected].

Photos courtesy of the Rogers

T H E P I E R E C E P T I ON AND FAR EWE L L F O R

Pastor Joe

Dianne Creech at the Pie Reception for Pastor Joe DeRoulhac on Sunday, June 1.

Jonathan Peske has been going to First Baptist’s summer backyard BBQs ever

since they started 14 years ago. The BBQs have helped him connect with other members of the church. He sees the benefits. “If you’re new and you’re wanting to figure out what this church is about, this is a great way to do it.” Because of that, Jonathan now serves as the summer BBQ coordinator, recruiting at least six backyard hosts each year. Jonathan tries to make it easy on the hosts since putting together a party for about 25 people can get costly. He always reinforces that hosts don’t need to

provide everything, only the main dish. Guests who sign up agree to bring a side or a dessert, fleshing out the menu. The food can be a draw for those a little intimidated by the prospect of socializing with people they don’t know. “You’re just going to eat. There’s nothing you really need to do.” One of the things Jonathan likes about First Baptist is the friendships people form. Members know each other well, he says. Newcomers may find it hard at first, wondering how they can be a part of the close-knit community. Jonathan says it’s through opportunities like these BBQs.

While the heart behind the BBQs is for new friends to be made, sometimes people instead just end up deepening connections with old ones. In the last few years, Jonathan says, there have been more of the “regulars” attending, rather than the newcomers. But, he figures, there’s no harm in that. “Any time we’re breaking bread together and having a chance to talk, I think that’s a good thing.” The BBQs will occur throughout August, on the 9th, 16th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, and 31st. Watch for a sign-up table on the patio after the Sunday worship service. -Amanda Warner

The Heart Behind the Summer BBQs

Photos courtesy of Tom HerronPastor Joe DeRoulhac filled in as a drummer in the youth drum circle before preaching his last sermon, Sunday, June 1.

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After 25 years of service to First Baptist Church of Redlands as senior pastor, Joe DeRoulhac retired in June 2014.

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AR Happy July

Birthday To...

Saturday, August 2“Hairspray”

25 volunteers are needed. Mike Reynolds will have a table out on the patio each Sunday in July for members to sign up. Volunteers should arrive by 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 to help hand out programs. Afterwards,

the group will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the patio area at the northwest corner of the Redlands Bowl to get assignments. The collection will

be taken at approximately 9 p.m.

USHER AT THE REDLANDS BOWL

A summer 24-hour lock-in, swim party, drum circle rehearsals, possibly even a small

orchestra for a Sunday morning performance, and more! As we continue to plan and work out details, we will be posting, advertising,

communicating and hoping all youth will hear and come out for a great time!

HANG OUT WITH THE YOUTH

Matt and Amy Carpenter have offered to host a couple of movie nights in their backyard during the summer. Bring your own picnic

dinner at 6:30. The movie will begin at 8 p.m. If you are interested in joining, contact Amy

Carpenter or Pastor Deena.

WATCH A MOVIE ON THE LAWN

Family Service DaySaturday, July 59 a.m. to noon

Meet at Redlands Family ServiceJoin us on the first Saturday of every month

to serve at a wonderful local non-profit. 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

GET YOUR SHOES DIRTYTuesday, July 1

noon to 6:30 p.m.Redlands Community Hospital

Weisser Education Pavilion Conference Rooms C & D

350 Terracina Blvd., Redlands, CA 92373Request for your donation to be placed in

the First Baptist Church of Redlands account RB28. Please inform their staff that you

grant permission for the church to know how much blood you have given.

Sponsored by the Local Outreach Commission

GIVE BLOOD

Church youth and adults serving at a previous Family Service Day.

10

RECYCLEFBCR is collecting ink cartridges again in the month of July. Just place them in the appropriate bins along the walkway

entrance to the parking lot.

Marilyn Dodson — 2 Rhiannon Fisher — 2

Jason Hine — 3 Nicholas Poyle — 3

Mark Parangue — 5 Marcia Melcher — 6 Ruby May Price — 6

Sara Nelson — 7 Lela Savage — 8

Eric Goddard — 9 Yholddy Jones — 9

Bob Welles —10 Kathy Hine — 11

Anna Kensok — 12 Michael Tramell — 12

Sara Graham — 12 Niki Farmer — 13

Ethan Zander — 14 Joanne Baerg — 14

Tim Lowe — 14 Diane Kotlarczyk — 15 Mary Lou Sheffer — 15

Paul Williams — 15 Jean Gail — 16

Linda Hollenberg — 17 Gwenyth Kirkland — 18

Wiley Craw — 18 Mary Covington — 19

Teri Jensen — 20 Allie Baker -- 21

Donnie Allen -- 22 Michael Mathey — 22

Elizabeth Updegraff — 23 Ruth Bartos — 23 Laura Hunt — 25

Linda Armstrong — 26 Loretta Bueermann — 26

Pat Dangermond — 26 Michelle Poyle — 27 Barbara Stein — 28

Justin Miholick — 29 Lloyd Savage — 30

Stuart Nelson — 30 Erin Quast — 31

Paul Espinosa — 31 Robert Carpenter — 31

Robert Pote — 31 Ross Miles — 31

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11

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAIDSan Bernardino, CA

Permit No. 2111

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

The First Baptist Church of Redlands 51 West Olive Avenue. Redlands CA 92373-5243909-793-3289 • www. fbcredlands.org

SUMMER FELLOWSHIP

BBQS

BBQ Dates:Saturday, August 9 in Redlands at 6 p.m.Saturday, August 16 in Redlands at 6 p.m.Saturday, August 23 in Yucaipa at 6 p.m.Sunday, August 24 in Yucaipa at 6 p.m.

Saturday, August 30 in Redlands at 6 p.m.Sunday, August 31 in Redlands at 6 p.m.

Email [email protected] for more information. See page 9 of the Tapestry for more details.

Beginning July 27, sign up on Sundays at the table on the church patio.


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