From The Vine: A Congregational Blog

December 2017 | Monthly Newsletter of Selma First Baptist Church

Senior Pastor:

Student Ministry:

Children’s Ministry:

Office Ministry:

Pastor Fred Delano

Matt Adams

Isaiah Escobedo

Marianela Borbon

Tiffanie Harrell

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

PERMIT # 68

SELMA CA 93662

Selma First Baptist Church 2025 Grant Street

Selma, CA 93662

559-896-5842 www.selmafirstbaptist.org

facebook.com/SelmaFBC SELMA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

The Lost

Have you ever lost something valuable? The other day I realized that I had lost an earring. I didn’t know when or where I’d lost it but when I stared into the bathroom mirror, there it wasn’t. This was no ordinary earring; it was one of the diamond studs that my husband gave me for our 15th anniversary! I searched in our bed, in case I’d lost it during the night, but it wasn’t there. I searched the closet and under the bed on my hands and knees with a miner’s lamp strapped to my forehead. I prayed and swept and searched. My husband even sifted through the vacuum bag, but it was still nowhere to be found. I was just sick. The search for the lost earring went on for about three or four weeks. Then one day, as I swept the hallway, I heard something rattle across the hardwood floor. I had swept the hallway several times since I’d lost the earring, but this time was different. I bent down and there was the lost diamond earring, the one I had searched so hard to find! I began to sob and showed it to my husband. We had both assumed it was lost and would remain lost. And what did I do after that? I shared my joy with my friends.

Continued on page 2…

Mission of Selma First Baptist Church:

“To help make disciples of Jesus Christ, who love God and love others in our community, region, and

world.”

SELMA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Church Office Hours:

T-TH 9:00am-3:00pm

M A RK Y OU R C AL ENDAR

12 .2 H AN GIN G OF TH E G R E EN S

12 . 10 S PE CIAL B US INE SS M EET IN G

R E ALIT Y YM P A RTN ER M EET IN G

12 . 13 J R . H IGH C H RI STMAS P A RT Y

12 . 15 S ER VA NT BOA R D / STA FF

C HR IST MAS P A RT Y

12 . 16 S ELMA C A RE S F OOD BOX & T O Y

P A CKA GIN G

12 . 16 H I GH SC HOOL L O CK- IN

12 . 1 7 S ELM A C A RE S F OOD BOX & T O Y

G I V EA WA Y

12 . 1 7 C H RIST MA S PA GEANT

12 .2 4 C H RI STM AS E V E W O RS HI P @ 10 A M

12 .2 5 C HR IST MA S

December 2017 Page 2

Jesus told a similar parable about a woman who had lost something valuable. She had lost one of her ten silver coins. Each coin was worth about a day’s wages; not a small sum of money. It was worth enough to her that she wanted to find it. If the coin had been worth very little, would she have searched tirelessly? When it was found, would she have been compelled to tell a friend? In the book of Luke, there are three parables about lost items: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. It is curious that the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin have someone actively searching for lost items. The truth is that God cares about the lost. What does it mean to be lost? Lost people are not in relationship with God or a community of believers. The shepherd searches for the lost sheep and I believe that the lost sheep is a metaphor for those that are lost out in the world and do not know God. The sheep could be anywhere and the shepherd is willing to search for it and bring it to safety rather than let even one perish. Do we look for the one lost sheep or do we stay in the comfort of the flock?

The woman scours her house for the lost coin. The coin was last seen in her home; it’s got to be there somewhere. I see the lost coin as a metaphor for those within the walls of the church that are unseen and completely overwhelmed with pain, grief, illness, loneliness, or circumstances where they feel lost. Do we see the needs of the hurting and broken within our own church?

My earring wasn’t found easily, it took time and effort. Lost

people are like this too. I think in order to find the lost, we

must learn to be more intentional and look for those that

could be blessed with a kind word. Some are deep in the

pit of despair hoping and praying that their lives will

change and are completely unaware of their need for

Jesus. Others are struggling with pain and brokenness by

themselves and could use the encouragement, care, and

prayers of their church family. How can we reach out to

them and encourage them? Let me ask you a question.

Do you search for our wounded, care for their

wounds, and protect them as they heal? It’s a

question worth considering.-Tiffanie Harrell

From The Vine:

Continued from page 2..

Dec. 10th to vote on the prescriptions given by Growing Healthy Churches.

December 2017 Page 3

Hey Church Family!

Thanksgiving has officially passed, and as I’ve been able to reflect on this past year, it’s made me realize how much support and encouragement Student Ministries has received through this new transition in our church. I am so incredibly thankful for the prayers and love that has come our way. It is extremely appreciated! God is doing amazing work in our church, He has heard your prayers, and has seen your faithfulness. Our fall semester started off great. God has been so good and so faithful through this crazy season. Since the beginning of the school year, we have had a handful of new students join us on Wednesday nights. They have been attending youth group on a consistent basis, which has been awesome to see. Because of their consistency, we are able to build solid relationships with them and continually point them towards Christ. This relationship building goes beyond a Wednesday night or a Sunday morning.

It’s been a lot of fun working with these kids on the regular; especially during our different events throughout the semester such as: See You at the Pole, Clue Night, and Turkey Bowl.

Our sermon topics for Wednesdays have also been a joy to teach because we are able to challenge our students and help them apply what they learn at youth group to their own lives. We studied the story of Joseph and how he handled trials through difficult circumstances. Students were able to ask questions anonymously for a Q&A panel. The Q & A answered a variety of questions students had about the Bible, theology, political issues, and cultural viewpoints. Our Reality Check Series tied in with our Q&A panel and allowed us to go more in-depth with the questions students had asked previously.

Regardless of how crazy this season has been, it has been a complete joy and privilege to serve our church and the community. Discipleship has been a common theme in our church and it’s been so cool to be able to teach kids how to be disciples of Christ. However, with this idea, I’ve also had to remember that discipleship is not a program; it is a lifelong process that helps us grow and prosper until we meet God face-to-face. When Jesus asked his disciples to follow Him, it was not for a specific amount of days, months, or years, but an eternity.

So, as we continue to make disciples and minister to these students and to our community, I would ask you to partner with us. Help us make disciples and push Selma to know Jesus. Continue to pray for us.

If you would like to be more aware of what God is doing in Student Ministries, please join us at our Reality YM Partner Meeting on December 10th following the worship service in the Fireside Room.

Thank you and God Bless. Isaiah Escobedo, Student Ministry Co-director

Prayer List

Our congregation believes in the power of prayer. If you would like to pray specifically for people in our church, call the church office and let us know and we will add you to our prayer chain list. Anyone may submit a prayer request via our website. Requests are sent through email. Please contact the church office if your email address is in need of updating.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall

be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called

Wonderful,

Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 King James Version

December 2017 Page 4

Reduced Holiday Hours

The church office will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day so that the staff can spend some time

with their families. Should you have any need for prayer, visitation, or there be an emergency, you may contact the

appropriate staff member.

Pastor Fred Delano 559-284-3614

Isaiah Escobedo, Student Ministry 559-393-4411

Marianela Borbon, Children’s Ministry 559-930-6021

Bob Allen, Servant Board 559-709-3515

Blessed are those who are generous… Proverbs 22:9

Year End Gift

An end of year gift to your church is a gift to God. Imagine what He can do with your generosity!

December 2017 Page 5

Reality YM Partner Meeting

Dec. 10th in the Fireside Room after the

worship service.

Everyone is invited to come! We will be discussing

next semester’s plans.

Secret Santa

Would you like to be involved in a fun Secret Santa gift exchange? This is a special way to get to know a little bit about someone here at church and share some holiday

cheer. Each person will buy a gift for someone with a $20 value. Gift exchange will be on December 17th. If you would like to participate, please contact Marianela at (559) 930-6021 by Dec. 10. Please pick up a sheet to fill out a couple of your favorite things and return to Marianela, they are available on her office door.

Children’s Christmas Choir & Party

Children’s Choir is learning songs for the Christmas Program

during Children’s Church. Children will perform on December 17th

during the worship Service. Children are invited to the Children’s

Christmas Party in the Fellowship Hall on December 17th, 2017.

after the Christmas Program. Parents, please see Marianela to sign

up for snacks.

HIGH SCHOOL LOCK-IN You made it through finals! Time to blow off some steam and

hang out with your friends, ALL NIGHT LONG!

Drop-off: Friday, December 15th @ 7pm Pick-up: Saturday, December 16th @ 7am

Cost: $20 per student

SERVING THIS MONTH

Worship Service 10:00 am

Serving December 3

Nursery - Esther Silva & Brianna Dellamaggiore

Toddler/Preschool - Lisa & Josiah Riojas

K-6th Grade - Jo Murray & Marianela Borbon

Computer Check In - Dan Sparks

Greeters - Paul & Libby Green

Serving December 10

Nursery - Russ & Janet Mitchell

Toddler/Preschool - Judy Fusi & Tom Chandler

K-6th Grade - Kim Langstraat & Tom Christensen

Computer Check In - Dan Sparks

Greeters - Rick & Michelle Alonzo

Serving December 17

Nursery - Venessa & Audrey Golding

Toddler/Preschool - Judy Fusi & Sonny Bianchi

K-6th Grade - Chris Smith & Dawn Dellamaggiore

Computer Check In - Dan Sparks

Greeters - John & Sally Griffin

Serving December 24

Nursery - Dimple Rasmussen & Darlene Wilbanks

Toddler/Preschool - Judy Fusi & Clarissa Cole

Computer Check In - Dan Sparks

Greeters - Mel & Chris Manley

Serving December 31

Nursery - Esther Silva & Brianna Dellamaggiore

Toddler/Preschool - Judy Fusi & Aubrey Tuttrup

K-6th Grade - Alison Rogers & Heather Ornelas

Computer Check In - Dan Sparks

Greeters - Frances Harrington & Shirley Hughes

December 2017 Page 6

FAITHFUL GIVING

10-29-17 11-5-17 11-12-17 11-19-17 11-26-17

Offering/Tithing/Missions $5,532.00 $10,095.75 $6,082.00 $12,122.00 $2,700.32

Benevolence Fund $0.00 $83.00 $8.00 $0.00 $0.00

Designated Funds $395.00 $7,158.60 $1,842.00 $375.00 $289.65

Building Expansion fund $540.00 $330.00 $200.00 $660.00 $70.00

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Reality Center Rent Income $0.00 $1,600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Birthdays in December

December 2017 Page 7

Anniversaries in December

CHURCH FAMILY

CELEBRATIONS

11- Joe & Tiffanie Harrell

20- Shannon & Lisa Riojas

29- Ralph & Heather Ornelas

1- Owen Langstraat

2- Ethan Golding, Sierra Shoemaker

6- Michelle Alonzo, Lee Cason

8- Joyce Cason, Mike Pallesi

9- Janet Collier, Elijah Langstraat

10- Aaron Ornelas

11- Dena Yarbrough

13- Janice Grumbles, Adam Risenhoover,

14- Mary Jane Rogers

15- Judy Clary, Oceania Cousins

16- David Helm, Wyatt O’Brien

19- Chris Manley

26- Evelyn Clews

29- Sonny Bianchi, Cecil Eslick, Matt Moore

30- Keri Viau

Letters

Dear Selma First Baptist Church,

The American Baptist Home Mission Society, on

behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, early in

October, released a $5,000 One Great Hour of

Sharing Emergency Disaster Relief Grant to the

Growing Healthy Churches Region. The Growing

Healthy Churches office will distribute funds to three

California churches: CrossWalk Community in Napa;

New Vintage Church in Santa Rosa; and First Baptist

Church in Ukiah. Two of these churches are

housing evacuees, while the third is partnering with a

community evacuation center.

We thank you for your giving and support of the

One Great Hour Sharing Offering which supports the

timely giving of much needed funding in emergency

situations.

God's blessings on your congregation.

American Baptist Home Mission Society.

Dear Church Family,

Thank you so much for coming out and making our

Harvest Celebration so special. It was wonderful to

see so many people gather together to praise God for

His goodness and His blessings. I want to especially

thank Paul and Libby Green for the use of their barn! It

was fantastic! Thank you to all who donated their time

and talent to the event, from the food to the

decorations to our very own Bluegrass band, as well

as those who donated items for our auctions. At last

count, we had raised over $5300 for the Youth and

Children's Camp Fund! Praise God for this awesome

blessing! We are looking forward to seeing the

Kingdom grow because of the investment that you

have made in the lives of these young people.

Love in Christ,

Laurie O'Brien, Coordinator

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