FOCUS

First Baptist Church, Chico

850 Palmetto Avenue
Chico, CA 95926
530-343-3446
Monthly Newsletter
Vol. 30, No.3 - April 2011

We are a richly varied church community celebrating the grace of God through worship, through encouraging spiritual
growth, and by living as reminders of God’s loving presence in our world.

fter a month of rain and some tire problems, continued on my way to the church. And this

A I finally began riding my bicycle to the

church again this week. I’ve ridden off and
on in March, but if I’ve had meetings, I haven’t
trusted that my rain gear will keep me 100% dry, so
I’ve driven instead.
The morning I started riding again, on my way to
the church, I slowed for the stop sign at 5 th Ave and
Palm St. A car was approaching, then there was a
half a block of empty space, followed by 2 or 3
cars. I confess that if possible, I only slow when I
come to stop signs. It’s a hassle to kick out of my
pedal clips to put a foot down at all the stop signs.
I do this if I have to, but if I can even just barely
creep forward, I can balance and not put my foot
down.
Anyway, I expected the car to go by at a normal
speed so that I could slow, then cross the street
before the next cars got to me. But that didn’t
happen, because the driver of the first car slowed
way down as I approached the stop sign. I suppose
the driver was afraid that I was going to dart out in
front of her, but as I was nearly stopped, I’m not
really sure what she was thinking. By the time she
passed me, the cars that had originally been far
enough way for me cross the street were now too
close, so I had to stop until the line of traffic went
by.
I share this rather trivial experience to next confess
that I became rather angry with the first driver as I
surprised me. I asked myself, “Why am I so angry
just because I had to stop at the stop sign? What
was the big deal?”
I realized after a moment, that my anger came from
not getting my own way. My little plan to pause
and then go before the next group of cars got to me
was ruined, and I had to get out of my pedal clip
and come to a complete stop. As I realized that this
is what happened, I thought to myself, “You’re as
bad as a little kid that didn’t get his way.” While I
didn’t throw a temper tantrum, and the anger passed
in a moment, my anger did surprise me.
As I continued down Palm, I wondered if most of
us don’t get angry (at least a little bit) when we
don’t get our own way. I guess I’m cynical enough
to believe that humans are basically selfish. We
can counter those feelings. We don’t have to give
into those feelings, but we do have those feelings.
Which makes Jesus’ willingness to go to the cross
all the more remarkable, human that he was. “Not
my will but yours be done,” Jesus said in the
Garden. “Not my plan, but your plan Father.” Do
we say that to God? Are we even close enough to
God to know what God’s plan is? Maybe you’re
like me. So focused on my trivial plans like not
having to stop at the coming stop sign that I don’t
even think about God’s plan. As Easter ap-
proaches, may we search for God’s plan for us so
we can do God’s will, not our own.
First Baptist Church, Chico
850 Palmetto Avenue
Chico, CA 95926
530-343-3446
www.chicofirstbaptist.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

E-Mail:fbcofficechico@sbcglobal.net
Every Member a Minister
Rev. Ted Sandberg D. Min.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sunday, April 3 - Communion Sunday
Sunday, April 3 - Crop Walk
Saturday, April 9 - ABW Board Meeting (CANCELLED)
Friday, April 15 - Empty Bowls
Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17 - ABW Conference
Sunday, April 17 - Passion Sunday
Sunday, April 17- Missions/Social Concerns serves evening meal at Torres Shelter
Tuesday, April 19 - Circles
Tuesday, April 19 - Passover Begins
Maundy Thursday, - April 21
Thursday, April 21 - FOCUS Articles due in office
Friday, April 22 - Earth Day
Friday, April 22 - Good Friday Service
Sunday, April 24 - Easter

Expediters: Joyce Shannon, Louise Logue, Evelyn Cash, Marta Torres

 APRIL CALENDAR
Date Sermon Title Sermon Text
April 3 Communion
Fourth Sunday in Lent “So Who Is Blind?” John 9:14-25
Worship Leader: Sue Rychtera

Communion Servers: Betty Hannis & Joan Hannis Gerfen

Terre Reynolds & Laura Sederberg

April 10 Fifth Sunday in Lent “Can These Old Bones Live?” Ezekiel 37:1-14
Worship Leader: Gayle Reynolds

April 17 Passion Sunday “The Passion Story” Matthew 27:11-54

Worship Leader: Marc Edson

April 24 Easter “Raised from the Dead” Matthew 28:1-10

Worship Leader: Alesia Bouvet

ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am with Shirley Stanley and Jerry Fogle.
We are using Judson Press Material. This material covers the Bible in 5 years.
Presently in a DVD study of the new testament
Coffee and Donuts provided.
................................................................................................
Happy April Birthday Wishes to: Mickey Savangsy (4/9), Kay Hoffner (4/11), Louise
Barnes (4/15), Delbert Hannis (4/17), Arnie Bredon (4/22), Jerry Fogle (4/27), Mark Latham (4/27),
Jill Ramsey (4/28).
..............................................................
ATTENTION!

CROPWALK: is a way of raising funds and awareness of the needs of people who are hungry, displaced, or struggling
to recover from natural disasters. Money raised through Chico’s CROPWALK is used locally, nationally and
internationally. Sunday, April 3, 1:30pm, beginning at the First Baptist Church.
*************

Thank You
I want to thank everyone for the phone calls and cards. I appreciate them and will get back to the church
soon. My balance isn’t as good as it was. I also have a new address. 2533 Burdick Rd. Durham, Ca 95938.
I have a mail box now which is easier to get my mail. I am sorry that I was so late letting you know of change of
address I also enjoyed Ted and Doris visits. Grace Blanchard

From the Evangelism/Membership Committee

Evangelism/Membership is planning a Caller’s Support Group get-together on Friday, May 6. We will be getting
together at Cheri Sandberg’s house at 2:00pm for a light meal. Anyone who is currently calling on shut-ins or anyone
who is interested in keeping in contact with our shut-ins by visit, telephone, or mail is welcome to attend. Hope to see
you there.
 Focus on Chico First Baptist Family
We are continuing to pray for: The WAR in Iraq and Afghanistan
FRIENDS WITH CANCER: CAROL: Catherine Hendrix’s neighbor - diagnosed with kidney cancer; PAUL
METTLE - Jill Ramsey’s brother-in-law; FERN MORGAN - Mother of friend of Terre Reynolds; ALLY - Crystal
Pulliam’s friend’s little girl; FRANK JAMES - Mary Jane Bowser’s friend - esophageal cancer; MARGARET
BALLINGER’S SISTER - Undergoing chemotherapy for extensive cancer.CHERYL DEAN: Evelyn Cash’s cousin
bone cancer.
*********
LILLIAN WENDORF: Doing well; MARY JANE BOWSER: having knee surgery - dislocated right toe; TIM
CLELAND: Margaret Nevin’s friend - recovering at home and in rehab; SHIRLEY SMITH: Has Parkinson’s and
Palsy SP; AMY: Ed Hightower’s daughter - Parkinson’s disease; RICK: Jill Ramsey’s cousin - kidney failure;
Crystal Pulliam: In hospital
**********
Courtyard at Little Chico Creek: HELEN WALLACE
The Inn at the Terraces (Apt 12): EDITH MCCONNELL
Roses & Ivy Elder Care Center: DOLLY SKINNER
Twin Oaks Care Center: LOU HAYES
Roseleaf Senior Care (Humboldt Rd., Chico): PAULA JOHNSON
Feather River Canyon Home: ELAINE HERRINGTON
MILITARY: JASON WILLIAMS - Ed Hightower’s step grandson
WILL DUNHAM - Doris Arbuckle’s grandson
DAN GERFEN: - Joan Hannis Gerfen’s son deployed to Afghanistan
*********
J.T. Hendrix - Died on March 29. A service will be held Saturday April 9th. Please remember his wife Catherine, his
family, and friends.
******
Pacific Coast Baptist Association. Remember those who are grieving.
********************************************************************************

Emma’s Revolution Saturday, April 9th 7:30pm First Baptist Church(For more information see flyer in Narthex)

********************************************************************************

ABW MINISTRIES CIRCLE MEETINGS - Tuesday, April 19

Charity Circle 10:00AM Country Waffle 690 Rio Lindo
Hope Circle 7:00PM Louise Logue 828 Sheridan Ave
Lauran Bethell Circle 6:30 PM Jack’s Restaurant 540 Main

EMPTY BOWLS: Is a fund raiser for the hungry and homeless. Friday April 15 th , 5:00 & 6:15 pm.
$10 Buys a homemade bowl and a dinner of bread & soup, dessert & coffee available.
For more information please see flyer in the Narthex.

Also from the Evangelism/Membership Committee:

Evangelism/Membership will be making up care packages again in May to send to our servicemen and women, who
are overseas. If you know of any additions, deletions, or address corrections that should be made to our list of service
people, please let Carol (our church secretary) know as soon as possible.
AB Women’s Ministries
Bible Book for April: Zechariah
News & Updates
********************************************************************************
CIRCLE OF HOPE
Our March Circle was held at the home of Joan Hannis-Gerfen at 7:00 P.M. Those in attendance were Joan, Cheri
Sandberg, Marty Brandstatt, Sue Rychtera and Joyce Shannon. We spent most of our meeting packing almonds for the
ABW conference in Yakima WA in April. We all agreed the ladies would appreciate our table decorations for the
Saturday meal, especially since they are a product of this area. Also several of the ladies will be attending the
conference. We enjoyed great fellowship while we were working and Joan provided us with a delicious dessert of
brownies, strawberries and hot tea. We adjourned at 9:00 P.M. The April meeting will be at the home of Louise
Logue.
Submitted by Joyce Shannon
********************************************************************************
CHARITY CIRCLE
Our March Circle was held on the 12th , Those in attendance were Jackie Long, Betty Hannis, Evelyn Cash, Vivian
Anderegg, Lena White, Ann Clark,and Margaret Ballinger. Margaret opened with a prayer, Jackie gave a report on the
ABW Meeting , Margaret read a letter of thanks from the Catalyst, and Lena read two letters from Cora Rae. We
discussed doing the Easter baskets and agreed we would. Our Love Gift was $35.69, Regular Gift was $9.00, total
$58.00. Ann Clark gave the devotional “Laugh Again” by Charles Swindoll, she also gave the closing prayer.
Submitted by Lena White
********************************************************************************
LAURAN BETHELL CIRCLE
"It was a dark and stormy night..." but that didn't stop about nine members of the Lauran Bethell Circle from
gathering at Logan's Road House for dinner and our meeting. The meeting was opened with prayer by Margaret
Ballinger, and Shirley Stanley gave her usual insightful devotion. The love gift collection was taken. We discussed the
Easter Baskets the circles will be preparing for Child Protective Services. 36 baskets have been ordered, along with the
cellophane wrappers for them. Each circle will be "loading" 12 baskets with goodies and Easter treats. Also discussed
was the need for new ABW officers. Training will be happily provided for all officers. Even if you've never held an
office before -- try it -- you might like it!
Submitted by Doris Arbuckle*****************************************************************************
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Attitude of Gratitude
You will soon notice a new banner hanging in the Narthex, printed with the words “Attitude of Gratitude”. We
hope that as you read these words it will help you to forget the negative things in our world today, and instead consider
all of the good there is around you! If you have something that you are grateful for, and want to add to our banner, we
will have cards available for you to use. The cards will be picked up periodically and your expressions of gratitude
will be typed and added to the banner. May God bless us as we try to change our attitudes and also help us to
remember all the things for which we should be grateful.
Submitted by Betty Hannis and Sue Rychtera
********************************************************************************
At the March AB Women's Ministries General Meeting information was given regarding our National AB
Women's Ministries slate of officers for the next three years; information regarding the new project for the next two
years and updates from our missionaries in Japan. I also highlighted a newsletter from the Pacific Northwest
Churches/Evergreen Association which told what the ladies are doing in their communities and churches. We did not
vote on officers for our own church as only nine women attended the meeting. We will vote in September.
Submitted by Cheri Sandberg
 MISSIONS AND SOCIAL CONCERN’S COMMITTEE

The Missions and Social Concern's committee met on February 22, 2011 at Ann Clarks. We discussed the
Torres Shelter. We would like to thank all the members of the church who serve dinner on the 3rd Sunday
each month. We can take homemade cookies for dessert. If anyone would like to donate 2 to 3 dozen cookies
for the dinner on April 17th, please bring them to church that Sunday. We are still taking eight gallons of
milk to the shelter every week. There have been from four to nine children each night. We have been
collecting the America for Christ offering this month. We discussed the Easter baskets for CPS and the circles
will be making up 36 baskets. The Crop walk will be in April and Lena White has been signing up walkers in
the narthex. The committee had no business to discus and had no meeting in March. Our next meeting will be
April 26th, we welcome anyone who might want to attend and bring some fresh ideas.
Cindy Hightower
Chairman Missions,Social Concerns
*******************************************************************************

On February 27, Rev. Sandi John introduce us to a new way of practicing prayer through her class on Spiritual
Practice: Affirmations of Serenity, Sufficiency and Gratitude. Sandi walked us through the different steps that can be
incorporated in to our daily prayer practices and how this may also help us work towards a more deeper achievement
of serenity and will help us be more grateful for the blessings that we receive on a daily basis. A continuing class will
be offered in the next months.

Submited by Marta Torres

********************************************************************************

LADIES Start your spring cleaning as we are having our "In and Out Yard Sale" bring
clean and in good shape clothes, as well as other items no holes or stains please.
You may start dropping off donations now thru Thursday May 12.
All donations need to be in by May 12.
WE WILL BE SETTING UP ON THURSDAY MAY 12, & FRIDAY MAY 13,
YARD SALE WILL BE: May 14, 2011
*****************************************************************************************************
Just a little something about the 18th Annual Community Choir Festival, I attended the festival this year
with Joyce Shannon; it was an amazing event that brought many churches together to share in the joy of
song. Each choir sang two songs as well as a hymn, (while the other group was setting up).
The final song was sung by all the Choirs combined. I had a chance to hear many different sounds and
instruments. While most of the groups were large there were a few small ones including our very own.
Of course we were the best sounding of them all.
Pastor Ted Sandberg, Cheri Sandberg, Jerry Brandstatt, Catherine Hendrix, Marty Stentzel, Cal Rainey,
Margarita Rainey, Anne Wheelock, and of course our very own Choir Director : Marty Brandstatt.
They all did such a fantastic job ! I’m looking forward to next years.
Submitted by Carol Willette
 Today I called Elizabeth Funk and chatted quite a while - except for her aches and pains (which we all
have) she is doing fine. She spent two weeks in Illinois in September, her son and daughter in law flew
back with her and they stayed with her niece (I think) and had a glorious time - the weather was great while
they were there. She quit driving and doesn’t get out much but sends her best to everyone and looks
forward to some of us coming down again for lunch (hopefully we can plan on this sometime in the Spring).
I also called Joy Reil - they have had a time with snow - were snowed in for two days (12" of snow)
which resulted in no heat, no electricity, phone, etc. but they do have a fireplace and used it.. Al’s son
came and rescued them and got them to Chico ( they had to walk out in the snow) and they spent several
days here in Chico at their mobile home (which she said needed to be cleaned). They did have a vacation
in Arizona this fall and came home with a different motor home ( not a new, but a newer one) which they
are very pleased with. They seem to be doing well and plugging along like the rest of us and send their
best regards to us all.
Submitted by Margaret Ballinger
****************************************************************************

Easter Lilies may be ordered in memory of a loved one. They will be used to decorate our sanctuary on Easter Sunday,
April 24, and then be available for you to take home after the service.

The cost is tentatively - $10 for one lily. You can make your check payable to First Baptist Church. The deadline for
ordering a lily is Sunday, April 17.

You may leave this order form in the offering plate, contact Marty Brandstatt, or contact the office to place an order.

YES! I would like to purchase an Easter Lily.

My Name ________________________________________________

In Memory of ____________________________________________
(please print - the name will appear exactly as it is written)
 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
Autism
Lifespan 10am -

April 2011
6pm Rose Scott

3 Communion 4 5 6 7 8 9
Fourth Sunday of Pastor/Staff Martial Arts Worship 11am
Lent 5:30pm 9:15 - 12:30 Country Waffle Communications Missional Mtg
Crop Walk 1:30 9am Shell Ridge
First Baptist Evan/Member 9am
Church 6:30 pm Stewardship Choir 6 pm Chico Peace
6pm Center 5-10pm
*C. Hightower

10 Fifth Sunday in 11 12 13 14 15 16
Lent Martial Arts Chico High
9:15-12:30 Empty bowls ABW Conference
Christian CAIC 11:45 am Yakima WA
Education 6pm Choir 6 pm ABW
Conference
*L. Logue Gov. Bd. 7pm

17 Passion Sunday 18 19 Passover 20 21 Maundy 22 Earth Day 23

ABW Conference begins Thursday service Community
Quarterly Business 7pm Good Friday
meeting Martial Arts Service,
Missions/Social svc 9:15-12:30 Choir 6 pm First Christian
Torres Shelter Circles Focus articles due Church 12
J. Fogle
CIRCLES
Good Friday

24 25 26 27 28 29 30
EASTER Property mtg Martial Arts
3:30 9:15-12:30
Missions/Social
5:15pm
*J. Rychtera Choir 6 pm
F.O.R.7pm