“GROW UP” BIRTHDAYS INTRODUCTIONS COMING EVENTS MISSIONSBY, EUGENE PETERSON ANNIVERSARIES DAYCARE STAFF HUME LAKE 2016 RECIPES MARCH/APRIL LOVE ANAHEIM

INSIDE

MBC The MagazineMAGNOLIA BAPTIST CHURCH Mar-Apr 2016 I Vol. 2, No. 2

Millions of people around the world will soon center their celebrations on the resurrection of Christ. For many though, the joyful celebration will end with the benediction and life will continue as normal. However, those millions who fall into normal are missing out on the greatest invitation they will ever have—to live in Christ! Many Christians believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead to provide them an opportunity to go to Heaven when they die. Even the language of these Christians is more about reuniting with the people they miss most on Earth.

Christ was resurrected from the dead so we can have eternal life with God in Heaven AND resurrection life with God here on Earth.

“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us - an unbelievable inheritance!” Eugene Peterson’s rendering of Romans 8:17 in The Message.

How awesome is that? Your life in Christ is adventurously expectant!

As you read through this issue of MBC: The Magazine, our prayer is that you are inspired to jump the adventures of new life with Christ!

Glad to be your pastor,

Jeremy K. Bratcher,Lead PastorMagnolia Baptist Church

Resurrectionof

Christ

WELCOME

FATHERHOODChange of

Perspective

PracticeResurrection

EUGENE PETERSON

MAKING ROOM For the Unexpected

Get to know themDAYCARE STAFF

LOVE ANAHEIM How to get

involved

Updates andrecipe from Pearsons

Believing inJesus

So manyways to serve

GLOBAL OUTREACH

LIVING RESURRECTION

COMMUNITY PRESENCE

RESURRECTED LIFE

CHECK IT OUT

HUME LAKE

READING LIST

MARCH & APRIL

Quotations about Easter

Updates and Upcoming Events

Who’s goingto camp

Recommended for 2016

Birthdays andAnniversaries

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How long have you believed in Jesus? Now, think a bit more with me, what exactly does that mean to you?

Maybe you’ve come to some conclusions about going to Heaven, being forgiven, or finding peace. Maybe you’re uncertain as to what conclusion you are trying to reach.

The ancient Christian writer Paul came to his own conclusion about what believing in Jesus meant to him:

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11

Once we make our way through doubt and come to understand the gospel story, new questions arise: How do we practice the resurrection? What difference does it make in you and me? How do we live this new, or raised, life?

A.W. Tozer, a 20th Century Christian thinker lamented, “Does it not seem strange that the generation with the most advanced technology and the easiest-to-read Bible translations is the weakest generation of Christians in the history of our country? Church attendance has never been lower, and the Christian influence in our culture never weaker.” A.W. Tozer, The Crucified Life: How To Live Out A Deeper Christian Experience.

For all of our advancements in technology, presentation,

communication and accessibility, living out the Christ-centered life still seems somewhat far away. We arrive at some level of contented discontent. We are fine with going to church, reading our Bibles, praying and serving others, but there is still something, that if we are most honest, feels lacking from our “Christian experience”.

In short, we miss out on the new life. Resurrection life is nothing short of an entirely new identity. An identity is formed by what defines you. In American culture, your

L i v i n g R e s u r r e c t i o nJeremy Bratcher

sexual orientation, your political party, your race, your religion, or your home state may define you. You can find identity in your occupation, your alma mater, your hobbies, and even your clothes. Try this: fill in the blanks:

I am _______________________________. I am _______________________________.I am _______________________________. I am _______________________________.

What four things did you write? Why did you self-identify that way? Is there anything you wish you had written instead? Is there anything you believe about yourself that you are afraid to write?

Those things make up our identity. Sometimes our identities are composite, meaning they are not limited to one simple word or phrase. Sometimes that identity comes out in a mantra of sorts: I am what I eat, who I sleep with, how I make money, what I wear, what I look like or where I came from. Others define themselves by failures, addictions or past wounds.

The interesting thing about faith in Christ is when we truly embrace, new life and new identity are found. The Bible says that in Christ I am: forgiven, a child of God, a friend of God, blessed, a new creation, sent out, and redeemed…just to name a few of the new realities found through faith in Christ.

All of this is found as we practice resurrection. Eugene Peterson writes:

The resurrection of Jesus establishes the conditions in which we live and mature in the Christian life and carry on this conversation: Jesus alive and present. A lively sense of Jesus’ resurrection, which took place without any help or comment from us, keeps us from attempting to take charge of our own development and growth. Frequent meditation on Jesus’ resurrection — the huge mystery of it, the unprecedented energies flowing from it — prevents us from reducing the language of our conversation to what we can define or control. “Practice resurrection,” a phrase I got from Wendell Berry, strikes just the right note. We live our lives in the practice of what we do not originate and cannot anticipate. When we practice resurrection, we continuously enter into what is more than we are. When we practice resurrection, we keep company with Jesus, alive and present, who knows where we are going better than we do, which is always “from glory unto glory.” Excerpted from Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ.

The call of the resurrection is to leave the old way behind and to embrace the new life Jesus offers. The resurrection enables us to follow Jesus into new life! We do not hold back because we live with certainty that death and sin are defeated—and with that, the imagination of a new identity becomes reality.

Live resurrection!

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FATHERHOOD CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE

Adam DeClercq

I wanted to write about something original and unique. So, when I was asked to write something for the newsletter about the Crucifixion, my mind immediately went to my first Easter as a father, when Garrett was only a couple of weeks old. I knew right away I would write about how fatherhood changed my perspective and made me love the meaning of Easter even more. As a father, I could now appreciate the agonizing pain that would be required to sacrifice my son - and I loved Yahweh for it. Then a few days ago, I was strolling around the internet when I happened upon an article that said essentially everything I was thinking; only it was better written, more interesting, and more eloquent. I scrapped my idea and I’ve been trying to think of something original that I could say. Until this morning.

The reading I was doing this morning reminded me that I don’t want to be original and unique on this topic. I need to say what has been said a thousand times before. I need to proclaim Jesus! My experience of fatherhood, as life altering as it is, shouldn’t be the focus. But that is what I was going to write; a message where my life, and my love for my son were the focus. The focus needs to be on Jesus. I do think there is an important metaphor in a person’s experience with becoming a parent. We learn to love in a whole new way. We learn to sacrifice in ways that are both painful and joyful at the same time. And as parents we catch a glimpse of the sacrifice that God made when he sent Jesus. And it is a beautiful metaphor.

But it pales to the real purpose of the Crucifixion. A sinless man was killed for me. He was killed in a brutal, painful, humiliating way. All while he had the power to bring the whole crowd to their knees. My heart breaks at this sacrifice. And this man, Jesus, belonged to God Almighty. With a word, His father could have saved Him. Under His own power, power granted to Him by His father, He could have flipped the whole situation on his Roman and Jewish persecutors. Instead, God the Father turned His back on His son. And my heart breaks again. The son, scared and hurting and desperate calls out for his Dad. He wants to be held, He wants to be comforted, and as He calls out to His father. With his last painful gasps of breath, Jesus cries out DADDY! “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” With a breath, life left Jesus. And His father, His God...did nothing. Except that He didn’t do “nothing.” He did everything. He allowed Jesus to

pay the price for the sins I committed today. He paid the price for the sins I committed yesterday. He paid the price for the sins I will commit tomorrow. God Almighty allowed Jesus his son, whom He loves the way I love my children, to die for me. There are no more unique or original stories than that. The creator of the universe sacrifices His all for me. That is nearly incomprehensible love, and it is mine, and it is available to all of us. The Crucifixion is critical to our Christian faith because it is the moment when Jesus did for us what we can never do on our own. He took on all of the sins of mankind, and made us clean. So now, when God Almighty looks at us, he doesn’t see our corruption, our hate, lust, envy, greed, malice. No, when God looks at us, he sees His son Jesus, and the perfection imparted to us because of Jesus. Therefore, let this be the story I tell today. Let this be the story I tell my sons and my daughter. Let this be the story I work to proclaim with my life everyday: I believe in God the Father, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in the Holy Spirit, and he’s given us new life.

Eugene Peterson, Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ, (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2010). Reprinted by permission of the publisher; all rights reserved.

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EUGENE PE TERSON

Growing up involves the work of the Holy Spirit forming our born-again spirits into the likeness of Christ. It is the work anticipated by St. Luke’s sentence on John the Baptist. After the story of his birth we read: “the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly” (Luke 1:80). That is followed a page or so later by this sentence on Jesus, following the story of his birth: “and Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in divine and human favor” (Luke 2:52). St. Paul uses a similar vocabulary in describing the agenda he sets out for Christians in the Ephesian letter: that we “come . . . to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ . . . grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:13, 15). Or, as I have translated it: “God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love — like Christ in everything . . . so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love” (The Message).

John grew up.

Jesus grew up.

Paul tells us, “Grow up.”

Eugene Peterson is professor emeritus of spiritual theology at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, and the author of many books, including Practice Resurrection, the fifth and final book in his award-winning series of “conversations” on spiritual theology.

The following is excerpted from Peterson’s introduction to the book, Practice Resurrection.

This is a conversation on becoming a mature Christian, Christian formation, growing up to the stature of Christ.

All of us are born. No exceptions. Birth brought us alive, kicking and crying, into a world that is vast, complex, damaged, demanding . . . and beautiful. In increments, day-by day, we begin to get the hang of it. We drink from our mother’s breast, go to sleep, and wake up. One day on waking up we

stand upright and amaze everyone with our pedestrian acrobatics. It isn’t long before we’re old hands at language, using nouns and verbs with the best of them. We are growing up.

Jesus used the birth event as a metaphor for another kind of birth: becoming alive to God. Alive to God-alive. Life vast, complex, damaged, demanding . . . and beautiful. Alive to God’s holiness, God’s will, God’s kingdom, power, and glory. There is more to life after birth than mother’s milk, sleeping and waking, walking and talking. There is God.

Jesus introduced the birth metaphor in a conversation with rabbi Nicodemus one night in Jerusalem, telling him, “You must be born from above” (John 3:7). The metaphor can also be translated “born anew” (RSV) and “born again” (KJV). Nicodemus didn’t understand the metaphor, didn’t get it. Literalists, maybe especially religious literalists, have a difficult time with metaphors. A metaphor is a word that makes an organic connection from what you can see to what you can’t see. In any conversation involving God, whom we can’t see, metaphors are invaluable for keeping language vivid and immediate. Without metaphors we are left with colorless abstractions and vague generalities.

Jesus liked metaphors and used them a lot. “Born from above” is one of his most memorable. But as Jesus elaborated on his born-from above metaphor (John 3:5-21), we can be fairly certain that Nicodemus did eventually get it, for the next time he is mentioned, playing a major role along with Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of the crucified body of Jesus (John 19:38-40), it looks very much as if he had decided to participate in the way of Jesus. Despite, or more likely because of, the metaphor, Nicodemus was born from above. And not only born, but growing. His presence at the burial is evidence that ever since that conversation with Jesus he had been growing, growing in understanding and participation, on his way to maturity in the world of God alive.

So, birth. Then growth. The most significant growing up that any person does is to grow as a Christian. All other growing up is a preparation for or ancillary to this growing up. Biological and social, mental and emotional growing is all ultimately absorbed into growing up in Christ. Or not. The human task is to become mature, not only in our bodies and emotions and minds within ourselves, but also in our relationship with God and other persons.

MBC is one of 2 Sponsoring Organizations for Love Anaheim.

Love Anaheim is a broad-based Service Project Movement which is faith-based and community-led. It connects to city departments, the business community, service organizations, school districts and non-profits, and is run by volunteers with an “all welcome to participate” mindset. This multi-sector Service Project Movement has the goal of loving and serving Anaheim. It will feature 4 main Service Project Events (1 each quarter or so) that will match willing leaders, volunteers and funding to accomplish a wide range of need based projects. The Love Anaheim Movement will add goodness, compassion and kindness across the City of Anaheim by the various Faith Based Groups, non-profits, school districts, businesses, service organizations, neighborhoods, city departments, residents and guests all working together for the common good of Anaheim. The first Service Project Event will be Saturday, April 30 from 8am-2pm. Check out the website www.loveanaheim.org for more details.

MBC received a $5,000 grant for a Mobile Community Tool Locker! We have purchased a 5 x 10’ trailer and have equipped it with tools and items for community or neighborhood service projects. The trailer will be able to be “checked out” by churches or individuals as a means of assisting in community and neighborhood projects. The Mobile Tool Locker will be a way of connecting and building relationships with our community and neighborhoods.

We will be using the Mobile Tool Locker for projects such as KaBoom, Labor Of Love, AUHSD Servathon.

The Tool Locker will be ready for use the first part of March, please See Nathan Zug for details. Please pray for this ministry and the effect that it will have on those who use it.

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M B C a n d N A B S o C a lM o b i l e C o m m u n i t y To o l L o c k e r

Nathan Zug

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R E S U R R E C T E D L I F ECompiled by Jeremy K. BratcherQuotat ions about Easter to st i r heart and mind.

Christ Is Risen from the dead, trampling down death with death.Eastern Orthodox hymn

FOLLOWING JESUS doesn’t get us where we want to go. It gets us to where Jesus goes, where we meet him in Resurrection surprise: “My Lord and my God!”Eugene H. Peterson, The Jesus Way

WE currently suffer physical limitations, we get weary in our work, and we groan in our illnesses. We do so knowing that the full redemption of our bodies is promised. Our hope is to have glorified bodies like that of our risen Lord! This is in marked contrast to Greek philosophy of immortality of the soul or the rational aspect of the self in a future escape from the body. … [We] believe in resurrection and in a transformed body. We will have our identity in all eternity.Myron S. Augsburger, Soli Deo Gloria

LOOK FORWARD to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing.Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of St. Benedict

THOSE first-century Jews who expected the Resurrection saw it as a single event, the raising to new bodily life of all at the very end. But it is central to Paul and, after him, to all other early Christian writers that the Resurrection is now a two-stage event—or better, a single event taking place in two moments, as Paul puts it: Christ the first fruits, and then at his coming, those who belong to him.N. T. Wright in The Resurrection of Jesus

A DEAD CHRIST I must do everything for; a living Christ does everything for me. Andrew Murray, Jesus Himself

HE, the Life of all, our Lord and Savior, did not arrange the manner of his own death lest He should seem to be afraid of some other kind. No. He accepted and bore upon the cross a death inflicted by others, and those other His special enemies, a death which to them was supremely terrible and by no means to be faced; and He did this in order that, by destroying even this death, He might Himself be believed to be the Life, and the power of death be recognized as finally annulled. A marvelous and mighty paradox has thus occurred, for the death which they thought to inflict on Him as dishonor and disgrace has become the glorious monument to death’s defeat. Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation

FOR ME the most radical demand of Christian faith lies in summoning the courage to say yes to the present risenness of Jesus Christ. Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging

SOCRATES mastered the art of dying; Christ overcame death as “the last enemy” (1 Cor. 15:26). There is a real difference between the two things; the one is within the scope of human possibilities, the other means resurrection. It is not from ars moriendi, the art of dying, but from the resurrection of Christ that a new and purifying wind can blow through our present world. … If a few people really believed that and acted on it in their daily lives, a great deal would be changed. To live in the light of the Resurrection—that is what Easter means.Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison

IF JESUS ROSE from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead. Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:26

HEATHER WEDEN

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

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M A K I N G R O O M F O R T H E U N E X P E C T E D

Sometimes we get so comfortable with the what, that we forget the why. Recently I had a discussion with some of our students who had forgotten why we have youth group. They actually became resistant to the idea of a new student coming to our Tuesday night study. They were comfortable with the kids who come already. Our regulars know what to expect each week, whom they want to hang out with and the new kid was changing up the social paradigm. The usual table groupings didn’t look the same. He asked questions that they thought they already had answers to.

As disappointed as I was to have heard their disdain for the change, I don’t think the students’ attitudes were all that unique. We get comfortable with the relationships we already have. We like knowing where we are going to sit and who is going to be at the next table. Plus, our lives are already full. We are busy. Making room, time and allowances for someone new seems like a lot to ask – especially when that someone new isn’t what we expect.

We know that there were some who experienced similar challenges when they met the Messiah. He did not come as expected. Certainly those who did anticipate his arrival were astounded and put-off at his manner of speaking and socializing. Even those who chose to follow him were still caught off-guard by some of his choices; speaking to disgraceful women, touching the diseased, walking on water. And if dying on the cross confused and frustrated his followers imagine how off-balance they must have felt when he appeared alive again! Would the surprises never cease?

Like those who followed him in the first century, we are challenged to make room for the unexpected. Our King, the God who hates injustice, asks us to show mercy when it is not deserved, show kindness

“Ugh, that new kid is so annoying.”

“He’s in seventh grade. You went through awkward times too.”

“I hope he doesn’t come anymore.”

and hospitality to those who may threaten our values, and to be courageous in a world that rejects our Savior. Truly, making room for Jesus, means making room for the unexpected, even the unwanted.

These past couple months we have been talking about putting Jesus in the “best friend” position in our social circles, remembering to invite him to our activities and even consulting him on what to wear to school. Having him around, or being more aware of his presence, has made it

easier to “act justly, love mercy, walk humbly,” but just because it is easier knowing that the Lord of all the Universe is with us, encouraging us to make wise decisions, doesn’t always mean we want to. Wanting the things the He wants, loving the people He loves will require a transformation of our hearts. We will continue to study the life and character of Jesus in our next two series this winter, in hopes of truly learning to love Him and desire the things he desires.

Please pray for the hearts of our students and for wisdom for our leaders.

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D A Y C A R E S T A F FCATHY MILLERHow long have you worked for Anaheim Magnolia Daycare?From the first day it opened. A total of 33 years doing childcare.

Tell us about your family. Are you married, have children, single, have siblings?I was adopted by my mom and dad and I have two older brothers. My dad is a linguist missionary and Lutheran Pastor and my mother a true saint. I am married to Mr. Eric for 21 years and have adopted two daughters. I have 5 grandchildren and 22 God-children. I can’t forget my church family and 60 daycare kids! Oh yeah, my 3 cats!

What is the furthest east you have traveled?New York? Bahamas? How far east?

What is the funniest thing you have heard a child say? So many things and some you just can’t repeat. haha! Once a child asked me if I was “God’s wife”? Another favorite was if I sleep at daycare?

If you could live in any other country for 2 years, where would you go? New Zealand

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Reading and video games, bike riding, being with family and friends.

CHRISSY JENNINGSHow long have you worked for Anaheim Magnolia Daycare?It seems like just months because I’m so blessed to work with these kids and parents, but it’s acutally been 5 years!

Tell us about your family. Are you married, have children, single, have siblings?God has given me a hard-working husband named Brent and two healthy, smart kids, Faith (11) and Christian (12). I also have one little Furbaby Shitzu named Cookie!

What is the furthest east you have traveled?New York City!

What is the funniest thing you have heard a child say? I tried to wake my daughter up when she was 3 with the early bird gets the worm line. . . and she said “No Man!! The early worm gets the hurty! Can’t argue with that! lol

If you could live in any other country for 2 years, where would you go? Australia, I reckon. I’d head down under to the reef, wallabies, koalas,cool accents and flip flops! Check out what God is doing there!

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? I love to visit or call friends and family and keep those connections going. Lunch dates and long chats.

ERIC MILLERHow long have you worked for Anaheim Magnolia Daycare?From the first day it opened. Five years ago.

Tell us about your family. Are you married, have children, single, have siblings?My father passed away at 65, so I have just my mother left. She has been very sick. I have one sister, one niece and one great-nephew. I am married to Miss Cathy and that came with 1,000 more family members.

What is the furthest east you have traveled?Florida? Bahamas?

What is the funniest thing you have heard a child say? A child asked me if I was Miss Cathy’s father?

If you could live in any other country for 2 years, where would you go? Anywhere in South America.

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Watching the History Channel or documentaries.

JOURNEY MOSQUEDAHow long have you worked for Anaheim Magnolia Daycare?3 years, going on 4.

Tell us about your family. Are you married, have children, single, have siblings?I am newly marrried, its been five months. I have amazing and supportive parents. An older sister, Rhianna and an older brother, Brock, who is serving in the Navy.

What is the furthest east you have traveled?Illinois, when my brother graduated from Bootcamp.

What is the funniest thing you have heard a child say? Everything Mohammed says makes me laugh. Also, recently one of the girls told me my hair looked like it caught on fire. That made me laugh?

If you could live in any other country for 2 years, where would you go? I would live in Italy. I’ve always wanted to go there and living there would be so beautiful.

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Spend it with my husband watching a movie or show (since it’s only 30 minutes), or just talking.

2016some fun quest ions. . .

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BRITTNEY GRANTHow long have you worked for Anaheim Magnolia Daycare?Almost four years

Tell us about your family. Are you married, have children, single, have siblings?I’m single and have two half brothers and a dog. I live with my mom and dad.

What is the furthest east you have traveled?Ireland

What is the funniest thing you have heard a child say? I can’t think of any one thing on the spot. They do say funny things all of the time.

If you could live in any other country for 2 years, where would you go? Somewhere in Europe. Probably England or Ireland.

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Go on my phone, read or Netflix.

MARY MCGUNIGALEHow long have you worked for Anaheim Magnolia Daycare?Almost two years

Tell us about your family. Are you married, have children, single, have siblings?I have both my parents, 2 brothers and one sister. I also have a brother-in-law, one niece and one nephew.

What is the furthest east you have traveled?Minnesota

What is the funniest thing you have heard a child say? A girl asked a boy if he knew who first walked on the moon? He said no. She then replied, “neither do I, but I know it was a boy”!

If you could live in any other country for 2 years, where would you go? Ireland

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Reading a good book or watching Netflix.

JOSHUA MCGUNIGALEHow long have you worked for Anaheim Magnolia Daycare?3 years

Tell us about your family. Are you married, have children, single, have siblings?I am single and living at home with my parents. I have an older brother, Sam. An older sister, Rebecca, and a younger sister Mary.

What is the furthest east you have traveled?Minnesota

What is the funniest thing you have heard a child say? “You have a mom and she’s not dead yet?”

If you could live in any other country for 2 years, where would you go? England

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Video games, reading or TV.

MARIA HADDADHow long have you worked for Anaheim Magnolia Daycare?Since 2011

Tell us about your family. Are you married, have children, single, have siblings?I’ve been married for about 13 years and I have one child. His name is Abraham and he is 11 years old. I have one brother and on sister. I’m the little one in my family.

What is the furthest east you have traveled?Mexico

What is the funniest thing you have heard a child say? You are sooo “pretty”.

If you could live in any other country for 2 years, where would you go? Jordan, Amman, Middle East.

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Dance, shopping, reading a book, playing with my son.

The most traditional dish to cook and serve in Spain is Paella.

PaellaSpanish Rice with Chicken and Seafood

1 dozen clams or mussels ½ kilo of prawns (large shrimp) 1 small chicken or rabbit 200 grams of pork loin in cubes 75 ml olive oil 3 cloves of garlic 1 bay leaf 1 small onion 2 green peppers 30 grams squid cut in rings 2 large tomatoes- chopped 500 grams of rice (must be small grain rice or Arborio) 1 generous pinch of saffron threads (let them steep in a small amount of water to release the color and flavor) Pepper to taste 1 Tablespoon of Spanish paprika 2 teaspoons of salt 1 small tin of red pimiento 100 grams of cooked peas

1. Clean the clams or mussels and steam them open. Remove a half shell and discard, setting aside the clams or mussels on one side. Strain and reserve the liquid in which they were cooked.2. Peel the prawns saving several unpeeled for garnish. Cook them in a little water, adding the other shells. Strain and reserve the liquid.3. Cut the chicken into serving pieces.4. In the paella pan, heat half of the oil and toast the garlic and bay leaf. Remove them and set them aside.5. In the same oil slowly brown the chicken pieces with the cubed pork, turning them often. Remove to a dish when nicely browned.6. Now add the minced onion and peppers to the oil and let them sauté for a few minutes.7. Add the squid rings and sauté8. Add the tomatoes and let them fry in the oil. Add the remaining oil.9. Add the rice along with the chicken and the pork and stir briefly to coat the rice with oil.10. Combine the reserved cooking liquids with water or stock, and heat.11. Add the chopped garlic, saffron pepper, paprika and salt.12. Decorate the top of the paella with strips of pimiento and cooked peas.13. Don’t stir the rice. but allow it to cook and absorb the broth.14. Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 mins. 15. Serve with thick slices of lemon that is squeezed over the rice.

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Bobbie and John Pearson who are with Wycliffe Bible Translators finished 2 New Testament translations in Spain in the last few years. The languages are Nosa Fala and Aragonés. Our church has copies of these New Testaments on display in the office.

John and Bobbie have moved out of Spain having completed their work of many years there and are looking as to where the Lord will have them take their next step.

3 prayer requests:1. Please pray for our future direction and for a clear leading of the Holy Spirit about our next assignment.2. Please pray for those who read the New Testaments that we have published to receive His Salvation and their hearts would be turned toward God.3. Please pray for the salvation of our 30 grandchildren and our great grandchild and for the impact they will have on the world.

As Christians who make their living reaching others for Christ, what would you say to someone who views you as “professionals”?This is an interesting question. We suppose our answer is similar to that of pastors and other para-church organizations. We consider ourselves servants and volunteers to Christ and others and we are humbled to have had the opportunity to work with those in other countries. Many in Spain did consider us professionals which was probably important for the work of Bible Translation and subsequent publication. When working with linguistic societies, publishers, political and church officials etc. there should be a certain level of professionalism.

On the field when discouragement comes, what are your sources of joy?Thank you for your thoughtful questions. There was discouragement of course as there is with everyone and we leaned heavily on our Spanish church leadership and friends for encouragement. Fellowship with other believers and being present in each others lives has been a source of joy for our family no matter where we have lived. For those not actively involved in their church family, it must be very difficult to get past the rough patches of life alone and without the encouragement of other believers.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17

G L O B A LO U T R E A C H

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C o m m u n i t y P r e s e n c e M i n i s t r y O p p o r t u n i t i e sThere are some emerging Ministry Opportunities that we want to make available. WILL YOU PRAY WITH US that God brings forth a Team of people for these Ministry Opportunities?

• Homeless Hospitality Team (HHT)- This is a team of 3-5 people who will provide friendship, weekly resources and Biblical guidance through example and conversation for a homeless person who is in a temporary shelter. Some training is involved to provide you information on how to best serve in this area. We have an immediate need for 3 ladies to be an HHT for a lady who is currently in Grandma’s House of Hope. This Ministry will take 1-3 hours per week.

• Human Trafficking Survivor Resource Closet (HTSRC) – This is a team of 3-5 people who will monitor and supply our new Closet and also network with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force to put the needed items in the Closet. This Ministry will take less than an hour a week.

• Mobile Community Tool Locker Team - This is a team of 3-5 people who will monitor, refresh and coordinate the use of our new Mobile Community Tool Locker. It will need to be checked and prepared before it is checked out and then checked, organized and re-stocked when returned. This ministry will take about an hour per week, with some additional time initially as we get it ready for check out.

• Neighborhood Trash Clean Up Team – This is a team of 5-10 people who will learn 5 Trash Clean Up Routes around MBC and who will walk these routes as they can. This team will also be used to assist Volunteer Teams who contact MBC about Community Service as we deploy them to pick up trash in our neighborhoods. This is a good opportunity to interact with and share God’s love with neighbors and volunteers who are serving with us. This Ministry will take 1 or more hours per week depending how much you want to be involved.

If you are interested in serving in any of these Ministries, please check the MBC Website under Community Presence/Opportunities to Serve, stop by the Community Presence table in the Courtyard on Sundays, or contact Nathan Zug.

C O N N E C T I N G W I T H H I G H S C H O O L S E R V I C E C L U B SPLEASE PRAY FOR OUR COMMUNITY PRESENCE MINISTRYCONNECTING WITH HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS.

On Saturday, February 20, Jerry King, Christian Schnurpel, Ken & Vicki Felig, Sandra Myers, Eli Manchester, Annette Hughes, Tim Nelson and Joanna Zug served alongside 30 students from Kennedy High School CSF and NHS Clubs. Together we prepared 60 food bags for distribution, organized our food packing room, inventoried/ organized our Hygiene Kit supplies, set up/organized our Human Trafficking Survivor Resource Closet, painted 7 City Of Anaheim trash cans with beautiful artwork, picked up trash in the surrounding 1.5 mile radius of MBC, inventoried/listed the tools in our Mobile

Community Tool Locker, and prepared 14 Trash Can Art Kits for future deployment.

We further developed our relationships with the Kennedy High Students and showed them God’s kindness and compassion though our work serving together.

We continue to work with other High School Clubs: Magnolia High School (MHS) JROTC, ASB, Key and LEO Clubs, and Western High Filipino Club on events such as Labor Of Love, AUHSD Servathon, Eggstravaganza, and various other Community Service Projects.

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De’lisaDe’lisa has been a part of the daycare family for a few years. Now that she is older she has chosen to continue to come in order to invest in some of the younger girls. She helps out with snack, assists little ones on field trips, and happily hangs out with the 6th and 7th grade girls after school as a casual, but important role model. Quality time spent is her obvious love language and she invests it wisely.

• School: Magnolia High School• Grade: 11th• Favorite thing about school: “That’s hard… French class”• One day hopes to be… “a veterinarian.”• Favorite thing about God: “He made horses and people.”• If you could ask God one question… “Why did you create me?”• Thing you are most looking forward to about Hume Lake Summer camp: “meeting

people and getting closer to God.”• Thing that you wished people knew about you “That I’m nice and not to judge me by

my face.”

MeganMegan joined our youth shepherding team a couple years ago and has been such an amazing asset. She’s like our own Mary Poppins, detail oriented and fully committed to making things better. When she is involved in a project you know that things will get done and the results will be visually splendid.

Megan has done a fantastic job serving at Hume’s Wildwood and San Diego camps as a counselor in past year and even brings sweet little gifts for her campers. This summer she will be heading to Ponderosa with our high school girls.

• Favorite thing about youth ministry: “My favorite thing about youth ministry is when a student comes to me with questions and I’m able to show them something about God they might not have known before.”

• One day hopes to be… “a mom. I want to be lots of other things too, but that’s number one!”

• Favorite thing about God: “His unwavering love. It is something we simply cannot get from any other person ever.”

• If you could ask God one question… “Just one?! Does the Loch Ness Monster really exist?”

• Thing you are most looking forward to about Hume Lake Summer camp: “I love star gazing, and the skies are clearer up there. I want to take a group of campers and stare into the universe God created for us.”

• Thing that you wished people knew about you “I am passionate about the work I do because I care about the people whose lives I am affecting.”

?

Preparing for Hume Lake Summer CampWe live in the midst of a world that is not the way God intended it to be.The prophet Elijah also experienced ungodliness happening all around him, yet chose to trust and obey the Lord’s commands by taking a stand and proclaiming God’s truth.This summer at Hume we will take a look at the life of Elijah and challenge students to proclaim God’s truth in an ungodly culture.

Who’s Going to CampOur MBC family has been very generous in supporting us in prayer and financially as we prepare to take 70 people to Hume Lake this summer. Here’s an opportunity to get to know some of the kids and volunteers you support.

MichelleThis will be Michelle’s first time away at camp. It can be a pretty intimidating thing to ride on a bus full of jr and sr high school students, but I know Michelle will have no problem with it. This spunky 3rd grader is always ready for adventure. I can’t wait to hear her stories after a week of exploring the mountain, swinging from zip lines and climbing the tree house.

• Favorite thing about school: Math• One day hopes to be… A prophet• Thing she is most excited about for camp: hanging out with friends• Thing she is most scared about for camp: mosquito bites• Favorite thing about God: praising Him• Thing that you wish people knew about you: I had brown hair when I was born.

FaithIn January we were privileged to see Faith claim Christ as her king when she was baptized. She joined our youth group this year after moving to California from Colorado. Faith is fantastic at baking sweets and though she graciously shares her confections, we recently learned on a trip to Big Bear that you should never try to swipe her Cheez-its!

• School: Valley Christian High School• Grade: 11th• Favorite thing about school: “spending time with friends”• One day hopes to be… “a doctor or a teacher or something that helps people.”• Favorite thing about God: “When I’m lost or scared I know he has a plan for me.”• If you could ask God one question… “Why does he take people away from us?”• Thing you are most looking forward to about Hume Lake Summer camp: “Meeting

new people and spending time with friends in an area where we are all children of and worship the same God.”

• Thing that you wished people knew about you: “I can sing my ABCs backwards.”

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Shenk draws on his vast experience in many parts of the world to provide an encouraging way forward for anyone seeking to share the hope of the gospel with their Muslim neighbors.” —Brian Howell, professor of anthropology, Wheaton College

Malestrom: Manhood Swept into the Currents of a Changing WorldCarolyn Custis James (Zondervan)

“For all the progress we’ve made in valuing women, in our society and our churches, a portion of the population still suffers silently: men. Whether they are falling victim to unrealistic stereotypes of masculinity, suffering from a ‘father wound,’ or feeling marginalized by the riptides of culture, men need the loving guidance and support of God’s people. Without a doubt, Malestrom will encourage men and women alike to value and promote a healthy, biblical view of manhood.” —Jamie A. Hughes, managing editor of In Touch Magazine

Blind Spots:Becoming a Courageous, Compassionate and Commissioned ChurchCollin Hansen (Crossway)

“Courage to speak the truth, compassion to care for the broken and the oppressed, commissioned to evangelize and plant churches—but how often do all three of these commitments meld together, surfacing as unified Christian maturity in our churches? The simple thesis of this book is that eager submission to the Lord Jesus requires such a unified vision. To opt for only one of these commitments while dismissing those who opt for others is to turn aside from Scripture while flirting with sterility and ugliness.”—D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Zig Ziglar, the incredible motivator of the corporate and clergy world, once said about reading, “You can make positive deposits every day in your own economy by reading.” I aim to read anywhere between 45 and 52 books per year. I read every day. My goal never includes any Scripture I’m reading or blogs and periodicals I connect with in a day. I believe the words of Charles Jones, “The only difference between who you are today and the person you will be in five years will come from the books you read.” So, as we are moving into the second quarter of 2016, I want to share with you a collection of books that are on my reading list for this year. Each of these has come to me highly recommended. One might say, these are good books.

Author C.S. Lewis says, “A good book, is if it permits, invites or even impels a good reading, in which the reader has himself to the text entering the “Made” experience taken beyond himself? While good books can be read badly, bad books cannot be read well. The question is not whether it is a good book but whether it compelled a good reading.” I believe each of these will compel good reading. Enjoy!

Divine Sex: A Compelling Vision for Christian Relationships in a Hypersexualized Age Jonathan Grant (Brazos)

“We have needed this book for a long time. The church’s response to the seemingly limitless trajectory of hypersexualization has been puny, negative, and ineffective. Even the books written to ‘celebrate sex,’ seeking to shed the image of Christians as puritanical, often reduce sex to the same terms as our culture does. Divine Sex properly widens the frame, delivering an incisive and nearly comprehensive analysis of our present state, and providing a theological map toward

living fully redeemed lives, in fully redeemed bodies.” —Leslie Leyland Fields, writer, author of Forgiving Our Fathers and Mothers

The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of JesusDallas Willard (HarperOne)

“Of all the apologetics books published in the past year, I would choose The Allure of Gentleness as the one I would most want my graduate students to read, digest, and deeply assimilate. It wonderfully distills the thinking of the late Christian philosopher and has the texture of Pascal’s Pensées in its wisdom and presentation. As you would expect from Willard, it’s a spiritual and apologetic feast all at once.” —Craig Hazen, professor of apologetics, Biola University

Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the GospelRussell Moore (B&H)

“Conservative Christianity is at a pivotal moment. After decades of tremendous political power buttressed in a society that agreed with most of its convictions, that power is slipping, or at least shifting. And a younger generation of evangelicals is skeptical of the church’s involvement in politics. Moore’s hopeful response is not bitter or frantic, but measured and confident. He explores how we can be a ‘prophetic minority,’ calling for human dignity, religious liberty, and stable families with ‘convictional kindness.’ We need this book. I only wish we had had it 20 years ago.” —O. Alan Noble, editor in chief of Christ and Pop Culture

Science Fiction Theology: Beauty and the Transformation of the SublimeAlan P. R. Gregory (Baylor University Press)

“Our culture is awash in science fiction. From post-apocalyptic young-adult blockbusters to hard sci-fi novels, the genre’s star has never burned more brightly. Science Fiction Theology demonstrates a masterful understanding of what makes it all tick. While the casual fan may find the book’s density off-putting, others will find themselves deeply edified by Gregory’s rigorous tracing of the dialogue between science fiction and Christianity. The dialogue, it turns out, is very lively, even when trafficking in distortions. The chapter on Philip K. Dick, an author criminally ignored by religious readers, is itself worth the price of admission.” —David Zahl, director of Mockingbird Ministries

Yet One More Spring: A Critical Study of Joy DavidmanDon W. King (Eerdmans)

“Who was Joy Davidman, and what made her the perfect match for C. S. Lewis? King’s literary biography is a fascinating portrait of a woman who deserves to be seen as more than a famous man’s wife. King traces Davidman’s emotional, political, and spiritual evolution by closely examining and evaluating her uneven but always interesting literary output. Though Lewis (naturally) has cameos, Davidman is the star: a strong woman and passionate writer whose love sonnets, especially, warrant closer examination.” —Brett McCracken, author of Hipster Christianity and Gray Matters

Christian. Muslim. Friend: Twelve Paths to Real RelationshipDavid W. Shenk (Herald Press)

“At a time when relations between Christians and Muslims are more complex than ever, Shenk has given us a wonderfully thoughtful account of how to build real relationships. Without giving formulas or reducing Muslims to a single type,

Pastor Jeremy

2 0 1 6 R E A D I N G L I S T :

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Tuesday Night Dinner sponsor/host – 3rd Tuesday of each monthNerf N-Strike Elite Refill Bullet Darts

Items or services for the AuctionHume prayer and financial support

Multi-channel two-way radios for counselors at Hume

How can we hold on to Jesus’ teachings when we are moving so fast between work,

Y O U T HC O M I N G E V E N T S

y0uth and adults

Saturday, March 12th7pm

Bring your own Nerf Brand Weapon

No Children under 12

YOUTH SPRING CALENDAR

N E E D S A N D D E S I R E S

c o l l e g e g r o u p

March 4 Youth Yard Sale Workers’ SleepoverMarch 5 Youth Yard SaleMarch 12 Nerf WarMarch 15 Mark Series BeginsMarch 26 EggstravaganzaMay 13 Youth AuctionMay 15 Hume Counselors’ MeetingMay 21 Canvas and Confections Fundraiser #2May 31 Youth Summer Kick Off and Parent Night

Who is Jesus Christ? Both biblical and secular historical records reflect His presence as perhaps the most influential person who ever walked the face of the earth. Nearly everyone has an opinion about Jesus or has something to say about Him, but who is right? We’ll be looking into the account of someone who was close to those who followed Jesus during His life and through this account, observe Jesus “up, close, and personally.” We will dig into Mark’s gospel and find out for ourselves who Jesus really is, what He really said, and why He still is, to this day, our promised King. Our prayer is that in response to Jesus as our promised King, students will choose to repent of sin, put their trust in Christ as Lord and Savior, and grow as His disciples.

school, and social obligations that we barely sleep? Join us at the fire pit for a time of support and discussion. Once a month we

will come together to catch up with what’s happening in your busy lives, support each other in prayer, discuss what being a Jesus’

follower looks like today, and of course play a game or two as time permits.

Each month will have a stand-alone topic. If you haven’t joined us in the past or have missed a couple meetings, don’t assume you will be left behind in the discussion. Join us when your schedule permits and, of course, you are encouraged to invite a friend.

First Sunday of every month 7pm – 9pmAt the Weden house

Y O U T H G R O U P SN e x t Te a c h i n g S e r i e s :U p , C l o s e , & P e r s o n a l : T h e G o s p e l o f M a r k

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Family Dedication ServiceSunday, April 17th

9:30am

If you would like to have your child dedicated please contact the church office. 714 827-0553

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 8AM

$10.00

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N SE A S T W E S T

C O M M U N I T Y C H U R C HC E L E B R A T I N G

2 5 Y E A R SA P R I L 9 , 2 0 1 6

GOOD FRIDAY

Discover more...

CHILDCARE IS PROVIDED

Magnolia Baptist Church

720 S Magnolia Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804

WWW.MAGNOLIABAPTIST.ORG

7pmFridayMarch 25thMBC BENEFIT

AUCTIONFriday, May 13th

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S o m e t h i n g f o r E v e r y o n e

U P D A T E S A N DC O M I N G E V E N T S

This EasterWorshipwith your family at Magnolia Baptist Church9:30am

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We are looking for help to make this opportunity to share God’s Love with our community a successful one.

Here is a list of what help is needed:

• 9 People To Run Carnival Games

• 15 People To Help With Crafts

• 24 Face Painters

• 6 People To Work The Prize Booth

• People To Blow Up Balloons Beforehand

• 6 People To Be Security

• 20 People To Help With Set-Up And Clean-Up

It takes a lot of people to make this event happen. We do it to reach out to our neighborhood. To be a light to others.

Consider helping out this year. All you have to do is sign up in the courtyard on Sunday or call the church office.

Also, you can pick up an invite card to give to the kids on your street.

D A N N A B O N E

Saturday,March 26th11am - 1pm

MBC’S EGGSTRAVAGANZAhosted at

MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL

FOOD

20,000EGGS

to HUNT

PRIZES

CRAFTS

MUSIC

GAMES

PRAYERBOOTH

D AY L I G H TS AV I N G S T I M E

D O N ’ T F O R G E T T O

S P R I N G F O R W A R D O N

M A R C H 1 3 , 2 0 1 6

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5 Sue Dorsi

5 Bobby Elizondo

5 Daniella Elizondo

6 Lois Bowman

6 Roxan Myers

8 Danna Bone

8 Gene Gatch

8 Megan Showalter

9 Wayne Bowen

10 Andy Goins

12 Cathy Miller

14 Rochelle Carlson

14 David Pugsley

14 Charles Templin

14 Jillian Viray

15 Matt Kauble

15 Arianna Kincaid

16 Jason Spahr

18 Zachary Leal

19 Kristi Nordell

19 Naomi Perez

19 Jocelyn Sicat

20 Ron Taylor

21 Garrett DeClercq

21 Jerry Henning

21 Debbie McMillen

21 Annalisa Torio

23 Yasmine Eneria

24 Max Perez

25 Sarah Cano

25 Sherli Fernandez

25 Corrine Yater

26 Pam Ramm

26 Carmen Schultz

27 Enoch Oh

28 Betty Hartmann

30 Tony Barbero

30 Bob Weden

30 Pam Williams

31 Bernice Engle

31 Edwin Fernandez

31 Menula Kularatne

3 Wayne & Holly Bowen

10 Brendon & Rose Kirby

17 Gary & Jean Southerland

22 David & Valerie Pugsley

26 Chad & Miriam Maddox

27 Stephen & Lizbeth Marsh

1 Keifer Kincaid

1 Angie Yeaton

2 Edgar Eneria

2 Brendon Kirby

2 Patricia Litwak

3 Haydee Saravia

3 Samatha Sawyer

4 Jeremy Bratcher

4 Richard Grimshaw

4 Nicole Schlegel

6 Giselle Fernandez

9 Russ Bauersfeld

9 Elaine Dolan

9 Cody Mora

11 Ann Alderson

11 Karen Lloyd

12 Rose Eneria

12 Sue Frenzel

13 Anagrace Bratcher

13 Kayla Hartman

13 Rose Kirby

16 Jim Pelerine

17 Christian Jennings

19 Makayla Weden

20 Riley House

21 Amy Dagen

22 Brittany Grant

24 Barbara Gustavson

24 Dave Mitchell

25 Lyn Lewis

25 Abigail Mireles

27 Rhonda Nishimoto

28 Kody Kareta

28 Patrick Keleher

28 Samantha Puckett

30 Stewart Bone

30 Jean Southerland

7 Gene & Barbara Gatch

15 Mike & Debbie McMillen

16 Ron & Mary Bengochea

17 Dave & Diane O’Bryan

We thank You, O God, for the love You have implanted in our hea ts. May it always inspire us to be kind in our words, considerate of feelings, and concerned for each other’s needs and wishes. Help us to be understanding and forgiving of human weaknesses and failings.

Increase our faith and trust in You and may Your prudence guide our life and love.

Bless our marriage, O God, with peace and happiness, and make our Love fruitful for Your glory and our joy both here and in eternity.

C E L E B R A T I N G L O V EC E L E B R A T I N G F A M I L Y

M A R C H

M A R C H

A P R I L

A P R I L

r

7 2 0 S . M A G N O L I A A V E .A N A H E I M , C A 9 2 8 0 4

( 7 1 4 ) 8 2 7 - 0 5 5 3S T A F F @ M A G N O L I A B A P T I S T . O R G