A Thanksgiving Message from Pastor Greg
Dear Church Family,
Today, as Margaret and I were out and about, we recognized that fall is slowly making its presence seen, especially as we crossed the Westmorland Street Bridge with full view of “the hill.” This is always my favourite time of the year. Not as hot as summer, Not as cold as winter (and no shoveling!). Not as mushy as spring. Just a season of nature’s beauty and a reminder to count our blessings. And I recognize that, personally, I have so many blessing to count. Some are obvious: family, friends, an amazing church family, meaningful work, temporal blessings…the list goes on… Some are not as overtly obvious: salvation through Christ, the promises of God, the ministry of the Spirit, forgiveness, hope…and the list goes on…
Yet in recent days, we’ve been reminded of the fragility of life as New Brunswick is “drenched” by the fourth wave of the pandemic. For the second year in a row, we are called on to embrace this season of thanksgiving while living in the most onerous time of contemporary history. Some, including me at times, are wondering how to live in a pandemic yet alone give thanks during a pandemic. Attached to this letter is an article which I commend to your consideration. If you are wondering how to live hopefully and faithfully in these days — you can find truth there. In the face of pandemic and non-pandemic challenges, basically, whatever causes you or me stress, we would do well to embrace the inspired truth expressed by Paul in his letter to the believers of Philippi:
Do no be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Again, to understand HOW it possible to present your/my petitions to God WITH thanksgiving, give a read to Pastor Sam Crabtree’s article: Practicing Thankfulness During a Pandemic. But, before you turn to that attachment, consider that these ‘easy — breezy’ words of Paul were written from prison. I was captivated e by a 2014 article by Antonia Bloomberg on the HuffPost website which was exploring this verse. Consider this concept:
Rev. Winnie Varghese said that although it might seem novel to see Biblical writers addressing modern worries, this lesson is timeless and can affect anyone.
"I think it speaks to how terrifying life often is, particularly when we are taking risks or challenged by crisis," Varghese told HuffPost. "The life of faith is filled with the constant challenge to risk more to become our true selves."
That element of risk is embedded in passage. The lines before and after Philippians 4:6-7 encourage readers to "rejoice in the Lord," but also to enact gentleness, make sacrifices for others and focus on "whatever is true" and "whatever is admirable."
Thankfulness requires an engagement perspective. Thankfulness to God in light of our individual circumstances comes from understanding the the simple truth of this children’s song:
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty there’s nothing my God cannot do (for you)!
I said that I love fall but I am especially thankful THIS fall and THIS thanksgiving by looking back over the months that have ensued since May, 2016, when BSBC began it’s journey into the “interim” period of our history! When I look back I can easily see God’s “fingerprints” and faithfulness all over these years. We have never lacked what we needed. Never.
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty there’s nothing my God cannot do (for you)!
AND, as of Friday afternoon, September 24, the end of this “interim” period has been defined. We anticipate that on Monday, October 18, our newest pastor will begin her ministry with us when Pastor Nikki Leftley joins our team as our first Next Gen Pastor. This will have been preceded by the October 1 first day of ministry for Pastor Ross Watters, BSBC’s first Community Connections Pastor. Adding the partnership of Ross and Nikki to the ongoing ministry of our faithful Preaching Pastor, Dr. Keith Bodner and myself — under God, a new pastoral team is ‘minted’ and a new chapter begins in building the outreach ministries of Brunswick Street Baptist Church. The end of one era and the start of a new one, both under God. So, this is an exceptionally thankful fall for me and, given these happenings at BSBC, I hope it’s an exceptionally thankful fall for you…even in a pandemic.
Please know that Margaret and I give thanks for each of you. For your love and care. The way you seek to serve God in your own unique way and the way you show your love to the world outside the big front doors of BSBC. Let’s give up anxiousness and embrace peace by placing our confidence in the ONE who has limitless strength and might!
Blessed Thanksgiving,
Pastor Greg
