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Our Mission
Experience the Love of Jesus. Live it Out Everywhere.
Making a submission to our weekly newsletter?
Submissions for our weekly newsletter should be sent to
naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca.
The deadline for inclusion in Wednesday’s edition is noon the Monday prior.
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from June 26 - July 3, 2024!
1. Spring Business Meeting: Tonight, June 26
2. Oasis: August 8 – 10
3. A Message from our Board of Deacons: Children’s Ministry
4. A Message from our Social Action Team: Refugees Arriving
5. A Message from our Board of Management
6. Kidz-In-A-Mission
7. BSBC Parking Lot Partial Closure: July 2 - 5
8. BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp: July 2 – 5
9. BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp Decorating Crew Volunteer Opportunity: Tonight at 6:30!
10. Tech Talks Ministry
11. New Life Ministry: GHLC Camper Sponsors
12. Green Hill Lake Camp Share-A-Wage: Miles Culberson
13. Muffin Ministry
14. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
15. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
16. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: June 30
17. Pastoral Care
18. Community Events
19. This Week @ BSBC
1. Spring Business Meeting: June 26
Our moderator is calling for a Spring Business Meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 26 at 6:30 pm. We will have reports from several committees, the Social Action Team, the Treasurer, the Board of Management and the Board of Deacons. Motions will be presented from the Treasurer regarding the Financial Statements and appointment of accountants for the Annual Financial Review. Motions will also be presented from the Board of Deacons regarding the establishment of a Search Committee.
We note that we have had two special business meetings and an information session. While the summer solstice has passed, this business meeting will contain the agenda for the Spring Business Meeting.
To attend this meeting via Zoom, please contact the church office at 506-458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca for the Zoom link.
2. Oasis: August 8 – 10, 2024
Each year, the Baptist churches in Atlantic Canada send ‘delegates’ to OASIS, an annual gathering for worship, discipleship, and to consider how we share together in living out the love of Jesus “everywhere”.
Give a read:
Each August, we gather to deepen relationships, build community, learn tools for thriving in ministry, worship together, make decisions around budgets, and vision for the future.
Oasis is also a time to celebrate God’s faithfulness and our shared mission.
Over our three days together you’ll hear updates from our CBAC partner organizations; – Crandall University, Acadia Divinity College, Canadian Baptist Ministries and Atlantic Baptist Foundation. You’ll hear from speakers, worship bands and other gifted artists that will encourage and inspire you and your church to new heights. As you drive back to your churches after Oasis it is our prayer and hope that you are filled with inspiration, new friendships and joy leading into the fall season.
In 2024, it will be the 178th Annual gathering of our CBAC family. This year the Oasis Planning Team consists of CBAC Staff, Pastors and members from CBAC churches. If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at oasis@baptist-atlantic.ca. See you in August!
To be a delegate for BSBC, you must be a member of BSBC. Based on our membership, we can send 10 delegates. Otherwise, you can attend OASIS as a guest – everything but vote on business. Are you interested in being one of our delegates to OASIS? We are able to provide a stipend of $200 to cover your registration and help with expenses. If you are able to attend, please contact Naomi in the church office (naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca) and she will complete your registration.
Have a look at all the details:
3. A Message from our Board of Deacons: Children’s Ministry
The Board of Deacons would like to thank our Children’s Ministry Coordinators, Tina Franca, Sarah Williams, and Mel Tingley, for their leadership and ministry to our children in recent years. We appreciate the love that these special ladies poured into our children during their time in these roles at BSBC.
Our Children’s Ministries are going through some changes and transitions in the next few weeks and months as our coordinators will be moving on from these positions. Tina and Sarah have completed their years of service as Elementary Coordinators on Sunday, June 23, and Mel will be finished as Preschool Coordinator by mid-summer.
Please continue to pray for these individuals as they continue to follow God’s leading in the next part of their Faith journeys. Please also continue to pray for BSBC and the Board of Deacons as we seek God’s will for the next phase of leadership in our Children’s Ministries.
4. A Message from our Social Action Team: Refugees Arriving
Happy summer, church family!
We have exciting news to share from our refugee ministry and are looking for some help from you.
Fawda Al Karad, the refugee that we applied to co-sponsor with her sister, Lama, here in Fredericton two years ago, received notice this week that her visa has been approved for permanent residency in Canada. She will be arriving in Fredericton on July 10th. Fawda will be living with her sister and family here.
When I reached out to Lama and her husband Mohammad to congratulate them on this news, I asked what we could do to help prepare for her arrival. It turns out that this family will be welcoming not one, but two, refugees to live with them next month, with a single male that they applied for almost four years ago also arriving July 17th. There are a few items that they could use that would really help offset some of those initial start up costs as they gain two new long term house guests.
Any help with the following items would be much appreciate by the Al Karad/Al Khateeb family.
1. Two twin bed sets (bed frame, mattress, bedding, and pillows)
2. Bedroom dressers
3. Coffee table
4. Desk
If you can help with any of those items, please contact Martina Verboom sk8martina@gmail.com or 506-442–0008.
Thank you!
5. A Message from our Board of Management
Dear Church Family,
With the arrival of summer, we are expecting some irregular reservations and use of space at BSBC.
We have four sign-out keys which will give meeting facilitators and leaders access to the building outside of regular office hours. At present, they are all signed out. If you happen to have one of these keys and your meetings have finished, please return the keys to the church office. If you have a set of these keys and your meetings have not finished, please contact the church office.
Thank you,
Board of Management
6. Kidz-In-A-Mission
Hello Dear Church Members,
So, we've got some super exciting news to share! This year, for Kidz-in-a-Mission, we're shaking things up a bit. Instead of our usual global adventures, we're keeping it close to home and helping out our awesome city of Fredericton!
Yep, you heard it right! We're teaming up to support the Fredericton Food Bank by collecting non-perishable food items during May and June. Let's show some love to the families right here in our own backyard who could use a helping hand.
Now, before you think, "Why the change?", check out this cool verse from Corinthians 9:6-11 that's got us all pumped up:
"Think about this: A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others."
Isn't that awesome? It's all about spreading love and joy, friends!
So, here's the plan: Drop off your donations in the boxes we've set up in the Connection Centre and the KidzTown hallway. Let's fill those boxes to the brim with goodies! And get this - we're even planning a little field trip to the Fredericton Food Bank to hand over our donations. How cool is that? We'll get to see firsthand the impact we're making!
Thanks a million for being part of this amazing journey with us. Let's make a real difference together!
Catch you later!
KidzTown Children, Tina Franca, and Sarah Williams
Urgent Food Items - Suggestions
Below is a list of urgently needed food items that will directly benefit those who rely on our assistance:
Pasta Sauce (canned)
Kid’s Snacks (peanut-free)
Diced Tomatoes
Cookies
Cat Food
Dog Food
7. BSBC Parking Lot Partial Closure: July 2 – 5
Dear Church Family,
Please mark your calendars! During our half day summer camp, a small portion of our parking lot will be blocked off so that our campers and leaders may use some of the outdoor space during camp. From July 2 – 5, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, there will be no drive through traffic and a small portion of the George Street parking lot will be roped off to protect our campers and leaders.
Please be praying for all the children who will be attending the camp and that they experience the love of Jesus.
8. BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp: July 2 – 5
Join us this summer, July 2-5, for SCUBA, a half-day camp from 9 AM to 12 PM, free of cost. All kids from kindergarten to grade 5 are welcome to dive into our underwater-themed adventure and discover friendship with God. Doors will be open at 8:45 AM. Registration is now open!
We are looking for volunteers to show the kids what living water is all about! Register for volunteering at the link below.
9. BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp Decorating Crew Volunteer Opportunity: Tonight at 6:30
Join Our Camp Decorating and Preparation Crew!
Unleash your creativity and join us in bringing the camp to life! We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers of all ages to craft delightful decorations for our upcoming half-day summer camp.
We are looking for volunteers for our last decorating event tonight from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
No need to bring anything—just your creative spirit! We’ll have decoration stations set up, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary materials. No more empty toilet rolls are needed!
Let’s make this camp unforgettable together!
10. Tech Talks Ministry
Volunteer Opportunity
The Social Action Team is responding to a need identified for technical or digital support for our church family who have questions about the basic operation of cell phones, laptops, tablets, or other digital devices. To that end, we would like to create a support network for seniors or other technically challenged people. This network will be comprised of a list of volunteers who would be willing to come to the church to help out at small information-sharing sessions to guide those in need of some technical guidance.
So, if you have lots of patience, a knack for the digital world, and are willing to share a couple hours of your time, we are looking for you! Please contact Shirley Craft at 506-459-7699 or shirl@nb.sympatico.ca to add your name to a list of volunteers. You will be asked to provide a Police Vulnerable Sector Check before meeting with the participants, the cost for which will be reimbursed by the church.
Experiencing Technical Difficulties?
Are you experiencing technical difficulties with the basic operation of your cell phone, laptop, tablet, or other digital device? Please add your name to the list by calling Shirley Craft at 506-459-7699, if you would like some assistance or help figuring out how to use your device.
Please note, to protect both the participants and the pros, we will not be able to offer any services with regard to banking or any other items of a confidential nature. Any and all passwords will be entered by participants while the pros avert their eyes.
Please stay tuned for more information on potential information sharing sessions. For more information on Tech Talks, whether as a participant or a volunteer, please contact Shirley Craft at 506-459-7699 or shirl@nb.sympatico.ca.
11. New Life Ministry: GHLC Camp Sponsorship
Summer is coming!
All Sponsorship Funds Received!
As of June 23, we have received $5,355.80 for GHLC Sponsorship…which is more than enough for 6 full sponsorships and an Aide!
Thank you for supporting our New Life ladies and enabling their children to attend camp "where Christ is made known".
12. Green Hill Lake Camp Share-A-Wage
Dear friends and church family,
I’m writing this letter to tell you guys about what I’m doing at Green Hill Lake Camp this summer.
This year I will be a Leader in Training (LIT) with Green Hill Lake Camp, I will be in a cabin or just around the camp on camp life helping out where they need me (cleaning, games, sessions, etc.). I’m so excited to be on staff this year to teach kids that might not know God who he is and how great he is! It is a great way to share his word in a fun way for kids.
The downside is its not free and there are many costs to be able to do this each year. Each summer each staff member is asked to help raise money for our Share-A-Wage program so our staff can get paid a bit. If you would like to support us in this way that would be amazing. Please remember that this is a tax-deductible donation, and a receipt will be sent to you. Attached is the SAW letter. The second thing we are asking for is prayer. Prayer is such an important thing when we are preparing to go to camp as it is such a tiring job as satisfying as it is seeing kids come to God it takes a lot of energy. The way we can get through this summer is prayer so please be praying for our physical and spiritual strength throughout this summer.
I am looking forward to what God does in my life this summer. Thank you for all your support.
Yours in Christ,
Miles Culberson
13. Muffin Ministry
On behalf of our brothers and sisters who make a weekly evening trek around the city to visit those sleeping rough, and the members of your Social Action Team, thank you ‘muffin makers’ for your faithfulness serving in this way.
Our schedule is open from now until September 8, 2024. We require 3 dozen muffins each week. If you are able to help in this way, please place 12 muffins, individually wrapped, in a large zipper locked bag, and label the bag “Street Ministry”. Don’t forget to include your name and the delivery date for which you signed up. You can place the labeled muffins in the upright freezer in the main kitchen.
Please click the link below or call the church office (506-458-8348) and our admin team will be pleased to do the online registration for you. Jesus spoke of offering cups of cold water in his name. Muffins, we believe, offer the same opportunity to bless others for him.
14. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
Our Young Adults ministry, Fresh Start, will meet on Tuesdays, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, on the 3rd floor of the Family Life Center. Come along for some fun, snacks and social time followed by a Bible study. We would love to see you there!
Please contact Pastor Ross ross@bsbc.nb.ca for details.
15. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
Children @ BSBC
BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp: July 2 – 5, 9:00 – 12:00 noon
All kids, kindergarten to grade 5, are welcome to join us for half-day summer camp at BSBC! Camp runs from Tuesday, July 2 to Friday, July 5 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Registration is open and is free of cost!
Youth @ BSBC
Read the New Testament in a Year Bible Plan:
Youth New Testament plan in 1 year, Monday to Friday, are reading through Colossians chapter 4, Philemon chapter 1, and Luke chapters 1 to 3.
Summer Youth Group:
The Summer Youth Group will be starting on Thursday, July 4 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm…could it be a beach day? Stay tuned for details!
Youth Summer Volunteer Opportunities:
BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp: July 2 to 5
Check out this link for more information or to volunteer!
BSBC Half Day Summer Camp Decorating Team
Tonight from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, come join us in the KidzTown area to prepare all the decorations and crafts. We would love to have help from people of all ages, youth to adult. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ellie at elliebeatonnb@gmail.com.
Half Day Summer Camp Volunteer Orientation Meeting: Sunday, June 30, 9:30 am
Calling all of our Half Day Summer Camp SCUBA volunteers! We welcome you to gather with us on Sunday, June 30, before services, at 9:30 am in KidzTown. We will be sharing responsibilities and information for camp, timing, what to expect, some strategies for working with kids, and more. This should be a quick half-hour meeting. We would love for all of our volunteers to join us. For more information, please contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca OR Ellie at elliebeatonnb@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you.
Youth Serving Week: July 21 to 25
Registration is open! Youth and youth leaders will be serving the local community of Fredericton, inside BSBC, outside of BSBC, and within the community of Fredericton. There will be lots of opportunities for service which including leading Third Sunday Supper, yard work, community garden, community kitchen work and many more.
Greenhouse Youth: See you in September!
We are so grateful for all of the involvement in our Greenhouse Service on Sunday, May 26, 2024. It was such a blessing for our students to use their God-given gifts and talents to lead our congregation. This was our final Greenhouse service of the school year; we invite our students to join us back for Greenhouse in September.
If your youth would like to still be involved in services and serving on Sunday mornings or any other way, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca. She would love to get them connected and leading!
16. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: June 30
This Sunday of the Canada Day long weekend, please join us in the sanctuary for a blended worship service. We will be hearing special music from Gloria Tranquilla, Elaine Durling, Greg Keezer and the Mandarin Choir.
We will be celebrating at the Lord’s table. Dr. Keith will be offering a conversational preach about Mission with Charles Millette. Pastor Changbin will provide the Mandarin translations.
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am.
17. Pastoral Care
Your Deacons want to affirm that BSBC is equipped to provide Pastoral Care. We are grateful for the engagement of Rev. Ross and Pastor Nikki, and we are blessed to have additional support from Rev. Kevin Culberson, the Baptist Chaplin at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital and Doug McAllister, our Benevolent Coordinator and Senior’s Visitation Pastor.
Here are some suggested approaches:
Hospitalizations
• Your pastors will only know of hospitalizations if the church office or individual pastors are contacted directly
• We’d appreciate you notifying the office if you know of the hospitalization of a member of the BSBC family
Critical Incident
• If a pastor is needed in an emergency situation, between Monday to Friday, 8:30 am and 4 pm, please contact the church office
• Outside of office hours, please contact a pastor directly
Bereavement
• Rev. Ross and Rev. Kevin will be available to support families at a time of loss, to conduct funeral and committal services
• Contact the church office during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm
• Outside of office hours, please contact a pastor directly
• We have provided McAdams, Bishops, and York Funeral Homes with the contact information for both Rev. Ross and Rev. Kevin
• If you are not a member of a bereaved family but know of a death within the BSBC family, please contact the church office to make sure your pastors are aware of the need
Contact Details
Church Office
506-458-8348
naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca
bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca
Rev. Ross Watters
506-282-3443
ross@bsbc.nb.ca
Pastor Nikki Leftley
506-282-1075
nikki@bsbc.nb.ca
Doug McAllister
506-440-4023
doug.mcallister@bsbc.nb.ca
Please pray for our pastoral care team as they seek to partner with you in caring for the BSBC family.
Your Board of Deacons
18. Community Events
The Christian Ashram
There are two opportunities to attend A Christian Ashram in the Maritimes this summer. The Christian Ashram is an interdenominational Christian family retreat.
The first opportunity is the Atlantic Christian Ashram to be held July 11-16, 2024, in Berwick, NS [www.atlanticchristianashram.org].
The Evangelists are Dwight & Kristen Habermehl [Dwight is a leader of Aaron Ministries Network], and the Bible Teacher is Rev. Jamie MacArthur, Atlantic Director for Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. The contacts from BSBC are Doug and Doris Ashfield at 506-472-7519 and Jackie Cook at 506-472-0289.
The second opportunity is the New Brunswick Christian Ashram to be held August 8-11, 2024 at Beulah Campground on the Saint John River located at Browns Flat, NB.
The Evangelist is The Rev. Gordon Thompson, retired Anglican minister who, in the past, has been the Evangelist at Christian Ashrams in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario. The Bible Teacher is The Rev. Dr. Phyllis M. Nesbitt. Phyllis was a nurse in New Brunswick before being ordained in the Congregational Christian Church in Canada in 1994. She has participated as the Bible Teacher at Christian Ashrams in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
The contacts from BSBC are Dale and Carol Bray at 506-455-3784. Brochures for each Christian Ashram are available at the church office and through the websites noted above.
Nashwaaksis United Church
The Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, will be hosting at Picnic Meal with Strawberry Shortcake take out on Wednesday, July 10, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. The menu consists of a deli sandwich with ham, turkey, roast beef, mayo, cheese and lettuce on a kaiser bun, pickle, coleslaw and chips, with a delicious strawberry shortcake for dessert! The cost is $15.00. To reserve your meals, please call the church office at 506-458-9452 or email admin@nashwaaksisunited.ca by Friday, July 5, at 2:00pm. Please use the front door for pick up.
19. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre
Wednesday, June 26
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Half-Day Summer Camp Decorating Team (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Spring Business Meeting (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
Thursday, June 27
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Gym/Main Kitchen)
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room/Kitchenette, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministries (By Appointment)
6:30 A Study of Philippians Ladies Bible Study (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
Friday, June 28
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Chinese Fellowship (Family Room and KidzTown, FLC)
Saturday, June 29
10:00 Gym Setup (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, June 30
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School Class (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 Together in Prayer (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 Library Open Before Services (Connections Center)
9:30 Half-Day Summer Camp Volunteer Orientation (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Blended Worship Service (Sanctuary)
10:50 Preschool & KidzTown Classes (1st & 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Mandarin Fellowship and Choir (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Monday, July 1
Canada Day – Church Offices Closed
Tuesday, July 2
9:00 SCUBA Half Day Summer Camp (KidzTown/Preschool/Gym/Main Kitchen)
10:00 Pastoral/Planning Meeting (Admin Office)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
1:30 Quilters for Missions Lunch Meeting (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adults (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, July 3
9:00 SCUBA Half Day Summer Camp (KidzTown/Preschool/Gym/Main Kitchen)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Ensemble Rehearsals (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
