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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 July 10 - 17, 2024!
1. Welcome Doug McAllister to the Sanctuary
2. Family Worship Sundays: July 21 & August 18
3. Greener Village: July 11
4. SCUBA Half Day Summer Camp Report
5. NS Ashram: July 11 - 16
6. Oasis: August 8 – 10
7. Giving Update to June 30
8. A Message from the Social Action Team
9. Children First Canada Award Winner: Zammie Igwe
10. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
11. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
12. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: July 14
13. Pastoral Care
14. Community Events
15. This Week @ BSBC
1. Welcome Doug McAllister to the Sanctuary:
We are so pleased to welcome Doug McAllister as our Ministry Coordinator for the sanctuary service while Rev. Kevin Culberson is away this summer.
Doug has served as the coordinator for our Benevolent Ministry since July 2021 and as the Pastor for Seniors Visitation since March 2022. Doug brings a wealth of compassion and experience to the ministries at BSBC.
We are excited to see how God will be working in and through Doug this summer. Please keep him in your prayers as he takes on this new role.
2. Family Worship Sundays: July 21 & August 18
Hey Church Family,
Summer is here! We will be hosting a couple of Family Worship services in the gym.
On July 21 and August 18, we invite our Preschool and KidzTown children, volunteers, and leaders to join us for Sunday worship in the gym. Our aim is to help keep our families together and reduce the number of Sundays that our Preschool and KidzTown leaders and volunteers will be separated from the rest of our church family. Our KidzTown and Preschool planned children’s activities will continue around these Sundays.
Thank you for loving our family and our children in this way.
3. Trip to Greener Village: Thursday, July 11
On Thursday, July 11 at 11:30 am, meet up with Tina Franca and the kids from KidzTown and the SCUBA Half-Day Summer Camp at BSBC. From here, we will pick up the non-perishable food donations that we collected during May and June and during SCUBA. From BSBC, we will drive to Greener Village Foodbank to drop off the donations and to take a tour of the facility.
For more information, please contact Tina Franca.
4. SCUBA Half-Day Summer Camp Report
This summer’s underwater-themed half-day camp was a splash of fun and excitement! Each day, around 40 enthusiastic kids dove into games, devotionals, crafts, and snacks.
We want to extend a huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers who made this week possible and filled it with love. You truly showed the kids the meaning of living water!
One of the most memorable moments for our campers was dancing and praising God to our theme song, "Thanks God." It was heartwarming to see all the kids and leaders united in gratitude for all the blessings in our lives.
Another highlight was the lively and engaging opening and closing skits that captivated the campers and tied perfectly into our Bible points of the day.
A special shoutout to everyone who donated their time and resources to make this week unforgettable, and to all the families who generously brought in their empty toilet paper rolls and food donations for Greener Village. Thank you for helping us make a wave of difference!
5. NS Atlantic Christian Ashram: July 11 to 16
A Christian Ashram is a unique retreat that is Christ-centered and gives individuals an opportunity to discover Christian answers for victorious daily living in the 21st century while proclaiming Jesus is Lord!
The Atlantic Christian Ashram began in 1969. This 5-day retreat is held each year in July at the Berwick Campgrounds in Berwick, NS, Canada. The campgrounds are rented from the United Church Camp Meeting Association and consist of over 25 acres on the edge of the town in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. It is a unique setting beneath a canopy of 100-foot-tall hemlock trees.
This year, 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.
For more information or to register, please click the link below.
6. 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 and we have room for three more! 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:
7. Giving Update to June 30, 2024
8. A message from the Social Action Team
Thank you for your generous donations for Fawda Alkarad and her family. We have received the beds, linens, and desk. We only have need of the bedroom dressers.
Thank you also for the unanimous support offered to our motion at the spring business meeting to co-sponsor the Abbara family.
As mentioned during my refugee ministry update at the Spring Business Meeting, we did submit an application in July 2023 for a refugee family of six to be supported by BSBC. For privacy reasons, the family has requested that we not publish their names. As a reminder, this family of six are originally from Syria and currently living as refugees in Lebanon. Rachel Nesbitt, a member of our congregation has befriended their relatives here in Fredericton which is how we connected with them.
In order to support the needs of a family of six for their first year in Canada, it is estimated that we will need $45,000, though we know those costs rise every year, so that is only an estimate of our commitment to them. The BSBC refugee fund currently has a balance of $18,727. The refugee fund balance comes directly from designated giving from our congregation. You can help increase the balance by designating a portion of your offering to "Refugee Fund" on your envelope or your e-Transfer comment line.
I'm going to try something again that I tried a couple of years ago: being an engineer and a numbers person, I'd like to lay some more numbers out for you. Our Sunday attendance numbers are around 200 families. If we have exactly one more year, or 52 weeks until this refugee family joins us and we need to raise $26,500, that is just $2.55 each week per person in attendance on a Sunday morning. To me, that sounds a lot more achievable than $26,500! Maybe we could each think of adding $20 per month to our giving directed towards the Refugee Fund, it would make a big difference! We know and understand that not everyone will be able to contribute equally so maybe a few of us make that $100 or more per month, but I thought that showing you one way that we could reach our fundraising goal would help us make some progress.
We will look forward to sharing updates on the Refugee Fund and our sponsorship progress in the coming months. I will try to make this a monthly update to keep everyone in the loop. If you have any questions about this, please contact Martina Verboom at adrianandmartina@gmail.com.
Martina Verboom
Refugee Liaison to the Social Action Team
9. Children First Canada Award Winner: Zammie Igwe
You may remember Zammie Igwe, who was very involved in our youth group and part of our fellowship at BSBC. She has moved to Moncton and has been given the “Together We Rise Award for Equitable Education and Opportunities” and has become one of Canada’s “Under 18 Change Makers”.
“Chinazam (Zammie) Igwe is a dynamic advocate for diversity in education, having experienced the challenges and opportunities as a newcomer, she has spearheaded successful initiatives to build a more inclusive community and country. She embodies a steadfast commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and opportunity in education and community engagement.” For the full details, see below.
What an amazing lady!
10. 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.
11. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
Children @ BSBC
Biking Adventure for Kidz Ages 8 – 13: Wednesday, July 17th, 1 – 3:00 pm
Calling all kids 8 – 13 years old! On Wednesday, July 17, join Ellie & Nikki on a biking trek, biking from the church, across the Bill Thorpe walking bridge, along the northside trail and back to BSBC. This will be a fun time of gathering together for our kids, being active, outside, and fellowshipping together! Parents are welcome.
Youth @ BSBC
Read the New Testament in a Year Bible Plan:
Youth New Testament plan in 1 year, Monday to Friday, are reading through Luke chapters 4 to 8.
Coming up for Summer Youth Group: Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
July 11 – Meet at BSBC & walk to Wilmot Park (Field Games & Splash Pad)
July 18 – Hartt Island ($20.00 cost)
July 21 – 25 Youth Serving Week (Sunday – Thursday)
July 25 – No Youth Group
August 1 – Geo Caching – Meet at BSBC
August 8 – Pool Party
August 15 – Garrison Market Scavenger Hunt – Meet at BSBC
Summer Youth Group at Wilmot Park: Thursday, July 11th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Meet us at the church for 6:30 pm, and we will walk over to Wilmot Park for field games and going to the splash pad. All youth going into grade 6 – grade 12 are welcome to join us next Thursday from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
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.
If your youth would like to join us, please register soon as space is limited.
12. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: July 14
This Sunday, the worship team in the gym will be led by Jon Wilton. In the sanctuary, worship will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and David Steeves, with special music from Beth Snow and Chris Graves.
Dr. Keith will be preaching in both the sanctuary and the gym. He writes, “This weekend we will continue our "Summer Sizzle" series with a fireside conversation that features our very own Tega Akalusi! We will have a chat about five key highlights from Romans 1-8, and it promises to be an encouraging occasion for everyone”.
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am.
13. 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
14. 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.
15. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre
Wednesday, July 10
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Ensemble Rehearsals (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
Thursday, July 11
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 Summer Youth Group (at Wilmot Park)
Friday, July 12
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Gym Chair Setup (Gym)
7:00 Chinese Fellowship (Family Room and KidzTown, FLC)
Saturday, July 13
10:00 Gym Setup (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, July 14
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School Class (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Gym Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Sanctuary Worship Service (Sanctuary)
10:50 Preschool & KidzTown Classes (1st & 2nd Floor, FLC)
11:30 Library Open After Services (Connections Center)
12:00 Mandarin Fellowship and Choir (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Monday, July 15
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Board of Management (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
Tuesday, July 16
10:00 Pastoral/Planning Meeting (Admin Office)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adults (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, July 17
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Ensemble Rehearsals (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
6:30 Search Committee (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
