The Newsletter
Making a submission to our weekly newsletter?
Submissions for our weekly newsletter should be sent to
ellie.beaton@bsbc.nb.ca
The deadline for inclusion in Thursday’s edition is noon the Monday prior.
In this issue:
Check out what’s happening the week of October 17 to 24, 2024!
1. Welcome our new Senior/Lead Pastor
2. Church Family Potluck
3. Welcome to New Member
4. Mission Month in October
5. Trunk or Treat
6. Volunteer Opportunities
7. 55+ Luncheon: October 21
8. Quilters Lunch Meeting: October 22
9. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
10. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
11. ABW is Hiring
12. CBAC Nominating Process
13. Giving Update
14. Election Prayer Meeting
15. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: October 20
16. Pastoral Care
17. Community Events
18. This Week @ BSBC
1. Welcome our new Senior/Lead Pastor
The Search Committee was pleased to announce that, following the ballot count on October 10, 88.6% of the congregation voted in favor of Rev. Ross Watters for the role of Senior/Lead Pastor. Here are a few of the responses from our congregation regarding Ross’ calling:
Ross’ calling as our Senior Pastor fills our hearts with joy, and we eagerly look forward to the blessings and guidance he will bring to our community. -Pursey Family
Our family is so excited for the future of our church under Ross’ leadership. We have already seen God’s work through Ross at BSBC and feel truly blessed that he has been called to serve at The Street! -Hoyt Family
As a newer family to BSBC, we are extremely happy to have Pastor Ross as our new Lead Pastor. He and his family are a blessing to many, and we look forward to all that God will continue to do in their ministry. We immediately connected to his missional heart back in April and because of this, we know that BSBC is a place that our family can connect, serve, and grow in our faith. -Flores Family
We are so excited about God’s continued work at BSBC with Ross as our new Lead Pastor. His fresh vision for the church is encouraging and hopeful. -Duguid Family
Pastor Ross lives his life with incredible authenticity, indwelled by the Spirit of God. It is through this same Spirit that God has called His dear servant to help lead our beautiful people at BSBC into a life of deep authenticity with Jesus and others - a life that experiences the love of Jesus and lives it out everywhere. -Melanie Tingley
When a pastor senses a call to a ministry, when a hard-working prayer led search team and a spirit led Deacon's board sense they should call that same pastor, when the congregation strongly supports those recommendations and when I've personally felt the love and support of Ross and Fi for my own ministries flowing from them, I can only be grateful that the Lord put us together to further His purposes in our church in this community. -Rob Vance
If you would like to share a short affirmation of Ross' calling, please email ellie.beaton@bsbc.nb.ca.
2. Church Family Potluck
Come and join our church family for a potluck dinner on Wednesday evenings at 5:15pm in the Gym. Bring your favorite dish whether it be salad, cookies, cake, fruit, or meatballs. This is an intergenerational event – babies to seniors – come and get to know each other! Invite a friend to come for supper.
Setup starts at 5:00 pm, participants start gathering at 5:15 and sit down for dinner at 5:30. Enjoy your dinner and cleanup finishes at 6:30 pm. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Liz Smith or Carol Bray. Alternatively, you can call the church office at 506-458-8348.
3. Welcome to New Member
A new BSBC member has joined our fellowship and can be welcomed by visiting the main kitchen.
Please welcome the new stove, whose purchase was made possible by donations from several anonymous members and by the Auxiliary. Over 75% of it's cost was covered by donations.
The old stove has been dismissed to a local Mennonite church to live out it's final years.
A special shout-out to Andrea Bragdon who helped make this work possible.
Thank you,
Board of Management
4. Mission Month: Proclaim His Name!
This Sunday, we are excited to welcome Don Longworth—not a dentist, but a missionary with SIM Canada. Don has spent many years of his life in Benin, West Africa, where he was stretched and challenged to rely on God in ways he could never have predicted. He and his wife, Erin, along with their children, now live in Fredericton, far from the African continent but still deeply connected to the world of missions. Don has many powerful stories to share with us.
Following the service, consider joining the prayer meeting in the Barnabas Center, where we will focus our prayers and praises on our BSBC mission partners. This time of corporate prayer will renew our souls! Finger food will be served, and you are welcome to bring something to share.
Until we gather again on Sunday morning, take time to meditate on the opening verses of Psalm 67 and ask God to reveal your role in His great redemptive mission:
"May God be gracious to us and bless us, and make His face shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth."
Your BSBC Missions Committee
5. Trunk or Treat
Date & Time:
Sunday, October 27, from 4–5 PM
We're excited to host our 4th Annual Trunk or Treat, and we'd love for you to join us! This fun community outreach event is open to everyone, so feel free to invite your friends, family, and neighbors—whether they’re part of our church or not!
Decorate Your Car:
We’re looking for volunteers to decorate their cars for the event! If you’d like to participate, RSVP ASAP by emailing Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca if you have not done so already. She’s also happy to send decorating ideas if you need inspiration.
Candy, Treats, and Drinks:
Volunteers of all ages are welcome! If you’d like to donate candy, treats, or drinks, please drop them off at the church office by October 20. This event is a great opportunity to share joy with the community, so please spread the word!
Youth Volunteers:
We encourage all middle and high school students to get involved! You can dress up in costumes, help decorate cars, deliver candy and treats, and assist with leading games. It’s a fun way to give back and enjoy the event!
How to Get Involved:
To RSVP your car, donate treats, or register youth volunteers, contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Thank you for helping make this event a success! We can’t wait to see you there!
6. Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers Needed for Third Floor Renovations: Oct 29, 6:30pm
We’re looking for some helping hands to assist Pastor Nikki and the young adults in transforming the third-floor space for our youth and young adult ministries.
On the evening of October 29th, we’ll be rearranging furniture and games, assembling new pieces, and installing and designing new cork boards. Many volunteers are needed—many hands make light work!
If you’re available to help, please email Pastor Nikki. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Senior Residence Services
We are looking for volunteers to help with church services at our senior residences.
If you love to sing or play a musical instrument, we need you! Volunteering once a month or even once every two months would be a wonderful blessing to this ministry and our seniors.
For more information, including schedules, locations, and times, please contact Doug McAllister, our Senior's Visitation Pastor, at the church or by email at doug.mcallister@bsbc.nb.ca.
Third Sunday Supper
Our Third Sunday Suppers are going strong with at least 50 guests at each meal. To continue with this successful ministry, we need your help! Would you be willing to prepare a meal for our guests sometime in the new year? It can be as simple as you wish to make it. For ideas or if you have any questions, please contact me and I would be happy to help. Thank you!
Blessings,
Judy Thompson
506-238-9903
judypaul1088@gmail.com
7. 55+ Luncheon: Monday, October 21
We are excited to announce our second luncheon for the 55+ community on Monday, October 21st! This special gathering is a time for fellowship, with a delicious meal of corn on the cob, meatloaf, and apple crisp prepared on-site, light entertainment, and a brief devotional.
Our Kitchen Crew will be hard at work from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Main Kitchen, while guests are invited to join us from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. in the gym.
We can’t wait to see you there for another meaningful time together!
8. Quilter’s Meeting: Tuesday
Join us Tuesday, October 22nd for a Quilters lunch meeting at 12:15 pm — a great time to connect, share a meal, and enjoy each other’s company before we get to work.
Whether you’re an experienced quilter or just starting, we’d love to have you with us!
If you have any questions, please contact Mary McMulkin mlmulkin@gmail.com.
9. 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.
10. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
CHILDREN @ BSBC:
Scouts K - Grade 12: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
BSBC offers a scouting program for boys from kindergarten to grade 5. Outdoor adventures, fun activities, and community service projects teach boys how to live the great commission to love God and our neighbor. Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Sunday School: Sundays, 9:30 – 10:15 am
Join us Sunday, October 20th, for Sunday School a time of learning for our children and youth. It gives our Pre-K to Grade 12 students age-specific teaching about the gospel. Sunday School will take place from 9:30 – 10:15 am. For parents and adults, join us for tea, coffee and fellowship in the Connection Center and family room during this time.
YOUTH @ BSBC
Read the New Testament in a Year Bible Plan:
Our youth are reading through the New Testament in one year. This Monday to Friday, we are reading through 1 Peter 1-5.
Sunday School: Sunday, October 20, 9:30 – 10:15am
Join us Sunday, October 20th, for Sunday School Bible Study. This is a place for our youth to dig into the Bible with some great leaders, ask questions, and grow in their faith. All youth grades 6 to 12 are welcome to join us for Sunday school on the third floor of the Family Life Centre from 9:30 -10:15 am.
Fredericton Youth Rally! October 18th, 6:00 – 8:30pm
The Fredericton youth rally is fast approaching! This is a large scale gathering with multiple churches from within the Fredericton region, last year there were over 500 people gathered together for a pre-rally, and worship time. You will not want to miss this gathering, if your youth would like to go please RSVP with Pastor Nikki. Cost is 10 dollars, you can E-transfer the money to the church or send your student with the 10 dollars, please let Nikki know which one you are doing when RSVPing.
What to look forward to, Pre-rally, 6:00 – 7:00pm. This includes, games outside, bouncy castle, snack food like popcorn, snow cones, French fries, speciality lemonade, cotton candy, and more! Then we will gather at 7:00 – 8:30pm in Smythe for a large worship gathering together, with front games (with a chance to win a big prize), worship, and a great speaker!
If you have not already RSVP, please do so with Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca. We look forward to all gathering together for this amazing opportunity to see unity among churches throughout Fredericton.
October 23: Leadership & Discipleship Training
Our leadership & discipleship weekly training on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 – 8:00 pm has begun! This is where we will encourage and grow in leadership development, while also putting leadership into practice. We will invite our youth to meet to come up with some ideas and how to implement these ideas to directly affect our youth ministries, while we grow in our own leadership. We will be looking at what does it mean to be a good leader, the qualities of leaders, and seeing which qualities we each have that we can use/develop as leaders ourselves. If you would like to know more about this please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Greenhouse Band Practice: Coming Soon
Greenhouse band practice will begin later this year due to ongoing construction on the third floor. More details will be shared soon!
Youth Group Halloween Party October 27th: 5:30 – 7:00pm
Come dressed up in your costume, ready to have pizza, play games, and have a great time of fellowship together. If you would like to volunteer for our Trunk or Treat please let Pastor Nikki know.
Youth Group Events coming up:
October 18: 6:30 – 9:00 pm FYR
Join us on October 18th for the Fredericton Youth Rally at Smythe Church! Register with Pastor Nikki by Oct 11, so she knows you are coming! Cost $10 per student.
October 23: 6:30 – 8:00
Leadership & Discipleship Training
October 27:
10:30 Greenhouse Service
4:00 – 5:00 pm Trunk or Treat
5:30 – 7:00 pm Youth Group Halloween Party
October 30: 6:30 – 8:00
Leadership & Discipleship Training
November 3: 6:30 – 8:00
Bob Ross Painting Night
11. ABW is Hiring
The Executive Director position for Atlantic Baptist Women (ABW) involves providing leadership and promoting the organization’s mission, which supports local and global Christian missions. The role requires representing ABW across various levels, managing communications and publications, and overseeing operations and event management. The Executive Director will report to the Executive Board and collaborate with other Baptist women’s organizations. Key duties include providing strategic direction, developing resources, facilitating programs, and managing administrative tasks. The Executive Director shall agree with ABW’s vision statement and mission statement and have a personal relationship with Christ as Lord and Saviour.
The position requires strong leadership and communication and organizational skills. Preference will be given to candidates familiar with Atlantic Baptist Women, Canadian Baptist Ministries, and other Baptist women's organizations. It is a full-time position with a starting salary of $48,000 per year, offering vacation, sick leave, and benefits after a probationary period. Some travel and work during evenings and weekends are expected.
Deadline to apply: November 15th, 2024.
Apply with resume and two references to: atlanticbaptistwomen@gmail.com
For a full job description, visit ABW’s website at: www.atlanticbaptistwomen.ca.
12. CBAC Nominating Process
Hello Church Family,
We are blessed to participate in the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) nominating process, where we help identify capable and gifted individuals to serve in various CBAC Organizations and Committees. Your involvement is essential, as it strengthens the work and mission of the CBAC.
Here’s how you can help: Each region is represented by a CBAC Nominating Committee Regional Representative, and our role is to suggest possible nominees from our church community. If you know someone who embodies the spiritual gifts of wisdom, discernment, and teamwork, please consider nominating them.
Key Requirements for Nominees:
• Must be a member of a CBAC church.
• Must be a believer who has been baptized by immersion.
All nominations must be accompanied by a completed Information Sheet for Prospective Nominees, which will be reviewed by the Regional Committee. The presentation of a name may be made by another person or by the person himself or herself.
How the Nominating Process Works: The CBAC Nominating Committee is composed of nine regional representatives, along with the Executive Minister and the Past President (serving as chairperson). They will prepare a report for the CBAC Assembly, which has the final say on nominations. Churches are encouraged to submit names in writing at least twelve hours before the Annual Meeting if there are additional suggestions.
List of Current Openings:
• Vice-President
• Member, CBAC Council
• Member, Pension and Benefits Board
• Member, Atlantic Baptist Mission Board
• Member, Board of Directors of Canadian Baptist Ministries
• Member, Board of Ministerial Standards and Education
• Member, Board of Governors of Crandall University
• Member, Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College
• Member, Board of Governors of Acadia University
• Member, Board of Directors of the Atlantic Baptist Foundation
• Member, Board of Directors of Atlantic Baptist Senior Citizens’ Homes, Inc.
• Member, Baptist Historical Committee
• CBAC Nominating Committee Regional Representative
• Christian Action Federation of New Brunswick
• Member, Camp Wegesegum
For more information, or to make a nomination, please contact the church office.
13. Giving Update
We are deeply grateful to all who have given, as we trust God to provide through the faithful generosity that supports our ministry's vision.
14. Election Prayer Meeting
Please join us at Fredericton Christian Academy, 778 McLaren Avenue, Fredericton, NB, for an Election Prayer Service on Sunday, Oct 20 at 4:00 pm. For more information, please contact Doris Ashfield at 506-470-2124. All are welcome to attend.
15. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: October 20
This Sunday, the worship team in the gym will be led by Illyana Vermeersch. In the sanctuary, the worship team will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and David Steeves, with special music from the Men’s Ensemble, Sanctuary Choir, and Yunjia Dai.
Don Longworth will be preaching in the Gym and Sanctuary. Of his sermon, titled The True Biblical Purpose for Missions he writes, “Young people today are searching for a purpose worth living—and even dying—for. Isaiah 6 reveals just that. It presents a shockingly radical, yet profoundly reasonable, mission compared to the confused causes we often see in today’s culture.”
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am.
16. 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, sanctuary Ministry Coordinator and 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
Parish Nurses
The parish nursing ministry is intended to support and strengthen the spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and the congregation at BSBC. Roz Thompson and Cheryl Gibson, your parish nurses, collaborate with members of the pastoral team promoting health and faith, to facilitate the healing of the body, mind, and spirit. The parish nurses are available to provide prayer and support for physical, mental, and spiritual health challenges.
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
506-282-0928
doug.mcallister@bsbc.nb.ca
Roz Thompson, Parish Nurse
506-457-2787
tawsky@gmail.com
Cheryl Gibson, Parish Nurse
506-454-6657
Cheryl.gibson@unb.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
17. Community Events
Ministry in Kenya: October 22
Dan Bremnes in Concert: October 25
Green Hill Lake Camp Women’s Retreat: October 25-27
Join us for a relaxing, spiritually enriching event, where you’ll be reminded of God’s faithfulness and the power of connecting with other women. Through refreshing Bible study sessions, we’ll explore scriptures that have inspired women for centuries. This is a space to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with God and others.
Accommodation: Cozy cabins with bathrooms and showers.
Venue: Mountain View Lodge and Lakeside Sanctuary.
Keynote Speaker: Amy Gordon, a youth and young adults director with over 15 years of experience, passionate about helping the next generation grow in faith. Amy enjoys podcasts, reading leadership and historical fiction, and decorating. She and her husband, Joel, have been married for 20 years and are proud parents of three daughters.
Gibson Memorial United Church Turkey Dinner: October 30
Gibson Memorial United Church, located at 183 Gibson Street, invites you to a delicious "Turkey Dinner" on Wednesday, October 30th, from 4 to 6 p.m. The menu features turkey, potatoes, turnip, carrots, peas, dressing, gravy, coleslaw, rolls, and dessert! Tickets are $20 per adult. To reserve yours, please call 457-1951.
Faith Baptist Church: A Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar
A Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar will be put on by Scott Wood of Boaz Ministries at Faith Baptist Church on Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 AM to 12:00PM. This seminar is free of cost.
18. This Week at BSBC
Thursday, October 17
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)
9:30 New Life (3rd Floor Classroom)
1:30 Adult Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Friday, October 18
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:00 Gym Band Set-Up (Gym)
6:00 Fredericton Youth Rally (Smythe Street Church)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Family Room, KidzTown, FLC)
Saturday, October 19
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, October 20
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School Class (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 Coffee Time (Connections Center)
9:30 Preschool, Elementary, Youth Sunday School (3rd floor classrooms, KidzTown, 2nd Floor, Family Life Center, Nursery and Preschool Area, 1st Floor, Family Life Center)
9:30 Together in Prayer (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
10:30 Gym Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Sanctuary Worship Service (Sanctuary)
10:50 KidzTown & Preschool Classes (1st & 2nd Floor, FLC)
11:30 Library Open After Services (Connections Center)
12:00 Mandarin Fellowship and Choir (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Prayer Missions Month (Barnabis Center)
5:00 Third Sunday Supper (Gym, Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
Monday, October 21
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 55+ Luncheon (Gym)
1:30 Right to Life Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Board of Management (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
Tuesday, October 22
10:00 Pastoral/Planning Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
11:15 Full Staff Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
1:30 Quilters For Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
6:00 L’Arche Board Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
6:30 Music Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
6:30 Divorce Care (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adults (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Missions Committee Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, October 23
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:15 Church Family Potluck (Gym, Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
6:00 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center, Sanctuary)
6:30 Scout/Timberwolves (Gym)
6:30 Outdoors Enthusiasts Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
6:45 Youth Leadership Development (Assembly Area, Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
Thursday, October 24
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Main Kitchen/Gym/Sanctuary)
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room and Kitchenette, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministries (By Appointment)
9:30 New Life Women’s Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Adult Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:00 Worship Band Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)