The Newsletter
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
ellie.beaton@bsbc.nb.ca
The deadline for inclusion in Thursday’s edition is 8:00am the Tuesday prior.
In this issue:
Check out what’s happening the week of December 12 to 19, 2024!
1. Advent Letter from the Pastor’s Office
2. Advent Services and Events at BSBC
3. Service of Comfort & Hope: Dec 19
4. Candlelight Service: Dec 22
5. Classic Christmas Eve Service: Dec 24
6. 55+ Christmas Luncheon: Dec 16
7. New Year’s Eve Hogmanay Party: Dec 31
8. City Carol Festival
9. Joy FM Impact Partners Program
10. Volunteer Opportunities
11. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
12. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
13. Weekly Financial Countdown
14. Christmas Giving
15. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Dec 15
16. Pastoral Care
17. Community Events
18. This Week @ BSBC
1. Advent Letter from the Pastor’s Office
2. Advent Services and Events at BSBC
December 2024
Sun, Dec 15 at 10:30 am – Advent 3 “Surprise”
Sun, Dec 15 at 5:00pm – Third Sunday Supper
Mon, Dec 16 at 12:00 – 55+ Luncheon
Thurs, Dec 19 at 6:30 pm – Service of Comfort & Hope
Sun, Dec 22 at 10:30 am – Advent 4 “Rejoice” – Worship Services
Sun, Dec 22 at 6:30 pm - Christmas Candlelight Service
Tues, Dec 24 – Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm - Christingle Carol Service
Sun, Dec 29 at 10:30 am – Worship Services
Tues, Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve at 8:00 pm – Hogmanay Party
January 2025
Sun, Jan 5 – Blended Worship Service
3. Service of Comfort & Hope: Dec 19
Recent losses cast a shadow on familiar celebrations. Your sad feelings are normal as you prepare for Christmas. To support you, I invite you to the Service of Comfort and Hope when candles will be lit in memory of loved ones who are no longer present with you, on Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. A reception time will follow.
If you would like a candle lit in memory of your loved ones and to register, please contact Janet Mitchell in the church office with their names.
If you feel this would be helpful for you, mark this date on your calendar and register your intention to attend. This will assist us as we prepare the names for the Memorial Honour Roll. My thoughts and prayers are for your comfort, as you walk through this time. I look forward to meeting you here.
If you have any questions, please contact me at culberson.kevin@gmail.com or call 506-260-6240. To register, please email Janet in the BSBC church office at janet.mitchell@bsbc.nb.ca or call 506-458-8348.
Remember you are not alone,
Pastor Kevin Culberson
4. Candlelight Service: Dec 22
You are warmly invited to a special Candlelight Service of Music on Sunday evening, December 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Brunswick Street Baptist Church.
This evening offers an oasis of beauty in sight and sound as the story of God’s love in Christ is shared through Scripture, readings, musical selections, and carols. The Sanctuary Choir, joined by gifted soloists, instrumentalists, and the Adult Handbell Choir, will present a program centered on the theme "One Holy Night."
Bring your family and friends to experience this meaningful service, which promises to inspire and uplift. A freewill offering will be received to support the vital work of our downtown partner, the Fredericton Community Kitchen.
We look forward to sharing this special evening of worship and reflection with you.
5. Classic Christmas Eve Service: Dec 24
This Christmas Eve join us at 6:00pm for a classic Christmas Eve service, with caroling, Scriptural readings, and special Christingle moment. All are welcome to join as we share in the joy of the Christmas season and prepare to “open” the gift of Jesus.
6. 55+ Christmas Luncheon
You’re warmly invited to our upcoming 55+ Christmas Luncheon on Monday, December 16th, at 12:00 PM! Join us for a cozy meal featuring turkey dinner and cheesecake dessert. Come for delicious food and stay for wonderful fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there!
7. New Year’s Eve Hogmanay Party: December 31
This year for New Year’s Eve we are going Scottish again... and throwing another Hogmanay celebration on December 31st, from 8:00pm-12:30am! Come and enjoy music from a live ceilidh band, Fredericton's own Frantically Atlantic, learn some Scottish dances, share in a finger food potluck and bring in the new year with your church family in a time of worship.
Tickets are $15 each for ages 16 and up (15 and under are free but require a ticket for numbers – so get these free tickets when you purchase). Tickets sold Sundays by Fi Watters and during the week by the church office. Please try and have the correct cash. We have 150 tickets available, first come, first served. We are really looking forward to sharing this time with you!
8. City Carol Festival
A sincere thank you to all who helped prepare for and served at the City Carol Festival held at our church on December 4. Thank you all for giving of your time and talents to support this event. Together, we raised a total of $4,478.70. It all ran smoothly because of the teamwork exhibited by so many from our congregation. The Fredericton Organists Association has shared how much they appreciated your efforts in bringing this concert together for the benefit of our local food banks. May God bless you richly for all you have done.
Merry Christmas!
David Steeves
9. Joy FM’s Impact Partners Program
The Impact Partners program is a 12-month initiative led by Joy FM radio station to raise awareness and support for 12 incredible non-profit organizations in the Fredericton region. This program focuses on organizations addressing food insecurity and housing insecurity, aiming to create a significant positive impact on the local community.
Key Features:
Highlights one non-profit each month
Engages local churches and businesses as Impact Partners
Provides financial support, free advertising, and volunteer recruitment for non-profits
Offers monthly "Impact Opportunities" for hands-on community service
December - Youth in Transition
About Us: Youth in Transition provides homeless youth with a safe place to sleep and grow. We aim to prevent chronic homelessness by addressing its root causes in youth. Our programs include Chrysalis House, a boarding facility, along with life skills training and mentorship to support young people in becoming independent, active members of society.
How to Access Our Services: For admissions to Chrysalis House, call 506-451-4767. For general inquiries about our programs, call 506-451-3483 or email info@yitfredericton.com.
Volunteer: Contact us at 506-451-3483 or email info@yitfredericton.com.
Impact Opportunity: Gift Card Drive- JoyFM and ALL Impact Partners will be collecting Walmart, Sobeys, and Superstore gift cards to support Youth In Transition supply groceries for their residences and supplies needed to start strong in 2025. Gift cards can be dropped off at any Impact Partner location or JoyFM office (515 St. Mary's Street) for more info email admin@joynetwork.ca.
10. Volunteer Opportunities
Muffin Ministry: Booking for January 2025
On behalf of our brothers and sisters who make a weekly evening trek around the city to visit those sleeping rough, and your Social Action Team, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our faithful ‘muffin makers’ for serving in this meaningful way.
December is booked and we are looking for January 2025, and we are in need of 3 dozen muffins each week. Please package 12 individually wrapped muffins in a large, zip-locked bag labeled “Street Ministry.” Be sure to include your name and the delivery date for which you signed up. The labeled muffins can be placed in the upright freezer in the main kitchen.
To sign up, click the link below or call the church office at 506-458-8348, and our admin team will be happy to assist with the online registration. Jesus spoke of offering cups of cold water in His name, and we believe that muffins serve as a wonderful way to bless others in His honor.
11. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
CHILDREN @ BSBC:
Scouts K - Grade 12: Done for Christmas Break!
The BSBC Scouting program is on a Christmas break for the remainder of 2024. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year! Scouting resumes on Wednesday, January 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
BSBC offers a dynamic scouting program for boys from kindergarten to grade 5. Through outdoor adventures, exciting activities, and meaningful community service projects, boys learn to live out the Great Commission—growing in their love for God and serving their neighbors.
Last Sunday School of 2024: December 15, 9:30 – 10:15 AM
Join us for Sunday School, a time of learning for our children and youth. It provides age-specific teaching about the Gospel for students from Pre-K to Grade 12. During this time, parents and adults can enjoy tea, coffee, and fellowship in the Connection Center and Family Room.
This Sunday will be our final Sunday School class for 2024. We’ll take a short break over the holidays and look forward to gathering again on January 12th, 2025. See you in the new year!
Youth @ BSBC
Read the New Testament in a Year Bible Plan: Monday – Friday
Our youth are reading through the New Testament in one year. This week, we are reading Revelation 1-5.
Last Sunday School of 2024: December 15, 9:30 – 10:15 AM
Youth in Grades 6 to 12 are invited to join us this Sunday for our final Sunday School class of 2024. Held on the third floor of the Family Life Centre, it’s a great space to dig into the Bible, ask questions, grow in faith, and connect with our leaders.
Leadership & Discipleship Training: Done for Christmas Break!
Happy Holidays! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Children’s Christmas Party – A Big Thank You to Our Volunteers!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make Saturday’s Children’s Party a success! Events like these wouldn’t be possible without your dedication and willingness to serve. We are so grateful for your support—the kids had a wonderful time!
Youth Christmas Party: Sunday, December 15th, 6:30 – 8:00PM
Did someone say Christmas party? Yes! All youth are invited to join us on December 15th for a festive evening filled with fun, food, and celebration. This will be our last youth event of the 2024 season.
Come dressed to impress for a Christmas potluck supper, followed by a Yankee Swap (with a $15 cap) and some exciting games. Let’s come together to celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth! For more details, contact Pastor Nikki. We can’t wait to see you there!
12. 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! December 17th will be the last meeting in 2024 and will resume on Jan 7th.
Please contact Pastor Ross ross@bsbc.nb.ca for details.
13.Weekly Financial Countdown
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. Christmas Giving
Dear Church Family,
As we celebrate this season of hope, would you prayerfully consider including a special gift to our church as part of your Christmas giving? Your generosity will help us finish the year in a strong financial position, enabling us to continue being a “Hope-Filled” church, sharing God’s love with our community and beyond.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Together, we rejoice in the ways God is at work among us and look forward to His continued blessings in 2025 as we pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
How to Give:
Place your gift in the offering boxes located on the welcome tables.
Drop your gift off at the Church Office.
Use the debit machine in the Connections Center.
Send an e-transfer to giving@bsbc.nb.ca.
To ensure your gift is receipted for 2024, please:
Drop your envelope marked “Christmas Giving Goal” in the offering box during worship on Sunday, Dec. 29.
Bring your gift to the Church Office by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Send your e-transfer by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31.
To date, we’ve received $1,850 toward our Christmas Giving Goal, and we’re encouraged to see how God will work through your support in the weeks ahead.
Thank you for partnering with us to sustain and grow the ministry God has entrusted to us in Fredericton and beyond.
15. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Dec 15
We’re excited to celebrate the 3rd Sunday in Advent! In the Gym, worship team will be led by Julianne Moore and Greg Keezer. In the Sanctuary, the worship team will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and Elaine Durling with special music from Laura McGuire and Ladies Double Trio.
This Sunday, Dr. Keith Bodner will be preaching in the gym. Of his sermon, titled The Light of Advent, he says, “This month at the TheStreet we have been emphasizing the season of Advent: Christmas is a day, but Advent lasts for forty days, and it is a time of anticipation and preparation. For much of Christian history, Advent has been an occasion to reflect on both the arrival of the Messiah and the eventual return of the King. Most of us can recognize that one of the hallmarks of Advent is light, and so this weekend we will reflect on the theme of light as a central theme of Christmas and illuminate various ways that light can continue to change our lives.
Reverend Ross Watters will be preaching in the sanctuary on the topic of Surprise. Of his sermon, he writes “I'm sure when we think of Christmas and surprise, there are many occasions that spring to mind, whether it is a present we never expected, unexpected guests, surprise party's or otherwise. Surprise is a word we find easy to associate with our experience of the modern-day Christmas season, but is it a word you would use to describe the announcement of Jesus arrival? This Sunday come join us as we look the divine disruption announced by John the Baptist in Mark Chapter 1 and how so often what we expect Jesus to be, and the reality of who He is don't always match up.”
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, Benevolence Coordinator/ Seniors Visitation Pastor
506-440-4023
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
Fredericton Choral Society Christmas Concert: December 14
Join the Fredericton Choral Society for an evening of glorious Christmas music on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 7:30 PM, at Christ Church Parish Church (corner of Westmorland and Charlotte Streets).
The program features a delightful selection of choral Christmas favorites, with accompaniment by pianist Catherine Macdonald, percussionist Morgan Mollins, and organist Alice Boyd. The highlight of the evening will be Vivaldi’s Baroque masterpiece, Gloria.
Soloists include BSBC's own Beth Snow, Olivia Spahn-Vieira, and Vivien Zelazny, joined by the Sarabande String Quartet, Fran Robinson (oboe), and Norman Neil (trumpet).
Tickets:
$25 general admission
$10 for students
Free for children (12 and under)
Tickets are available at the door, from choir members, or at the Christ Church Parish Church office (Tues-Fri, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM).
Come celebrate the season with music that will fill your heart and soul!
Visit the Fredericton Choral Society on Facebook.
18. This Week at BSBC
Thursday, December 12
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)
9:00 Days for Girls (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:30 New Life (3rd Floor Classroom)
1:30 Adult Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sports Friends Youth Recreational Basketball: Ages 9-11 (Gym)
6:30 Ladies Bible Study (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Friday, December 13
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:00 Gym Band Set-Up
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas)
Saturday, December 14
9:30 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
10:00 Third Sunday Supper Prep (Main Kitchen)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, December 15
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Barnabas)
9:00 Asian Sunday School Class (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Mandarin Worship Practice (Barnabas)
9:30 Coffee Time (Connections Center)
9:30 Final 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 (Counselling Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 The Christmas Experience Final Class (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
10:30 Gym Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Barnabas)
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 Sunday Lunch (Barnabas)
1:00 Mandarin Fellowship and Choir (Barnabas)
5:00 Third Sunday Supper (Gym)
6:30 Final Youth Group/ Christmas Party (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Monday, December 16
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 55+ luncheon (Gym)
1:30 Right to Life Meeting (Boardroom, 3nd Floor, FLC)
6:00 Joint BoD/BoM meeting (Assembly Area, 3nd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Board of Management (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Board of Deacons (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Tuesday, December 17
10:00 Pastoral/Planning Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Barnabas)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
6:00 Kids Sing (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
6:00 L’Arche Board Meeting (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
6:30 Divorce Care (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adults (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Bible Study (Barnabas Center)
Wednesday, December 18
9:30 Mandarin New Life Group (Barnabas)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:15 Final Church Family Potluck (Gym, Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
6:00 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center, Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
Thursday, December 19
7:00 Final Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Main Kitchen/Gym/Sanctuary)
7:00 Final Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room and Kitchenette, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministries (By Appointment)
9:00 Days for Girls (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:30 Final New Life Women’s Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Final Adult Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:30 Service of Comfort and Hope (Sanctuary)
6:30 Final Ladies Bible Study (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
