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 19 to 26, 2024!
1. Advent Letter from the Pastor’s Office
2. Advent Services and Events at BSBC
3. Holiday Office Hours
4. Upcoming Blended and Family Services
5. Service of Comfort & Hope: Dec 19
6. Candlelight Service: Dec 22
7. Classic Christmas Eve Service: Dec 24
8. New Year’s Eve Hogmanay Party: Dec 31
9. Christmas Poinsettias
10. City Carol Festival
11. Starting Local/Going Global
12. Volunteer Opportunities
13. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
14. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
15. Weekly Financial Countdown
16. Christmas Giving
17. Annual Report 2024 Call for Submissions
18. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Dec 22
19. Pastoral Care
20. This Week @ BSBC
1. Advent Letter from the Pastor’s Office
2. Advent Services and Events at BSBC
December 2024
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. Holiday Office Hours
4. Upcoming Blended and Family Services
Hey Church Family,
In the coming weeks, we have a few changes from our normal schedule. Along with our Christmas-themed services, please note that we will be having Blended Services in the sanctuary on Sunday, Dec 29 and Sunday, Jan 5. Sunday, December 29 will also be a Family Service so there will be no KidzTown or Preschool Ministries. KidzTown will resume January 5th.
Have a great and blessed Christmas season!
Reverend Ross
5. 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 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.
Remember you are not alone,
Pastor Kevin Culberson
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. Christmas Poinsettias
This Christmas season, we invited you to help us decorate our worship spaces with a Poinsettia that you purchased and placed in either the gym or the sanctuary in honour or in memory of someone you love. These are the people who were honoured and remembered:
Poinsettias have been placed in the sanctuary…
In memory of Aline Savard by Daniel & Althea Savard
In memory of Barbara Peterson by Shirley, Ralph & Chris Graves
In memory of Blair & Norma Waye/Archie & Eleanor Carson by Bill & Bonnie Waye
In memory of Clarence & Dorothy Tingley by Richard & Brenda Tingley
In memory of Connor Murphy & by A, B, N & N
In memory of David Corey by Edna Corey
In memory of Doug Mulholland by His Family
In memory of Edwin & Jean Robinson by Richard & Brenda Tingley
In memory of Emily Culberson, Elizabeth Culberson by Kevin & Ruth Culberson & Family
In memory of Ethel Green by Daughter Marion
In memory of Ethel Ingraham by Robert Ingraham
In memory of Frank Wallace by Beth Wallace
In memory of George & Joyce Lawrence by John & Ruth McGuire
In memory of Georges Savard by Daniel & Althea Savard
In memory of Harold & Pat Pyne by Daughter Deb Pyne-Young
In memory of James Boldon by Lois Boldon
In memory of Jim Boldon by Lois Boldon
In memory of Lenna McNeill by Daniel & Althea Savard
In memory of Lillian & David Coughey by Mary Kaye
In memory of Lorne & Florence Stairs by Gloria Tranquilla
In memory of Madeline & Frank Gibson by Cheryl and Marilynne and Steven
In memory of Marion Ingraham by Daughter Leslie
In memory of Marion Ingraham by Daughter Anne
In memory of Myrna Spencer by Nancy Hughey
In memory of Olive Graves by Ralph, Shirley & Chris Graves
In memory of Our Parents by Mike & Sheila Ross
In memory of Owen & Muriel McGuire by John & Ruth McGuire
In memory of Patricia Stewart by John Stewart & Family
In memory of Sharon Gosselin by Husband & Family
In memory of Verna & Wilfred Crandlemire by From their Family
Poinsettias have been placed in the gym…
In memory of Maddie Oliver and Verna Phillips by Mike & Mary Jane Phillips
In memory of Marie Wilton by Dan & Eleanor Wilton and Family
In memory of Robert & Diana Read by Dan & Eleanor Wilton and Family
In memory of Ross Wilton by Dan & Eleanor Wilton and Family
In memory of Becky Cooper by George & Debbie Roach
In memory of Josh Cooper by George & Debbie Roach
In memory of Ben Cooper by George & Debbie Roach
In memory of John Cooper by George & Debbie Roach
In memory of George & Gertrude Roach by George & Debbie Roach
Thank you for honouring our loved ones. Please take your poinsettia plants with you when you leave worship services on Sunday, December 22.
10. 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
11. Starting Local/Going global
A huge thank you to our church family for yet again coming through with generous giving to support both our local community through Christmas giving and our global Christmas project!
The Starting Local total (including e-transfer giving to December 9th) is $8,824.50. This covers the costs of the gifts for our new Life families who celebrated as a group last week and for a Christmas gift for each of our December Third Sunday Supper guests who enjoyed a Christmas meal this past Sunday evening. Any funds in excess of our costs for these gifts will be divided between our “local” ministries to help cover some of their costs through the year. These include our regular New Life ministry programming, some food costs for those who volunteer to cook the Third Sunday Supper meals, and a portion will also help our BSBC Benevolent fund which ministers to urgent financial needs of many connected to our church.
In addition, $10167.50 has come into date for Going Global which will be sent through our national office, Canadian Baptist Ministries, to support Miqlat Ministries in India.
Thank you to all who have given to our Christmas campaign!
God is so good.
BSBC Social Action Team and Mission Committee
12. 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.
13. 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.
No Sunday School: Returning January 12, 9:30 – 10:15 AM
We’ll take a short break over the holidays and look forward to gathering again on January 12th, 2025. Have a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season with your family! A big thank you to all those who serve in Sunday School!
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 6-11. Next week, from December 23-27, we will read Revelation 12-19. The final reading for this year will cover Revelation 19-22, during the week of December 30-31. Thank you for joining us in reading through the New Testament!
In the new year, we will begin a new project aimed at diving deeper into learning about God and His Word.
No Sunday School: Returning January 12, 9:30 – 10:15 AM
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!
Leadership & Discipleship Training: Done for Christmas Break!
We’re excited to announce the return of our Leadership & Discipleship Training Program in 2025! Everyone is welcome to join—no prior experience or participation is required. Whether you’re new or returning, we’ll ensure you’re brought up to speed so you can dive right in.
We look forward to growing and learning together. Wishing you all a blessed and joyful holiday season!
Youth Group: Returning January 12, 6:30-8:00 PM
Wishing all our youth a joyful and restful holiday season! We’re excited to gather again in the New Year.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our Christmas Party on Sunday—it was such a blessing to come together, share delicious food, and exchange gifts. Your presence made it truly special!
We can’t wait to see you all in 2025!
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! December 17th will be the last meeting in 2024 and will resume on Jan 7.
Please contact Pastor Ross ross@bsbc.nb.ca for details.
15.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.
16. 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.
17. Annual report 2024 Call for Submissions
We are rapidly bringing a close to 2024 and are looking forward to 2025. Specifically, we are looking for reports from all Board, Committees, and Teams for the Annual Report 2024. We need to have the Annual Report compiled, edited, revised, (and edited again!) printed and ready to send for binding by February 1, 2025.
To that end, the deadline for submissions for the Annual Report is Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Please submit your reports to the church office, via email, to naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca.
Thank you for participating in this way. If you have any questions or concerns, or for more information, please contact the church office.
18. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Dec 22
We’re excited to celebrate the 4th Sunday in Advent! In the Gym, worship team will be led by Sarah Hoyt and Mark McAllister. In the Sanctuary, the worship team will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and David Steeves with special music from the Sanctuary Choir and the Handbell Choir.
This Sunday, Reverend Ross will be preaching in the gym and sanctuary. Of his sermon titled Rejoice.
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am.
19. 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
20. This Week at BSBC
Thursday, December 19
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)
6:30 Ladies Bible Study (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Friday, December 20
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:00 Gym Band Set-Up
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas)
Saturday, December 21
9:30 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, December 22
9:00 Mandarin Worship Practice (Barnabas)
9:30 Together in Prayer (Counselling Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
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)
Monday, December 23
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
Tuesday, December 24
Church Office Closed
6:00 Classic Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday, December 25
Church Office Closed
Thursday, December 26
Church Office Closed
