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 January 2 to 9, 2025!
1. Happy 211th Birthday BSBC
2. Upcoming Blended Service
3. Curious Verses
4. A study on Pastoral Care
5. JOY FM Impact Partners Program
6. Volunteer Opportunities
7. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
8. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
9. Annual Report 2024 Call for Submissions
10. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Jan 5
11. Pastoral Care
12. This Week @ BSBC
1. Happy 211th Birthday BSBC
From January 1, 1814, to present day, from our origins in the Fredericton Baptist Church (the only Baptist Church in the Fredericton area) to our current Brunswick Street Baptist Church, we praise God for His faithfulness through these last 211 years!
We also thank you for your continued attendance, generosity and support. To God be the glory!
2. Upcoming Blended and Family Services
Hey Church Family,
We will be having a Blended Service in the sanctuary on Sunday, Jan 5th. Also, KidzTown will resume January 5th.
3. Curious Verses
Sometimes Biblical verses may seem puzzling, confusing or curious. David Clark is offering this class to look at verses that speak about a range of topics including identity, fear, success, prayer, doubt, calling, and the will of God, to see if we can come to better understand what the scriptures are saying. Class begins Wednesday, January 15 at 6:30 pm in the Family Room.
4. Study on Pastoral Care
Christians are called to be godly helpers and provide care and meet the needs of fellow believers. To provide spiritual and emotional support, helpers need knowledge and skills to develop quality helping relationships, which promote healing and wholeness.
This study will focus on two broad topics: Understanding Pastoral Care and Developing Helping Relationships. Topics under Pastoral Care include the following: the definition of pastoral care, its biblical and theological basis, and its aims, objectives, and goals. Under Helping Relationships, the topics include the following: the meaning of helping, motivation and why people behave the way they do, developing empathy and trust, interviewing skills, spiritual formation and using Scripture and prayer in providing care.
Please join us Sunday, Jan 12 from 9:15 am to 10:00 in the 2nd Floor Boardroom for our first weekly class.
Warmly,
Dr. John Stewart
5. 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
January - Boaz Global
About Us: Boaz Global/Ministries is a charity dedicated to serving teens locally, nationally, and globally. We partner with communities in impoverished or unstable regions to fight human trafficking and help vulnerable youth find safe environments. Our mission also includes empowering local youth to realize and achieve their potential.
How to Access Our Services: To learn more about our programs or to seek assistance, please contact us:
- Phone: (506) 451-5547
- Websites: https://boazglobal.com/
Volunteer: For volunteer opportunities, please contact us by calling (506) 451-5547
Impact Opportunity: Community event focused on building friendships and engagement with families who are new to Canada. Opportunity to collect items to help families settle in who are refugees or asylum seekers.
6. 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.
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.
7. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
CHILDREN @ BSBC:
Scouts K - Grade 12: Resuming January 12
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.
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!
Youth @ BSBC
Introducing Bible Project Videos:
As we wrap up our journey of reading through the New Testament together in 2024, we are excited to announce our new project for 2025! This coming year, we’ll be exploring The Bible Project videos.
Together, we’ll dive into each book of the Bible, gaining an overview of its key themes and understanding its place within the larger Biblical story.
This initiative offers a fresh and engaging way to deepen our knowledge of God and His Word. Our hope is that this journey will inspire a renewed passion for Scripture and draw us closer to Him.
We look forward to embarking on this meaningful adventure with you in 2025!
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!
Informal hangout and lunch: Service January 5th, 11:45 – 1:30pm
The holiday break is coming to an end, and your leaders would love to offer a space for you and your friends to gather, and share in a time of fellowship. We will be having lunch together after service January 5th and playing some boardgames. All youth grades 6 – 12 are welcome to join!
Leadership & Discipleship Training: Returning January 15
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
All middle school and high school students are invited to join us January 12th at 6:30 for Nerf Night. Make sure to bring active clothing and your sense of adventure!
Greenhouse Band Practice: January 15, 6:00-6:40pm
We are excited to start up our Greenhouse Band this year! We will be practicing on Wednesdays from 6:00-6:40pm. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Nikki.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Jan 5
We’re excited to celebrate the Lords table and the New Year with a Blended Service in the Sanctuary. In the Sanctuary, the worship team will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and David Steeves with special music from the Sanctuary Choir, Greg Keezer, and an acapella ensemble.
This Sunday, on our 211th anniversary as a church at Brunswick Street Baptist Church, Pastor Ross will be sharing a message around the changes there may have to be in how we do Church over the years but pointing again to the fact that our 'why' we are a church never needs to change. While although culture, needs, and preferences are variable, the message of the Gospel is steadfast and must remain vital to all we do and are.
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am.
11. 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
12. This Week at BSBC
Thursday, January 2
Church Office Closed
Friday, January 3
Church Office Closed
Saturday, January 4
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, January 5
9:00 Mandarin Worship Practice (Barnabas)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Mandarin Worship Practice (Barnabas)
9:30 Coffee Time (Connections Center)
9:30 Together in Prayer (Counselling Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
10:30 Blended Worship Service (Sanctuary)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Barnabas)
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, January 6
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Right to Life (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Social Action Team (Family Room 1st Floor, FLC)
Tuesday, January 7
8:00 Service Canada Super Clinic (Gym)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Barnabas)
1:30 Quilters For Missions (Mary’s House)
6:00 Kids Sing (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
Wednesday, January 8
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center, Sanctuary)
6:30 Scouts – Timberwolves (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Choir (Barnabas)
Thursday, January 9
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Gym)
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministries
9:00 Days For Girls (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:30 New Life Ministry (3rd Floor Classrooms)
1:30 Adult Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
