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Our Mission
Experience the love of Jesus. Live it out everywhere.
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from March 15 to 22.
Children’s Easter Party
Holy Week @ BSBC
Special Business Meeting
Our Partners in Mission – André Sibomana
Muffin Makers – Your Ministry in April, May and June
Bereavement
2023 Ladies’ Banquet – Some Things to Remember Ladies
Library Recommendations For Easter
NextGen Ministries
March Senior’s Luncheon – Register Today
Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
Community News – Book Signing
This Week @ BSBC
1. Children’s Easter Party
Saturday, March 25, 1 – 2 p.m.
Our annual children’s Easter Party is coming up later this month! Parents and children K – Grade 5 are welcome to come out for an hour-long party to celebrate. Please register to let us know you are coming, so we can prepare for you! If you have any questions please email nikki@bsbc.nb.ca for more information.
2. Holy Week at BSBC
Before we know it, Lent will give way to Holy Week leading us from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. So that you can plan and help us share these events with those you know, here’s the plan for Holy Week 2023. You may not be able to attend all that is planned but we hope that you’ll add something to your life that will have you join us to intersect with Jesus’ Salvation Journey. May we have a spiritually invigorating Holy Week that has us saying, “amazing love, how can it be that thou my God should die for me!”
"If Easter says anything to us today, it says this:
You can put truth in a grave but it won't stay there."
Clarence W. Hall
Flower Donations for Easter Sunday Morning
We invite you to help us celebrate Jesus’ resurrection by placing spring plants in memory or honour of your loved ones. You can make arrangements through the church office OR using the link below. Please be sure, when remitting your $15/plant, to identify your gift “Easter Flowers” so that your donation will be credited to the correct account. Thank you. Deadline for donations is Wednesday, April 5. These will be acknowledged in the pre-service slide shows on Easter Sunday morning and then, in this newsletter on Wednesday, April 12.
Easter Offering Goal
Each year, at our February Annual General Meeting, the congregation sets a financial goal for special Celebration Offerings. This is a means of inviting our church family to make a unique offering as a means of celebrating, in this case, the good news of Easter. Our goal for 2023 is $10,000. Thank you for considering such a gift. Visit our website for details.
3. Special Business Meeting
The Moderator is calling a Special Business Meeting for Sunday, April 2, in the sanctuary after the morning services. The only item on the agenda will be to ask the congregation to pass the following motion:
Moved that the Board of Deacons contact the office of Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) with the request that Pastor Ross Watters be granted permission to appear before the CBAC Examining Council for Ordination in August 2023 for the purpose of being approved for ordination to Christian ministry at the hands of this church family.
As many of you know, over the past months, Pastor Ross has been working to meet the requirements for ordination to Christian ministry in our denomination which will allow us to affirm his calling to ministry and the gifts God has given him to serve. As well as a celebration of calling and equipping, this will allow the then “Reverend Ross Watters” to be licensed with the province to perform marriages.
Thank you for taking the time to provide the crucial letter which will set the process in motion.
Pastor Greg
4. Our Partners in Mission – André Sibomana
We invite you to get caught up with our Partner in Mission, André Sibomana, who works for the Kingdom in Rwanda. Please take a few moments to catch up on André’s work by reading his February newsletter: www.cbmin.org/sibomana-ministry-update-february-2023/
If you don’t know André, here’s a little background for you:
André joined CBM in 2011 and now serves in Rwanda as Africa Team Leader. In this role, André works with our African church partners to determine and accomplish shared objectives and coaches and empowers our Global Field Staff. He supports Canadian church partnerships and facilitates SENT trips, which provide Canadians with hands-on global discipleship experience. His expertise and cultural understanding are invaluable in creating effective strategies for CBM’s ministry throughout the continent.
André first worked with CBM as the Integral Mission Coordinator, supporting short-term mission trips to Rwanda. In 2015, he became the Director of Community Development for the Association of Baptist Churches of Rwanda (AEBR). His work involved managing joint projects between CBM and the AEBR, including kids at risk and food security initiatives. At the same time, André was also the lead pastor of a small local church in Kigali until 2018.
André and his wife Therese have five children, who are teenagers.
5. Muffin Makers – Your Ministry in April, May & June
On behalf of our brothers and sisters who make a weekly evening trek around the city to visit those sleeping rough and the members of your Social Action Team, thank you ‘muffin makers’ for your faithfulness serving in this way.
Our schedule is now open for April, May & June. We still require 3 dozen muffins per week.
How you can sign up
Please click the link below to sign up to serve in this way. OR call the church office (458-8348) and our admin team will be pleased to do the online registration for you. Jesus spoke of offering cups of cold water in his name. Muffins, we believe, offer the same opportunity to bless others for him.
6. Bereavement
Heather Carroll
Please be in prayer for Pastor Steve and Cindy Patterson on the death of Steve’s sister, Heather Carroll on March 4, 2023 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in 1963 in Moncton, NB, Heather was the daughter of Doug and Mavis (Goodine) Patterson.
She grew up and lived in Saint John, NB. Heather was a hair stylist that touched many lives with her generous heart. She was always quick with a joke and enjoyed spending time with her family and loved ones. Heather especially loved spending time with her granddaughter Carly. Together, their joy and laughter were infectious. She adored summer with the warmth of the sun and spending time picking wildflowers. Heather was also a beautiful artist. Her loss is profoundly felt in the hearts of everyone who knew her, but her strength and fierceness will never fade from our cherished memories.
She is survived by her brothers Mike (Marion) Patterson and Steven (Cindy) Patterson; her children James (Alicia), Steven (Donna), and Anna; granddaughter Carly; Thomas Carroll; and many beloved family members and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Brent Patterson, her very special gram Marion Goodine, and her partner Herb Loeman. Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424). A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The full obituary can be found at: www.fundyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Heather-Carroll
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Harold James Bailey
Our sympathies to Greta & Roy Jones and Lena and Larry Meade on the passing of Greta and Lena’s brother, Harold James Bailey, 91, of Minto, NB. He passed away peacefully on March 6, 2023, at home.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Eunice (Stewart) and their children, Daryl (Cheryl), Ron (Kathy), George (Caroline), Kevin (Anne) and Liz (Mark); grandchildren, Courtney, John, Nicole, Katlyn, Madison, Daniel, Robert, and Sara; two great-grandchildren Brooke and Brynn; sisters, Greta (Roy) and Lena (Larry); many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
Harold was a hard worker. He was employed in the logging and sawmill industries until his retirement. In addition to handling firewood, he enjoyed gardening and sharing his crops with family and friends. Dad was very family oriented. He enjoyed being home or attending family gatherings surrounded by food. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
The Funeral Service was held on Friday, March 10, 2023, from the United Baptist Church of Minto.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble.
Psalm 46:1
7. 2023 Ladies’ Banquet: Some Things to Remember Ladies
All 180 tickets to “A Night at the Oscars” have sold! I guess this thing is really going to happen! Ladies a few things we’d like you to remember:
On the night of the banquet, please enter through the main doors to the sanctuary on York Street. This will allow us to have space to guide you to the gym.
The doors will open at 5:15 p.m.
As a means of blessing others, ladies you are invited to bring new feminine hygiene items that will be donated to the Downtown Community Health Center in support of the work they do with our downtown population (you’ll leave these in the sanctuary foyer).
Bring your ticket and write your name on the back of it. There will be door prizes and we’ll draw from tickets, which you’ll deposit when you get your name tag.
Serving 180 plus 40 men, we are not able to do much adjustment to meet specific dietary needs. Please let us know ASAP about considerations you need and we’ll get back to you to let you know what we can do. Please email bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca by Monday, March 13.
Please feel free to come “red carpet ready.” There will be prizes for best gowns.
We look forward to having you!
Pastor Greg
8. Library Suggestions
Visit the Easter book display in our library where you’ll find something enriching for each member of the family!
9. NextGen Ministry
Children @ BSBC
Sunday School: THIS Sunday, March 19, 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School is back this Sunday! All preschool, children, youth, and adults are welcome and encouraged to come out at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday to grow together.
Elementary (K – Grade 5) Scouting Boys: March 15, 6:30 p.m.
BSBC offers a scouting program for boys from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Outdoor adventures, fun activities, and community service projects are used to teach boys how to live the great commission, and to love God and our neighbours. Meetings are held weekly in the church gym on Wednesday evenings for those in kindergarten to Grade 5. For more information, please contact the church office at 458-8348 or bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca.
Hands-in Girls Ministry: March 18, 10 a.m. – noon
All of our elementary-aged girls are encouraged to join Allie Dunfield and her awesome gang of leaders for a Saturday morning of fun, friends, fellowship, activities, and music! If your daughter or granddaughter is wanting to attend this please register HERE.
Children’s Easter Party: March 25, 1 – 2 p.m.
Our annual children’s Easter Party is coming up later this month! Parents and children K – Grade 5 are welcome to come out for an hour-long party to celebrate. Please register to let us know you are coming, so we can prepare for you! If you have any questions please email nikki@bsbc.nb.ca for more information.
Youth @ BSBC
Bible Study: Wednesday, March 15, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Youth are welcome and encouraged to come as we learn through the book of Mark, tonight at 6:30 pm – 8 p.m. All are welcome! Even those who have not been around for earlier Bible Studies. Join Kari Dunfield and Pastor Nikki tonight!
Youth Saint Paddy’s Day Theme: Friday, March 17, 7 – 9 p.m.
Youth are welcome to join us next Friday for a fun night of games geared towards Saint Patrick’s day. They’re also encouraged to come dressed as green as possible for the event! We look forward to seeing you Friday, March 17 from 7 – 9 p.m. If you have any questions please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Tidal Impact Registration Date Approaching: March 23
Tidal Impact is a week-long missions trip happening July 22 – 28. All youth grades 6- 12 are welcome to come out! The goal of Tidal Impact is to bring Jesus' love into our community through acts of service. To do this, Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) partners churches from across Atlantic Canada together. Tidal Impact provides youth with the opportunity to deepen their faith through acts of service, grow in teamwork and leadership skills, and embrace the Saint John area as a mission field!
Registration is required by March 23. For the registration document please contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
10. March Senior’s Luncheon
Due to the Ladies’ Banquet being on the third weekend in March, we’re moving the March Senior’s Luncheon to Monday, March 27, Noon in the gym. Thanks for noting this change in your calendar.
11. Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The gym worship service will be under the musical leadership of Julianne Moore and team. Pastor Ross will be preaching another message in the series “Things Jesus Didn’t Say” with this week’s focus on this phrase: Do what makes you happy! NOT!
In the sanctuary, the service will feature musical leadership by the Sanctuary Choir and Greg and Rebecca Keezer.
Dr. Keith will be continuing his series in the gospel of Mark taking us into chapter 2: 1-12 in a sermon entitled, A Deadly Disease. Of this sermon he writes: By any measure, the first chapter of Mark’s Gospel is a whirlwind of activity that grips the imagination. The opening episodes are packed with an entirely new kind of teaching, accompanied by miracles of deliverance and healing, and reports of what seems like a superhero have quickly gone viral all over first-century social media. All of this is happening, we recall, not at the glittering religious center of Jerusalem, but rather on the periphery in the comparatively obscure outback of the Galilee region.
Returning to Capernaum at the beginning of chapter 2 Jesus is the center of attention at a house party and “speaking the word” to all who are inside the packed house. But some are on the outside, unable to get in, and this causes a problem. Four guys have a friend who is paralyzed, and no doubt wondering how they can possibly get their friend to Jesus to experience the touch of healing. This week we will explore Mark 2:1-12 and resolve the suspense of whether the friends are successful or not. We will also dig into a powerful truth: although we may not realize it, each of us is carrying around a very deadly disease, and this episode introduces us to an incredible theology of healing that has implications for every facet of our StreetLife today.
Whether in-person or online, we hope that you will join us for our worship services this coming Sunday morning, March 19.
12. Community News
Book Signing
“Rev. Sandy Sutherland, a retired pastor in the CBAC who has pastored children in N.B., N.S., and NL, will be signing copies of her book “Children on the Trail; A Child’s Spiritual Formation Guide for Churches and Parents” at the Lighthouse Bookstore, 60 Bishop Drive, Fredericton, N.B., Saturday, March 25, 11 am – 1 pm. Copies of the book will be available for $25.00. You can preview the book at www.childrenonthetrail.com or www. amazon.com.
Children on the Trail” is a field guide for the effective spiritual nurture of children, written to help churches in these post-pandemic days strengthen their children’s ministry or begin a new one. Even though the book is full of practical suggestions, it is primarily about principles rather than specific “how-to’s”. Because it is about principles, it is also a tremendous resource for parents, grandparents, and anyone else who cares about children. In the book, the principles, gathered from real life experience and extensive research, are wrapped up in a vision that will undoubtedly generate fresh ideas of your own. Drop by the Lighthouse on March 25 and chat with Sandy about your dreams and challenges for the spiritual well-being of your children at home, and at the church.”
Stuffed Pork Loin Dinner
Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St. will be hosting a Stuffed Pork Loin Dinner (with all the trimmings) on March 29th, 4 - 6 p.m. Tickets are $15/adult.
Please call 506-457-1951 to reserve your tickets.
13. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre.
Wednesday, March 15
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
4:30 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
5:30 Community Potluck Supper (Gym)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room)
6:30 Scouting Boys Group (K-Gr 5) (Gym/Fellowship Hall)
8:00 Youth Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
Thursday, March 16
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
9:00 Days For Girls (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, Room 219, FLC)
9:00 New Life Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (CB) (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:30 Gospel of John Bible Study (MM) (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:00 L’Arche Fredericton (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Bible Study: Bad Girls of the Bible (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Green Hill Lake Camp Board Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Barnabas Center/Choir Room)
Friday, March 17
9:00 Seniors Exercise Luncheon (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Friends Are Us Puppets (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center and KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
9:00 Ladies Banquet Set-up (Gym)
Saturday, March 18
9:00 Ladies Banquet Decorating (Main Kitchen, Connection Center, FLC, Sanctuary and Gym)
10:00 Hands-In Ministry (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
5:00 2023 Ladies Banquet (Sanctuary, Connection Center, Gym, Main Kitchen)
Sunday, March 19
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
9:20 Sunday Morning Prayer (Counselling Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 Sunday School For All Ages (Family Life Center)
9:30 Portraits of Jesus (Under The Sea Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
10:15 KidzTown & Preschool Classes (2nd & 1st Floor, FLC)
10:30 Contemporary Worship (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Service (Sanctuary)
12:15 Nominating Committee (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
3:00 Third Sunday Supper (Gym, Main Kitchen)
7:00 High School Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Monday, March 20
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
1:30 Right To Life (Board Room, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Board of Management Meeting (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Sister Choir Ministry (Barnabas Center)
Tuesday, March 21
10:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
12:00 CVITP Super Tax Clinic 2023 (Gym)
1:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Family Room, FLC)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
2:15 Full Staff Meeting (Family Room, FLC)
6:00 Sports Friends (Gym)
6:30 DivorceCare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adult Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, March 22
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
11:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:00 G. Tranquilla (Counselling Center)
5:30 Community Potluck Supper (Gym)
6:00 Youth Choir/Greenhouse Band (Barnabas Center)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room)
6:30 Scouting Boys Group (K-Gr 5) (Gym/Fellowship Hall)
8:00 Youth Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
