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 February 20 to 27, 2025!
1. Miss. Leftley Found Mr. Rightly!
2. Welcome New Members!
3. Celebrating Believer’s Baptisms!
4. Proposed Changes to the Constitution
5. Annual Business Meeting: Feb 26
6. Thursday Evening Ladie’s Bible Study
7. Muffin Ministry
8. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
9. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
10. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Feb 23
11. Pastoral Care
12. Green Hill Lake Camp Leadership Changes
13. Bereavement
14. Community Events
15. This Week @ BSBC
1. Miss Leftley Found Mr. Rightly!
Many blessings to Pastor Nikki and Will on their life journey together, from your BSBC family.
We are so excited to share the news of our Next Generation Pastor’s engagement! Our Pastor Nikki Leftley has recently found her Mr. Rightly, Mr. William (Will) Kincaid. Congratulations and many blessings to the happy couple on starting their new life journey together.
A Quote from William & Nikki: “We are beyond excited to take this next step in our journey, united in the eyes of the Lord. 💕”
2. Welcome New Members!
We are so pleased to welcome our new members!
From left to right: Carolyn McGuire, Nghi Luong, Ellie Beaton, Sam McNally, Jon Howey, Rev. Ross Watters.
From Left to Right: Rev. Kevin Culberson, Pat Burdon, Don Burdon
From Left to Right: Deacon Sheila Ross, Sunyoung Lee Pursey
3. Celebrating Believer’s Baptisms!
From Left to Right: Pastor Changbin Tian, Yiqi Tang, Yinuo Wang, Zhen Wang, Yifei Shen, Mitchell Nash, Dawn Fraser, Bill Van Buskirk, Rev. Ross Watters
4. Proposed Changes to the Constitution
“The Constitution Committee is proposing amendments to the BSBC Constitution at the Annual Meeting. It is required that the notice of a proposed amendment be made each of the four Sundays leading up to the Annual Meeting. A summary of proposed changes can be found below. Copies of this document are available outside the sanctuary and the gym. A copy of the BSBC Constitution, incorporating the proposed amendments, is available on request from the Church Office by email or in paper copy.”
Stephen VanSlyke and David Brodie
5. Annual Business Meeting: Feb 26
Dr. Calvin Smith, our Moderator, invites the Brunswick Street Baptist Church congregation to attend the Annual Business Meeting (ABM) on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 6:45 PM in the sanctuary. To attend online, please contact naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca for your Zoom link. In the event of a storm, the meeting will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 6:45 PM.
A printed copy of the 2024 BSBC Annual Report is now ready! Pick up your paper copy at the Welcome Desks or contact Naomi or Janet in the church office for a digital copy.
This important gathering will highlight our ministries, opportunities to serve, and financial direction for 2025. Your participation is essential, as we require a quorum of 75 members for voting.
Before the meeting, join us in the gym at 5:30 PM for a Pizza Potluck! We’ll provide a variety of pizzas, including Meat, Works, Veggie and Cheese. Please bring a simple dessert or side salad to share.
At 6:30 PM, we’ll transition from the gym to the sanctuary to prepare for the start of the ABM.
If you have food intolerances or questions about the potluck, please contact Janet Mitchell or Naomi Phillips at the church office: 506-458-8348.
Attention Parents and Guardians! Childcare will be provided while you attend the Annual Business Meeting. Please note that Sam Essel, Scott Myles and our Youth Leadership crew will be providing childcare for preschool age children in the nursery. Boys from Kindergarten to Grade 5 are welcome to join our Scouting program in the Gym. Girls from Kindergarten to Grade 5 are welcome to join our Hands-In Ministry in KidzTown.
We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate and plan for the future of our church!
6. Thursday Evening Ladies Bible Study
We have some exciting plans for our upcoming gatherings:
February 20 at 6:30 PM: Join us for coffee and tea as we plan our future studies.
February 27 at 6:30 PM: We'll begin a six-week series leading up to Easter titled What the Women Saw. This study, available on the RightNow Media app, explores Jesus' ministry through the perspectives of women in the Bible, including Mary, Martha, and Mary Magdalene. You'll discover how Jesus saw, valued, and empowered these women—and how he does the same for you today.
We look forward to seeing you there!
7. Muffin Ministry
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 Street Ministry team need muffins as soon as March 23rd for our Sunday night outreach program. Moving forward, we require 3 dozen muffins each week. If you are able to help in this way, please place 12 muffins, individually wrapped, in a large zipper locked bag, and label the bag “Street Ministry”. Don’t forget to include your name and the delivery date for which you signed up. You can place the labeled muffins in the upright freezer in the main kitchen.
Please click the link below or call the church office (506-458-8348) 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.
8. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
Children @ BSBC
Scouting Boys: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
BSBC offers an exciting scouting program for boys from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Through outdoor adventures, engaging activities, and meaningful community service projects, boys learn to live out the Great Commission—growing in their love for God and serving their neighbors. On Wednesday, February 26, the scouting program will be open to all boys Kindergarten to Grade 5 while their parents attend the Annual Business Meeting in the sanctuary.
Sunday School: 9:30 – 10:15 am
Join us for Sunday School, a time of learning and growth for our children and youth, from Pre-K to Grade 12. While the kids explore age-specific teachings about the Gospel, parents can enjoy tea, coffee, and fellowship in the Connection Centre and Family Room.
Hands-In Ministry: Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 pm
We invite all elementary-aged girls to join Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 – 8:00 pm for our once-a-month Girl's Hands-In Ministry. Join us for fun, crafts, games, friends, and learning about Jesus. If you are interested in this program, don't hesitate to reach out to Allie at ali.dee@rogers.com for more information.
Youth @ BSBC
Bible Project Videos
This week we are going to watch:
To be included in our weekly parent email to keep up to date with what’s going on for BSBC’s youth email Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca
Sunday School: Sundays, 9:30 – 10:15 am
Join us for Sunday School, a time of learning for our youth from grades 6 to 12. It provides age-specific teaching about the Gospel for students on the third floor. During this time, parents and adults can enjoy tea, coffee, and fellowship in the Connection Center and Family Room.
Greenhouse Service: Sunday, Feb 23, 10:30 am
This Sunday we have our youth-led Greenhouse Youth Worship Service on the third floor! All those who are grade 6 – 12 are welcome to join for this time of worship together. Come along for fellowship, food, and learning more about how Jesus intimately works in our lives!
Leadership & Discipleship Training: Wednesdays, 6:45–8:00 pm
Our Leadership & Discipleship Training takes place every Wednesday evening from 6:45-8:00 pm. This is a time for youth to develop leadership skills, brainstorm ideas, and explore how to implement them within youth ministries. If you'd like more information, please contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Greenhouse Band Practice: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 6:40 pm
Join us for Greenhouse band practice, gather and grow in your musical abilities. We will be practicing on Wednesdays from 6:00-6:40 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Julianne at julianne.d.moore@gmail.com or text (506) 261-0876.
Youth Overnighter: Friday, Feb 21 to Saturday, Feb 22
Get ready for another exciting Youth Overnighter! Join us on Friday, February 21, from 7:30 pm to Saturday, February 22 at 8:00 am for a night full of fun, fellowship, and a church sleepover! All youth are welcome to come and enjoy a great evening together. The youth will get to vote on the preferred activities (boardgames, movie, outdoor fun, dodgeball, full church games, etc.).
We'll be staying overnight at the church, so don’t forget to bring your sleeping bag, pillow, and PJs. Stay tuned for more details—we can't wait to see you there!
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
March Break Hangout: Sunday, March 2, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
We know that some students travel during March Break, but for those staying home, we’ve got a great opportunity to connect and have fun!
Join us at the church on Sunday, March 2, from 6:30 – 9:00 pm on the third floor for a relaxed and fun-filled evening.
Don’t miss this chance to hang out, play games, and enjoy a great time of fellowship. We’d love to see you there!
Youth Gatherings Coming Up:
February 21: Youth Overnighter (7:30 pm Friday to 9:00 am Saturday)
March 2: March Break Hangout (6:30-9:00 pm)
March 9: Youth Group (6:30 to 8:00 pm)
Tidal Impact: July 8 to 13, 2025 (Registration Deadline is Sunday, March 16!)
Tidal Impact is Atlantic Canada’s premier youth missional event, with our denomination. The model for the event is simple – a visiting church partners with a host church for a life-changing week of making an impact. A week full of serving the community and sharing the love of Jesus.
Throughout the week, students (middle school and high school students) will be challenged to practice and embrace being on mission with Jesus every day, everywhere. Students will experience high-energy rallies, neighbouring opportunities, serving, and lots of FUN! It has the potential to be an amazing win for our youth ministry, church and for the entire host community.
We will be going to PEI this year for Tidal Impact. Registration is open. The cost is $150.00 per student, and we will be raising additional funds for travel and other items. All youth are welcome to join us for this weeklong missions trip. If finances are an issue, please contact Pastor Nikki directly. We do not want any student to miss this event due to financial constraints. If you are interested in knowing more about Tidal Impact, please reach out. Register at this link!
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!
For more information, please contact Rev. Ross at ross@bsbc.nb.ca.
10. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: February 23
In the Sanctuary, the worship team will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and David Steeves with special music from the Sanctuary Choir and the Men’s Trio. In the Gym, the worship team will be led by Sarah Hoyt and Mark McAllister.
Dr. Keith Bodner will be preaching in the Sanctuary. Of his sermon titled “Why Worry?” he says, “There is no shortage of anxiety during our present culture, and so it is providential that as our Sermon on the Mount series continues, we now turn to Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus starts by saying “do not worry”! As we proceed through this passage, we will explore several pressing questions, such as: why does Jesus draw an illustration from the birds of the air? Why would Jesus invoke the name of Solomon, who was (in)famous for his vast wealth and stockpile of war houses. Moreover, we will conclude by asking about the meaning of this important sentence— “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”—and ask how we can apply it to our daily lives during this season.”
Rev. Ross Watters will be preaching in the Gym. Rev. Of his sermon titled “Give God what is right, not what is left” he says, “In the days we find ourselves living in, there are many causes for concern and reasons for fear. We can lose sight of our calling as followers of Jesus and become distracted by the wind and waves rather than keeping our eyes on Jesus. Join me this Sunday as we are reminded of what our most important calling as followers of Jesus is and consider again what it looks like to live for Him today.”
This Sunday we have our youth-led Greenhouse Youth Worship Service on the third floor! All those who are grade 6 to 12 are welcome to join for this time of worship together. Come along for fellowship, food, and learning more about how Jesus intimately works in our lives!
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, Lead Pastor
506-282-3443
ross@bsbc.nb.ca
Rev. Kevin Culberson, Sanctuary Worship Leader and Pastoral Care Provider
506-260-6240
culberson.kevin@gmail.com
Pastor Nikki Leftley, Next Generation Pastor
506-282-1075
nikki@bsbc.nb.ca
Doug McAllister, Benevolence Ministry Coordinator and 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. Green Hill Lake Leadership Changes
GHLC is so grateful for Stephen Alward and his years of service as he passes on the baton to Amy Gordon. Click on the following link for a special announcement from Green Hill Lake Camp concerning Leadership Changes.
13. Bereavement
Shelley Marie (Munro) Williams
It is with immense sadness that we announce Shelley's passing after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born to Sheldon and Janet (Duncan) Munro in St. John's, Newfoundland, Shelley lived in many places across Canada due to her father's career in the RCMP. This included Ottawa - where sister Tammy joined the family, Dawson Creek BC, Grand Falls NB, Port Elgin NB, and finally Fredericton NB where she attended junior and senior high school. She worked various part-time jobs while attending school, including Medjuck's Furniture, Rogers Grocery, Maritime Forestry Complex, and O'Leary Pontiac. Shelley graduated from UNB with her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1991, then worked as an accountant for Deloitte & Touche, Formal Systems, and the Chalmers Hospital Foundation.
The visitation was held at Bishop's Funeral on Tuesday, February 18. The funeral service, followed by a reception, was held on Wednesday, February 19 at Brunswick Street Baptist Church with Pastor Ross Watters officiating.
14. Community Events
New Brunswick Youth Orchestra: Feb 22 & March 23
Join the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra (NBYO) as we mark our 60th Anniversary Season with two unforgettable events in Fredericton!
Saturday, February 22 – NBYO 60th Anniversary GALA Dinner at the Delta Fredericton. A night of elegance, music, and celebration!
Sunday, March 23 – Season Finale Spectacular: WE WILL ROCK YOU II at UNB’s Currie Center. An electrifying performance you won’t want to miss!
Help us spread the word and celebrate six decades of inspiring young musicians!
Gibson Memorial United Church Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: March 4
Gibson Memorial United Church (183 Gibson St.) invites you to join us for our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, March 4, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Enjoy a delicious meal featuring pancakes, sausages, ham, baked beans, scalloped potatoes, brown bread, and dessert—all for $20 per person.
Reserve your tickets today by calling 506-457-1951.
World Day Of Prayer Services: March 7 & 9
An invitation is extended to all Women and Men to attend the World Day of Prayer Services in the Fredericton area. The World Day of Prayer for 2025 was prepared by the Women of the Cook Island. The theme is “I Made You Wonderful” (Psalm 139: 1-18.)
Northside: The World Day of Prayer will be held at St. Mary’s and All Saints Anglican Church, 780 McEvoy Street, Fredericton on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Storm Date: Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 PM.
Southside: The World Day of Prayer will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and St. Paul’s United Church, 512 Charlotte Street, Fredericton on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Storm Date: March 16 at 2:00 PM.
Wheelchair accessible.
Refreshment after the service.
Deborah Heustis,
Publicity for the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Fredericton
New Out-of-the-Cold Shelter Opens in Fredericton
A new out-of-the-cold shelter is now open in Fredericton, offering essential support for those experiencing homelessness. Located at 355 Smythe St., the shelter provides overnight accommodations, personal hygiene facilities, and warming areas. It operates daily from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., with 24-hour access during extreme cold periods.
Operated by Fredericton Homeless Shelters Inc., this temporary shelter is a vital step in addressing the needs of unhoused individuals during the harsh winter months. Mayor Kate Rogers emphasized the importance of organizations with expertise in providing care while long-term solutions are developed.
For those facing homelessness or in need of support, information on available services can be found by calling 211.
15. This Week at BSBC
Thursday, February 20
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministries (Nursery, 1st Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Days for Girls (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:30 New Life Ministry (3rd Floor Classrooms)
1:30 Adult Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:00 Worship Band (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Ladies Thursday Evening Bible Study (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
6:30 Sports Friends Youth Basketball (Age 9 – 11) (Gym)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Friday, February 21
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:45 Montreal Ministry Prep (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas)
7:00 Youth Overnighter (Full Church)
Saturday, February 22
8:00 Youth Overnighter Pick-Up
10:00 Gym Band Set-Up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, February 23
8:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Barnabas)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Mandarin Worship Practice (Barnabas)
9:15 A Study on Pastoral Care (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 Coffee Time (Connections Center)
9:30 Sunday School Youth/KidzTown/Preschool (1st Floor, 2nd Floor, 3rd Floor, FLC)
9:30 Together in Prayer (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Greenhouse Service (Assembly Area, 3rd 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 Centre)
12:00 Mandarin Sunday Lunch (Barnabas)
1:00 Mandarin Choir (Barnabas)
Monday, February 24
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Fredericton Music Festival Committee (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 Board of Deacons (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Tuesday, February 25
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Barnabas)
12:15 Quilters For Missions Lunch (Quilting Room)
6:00 BSBC Kids Sing (Sanctuary/Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Centre)
6:30 Sports Friends Youth Basketball (Age 12 – 14) (Gym)
6:30 Joel Flores (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 DivorceCare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adults (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Bible Study (Barnabas)
Wednesday, February 26
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
10:00 Mandarin New Life Group (Barnabas)
10:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
11:15 Full Staff Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Seniors Winter Fun (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
5:30 Church Community Potluck (Gym/Main Kitchen)
6:00 Greenhouse Band Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Hands-In Girls Ministry (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary/Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Centre)
6:30 Curious Verses (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
6:30 Scouts Timberwolves (Gym)
6:45 Preschool Childcare (Nursery, 1st Floor FLC)
6:45 Annual Business Meeting (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir (Barnabas)
Thursday, February 27
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministries (Nursery, 1st Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 New Life Ministry (3rd Floor Classrooms)
1:30 Adult Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:00 Worship Band (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Ladies Thursday Evening Bible Study (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
6:30 Sports Friends Youth Basketball (Age 9 – 11) (Gym)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
