The Banner
Our Mission
Experience the love of Jesus. Live it out everywhere.
Making a submission to our weekly newsletter?
Please note, submissions for our weekly newsletter should now be sent to naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca. The deadline for inclusion in Wednesday’s edition is noon the Monday prior.
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from August 9 to 16.
Congratulations Reverend Watters!
Prayers for OASIS: August 10-12
Pastor Greg on Medical Leave: Returning October 2
Communion Service: August 13
Mandarin Baptism: August 13
Celebrate Mary McMulkin: August 13
Family Fun at Killarney Lake: August 20
Financial Report to July 31, 2023
Calling All Muffin Makers!
Security Volunteers
Summer Hours for KidzTown & Preschool
Pastoral Care for the Summer
NextGen Ministry @ BSBC (Children/Youth)
Fresh Start Young Adults Group
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: August 13
Community Opportunities
This Week @ BSBC
1. Congratulations Reverend Watters!
Yesterday, August 8, Ross went before the CBAC Examining Council for Ordination to prove his suitability to be ordained as a Baptist minister. The BSBC family met up with Ross and Fi at Crandall University, totalling a crowd of 42.
With his usual aplomb, Ross answered the many questions and shared his Statement of Faith with a clear and concise, “Yes!”. At the end of the exam, the counsel deliberated for all of five minutes, pronounced that he had passed, and gave him the t-shirt to prove it.
A special service is being planned for October to ordain Reverend Ross Watters!
2. Prayers for OASIS Delegates: August 10-12
Each year, the Baptist churches in Atlantic Canada send ‘delegates’ to OASIS, the annual gathering of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. This is an annual gathering for worship, discipleship, and to consider how we share together in living out the love of Jesus “everywhere”.
This year, the delegates for BSBC include our own Pastor Ross, our treasurer, Ken Reimer, and our two newest members Troy Kearns and Sam Tingley. Please keeps these folks in your prayers. May God use them for His purposes.
3. Pastor Greg Medical Leave — Returning Oct. 2
Upon the recommendation of his medical team, and affirmed by the Board of Deacons, Pastor Greg Geldart will be on medical leave from August 15 to October 2, 2023. The pastoral team (Ross, Nikki, Changbin, and Dr. Keith), along with support from Kevin Culberson, will be working with the Board of Deacons to prepare for the Fall.
Thank you for your on-going prayers for each member of our pastoral staff, leaders and their families.
Denise Mersereau, Chair
Board of Deacons
4. Summer Communion Service: August 13
We ask you to note that due to the long weekend, communion will be offered this Sunday, August 13. Communion for September will be offered on Sunday, September 3 when the gym, sanctuary and Mandarin congregations will combine as we launch the fall season of ministry.
5. Mandarin Baptism: August 13
Let’s celebrate a big day on Sunday, August 13 at 12:00 noon: 6 brothers and sisters will be baptized on that day. They will show their faith in Christ through the baptism.
May our Lord bless them and lead them in their life. All are very welcome to join us and celebrate with them.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Changbin
6. Celebration
Mary McMulkin’s family invite you to an open house on Sunday, August 13 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Ramada Courtyard on Riverside Drive to help celebrate her 80th birthday.
We look forward to seeing you there!
7. Family Fun at Killarney Lake: August 20
On Sunday, August 20, we will be gathering at Killarney Lake to spend time with our family and friends.
Who: Anyone and everyone
What: Summer Outreach & Fellowship
Where: Killarney Lake, 1600 St Marys St, Fredericton
When: Sunday, August 20, 1 – 3 p.m.
Bring along toys, games, swimsuits, umbrellas, food, and drink. We look forward to inviting people both within and outside of the church and enjoying the sun, summer, and each other.
8. Financial Report to July 31, 2023
9. Calling All Muffin Makers!
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 for making muffins and your faithfulness in serving this way.
Starting on September 3rd, we will require 3 dozen muffins per week and through to the new year. If you would like to contribute to this mission, 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.
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.
Jesus spoke of offering cups of cold water in his name. Muffins, we believe, offer the same opportunity to bless others for him. Thank you for your muffin ministry.
10. Security Volunteers
Recognizing that folks are usually busy during the summer, we would welcome your presence. Whether during the summer or starting in the fall, if you have some time to spare, 3 hours per month, would you be willing to volunteer with Dwight Colwell and our security team? These special volunteers will be asked to provide building security for three hours in the evenings, one evening a month, Mondays through Fridays, from 6 – 9 p.m. Dwight will provide on the job training.
We would be pleased to welcome you to the team. For more information, please contact Dwight Colwell at colwelldwight@gmail.com or call 506-459-7008.
11. Summer Hours for KidzTown & Preschool
As a way to bless our children’s volunteers and leaders, for the rest of this summer, our Children’s ministries, both Preschool and KidzTown will now start at 10:50 am. Both Tina and Melanie will pick up the children from the gym service at this time and escort the children to their respective areas.
If you attend the sanctuary service, please bring your children to the Connections Center at 10:45 to meet up with our crew on their way through.
12. Pastoral Care for the Summer
While Pastor Greg is on sabbatical, your Deacons want to affirm that BSBC is equipped to provide Pastoral Care. We are grateful for the engagement of Pastor Ross and Pastor Nikki, and we are blessed to have additional support from Rev. Kevin Culberson, the Baptist Chaplin at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.
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
Pastor 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 Pastor 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
Contact Details
Church Office
506-458-8348
naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca
bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca
Pastor Ross Watters
506-282-3443
ross@bsbc.nb.ca
Pastor Nikki Leftley
506-282-1075
nikki@bsbc.nb.ca
Rev. Kevin Culberson
506-260-6240
culberson.kevin@gmail.com
Denise Mersereau, Chair of Deacons
506-262-0197
ddmersereau@gmail.com
Please pray for our pastoral care team as they seek to partner with you in caring for the BSBC family.
Your Board of Deacons
14. NextGen Ministry
Kids @ BSBC
Youth Drop In/Biking Ministry Age 8 – 13: Thursday, August 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
All youth aged 8 – 13 are invited to join our Summer Student, Sam Tingley, on Thursday afternoon. Meet up at the church between 1 – 1:30 p.m. and then go for a short bike ride around the city and get an ice cream along the way. When we return, we can hang out on the Third Floor until 4 p.m. We would love to see anyone else who would like to come out and join us! For more information, or to volunteer for this event, please email Sam at youth.bsbc.nb@gmail.com.
Sports Friends at Wilmot Park: Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Every Tuesday at Wilmot Park, you can find a group of energetic kids and teens, 6-13 years old, gathered with various of our BSBC coaches, for a 90-minute soccer session, where skills are taught and practiced, and a portion of Joseph’s story is discussed. Being intentionally located right in between the very popular splash pad and kids’ playground, allows for curious families to ask what is going on with this fun bunch, and it’s working! For more information, please contact Charles or Sam at youth.bsbc.nb@gmail.com.
Youth @ BSBC
Summer Youth Group Nerf Night: TONIGHT, August 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tonight, we would love for our all youth, those exiting Grade 5 up to and including those exiting Grade 12, to come join us from 6:30 – 8:30 pm for an exciting evening with a Nerf Battle Royal! For more information, please contact Sam at youth.bsbc.nb@gmail.com or Pastor Nikki.
Youth Drop In/Biking Ministry Age 8 – 13: Thursday, August 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
All youth aged 8 – 13 are invited to join our Summer Student, Sam Tingley, on Thursday afternoon. Meet up at the church between 1:00 – 1:30 pm and then go for a short bike ride around the city and get an ice cream along the way. When we return, we can hang out on the Third Floor until 4:00pm. We would love to see anyone else who would like to come out and join us! For more information, or to volunteer for this event, please email Sam at youth.bsbc.nb@gmail.com.
Summer Youth Group Challenge Night: Wednesday, August 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
We would love for our all youth, those exiting Grade 5 up to and including those exiting Grade 12, to come join us from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for an “Amazing Race” without the race. There are six stations with different challenges for our youth. For more information, please contact Sam at youth.bsbc.nb@gmail.com or Pastor Nikki.
High School Youth Group Paintball: Monday, August 21, 6:30 p.m.
On Monday, August 21, our High School Youth Group will meet up for an exciting evening of paintball. Stay tuned for more details! For more information, please contact Sam at youth.bsbc.nb@gmail.com.
15. Fresh Start Young Adults Group
Our Young Adults ministry, Fresh Start, continues to meet on Tuesday nights from 7 - 9 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Family Life Center. Come along for 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.
16. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Aug. 13
The gym worship service will be under the musical leadership of Greg Keezer and friends. In the sanctuary, the worship service will under the musical leadership of Gloria Tranquilla, pianist, and featuring special music by Peter and Maureen Steeves.
This Sunday, we will be celebrating the Lord’s table. Pastor Ross will be speaking in both the sanctuary and the gym. Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.
17. Community Events
New Brunswick Christian Ashram
The New Brunswick Christian Ashram is an interdenominational Christian family retreat that will be held August 10-13, 2023, at Beulah Campground on the Saint John River located at Browns Flat, NB. The Evangelist is Rev. Matt Henson, Executive Director, United Christian Ashrams International, Nashville, Tennessee and the Bible Teacher is Rev. Vicars Hodge who has served various Anglican churches in Ontario and New Brunswick. For more information on the New Brunswick Christian Ashram, please visit their website at www.nbca.ca. Your BSBC contacts are Dale and Carol Bray at 506-455-3784 and John Stewart at 506-471-9740. Brochures are available at the church office and through their website.
Country Gospel Concert
Hope City will be hosting a Country Gospel Concert on Sunday, August 12, 2023, at 6:30 pm (doors open at 5:45 pm), at Hope City Fredericton, 429 Clements Drive. There will be a live band with Murray Gordon on keys, Kevin Munn on Bass, Khoury Fraser on Acoustic, Lee Howe on Lead Guitar, Rodney Robichaud on Steel Guitar, and Jonathan Harrington on Drums, featuring Wanda Grieve-Carter, The Weaver’s, Miles & Rosemary Blair, and Khoury Fraser. A free-will offering in support of the artists and the band.
18. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre
Wednesday, August 9
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Summer Youth Group Nerf Night (Gym, Fellowship Hall, Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Thursday, August 10
Oasis (Crandall University, Moncton)
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Gym/Main Kitchen)
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministries (By Appointment)
1:00 Youth Drop-In/Biking Ministry
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
Friday, August 11
Oasis (Crandall University, Moncton)
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center & KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
Saturday, August 12
Oasis (Crandall University, Moncton)
10:00 Gym Set-Up
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, August 13
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
10:30 Contemporary Worship (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Service (Sanctuary)
10:50 Preschool & KidzTown (1st & 2nd Floor, FLC)
11:30 Library Open After Services (Connection Center)
12:00 Mandarin Baptism (Sanctuary)
2:00 Mary McMulkin Open House (Courtyard at the Ramada)
Monday, August 14
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Education Committee Meeting (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Tuesday, August 15
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Pastoral/Planning Meeting (Admin Office)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Zoom)
1:30 Quilter’s for Missions (Quilting Room)
5:30 Sports Friends (Wilmot Park)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adult Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, August 16
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Summer Youth Group Challenge Event (Gym, Fellowship Hall, Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
