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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
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 June 12 - 19, 2024!
1. Blended Worship, Baptisms, Grad Celebrations and BBQ!
2. Meet our 2024 Graduates!
3. Spring Business Meeting: June 26
4. A Message from our Board of Deacons: Children’s Ministry
5. Summer Juice Ministry
6. Kidz-In-A-Mission
7. BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp: July 2 – 5
8. BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp Decorating Crew Volunteer Opportunity: Tonight at 6:30!
9. Tech Talks Ministry
10. New Life Ministry: GHLC Camper Sponsors
11. Muffin Ministry
12. Neighbourly Coffee: Now Open
13. The Growing Edge Magazine: Honoring Dr. Brian MacArthur
14. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
15. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
16. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: June 16
17. Pastoral Care
18. Community Events
19. This Week @ BSBC
1. Blended Worship, Baptisms, Grad Sunday Celebrations and Church Family BBQ: Sunday, June 9
What a great day in the house of Lord! Last Sunday, Brunswick Street Baptist Church offered a blended worship service in the sanctuary and it was packed! We had over 330 people here with us on Sunday. It was so good to see so many people who love the Lord attending our service. We enjoyed listening to the Junior Handbell Choir who opened our service.
We witnessed Pastor Ross, Pastor Nikki, Dr. Keith and Pastor Changbin perform 10 Believer’s Baptisms! We heard the most wonderful testimonies of how God was at work in and around the lives of these special people.
This year, we celebrated with 24 graduates. Pastor Nikki and some of our Grade 12 Graduates came up and spoke about their future plans. We had the opportunity to celebrate with a slide show of our college and university graduates. If you are a graduate and did not pick up your study Bible or your lawn sign on Sunday, please contact the church office at 506-458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca.
To celebrate all of the festivities, we served our church family barbequed hotdogs in the gym. We served 65 dozen hotdogs with enough left over for the youth group pool party and the homeless shelter. The children didn’t seem to miss the bouncy castle as they were entertained with face-painting, balloon animals and Sno-cones.
A huge thank you to everyone who willing gave of their time to make the BBQ happen! I think it was a wonderful time of celebration and it was great to see so many people there - with smiles on their faces. Teamwork makes the dream work!!!
2. Meet our 2024 Graduates!
Check out our grads for 2024:
Brooklyn Belair
FHS
Isaac Lalduhawma Chhangte
From Master of Forestry, UNB
To wherever God leads him
Nathan Dunn
From FHS
To a gap year then Firefighting School in PEI
Josh Fraser
From FHS
To UNB
Liv Goddard
From UNB Bachelor of Education
To teaching high school level French Immersion, Math and Science in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Daniel Holmes
From University of Waterloo Nanotechnology Engineering
To Master of Applied Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering specializing in Nanotechnology
Rebecca Keezer
From STU Bachelor of Education
To teaching in Fredericton
Ben Kennedy
From FHS
To Bachelor of Commerce at University of Ottawa
Talia Kennedy
From University of Ottawa Honours Bachelor of Arts, Major in French as a Second Language, Minor in Linguistics
To Au Pair in France
Dasha Kripak
From FHS
To Business at UNB
Sunyoung Lee
From Bachelor of Education at UNB
To Elementary School Teacher in Fredericton
Samuel McNally
From Bachelor of Science in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering at UNB
To Master of Science in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering at UNB
Twiggy Ogbemudia
From UNB
To settle in New Brunswick by God’s grace
Mary Penticase
From Practical Nurse
To national exam for licensing – in God’s Time!
Michael Pursey
From Yorkville University from Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
To Mental Health Counselling here in Fredericton
Stephen Rose
From Harvey High School
To gap year then Carpentry
Lunhao Shi
From FHS
To UNB
Sam Tingley
From Bachelor of Arts in History at Crandall University
To Bachelor of Education at Crandall University
Jon-Jacob van Oosterwyk Bruyn
From Bachelor of Education at UNB
To exploring options
Nick Wang
From FHS
To Life Sciences Program at Queen’s University
Haokai Xuan
From FHS
To UNB
Haoran Zhang
From Harvey High School
To UNB
Yixuan Zhou
From École Sainte-Anne
To CÉGÈP Rivière-du-Loup
Congratulations to all our graduates. We are so proud of all your hard work and look forward to seeing what God will do in your future! Please be praying for our graduates as they step into the next season of their lives.
3. Spring Business Meeting: June 26
Our moderator is calling for a Spring Business Meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 26 at 6:30 pm. We will have reports from several committees, the Social Action Team, the Treasurer, the Board of Management and the Board of Deacons.
We note that we have had two special business meetings and an information session. While the summer solstice has passed, this business meeting will contain the agenda for the Spring Business Meeting.
To attend this meeting via Zoom, please contact the church office at 506-458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca for the Zoom link.
4. A Message from our Board of Deacons: Children’s Ministry
The Board of Deacons would like to thank our Children’s Ministry Coordinators, Tina Franca, Sarah Williams, and Mel Tingley, for their leadership and ministry to our children in recent years. We appreciate the love that these special ladies poured into our children during their time in these roles at BSBC.
Our Children’s Ministries will be going through some changes and transitions in the next few weeks and months as our coordinators will be moving on from these positions. Tina and Sarah will be finished as Elementary Coordinators on Sunday, June 23, and Mel will be finished as Preschool Coordinator by mid-summer.
Please continue to pray for these individuals as they continue to follow God’s leading in the next part of their Faith journeys. Please also continue to pray for BSBC and the Board of Deacons as we seek God’s will for the next phase of leadership in our Children’s Ministries.
5. Summer Juice Ministry
Now that the summer weather has arrived, we will start offering our Summer Juice Ministry. After Sunday worship services, we will be serving some cold juice, iced tea, and water from the parking lot. Join us for some fun family fellowship.
Please help us to take care of God’s earth; remember to place your used juice cups in the designated recycling bin beside the juice cart or in the main kitchen.
6. Kidz-In-A-Mission
Hello Dear Church Members,
So, we've got some super exciting news to share! This year, for Kidz-in-a-Mission, we're shaking things up a bit. Instead of our usual global adventures, we're keeping it close to home and helping out our awesome city of Fredericton!
Yep, you heard it right! We're teaming up to support the Fredericton Food Bank by collecting non-perishable food items during May and June. Let's show some love to the families right here in our own backyard who could use a helping hand.
Now, before you think, "Why the change?", check out this cool verse from Corinthians 9:6-11 that's got us all pumped up:
"Think about this: A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others."
Isn't that awesome? It's all about spreading love and joy, friends!
So, here's the plan: Drop off your donations in the boxes we've set up in the Connection Centre and the KidzTown hallway. Let's fill those boxes to the brim with goodies! And get this - we're even planning a little field trip to the Fredericton Food Bank to hand over our donations. How cool is that? We'll get to see firsthand the impact we're making!
Thanks a million for being part of this amazing journey with us. Let's make a real difference together!
Catch you later!
KidzTown Children, Tina Franca, and Sarah Williams
Urgent Food Items - Suggestions
Below is a list of urgently needed food items that will directly benefit those who rely on our assistance:
Pasta Sauce (canned)
Kid’s Snacks (peanut-free)
Diced Tomatoes
Cookies
Cat Food
Dog Food
7. BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp: July 2 – 5
Join us this summer, July 2-5, for SCUBA, a half-day camp from 9 AM to 12 PM, free of cost. All kids from kindergarten to grade 5 are welcome to dive into our underwater-themed adventure and discover friendship with God. Doors will be open at 8:45 AM. Registration is now open!
We are looking for volunteers to show the kids what living water is all about! Register for volunteering at the link below.
8. BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp Decorating Crew Volunteer Opportunity: Tonight at 6:30
Join Our Camp Decorating and Preparation Crew!
Unleash your creativity and join us in bringing the camp to life! We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers of all ages to craft delightful decorations for our upcoming half-day summer camp.
We are looking for volunteers on any or all of the following Wednesday evenings: June 12th, 19th, and 26th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
No need to bring anything—just your creative spirit! We’ll have decoration stations set up, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary materials.
Let’s make this camp unforgettable together!
9. Tech Talks Ministry
Volunteer Opportunity
The Social Action Team is responding to a need identified for technical or digital support for our church family who have questions about the basic operation of cell phones, laptops, tablets, or other digital devices. To that end, we would like to create a support network for seniors or other technically challenged people. This network will be comprised of a list of volunteers who would be willing to come to the church to help out at small information-sharing sessions to guide those in need of some technical guidance.
So, if you have lots of patience, a knack for the digital world, and are willing to share a couple hours of your time, we are looking for you! Please contact Shirley Craft at 506-459-7699 or shirl@nb.sympatico.ca to add your name to a list of volunteers. You will be asked to provide a Police Vulnerable Sector Check before meeting with the participants, the cost for which will be reimbursed by the church.
Experiencing Technical Difficulties?
Are you experiencing technical difficulties with the basic operation of your cell phone, laptop, tablet, or other digital device? Please add your name to the list by calling Shirley Craft at 506-459-7699, if you would like some assistance or help figuring out how to use your device.
Please note, to protect both the participants and the pros, we will not be able to offer any services with regard to banking or any other items of a confidential nature. Any and all passwords will be entered by participants while the pros avert their eyes.
Please stay tuned for more information on potential information sharing sessions. For more information on Tech Talks, whether as a participant or a volunteer, please contact Shirley Craft at 506-459-7699 or shirl@nb.sympatico.ca.
10. New Life Ministry: GHLC Camp Sponsorship
Spring is coming.......so summer is sure to follow! New Life has four children that would love to go to Green Hill Lake Camp this summer. If you would like to help make this happen, please mark your envelope, or if you give in another way, please identify your gift with GHLC Camper or Sponsorship.
UPDATE: As of June 9, we have received $2,355 for GHLC Sponsorship…that’s full sponsorship for 2.8 campers – Just 1.2 campers to go! We will keep you updated on our progress!
Thank you for considering supporting this opportunity for children to attend camp "where Christ is made known".
11. 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 schedule is open from now until September 8, 2024. 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.
12. Neighbourly Coffee: Now Open
The 12 Neighbours’ Neighbourly Coffee opened to the public Friday, June 7. They will be open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
You can find it in the new community building of the 12 Neighbours community at 269 Two Nations Crossing.
The baker has yummy treats to offer with your coffee!
13. The Growing Edge: Honouring Dr. Brian MacArthur
Please check out the following article in Crandall University’s publication for Alumni and Friends of Crandall University | Spring 2024, The Growing Edge, Volume 26 Edition 2:
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!
Please contact Pastor Ross ross@bsbc.nb.ca for details.
15. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
Children @ BSBC
BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp: July 2 – 5, 9:00 – 12:00 noon
All kids, kindergarten to grade 5, are welcome to join us for half-day summer camp at BSBC! Camp runs from Tuesday, July 2 to Friday, July 5 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Registration is open and is free of cost!
Hands-In Girls Ministry: Saturday, June 22
Kindergarten to Grade 5 girls – join us for Hands In! This is a time just for you to meet other girls and have fun learning about God with games, crafts, songs, activities and more! Come join us in KidzTown on Saturday, June 22, from 10:00 am till noon to get your hands in the fun! Contact Allie Dunfield or the church office for more details.
Youth @ BSBC
Read the New Testament in a Year Bible Plan:
Youth New Testament plan in 1 year, Monday to Friday, are reading through Ephesians chapters 4 to 6 and Philippians 1 and 2.
Summer Youth Group:
The Summer Youth Group will be starting on Thursday, July 4 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Stay tuned for details!
Youth Summer Volunteer Opportunities:
BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp: July 2 to 5
Check out this link for more information or to volunteer!
BSBC Half Day Summer Camp Decorating Team
Wednesday evenings, June 12, 19, 26 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Youth Serving Week: July 21 to 25
Registration options are coming soon! Youth and youth leaders will be serving the local community of Fredericton, inside BSBC, outside of BSBC, and within the community of Fredericton. There will be lots of opportunities for service which including leading Third Sunday Supper, yard work, community garden or community kitchen work and many more.
Greenhouse Youth: See you in September!
We are so grateful for all of the involvement in our Greenhouse Service on Sunday, May 26, 2024. It was such a blessing for our students to use their God-given gifts and talents to lead our congregation. This was our final Greenhouse service of the school year; we invite our students to join us back for Greenhouse in September.
If your youth would like to still be involved in services and serving on Sunday mornings or any other way, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca. She would love to get them connected and leading!
16. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: June 16
This Father’s Day Sunday, the worship music in the gym will be led by Illyana Vermeersch. In the sanctuary, the worship team will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and David Steeves with special music from Eric Dunfield and a male double quartet.
Pastor Ross will be preaching in the gym on the next parable in the series. Dr. Bodner will be preaching in the sanctuary. Of his sermon, titled “The Latest Survey”, he writes, “I recently came across a survey question, "What is the biggest concern for believers in 2024?" The responses ranged from conflicts in the Middle East and around the world, to economic and moral crises, all the way to stress and mental health. This Sunday we will explore this question through the eyes of the early church in general, and through the lens of a minor character in particular, and come away with a surprising and encouraging response!”
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am.
17. 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, 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
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
Rev. Kevin Culberson
506-260-6240
culberson.kevin@gmail.com
Doug McAllister
506-440-4023
doug.mcallister@bsbc.nb.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
18. Community Events
The Christian Ashram
There are two opportunities to attend A Christian Ashram in the Maritimes this summer. The Christian Ashram is an interdenominational Christian family retreat.
The first opportunity is the Atlantic Christian Ashram to be held July 11-16, 2024, in Berwick, NS [www.atlanticchristianashram.org].
The Evangelists are Dwight & Kristen Habermehl [Dwight is a leader of Aaron Ministries Network], and the Bible Teacher is Rev. Jamie MacArthur, Atlantic Director for Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. The contacts from BSBC are Doug and Doris Ashfield at 506-472-7519 and Jackie Cook at 506-472-0289.
The second opportunity is the New Brunswick Christian Ashram to be held August 8-11, 2024 at Beulah Campground on the Saint John River located at Browns Flat, NB.
The Evangelist is The Rev. Gordon Thompson, retired Anglican minister who, in the past, has been the Evangelist at Christian Ashrams in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario. The Bible Teacher is The Rev. Dr. Phyllis M. Nesbitt. Phyllis was a nurse in New Brunswick before being ordained in the Congregational Christian Church in Canada in 1994. She has participated as the Bible Teacher at Christian Ashrams in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
The contacts from BSBC are Dale and Carol Bray at 506-455-3784. Brochures for each Christian Ashram are available at the church office and through the websites noted above.
Camp Wegesegum
Youth Weekend is June 21 to 23 for ages 11 to 17 years. Cost is $25.00. Everyone welcome. The Sunday church service will be June 23 at 11 am in the chapel (if rain, in the lodge). All members of the congregations and any other who wish may attend. We will have a potluck lunch and swimming afterwards.
19. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre
Wednesday, June 12
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Ensemble Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
Thursday, June 13
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 Ministry (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
6:30 A Study of Philippians Ladies Bible Study (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
Friday, June 14
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Chinese Fellowship (Family Room and KidzTown, FLC)
Saturday, June 15
10:00 Gym Setup (Gym)
2:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, June 16
Happy Father’s Day!
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School Class (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 Together in Prayer (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 Library Open Before Services (Connections Center)
10:30 Gym Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Sanctuary Worship Service (Sanctuary)
10:50 Preschool & KidzTown Classes (1st & 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Mandarin Fellowship and Choir (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
5:00 Third Sunday Supper (Gym/Main Kitchen)
Monday, June 17
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Board of Management (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
Tuesday, June 18
10:00 Pastoral/Planning Meeting (Admin Office)
11:15 Staff Team Building (Off Site)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adults (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, June 19
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 BSBC Half-Day Summer Camp Decorating Team (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Ensemble Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
