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Our Mission for 2022
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Psalm 96:2-3
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from July 13 to 20.
A Scintillating Summer
Baptism
Celebrating A New Arrival
Bereavement
Thank You From GHLC
Social Action Team
NextGen Ministries @ BSBC (Opportunities for Children & Youth)
Worship Sunday Morning, July 17
A Request From Your Social Action Team
Your Church Library
Pastoral Staff Vacations Summer 2022
Community News
This Week @ BSBC
1. A Scintillating Summer
Please know that I am grateful to our Board of Deacons and the congregation as a whole for the provision of a full month of vacation in June and very early July. Both Margaret and I are grateful for this opportunity. I confess it took some time for me to settle into vacation mode (I know, many of you are surprised by this!), but we enjoyed a restful time that offered space for spiritual reflection.
My confidence in Pastor Ross and Pastor Nikki, backed up by our Deacon Chair, Ron McMullin, meant that I can honestly affirm that the time off was devoid of worry about what was happening at BSBC. It is hard for me to believe that through your caring that in less than two weeks, I will engage in a second month. But I’m sure the Spirit will use it for added renewal through rest and reflection.
Upon my return, I have been awestruck by what God has been and is doing in our midst:
I learned about the wonderful June BBQ with many people happily stepping up to serve in a myriad of ways/many spoke of what a blessing it was to have the return of a hallmark event in the BSBC calendar
At the BBQ, our KidzTown children, acting on their vision for raising money to provide uniforms so that children can attend school, raised over $800 for their project through their sale table/I’d say our leaders need to be thanked for encouraging the children’s vision to make a difference in the world (and thanks to Carol Bray for planting the idea)
Through your generous giving we were able to send two more children to Green Hill Lake Camp — for a total of six children
Unlike other summers when we have seen things shut down, Pastor Ross has been continuing the weekly Fresh Start Ministry for young adults (each Tuesday at 7 pm)
Pastor Nikki has transitioned our weekly youth gathering to Thursday nights, and these are going well, and she is now at work organizing additional “special” events for the summer months
We had 35 children take part in our July “Half-Day Summer Camp,” and God provided an exceptional group of youth and adult volunteers to lead the children
Our Sunday preschool ministry, under the leadership of Ufuoma Akalusi, has often seen a dozen preschoolers each Sunday supported by a very strong leadership team, including weekly volunteers from our Mandarin congregation – an expression of both the English and Mandarin congregations growing together
In KidzTown, Tina Franca, Yewande Akalusi and Sarah Williams continue to offer ministry to 20+ children these summer Sundays/as well; they are supported by English and Mandarin volunteers, both youth and adult
I had the privilege of attending a Benevolent Committee meeting through which I was updated on the weekly appointments Doug McAllister offers to those with needs and the varied ways your regular giving to the Benevolent Fund has allowed for life-enhancing and Jesus-love-expressing ministry in many lives/including help for a single mother with two children and a single woman living in her car to both move into permanent and affordable housing – Praise God and may He receive the glory
The number of worshippers attending our summer Sunday services is holding strong/especially in the gym, where the service has a summer adjustment to people sitting at tables and lots of opportunity for connection with God and with each other
I’m so grateful for those who offer faithful ministry in the traditional service/our technical team is small in number but great in faithfulness, and I am touched by the willingness of our musicians and service leaders sharing the load (especially in my absence)
Our Street Level Ministry, facilitated by Sergiy Polyachenko and Rob Vance, is weekly touching lives as they spend an evening into the night visiting with people sleeping rough in the downtown area (please see the request for support of this ministry in muffins and batteries)
Your Education Committee is working hard to prepare for an exciting program of opportunities for children, youth, and adults to be discipled AND express their faith in a variety of ways/including an August launch of a new approach to children’s registration on Sunday mornings which allow parents of K-Grade 5 children to have the option of attending the first part of the worship services with their parents and then, to be released to KidzTown workers who will shepherd the children up to KidzTown. This is taking technological investments and an adjustment to the KidzTown and worship programming – all entered into joyfully by those responsible
We have a clear interest in the reignition of Sunday School in September. Thanks to all who registered to aid in our planning/we’ll engage in another registration campaign at the end of August
The numbers at Third Sunday Supper are increasing each month, AND meal-makers are booked to provide the meals until the end of 2022. We have new volunteers at TSS/this is the first year that the Social Action Team has NOT had to fill in as meal-makers for the summer
We have individuals who are considering/preparing for baptism – likely in the fall
At a recent meeting with our Senior’s Visitation Pastor, Doug McAllister, I was thrilled to receive his written report of the many in-person and phone visits he has made in my absence/he confesses to the rich blessing he is receiving in getting to know our precious seniors/work that continues through the summer
I’m going to stop there with an apology for any highlight that I’ve missed. Feel free to send me your suggestion of a recent blessing in our church life (greg@bsbc.nb.ca).
Sunday morning, July 10, before the sanctuary service started, I was seated with a member of our church family, and we were just talking about the ‘spirit’ of this place in these days. She found it invigorating and full of promise. As your Lead Pastor, I confess an excitement about these days. As the fall approaches, I’m confident that IF we pray for a movement of God’s Spirit in our midst, bending our hearts to holiness and unjudgmental love to those who share our lives, we will see what we’ve been praying for, a new chapter in the life of this family of faith.
Can I count on you to pray DAILY for all levels of leadership and our congregational membership? Will you intercede by asking that we would be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, open to taking risks for the Kingdom and seeking for all of us to live our lives in a way that makes people want to ask us why we have hope in such hopeless days?
Yours in Joint Service,
Pastor Greg
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.
Isaiah 43:18-21
2. Baptism
We praise God for the baptism of Caleb Hoyt this past Sunday, July 10 at Davidson Lake. It was very special for Pastor Nikki, Dr. Keith and I to be present and to witness Caleb’s baptism at the hands of his grandfather, Pastor Kevin Culberson.
Before baptism, Caleb shared his testimony which expressed profound confidence in God’s faithfulness and thankfulness for His blessing. Caleb’s dad, Nathan, offered a special devotional moment, comparing his Caleb to his Bible namesake. Caleb’s cousin, Annaclare Culberson, who lead the service, shared with the family and friends gathered that she had found blessing in acting as Caleb’s baptism mentor, leading Caleb though the pre-baptism study guide for children.
Julianne Moore lead those gathered in a rousing rendition of My Lighthouse – which Caleb had requested and fit perfectly with his testimony of God’s faithfulness. I had the privilege of opening with prayer and Dr. Keith provided a touching closing prayer. Caleb was presented with his baptismal certificate and then, true to our Baptist “liturgy” – there was food! Please pray for Caleb as he continues his journey of faith.
Pastor Greg
3. Celebrating a New Arrival
Dan and Eleanor Wilton are giving thanks for the safe arrival of their first grandchild, Milo Peter Bicknell, born July 11 to Sam and Jessica (nee Wilton) Bicknell. Milo has a lot of ‘peeps’ at BSBC including his great grandparents, Ross and Marie Wilton and Robert Read; Uncle John and Aunt Alyse Wilton as well as Aunt Jana (nee Wilton) and Uncle Jansen Watson. This little guy has lots of love coming his way! Please pray for Jessica and Sam as they settle into a new chapter in the life of their family.
4. Bereavement
Please be in prayer for David and Connie McDonald on the sudden passing of his brother, Kevin McDonald on Sunday, July 3. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 6 at York Funeral Home.
Please pray for those who grieve Kevin’s loss: his wife, Bobbi-Jo Fitzgerald, children Karlie Fitzgerald, Jeri Fitzgerald and Austin McDonald; granddaughter, Bea Jayne; sister, Catherine Chevrier (Claude); brother, David McDonald; nieces and nephews; his dogs Chance and Piper.
5. Thank You From Green Hill Lake Camp
Green Hill Lake Camp recently posted a message and some photos on Facebook of the mountain bikes we were able to supply.
"Thank you Brunswick Street Baptist Church for providing the funds to purchase 2 new bikes for Green Hill Lake Camp. This is a great addition to our fleet of mountain bikes!"
Thank you for being such a giving church family!
6. Social Action Team
The Muffin Drive Returns
Muffins are distributed every Sunday night by our Street Ministry team. We are seeking to re-stock our muffin supply with three dozen muffins for each week’s ministry.
Here are the details:
To avoid an over-stocking of the freezer we're looking for just 3 dozen muffins delivered to the standing freezer in the main kitchen by Sunday of each week
Please wrap each muffin individually in clingwrap or place it in a baggie before bringing them to the church (it’s so much easier to access the frozen muffins and more sanitary to serve them when individually wrapped)
Please put (1) your name, (2) the date and (3) STREET MINISTRY on the bag in which you put the wrapped muffins to bring them to the freezer
To ensure that we get a fresh supply each week, you are invited to click the link below and fill your name in by the week or weeks in which you will provide a dozen muffins. OR, for that person-to-person interaction, feel free to call the church office at 458-8348 and your information will be taken and added to the plan.
Supplying Power to BSBC’s Sunday Night Street Ministry
Our street level friends often need batteries to power small devices that provide light and other basic functions. We invite you to help meet this need by bringing a pack of AA or AAA batteries to add to our “Battery Box” in the Connections Centre as early as Sunday, July 17. Thank you!
7. NextGen Events
Thank you so much to all of those who helped lead our half-day camp and to all of the youth and adults that made this camp possible! Also, thank you to the VanSlykes for having the youth over to their house for last Thursday's youth group. The youth had a great time and were very thankful to be able to come over.
Youth at BSBC
Coming up this Thursday (tomorrow) we have a gym night! Youth are encouraged to come out, bring a friend and be ready for a night of gym fun and connection. Don't forget your water bottles, running shoes, and appropriate gym clothing. We hope to see our youth out Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Next Thursday, we're having a geocaching event for our youth group, more details to follow next week!
Volunteering Opportunity
Are you tech-savvy or would you like to learn more about technology and sound? Then AV-IT team would be the place for you to volunteer! We would love for some of our young people to come to join the AV-IT team on Sunday mornings! Please email pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca for more information and to get connected!
Please be praying for our young people as they are on summer vacation, and please be praying for the whole family!
8. Sunday Morning: July 17
On July 17 and 24, we are pleased to welcome faithful missionary servants to our pulpits. This Sunday, we have the privilege of hearing from Leah and Reuben Myles, home from the Philippines and ready to share about their ongoing ministry at Faith Academy. Then, on Sunday, July 24, our special guest will be our Partner in Mission, Tim Bannister recently returned from Africa. He’ll be sharing about that visit and this new chapter of ministry for both him and Diane.
In the gym, we have special guest worship leaders all the way from Scotland. The Watters are thrilled to have their very close friends, the Tait family, visiting with them. Both families shared in ministry at Gorebridge Presbyterian Church, with the Tait’s offering worship leadership. Like the Watters, we see the Tait’s servant hearts in taking on worship leadership for this coming Sunday. In the sanctuary, David and Gloria offer keyboard leadership, we’ll hear from a vocal ensemble, and Pastor Greg will be singing.
9. A Request From Your Social Action Team
Our Social Action team is seeking donations for a friend of BSBC who's recently been able to access housing and needs help furnishing their apartment.
Couch and chair
Lamps
Ovenware (e.g., cookie sheet, casserole dishes, etc.)
Cutlery
Dishes (no mugs)
Towels
Bedding (double bed)
Storage containers (e.g., Tupperware)
If you're able to donate or have any questions, please contact Mavis Doucette. Thank you for considering helping our community in this way!
10. Church Library
Our church is blessed with a great library! It has everything from children's books, Bible studies, all types of fiction, and large print. Stop in and take a look! We're open every Sunday after the services.
Please check for overdue books at home if you have used the library. Books can be returned to the locked box outside the library whenever the church is open. If you've borrowed books and cannot return them, please call Sharon at 450-7878.
11. Upcoming Pastoral Staff Vacations
Your Board of Deacons provides the following report about the vacation/leave plans of our pastoral team:
Pastor Ross will enjoy another week of vacation beginning THIS Monday, July 18, returning to the office on Monday, July 25.
Pastor Greg will begin his second month of vacation on Monday, July 25 returning to ministry on Monday, August 22. Given the newness of Pastors Nikki and Ross to BSBC, Pastor Greg will be available for funerals during times off. This has been the pattern since the beginning of the interim period.
Pastor Nikki will then enjoy a further time of vacation starting on Sunday, Aug. 14 returning to ministry on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Given the parameters of his contract, Dr. Bodner will be preaching up to and including Sunday, July 10 and then will be back with us for the first Sunday in September. Pray for the Bodners as they plan summer travels to the west coast to visit with family.
12. Community News
Summer Music Series at Christ Church Cathedral
The Summer Music Series at Christ Church Cathedral will present nine noontime concerts, held each Friday at 12:10 p.m. until August 26. This week's concert features Thomas Gonder on organ.
All welcome! Free admission, donations welcome. Proceeds will support the Organ Renovation Fund. Details at christchurchcathedral.com.
50th Wedding Anniversary
We're celebrating Bill & Bonnie Waye's 50th Wedding Anniversary!
Join us Saturday, Aug. 13, from 2-4 p.m. at the Upper Kingsclear Fire Hall on Mazerolle Settlement Rd.
This is an open house, so stop in and join us for some light refreshments & cake. Visit and offer your best wishes! If you aren't able to come, we would still love for you to be a part of their day. Feel free to send a message, story, memory, or photo to marisa.waye@gmail.com.
Blessings!
13. This Week at BSBC: July 13 to 20
Church Office Summer Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre.
Wednesday, July 13
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary And Choir Room)
Thursday, July 14
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
7:00 Summer Youth Group (Gym, Third Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Friday July 15
9:00 Sports Friends Training (Barnabas Center)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center And KidzTown)
Saturday, July 16
9:00 Gym Set-Up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, July 17
6:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
10:15 Preschool/KidzTown (First Floor And KidzTown, FLC)
10:30 Contemporary Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Third Floor Assembly, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)
5:00 Third Sunday Supper (Gym)
Monday, July 18
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
Tuesday, July 19
10:00 Library Open
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
6:30 Sports Friends (Wilmot Park)
7:00 Fresh Start (Gym And Third Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Wednesday, July 20
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary And Choir Room)
