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Seeking to minister in new ways in challenging days!
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
A Helpful Question in a Time of Tragedy
When I was a student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, I had the privilege of studying Systematic Theology with an academic giant in Southern Baptist life, Dr. William Hendricks. I remember him with warmth and gratitude because of his ability to enable students like me to grasp the deep things of God and, even better, apply them to daily life.
One lesson I treasure relates to pastoral care in the midst of tragedy. Dr. Hendricks rebuked those who were tempted to run directly to “all things work together for good” counselling, that while this is true, God has wired human brains to respond to tragedy with the question, “Why?” He affirmed that “Why?” was a question that needed to be asked as part of the process of accepting what has taken place. The best pastoral care affirms that while “Why?” is a worthy question, it alone provides little comfort, especially in situations where the actions are senseless. He counselled that we should affirm that while “Why?” is a natural question, a more satisfying question would be “What now, O God?” This is a question that has an answer because God always has a plan for us through any “valley of the shadow.”
In light of the events of late last Saturday night and Sunday morning in Nova Scotia many of us are asking the question, “Why?” It’s a natural question to ask but in reality, even when we know the reason, even IF that is possible, the lives are gone and the grief remains. So, for us, let’s ask the question, “What now, O God?” And I believe the Spirit of God will lead us to pray in accordance with God’s will. For me, that includes these truths:
That a redeeming God redeems not only people but situations…He is able to bring beauty from ashes…may He reveal Himself in redeeming power;
That comfort and hope come from God and that people who need it will find it when they find Him…may the Spirit of God lead people to long for Him and seek Him;
That God calls His people to be “light” in the darkness…may our Nova Scotian brothers and sisters in Christ be equipped to discern ways that they can share the gift of presence, actions and words filled with unending love that points to Christ, even in the midst of pandemic.
In the face of this tragedy be assured that God knows fully the answers to “Why?” and “What now”? What does the Spirit God lay on your heart in terms of intercessions for people facing tragedy through violence, pandemic or anything that lands us in the “valley of the shadow”?
“Call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
Pastor Greg
Worship Online
Does anyone else find it hard to believe that this coming Sunday will be April 26? The last Sunday in another month of 2020!
This Sunday, Peter and Maureen Steeves will be leading the traditional worship elements with Matt Sears leading the contemporary elements. We also welcome Matt Moore with the children’s time, Emily Perrin with the reading of God’s Word and Deacon Graeme Powell leading us in prayer.
This Sunday, we move forward in the book of Acts with Dr. Bodner’s exposition of chapter 13, sermon our preacher is calling “Outward Bound”: In the aftermath of a global crisis and a difficult season of persecution, the first official enterprise to share the message about faith in the risen Lord Jesus is launched.
As always, please pray for protection and liberty of the Spirit for those engaging in bringing these services to life and that our online platform will continue to allow us to broaden our reach with the gospel!
Celebration
In last week’s newsletter I shared two options for financial giving in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting you might follow the pattern of our Chinese brothers and sisters in designating gifts to the Chalmers Foundation (COVIDCampaign) or to our Benevolent Fund which will be used to meet needs in our local area.
This past week I discovered that our Chinese congregation had, in the preceding weeks, raised over $5,000 for the Chalmers Foundation.
What an example of caring and giving in Jesus’ name. I’m sure God will bless the generous givers.
Designed for K-Grade 5, this 30-minute program will offer engaging (that’s our prayer!) segments of Bible Study, worship, and fun on the theme of The Fruit of the Spirit. Each Wednesday by noon a new segment will be offered between now and the end of June. One of the features will include an invitation for our children to “Ask a Pastor” — they can have their questions emailed in to greg@bsbc.nb.ca and we’ll include them on the weekly program.
Coffee with
Pastor Steve
Hello Zoomers! We're not going to let this COVID-19 thing keep us from getting together! Even though it's not quite the same as sitting together at Second Cup or Timmy's, it's still making connection to say hello!
I would like to welcome you to come together in a Zoom call on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm OR Friday mornings at 10 am. We’ll meet online to visit with one another (who do you think will be there?) and I’ll end our call with a word from THE WORD and prayer.
If this is something you would like to participate in, please contact Naomi at the office to confirm your current email address, so she can help keep track of who I’ll be sending the Zoom invites out to! (receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca OR call 458-8348).
If it's too late for coffee, have an herbal tea instead!! See you next week,
With warmth and love,
Pastor Steve
New Online Bible Study
Chad Ragsdale (New Testament faculty at Ozark Christian College) will walk through the book of Hebrews and talk about its relevance to Christians today. He will challenge you to divert your attention from the troubles in this world, turn to Jesus’ presence, and encourage you to persevere.
What: Bible Study on the book of Hebrews. Video from Right Now Media with material from Chad Ragsdale.
Why: In this very difficult time in our world with the pandemic with Covid-19 all of us are looking for encouragement. “ ”
Who: This Bible study is free. Everyone who would like to attend this Bible Study on Encouragement may register with Jessica at jiyuanwujessica@gmail.com . You do not need to be a member of BSBC to attend this Bible Study.
When: Every Thursday evening from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm. Starting April 23 and finishing June 18, 2020.
Bible Study Groups
Are you ZOOMING in? We’ve been thrilled to hear that a number of our Home Bible Study groups have been staying connected through technology like ZOOM. They’re visiting together, praying together and studying together…just like “normal” but all online. If you would like to have information about how to get your Bible Study group online please email our Church Family Life Coordinator, Alyse Wilton at churchfamilylife@bsbc.nb.ca. Why not give it a try!
Do you have a heart for the study of the Bible?
Your Education Committee is looking to discuss the possibility of creating online Bible Study groups and we’re looking for leaders for them.
If you would be willing to explore being a Bible Study leader please email or call Pastor Greg (greg@bsbc.nb.ca or 458-8348) and share your interest.
We would seek to pair you up with someone who would ‘host’ the study which doesn’t mean provide refreshments, although that would be nice, rather a person who would look after the technical issues to get everyone on line together so you would just lead. Thanks for considering this opportunity.
BSBC Birthdays 🎉
YOUR INTERIM LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. Keith Bodner, Preaching Pastor
Pastor Greg Geldart, Lead Pastor
Pastor Jim McLellan, Pastor of Senior’s Visitation Pastor Steve Patterson, Outreach Pastor Jon Wilton, Youth & Young Adult Ministries
