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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
Live Worship @ BSBC
Greetings Church! Our plans are coming together for our August live worship services. It is no mean feat to attempt coordination of the many individual schedules of our musicians and worship leaders. I’m so grateful to everyone who has made a commitment to lead us in the days ahead. More detail will be added as the weeks go on so please check back each week for updates!
Wednesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.
Preacher – Dr. Keith Bodner – “Ruth, Part 1”
Traditional Worship Led by David Steeves, Gloria Tranquilla & Calvin Smith
Wednesday, August 19, 6:30 p.m.
Preacher – Dr. Keith Bodner – “Ruth, Part 2”
Traditional Worship Led by Ross & Janice Simonds and Talia Kennedy
Wednesday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.
Communion Service (This is the Only Service Not Recorded for Public Release)
Preacher – Pastor Greg Geldart
Traditional Worship Led by David Steeves, Yvonne Kershaw, Pascale Beaulieu
Wednesday, September 2, 6:30 p.m.
Preacher – Pastor Greg Geldart
Traditional Worship Led by Gloria Tranquilla
In order to attend any of these services, please make a reservation with the church office (receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca/458-8348) – reservations will be part of our new normal. However, if you are out and about, you can drop by and see if there is seating available – given that social distancing limits seating in the sanctuary.
Pastor Greg
Worship This Coming Sunday
This coming Sunday we’re so pleased to welcome our Partner in Mission, Charlie Ritchie, to our pulpit. Recorded on Thursday, August 6, I know that Charlie’s message based on Romans 14:17 and his personal testimony of confidence in Christ during these days of Betty’s serious health challenges, will certainly be a blessing. Be sure to tune in!
Worship leaders
We’re grateful to Pastor Steve, assisted by family and friend, who will lead us in song in the contemporary service. Songs for the traditional service will be led by Beth Snow accompanied by Gloria Tranquilla. The service will be opened by William and Bolpar Vinh-Doyle who will share their personal reflections on scripture and Pastor Greg will have the privilege of leading in prayer.
Happy Birthday
Happy 80th birthday, Marie Wilton!
We would have liked to celebrate this August 20 milestone with an Open House, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, that’s not possible.
If you would like to send greetings to her, she would love to hear from you!
Thanks, The Wilton Family
Baby News
Brian Christopher Nelson Joseph Sabattis was born to Angel O’ Donnell and Brian Sabattis on Friday, Aug. 4, 11:05 a.m., weighing 6 lbs and 15 ounces and being 20 inches long!
In addition, we received word that we can also congratulate Anne and Greg Stafford on the safe arrival of their daughter, Emma Stafford, who was born on July 20. Emma is a granddaughter for Hal and Judy Clarke.
Please pray for these young families.
Belated Congratulations
A "little bird" told Pastor Greg that Brian and Margaret Dykeman were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on August 1st.
Pastor Greg apologizes for forgetting to pass on the "little bird's" glad tidings. So, belated congratulations to a very special couple!
Condolences
Sunday evening we received an email from Alan Doerksen informing us that his dad, Dr. Dan Doerksen, had passed away at his nursing home on Thursday, Aug. 6, with his wife, Nan, at his side. Dan and Nan were members of BSBC for decades before moving to the British Columbia to be closer to family. I had the privilege of knowing them as faithful members of the BSBC choir and personally benefited from their wisdom and faithfulness to Christ. Alan asked that we remember his mom as she begins a new chapter of her life. Pastor Greg
Funeral Service
The funeral service for the Late Evelyn Ginson will be held at BSBC on Friday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. Evelyn passed away on March 14, just as the world was shutting down. Thank you for thinking of her family as they gather to celebrate her life. To attend, please make a reservation through the church office (receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca | (506) 458-8348). There will not be visitation before the service and there will not be a reception following. You can view Evelyn’s obituary here: www.brittonfh.ca/obituaries/145112
Stewardship
Financial Giving Update (January to July 31, 2020)
Current Year Previous Year Budget
General Fund $502,012 $498,600 $542,215
Building $69,996 $72,907 $78,750
Dear Faithful Givers,
This financial report is awesome to see! Thank you for your commitment to Kingdom work in these days. Our General Operating giving is ahead of this point last year! We are still below budget by about $40,000 but this typical of past giving cycles. At this point, the Building Fund giving is $3,000 behind last year and about $9,000 behind budget, BUT we believe that it is possible to catch up as we all consider what part we can play to bridge the gap. With our expenses down due to Covid-19, we are in a surplus situation which positions us well for reengagement in ministries as we discern the appropriateness of such engagement in the weeks and months ahead. Thank you for showing such amazing faithfulness in this strange season in the life of our fellowship.
Ken Reimer, Treasurer
Greg Geldart, Lead Pastor
Consider Those You Know
Just a reminder that we want to stay connected with those who might not have access to ‘thestreetonline.ca’. Each Wednesday at 1 pm in the Family Room we offer a showing of the traditional service recording. You can encourage folks to call the church office to make a reservation to come any Wednesday afternoon and join Pastor Steve or Greg for the service. OR, we are happy to mail DVDs and paper copies of the e-newsletter directly to individuals each week. Simply contact the church office to request the mailing. Thank you for making these opportunities known to those who aren’t able to access our website.
You Asked For It
We’ve had numerous requests for a new edition of a printed/paper church directory (names, phone, email). While we continue to encourage use of the online directory, which you can join by contacting the church office and providing your email address, we are preparing to respond to these requests. For this printed version, the office is contacting everyone with email addresses to verify your information. If you are without email, we encourage you to contact the church office to make sure your information is up to date. If you have any questions, please contact Janet or Naomi in our office (458-8348 OR receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca) and they will be happy to help. Our plan is to print at the end of August with these available for early September. If you would like to pre-order a copy of the printed directory please contact the church office to place your order. Copies will be $5 each and we will arrange home delivery if required. Please note that these directories are not published for business or other forms of solicitation but for helping with community building at BSBC.
You Don’t Even Have to be Quiet
Our Librarian, Sharon Gosselin, doesn’t even require you to be quiet when you visit our church library which you can do any Wednesday between 10 a.m. and noon.
Bring your children for a great selection of faith-based children’s books! Enjoy reading fiction? We’ve got shelves full. Looking for something more serious – no problem, our library has LOTS to offer from discipleship to study materials.
Drop in next Wednesday and have a look around. If it’s your first visit, we doubt it will be your last! Oh, and if you’ve been in before…please have a look around your home for any books you might like to return – we’re a ‘fine free’ library!
Summer Bible Study
Dear friends:
Come join our summer bible study on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. where we’ll continue our study of the book of 1 John, looking at chapter two. Please let me know if you’d like to be included on the Zoom invite by emailing me at steve@bsbc.nb.ca.
Blessings,
Pastor Steve
BSBC BODcasts
He’s back! On Tuesdays tune in for Dr. Keith’s “director’s cut’ of his second message on the book of Esther. Hear more background and the answer to your questions.
Please feel free to submit your questions to the church office (458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca) each week by Monday at 4:30 pm.
Questions are always dealt with anonymously.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR PARTNERS IN MISSION
Rebekah Sears
Many of you know that Rebekah had a working visit to Fredericton in June and July. Pastor Greg was able to enjoy a breakfast out with her one morning before she left and asked her to send an update that could be shared with you on her return to Ottawa. Here is what she sent:
Covid-19 has brought significant challenges to Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) work but also a few opportunities, including possibilities created by remote meetings. For example, in June and July we held meetings with several Members of Parliament over zoom, this time bringing in our colleagues, based in East Jerusalem to talk about the potential devastating impacts of a planned annexation on Palestinian Christians and the Palestinian community at large. A big part of MCCs credibility with Canadian MPs is our connection to local communities, so bringing staff directly to MP meeting was a big bump! We’re also planning and participating in webinars (I can send the info for one in September!) and other online education, prayers and advocacy. My colleagues and I are also seeing hope in people wanting to speak out again systemic injustices and racism in Canada and around the world is these days.
The challenges, though, are devastating. Covid-19 has exacerbated already urgent humanitarian crises, conflict, hunger and essential resources of our local partners and the communities they support. We hear daily reports of the impacts of Covid combined with these other factors, particularly on the most vulnerable, often displaced peoples. And Covid is really just beginning in many parts of the developing world. My heart is heavy for this great suffering and asking for prayers. Personally, I came home to NB for almost two months, for my health and impacts of this work, plus isolation. I had a wonderful visit and was able to work from home (my mom bringing me tea while on zoom calls with MPs!) I have been back for just over a week. I was terrified and anxious to leave and the first few days were quite hard, but in the struggle and lament I felt Gods comfort in rest, prayer and support of friends and family. I ask for prayers for myself, and all of us as the months pass on. In Christ’s peace, Rebekah
The Millettes
Charles, Sarah and children are now visiting with his family in Quebec before coming back and settling in to his new one year contract as “Missionary in Residence” with responsibility for Youth and Young Adult ministry and helping this group and all ages embrace a new commitment to evangelism. We begin our partnership on Monday, August 24. Here is an update from Charles and Sarah:
Please pray for our time with our family and friends here in Rimouski: for many laughs and meaningful conversations. Pray for the logistics of an inter-provincial move: lodging, school, paperwork, etc. May God clearly point us to a home and a neighborhood where we will share His Joy, Hope and Love with many earnest seekers!
Andre Sibomana
Andre has sent us the following email and video update:
Dear Partners in Mission,
My hope and prayers for you is that you are keeping well despite the COVID-19 Pandemic realities. I am very pleased to send you the Summer Ministry video Updates on CBM Ministries in Africa in the dropbox link below. For this time, the video has two parts. I will request you to take a cup of tea or coffee, based on your taste, to have enough time to hear what has been going on among CBM Africa church partners in the last 3 months. Of course , to have few minutes, joining us in prayers to God for the church leaders as they seek to serve the most affected and marginalized.
Also, I am sharing this video, as expression of gratitude for your dedication to supporting the CBM work in Africa. May God bless you abundantly. Rev Andre SIBOMANA
Vacation
Please pray for Pastor Greg and Margaret as they engage in the second segment of their Summer 2020 vacation. Pastor Greg will be away from the office from Friday, August 7 through to Sunday, August 23. He will be back in the office on Tuesday, August 25.
Please also be in prayer for Pastor Steve as he serves the congregation during this time.
Vacation Bible School
Under the unique circumstances of summer, 2020, children K-Grade 5 can have a “unique” VBS experience ONLINE! Each week of July and August, our children can tune in on Wednesdays for a new edition of the ROCKY RAILWAY: Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through, VBS. Children and parents can engage with our VBS at their convenience and enjoy singing, Bible lessons, great skits, crafts and more! Each session will be about 30 minutes in length.
Unique to this year’s VBS…children who register will receive home deliveries of craft supplies and support materials. Yes, delivered right to your door…a wonderful way to build excitement as your children await the two deliveries – one each month. Deliveries will be limited to the Greater Fredericton area but if you live outside the city, you can pick up your child’s materials at the church office.
To help us prepare and so we can be sure to include your child in our delivery schedule, please click on the link and fill out the registration form. We’ll keep in touch with you as we prepare for the roll out of ROCKY RAILWAY so you and your family can get the most out of this opportunity to learn how Jesus’ power pulls us through!
Community Need
Dear Church,
We have a single mom and young daughter moving into an apartment at month’s end. They have many furniture and apartment needs. We are partnering with Smythe Street and Grace Memorial to see if we can come up with as much as possible collectively. Our plan is to round up items at month’s end so we don’t have to store large items especially, such as dressers, beds, etc.
If you are able to contribute any of the following, please contact Pastor Steve at steve@bsbc.nb.ca or the Church Office at 458-8348.
Here is a comprehensive list of things needed.
Kitchen
Kitchen table and chairs, Toaster, Tea Kettle, Utensils, Pots and Pans, Microwave, Oven Mitts, Dish Rack, Kitchen garbage can, Can opener
Living Area
Couch, Chair, Coffee table, End table, Lamps, TV, TV Stand, Curtains, Curtain Rod
Bedroom
Bed frame, Box Spring and mattress (Large and single), nightstand, Pillows, Sheets, Blankets, Curtains and Rods
Bathroom
Face cloths, Bath Mat, Shower curtain & Liner
Household
Light bulbs, Laundry basket, Dishcloths, Dish towels, Bucket, Broom
Cleaner
Dish soap, Laundry soap, Kitchen garbage bags, Paper towel, SOS pads/sponges, Kitchen cleaner, Bathroom cleaner
Personal Hygiene
Shampoo, Shaving cream, Razors, Toilet paper, Hand soap
YOUR 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
Pastor Changbin Tian, Full-time Pastor to the Chinese Congregation
