The Banner
Growing Faith, Friends & Families to Serve
In this issue:
Going Green at BSBC
“Bills 4 Bikes” Campaign
Support Our Youth Serving at GHLC
August BODcast
This Sunday’s Service
Is There a Doctor in the House?
Oasis Needs You
CBM Africa Summer Ministry Update
Praying for the Watters Family
Hospital Admissions
Summer Children & Youth Ministry
Wednesday Library Openings
This Week @ BSBC
1. Going Green at BSBC
New Brunswick has moved into the Green Phase, but what does this mean for BSBC? Click the link below for all the details.
Please remember that even if you are ready to jump back in, others may not be as comfortable, and so we defer so that everyone is comfortable in our gatherings.
2. Bills for Bikes Campaign
There are many ways for us to support Green Hill Lake Camp! We can pray for the gospel-sharing ministry going on there right now. We can invest in our youth who are serving there this summer (Hannah Hatchard, Dylan Wightman, Allie Dunfield and Nathan Holmes). See the next article for details about offering them financial support for their summer service to the Kingdom.
The details
But, this Sunday, we’ll be launching a new campaign for GHLC: Bills 4 Bikes! Our camp is in need of two new mountain bikes for ministry next season. The cost will be $1,600. I believe that the BSBC church family can, in the coming weeks, raise the needed funds to allow camp to order these new ministry tools.
How you can help
If you would like to give to the campaign, please designate your gift “Bills 4 Bikes.” Each Sunday in the Blended Service, you’ll see the visual, turning the black and white bike photo, bit by bit, into a colour version as the funds come in.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to invest in ministry at Green Hill Lake Camp.
Pastor Greg
3. Supporting GHLC Summer Staff
Green Hill Lake Camp is welcoming children and youth and offering them a potentially eternity changing experience of Christian camping. And, once again, some our brightest and best youth are taking up the challenge to minister to those who come to experience God’s love in so many ways.
As a church, we have the opportunity to financially support these students who take up this work which precludes them from finding other, more lucrative summer jobs. I invite you to encourage them with a tax-deductible donation.
How to give
Provide your gift marked “GHLC Summer Staff” to BSBC and your gift will be forwarded to the camp and divided equally between our four students. Otherwise, go directly to the GHLC website and make your donation.
In addition, let’s covenant to pray for these four ambassadors for the gospel as they prepare to offer themselves in ministry.
Pastor Greg
4. August BODcast
Dr. Keith offers you his BODcast for August, based on Psalm 3.
He writes: Sometimes in Christian circles we get the impression that everything is supposed to be happy and rosy in our spiritual journey. While the gift of joy is certainly part of the Christian life, so are times of sorrow and lament. To that end, Psalm 3 provides us with some timely wisdom, and reminds us that believers are not immune to attack or seasons of discouragement. Be sure to listen, as this Bodcast features some special music by Tim Milner (my former neighbor!) and his hit song "Every Nation."
5. This Sunday's Services: Aug. 8, 2021
This Sunday at BSBC you continue to have two choices for engagement with God’s word.
Sermon Café
In the gym, you are invited to our “Sermon Café” where you’ll be welcomed by our hosts and offered hot or cold beverages and baked goods. You and your guest(s) will enjoy background worship music, each other's company and conversation — check out the sermon prep question handout. Then, when the sermon starts in the sanctuary, you’ll be invited to watch it in the gym. Sundays in the gym are relaxed, personal and allow you to engage with God’s word and each other.
Blended Worship
In the sanctuary, you’re invited to engage with elements from both contemporary and traditional services as we seek to offer ourselves to God through various acts of worship and engage with Dr. Keith in the study of God’s word.
Worship Leaders
This Sunday, we’ll welcome Hollie Weaver as our guest worship leader. Hollie is serving this summer at Green Hill Lake Camp where, among other things, she leads campers and staff in worship. On the Sunday we launch “Bills 4 Bikes” we have this wonderful ambassador for GHLC in our midst. David Steeves, Gloria Tranquilla and a vocal ensemble will be leading other musical offerings. Denise Mersereau will be welcoming Doug McAllister to share his faith story in an August edition of “His Name is Power.”
Sermon Notes: Trial of the Century
This week, the sermon will lead us through the final chapter of the Book of Acts. Dr. Bodner writes: For two full years—as long as many of us wait for a hip replacement—Paul has been confined in Herod’s Palace in Caesarea where the governor Felix keeps him imprisoned as a favor to the Jerusalem establishment. When Porcius Festus eventually succeeds Felix as governor, there is a petition to get Paul transferred; no doubt Paul senses the malice, and appeals to the Emperor to have his case heard in Rome. Festus has little choice but to grant the appeal from this Roman citizen, but nonetheless Paul is called to testify before King Agrippa and Bernice.
Many things are happening in Acts 25-26, but we will focus on two important issues that emerge. First, the strength of testimony is clear in this trial, as the apostle doesn’t just speak in the abstract, but provides concrete examples regarding who Jesus is and now the Lord has transformed his life. This testimony affects the conscience of some key members in the audience who come face to face with the truth of Jesus in the courtroom. Second, we will consider an important remark from Agrippa, the last member of the Herod family to appear in the New Testament: “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” This sentence invites us to ask about the nature of freedom, and what it means for our lives as disciples this summer.
Celebration in the parking lot
The conclusion of our series, “ACTS: 30 Years That Changed the World”, calls for a bit of a celebration. So, following the service on Sunday, hoping that the weather cooperates, enjoy a cupcake and juice box in the parking lot.
KidzTown
Parents, remember that KidzTown is running for children K-Gr 5. And, there’s a preschool room on the gym hallway if you should need to use it.
Worship Online
Please note that for July and August the online service will be on YouTube only. You do not need a YouTube account to watch the service. The Contemporary Facebook Live Service Returns the second Sunday in September.
We look forward to seeing you Sunday! If you're attending in-person, please be sure to make your reservation by clicking the link below.
6. Is There a Doctor in the House?
As a church family, we congratulate Matthew Akalusi, who, on July 21, successfully defended his doctoral dissertation entitled “Morphological and Physiological Responses of Balsam Fir Provenances in Eastern Canada to Climatic Variation.” Dr. Akalusi will be awarded his degree in October during graduation for UNB’s Department of Forestry.
I asked Matthew how we could pray for him, and since he’s now a doctor, if I could talk to him about a pain in my back. Matthew replied: The prayer for me is for a job. I have started sending out applications. About the pain in your lower back, I have to stay in my lane, being a different kind of Doctor from the one who can do something about it.
A wise man, something we’ve always known. Let us pray with the Akalusi family for meaningful work for Matthew (and, you can join me in being so bold as to pray that work will be in Fredericton!).
Pastor Greg
7. Oasis Needs You
Greetings Church Family,
Some of you may not know that BSBC is a member of a collective of Baptist churches, both in Atlantic Canada and across the country. On the Atlantic Canadian front, our collective is known as Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC).
What is OASIS?
Each year, with the exception of 2020, the CBAC holds a corporate gathering called OASIS. OASIS offers great worship, inspiring teaching, helpful workshops, and "Family Business Sessions" — which deal with various business items that impact the work we do collectively.
OASIS 2021
This year, OASIS is back in a modified, online form. I invite you to visit the OASIS website and explore the offerings this year. Offerings that allow you to attend from any location of your choice. You can attend from the comfort of your home...the beach...the camp...well, anywhere. So, this may just be the year to attend!
8. Canadian Baptist Ministries: Africa Update
We’re pleased to share this update on what our Africa partners in the gospel have provided. This update is provided by Rev. Andre Sibomana, BSBC’s own Partner in Mission.
Andre ended his email with these words: May you find this update as sign of our deep gratitude to you for your continuous prayer and financial support. May God keep you all safe and bless the work of your hands, as you humbly serve the Kingdom.
9. Praying for the Watters Family
Be sure to include the Watters family in your prayers as they/we enter into the immigration process with the Canadian government. Please pray for:
Spiritual, physical and emotional vitality during all the aspects of this transition
Clear paths for the immigration paperwork
Ease of packing and shipping belongings
Meaningful time with family and friends
Family and friends being left behind
Some restful summer activities
God’s provision for the leadership needs of Gorebridge Parish Church
Pastor Ross and Fi have been grateful for the warm welcome they’ve received through email and Facebook. They can’t wait to touchdown in Fredericton at the end of August!
10. Hospital Admissions
The congregation is asked to note that the only way pastoral staff will be aware of hospital admissions is by a family member notifying the church office. Kevin Culberson will be happy to visit in Pastor Greg’s absence, so please don’t hesitate to let the church office know of any admissions in your family. Thank you.
11. Summer Children & Youth Programs
Children and Youth programs are still running strong this summer! Please note that all Covid procedures that have been in place will be continued through to Labour Day Sunday.
Children
We have two programs for our kids K to Grade 5: Vacation Bible School and Sunday morning KidzTown. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Youth
Our youth are invited to join us Tuesdays & Wednesdays for Bible Study and Youth Group.
Young adults are invited to join Dr. Keith & Pastor Greg after the service every other Sunday.
12. Wednesday Library Openings
Your librarians invite you to visit the library the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10 am until noon. Come and engage with our huge collection of books — there’s something for everyone!
13. This Week at BSBC: Aug. 4 to 11
Wednesday, August 4
9:00 VBS (Gr K-2) (Kidztown)
2:00 Chinese Youth Group (3rd Floor Assembly)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly/Zoom)
Thursday, August 5
9:00 VBS (Gr 3-5)
7:00 Chinese Hymn Practice (Choir Room)
Friday, August 6
Office closed at 3 p.m.
No Scheduled Events
Saturday, August 7
No Scheduled Events
Sunday, August 8
06:00 Chinese Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over the Main Kitchen)
10:15 KidzTown (2nd Floor, Family Life Centre)
10:30 Blended Service (Sanctuary)
10:30 Sermon Café (Gym)
2:00 Chinese Worship Service (Sanctuary)
Monday, August 9
6:30 Education Committee
7:00 Chinese Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly)
Tuesday, August 10
12:00 Chinese Prayer Meeting (Boardroom over Main Kitchen)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor)
7:00 Youth Group (3rd Floor Assembly)
Wednesday, August 11
10:00 Library Opens
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly/Zoom)
