The Banner
Our Mission
Experience the love of Jesus. Live it out everywhere.
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from Feb. 1 to 8.
Receipts for 2022 Financial Giving
Our Library Ministry
A Very Special Guest: Rev. Dr. Terry Atkinson
Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada: Your People
Annual Meeting & Supper: All the Details/Registration Open
Proposed Change to the BSBC Constitution
Opportunity to Provide a Meal
Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
Big Birthdays
Bereavement
NextGen Ministries (Children & Youth)
Please Collect Your Dishes from the Church Kitchen
Muffin Mania
Community News – Shrove Tuesday Supper
The Case for Faith Study
This Week @ BSBC
1. Receipts for 2022 Financial Giving
Our Financial Secretary, Deborah VanSlyke, will have 2022 tax receipts available THIS SUNDAY, Feb. 5 at a table in the Connections Centre. Please stop by before or after the service to pick up your receipt for giving.
If your envelope does not have a mailing address, please take a moment and provide that information.
Deborah VanSlyke
BSBC Financial Secretary
2. Our Library Ministry
For decades, BSBC has had the benefit of well-equipped church library. Over the past two-plus decades our library has been under the faithful leadership of the Late Sharon Gosselin. Sharon guided the library ministry through the design phase and movement to its current location. Standing in front of the desk, she greeted library visitors old and new and helped them find the perfect book or series for their benefit and enjoyment. She solicited ‘reviews’ from readers that informed purchases and sought out new additions.
With Sharon’s passing the position of Church Librarian is vacant. Ultimately the Nominating Committee will be entrusted with securing a new person to take on this role and undertake leading our library ministry into the future.
In preparation for this moment, the Board of Deacons, under whom the Church Library ministry functions, is inviting those who are currently serving in the Library ministry and those who have an interest in this important ministry to meet with Pastor Greg on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. in the Family Room. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce all those interested to the details of the position of Librarian and to invite them to consider the position or submit names of individuals they think should be considered for this position.
The position of Librarian is supported by the Education Committee who stand ready to help problem solve issues or to overcome obstacles identified by the Librarian in order to further develop the Library ministry. They will also work with the Librarian to create any structures that the new Librarian would identify to create the most efficient and effective management of the ministry (i.e., a Library Committee, sub-positions to the Librarian, etc). What we want to underscore is that the new Librarian will have as much support as needed to realize his/her vision.
The congregation is asked to make this need a regular item for prayer asking that the Nominating Committee be guided to the next individual to serve.
Please click on the link below to (1) register for the gathering on February 8, (2) identify that you can’t attend but have an interest in the Library ministry, (3) to suggest an individual or individuals that you believe should be approached for this position.
We are confident that God has a plan for the future of our Library and are grateful for your position in the discernment process ahead.
Your Board of Deacons
3. A Very Special Guest: Rev. Dr. Terry Atkinson
On Sunday, February 12, we’ll have a very special guest, former BSBC Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Terry Atkinson.
We congratulate Dr. Terry on his recent appointment as Interim Executive Minister (part time) of our denomination, Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada.
It is in this capacity that Dr. Terry and Brenda join us on the 12th. He will be here to bring greetings from our denominational office and to give us a brief update on our CBAC family during this time of transition.
After the service Dr. Terry will be available in the Family Room for refreshments and a Q&A time. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join him for a 20-30 minute time of sharing concerns or asking questions about the CBAC or just to learn about its current situation in more detail.
For some, Dr. Terry will be a new face. To learn more about him and his ministry visit: https://baptist-atlantic.ca/our-convention/our-staff/terry-atkinson/
4. Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada
As we anticipate the Feb. 12 visit of the Interim Executive Minister of our denomination, Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC), we thought some might like a bit of background about what it means for the BSBC family to be part of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada family.
CBAC is a ministry partnership of more than 450 Canadian Baptist churches (of which BSBC is one!) and 21 Associations in the Atlantic Provinces. Our role is to resource our pastors, churches, and people, and to facilitate shared mission on behalf of our churches.
THE PURPOSE OF CBAC is being and making disciples of Jesus Christ who are integrated into the life and ministry of healthy growing churches, committed to fulfilling the Great Commission and the doing of God’s will on earth.
THE VISION OF CBAC: We are joining God in our neighbourhoods.
CBAC recognizes that God is already at work around us in our neighbourhoods and communities. It’s up to us to open our eyes and partner with God. This CBAC vision invites and challenges churches (like ours!) to get to know their neighbours and find new ways to share the Good News.
“We know we can’t hesitate in this cultural moment to act decisively and conscientiously to be followers of Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, working to see transformation in the lives of people in our neighbourhoods. We hope you will discover where God is at work around you and join Him in changing the fabric of our Atlantic Canadian landscape. Let’s join Him in our neighbourhoods.”
Is CBAC new to you? In anticipation of Dr. Terry Atkinson’s Feb. 12 time with us, we encourage you to explore the CBAC website and learn more about the exciting ways in which the CBAC is positioned to help us “join God in our neighbourhood.”
5. Annual Meeting & Supper
Wednesday, Feb. 22 is our annual congregational meeting. Join us for a pizza supper at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting at 6:30 p.m. We’ll have the 2022 Report Booklets ready for you on Sunday, Feb. 12.
Come for Supper
On your own or with a family small or large, why not join us for supper (pizza, salads, drinks) at 5:15 p.m. Please be sure to register your group of one OR more by clicking the link below. We request reservations be made by Monday, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m.
We’ve Got a Plan for Preschoolers, Children & Youth
On Wednesday, Feb. 22, we’ll be happy to provide an engaging and enjoyable program for our K – Grade 5 children. Our wonderful Preschool and KidzTown leaders are preparing to welcome children from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Middle School and High School youth are welcome to meet up for Bible Study.
To help us prepare, please use the link below to register preschoolers or elementary children by Monday, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. Please note that the usual Wednesday boy’s scouting program will NOT be meeting on this night.
And for Adults
At 6:30 p.m., please gather in the sanctuary for the worship/prayer time which precedes the ministry items that will be covered – including the presentation of the financial budget for 2023.
If you are a member of the BSBC family, you are eligible and encouraged to vote on motions presented.
If you are NOT a member of the BSBC family, you are not eligible to vote on motions presented.
Everyone, members or non-members, are free to ask questions and offer comments.
Can’t Attend in Person?
No problem. Use the link below to register to attend on Zoom. Please register by Monday, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m.
6. Proposed Change to the BSBC Constitution
Your Board of Deacons is requesting the congregation’s approval to the make a change to the section of the Constitution which defines Pastoral Reviews. Please review the details below.
Original Article From the Constitution
5.1.8 The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for the evaluation of the ministry of each member of the Pastoral Staff. A formal review involving consultation with other Church members will be carried out at least once every two years. The Board of Deacons will report to the Church at the Annual Business Meeting on any reviews carried out since the previous Annual Business Meeting.
The Proposed Revision
5.1.8 The Board of Deacons shall be responsible for the evaluation of the ministry of each member of the Pastoral Staff. A formal review involving consultation with other Church members will be carried out at least once every two years. The Board of Deacons will report to the Church at the Spring Business Meeting on any reviews carried out since the previous Spring Business Meeting.
Reason for the Request
The extensive nature of the review process makes it necessary to begin in December and difficult to complete by the January meeting of the Board of Deacons:
Requesting letters from members of the family and the review of same
Each individual deacon fills out an extensive evaluation of the pastor under consideration with the results of the 16 evaluations being consolidated and reviewed
The pastor under review completes a self-evaluation as does the Lead Pastor – then a meeting is undertaken for the two to compare evaluations – outcomes to be shared with the Pastoral Relations Committee for review
The Review Committee meets with the pastor under review to gain insights about ministry satisfaction and overall engagement in church life
The Review Committee then consolidates all material, summates findings, writes a final report
The report has to be presented at Board of Deacons meeting for review, edit and/or acceptance
The Review Committee meet with the Pastor under review and share the written report asking for the pastor’s signature to sign off on the findings
The written report is presented to the congregation
In order for all these steps to be completed for presentation at the February Annual Business Meeting, the process ends up taking place at the busiest time of the year for our pastors and deacons (through the month of December into early January)
For this reason, the Board is requesting the proposed change to the Constitution with the intention that the following motion be presented for your consideration at the February 2023 Annual Business Meeting:
Moved that section 5.1.8 of the Brunswick Street Baptist Church Constitution be changed to reflect that the Board of Deacons will now be responsible for presenting Pastoral Reviews at the Spring Business Meeting instead of the Annual Business Meeting.
Thank you for your consideration,
Your Board of Deacons
7. Opportunity to Provide a Meal
I’m writing to invite you to consider providing a meal for a BSBC husband and wife, living on their own, but experiencing serious health challenges. In visiting with them to explore how their church family can support them in these challenging days for them, I asked about meals and they said that such help would be a blessing.
I would like to create a schedule of individuals who would provide one meal a week for this couple. It might be helpful if those providing the meal planned for there to be leftovers.
Click the link below to identify the week you would provide a meal. You would contact the couple the first of that week and arrange the day for the meal delivery. If you can provide the meal but aren’t able to deliver – no problem – we’ll get it delivered for you. Contact information will be provided after sign-up using the link below.
Thank you for considering such a practical way to bear another’s burdens.
Pastor Greg
8. Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The gym worship service will be led by Pastor Ross with the musical leadership of Sarah Hoyt and Mark McAllister and team. In the sanctuary, the service will be led by Pastor Greg with soloist Laura McGuire and a quartet including Pascale Butt, Beth Snow, David Steeves and Anthony Brown.
In both services we welcome the return of our “His Name is Power” segment, hosted by Deacon Denise Mersereau with guest, Riley Burtt. Also in both services, Dr. Keith will be leading us to consider the truth revealed in Psalm 116.
Psalm 116 is a remarkable poetic text that can allow us to center our focus around the Lord’s Table on the first Sunday in February. This midsize composition is found closer to the end of the Psalter, in what we refer to as “Book 5.” The first four books of the Psalms provide a soundtrack to Israel’s stressful history, from the difficult days of David and Solomon and Hezekiah and the invasions in Books 1 & 2, then the trauma of exile and relief of restoration in Books 3 & 4. Arriving at Book 5 (Psalms 107 to 150), we can perceive an atmosphere of anticipation, a sense that God has brought the people back to the land of the promise and they are on the threshold of an entirely new divine initiative, something hardly imagined to this point. Clustered near the beginning of Book 5 are the “Passover Songs,” Psalms 113-118, that were recited every spring as the people commemorated their deliverance from Egypt during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. In the middle of this sequence is Psalm 116, a story with three movements (a rescue, the reaction, and a resolve) that will allow us to prepare for our Communion moment this morning.
Whether in-person or online, we hope that you will join us for our worship services this coming Sunday morning, Feb. 5.
9. Big Birthdays
Happy birthday to you, dear Charline!
We celebrate with Charline Smith and family on the occasion of Charline’s 99th birthday, tomorrow, Feb. 2. Charline is a sister to Laurin Colwell and special aunt to Karen Sorenson and Dwight Colwell in our church family. This past Sunday, the sanctuary congregation celebrated her in song but we couldn’t resist one more disclosure of such a special day.
Happy birthday to you, dear Mae!
We also celebrate with Mae Green who will celebrate her 105th birthday on Feb. 8. She is a resident at the Central NB Nursing Home. This photo of Mae appears on the nursing home website with this request: This sweet Lady Mary (Mae) Green will be 105 on February 08. Help make her day by sending a birthday card to Central NB Nursing Home 3466 Rte 625 Boiestown NB E6A 1C9 We are hoping for her to receive 105 birthday cards. Thanks in advance.
I’m sure her church family will engage to help raise the total to 105!
10. Bereavement
We ask that you be in prayer for Mae Green who recently experienced the loss of her dear sister, Carman “Cam” Brown, of Doaktown, New Brunswick, on Monday, January 23, 2023 at the age of 92. Years ago, “Cam” came from “up country” to spend the winters with her widowed sister, Mae. There was never a dull moment when visiting with these sisters. It was certainly clear how close they were.
You can view the full obituary at: https://www.mightymiramichi.com/community/funerals/Details.aspx?f=42687
Pastor Greg
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
11. NextGen Ministries
Children @ BSBC
Scouting Boys (K- Grade 5): Wednesday 6:30 – 8 pm
BSBC offers a scouting program for boys from kindergarten to high school. Outdoor adventures, fun activities, and community service projects are used to teach boys how to live the great commission, and to love God and our neighbors. Meetings will be held weekly in the church gym on Wednesday evenings for those in kindergarten to Grade 5. For more information, please contact the church office at 458-8348 or bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca.
Hands-In Girls Ministry: Saturday, Feb 11, 10 a.m. – noon
Hands–In Girls Ministry is happening again this month, on Saturday, Jan. 14 up in KidzTown from 10 a.m. to noon! All girls from Kindergarten to Grade 5 are encouraged to join Allie Dunfield and her team for this time of friends, faith, and fun. To register for this event please CLICK HERE.
Youth @ BSBC
Bible Study: Wednesday, 6:30 – 8 pm
Youth are welcome and encouraged to come as we learn through the book of Mark, tonight at 6:30 pm – 8 p.m. All are welcome! Join Kari Dunfield tonight.
Youth Group: Friday, 7 – 9 pm
Come out Friday night for a fun night of games, friends, and fellowship! We encourage all our youth grades 6 – 12 to come out and bring a friend!
High School Youth Group: Sunday, 7 p.m.
We welcome our high schoolers to come out Sunday for our high school youth group. Meet on the third floor at 7 pm, for a night of fun, community, and great discussions on faith/life! Email Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!
Serving Opportunities
If your youth would like to get more involved in using their gifts/talents by serving in the larger BSBC community, there are many ways they can serve such as but not limited to; Sunday morning tech, greeting Sunday mornings, Preschool, Third Sunday Supper, etc.
Youth Overnighter: Feb. 17 - 18
Mark your calendars! On Feb. 17 we will be having a camp-themed overnighter from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. All youth are welcome! More details to follow.
Tidal Impact: July 2023
Tidal Impact is coming to Saint John on July 22-28 and all youth from grades 6 - 12 are invited to participate! Tidal The impact is a week-long mission tour that is organized by the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC). The goal of Tidal Impact is to bring Jesus' love into our community through acts of service. To do this, the CBAC partner churches from across Atlantic Canada together so that churches from the Fredericton area can be the gateway for visitors into our community. Tidal Impact provides youth the opportunity to deepen their faith through acts of service, grow in teamwork and leadership skills, and embrace the Saint John area as a mission field! Please begin to think about if your youth would like to attend and be a part of this great opportunity to serve our local community. More information for registration is coming soon, students must be registered by March of 2023. We as a youth group will be fundraising for this event to lower the overall cost for those attending. More information to follow, this is the promotion video for Tidal impact https://vimeo.com/763854134. If you have any questions or comments, please email pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca More exciting youth events coming up, stay tuned! Have a wonderful week!
12. Please Pick Up Your Dishes
The main kitchen counter has been ‘shortened’ by the great stash of dishes left from church events. These orphaned dishes would love to be reclaimed by their owners as the space is really valuable especially during Third Sunday Supper and Senior’s Luncheon preparation and service.
Please have a look and see what might be yours. The end of February, we’ll be finding new homes for whatever is left. THANK YOU!
13. Muffin Mania
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.
We still have a need for the last two weeks of March — requiring 3 dozen muffins per week.
How you can sign up
Please click the link below to sign up to serve in this way. OR call the church office (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.
14. Community News
Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St., will be hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Feb. 21st, 4 - 6 p.m.
Menu: Sausages, Pancakes, Ham, Potato Scallop, baked beans, homemade brown bread and dessert. Tickets $15/adult.
Please call 457-1951 to reserve your tickets!
15. The Case for Faith Study 2023
This six-week study is back in 2023 for all people who have questions regarding their faith. Learn more and register by clicking the link below.
16. This Week at BSBC
(Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Center)
Wednesday, February 1
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
1:30 Gospel of John Bible Study (MM) (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
6:00 Youth Choir (Sanctuary)
6:30 Scouting Boys Ministry (K-Gr 5) (Gym, Fellowship Hall)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room)
Thursday, February 2
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
9:00 New Life Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
9:00 Days For Girls ( KidzTown, 2nd Floor, Room 219)
1:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (CB) (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:30 Bible Study “Bad Girls of the Bible” (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room And Barnabas Center)
Friday, February 3
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Friends Are Us Puppets (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Friday Youth Group (Fellowship Hall, Gym, Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center And KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
Saturday, February 4
9:00 Gym Set-up (Gym)
1:00 Membership Interview (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, February 5
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
9:20 Sunday Morning Prayer (Counselling Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 The Reason for God Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 Sunday School For All Ages (FLC)
10:15 KidzTown & Preschool Classes (2nd & 1st Floor, FLC)
10:30 Contemporary Worship (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Service (Sanctuary)
6:30 Ordination Committee Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 High School Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
9:00 Praise Dance Training (Barnabas)
Monday, February 6
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
1:30 Right To Life Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Social Action Team (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Sister Choir Ministry (Barnabas Center)
Tuesday, February 7
10:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:30 Quilters For Missions (Quilting Room)
2:15 Full Staff Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:00 Sports Friends (Gym)
6:30 DivorceCare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adult Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, February 8
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
6:00 Youth Choir (Sanctuary)
6:30 Scouting Boys Ministry (K-Gr 5) (Gym, Fellowship Hall)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room)
