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Our Mission
Experience the love of Jesus. Live it out everywhere.
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from Feb. 15 to 22.
Annual Report Booklets
February AND Ways to Love Fredericton
Our Third Sunday Supper Needs You
Annual Meeting and Supper – All the Details/Registration Open
Proposed Change to the BSBC Constitution
2023 Ladies’ Banquet
Congratulations
New Adult Sunday School Class – The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
NextGen Ministries (Children & Youth)
Please Collect Your Dishes from the Church Kitchen
Community News – Boaz Ministries Ukrainian Event
This Week @ BSBC
The Case for Faith Study
1. Annual Report Booklets Are Ready!
Thanks to Janet Mitchell, Administrative Assistant and Dale Bray, Editor, our 2022 Annual Report booklets. Visit the church office during the week to pick up a copy or check the entrances on Sunday mornings. The office would be happy to send you an electronic copy of the report or mail you a copy the old fashioned ‘snail mail’ way. Call 458-8348 or email bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca to arrange for the mailed or electronic copies.
The Annual Report booklets contain reports from every BSBC group, the nominating committee report, the financial report (budget), directory of members and adherents and more. Give it a read ahead of our Annual General Meeting on Feb. 22.
2. February AND Ways to Love Fredericton
Long before February arrives on our doorstep, Valentine cards and decorations are appearing all around us. Bringing the theme of LOVE into focus once again.
The Bible says a lot about love. For sure, many go to John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. When we consider God’s love, we can’t separate it from His giving. And, when we think of the role believers are to play in sharing God’s love – we often think of giving.
So, this February, your Social Action Team is suggesting some ways you can love/give in support of our church family who minister on a weekly basis to the homeless in our city. We invite you to be partners in their work by loving/giving to provide practical relief in the coldest part of the year.
If you are someone who likes to provide practical help with supplies, here’s what we’d suggest:
Bottled Water: We are wanting to build up our stock of bottled water which is a regular part of this ministry all through the year. We welcome you to purchase personal sized bottled water and bring it to the Connections Center and we’ll move it to our stock room for use as the weeks go on.
Socks: This is a real need for folks who are not housed. A clean, dry pair of socks helps overall wellbeing. We would be grateful for new socks for both men and for women. Warm and thick socks that pull up on the leg (not athletic socks). Should you be able to help in this way, please leave your gifts in the white laundry baskets in the Connections Center.
Financial Gifts are always welcome. As this ministry goes forward there are times when specific items need to be purchased. Some of these items we are happy to purchase based on the experience of our Street Level Team. If you are able to help in this way, please be sure to identify your gift for “Street Ministry”.
Thank you for considering if one of these options may be your way of partnering with our Street Level ministry team and be an expression of love in the name of our God who gives.
Your Social Action Team
3. Third Sunday Supper Needs You
Third Sunday Supper is a monthly ministry focusing on our downtown friends. What a great way to show the love of Jesus, with a home cooked meal, some good conversation — including the Word brought by Pastor Ross, music and a safe and comfortable atmosphere.
My prayer is that we will have enough volunteers to prepare a meal, to fill in the months of April to December. Would you consider helping? There is a $100 stipend available, you just have to turn your receipts into the office.
Please call or email me if you have any questions or your heart leads you to want to help with this ministry.
Blessings,
Judy Thompson
TSS Meal Coordinator
506-238-9903
judypaul1088@gmail.com
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 2023 Ladies’ Banquet
Well, during the winter you can use a little ‘pick-me-up’ and that’s why on Saturday, March 18, we will be offering our 2023 Ladies’ Banquet: A Night At the Oscars. The men of the church will be having fun hosting the ladies in an evening of fine food and even finer fun.
Ladies, this is a great night to introduce your friends to our church family. Create your own ‘look’ for your arrival photo on our red carpet.
Tickets for the event will be $10 per person and will be on sale at the Connections Center starting Sunday, February 19 following the services. More details to come.
Pastor Greg
7. Congratulations
I have been remiss in offering congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Calvin and Marilyn Smith on their wedding ceremony here at BSBC on Saturday, January 7. God bless the happy couple.
Pastor Greg
8. New Adults Sunday School Class
You might have missed it in the fall, but now you can engage in this 5-part study on Sunday mornings, 9:30 a.m. starting on Sunday, Feb. 26 in the Family Room.
“As someone all too familiar with ‘hurry sickness,’ I desperately needed this study.”―Scott Harrison, New York Times best-selling author of Thirst
“Who am I becoming?”
That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren’t pretty. So he turned to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words:
“Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life.”
It wasn’t the response he expected, but it was―and continues to be―the answer he needs. Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness, as a root of much evil.
Within this 5-part video study, you’ll find a fascinating roadmap to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
9. Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The gym worship service will be under the musical leadership of Jon Wilton and team. In the sanctuary the service will feature musical leadership of the Sanctuary Choir and soloist, David Steeves.
Pastor Greg will be preaching in the gym, continuing the series: Things Jesus DIDN’T SAY, with this week’s focus being, “You’ll Always Get What You Deserve.”
In the Sanctuary, Dr. Keith will continue in his series in the gospel of Mark. This week we consider Mark 1:35-24 in a sermon entitled “From Prayer to Compassion”. This is what he shares about this week’s offering:
Psalm 103 is an evocative poem about restoration, and it begins with an intense call to recognize divine goodness at the individual and corporate levels: “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” The poet of this psalm reflects on the unfairness of God, who so often does not treat us as we deserve. Out of the depth of divine grace, the prayer of Psalm 103 is that the people of God would look outward with mercy toward a fallen world. Notably, both prayer and compassion loom large in the closing sections of Mark chapter 1. Even in the midst of demonic confrontations and abundant healings, why is there so much attention on Jesus withdrawing in prayer, and what can we learn from this dynamic early in the gospel narrative? The other main event in this section of Mark 1 revolves around a leper, an outcast who has unshakeable confidence in the character of Jesus. Most lepers were scrupulously avoided in the first century, but Jesus reaches out with a healing touch, and invites us to explore the meaning of compassion in our service this morning.
Whether in-person or online, we hope that you will join us for our worship services this coming Sunday morning, Feb. 19.
10. NextGen Ministries
Children @ BSBC
Scouting Boys (K- Grade 5)
Feb. 15: Regular Meeting & Preparation for Winter Camp
Activities will feature what to take to winter camp and we will have games and stories as well.
Feb. 17-18: Timberwolf & Otter Winter Camp
Timberwolves and Otters are going on a winter camping adventure to Greer Creek Scout Lodge (near Nackawic). We will meet at 6 p.m. on Friday, the 17th, at the church and leaders will drive the boys to the scout lodge. We will be spending the night in the lodge and learning outdoor skills and playing games outside most of the day on Saturday. We will return to the church at 3 p.m. on Saturday the 18th. All Timberwolves are invited to come and all Otters accompanied by a Dad are also welcome.
Feb. 22: NO Scouts This Week
Due to our annual meeting occurring there will not be any Scouts offered on Feb. 22nd, please join us back on March 1st for Quinzee making outside of the church!
Hands-In Girls Ministry: March 18, 10 a.m. to noon
All of our elementary-aged girls are encouraged to join Allie Dunfield and her awesome gang of leaders for a Saturday morning of fun, friends, fellowship, activities, and music! If your daughter or granddaughter is wanting to attend this please register HERE.
Children’s Easter Party: March 25, 1 to 2 p.m.
Coming up in late March we have our annual children’s Easter Party, parents and children K – grade 5 are welcome to come out for an hour-long party to celebrate Easter!
Please register to let us know you are coming, so we can prepare for you! If you have any questions please email nikki@bsbc.nb.ca for more information.
Youth @ BSBC
Youth Choir / Greenhouse Band: Wednesday, 6 – 6:30 p.m.
All youth who are interested in participating in the youth choir and/or Greenhouse Service band are welcome to come out Wednesday at 6:00 pm and can contact Julianne at julianne.d.moore@gmail.com
Bible Study: Wednesday, 6:30 pm – 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! Even those who have not been around for earlier Bible Studies. Join Kari Dunfield and Pastor Nikki tonight!
OVERNIGHTER THIS FRIDAY: Feb. 17 - 18, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Our camp-themed overnighter is happening this Friday! We are welcoming all of our youth grades 6 – 12 to come out. If your youth is coming, please RSVP with Pastor Nikki so we are aware of our numbers for the event. If you are not already on our email list, please email Pastor Nikki at youth.bsbc.nb@gmail.com for the packing list and further information! This is an unplugged event with no phones. We look forward to seeing our youth out on Friday!
No High School Youth Group This Week
Please note: There will be no high school youth on Feb. 19, as our high schoolers are invited to come out for our overnighter from Feb. 17–18.
Greenhouse Service: Feb. 26
Greenhouse Service on Feb. 26! Tell all of your friends about this and join us in the Barnabas Center at 10:30 a.m., on Feb. 26 for our youth service! Come worship, grow in community with one another, and learn how to use your gifts and talents better at Greenhouse. If you want more information about the Greenhouse Service, or would like to serve in the service in any way, please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Tidal Impact: July 2023
It is my pleasure to tell you that Tidal Impact is coming to Saint John on July 22-28 and all youth from grades 6 - 12 are invited to participate! Tidal 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 come 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!
11. 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!
12. Community News
SHROVE TUESDAY
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!
BOAZ MINISTRY UKRAINIAN EVENT
You are invited to the event – LIFE GOES ON
Thanks to the work of Boaz Ministries, 18 Ukrainian families started a new peaceful life in Fredericton. They are grateful for the support and wish to contribute to Canadian society. We want you to know more about Ukraine and our wonderful families. Ukrainian people want to share their stories and perform their talents. Delicious Ukrainian food will be served. Please join us and support our efforts to help Ukraine at this time.
27 February, 2023, 5:00 PM
131 Duncan Lane, Fredericton, NB
boazlighthouse@gmail.com
Cost $100 Per Person
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
The World Day of Prayer Service Video for 2023 is available to watch online now. The 55 minutes service video, produced by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, can be watched at home any time and can be downloaded from wicc.org for free.
March 3,2023 is the official date chosen as the World Day of Prayer. The women who wrote the World Day of Prayer Service this year are from Taiwan. The Theme is “I Have Heard About Your Faith” Ephesians 1:15-19.
In the search bar, type wicc.org, then press enter. Click on the screen showing the World Day of Prayer 2023 Service Video. Press the play button in the center of the screen and enjoy the service. You can Watch the Children Video at https://wicc.org/world-day-of-prayer/what-iswdp/.
There is going to be a World Day of Prayer Service on Friday, March 3 at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street at 2:00 PM with reception to follow. Wheelchair accessible. Storm Date is March 5,2023 at 2:00PM.
There is going to be a World Day of Prayer Service on Sunday, March 12 at St. Paul’s United Church,224 York Street at 10:30 AM with a reception to follow.
The Monetary donations go toward expenses incurred in preparing the World Day of Prayer Service this year, and providing grants to support Women and Children all over the world, who are fighting injustice and abuse. You can look up the grants offered at wicc.org. Receipts are provided for all donation of $20.00 or more. The money can be sent by cheque to the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, 47 Queen’s Park Crescent East, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2C3. You can also click on Donate and donate online or https://wicc.org/donations/
Please contact me at 472-2916 if you have questions!
Thank you,
Deborah Heustis
Publicity for the Fredericton Women’s Inter-Church.
13. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre.
Wednesday, February 15
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
10:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
5:45 Youth Choir (Barnabas Center)
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 16
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
9:00 New Life Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
9:00 Days for Girls Ministry (Room 209, KidzTown, FLC)
11:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
1:30 Gospel of John Bible Study (MM) (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
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)
Friday, February 17
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Friends Are Us Puppets (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
6:00 Otters & Timberwolves Scouting Group Overnighter (Greer Creek Scout Lodge, Nackawic)
7:00 Youth Group Overnighter (Gym, Third Floor Assembly, First Floor Nursery & Preschool Area, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center and KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
Saturday, February 18
9:00 Gym Set-up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, February 19
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)
1:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
5:00 Third Sunday Supper (Gym, Main Kitchen)
Monday, February 20
Family Day – Church Offices Closed
7:00 Mandarin Sister Choir Ministry (Barnabas Center)
7:00 Board of Management (Gym)
Tuesday, February 21
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 22
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
11:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
5:15 Pizza Party for the Annual Business Meeting (Gym)
5:45 Youth Choir (Barnabas Center)
6:30 Children’s Programming for the Annual Business Meeting (Gym)
6:30 2023 Annual Business Meeting (Sanctuary)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room)
8:00 Jr. Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
14. 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.
