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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 Jan. 25 to Feb. 1.
Our Library Ministry
A Very Special Guest – Rev. Dr. Terry Atkinson
Praying for Our Partner in Missions: The Millette Family
Annual Meeting and Supper
Proposed Change to the BSBC Constitution
Bereavement
Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
NextGen Ministries (Children & Youth)
Handbell Ringers Needed
Muffin Mania – Dust Off Your Muffin Tins
The Case for Faith Study - 2023
This Week @ BSBC
1. 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
2. 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.
3. Praying For Our Partners In Mission: The Millette Family
Early Friday morning, I (Charles) will be heading west once again to continue serving and equipping local churches to make disciples of Jesus through sports. On top of the many meetings already scheduled, I will participate in the Vancouver mission's fest, being held for the 40th year. This 3-day conference (27-29) allows for mission agencies and Christian seminars/universities to connect with thousands of individuals from Western Canada and USA.
All weekend long, I will join some of our SIM colleagues at the SIM Canada booth, listening carefully to the individuals who will stop by the table for a chat and inspiring them to keeping trusting God and the calling He has for their life.
Lastly, I will also offer a 60-minute workshop about sports ministry being a simple and powerful discipleship and evangelistic tool, on Saturday, 2pm Fredericton time.
Pray boldly and specifically for a great interactive workshop that will result in 15 new meaningful church connections and 3 new members to the Sports Friends Canada team!
Here's how you can also be praying for us:
For Sarah and the kids, as they keep trucking along with school, work and more.
--» For a healthy week and abounding grace with one another.
For Charles, busy with meetings:
--» for discernment and wisdom as he meets with pastors and coaches & loads of energy to make the most of this 10-day trip.
Thank you so much for your prayers and your faithful support!
In Him, by His Grace and for His Glory among all Nations!
Charles, Sarah, Lucie, Victoria & Joseph
4. Annual Meeting & Supper
The church family is asked to reserve Wednesday, Feb. 22 for the annual congregational meeting (6:30 p.m.) and a pizza supper (5:15 p.m.). Thursday, Feb. 23 is reserved for the storm date.
More details will follow. Report booklets for the year 2022 will be available on Sunday, Feb. 12.
Thank you for your engagement,
Calvin Smith, Moderator
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 Annual Spring Business Meeting on any reviews carried out since the previous Annual 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 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 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. Bereavement
We ask that you be in prayer for Erik Lange and family on the passing of his father, Steve Lange, at the Moncton Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. “A man of unwavering faith and positivity, Steve exemplified bravery, courage, strength and determination throughout his 12-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.”
Steve, his wife, Jane and their children Kelly, Jennifer and Erik were previously all part of the BSBC family before moving from Fredericton. “Steve is survived by his wife Jane of 51 years, two daughters, Kelly Lange-Knox (Dan) of Yellowknife, NT, Jennifer Lyons (David) of Lockeport, NS and son Erik Lange (Amanda) of Fredericton, NB; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, as well as several aunts, nieces and nephews; two brothers David Lange of Newcastle, NB and Sterling Lange (Valerie) of Charlottetown, PEI.”
May Erik and family find comfort and God’s grace as they journey through loss. The full obituary can be found at: https://www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Stephen-Martin-Lange?obId=27089088#/celebrationWall
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
7. Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
Whether in-person or online, we hope that you will join us for our worship services this coming Sunday morning, Jan. 29.
The gym worship service will be led by Pastor Greg with the musical leadership of Jon and Alyse Wilton and team. Dr. Keith will offer the second in his new series in the gospel of Mark. Of the sermon, THE ANNOUNCEMENT, he writes:
The opening moments of Mark’s Gospel unfurl the prophetic word of Isaiah about a new exodus that is at hand, and it is followed up with the activity of John and the baptism of Jesus prior to his testing in the wilderness. This week we continue the story with the first words of Jesus in this gospel narrative, and it just so happens to be the greatest tweet in the history of humanity: “The kingdom of God at hand, so repent and believe the good news!” In 147 characters or less, Mark 1:15 tells who Jesus is, outlines the opportunity that is right in front of us, and shows us the best way to respond to this message of grace.
Notably, this call for a response to the gospel is followed up immediately with an invitation to the first disciples, with an allusion to an important background text in Jeremiah 16. What is a disciple called to do, and how can these passages in Mark 1 and Jeremiah 16 alter our approach to life in this coming week? As we unpack these powerful verses, a surprising amount of practical application will present itself as we seek to follow the Lord in this new year.
In the sanctuary the service will be led by Pastor Ross with assistance from Deacon Cheryl Gibson, soloist Margaret Geldart and our Sanctuary Choir. Pastor Ross will be offering his second sermon in the series, “Things Jesus Didn’t Say” with this week’s focus, Sin Isn’t THAT Big a Deal….It’s Still Okay to Do It.
Psalm 34:3
O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together.
8. 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.
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, Jan. 20, 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!
No High School Youth this Sunday – Next High School Youth Group Feb. 5
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.
Greenhouse Service: Jan. 29
Greenhouse service on Jan. 29! Tell all of your friends about this and join us in the Barnabas Center at 10:30 a.m., on Jan. 29 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 any way, please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
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!
9. Handbell Ringers Wanted
Opportunities like this don't happen very often. Our adult handbell choir needs two new ringers. No experience is necessary but the ability to read basic music is a must. We practice on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. and play in the traditional service every so often. We have a lot of fun!
If you are interested or have questions, feel free to contact Peter Steeves at 259-5333.
10. 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.
Our schedule is now open for 2023. You can sign up right up until the end of March. We still require 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.
11. 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.
12. This Week at BSBC
(Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Center)
Wednesday, January 25
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
6:00 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, January 26
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
9:00 New Life Ministry (Third Floor Assembly)
11:00 G. Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
1:30 Gospel of John Bible Study (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 And Barnabas Center)
Friday, January 27
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, January 28
9:00 Gym Set-up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, January 29
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)
10:30 Greenhouse Youth Service (Barnabas Center)
Monday, January 30
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Sister Choir Ministry (Barnabas Center)
Tuesday, January 31
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
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 1
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)
