The Banner
In this issue:
1. It’s (Almost) Party Time
2. “Thanks” from the Bannisters
3. Worship – Sunday, January 31
4. Bereavement
5. Annual Report Booklets for 2020
6. Annual Meeting/Changes to the Constitution
7. When We Return to Yellow
8. February Birthdays
1. It's (Almost) Party Time
We believe it’s time for our children to party together, a party to celebrate God’s love!
On Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. we’ll have a celebration of all things Valentine. If we’re in “red” or “orange”, this party will take place on ZOOM, so everyone can join.
Each child who is registered for the party will have a valentine treat bag delivered to their home complete with a craft, party favours and treats. Even if we can’t be physically together, we can be together virtually and party under the “umbrella” of God’s love.
Click on the link below to register your child(ren). We hope that we might be in “yellow” so that, like the Christmas Party, those who wish, can gather in-person. Either way, get your registration in so we can plan for a great time together.
2. Thanks from the Bannisters
On Saturday, Jan. 23, on your behalf, I had opportunity to drop off some “welcome home” flowers to Tim and Diane Bannister, our Partners in Mission who have returned to us from Tanzania via Ontario.
They are doing well as they continue to isolate in their new home on the north side. Tim wanted me to communicate a note of thankfulness for the love they feel from BSBC.
SO grateful to our BSBC family. Toss Sheila Ross and Jackie Cook into our huge gratitude mix, and really, I don't know what exactly you've got except a couple of old missionaries returning from the mission field weak-kneed in gratitude and joy. We love our BSBC family — including the 1.5 new generations whom we've yet to meet. Please, please, Greg — pass on our sincere and quarantined heartfelt thanks. May God's grace and favour and power and love be with all of you!!!
I know we are all grateful to Shelia and Jackie for soliciting furniture and household items and those who helped make an empty shell a home! Members of our young adults were involved in the lugging of furniture as well as Pastor’s Steve and Charles. Thanks to all of you who donated. It takes a team. Apparently, I’m on flowers!!!!!
Pastor Greg
3. Worship this Sunday, Jan. 31
We’re back in ‘orange,’ which is an encouraging sign. So, on Sunday morning, we’ll be back with live services ONLINE (not in-person) from both the gym and sanctuary.
Tune in by 10:30 a.m. and you’ll be set for all we have to share. Yes, thanks to our innovative tech team, both services will be live each Sunday morning (or you can watch the recording of either service for the rest of the week).
Worship leaders
In the gym, Jon and Alyse Wilton will be your worship leaders. In the sanctuary, Elaine Durling and Gloria Tranquilla are joined in musical worship leadership by Beth Snow. This week’s children’s time will be offered by Sarah Duguid, a second installment in our kid’s series on “courage.”
Sermon notes
We’ll return to the book of Acts as we consider a sermon entitled “After the Uproar.”
Despite mayhem in a major league stadium and a serious conspiracy to destroy the apostle, Acts 20:1-6 underscores that the journey of the good news is undaunted by violent outbursts and subtle plots. The riot at Ephesus Stadium is set in motion because the business of idolatry in that city is disrupted by changed lives due to the gospel. But far from diminishing the advance of the gospel to the ends of the earth, the next installment of the story illustrates that such “setbacks” can be used by God, and contains a number of useful applications for us at TheStreet. First, this section of Acts 20 stresses the importance of teamwork in reaching our cities. Second, the layers of conspiracy remind us of a central theme throughout the biblical witness: God’s takes opposition and redeploys it for a much different and much greater purpose. And third, the return to the city of Philippi is a stunning declaration that God can take the smallest seeds and cause them to grow to incredible heights.
4. Bereavement
Please be in prayer for Mike and Mary Jane Phillips on the passing of his sister, Annette Ellis. Annette passed away at the Mill Cove Nursing Home on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. She was the last of Mike’s five sisters.
On Facebook, Mike wrote: Sis, you left us too soon, but you did leave us a wonderful example through your love, your kindness, your smile! You have touched so many of us in so many different ways! We will remember, and I think that you wouldn't want us to be sad, but you might simply say, remember me through deeds, a kind word, a smile, love, certain reminders, paintings, etc.
Annette was an aunt to Sarah (Phillips) Millette.
5. Annual Report Booklets for 2020
As many of you know, each year we produce a collection of reports covering a reflection of what has gone on in all aspects of our ministry life as a church family.
This “annual report” booklet also includes the proposed budget for 2021 and the 2021 nominations to Teams, Committees and Boards, and the names and addresses of resident and non-resident members and adherents.
We anticipate that these will be available at the church office by Feb. 15. If you would like:
(1) a copy of the report mailed to you OR
(2) a digital copy of the report and save the printing, please click on the link below and let us know.
We are pleased to mail your copy but early reservation will give us an idea of how many to print.
Thank you to all who submitted reports and a very special thanks to Janet Mitchell, Naomi Phillips, Dale Bray and Shirley Graves, for their collaborative work to make this report a reality.
6. Annual General Meeting
The Annual Business Meeting will be held Feb. 24, 2021 in the sanctuary beginning at 6:30 p.m. with 75 attending members required for a quorum. The agenda will be available in the 2020 Annual Report which will be available prior to the meeting (see item above). Two agenda items, proposed changes to the Constitution, require prior notice.
Article 6.8.3.2 is to be changed by dropping the phrase “by cheque only” regarding payment of bills. E-transfers are a new, safe, and more efficient process which can also be used.
Articles 2.1, 4.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1, and 7.2.8.15 are to be changed to update the “Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches" to its proper "Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada" name.
A note from our Moderator, Dennis Taylor
What about the changing colours of Covid? We are “hopelessly optimistic” that we’ll be back in the “yellow” phase by the end of February. This would allow for a return to in-person worship and in-person business meetings. Yet, because of the time in which we live, both worship and the meeting will be offered online as well. If, at the scheduled time, we are not in “yellow”, the meeting will be rescheduled for a time when in-person attendance is possible.
Pastor Greg
7. When We Return to Yellow
As we prepare for an eventual move back to yellow and the reinstatement of in-person worship, we would like parents to know that the “Meeting Room,” between Pastor Greg and Pastor Steve’s offices on the gym hallway, is being turned into a ‘family room’ of sorts.
New "family" room
We’ll be emptying out that room and fitting it out with rocking chairs, a change table and toddler friendly items to make it an option for parents with young children returning to worship. There will also be the means of watching the Facebook Live service from that room.
KidzTown
In addition, we are working toward a ‘soft’ opening (limited enrollment) of KidzTown for K-Gr. 5. More details will be available in the weeks ahead.
Please make ministry to young families a matter of prayer as we seek to be safe and yet minister in these challenging times.
8. February Birthdays
Wishing our February Birthday friends a wonderful month!
