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Seeking to minister in new ways in challenging days!
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
Your Board of Deacons and pastors are pleased to announce a unique addition to our church staff. Starting on Monday, August, 24, Charles Millette will begin full-time service with us as our “Missionary in Residence.” This unique term highlights Charles’ missionary heart and calling as expressed in a ministry designed to help enrich our fervor for evangelism and loving others in Jesus’ name – with special focus on youth and young adults.
Until recently, the Millette famiy have been serving with Sports Friends in Peru. We welcome Charles, Sarah, Lucie, Victoria and Joseph as they share the journey of faith with us through to June 2021. We are grateful to our loving God for such a wonderful provision for BSBC as the Millette family are with us during this ‘season’ of ministry in Canada. Please pray for Charles and family as they prepare to engage with us in such a special way – as only God could have designed. A biography and details of the position will be released mid-August.
Further, we praise God for Tina Franca’s willingness to continue into the fall in the role of Elementary Children’s Coordinator. Her summer ministry of VBS (Virtual Bible School), assisted by Yewande Akalusi, our Elementary Bible teacher, has been a highlight for some 40 children who are attending online. We anticipate further online offerings for children in the fall.
With this announcement, we celebrate God’s continued faithfulness to His people at BSBC.
Pastor Greg
Worship This Coming Sunday
As we virtually gather for service starting Sunday, August 2, we’ll be hearing again from our Preaching Pastor, Dr. Keith, who will be leading us to consider the second and final part of his Summer Shorts Series on the book of Esther.
The Feasts of Esther, Part 2
This week we’ll hear, “The Feasts of Esther, Part 2.” Dr. Keith writes: As part of the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible, there is great insight in the book of Esther for the life of faith in difficult circumstances.
Worship Leaders
Leading worship for the contemporary service will be guest worship leader, Miciah Gosman, assisted by Pastor Steve. Songs for the traditional service will be led by Chris Gaves and Gloria Tranquilla and you’ll find blessing in a solo from Alexandra Dunfield accompanied by David Steeves. Mikey and Pastor Greg will be offering the children’s times for the month of August.
Pastor Changbin Tian
We’re grateful, as well, to be introducing and commissioning Pastor Changbin Tian, the full time pastor of the Chinese congregation, who will give us an update on this active group of believers, even in the days of pandemic.
Various parts of the service for Sunday, August 2, were recorded at “Wednesday Worship” on July 29.
Are You Coming to Wednesday Worship?
Once again we’ll gather in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. on August 5 to record parts of the service for Sunday, August 9. Dr. Keith will be with us to offer “A Tour of 1 Peter”: Although Peter (“the rock”) leaves the book of Acts in chapter 15, during the closing stages of his eventful career he becomes an inspiring writer of letters that contain great wisdom.
How to attend
In order to attend, please make a reservation with the church office (receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca | 458-8348) – reservations will be part of our new normal. However, if you are out and about on the 5th, you can drop by and see if there is seating available – given that social distancing limits seating in the sanctuary. Services will continue on Wednesday evenings through the month of August. For full details please watch the video below!
A Sign for the Times
Thanks to Peter Duguid for suggesting that we needed something out front to remind the residents of Fredericton that we’re still engaged (it just took a little longer than planned). Nonetheless, this nifty sign on the corner of Brunswick and York Streets invites folks to join us online for caring, sharing and worship. Passersby are invited to visit the website, phone or email – a small way to encourage contact in the age of COVID-19. Thanks to Chris Graves and Toon Pronk for putting it up for us.
A Great Day at the Lake
We celebrate with Nathan Holmes, son of Steve and Jill Holmes, who offered testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to follow Him by being baptized on Sunday, July 26 in the lake at Green Hill Lake Camp. A baptism is always special but even more so when you are baptized by your grandfather, our own Pastor Jim McLellan. Pray God’s blessing on Nathan as he shares his faith with campers while working this summer at Green Hill Lake Camp.
Our Sympathies
We ask you to pray for Dean Snow in the passing on Sunday morning, July 26, of his sister, Margot, in Ontario. Please also remember Margot’s husband, Allison and her close sister-in-law, Beth Snow and nephew, Brendan Snow. Both Dean and Beth were able to visit, in person, with Margot shortly before her passing.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
BSBC BODcasts
He’s back! On Tuesdays tune in for Dr. Keith’s “director’s cut’ of his second message on the book of Esther.
Hear more background and the answer to your questions. Please feel free to submit your questions to the church office (458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca) each week by Monday at 4:30 pm. Questions are always dealt with anonymously.
You Don’t Even Have to be Quiet
Our Librarian, Sharon Gosselin, doesn’t even require you to be quiet when you visit our church library which you can do Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and noon.
Bring your children for a great selection of faith-based children’s books! Enjoy reading fiction? We’ve got shelves full. Looking for something more serious – no problem, our library has LOTS to offer from discipleship to study materials.
Drop in next Wednesday and have a look around. If it’s your first visit, we doubt it will be your last! Oh, and if you’ve been in before…please have a look around your home for any books you might like to return – we’re a ‘fine free’ library!
Summer Bible Study
Dear friends:
Come join our summer bible study on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. where we’ll continue our study of the book of 1 John, looking at chapter two. Please let me know if you’d like to be included on the Zoom invite by emailing me at steve@bsbc.nb.ca.
Blessings,
Pastor Steve
Vacation Bible School
We’re so happy to report that 32 children are currently registered for our online VBS. We would like to double that number. What children could you invite to register for VBS? Thanks for your help!
Under the unique circumstances of summer, 2020, children K-Grade 5 can have a “unique” VBS experience ONLINE! Each week of July and August, our children can tune in on Wednesdays for a new edition of the ROCKY RAILWAY: Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through, VBS. Children and parents can engage with our VBS at their convenience and enjoy singing, Bible lessons, great skits, crafts and more! Each session will be about 30 minutes in length.
Unique to this year’s VBS…children who register will receive home deliveries of craft supplies and support materials. Yes, delivered right to your door…a wonderful way to build excitement as your children await the two deliveries – one each month. Deliveries will be limited to the Greater Fredericton area but if you live outside the city, you can pick up your child’s materials at the church office.
To help us prepare and so we can be sure to include your child in our delivery schedule, please click on the link and fill out the registration form. We’ll keep in touch with you as we prepare for the roll out of ROCKY RAILWAY so you and your family can get the most out of this opportunity to learn how Jesus’ power pulls us through!
YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. Keith Bodner, Preaching Pastor
Pastor Greg Geldart, Lead Pastor
Pastor Jim McLellan, Pastor of Senior’s Visitation
Pastor Steve Patterson, Outreach Pastor
