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“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Seeking God’s Will For Senior Pastoral Leadership at BSBC
In the broadcast of Sunday, July 5, our Moderator, Dennis Taylor, called for a Special Business Meeting to be held on Tuesday, July 21 to vote on a recommendation from the Senior Pastor Search Committee. Today we share the introductory documents that were sent in the mail to members of BSBC. Thank you for familiarizing yourself with them and engaging in prayerful consideration of this motion.
DOCUMENT ONE
Search Committee Recommendation for Rev. Greg Geldart as Lead Pastor,
For Presentation to the Members of Brunswick Street Baptist Church
A suitable candidate willing to relocate to Fredericton and assume the duties of Senior Pastor at BSBC has not been engaged to date. A wide search was made throughout Canada and beyond and several qualified candidates were identified and approached by the Search Committee. However, compelling ministry or family commitments precluded any positive response.
Our own Associate Pastor was not interested in permanently assuming this responsibility, though approached twice over the past four years. Nevertheless, Rev. Geldart has done a remarkable job of willingly guiding us through the past four years, encountering and navigating several challenges including but not limited to the departure of six staff members.
The Search Committee encountered other models for pastoral staffing in the course of their deliberations, such as an Executive Pastor, a Lead Pastor, and a Preaching/Teaching Pastor. However, the Search Committee maintained a focus on the original mandate, that is, a Senior Pastor who is responsible for all church operations, including the regular weekly preaching ministry, as stated in the Constitution.
Over the past year, one of the pastoral models encountered by the Search Committee was suggested by Rev. Geldart for adoption by BSBC during our transition period. His proposal was independent of any interaction with the Search Committee. It was subsequently accepted by the Board of Deacons and has been in operation for approximately one year. Dr. Keith Bodner of Crandall University has been active as our Preaching Pastor, adding a new dynamic to ministry planning and worship service delivery. He and Pastor Greg have worked very well together. They see potential for ministry development at Brunswick Street, and have expressed keen interest in continuing this journey. The Board of Deacons, recognizing this symbiosis and sensing God’s leading in this development, have affirmed the renewal of Dr. Keith’s contract for another two years. Should presently unknown circumstances require a change in this direction, on the part of either party, Dr. Keith’s contract contains a termination clause requiring only 30 days written notice.
Within this context, and after four years of carrying the majority of non-preaching duties of the Senior Pastor and in two of those years serving as the Interim Senior Pastor gaining insights and understanding, Pastor Greg has been led to consider the role of full-time Lead Pastor at BSBC. Fresh vision and implementation require a full-time rather than interim focus, and Pastor Greg has sensed God’s leading to offer his talents and energies in this direction. Prayer, discussion with trusted colleagues and individuals, and interaction with the Search Committee have further defined this call, which is admittedly quite different from the perspective he shared in the early days of his position as Interim Senior Pastor.
The Search Committee has prayerfully considered all of these elements within the context of their challenging journey over the past four years. It has culminated in the following motion:
“That Rev. Greg Geldart be appointed to Lead Pastor of BSBC and that BSBC continue within the paradigm of the past year, that is with the flexibility of contract preaching.”
This recommendation has the unanimous support of the Board of Deacons.
Full oversight of all church operations remains with the Lead Pastor, as stated for the Senior Pastor position in the current BSBC Church Constitution. The change of title from Senior Pastor to Lead Pastor is deemed to be appropriately descriptive, is in common usage in many churches, and will be made the subject of a Constitutional amendment at a later date.
The Search Committee has arranged for the following additional background documents to be made available to Church Members to assist them in preparing for the meeting to be called by the Moderator. These documents can be obtained by contacting the Church Office at bsbc@bsbc.ca or by phone at 458-8348.
Document “A" – Lead Pastor Recommendation Rationale for Consideration by Pastor Greg Geldart
Document “B” – Candidates Responses to Interview Questions Posed by the Search Committee
We look forward to sharing with you at this important meeting.
Search Committee for Senior Pastor, June 23, 2020
Dale Bray, Donna Colwell, Greg Cook (Chair), Andrew Culberson, Mary McMulkin, Paul Milburn, Toon Pronk
DOCUMENT TWO
Board of Deacons Support for Recommendation
of the Senior Pastor Search Committee
To members of Brunswick Street Baptist Church (BSBC),
By way of the materials in this mailing you are being made aware of the fact that our Search Committee for Senior Pastor, appointed approximately four years ago, has now identified a candidate for consideration by our church membership. That candidate is none other than our current Interim Lead Pastor and former Associate Pastor Rev. Greg Geldart. He is well-known to our church, with continuous service at BSBC since 2002.
The Search Committee for Senior Pastor has shared their challenging journey with the Board of Deacons, which has taken them far and wide in their deliberations, yet has culminated in a recommendation that would appear to be “in front of your nose” all along. How did this occur? You are encouraged to review all information available in this mail-out plus additional background material available from the church office to better understand how this process unfolded. Please refer to the enclosed letter from the Chair of the Search Committee for Senior Pastor for details.
The Search Committee has solicited the support of the Board of Deacons as they take this recommendation to the church. In response to this request the Board recently held a special session with the Search Committee. All documentation provided by the Search Committee, now available to church members, was pre-circulated and there was open dialogue between Search Committee members and Board members. We also heard directly from Pastor Greg regarding his sense of call to taking on this leadership challenge at this time. As an additional consideration, we had the benefit of our close ministry experience together, having worked with Pastor Greg over many years and through many different circumstances. The result was a unanimous vote to support the recommendation of the Search Committee, namely:
That Rev. Greg Geldart be appointed as lead pastor of BSBC, and that we continue with the paradigm of the past year, that is with the flexibility of contract preaching.
You are encouraged to prayerfully consider this recommendation and to participate in the Special Business Meeting on July 21, 2020 that will vote on the recommendation. The meeting will be conducted in the church sanctuary, with strict COVID-19 protocols imposed, or you can video connect using “Zoom” computer software. Appropriate details on how you may participate are included in the enclosed notice of meeting from the Church Moderator.
This is indeed a very special time in the life of our church. Rare international social circumstances (COVID-19) and their effects on all “normal” routines have combined to clearly highlight our need for His wisdom as we move forward. Please pray that God will be honoured in all aspects of our planning, preparation and deliberations, and join us as we engage in an exciting opportunity for corporate discernment of God’s leading.
In His Service,
Your Board of Deacons
June 29, 2020
DOCUMENT THREE
Notice of Special Business Meeting
Dear Brunswick Street Baptist Church Members
At the request of the Board of Deacons and in collaboration with the Search Committee for Senior Pastor, and in accordance with Articles 5.1.3 and 11.3.1 of our Constitution, I give notice that we will hold a Special Business Meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 6:30 pm at the Church to hear a recommendation from the Search Committee and vote on that recommendation (Refer to the attached Agenda). A minimum of 40 church members present in the building are required for a quorum.
A. COVID-19 IMPLICATIONS
However, in these times of COVID-19 health concerns and with the associated guidance from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, this Special Business Meeting will have to be conducted in a manner unlike anything we have done in the past. Following are steps we will be taking as a Church to ensure we comply with COVID-19 related requirements.
So we can be sure of adequate seating please contact the church office to make your reservation to attend, including the names of anyone in your “bubble” accompanying you. (458-8348 / receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca) Note: If at the last minute you discover that you can attend and you have not made a reservation, you may still come and participate.
To attend the meeting, please enter the sanctuary at the main church entrance on York Street, maintaining social distance while waiting to enter if there is a line up.
Per New Brunswick Community Health policy you will be screened at the door. You will be asked questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms and any contact with known COVID-19 infected persons and, as per provincial guidelines for contact tracing, your name will be added to the list of those attending.
You will then be directed to the hand-sanitizing station where you may also secure a mask if you do not have your own.
As Article 11.1.4 of the Constitution requires a vote by secret ballot, as you enter the sanctuary you will be given a ballot. Please bring your own pen or pencil to mark your ballot to minimize the sharing of any objects. As well, no reference or other materials will be distributed at the meeting, so bring with you any contents of this package you may want to reference.
You will then be directed to the next available seats.
Once seated, you may remove your mask. However, if you later wish to speak to a motion, please put your mask back on before approaching and using the floor microphone. Also remember to maintain social distancing if waiting to use the microphone.
Please note that once the designated seating in the sanctuary is filled, those still arriving will be led to the gymnasium for overflow seating. The meeting will be live streamed from the sanctuary to the gym and provision will be made for those in the gym to be able to ask questions of presenters in the sanctuary.
Once a quorum is established, the meeting agenda will be acted upon. Note: Zoom meeting attendees described below do not count towards the quorum. The quorum will be determined by those attending in person.
At the end of the meeting, instructions will be given on how to exit and place your ballot in the ballot box.
B. SPECIAL COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS - ZOOM
Because there could be members resident in the area who due to personal health concerns are unable to attend this large group event, but wish to follow and participate in the meeting, the meeting will be offered via Zoom. Following are the steps to take to be included:
Contact the church office (receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca) via your email requesting an invitation and you will be sent the Zoom invitation so you can watch the meeting online. If you wish to vote in person, and are not required to be in self-isolation on Wednesday, July 22, you will be given a time at which you may be able to vote subject to item 3 below.
During the meeting, a “Zoom Moderator” in the sanctuary will monitor the Zoom participants for any questions they may have which will be raised to the meeting in the sanctuary.
To enable those who participate in the Zoom meeting to cast their vote, while avoiding the risks associated with gathering midst others, it is intended to make a motion at the Special Business Meeting allowing voting by these members on Wednesday, July 22. Because this exceptional voting process is not included in the Constitution, this special motion will be required. Should this special motion pass, specific time slots that were provided to those who participated in the Zoom meeting will be used to permit them to vote at the Church on Wednesday so they have minimal contact with others.
Please plan to attend this Special Business Meeting as we continue to seek God’s plan for our Fellowship.
Your Moderator, Dennis Taylor
June 26, 2020
DOCUMENT FOUR
Special Business Meeting Agenda – July 21, 2020
6:30 PM – Church Sanctuary
Welcome and Opening Remarks – Moderator, Dennis Taylor
Prayer Time
Greg Cook, Senior Pastor Search Committee Chair, presents the candidate
Pastor Greg presents:
i. Takes questions from the sanctuary attendees
ii. Takes questions from the gym attendees
iii. Takes questions from those attending via “Zoom” via the “Zoom moderator”
Pastor Greg leaves
Greg Cook and the Senior Pastor Search Committee present
i. Take questions from the sanctuary attendees
ii. Take questions from the gym attendees
iii. Take questions from those attending via “Zoom” via the “Zoom moderator”
Motion from the Search Committee: Move that Rev. Greg Geldart be appointed to Lead Pastor of BSBC and that BSBC continue within the paradigm of the past year, that is with the flexibility of contract preaching.
Explanation of the voting process; i.e., ballots to be deposited in ballot box when exiting the meeting.
Motion for special Wednesday voting: Due to the implications of COVID-19 which might cause some to be reticent to gather with a large group, move that registered Zoom participants in this meeting, who are members of BSBC, be invited to come to the church and cast their vote on Wednesday, July 22.
Motion to destroy the ballots: Move that after all ballots have been tallied by the three tellers and the results recorded and reported to the Moderator, the ballots be destroyed.
Closing Prayer
Vacation Bible School - Register Here
Under the unique circumstances of summer, 2020, children K-Grade 5 can have a “unique” VBS experience ONLINE starting Wednesday, July 8! 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!
Worship this Week – Sunday, July 12
This coming Sunday, our Preaching Pastor, Dr. Keith Bodner, returns to the pulpit in a sermon entitled: A “Panic Room” Psalm. He writes: What does it mean to say that “God is my refuge” and why is this such a common affirmation in the book of Psalms? Tune in to find out how we avail ourselves of this truth and what it means for our daily living.
Worship leaders
We’re grateful to Pastor Steve and Jon Wilton for leading our contemporary worship with traditional hymns led by Peter and Maureen Steeves, accompanied by Gloria Tranquilla. This week I have a treat for the traditional congregation. Many will remember our Christmas guest harpist, Kristan Toczko. Kristan, and her husband, Dylan Maddix, live in Ontario and I was thrilled to open an email from them to find that Kristan had sent me three harp solo videos to use in our services. So, this week, you’ll be listening to Kristan’s renditions of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” I’m sure you will find blessing in these well-loved hymns expressing timeless truth.
Children’s Time
Included in both services will be the Children’s Time, for the month of July, featuring our Partners in Mission, the Millette family and I will be leading in prayer.
Thank you
We give thanks for the many who take part in weekly worship leadership, since we started in March I’ve had very, very few declinations! And we continue to give thanks for the faithful ministry of Anthony and Kellie Brown who record and produce each week’s service.
Pastor Greg
Wedding Bells
As we continue our journey into July, this week we celebrate with Hannah LeBouthillier and Dave Doran who will exchange wedding vows under the loving guidance of Hannah’s dad, Pastor Jodie LeBouthillier.
Please pray for them as they make their way toward Saturday and their ceremony which will be here at BSCB.
Seeking Facility Assistant
BSBC is seeking the services of a part-time Facility Assistant. While some duties will be regular, others will be required on an as-needed, on-call basis.
Examples of regular duties include:
· Gym chair set up for Sunday services (once we can hold services)
· Weekly check of fire protection systems
· Additional visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the building
· Completing spring, summer and fall yard work (i.e. lawn mowing and leaf raking)
Examples of on-call duties include:
· Odd jobs (i.e. replace light bulbs, repair leaking faucets, install and remove air conditioners)
· Setting up chairs for events such as weddings and funerals
· Providing building security during events such as weddings and funerals
Qualifications & More Information
This position does not require advanced maintenance skills and will be supported by professional contractors (i.e. plumber, electrician, etc.) should the need arise. Snow removal is excluded from responsibilities. Hours will be flexible; a guideline is 20 ‑ 30 hours per month. This projection is based on current operating conditions and is subject to change with the evolving Covid-19 situation and related church activity.
The Facility Assistant will report to the Personnel Committee and work cooperatively with church office staff for day-to-day identification of needs and scheduling.
Remuneration: $15 an hour
How to apply
Interested candidates may drop off a resume at the church office Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; email receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca; or mail to 161 York Street, Fredericton, NB, E3B 3N8, by July 22, 2020.
Vacation
Please be in prayer for Pastor Greg and Margaret who will enjoy summer vacation time from Wednesday, July 15 until Sunday, July 26, with the exception of Tuesday, July 21, when he will be in the office and at the Special Business Meeting that night.
Love Offering
As is our tradition, we are accepting a LOVE OFFERING for Jon Wilton who completed his ministry with us on Tuesday, June 30. Members of the church family who wish to give Jon a tangible thanks are invited to mark their gift “LOVE OFFERING” when sending in your offering. We’ll collect this offering until Sunday, July 19 to make sure everyone has an opportunity to contribute. The gift will be presented to him at the end of July. Due to Canada Revenue Rules we are not able to provide a receipt for love offering gifts.
Have You Heard the Buzz About Our BODcast?
Dr. Keith’s “Bodcast” went live on Tuesday, June 16! We hope you enjoyed listening to his reflections on your questions about the Sunday sermon. These will be a weekly feature being posted on Tuesday afternoons. So, be sure to tune in and enrich Sunday’s sermons with these post-sermon reflections.
We need your questions
Email receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca by 4:30 p.m. on Monday to submit a question for next week’s Bodcast. These will be sent to Dr. Bodner and he’ll respond to them the next day. Thank you for engaging in this new online ministry — feel free to share it with your family and friends!
African Partners Offering
As we've been following the lives of our Partners in Mission we recognize that the Millettes are in Rumoskie, Québec and we look forward to fellowship with them, here in Fredericton, in the days ahead. In addition, Charlie and Betty Ritchie have returned to Fredericton (June 8) for investigative medical testing for Betty for which we seek your daily prayer. And, Rebekah Sears is currently self-isolating, here in Fredericton for a bit of an extended stay on break from her work with the Mennonite Central Committee in Ottawa. We covet your prayers for these members of God's team of ambassadors in these days.
On the African front we have Tim and Diane Bannister serving in Tanzania and André Sibomana serving in Rwanda with responsibility for Canadian connections with our African partner churches. As we have been in correspondence with these partners God has put two things on our hearts. The first is to seek aid for Tim and Diane who are providing financial support for another local family ($250 US/month) to keep them from starvation. This is not sustainable for the Bannisters and we would like to mobilize the BSBC family to help. In the case of André, he is connected to 290 families in Rwanda and South Sudan who are on the brink of disaster due to the lack of funds currently flowing into church coffers at this time. Since congregations are not gathering, these church leaders are without regular support. André estimates it would take $50 Canadian dollars to support one family for a month. Can we be part of God's provision for these brothers and sisters?
The African Action Campaign
Through the months of June and July we are inviting our church family to make a special financial gift to the "African Action Campaign" in support of our African partners. We may not be able to meet all the ongoing needs but surely we can help in some way. Every "widow's mite" will help alleviate some aspect of their challenge. Every three weeks we will divide what has been given between the Bannisters and André and have it deposited in their ministry accounts. Remember, $250 US can support the Bannister's adopted family for a month. Every $50 given to André will support a ministry family for a month. Can we count on you to partner with us? Simply mark your special gift African Action Campaign and we'll keep you posted on the response. Surely this is a time when our partners can use practical assistance in addition to powerful prayers on their behalf.
Green Hill Lake Camp
Great news from our camp – they are gearing up for an unusual summer of ministry but remaining faithful to their call to make Jesus known to the children and youth who will come. AND, we have the blessing of five of our youth serving on this year’s summer staff.
So that you can pray for them and possibility support them let us introduce you to these four stellar young people and provide you with the information you need to support them in their ministry.
New Missionary Couple: Reuben & Leah Myles
Hey there, Brunswick St. Baptist family,
As you may already know, my wife Leah and I will be heading to the Philippines this summer (after our wedding) to serve as High School and Middle School Chaplain (Reuben) and Ministry Coordinator (Leah).
Our goal/vision is to equip and empower the next generation of Christ-followers in God’s commandment of the great commission over all our lives. Regardless of what their calling is, we want to be a liaison that helps them discern their future and hear the voice of God clearly. We intend on doing so through intentional spiritual formation of middle school and high school students in direct connection with our unique cultural spread.
By providing opportunities for spiritual gifts and passions to arise through mentorship, preaching, hands on ministry, and forming deep community relationships.
We’re inviting you to give your time toward expanding the kingdom of God in South-East Asia: you don’t even have to get off the couch! Prayer is at the core of our ministry and our faith. We strongly believe God will provide everything we need through faithfulness in prayer. We also believe that partnership is an opportunity to enable individual gifts God has given people, and that it is an active part of ministry. We want to see you grow alongside us!
For us to abide in God’s calling on our lives and His vision for the next generation at Faith Academy, we need to know we are strongly supported. Would you commit to praying for us either once a week or once a month? If not, would you be willing to connect us with someone who has a similar vision for the nations as we do? Please prayerfully consider partnering with us before committing to do so. If God has laid a donation or a pledge on your heart, the decision to pray for us, or someone else who can help us in this journey, please reply to this message!
HOW TO GIVE FINANCIALLY TO SUPPORT THE MYLES
You can give to ‘Myles on a Mission’ through Brunswick Street Baptist Church. Simply mark your donation “Myles on a Mission” and indicate if this is a “one time gift” or if your intention is to give this amount each month as “monthly support.” You can indicate this on your “old school” offering envelope OR through e-giving. Check out our Giving page for details.
Many thanks and blessings,
Reuben and Leah (almost) Myles
Meet Leah and Reuben and hear about their exciting calling:
YOUR INTERIM 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
