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Please note, submissions for our weekly newsletter should now be sent to naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca. The deadline for inclusion in Wednesday’s edition is noon the Monday prior.
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from June 14 to 21.
Guest Preacher Dr. Anna Robbins: June 18
Sam Tingley: Community Child & Youth Worker Summer Student
Third Sunday Supper: June 18
Senior’s Luncheon: June 19
Notice of Spring Business Meeting: June 21
BSBC WMS Luncheon: June 26
Meet our Grads!
Green Hill Lake Camp Share-A-Wage
Benevolent Ministry
Myths & Questions About Homelessness Part 6 (Shared by your SAT)
Muffin Mania: Booking for July, August, & September
Stellar Half-Day Summer Camp
Pastoral Care for the Next Three Months
Sponsoring Children for Green Hill Lake Camp
NextGen Ministry @ BSBC (Children/Youth)
Fresh Start Young Adults Group
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: Dr. Anna Robbins & Father’s Day
Community Opportunities
This Week @ BSBC
1. Guest Preacher Dr. Anna Robbins
On Sunday, June 18 we’re pleased to welcome to our pulpit Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins, President of Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. This is the first time since Covid that we have had a guest from our Div School. Acadia Divinity College sits on the campus of Acadia University. It is funded in large part by our denomination and churches in Atlantic Canada. Many Baptist pastors in Atlantic Canada received their theological training at ADC.
A bit about Dr. Anna
Anna is a leader committed to serve the mission of Christ’s church locally and globally, with faithful integrity that applies the gospel to real-life issues and relationships with justice, innovation, academic rigour, and joyful expectation. She has an international profile in theology and apologetics, ethics, and contemporary culture, and is sought after as a speaker and teacher.
Anna came to faith at a young age in Saint John, New Brunswick. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in political science at Carleton University in 1989, and later graduated from Acadia University with a Master of Religious Education in 1993 and a Master of Arts (Theology) in 1997. She served several churches as an ordained minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Near the end of her doctoral studies in Wales (PhD 2001), she was appointed to the faculty of the London School of Theology in the UK where she served for 12 years as a teacher and academic leader.
In 2012, she returned to Nova Scotia with her family, to join the faculty at Acadia Divinity College. In addition to teaching, she has served the College as the Academic Dean (2012-2016), Director of Doctoral Studies (2012-2018), Vice-President (2016-2019), and the first Director of the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture (2016-present). Since July 2019, Anna has served as President of Acadia Divinity College and Dean of Theology of Acadia University. Anna continues to write, travel, and speak widely with a passion to help people engage well with matters of contemporary culture and faith.
Anna lives in Wolfville with her husband, Peter, and their son, David.
Watch Change With Purpose - Acadia Divinity College
Watch Meet Your Moment with Phil Woodworth
Watch Meet Your Moment with Andrea Anderson
2. Sam Tingley: Community Child & Youth Worker Summer Student
My name is Sam Tingley, and I am super excited to start as the NextGen Community Child & Youth Worker Summer student this year at Brunswick Street. I have always enjoyed playing sports, and learning, which are two things I believe I can help promote to the youth in the church over the summer.
Since graduating from Fredericton High School during the Covid year 2020, I have begun to understand the impact that I can have on the younger generations. Over the past three years I have had the opportunity to head and assistant coach five middle school and high school boys’ volleyball teams. As much as I enjoyed playing and competing for myself, seeing the progression of my players was just as, or more satisfying.
As a kid, I grew up coming to Brunswick Street every Sunday, I was a part of the Otters and Timberwolves programs and had an amazing time every week at the youth groups that were offered for both middle school and high school students. Having a welcoming community to fall into was an essential part of my life and I am looking forward to contributing to the program which helped me so much.
Currently, I am studying for my Bachelor of Arts at Crandall University in Moncton. In 2022, I transferred to Crandall from St. Thomas and have found a similar, loving community there, as I found at BSBC. I play soccer for the University’s team and am studying history with the intention of potentially pursuing a degree in Education.
The opportunity to serve as the Community Child & Youth Worker Summer Student is not a privilege that I take lightly, and I am thrilled for this chance to make an impact here at home and to see where God calls me as I continue into the professional world.
3. Third Sunday Supper
On Sunday, June 18, we will be hosting our Third Sunday Supper for our regular downtown folk in the gym.
Doors open at 4:30 pm and supper is served at 5 pm.
The spaghetti supper will be provided by Jen and team. Musical leadership will be provided by Ross and Janice Simonds with a brief devotional lead by Pastor Ross.
4. Senior’s Luncheon
Well, have we got a Senior’s Luncheon for you! Turn up at the gym on Monday, June 19 at noon. In addition to a delicious meal, our special guests are David Steeves and the string ensemble from Devon Middle School. Won’t this be a great time together with David and these talented young musicians? We’re also looking forward to a devotional moment from this faithful teacher.
If you can come, please make a reservation by contacting the church office (506-458-8348) or use the link below. We look forward to seeing you there!
5. Notice of Spring Business Meeting: June 21
Your Moderator, Calvin Smith, gives notice of a Spring Business Meeting to be held Wednesday, June 21st at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary. At that time, the Reviewed Financial Statements will be presented (available upon request). To obtain a scanned copy of the signed Reviewed Financial Statements, please email the church office at bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca.
Reports from the Chair of the Board of Deacons and the Chair of the Board of Management will be presented along with any other business which might be brought forward to the congregation.
Respectfully submitted,
Calvin Smith, Moderator
6. BSBC WMS Luncheon: June 26
The Brunswick Street Baptist Church Women’s Missionary Society (BSBC WMS) meeting will be held Monday, June 26 at 1 p.m. at the Ramada. This will be a luncheon meeting with food ordered off the menu. The BSBC WMS meetings will resume in September. See you on June 26 at the Ramada!
7. Meet Our 2023 Graduates
Rotimi Akalusi
Grade 12, LHHS
Beginning studies at the University of Ottawa
Yewande Akalusi
MBA, University of New Brunswick
Moving on to full-time MBA work
Ufuoma Akalusi
Joint Honours Philosophy & Law in Society, University of New Brunswick
Beginning her Juris Doctor at the University of Toronto
Margaret Andow
Grade 12, FHS
Beginning studies in Media Arts & Culture at the University of New Brunswick
Adeline Ang
CPA Atlantic, Atlantic School of Business
Olivia Burtt
Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Minor in Human Rights
Pursuing a role within the police force
Catherine Duguid
Medical Lab Technology, Oulton College
Working in Pathology Dept. at Saint John Regional Hospital
Tiger Fan
Grade 12, FHS
Beginning studies at Queen’s University
Tina Franca
Bachelor of Education
University of New Brunswick
Matthew Holmes
Architectural Conservation & Sustainability Engineering, Carleton University
Working as an Airport Planner for the Vancouver Airport
Jennifer Horsman
Master of Education in Educational Administration & Leadership
University of New Brunswick
Teaching at Leo Hayes High School
Bridget Lange
Grade 12, FHS
Beginning Engineering studies at the University of New Brunswick
Ming Liu
Grade 12, FHS
Beginning studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick
Grace McAllister
Grade 12, FHS
Beginning honours studies in English at the University of Ottawa
Joshua Saunders
IT Programmer Analyst
New Brunswick Community College
Sam Wilson
Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate Program
Nova Scotia Community College
Working as a Recruitment Coordinator at Venor in Halifax, NS
Meredith Worley
Grade 12, FHS
Beginning studies in Science at Queen’s University
8. Green Hill Lake Camp Share-A-Wage
Annaclare Culberson
Hi, my name is Annaclare Culberson. This will be my first year working as an L.I.T (Leader In Training) at Green Hill Lake Camp! I am so excited for the summer!
I would very much appreciate prayer for the upcoming months to be able to go into the summer feeling ready and to teach kids about the Lord!
I am so thankful for this opportunity and can not wait to see what God has in store for me this summer!
Jonathan Howey
Hi, my name is Jonathan Howey. This will be my first year on staff at Greenhill Lake Camp, and I can’t wait to serve in a place that I have enjoyed for many summers as a camper. I will be working as a Leader in Training, which will have me doing everything from cleaning the camp, to leading activities, to being a junior counselor.
This summer I hope to help the campers have an unforgettable experience, and to grow in my faith with them. Please pray for campers and staff that we will all be blessed by our time together in such a fun place!
9. Benevolent Ministry
In a congregation like ours, there are many worthy opportunities for financial support, including our ongoing Benevolent Ministry. Running quietly behind the scenes, your Benevolent Ministry seeks to meet the practical needs of individuals within our church family and those in our broader community.
On a weekly and sometimes daily basis, requests for ‘financial bridging’ come into the church office. These requests may take many forms, such as:
Helping to bridge the gap between someone’s last grocery order and their next one due to financial constraints
Topping up of a housing rental payment that clients are unable to cover due to unforeseen circumstances
Purchasing prescriptions, the cost of which would be prohibitive otherwise
Providing a gas card so clients can get to medical appointments
Providing a Tim’s card for an immediate meal
Accessing Christian counseling
We’re so grateful for Deacon Doug McAllister, serving as our Benevolent Coordinator, who meets with those seeking help, listens and questions, seeks to bring God’s love to the situation through prayer, and connecting community folks with the many opportunities to plug into life at BSBC. We’ve been able to rejoice with Doug in interactions that have born spiritual fruit, as witnessed to the testimony of individuals.
All of this is possible because of the generosity and stewardship of our church family. Each month, people designate donations to the “Benevolent Ministry” which become a “bridge” for someone at a financially troubling time. All done in the name of Jesus. We are grateful for each gift and regularly give thanks for each giver.
If you would like to know more about your Benevolent Ministry, please reach out to us, we’d be pleased to hear from you. If you know of a need in our church family or in your circle, please contact us. If you can give, please mark your gift “Benevolent Ministry.” Finally, please pray, especially for Doug as he is both the face of Jesus and the face of BSBC.
Thank you.
Your Benevolent Committee Members:
Sandra McMullin (sandramcmullin@hotmail.com)
Carol Reimer (creimer@nbnet.nb.ca)
Deacon Louise Billings (louise506459@gmail.com)
Deacon Doug McAllister, Benevolent Coordinator (benevolent@bsbc.nb.ca)
Pastor Greg
10. Myths & Questions About Homelessness Part 5
There are many myths and stereotypes that people believe about homelessness. This misinformation is problematic, as it further contributes to the stigmatization of a population that is already marginalized. In order to appropriately tackle the issue of homelessness and create a society where individuals feel comfortable accessing supports, these myths must be deconstructed and understood to be false by the general public.
Myth: Property values will go down if we let homeless shelters into our neighbourhoods.
Fact: Downtown Toronto, Canada is a concentrated area with supports and services for people experiencing homelessness. Despite the large numbers of people who go into the downtown core to access these services, housing prices remain high and there is no evidence to support this myth. This common misperception and attitude is referred to as “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) and can have detrimental effects for people who need to access services in different neighbourhoods.
Overall, the myths that exist about homelessness are generalizations of a more complicated reality. It is important for those who have never experienced homelessness before to understand that every homeless individual faces a different and complex set of circumstances. It is the responsibility of the general public to educate themselves about issues related to homelessness. This will hopefully result in sensitive and compassionate conversations and solutions to homelessness.
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
11. Muffin Mania: Booking for July, August & September
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 July, August, and September. We still require 3 dozen muffins per week. Please place 12 muffins, individually wrapped, in a large zipper locked bag, and label the bag “Street Ministry”. Don’t forget to include your name and the date! You can place the labeled muffins in the refrigerator in the main kitchen.
Please click the link below to sign up to serve in this way or call the church office (506-458-8348) 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.
12. Summer Camp
Our Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light half-day summer camp will be happening Monday, July 3 to Friday, July 7, from 9 a.m. – noon. Mark your calendars and be ready for your little ones to join us.
Registration for summer camp is now open!
13. Pastoral Care for the Next Three Months
While Pastor Greg is on sabbatical, your Deacons want to affirm that BSBC is equipped to provide Pastoral Care. We are grateful for the engagement of Pastor Ross and Pastor Nikki, and we are blessed to have additional support from Rev. Kevin Culberson, the Baptist Chaplin at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital…
14. Sponsoring Children for Green Hill Lake Camp
Our New Life Ministry encourages families who face economic challenges on a regular basis. One of the ways we, as a church family, can be a blessing is to provide funding for the children of these families to have the experience of Christian camping at Green Hill Lake Camp. And so, again this year, we invite you to consider giving a donation to help us cover the cost to send 7 children which, in this day and age, is just under $3,400.
If you are able, please mark your donation “GHLC Sponsorship.” So far this year, we have received approximately $2,300 — thank you! We’ll be sure to continue to update you on our financial progress as the weeks go on. Thank you for considering this opportunity.
15. NextGen Ministry
Children @ BSBC
Hands-In Girls Ministry: Saturday, June 17
This Saturday, June 17th, Hands-In ministry for Elementary aged girls K – Grade 5, are welcome to join Allie D and her amazing leaders to get together for a time of fun, fellowship and faith! If you are wanting your daughter/granddaughter to attend, please let Allie know by emailing her at ali.dee@rogers.com.
Stellar Half-Day Summer Camp: July 3 – 7, 9 am – noon
Our Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light half-day summer camp will be happening Monday, July 3rd to Friday, July 7th, from 9 am–noon! Mark your calendars and be ready for your little ones to join us! Registration for the half-day summer camp is now open!
Youth @ BSBC
Volunteer Opportunity: Half-Day Summer Camp
Our youth are encouraged to volunteer with our Half-Day Summer Camp from July 3 – 9, from 9 am to 12 noon. All those who are in Grades 6 – 12 and older are welcome to volunteer! To volunteer, please click the “sign up to volunteer” button above and for more information, please contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Final Youth Bible Study: Wednesday, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Coming up tonight our youth, Pastor Nikki, & Kari Dunfield continue the Bible Study on Peter. This is our final Bible study for this school year and will be resuming in the fall.
Final Youth Group: BBQ, Potluck & Camp Fire: 7 – 9 pm
Friday is our final Friday night youth group for the school year. Youth are invited to join us this Friday for a BBQ, potluck and campfire, here at the church. They can bring sides, salads, drinks, or desserts to share among friends. We will be outside for this event, so dress accordingly. We are super excited to celebrate this past school year together!
NEW! Wednesday Night Youth Group: July 5, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Starting on July 5th, we will be having our summer youth group on Wednesday evenings. We would love for our all youth, those exiting Grade 5 up to and including those exiting Grade 12, to come join us starting July 5th at 6:30 pm!
16. Fresh Start Young Adults Group
Our Young Adults ministry, Fresh Start, continues to meet on Tuesday nights from 7 - 9 pm on the 3rd floor of the Family Life Center. Come along for snacks and social time followed by a Bible study. We would love to see you there!
Please contact Pastor Ross ross@bsbc.nb.ca for details.
17. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The gym worship service will be under the musical leadership of Allie D and team. In the sanctuary, the service will under the musical leadership of Gloria Tranquilla, pianist, and David Steeves, organist, featuring music by Yunjia Dai and the Children’s Ensemble.
This Sunday, we’re pleased to welcome to our pulpit Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins, President of Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She will be preaching in both services on “The Sign of the Times” and using scriptures from Matthew 16:1-20.
She writes, “Matthew is a gospel about the in-breaking Kingdom of God. This Kingdom contrasts with all other Kingdoms, including religious ones. The signs of the Kingdom were all around the Pharisees who watched Jesus closely, but they saw him as a threat to their authority. In an effort to hold onto the reigns of religious control, the religious leaders refused to see what was unfolding around them and kept asking for yet another sign to prove Jesus’ identity.
We also look for signs, especially when the way forward is not clear. The challenge of Scripture is to interpret well the signs we already have, that we may embrace fully a life of discipleship in the context where we live and serve. We are invited to lean into an unknown future, interpreting the signs of the times and introducing others to Jesus as we go. The sign of Jonah is still the sign that proves who Jesus is – the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning. Both services start at 10:30 a.m.
18. Community Events
Gibson Memorial Church
Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St., will be hosting a Steak or Chicken BBQ on June 28, 4 - 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. Please call 457-1951 to reserve your tickets. Menu: Steak or chicken, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, coleslaw, pickles, rolls, & pie!
22. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre and CC stands for Connections Center
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:30 Fredericton Pastors Prayer Meeting (Barnabas)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Ensemble Practice (Sanctuary)
6:30 Final Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Fredericton Outdoor Enthusiasts (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
Thursday, June 15
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Main Kitchen, Gym)
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room)
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
6:30 Armour of God Bible Study (Board Room, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Ensemble Practice (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room)
Friday, June 16
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center/KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Final Youth Group BBQ, Potluck, & Campfire (Gym/Parking Lot)
Saturday, June 17
9:00 Gym Setup (Gym)
9:30 Tidal Impact Team (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Hands-In Girls Ministry (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, June 18
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School Class (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
10:15 KidzTown Classes (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:15 Preschool Classes (Preschool Area, 1st Floor, FLC)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)
1:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
5:00 Third Sunday Supper (Main Kitchen, Gym)
Monday, June 19
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Seniors Luncheon (Main Kitchen, Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Sister Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
7:00 Board of Management Meeting (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
Tuesday, June 20
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Planning Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Board Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adult Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, June 21
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Ensemble Practice (Sanctuary)
