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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
Ministry Staffing Updates
Your Board of Deacons is pleased to announce new and extended contracts which will be a blessing to our overall ministry.
Deacons and the Education Committee are pleased to welcome Tina Franca to our team. On June 1, Tina began as our Elementary Ministry Coordinator.
Tina Franca
Tina is a childhood educator who has worked in numerous preschool settings, including her current placement at the UNB Childcare Center.
She was recently accepted into the Early Childhood Bachelor of Education program at UNB and is working toward that goal.
Here at BSBC she has been involved in our Girls Adventure Klub ministry and as Grade 3-4 Sunday School teacher and a children’s Baptism Mentor. Tina and her husband, Wellington and daughter Ruth have been at BSBC since 2015, having moved to Canada from Brazil. Many will remember Tina and Ruth’s joint baptism at BSBC in 2019.
During Covid-19 Tina will focus her energies on our online children’s ministry – offering a weekly summer VBS offering and in reaching out to children and parents in this age group.
We are excited about Tina’s vision and caring ways. Please pray for her as she begins a new chapter in her ministry at BSBC.
We celebrate ongoing leadership stability with renewal of contracts with Dr. Keith Bodner and Pastor Steve Patterson. It is a great blessing to know that both these men of God are willing to continue to engage in the ministry life of BSBC.
Dr. Keith Bodner
Dr. Keith will continue as our Interim Preaching Pastor, shouldering the majority of the preaching ministry.
In this new contract, Dr. Keith has also agreed to a monthly Saturday evening service focused on ministry to the “Next Gen” population.
We wait to see how this will pan out under the current circumstances in the province of New Brunswick and it might become a steaming online option.
We thank Dr. Keith for his faithfulness to the word of God and his continued partnership with Pastor Greg and the rest of our staff.
Pastor Steve Patterson
Pastor Steve has agreed to another year’s contract serving now as Interim Pastor of Contemporary Worship and Outreach.
There were very few changes in his responsibilities for the next year (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) which have an emphasis on the development of the gym worships service, pastoral ministries in teaching and pastoral care and oversight of our outreach expressions, especially our Benevolent Ministry.
In our continued interim journey we are grateful for these and our other contract ministers who continue to serve in the overall ministry of BSBC. Please pray for our staff as they undertake their work for the Kingdom in our corner of the “vineyard.”
Announcing a New Weekly Audio Blog
On Tuesday, May 19, your pastors gathered in retreat to assess our ministry offerings and consider undertakings to broaden our reach and enrich our discipleship. In our discussions, we considered the preaching ministry and Dr. Keith mentioned that he has been heartened by the follow up emails he receives from the BSBC family with questions and comments on the Sunday sermon, so much so that he offered the possibility of preparing a weekly audio blog in which he would answer questions and engage with comments.
Well, the other three of us JUMPED on this as a great idea and one which we would personally look forward to enjoying. And so, on Tuesdays, starting June 16, Dr. Keith will be posting an audio recording responding to our questions and comments on the homepage at www.thestreetonline.ca.
Now, to make this work, he would need said questions and comments. SO, you are cordially invited to email your queries to the church office (receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca) by Mondays at 4:30 p.m. Then, you can tune in on Tuesday evening to enjoy what I am really tempted to call BSBC’s first “Bod Cast”! I’m sure we’ll all enjoy this added ministry offering and are grateful to Dr. Keith for his willingness to further engage with us in this way. Since I’m not answering them, I encourage you to make the questions REALLY hard! AND, I assume you can ask medical questions. After all, he IS a doctor!
Pastor Greg
Worship Online: Sunday June 7
Thanks to many who have written to express thanks for our online worship services. Your encouraging words are just that — encouraging. And thanks to all our service participants who have prepared and offered their gifts over these past three months. This Sunday, June 7, will be our 12th Sunday online service. Contemporary worship will be led by the Patterson family. Margaret Geldart and David Steeves will lead the traditional singing with Laura McGuire providing the “Gift of Song.” Also leading in worship will be Ron and Sandra McMullin and Chris Graves.
Pastor Greg will be preaching this Sunday with a sermon entitled “Rest? In the Time of Covid-19?” rooted in Psalm 62. He writes: I confess that taking time to “rest” is a challenge for me. And “resting with peace” not only raises the bar but can seem an impossibility in the age of pandemic. So, let’s turn to Psalm 62 and consider what we can learn about the “needed components” to be able to “rest with peace” in these days.
Congratulations!
A.J. Burlock & Krista Trail
This is a special weekend for A. J. Burlock and Krista Trail as they will exchange marriage vows in our sanctuary on Sunday evening, June 7. You can appreciate that this is not turning out to be the ceremony they had planned but they are keeping the date and will gather with as many family and friends are allowed by the province of New Brunswick. Currently there could be 10. Might Friday bring an announcement of under 50? Only God knows for sure and they place their service and their lives in his hands.
AJ and Krista, your church family congratulate your love and commitment and pray that you will have the perfect evening for your marriage ceremony.
Philo Long & Yao Shi
We also celebrate a new member of our church family with the safe arrival of Jade Long on May 16. Jade’s parents are Philo Long and Yao Shi and she will be a little sister for brothers Jeremy and Josiah. Members of the Long’s small group have delivered a rose bowl from the BSBC family to welcome Jade.
Good News From Your Church Library
GOOD NEWS: Your Church Library will be OPEN from 10 a.m. until noon on WEDNESDAY, June 10 for both returning and borrowing materials. Come through our open doors! Our goal is to see all overdue library items returned by June 30, 2020. REMEMBER that book you were excited to BORROW? Now there are others anxiously waiting for its return so they can enjoy it.
If you need books picked up or delivered please call Sharon (450-7878). Hopefully, this week we’ll start receiving some backordered books, so check in to see what’s new. Library items can be returned to the church office any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
I look forward to seeing you!
Sharon Gosselin, Church Librarian
We Need Your Help
At the May meeting of the Board of Deacons we celebrated our various online offerings but also addressed the needs of those who are not online. To seek to be a blessing to these folk, we offer three new ministry offerings:
Paper Newsletter
Starting this week, our office staff will now format the content of the e-newsletter into a printed version that will be mailed out (at no charge) each Thursday. This way, those without online connections can be kept connected to life at BSBC.
Studio Service
On Wednesdays at 2 pm in the Family Room, we’ll be showing the traditional worship video from the previous Sunday. In this way, 8 or less individuals can gather with social distancing to engage in the service. Masks and gloves will be available – all precautions will be taken. In preparation we’d ask that individuals who would like to attend make a reservation through the church office. We’ll be starting these viewings on Wednesday, June 10.
DVDs
Upon request, we’ll make DVDs (at no charge) for those who would like to engage in our services in this way. DVDs can be ordered and then picked up at the church office or we can mail them out (at no charge). Participants can set up a weekly order ongoing or order as required.
Now we need your help
Those who might want to avail themselves of these offerings won’t be reading about it as you are doing now…so, please share this information with anyone you know who would benefit. We don’t want anyone to be outside our family circle but we need your help. You can work out the details with the individual and then submit the information to the church office (bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca) or encourage your contact to email or call the church office (458-8348). Thank you for your help.
Pastor Greg
Supporting the Ritchies
We invite you to remember that Charlie and Betty Ritchie will be leaving Vietnam for New Brunswick on June 7. They will fly to Montreal and then drive to Fredericton. As we pray for safe travel (which includes freedom from COVID-19 infection) we too remember, that they will have to cross the border from Quebec into New Brunswick. No mean feat at this point, but God can open the way and this should be part of our intercession for them. They plan to arrive in Fredericton on June 8.
We praise our faithful God for the provision through his people of everything they need so far: an apartment for 14 days of isolation, a car to use following isolation and an exercise mat and weights for Betty to use!
How to support the Ritchies
We are now creating a list of people who would be willing to be called on to help them with meals and errands. If you would like to be on that list please call or email Janet in our church office (bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca). Sarah Duguid will be coordinating our care of the Ritchies and Carol Reimer will be arranging meals. Put your name on the list and we’ll keep you updated with opportunities for ministry.
Ministry Position: Youth & Young Adult Coordinator
Your Board of Deacons seeks applications for the position of Youth and Young Adult Coordinator at BSBC, ideally starting mid-June, 2020.
Responsibilities
This position includes responsibility for ongoing connection with our youth and youth adults, largely online during the COVID crisis. This would include maintaining weekly online connections through the summer and into the fall. The vision for this position is 20 hours per week.
How to apply
Applications for the position will be accepted until Friday, June 5 at 5 p.m. either in person at the church office or by email to receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca. An application consists of (1) a cover letter with a brief testimony of personal Christian faith, why you feel you are an excellent candidate for the position and practical experience you would bring to the position and (2) your resume including three references, one of which may be from the BSBC church family. Interviews for successful candidates will be held the week of June 8.
A full position outline, outlining duties ideally covered in "normal" times can be obtained by emailing receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca or by calling the church office at 458-8348. Specific questions can be sent to Pastor Greg at greg@bsbc.nb.ca.
The congregation is encouraged to pray for this process as it unfolds and for God's provision of a new leader for this important ministry.
New Missionary Couple: Reuben Myles and Leah Morrison - Soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Myles
Hey there, Brunswick St. Baptist family,
As you may already know, my fiancé 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!
Many thanks and blessings,
Reuben and Leah (almost) Myles
Meet Leah and Reuben and hear about their exciting calling:
To support Leah and Reuben in prayer or for information on providing a one time or ongoing gift of financial support please email Leah at leah.morrison@faith.edu.ph.
Green Hill Lake Camp is ON!
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.
Olivia Dunn
Hello Everyone!! My name is Olivia Dunn and this is my second summer working at Green Hill. Before I became staff, I attended Green Hill Lake Camp for many years as a camper and camp has always been a big part of my life and I can’t wait to work there again this summer!!
Nathan Holmes
I’m Nathan Holmes, I used to go to Green Hill as a camper for several years and this summer will be my first summer serving as a Leader In Training.
Dylan Wightman
Hi, my name is Dylan Wightman, I’ve volunteered at camp for 2 years and this will be my first year working. I’ve been going to the camp since I was very young, that’s where I first decided to give my life to Christ.
Hannah Hatchard
Hello everyone, my name is Hannah Hatchard! This will be my third summer at camp, second year as a staff member. Green Hill Lake Camp holds a very special place in my heart, I went there as a camper for years and jumped at the chance to be a part of their staff team. Camp has had such a huge impact on my life, and I can’t wait to spread God’s love this summer!!
Derek Clement
Hello, my name is Derek Clement. I'll be working as a Lifeguard this summer. I'm excited for another year at camp, and even in these uncertain times, I'm sure it will be a good one.
Share-A-Wage
Green Hill Lake Camp operates its summer program with staff of 60 people. Many of the staff are university or high school students who volunteer their time. They sacrifice regular summer jobs and come as summer “Missionaries” to present Christ to children and youth.
However, due to the rising cost of education it has become increasingly difficult to find young people who are mature in their Christian faith and able to give up their summer to fill these vital positions. Many Christian students are available, but their participation is prevented by the reality of September school bills. If Green Hill Lake Camp were to pay them a full wage the camper fees would have to be increased by nearly 40%. This would exclude many from a Christian camping experience.
The Board of Directors of Green Hill Lake Camp Inc. believe God is working through our camping ministry and would like you to consider partnering with us to provide these summer “Missionaries” with a degree of financial compensation.
We are asking you to join in this ministry and SHARE-A-WAGE to supply staff for our summer camps. A day’s wage for a cabin leader is approximately $90. Staff volunteer up to 55 days during the summer and appreciate your generosity in making it possible for them for them to serve Green Hill Lake Camp and return to school in the fall.
How to Contribute
Ways of contribution include:
Cheque mailed to 40 Greenhill Lake Rd, Greenhill Lake, NB, E6E 1E7
VISA or Mastercard donations at www.greenhillgifts.com or by calling their office at (506) 463-0017
If you feel uncomfortable donating financially, we are also asking for your prayerful support, which is equally, if not more, important.
Important Tax Deduction & Financial Information:
(1) In order to receive a receipt for income tax purposes, you must make your cheque payable to “Green Hill Lake Camp.” Green Hill Lake Camp is a charitable organization registered with the Canadian Government. All contributions to Green Hill Lake Camp are tax deductible. Financial disbursement of donated funds is at the discretion of the Green Hill Lake Camp Inc. Board of Directors for missions work and evangelism.
(2) Do NOT place the missionary’s name anywhere on the cheque. The Canada Revenue Agency stipulates that in order to receive tax deduction for a contribution the donor must release control of how the money will be used. Money cannot be designated to a person; however, you may place the donation in the name of the missionary.
High School Grad Recognition
On Sunday, June 14 we will be celebrating our high school grads, BUT you can send us their details right now.
We need (1) their name, (2) high school, (3) fall plans, and (4) photo. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate this milestone in their lives. Thank you!
Your Education Committee
Congratulations to our Post-Secondary Grads! 🎉
Jessica Bicknell - Bachelor of Education, Saint Thomas University
David Doran - Bachelor Computer Science, University of New Brunswick
James Duguid - Bachelor of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Rachel Kierstead - Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick
Alice Land - Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, University of New Brunswick
Hannah LeBouthillier - Bachelor Computer Science, University of New Brunswick
Jillian Trail - Juris Doctor, University of New Brunswick
Jenny Wilson - Civil Engineering Technology, New Brunswick Community College
BSBC Kidz Klub
Today, we’ve posted the newest edition of our BSBC KIDZ KLUB and it will be up all week to be enjoyed by children of all ages! We’re studying The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and this week we focus on the sixth fruit – GOODNESS.
Community News
We’ve been made aware of some furniture needs for a small family relocating to their own home. If you have any of the following items in good condition, please contact the church office (458-8348 OR receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca). We can arrange transportation. Thank you for your consideration.
Bedroom: Dresser, end tables, lamps, little girl’s room dresser
Living room: Couch, chair, end tables and lamps
Kitchen: Utensils, dishes, etc.
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
Jon Wilton, Youth & Young Adult Ministries
