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Our Mission for 2022
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Psalm 96:2-3
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from June 8 to 15.
Celebration BBQ: June 12
Graduate Recognition: June 12
KidzTown Children’s Mission Sale: June 12
Fall Sunday School: Please Register Now
Bereavement
Spring Business Meeting Report
Children’s Half-Day Summer Camp
Next Gen Ministries @ BSBC (Opportunities for Children & Youth)
Worship Sunday Morning: June 12
THANK YOU FOR Sponsoring Children to Attend GHLC
Invitations from Your Social Action Team
Upcoming Memorial Service
Pastoral Staff Vacations Summer 2022
Summer Office Hours
Community News
This Week @ BSBC
1. Church BBQ: June 12
After a COVID-19 hiatus, our church family BBQ celebration is back! That’s right, after the services on June 12, join us in the church parking lot for:
BBQ-ed Hot Dogs
Veggies, Fruit, Chips
Fruit Punch, Ice Tea, Water
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Special Seating/Service for Seniors
Bouncy Castle and Activities for the Kiddos
Bring Your Wallet To Visit the KidzTown “Bake, Used Book, Used Toy” Table
Fellowship, Laughter, Togetherness
No Reservations Required
What do you need to do?
Pray for Sunshine…But Not Too Much Sunshine ☀️
Plan to Attend
How Can You Help?
Volunteer for the Set-Up Team (setting up the tents, tables, etc.)
Volunteer to Help Get the Food Out to the BBQ Location and Serve
Volunteer for a 20 Minute Time of Supervision of Children in the Bouncy Castle (Adults Only)
Volunteer to Help With the Clean Up/Wash Up/Putting Away
To volunteer, click the link button below and let us know…we’ll be sure to get back to you.
2. Recognizing Our Grads
Not only do we have a BBQ on June 12, but we're also celebrating our graduates in both services. Grads from university, community college, or other post-secondary training, please come. High School grads – we especially want to invite you to come so we can introduce you to both congregations. Don’t be shy. You deserve the recognition! Your church family wants to meet you, pray for you and celebrate your accomplishment.
Grads, on June 12, meet Pastor Nikki in the Family Room at 10 a.m. We'll have some treats for you and take a group photo of you with the grad cake that will be served at the BBQ. Pastor Nikki will be your leader for the morning. Grads (or parents of grads), please let us know you’ll be with us by clicking the link and registering for the morning.
3. KidzTown Children's Mission
Whether God calls us to the ends of the world or the house down the street, we are all called to share the love of Christ with others.
In a culture that continuously strives for “bigger and better” and encourages (even demands) self-centeredness, our role in teaching children about the love of Jesus and possessing a global view is increasingly essential.
“Missions” may be a broad term that encompasses much more than we might realize. Still, our children understand the very core of the concept and willingly want to make a difference in the lives of some East African and Ukrainian children.
It all started a couple of months ago after welcoming Carol Bray at KidzTown. Carol talked to the children about Missions and mentioned how sad it was that some East African children could not go to school because they did not have uniforms and had only one set of clothes to wear (sometimes not even that). After the visit, we brainstormed for a while, and we could see how touched the children were.
That is when they came up with the idea to raise some money to fund uniforms for some of the children in that particular situation. The ideas just poured in, and, together, we started to write an action plan so we could submit it to our church leaders. We praise the Lord that the idea was well accepted, and every week, portions of their allowance, small change given by parents and lots of ideas were brought to our time together at church. So far, we have raised close to $80.00.
The children also thought of having a “Mission Sale,” and we believe that our church family picnic next month would be the ideal time and spot. The children will produce, with their parents, baking goods, new-to-you books and toys, and their own drawings and paintings for sale by donation.
Children play a crucial role in spreading the gospel, and to be effective witnesses for Christ, they have to be given the opportunity to serve the best way they can. A “mission project” such as this teaches fundamental gospel truths to them, and it teaches all of us that we must rejoice with every opportunity to serve the Lord.
For Our Elementary Children,
Tina Franca, Elementary Coordinator
4. Register for Fall Sunday School
Your Education Committee is looking toward the fall and Sunday School. Yet, with the two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, we have no idea how to plan. We need your help.
We’ve heard from some families that they are not planning to return to Sunday School in the fall, feeling that the church-time ministries of KidzTown and Preschool provide the spiritual engagement they need. So, as we prepare for fall 2022, we really need you — regardless of your age — to confirm whether you'll participate regularly (not necessarily every Sunday) in the ministry of Sunday School.
How your input informs fall 2022
This information is essential as we work to recruit teachers and determine potential numbers, which will inform class groupings — especially in the children’s ministry. And speaking of teachers, it would be great if you would indicate if you would be willing to explore taking a Sunday School teaching position.
You’ve heard that we live in unprecedented times? Promoting Sunday School in June is certainly an expression of this. Your participation now ensures that we're ready for the fall launch. This is not to say that if you don't register in June, you can’t attend in the fall, but we’re sure you’ll understand that your engagement now is essential for fall planning. In short, we can’t do it without you!
With thanks,
Your Education Committee
5. Bereavement
Please be in prayer for Bryan McWilliam and family on the passing of his father, Michael, in Ireland. Many of us have been praying for Bryan’s dad. He was diagnosed with cancer on May 1 and he passed away, at home, surrounded by family, on Thursday, June 2. So, this has been a very challenging month for the McWilliam family. Bryan was home a couple of weeks ago and on Saturday, June 4, he and his three adult sons flew to Ireland to join the family in celebrating Michael’s life. Please pray for the comfort of Jesus be found in their lives. Read the full obituary.
As well, we pray for Janet Clark and family on the sudden passing of her son, Andrew, of Vancouver. Please intercede for Janet as she arranges to bring Andrew’s remains to Fredericton and honour his life.
6. Spring Business Meeting Update
Thanks to the church family for coming out or joining online for the Spring Business Meeting this past Thursday, June 2. Here is a brief overview of what was shared:
Considering the Power of a Personal Invitation
Pastor Greg offered a devotional based on Romans 10:8-13, asking us to consider the power of a personal invitation to join in some aspect of life at BSBC. An invitation that might lead to growing together in love and faith. Then, those present gathered in small groups for a time of prayer.
Increasing Our Connection to the Community
Board of Management chair, Ron Smith, shared that the Board of Management and the Board of Deacons had agreed that our facilities will be open for use by our church family members and community on a donation basis — hopefully increasing our availability for connection with our community.
Reviewed Financial Statements
Treasurer Ken Reimer asked for motions to accept the Reviewed Financial Statements for 2021 and then provided an update on our financial position as of the end of May 2022. We are behind in giving to the general fund target, but because our expenses are low, we are currently operating at a breakeven position – as a church family, we need to keep up faithful patterns of giving and consider giving greater focus on giving toward our mortgage/indebtedness.
Pastor Greg's Review
Board of Deacons chair Ron McMullin shared about (1) the Deacons' approval of Pastor Greg’s month of summer vacation and then, after a three-week return, an additional month of leave – providing a time for rest and renewal and strengthening for fall ministry; (2) the timing of Pastor Greg’s ‘pastoral review’ and invited Deacon Cheryl Gibson, chair of the Pastoral Review Committee, to submit her report to the congregation for approval. After the report summary was read, overall affirming Pastor Greg’s leadership, those present affirmed his leadership by accepting this report.
Update from the Social Action Team
Social Action Team chair Susan Tingley Howey shared about social action endeavours, including (1) the results of the two recent gatherings on BSBC’s ministry to those without housing – great ideas shared which the SAT will consider at their June meeting; (2) our focus on Street Level ministry includes: Sunday Night Outreach to those who are homeless; Third Sunday Supper and growing excitement about making connections with the new 12 Neighbours development on the north side; (3) fundraising activities will begin as we seek to raise needed support for the refugee family we are sponsoring; (4) the SAT will be working with the Board of Management on refining a process for engaging with those who set up camp on the church property – a way of trying to help them connect with community resources. She ended with an expression of thanks for the church family’s engagement with community support and heart for seeking to make a difference in the lives of our neighbours.
Updates from Your Pastoral Staff
Finally, Pastor Greg led a time in which he, Pastor Nikki, Pastor Changbin and our Benevolent Coordinator/Senior’s Visitation Pastor, Doug McAllister, shared about the events/happenings and relationships which are exciting each of them in the places where they serve.
Then Pastor Nikki closed the meeting in prayer. Thank you to our Moderator, Calvin Smith and our Tech Team, Adrian Verboom, Mary Tingley, Kellie and Anthony Brown and Claire Geldart, for their leadership.
7. Children's Half-Day Summer Camp
This summer, the week of July 4 to 8, from 9 a.m. to Noon, our children will learn that God’s creativity didn’t stop in Genesis. The Master Artist is working to redeem, reclaim, and transform us — His creation — to the design, He planned for us. Our children will see the beautiful truth that they are God’s creation as they learn to use their talents to bring glory to Him.
Join our team
We hope you will prayerfully consider being a part of BSBC’s 2022 Children’s Half-Day Summer Camp team! When you complete the volunteer registration, you’ll have the opportunity to tell us where and how you’re available to serve. If you have any questions about what a particular role will look like, we’ll be happy to help explain them so you can make an informed decision about your role before committing.
Children’s Half-Day Summer Camp Theme Bible Verse: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
8. NextGen Ministry at BSBC
We have some great events coming up for our youth!
Youth Events This Week at BSBC
Bible Study: Wednesday, June 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Tonight we have our final Bible study of the school year before we wrap and continue in the fall! Youth are invited to join us from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a great time of fellowship, connection, and celebration as this year comes to an end!
Youth Group Celebration: Friday, June 10, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Friday, we have our final youth group of the school year! Youth are encouraged to come out from 7 to 9 p.m. for a special night of food, ice cream sundaes, games and great connection. Bring your friends out. You will not want to miss it!
Graduation Sunday: Sunday, June 12
This Sunday, we invite all of our graduates to join us at 10 a.m. in the Family Room for a special treat and gathering before church. We will take a photo together, and then during our service, our graduates will be celebrated in both of our services! Our graduates and their families are encouraged to join our church family BBQ after the service!
Volunteer Opportunity: Sunday, June 12
Please let me know if your youth would want to volunteer to run a station at our church BBQ this Sunday. We would love to have our youth lead in this way!
If you have any questions or need further information, please email Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca. Please be praying for our children and youth as the end of the school year is fast approaching!
9. Sunday Morning: June 12
Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
Psalm 29:1-2
Online or in-person, we hope you’ll take the time to connect with us this week!
On this Graduation Sunday, you’ll have an opportunity to meet and celebrate our High School grads in each service! Pastor Nikki will handle the introductions and lead us in prayer over them. An added blessing will be the ministry of our YOUTH CHOIR – the first time we’ve sat under their ministry since before Covid! And in both services, Deacon Denise Mersereau will be leading our “His Name is Power” segment with a very special guest, familiar to the BSBC family, Pastor Steve Patterson, Director of Community for the 12 Neighbour community. It’s going to be a great morning…followed by BBQed hot dogs! You have to come!
In the gym, Dr. Keith will be sharing his three-part series, “Route 66”, a study in the book of Revelation. Of the first sermon, he writes: “Route 66, Part 1: The Vision” based on Revelation, chapter 1. He offers: Imagine a prisoner, isolated in a secure fortress where escape is impossible. Suddenly, a mysterious visitor breaks into the prison, bypassing security to bring an astonishing message to the prisoner. This scene is found in Revelation chapter 1, and it is the prelude to the final book of the Bible. Yet, many believers are too intimidated by the beasts and symbols in Revelation and ignore it, while others read it incorrectly.
To be blunt, there is no shortage of confusion surrounding this book, even though it has inspired artists, musicians, theologians, poets, and persecuted Christians across the centuries. At the heart of this book is a transforming vision of the Lord Jesus that can seriously impact and reroute our lives right now. In this first installment of a short Spring series at TheStreet, we will start by diving into the opening sector of Revelation in order to experience these words and images of encouragement in a new way this season.
Through the wonders of modern technology in the sanctuary, the vacationing Pastor Greg will reintroduce our series on Ephesians, taking us through the first half of Ephesians, chapter 5. It’s spring, and many are working in the garden to prepare the soil for planting and cleaning up the beds to ensure a healthy showing. Perhaps, spring is the time to consider what needs to be done in our spiritual lives to ensure a bountiful harvest of the “fruit of the Spirit” for God’s glory.
10. Thank You For Sponsoring Children To Attend GHLC
You’ve fully subscribed our BSBC Green Hill Lake Camp Scholarship Fund in your typically faithful way. We are sure the parents of these precious children give thanks for your kindness. Now, let us begin a focus on praying for these children to have a spiritually uplifting and eternally impactful time. Next week’s newsletter will introduce you to two of our grads, Dylan Wightman and Nathan Holmes, ministering at GHLC for the summer. We’ll provide the details for you to prayerfully and financially support them in their ministry. So, thank you and stay tuned!
11. Invitations from Your Social Action Team
Looking for a way you can help your community? Your Social Action Team has many opportunities for you to get involved!
12. Upcoming Memorial Service
The Memorial Service for the Late Dr. Robert Burridge will be held on Thursday, June 23, 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Reception to follow. Read the obituary.
13. Upcoming Pastoral Staff Vacations
Pastor Ross
Pastor Ross will start his second week of vacation on Monday, July 18 and return to ministry on Monday, July 25.
Pastor Nikki
At this point, Pastor Nikki is planning a short trip home to Ontario to spend Father’s Day weekend with family. She will be gone from June 17 to June 20. She is still considering 2 weeks she might take off over the summer. Stay tuned!
Dr. Keith
Given the parameters of his contract, Dr. Bodner will be preaching up to and including Sunday, July 10 and then will be back with us for the first Sunday in September. Pray for the Bodners as they plan summer travels to the west coast to visit with family.
Pastor Greg
Pastor Greg began a month of vacation on Monday, June 6 and will return to ministry on Monday, July 4. Then, he will have a second month of leave from Monday, July 25 returning to ministry on Monday, Aug. 22.
We are confident that the congregation will be supportive of the added time off for summer 2022. During both times off, Pastor Ross will be providing pastoral leadership/care as will Pastor Nikki, excepting her yet to be determined time of vacation. Given the newness of Pastors Nikki and Ross to BSBC, Pastor Greg will be available for funerals during times off. This has been the pattern since the beginning of the interim period. Please pray that these months of break will be renewing and invigorating for Pastor Greg.
Your Board of Deacons
14. Summer Office Hours
To facilitate vacation time for our Administrative staff, as of Tuesday, May 24, the church office opens each morning at the usual 8:30 a.m. but closes each day at 4 p.m. (instead of the usual 5 p.m.). This continues until the Tuesday after Labour Day. Thank you for noting this change.
15. Community News: Piano Concert
Dr. Edmund Dawe, pianist, will perform a concert featuring music by Debussy, Beethoven, and Chopin at Christ Church Parish Church, Friday June 17, 7:30 p.m. This concert is sponsored by the NB Registered Music Teachers. Voluntary donation.
16. This Week at BSBC: June 8 to 15
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre.
Wednesday, June 8
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Youth Choir (Barnabas)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Final) (Family Room, FLC)
Thursday, June 9
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
7:00 Mandarin Hymn Practice (Choir Room)
7:00 Youth Choir (Barnabas)
Friday, June 10
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Kierstead Event (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center And KidzTown)
7:00 Youth Group (Final) (Third Floor Assembly, FLC)
Saturday, June 11
9:00 Gym Set-Up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, June 12
6:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
9:00 Asian Sunday School Class (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
10:15 Preschool/KidzTown (1st Floor/Kidztown, FLC)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Third Floor Assembly, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)
11:45 Church Family BBQ (Parking Lot)
7:00 High School Youth Group (Third Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Monday, June 13
1:00 WMS Luncheon (Gym)
Tuesday, June 14
9:00 BoM Property Committee (Third Floor Conference Room, FLC)
10:00 Library Open
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
5:30 Sports Friends (Gym)
7:00 Fresh Start (Gym/Third Floor Assembly, FLC)
7:00 “Walking With Jesus” Bible Study with Daniel Savard (Zoom)
Wednesday, June 15
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary and Choir Room)
