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Growing Faith, Friends & Families To Serve
In this issue:
1. Our New “Families Room” Outside the Gym
2. Palm Sunday Worship Service
3. Easter Outreach Project – A Message of Hope
4. Children’s Easter Party
5. Odell Park SONrise Service
6. Third Sunday Supper
7. Bereavement
8. Study in the Book of James
9. Worship Services This Sunday, March 28
10. SWOT Analysis Part 4 of 6: Opportunities
11. Recovery Roundtables
12. Audio/Visual Coordinator Search
13. Library Opening
14. Two Community Notices
15. How to Register for In-Person Services
16. Facebook Live Prayer Times
17. This Week @ BSBC
1. Our New "Families Room" Outside the Gym
Recognizing that our preschool suite is a long way from the gym, your Education Committee have repurposed the Prayer/Meeting Room on the gym hallway to provide a place for parents to take preschool children needing a rock, a diaper change, a ‘nurse’, a crawl, a jump, a swing…it’s all there for you. Please make use of this new facility. We hope it will be a blessing to parents of preschoolers.
2. Palm Sunday Worship Concert
Sunday marks the first day of Holy Week and Sunday evening, as is our tradition, will feature a reflective evening of Scripture and music inviting you to ponder God’s plan for Calvary and its implications for you.
The theme of our evening is, “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross.”
The service will include ministry by four of our vocal ensembles, a duet by Pastor Steve and his daughter, Lauren, and soloist, Giselle Tranquilla. They'll be supported by David Steeves, organ; Gloria Tranquilla, piano and Yvonne Kershaw, flute. Pastor Greg and Cheryl Gibson will lead the service.
Reservations can be made by clicking the link below.
3. Easter Outreach Project
Nothing compares to the treasure of the light of the Gospel. It comes with the personal recognition that we are lost AND that we are in the presence of a loving and compassionate Savior! It gives us freedom from sin and it provides comfort during difficult times. Now that's a treasure, one worthy of being cherished and shared!
Into Your Hands
And that's exactly why we are inviting our church body to share this treasure through our Easter project called "Into Your Hands". It’s quite simple and yet profound, thanks to a wonderful yet simple card, carrying the message of hope for which so many are searching.
How does it work?
FIRST: We encourage you to turn to our Heavenly Father in prayer, asking him: "Dear God, who is there, close to me, earnestly seeking this treasure but has yet to find it?"
SECOND: prayerfully start drafting a hope-filled, personalized message to the individuals that will come to your heart and mind.
THIRD: Pick up your free Easter card at the welcome table on Sunday and then, inside, write the words that will surely point its recipient to the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Not able to join us on Sunday? No problem. You can stop by the church during office hours to pick up a card.
FOURTH: Deliver the card to the persons God has put in your heart.
FIFTH: Pray, each day, for the recipients of your gift of hope.
Let's share the hope!
This is not an exercise in preparing a lecture, but of sharing the hope you find in Jesus Christ and what Easter means to you. An expression of love and caring. The back of the card features the details of our Easter week offerings.
Thank you for reaching out to those you know with a message of hope and an invitation to join us for the journey from Palm Sunday to Easter joy!
Pastor Charles
4. Children's Easter Party
We're so excited to invite kids to join us for a special Easter celebration on Saturday, April 3 at 2 p.m. You can expect our Friends Are Us Puppet Team to share some puppeting joy and there will be singing, games, stories, jokes and more. A great time for all ages.
There are two ways you can get involved:
Participate live
You can register to come to the church and participate live. If you do this, your child(ren), accompanied by their adult, will come to the church auditorium for the program and then, be directed to a room where all in your Bubble can go, find their gift bags and enjoy crafting and snacking together.
Attend virtually
OR, you can register to attend virtually. Register and then tune in to our Facebook Live event and enjoy the program from your own home. If you do this, we'll deliver the gift bag for your child(ren) directly to your door so our virtual audience also get the full treatment.
5. Odell Park SONrise Service
We’re still living in odd days which preclude our usual Easter Sonrise Service and Easter breakfast. But, should we let COVID-19 stand in our way?
A resounding, “NO!”
Where and when
So, to take back a bit of the specialness of Easter morning, you’re invited to make a reservation to attend our Odell Park SONrise Service – to be held at the park (near the parking lot) on Easter morning at 8:45 a.m.
What to expect
A short outdoor celebration of Jesus’ resurrection (with masking and social distancing) followed by sharing Hot Cross Buns, coffee, tea and juice. Public Health allows for 50 people to gather. Click below to register.
6. Third Sunday Supper
Third Sunday Supper is back!! It was a great blessing to all involved to get together this past Sunday, March 21. Following all the COVID-19 protocols, we served a lovely home cooked meal to 28 registered guests. As everything went well, we will do it again next month (Sunday, April 18) and the following months, as long as we remain in the yellow phase.
Can you help us? Do you have a "bubble" that can work together to prepare a meal for 30 people for Third Sunday Supper? If so, please contact Judy Thompson at 457-0739 (judypaul1088@gmail.com).
Thank you for your consideration.
Your Social Action Team
7. Bereavement
Thank you for praying for Ken and Carol Reimer and family in the death of Ken’s mother, Ruth Reimer, on Monday, March 15. Ken and Carol, followed by their daughter Alyse and son-in-law, Jon Wilton made the trip to Brockville, Ontario, to support Ken’s dad, Donald. Ruth and Don married 65 years ago. Ruth has a large family to give thanks for her life. Here is an excerpt from her obituary:
Loving mother of Ken (Carol) Reimer, John (Cynthia) Reimer and Gord (Kimberley) Reimer. Cherished grandmother of Andrew (Maria) Reimer, Peter (Julie) Reimer, Alyse (Jon) Wilton, Deanna (Chad) Davidson, Joshua (Sarah) Reimer, Katrina (Lance) Craven, Ilana (Geoff) Datema, Leah and Sophia Reimer. Treasured great grandmother of Noah, Zachary, Jacob, Paislee, Ben, Abby and Ella. Dear sister-in-law of Violet, Arthur, Alice, Anna and Arnold.
Ruth’s funeral service was held in Brockville on Friday, March 19 with a special inclusion being words taken from a testimony of faith Ruth wrote years ago. Please continue to pray for God’s comfort for Ruth’s family and for Ken, Carol, Alyse and Jon as they observe 14 days of isolation following their trip.
8. Study in James
True faith produces fruit. A faith without action and without life change is ultimately a dead faith. The book of James speaks to the realities of a living faith in Jesus — the kind of roll-up-your-sleeves and get-your-hands-dirty discipleship that is borne out of an authentic relationship with the risen Lord. James writes to believers who know suffering, who've faced trials, and who ultimately desire a deep relationship with God.
Francis Chan unpacks the dense truth contained in the book of James in front of the iconic backdrop of San Francisco, the city where he lives and ministers. Through 12 sessions, Francis works through James verse-by-verse, challenging followers of Christ to move beyond a private, intellectual knowledge of God and His Word, to a vibrant faith that impacts every square inch of life.
Join Daniel Savard Thursdays on Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m. — starting April 1 and finishing June 17.
You can register by using the link below or with Jason at xinkaixk.zhou@gmail.com.
9. This Sunday's Worship Services
Join us for Palm Sunday Worship, either in-person (reservations required) or ONLINE! If online, tune in by 10:25 a.m. and you’ll be set for all we have to share.
Worship leaders
In the gym, Julianne Moore and friends will lead you in worship. In the sanctuary, David Steeves, Gloria Tranquilla, Yvonne Kershaw (flute) are joined in musical worship leadership by soloist, Pascale Beaulieu and a Sunday Vocal Ensemble. You’ll find your faith encouraged by a HIS NAME IS POWER video featuring the testimony of Alexandra Dunfield speaking about faith in challenging times. Finally, our children will enjoy a lesson provided by the Pastor Greg.
Sermon notes
This Sunday Dr. Keith’s sermon is entitled “The Announcement of Palm Sunday” based on John 12. He writes:
The first-century citizens of Jerusalem had specific expectations for the Messiah, and building on some of the great prophetic words of the past, anticipated that “salvation” from the Roman Empire would surely arrive on that long-forecasted day. Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, many interpreted Jesus as the fulfillment of Zechariah’s message, and that political freedom was at hand. However, the truth of Palm Sunday is much more explosive, and the message of this day is that we can be set free from something even more serious than political oppression or military intimidation, and contemporary believers are therefore encouraged to live according to this new reality.
Our study of John chapter 12 this week will include highlights from surrounding episodes that include the plot of Caiaphas, the reappearance of Lazarus and the meal of Bethany, but we will mainly focus on the message of Palm Sunday in the context of Passover, challenging all of us at BSBC to wave branches for the right reasons and welcome the Messiah to be enthroned in every area of our lives.
10. SWOT Analysis: Opportunities | Part 4 of 6
Thanks for engaging with us in this ONGOING review of the results of the November SWOT analysis. Here you will find a summary of the key ‘opportunities’ that were identified through the submissions. From study of the individual responses and reflections on that material by the Board of Deacons, here were the identified highest ranked and corporately grouped opportunities:
Strategic Downtown Location/Facilities (Bring the Community IN)
As reflected in Dr. Greg Jones sermon on “Mission Edge Churches,” there was great recognition that underutilized facilities could be a means of inviting members of our community to connect with us by opening our doors to offer them space.
Newly Defined Pastoral Team
Expressions of hopefulness surrounding the new pastoral staffing model with emphasis on both internal and external community connection…with focus on engagement with the next generation.
Growing Multicultural Base – Outreach to Immigrants
BSBC’s past positive experiences with immigrant resettlement and our growing ethnic diversity could be a means of positioning us for expanding support to Fredericton’s immigrant community.
Developing Online Presence
Excitement about the growth we have experienced (and thankfulness for those who made it happen) and wondering what additional possibilities exist to expand our reach beyond the walls of BSBC
Sharing The Powerful Faith Stories of Our People
Recognizing that one of our greatest assets is the personal testimonies of our church family as a means of expressing and sharing our faith
Expanding Partnerships to Serve Our Community (Evangelism)
With the diverse places our members find themselves serving in our community, should we explore how we can partner with community organizations to live our faith in service as a means of evangelism
Please note
Once again I remind you that this is an attempted summary of over 128 individual stated weaknesses, some with numerous sub points. So, there is a profound dynamic at work when studying the whole of the responses, indicating that not everyone sees things the same way.
There's work to do
And that is why it will be important for the congregation to revisit these themes to bring these highlights to some accepted conclusions to inform our future reality. So, please read on to the Recovery Roundtable item below…there’s work for you to do!
Pastor Greg
11. Recovery Roundtables
At the Annual Meeting and in the sermon I delivered on Sunday, Feb. 28, I invited you to consider joining one of our RECOVERY ROUNDTABLE meetings to be held through the month of April.
These will be in-person and Zoom small group gatherings which will ask you to consider the predominant themes from the SWOT, the characteristics of Mission Edge Churches and, most importantly, what you believe BSBC needs to be and do to recover from the pandemic years.
Small groups
We are inviting each small group to gather and take part in this review, sometime over the month of April. Please click below to register your small group for participation and we’ll forward the material to the contact.
Discussion groups for individuals
In addition, deacons will be leading discussion groups and I will host discussion groups on Wednesday nights April 7 (on Zoom), April 14 (in-person at the church) and April 21 (on Zoom). To register for one of these groups please click below.
Other small groups and leaders will be scheduled and advertised in next week’s newsletter. Please consider the importance of your voice being heard in these settings.
Mission Edge Churches
The concept of Mission Edge Churches is predicated on such churches serving beyond the walls of the church building and serving to meet neighbourhood needs in Jesus’ name. In fact, the theme of our denomination of Canadian Baptist of Atlantic Canada is “Joining God in our Neighbourhood.”
Therefore, I ask you to consider what you see God doing your neighbourhood and across all societal strata. What is He doing and how can we join Him?
That’s the first question to prepare for Roundtable discussion. The second question to consider is:
Do the identified strengths, weakness and opportunities from the SWOT analysis (see above) provide an accurate picture of the BSBC I know?
12. Audiovisual Coordinator Search
The Board of Management is seeking to fill the part time position of Audio/Visual Coordinator:
POSITION OUTLINE
The Audio/Visual Ministries Coordinator is primarily responsible for recruiting, training and scheduling of personnel to support the audio/visual ministry requirements of the church. The Audio/Visual Ministries Coordinator is also supported by the Technical Director for any equipment issues or necessary training.
EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
Must be proactive with good organizational skills and a good team player
Experience documenting process and procedure is an asset
Experience with EasyWorship, VMix, PowerPoint is an asset
Experience as a volunteer in BSBC A/V ministries is an asset
Strong technical skills and familiarity with using A/V equipment are an asset
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Schedule Tech Team Members (sound techs, camera operators, visual operators, Facebook Live moderators, video producers) for regular and special events
Schedule of Sundays task list with the Pastors in four-month segments, with the new schedule due by the first day of the fourth month
Recruit, coordinate, and train volunteers
Provide audio/visual services as required
Communicate regularly with the Technical Director to share any issues, requirements, or ideas related to the current equipment or processes for church AV/IT ministries
Meet periodically with the AV/IT Working Group in order to verify ideas and discuss appropriate solutions. The member of the AV/IT Support Committee from the Board of Management will bring forward recommendations to the Board of Management on behalf of the members of the AV/IT Support Committee
Be on site at 9 am on Sunday mornings to ensure all appropriate AV/IT equipment is working properly to facilitate all church functions (i.e. church gym, sanctuary and Kidztown).
Be available to assist the Chinese service on the third floor as required
POSITION ACCOUNTABILITY
The Audio/Visual Ministries Coordinator is responsible to the Board of Management through the Lead Pastor.
TERMS OF THE POSITION
This is a one-year contract position. Remuneration for the position is $5,460 based on a rate of $17.50 per hour for 6 hours a week. The number of hours per week may vary pending a review after 6 months. Four vacation Sundays are included with this position (arranged beforehand with the Technical Director). Termination of the contract by either party requires 30 days written notice.
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 March 31, 2021.
13. Your Library is Open
Your librarians invite you to visit the library the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10 a.m. until noon. Come and engage with our huge collection of books – there’s something for everyone!
14. Two Community Notices
Chicken Breast Takeout Dinner
Gibson Memorial United Church will be hosting a Chicken Breast TAKEOUT Dinner on April 14. $15.00 adult. Delivery is available. Please call 457-1951 to order your dinner and to schedule a pickup/delivery time.
Church Office Administrator
Wilmot United Church in downtown Fredericton is accepting applications for a 30–35 hour/week Church/Office Administrator beginning May 3, 2021 (flexible). Please direct inquiries or Cover Letter & Resume to the Chair of Ministry & Personnel Committee, Judy Coates, wilmotuc@nb.sympatico.ca (cc:judycoates@rogers.com).
Job Description can be emailed upon request. Review of Applications will begin March 29, 2021.
15. How to Register for In-Person Services
Since we are back to ‘normal’ for Sunday service attendance, we appreciate you embracing our new reservation system which offers a much less labour intensive process for administrative staff and pastors.
So, we really do appreciate your engagement with it.
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to make your weekly reservation. However, if this proves too much of a challenge, please simply call the church office by Friday and our admin staff will make the reservation for you.
16. Facebook Prayer Time
One of the greatest benefits of being adopted into God's family is to count on brothers and sisters to cheer us on and to support us in many ways. One of these ways is definitely through prayer. Indeed, praying for one another is a tremendous opportunity to express our compassion and our ‘brotherly’ love as we turn our eyes on God, our Father in Heaven, that knows all about us and holds infinite power in His Hands.
Each evening at 7 p.m., and until Saturday April 3, you are invited to join a 20-minute time of prayer, live on the church Facebook page. Tune in to share a praise item and/or a prayer request and most importantly to pause and hang out with God, in prayer. You will certainly be uplifted as verses and insights about Lent and Easter will be shared. Make sure to include us to your evening schedule!
You do not need a Facebook account to take part
Finally, note that you do not need to have a Facebook account to engage. Simply click this link and there you will find the LIVE prayer time.
Pastor Charles
This Week at BSBC: March 24-31
Wednesday, March 24
10:00 Library Open
10:00 Great Canadian Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly)
12:00 Prayer Time with Pastor Charles (Sanctuary/Facebook Live)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
6:30 Micah 6:8 Bible Study with Pastor Greg (Zoom) Last Evening
6:30 Youth Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly/Zoom)
7:00 Prayer Ministry for Lent (Facebook Live)
Thursday, March 25
9:30 New Life (3rd Floor Board Room)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study with Carol Bray (Family Room)
1:30 Small Group Bible Study with Mary McMulkin (3rd Floor Boardroom)
7:00 Chinese Hymn Practice (3rd Floor Assembly)
7:00 Prayer Ministry for Lent (Facebook Live)
Friday, March 26
7:00 Youth Group (Various)
7:00 Prayer Ministry for Lent (Facebook Live)
Saturday, March 27
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
7:00 Prayer Ministry for Lent (Facebook Live)
Sunday, March 28
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary/thestreetonline.ca)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym/Facebook Live)
10:30 Youth Greenhouse Service (3rd Floor Assembly/Zoom)
12:00 Young Adult Lunch (Gym)
2:00 Chinese Worship Service (Gym)
6:30 Palm Sunday Worship Concert (Sanctuary)
7:00 Prayer Ministry for Lent (Facebook Live)
Monday, March 29
10:30 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Family Room)
12:00 Full Staff Meeting (Family Room)
7:00 Chinese Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly)
7:00 Prayer Ministry for Lent (Facebook Live)
Tuesday, March 30
8:30 Solid Rock Café (3rd Floor Assembly)
1:00 CVITP (Gym)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
6:30 Bible Study with Pastor Steve (Zoom)
6:30 DivorceCare (3rd Floor)
7:00 Prayer Ministry for Lent (Facebook Live)
Wednesday, March 31
12:00 Prayer Time with Pastor Charles (Sanctuary/Facebook Live)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
6:30 Youth Bible Study with Pastor Charles (3rd Floor Assembly/Zoom)
7:00 Prayer Ministry for Lent (Facebook Live)
