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Experience the love of Jesus. Live it out everywhere.
Making a submission to our weekly newsletter?
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 May 10 to 17.
Mums for Mom
Sending Children to Green Hill Lake Camp
Parsley Sale for Green Hill Lake Camp
Grad Recognition
Sabbatical for Pastor Greg Geldart
Financial Report
Summer Office Hours
Dinner and a Show!
NEW: Child & Youth Worker Summer Intern
Memories! A Photo Collection of Children Who Are Now Adults
Thank You!
Senior’s Luncheon
Myths & Questions About Homelessness (Shared by your SAT)
Photos From Your Library
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
NextGen Ministry @ BSBC (Children/Youth)
Bereavement
Community Opportunities
This Week @ BSBC
1. Mums for Mom
Flower Donations for Mother’s Day Morning
We invite you to help us celebrate Mother’s Day by placing a mum plant in memory or in honour of a mother you love. You can contact the church office OR use the link below. Please be sure, when remitting your $20/plant, to identify your gift “Mums for Mom” so that your donation will be credited to the correct account. Thank you.
The deadline for donations is Thursday, May 11. These will be acknowledged in the pre-service slide shows on Mother’s Day, Sunday morning, May 14, and then, in this newsletter on Wednesday, May 17.
2. Sending Children to 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”. We’ll be sure to update you on our financial progress as the weeks go on. Thank you for considering this opportunity.
3. Parsley For Sale For GHLC
Carol Bray will be hosting her annual parsley sale in the church parking lot after services on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14. The cost for each parsley plant is $2.00 and all proceeds will be given to Green Hill Lake Camp.
4. Grad Recognition
Each year, as a church family, we want to celebrate the accomplishments of our recent grads. If you know of a graduate from High School, University/College, technical school, etc. we’d be grateful if you would submit (1) the name, (2) accomplishment (i.e. Bachelor of Science, LHHS Grad, etc.) and if possible, (3) a photo for our newsletter, we would be grateful.
Please be sure to secure the permission of the individual for this submission to take place.
We’d appreciate hearing by Monday, June 5. We plan to honour High School grads in our services on June 4. Please send your information to bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca.
5. Sabbatical for Pastor Greg
In February 2023, Dr. Cheryl Ann Beals, Director of the Sozo Center for Soul Care within our own Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada was engaged by the Board of Deacons to consider how the church can best support our Pastors. As our world becomes increasingly complicated and wounded, the role of Pastors grows in level of complexity. We want to ensure that we are providing all our Pastors with the best support possible.
On March 27, the Board of Deacons approved a time of leave for our Lead Pastor, Greg Geldart. This will begin on May 15, 2023 until August 15, 2023. The first two months will be paid Sabbatical leave and the last month will see Pastor Greg using his vacation time.
What is a Sabbatical? The word is derived from the word Sabbath and it means an extended time away from work. The purpose of a Sabbatical can be varied but it is most often given to afford the opportunity to pursue learning, increase personal and professional development, and enhance overall wellness.
During his 3-month leave, Pastor Greg will be engaged in an intentional process that includes structured activities to cultivate personal spiritual renewal and support overall wellness. Unlike previous times, Pastor Greg will not be called on to engage in church ministry while on leave. Work is being done now to ensure that our other Pastors and staff will be well supported during his absence. We recognize that the well-being of all our leaders is vital to the well-being of our church.
The Board of Deacons asks that you join us in praying for Pastor Greg and Margaret during this time of formation and for all our Pastors and their families as they faithfully serve in ministry.
Denise Mersereau, Chair
Board of Deacons
Pastor Greg writes, “It has been an exciting time to learn how other pastors in our denomination are being supported through the work of the department of Clergy Wellness and Formation. I’ve been able to talk with other pastors who have shared how these initiatives have benefited them and their churches. It’s also good to know that once this introductory work is done, there are other avenues available that begin in the fall, designed to be engaged while carrying out ministry. In the past, the congregation has gifted me with extended time off for which Margaret and I continue to be grateful. This ‘sabbatical’ is different in that there are specific structured opportunities focused on personal spiritual enrichment. I anticipate that the results will be like someone with anemia receiving a blood transfusion.”
6. Financial Report
Here is a four-month giving update to the end of April 2023:
General Building
Received to April 30 $294,373 $32,521
Required to April 30 $321,000 $45,000
Surplus/(Shortfall) ($26,627) ($12,479)
Last Year to April 30 $256,228 $33,172
Thank you for your faithful giving!
7. Summer Office Hours
Summer is coming! From Tuesday, May 23, through to Friday, Sept. 1, the church office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This change in the open office hours helps facilitate vacation time for our administrative staff.
Thank you for noting this change.
8. “Dinner And A Show” For Tidal Impact
If there’s one thing we know about the people of BSBC, it’s that they LOVE our children and youth. And so, we want you to know about a way you can “love” our youth who will be part of the TIDAL IMPACT team serving Jesus in Saint John in July.
“Dinner and a Show” is going to be blast. A great dinner. And great entertainment as our own youth will share their talents! Believe us…you will be impressed and full of joy!
This fundraiser to help cover the team’s expenses for their time in Saint John will provide you, that night, with an opportunity to make a financial donation for which you will be receipted. We’re asking you to purchase a ticket for $10/person so that these monies will cover the cost of the food.
Tickets can be purchased from the church office during the week or from the Connections Center, after the services, starting on Sunday, May 14.
“Dinner and a Show” takes place on Saturday, May 27 starting at 5:30 p.m.
9. Child & Youth Worker Summer Intern Opportunity
This summer we have been blessed with an additional grant for a second summer student working for 8 weeks, 30 hours/week at $14.75/hour. The government stipulations for this position require the successful applicant to be a member of a visible minority and returning to education in the fall (high school/post-secondary). The scope of the work will include working in children and youth ministry both inside and outside the church (including each Sunday morning), some administrative office assistance and working closely with Pastor Nikki in providing ministry to the broader church family. The position starts on June 19 and runs to August 11, 2023.
For questions or to apply, please contact Pastor Nikki (nikki@bsbc.nb.ca).
Application includes a letter explaining (1) why you are interested in the position, (2) the skills you possess that you believe would be helpful in this position and (3) a brief comment on your experience of church life. Applications are required by Friday, May 19. Interviews will be arranged after May 19. Thank you, church family, for praying for the provision of this additional part of our summer ministry team.
Child & Youth Worker Summer Intern
Position Outline
The Child & Youth Worker Summer Intern will assist and support the Next Generation Pastor and Children/Youth Coordinators at Brunswick Street Baptist Church. The ideal candidate would be a team player, communicate well, be able to understand and use digital systems and display leadership skills.
Position Responsibilities
Assist the Next Generation Pastor and Children/Youth Coordinators with Half-Day Summer Camp
Participate in Local Mission Week
Participate and Assist in Leading Weekly Programming for the NextGen Community
Develop Programs and Events During the Summer
Assist in Preparation for Fall Programming
Assist in Overseeing Administrative Tasks for Summer Youth Missions Trip
Proficient in Social Media Use and Computer Software
Position Accountability
The Child & Youth Worker Summer Intern is responsible to the Brunswick Street Baptist Church Board of Deacons through the Education Committee with direct responsibility to the Next Generation Pastor.
Position Time Allotment & Wage
This internship is made possible through Employment and Social Development Canada. Requirements for the applicant include:
(a) must be a visible minority
(b) is between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
(c) is a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act [S.C. 2001, c. 27]*; and
(d) is legally entitled to work in New Brunswick
Remuneration for this position is for $14.75 per hour for 8 weeks. Start date is June 19, 2023. There are no other benefits associated with this position. Termination of the contract by either party requires 30 days written notice.
How To Apply
Please email your resume along with a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position to Pastor Nikki Leftley at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca. Application deadline is May 12, 2023. Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.
For more information, please contact Pastor Nikki Leftley by email (nikki@bsbc.nb.ca) or telephone (506-458-8348).
10. Memories: A Photo Collection Of Children Who Are Now Adults
BSBC has been given a wonderful historical collection of photos of infants and toddlers from the mid-80s on. The gift comes to us from Paul Gosselin and the collection is the work of his wife, the Late Sharon Gosselin, who, during her time of ministry in the nursery collected photos of many, many, many nursery children who now, in many cases, have their own children who are older than the pictorial record of their grandparents. What is clear – Sharon loved “her kids” and their parents. This is certainly a labour of love.
We invite you to view the album on Sunday mornings. You can find the album on the table in the “link” on the first floor. This is the area between the Connection Center and the Family Life Center.
Some of the family names continued therein:
Best, Brayley, Clark, Coughey, Reimer, Kierstead, Daneff, DeMerchant, Duguid, Farkas, Gossman, Hansen, Kaye, Lutes, McGinley, McMath, Moore, Paige, Poulin, Savard, Simpson, Smith, Steeves, Sypher, Thorne, VanSlyke, Wightman, Wilson
11. Thank You!
On behalf of the local Syrian refugee family anticipating a new baby, Rachel Nesbitt and your Social Action Team would like to thank all those who gave gifts and donations for their baby girl arriving in June.
Thank-you for blessing others in our community.
12. Senior’s Luncheon
Our May Senior’s Luncheon happens on Monday, May 15 at noon in the gym.
Come for a delicious lunch and an entertaining program led by Barb Touchie featuring a game entitled “What Do You Know” and one called “Who Do You Think You Are?”. That’s all we’re telling you. No studying necessary! Deacon Cheryl Gibson will your devotional speaker.
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!
13. Myths & Questions About Homelessness (Shared By Your Social Action Team)
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: People choose to be homeless.
Fact: A variety of different factors can contribute to an individual’s experience of homelessness. Often, people experience homelessness when all other options have been exhausted, and/or they are dealing with circumstances that make it difficult to maintain housing. Some of the obstacles that may lead people to their experiences of homelessness include:
Eviction
The affordable housing crisis
Coping with mental illnesses or addictions, which makes it difficult to maintain independent housing
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.
14 Library Books
Your church library has some books for the first-time mom or moms with experience on Mother’s Day.
We also have some books to keep the little ones occupied for a few minutes on Mother’s Day.
15. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The gym worship service will be under the musical leadership of Jon Wilton and friends. In the sanctuary, the service will feature musical leadership by the Sanctuary Choir assisted by a children’s ensemble and soloist Pastor Greg.
Pastor Greg will be preaching in both services. On this last Sunday with us before his sabbatical and vacation, he’ll be inviting us to consider the strength of the “pulse” of our spiritual lives. Are we going through the motions or invigorated by the happenings in our lives in these days?
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning. Both services start at 10:30 a.m.
16. NextGen Ministry
Volunteers Needed for Half Day Summer Camp
Half Day Summer Camp is back this Summer July 3–7 from 9 a.m. to noon! If you wish to volunteer for this in any capacity, please register here, and let us know what your interest would be in serving. There are many ways for you to serve, kitchen hands, registration, group leader, bible teacher, games leader, craft leader, behind the scene leaders, etc. There is a place for you if you have a desire to work with our young population! Reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca if you have any questions our would like to sign up.
Children @ BSBC
Half-Day Summer Camp: July 3 – 7, 9 am – noon
Our 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 will open in mid-May. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Sunday School Open Session: Sunday, May 28, 9:30 am
On Sunday, May 28th at 9:30 am we will be hosting our Open Session for Sunday School. This is a time when all of our elementary students come together for Sunday school, and likewise all of our youth come together. This open session is mission focused. We look forward to our children and youth coming together for a time to talk about missions and breaking bread together.
Elementary (K – Grade 5) Scouting Boys: Wednesday, 6:30 pm
BSBC offers a scouting program for boys from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Outdoor adventures, fun activities, and community service projects are used to teach boys how to live the great commission, and to love God and our neighbours. Meetings are held weekly in the church gym on Wednesday evenings for those in kindergarten to Grade 5. For more information, please contact the church office at 458-8348 or bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca.
Youth @ BSBC
Youth Bible Study: Field Trip to Journey Church, 6:00 pm Tonight Only!
We invite our youth to come out tonight at 6:00 pm to join us as we meet to go as a Youth Group to Journey Church to join them for a Youth/Young Adult Worship night. All are welcome, even if you have not been previously. Join Kari Dunfield and Pastor Nikki. Our regular Youth Bible Study will continue next Wednesday.
Youth Group: Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Youth are welcome and encouraged to come out Friday for a fun evening of friends, fellowship, and connection. Come with your friends ready to play games!
Tidal Impact Fundraising Dinner: Saturday, May 27, 5:30 pm
On Saturday, May 27th, our youth will be putting on a fundraising dinner and a show for Tidal Impact Fundraising. We ask that our youth think of how they can serve and showcase their talents. All youth are encouraged to help with this fundraiser, and to support their peers! The dinner is $10 per ticket. Donations going towards Tidal Impact will be accepted on top of this. Receipts will be given for donations that do not include ticket prices.
Greenhouse Service: Sunday, May 28, 10:30 am
May 28 will be our last Greenhouse Service for the summer. All youth grades 6 – 12 are welcomed and encouraged to join us on May 28 at 10:30 am in the Barnabas Center. If your youth would like to help out with this service by leading a portion of it, please contact Pastor Nikki as soon as possible.
One Conference: Friday, June 2 – Saturday, June 3
The One Conference is back this year in Moncton from 5 pm June 2nd to 5:30 pm June 3rd. Youth will not want to miss out on this awesome opportunity to come together with so many other churches. The cost for this event is now $90.00. The deadline for youth to register was May 1st, however if you still wish to register, please reach out to Pastor Nikki as soon as possible. If you have any questions or if cost is an issue, please email nikki@bsbc.nb.ca. BE A VOLUNTEER DRIVER – if you would like to be a volunteer driver for this event, please reach out to Pastor Nikki!
High School Youth This Sunday 7 – 9 pm
High School youth are invited to join us this Sunday at 7:00 pm for an evening of fun, friends, and fellowship. High School friends Grades 9-12 are always welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca. Hope to see you on the third floor then!
17. Bereavement
Please be in prayer for Ob Abernethy and family on the passing of his wife, Wilza, on Monday, April 24 at Neill Hall, Fredericton.
Married to Ob for 68 years, their love and commitment to each other was truly one of a kind. They built a loving home and raised their 3 children there. Those who knew her, knew they were her greatest joy. She loved visits and phone calls from her sisters and friends and her door was always open for her adoring grandchildren. Wilza was a member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church for many years. Her kind and warm spirit lit up a room and continues to shine through those who loved her.
In addition to her husband, Wilza is survived by her children, Trudy Abernethy (Bernie), Shelly Abernethy, and Brian Abernethy (Janet) of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Ashley Erb (Mike), Alana Kalinowski (Richard), Jennifer Stewart (Kevin), Mitchell Kalinowski, Joshua Abernethy, Paige Abernethy, and Lucas Abernethy; sisters, Shirley Estey, Lou Cummings, Donna Kupkee (Bob), and Darlene Hughson (Allan); brother-in-law, Don Swain; and several nieces and nephews.
At Wilza's request there will be no visitation or funeral service. To read the full obituary visit the York Funeral Home website.
18. Community Events
Saint Andrew’s Spring Yard Sale
The congregation of Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church invite you to visit their Spring Yard Sale which will be held on Friday, May 12, 2-7 pm and Saturday, May 13, 8 am until noon. The church is located at 512 Charlotte Street. Masking is appreciated.
Music Night
Come and join the worship team from St. Luke’s Protestant Chapel, Base Gagetown (including your pastor who had been a long-time member) as we present an evening of music and relaxation. Come prepared to sing and join us in worship and praise. We look forward to seeing you there. Please invite your friends. You are invited to bring a toonie or greater as you feel led (Homeless Shelter), and a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank. It is Spring, so let’s all sing! Sunday, May 14, 6 pm.
Kiwanis Youth Choir
The Fredericton Kiwanis Youth Choir under the direction of Ross Simonds will present its spring concert, "Songs of Gladness: Singing in Spring," on Wednesday, May 17th, at 7 pm at Grace Memorial Baptist Church.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and $25 for a family, and can be purchased from choir members, at ScandiModern (61 Carleton Street), or on Eventbrite.
Come celebrate with us!
19. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre
Wednesday, May 10
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:30 Fredericton Pastors Prayer Meeting (Barnabas Center)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:30 Community Potluck Supper (Gym)
6:00 Youth Choir/Greenhouse Band (Barnabas Center)
6:00 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room)
6:30 Scouting Boys Group (K-Gr 5) (Gym/Fellowship Hall)
8:00 Youth Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
Thursday, May 11
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Gym, Main Kitchen)
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
9:00 New Life Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
9:00 Days For Girls (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (CB) (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:30 Gospel of John Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
4:00 Personnel Committee (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
4:30 Nominating Committee (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
6:00 L’Arche/Opal Drop-In (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:00 L’Arche/Rhapsody Gymnastics (Gym)
6:30 Armour of God Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Barnabas Center/Choir Room)
Friday, May 12
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC & Gym & Fellowship Hall, Gym Building)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center and KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
Saturday, May 13
9:00 Gym Set-up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, May 14
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:20 Sunday Morning Prayer (Counselling Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 Sunday School For All Ages (Family Life Center)
9:30 Portraits of Jesus (Under The Sea Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
10:15 KidzTown & Preschool Classes (2nd & 1st Floor, FLC)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Service (Sanctuary)
1:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 High School Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Monday, May 15
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Senior’s Luncheon (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Sister Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
7:00 Board of Management (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
Tuesday, May 16
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Library Open (Connections Center)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
2:15 Full Staff Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:00 Sports Friends (Wilmot Park)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adult Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fredericton Music Festival (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, May 17
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:30 Community Potluck Supper (Gym)
6:00 Youth Choir/Greenhouse Band (Barnabas Center)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room)
8:00 Youth Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
