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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 May 18 to 25.
Invitations from Your Social Action Team
The Polyachenkos Offer Ways to Support Ukraine
Spring Business Meeting: Thursday, June 2, 7 p.m.
Sponsoring Children to Attend Green Hill Lake Camp
Bereavement
Keys to Our Exterior Doors Changed to Fobs
Summer Office Hours
Financial Stewardship to the End of April
Children’s Half-Day Summer Camp
NextGen Ministries @ BSBC (Opportunities for Children & Youth)
Last Sunday to Help Village of Hope
Upcoming Memorial Service
Sunday Morning: May 22
Upcoming Community Events: “Better Together”
This Week @ BSBC
1. Invitations from Your Social Action Team
Could you provide a meal?
Through a phone call, Charles Millette discovered a need in our community. We’ll let him tell you about it.
Hello dear family!
Over the past couple of weeks, I have gotten to know a couple from Fredericton who are courageously navigating a storm for 3 years now, caused by a degenerative illness that affects the wife. Out of love and tender care for his dear spouse, Richard, the husband, has kept her in their home and together they are reaping the benefits of his decision as she was initially given 6 months to live. With the help of some workers, they provide care 24/7, which ultimately falls on Richard's lap to coordinate and lead the way. Needless to say, it is a heavy burden to carry, yet he is encouraged by the whole situation and wouldn't trade it for anything.
You might be asking: "What can BSBC do for them?" Let me give you a simple answer to this question: providing comfort through home-cooked meals! Together as a church, for the next 6 weeks, we have an opportunity to offer respite and love to a brave man in Jesus’ name.
Anyone wishing to participate is invited to sign up by clicking the link below. You may also contact the church office at 458-8348 to have your information added to the schedule. Please note there is a dietary restriction of no hazelnuts. Meals will be for Richard only as he prepares specific items for his wife. Food can be delivered directly to the couple's home (address to be provided following sign-up).
Thank you for considering this way to be a blessing. This would involve cooking another “good” portion of whatever you are having so that there might be enough for a dinner and leftovers for the next day. You can take it to Richard (or we can deliver it for you). We’ll be booking two weeks at a time.
Come share your heart for ministry to the homeless
Your Social Action Team is inviting all those who have a heart for Street Level Ministry to join the conversation about what our church can be doing in our community. We will be offering a time of coffee, muffins and discussion on two dates:
Sunday, May 29, after church
Wednesday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m.
Join us to share your ideas about how we can reach out to those in need, and how you might like to be involved. There is a part for everyone to play in this ministry! Watch for more details in upcoming newsletters and Sunday services.
Raising support for our refugee family
Dear BSBC family,
Your Social Action Team thanks you for your ongoing support for the initiatives that we brought forward at our Annual Business Meeting, including the sponsorship of another refugee family. We would like to provide you with an update on the progress of the refugee funding for the family that we expect to submit the sponsorship application for in 2023. As a reminder, this family of six are originally from Syria and currently living as refugees in Lebanon. Rachel Nesbitt, a member of our congregation has befriended their relatives here in Fredericton which is how we connected with them.
We are pleased to share that since January over $1,450 has been generously given to the Refugee Fund. There was a correction to the balance of money available following our previous newsletter article, which means that currently our balance stands at $8,005 available in the refugee fund. The correction was required when the balances were more closely examined, and it was recognized that we were holding funds in our Refugee Fund for a previously approved co-sponsorship from several years ago. The reserve funds were supplied by the co-sponsor, but due to COVID and other delays, that refugee couple have not yet had their application approved to come to Fredericton. The treasurer has now moved these designated funds to their own account to avoid future confusion with the Refugee Fund for this family of six. We encourage you, as able, to make a regular contribution to support this family of six by designating your gift “Refugee Fund” or “Refugees”.
We will look forward to continuing to share updates on the Refugee Fund and our sponsorship progress in the coming months. If you have any questions about this, please contact Martina Verboom at adrianandmartina@gmail.com.
Thank you!
2. The Polyachenkos Offer Ways to Support Ukraine
I contacted Sergiy and Julia to ask for an update on their family in Ukraine and for ways we might support the work they're doing for their homeland. Please consider ways you can support Julia and Sergiy in their efforts. Simply click the “I’m Interested” link below and provide your information for Sergiy and Julia to contact you.
In Partnership,
Pastor Greg
Family update
My parents and Julia’s mom are home now, yet the situation is worrying. My dad tries to keep his car full of gas, which is not always possible due to the gas shortages, and we are monitoring the situation to the best of our abilities. My brother is staying in Ternopil with his in-laws for now as the situation remains explosive. My sister-in-law actually got her application to come to Canada approved and she sent her passport today to the Visa Application Center in Helsinki to stick the visa to her passport. We are looking forward to welcoming her here. Her mom also applied and got approved, but I am not sure if she wants to come. Our parents decided to stay in Ukraine for now.
Ways to Help
Prayer
Please continue to pray, each day, for peace to come to Ukraine and God’s will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven” for every nation.
Housing
We have several places lined up to house immigrants from Ukraine, including three from people from our congregation. But we need more! Here is the form to be sent to those who are interested.
We are in need of safe and decent accommodation for the Ukrainian people to stay for the period between 2 and 12 months and we expect that those would be offered at no cost. Of course, we are budgeting to offset some utility bills, especially during the winter months. But for the rest of it, we believe that we can find enough people who have the heart and the ability to provide a gift of housing.
Financial gifts
We are looking to bring 15-18 families to Fredericton and our rough estimate shows that we need approximately $10,000/family to cover all associated costs. Every situation is different and different families require different levels of support, but $10K is the number on average. As of today, we have raised about $17K — including a $10K donation from Journey Church.
Julia and I are learning from Pastor Scott to trust in God that he will provide (that guy keeps saying we shouldn't worry at all, our Lord has the plan😎), but as a trained economist I am little worried. We are working hard to raise funds for that cause and if our Church family could step in and provide a little help, it would be great. (Designate your gift, “Local Ukraine Support” and we’ll get the gifts to this local fund.)
Volunteers
This is the biggest one! We have several directions where the help of volunteers is needed.
The first group focuses on immigration professionals. Quite a large share of people that we are working with require some degree of immigration assistance (filing applications, paperwork etc.). So, if we have people with that type of talent who are willing to help, they would be an enormous help.
The second group is people with a vehicle. Most of our families either have no driver's license and/or will not be able to afford to buy a vehicle right away. So, they will need friends! Volunteers in this group will also become the first Canadian friends to these families.
The third group is people who have organizational talents and could help with organizing fundraisers. We already have a small group of like-minded Ukrainians, but we need more! We will be willing to cooperate and bring Ukrainians on board to give it Ukrainian 'flavor', but we could definitely use some help organizing fundraisers.
The fourth group we call friends. These are the people who provide their friendship: i.e. taking them out for a ride, inviting them to their homes for a meal, you name it! Honestly, this is the most exciting group I believe 😊.
The fifth group is childcare. Not sure how exactly this is going to work, but most of our families are moms with small kids and they will not be able to afford traditional childcare. So maybe we could come up with some ideas and a group of volunteers who would be willing and able to look after kids from time to time while moms are at interviews, appointments, etc.
Another opportunity
We expect that we will need to go and pick up most of our families from the airport in Halifax. Although I have a 7-seater van, it will need quite a bit of prayer for going there and coming back without breaking up somewhere in between 😂. So maybe someone would loan such a vehicle to us or come along.
3. Spring Business Meeting
Our Church Moderator, Calvin Smith, is calling for the church family to gather for the Spring Business Meeting on Thursday, June 2, at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary (or on Zoom).
There will be presentations from your Boards of Deacons and Management, Social Action Team, pastors. The Accountant Reviewed Financial Statements for 2022 — which require congregational approval — will also be presented. Copies of the Reviewed Financial Statements for 2021 will be available one week in advance by contacting the church office.
Thank you for registering in advance to help us ensure a quorum or to receive the Zoom link for the meeting.
And thank you for making the Spring Business Meeting part of your early June.
4. Sponsoring Children to Attend Green Hill Lake Camp
Each year, we have the privilege of raising funds to facilitate children having a summer Christian camping experience at Green Hill Lake Camp. The costs for a week of camp have, like everything else, increased. The price is approximately $500 per week. Many families find it impossible to afford such an experience for their children.
This year, the children we seek to sponsor come from our New Life Ministry, which provides spiritual support for moms living in challenging situations. In addition, there are children connected with the BSBC family who are seeking support. At this point, our goal for 2022 is $2,500. If you can partner with us in this way, please mark your gift “GHLC Sponsorship.” We’ll keep you posted on the giving to the fund.
If you know of a family seeking sponsorship, please contact Pastor Greg at greg@bsbc.nb.ca, and we’ll consider each request.
Pastor Greg
5. Bereavement
Our love and condolences to Don Wilson on the passing of his wife, Doreen Wilson, in the early hours of Tuesday, May 17, at the York Care Center. Doreen loved her Lord and was looking forward to being with him, as she shared just days before her passing.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of York Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the Funeral Home on Friday, May 20, with the service being at BSBC on Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m. We certainly include Doreen’s beloved children, Kim and Chris and their families in our prayers.
6. Keys To Our Facility
Your Board of Management has upgraded our building security with a new “key-fob” system. Exterior door keys will no longer unlock the (1) gym kitchen door, (2) the gym foyer door or (3) the Connections Centre doors. The key that would unlock 1 and 2 will still open the Barnabas Center.
This electronic entrance system will allow us to monitor building use as each ‘fob’ has a unique code for each owner. If you need your exterior door key replaced with a ‘fob’ please contact the church office and your request will be passed on to the Board of Management and you will be contacted.
7. Summer Office Hours
From Tuesday, May 24, through the Tuesday after Labour Day, the church office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (instead of the usual 5 p.m.) This change in office hours helps facilitate vacation time for our administrative staff. Thank you for noting this change.
8. The Stewardship Report To The End of April
Thank you for your giving to ministry at Brunswick Street Baptist Church. Below you will find the record of giving for the first four months of 2022. We are behind from this time last year and so would appreciate your consideration of giving in the months ahead.
Financial Report
General Building
Received to Apr 30 $256,228 $33,172
Required to Apr 30 $307,168 $45,000
Surplus/(Shortfall) ($50,940) ($11,828)
Last Year to Apr 30 $276,581 $44,956
9. 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 making a commitment.
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
10. NextGen Ministry at BSBC
We have some great events coming up for our children and youth!
Children’s Events At BSBC
Brunswick Street Baptist Church Half-Day Summer Camp — July 4 to 8
This summer, the week of July 4 to 8, 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.
If you would like to volunteer for this half-day camp you can Register Here!
If you would like further information please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca! We would love for people of all ages to come and serve our children in this wonderful opportunity!
Youth Events This Week at BSBC
Bible Study: Wednesday, May 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Tonight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. youth are welcome to come out, as Kari Dunfield leads our youth Bible study!
Youth Group: Friday, May 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Real-Life Hungry Hippos Night. Youth are encouraged to come out and bring a friend to join together for a time of fellowship and connection!
Coming up
Greenhouse Service – May 29
We have our Greenhouse service at 10:30 a.m. in the Barnabas Centre on May 29! Mark your calendars. This is a service run by youth grades 6 through 12, for youth grades 6 through 12. It is a wonderful time of fellowship, community, and worship alongside one another! All are welcome to this event! If you have any questions, please email pastor Nikki (nikki@bsbc.nb.ca).
One Con — June 4
Youth are invited to go to our upcoming youth conference! Youth will not want to miss out on this awesome opportunity to come together with so many other churches! If your youth would like to be a part of this, please email Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca. The event is from 1 to 4 p.m., and it will be located in Moncton! Youth must register by Friday, May 20. If you would like more information, please reach out to pastor Nikki, and if you would like to be a volunteer driver for this event, please also reach out to Pastor Nikki!
Graduation Recognition
If you have a high schooler in your family and would like them to be recognized as a graduate, please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca! Please include (1) their name, (2) the high school they graduated from, and (3) what they are planning on doing after high school, if applicable! Please send in the names of our grads as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly!
11. Helping Village of Hope
This Sunday, May 22 will be the last Sunday to donate items to support Village of Hope. Thanks to all who have given and will give!
Helpful items (new or gently used) include:
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Rubber gloves for cleaning
Gardening gloves (men and women)
Food prep gloves
Aprons
Dish clothes and towels
Bath towels
Thank you for caring in this way!
12. Upcoming Memorial Service
The final Memorial Service for the month of May will be held on Saturday, May 28, at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary. This will be the memorial service for the Late Marie Roberts. Reception to follow.
13. Sunday Morning: May 22
“Worship is an act of war against the enemy of our hearts.” — Holley Gerth
Online or in person, we hope you’ll connect with us this week!
In the sanctuary, Dr. Keith will offer the second installment of his three-week mini-series in Revelation. This week: “Route 66, Part 2: The Letters” based on Revelation, chapters 2 and 3. He offers: Last week as we studied the opening chapter of Revelation, but did not see what might have been expected. Instead of strange monsters or even stranger theories about the end of the world, we were instead privileged to behold a stunning vision of the risen Lord Jesus. As we recall, the author John was incarcerated on an island prison fortress, but a visitor breaks into the prison to bring him a message for seven churches in western Asia Minor, under pressure and living in the shadow of the Empire. This week we turn to those letters, where we discover a fascinating pattern: each church receives a particular challenge to improve, but also a startling promise and encouragement to persevere. For example, the first letter is addressed to the believers in Ephesus, a huge city and the ancient equivalent of New York or Toronto.
With its wide roads, optimal location, and considerable wealth, the temptation to self-sufficiency is particularly acute in Ephesus, and so this church is challenged to return to their “first love” and not grow weary. If they can overcome, there awaits a promise of the tree of life in the very paradise of God. As we read a selection of these letters, we will emphasize the themes of endurance and honor, as a crown of life awaits all those who trust the Lord and finish the race of life with faithfulness.
In the gym, Pastor Ross will continue our series on Ephesians, taking us through the middle portion of Ephesians, chapter 5. Do you consider yourself a “wise-guy” or “wise-gal”? Well, for believers, there’s the expectation of wise living and Pastor Ross will, no doubt, put a melody in your heart! Explore your identity in Christ…and live into it!
In the gym, Greg Keezer and Mark McAllister will be leading worship. In the sanctuary, one of our ensembles will be singing, as well as soloist, Chris Graves.
14. Upcoming Community Events
15. This Week at BSBC: May 18 to 25
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre.
Wednesday, May 18
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 Committal Service for Reida Woodside (Community Cemetery, Woodstock Rd at Hanwell)
1:30 Reception for Ladies Bible Study Group (Family Room, FLC)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary and Choir Room)
6:30 BSBC Choir – Rebuild Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
6:30 Scouts Event – Cub Car Race (Gym)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Family Room, Online And In Person)
Thursday, May 19
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
9:30 New Life (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Cancelled - Ladies Bible Study (Carol Bray) (Family Room, FLC)
1:30 Small Group Bible Study (Mary McMulkin) (3rd Floor Conference Room, FLC)
6:00 L’Arche Group Event (3rd Floor Assembly, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room)
Friday, May 20
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center And KidzTown)
7:00 Youth Group (Gym)
Saturday, May 21
9:00 Gym Set-Up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
2:00 90th Birthday Open House for Corey Hudson (3rd Floor Assembly Area, Café)
Sunday, May 22
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 (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)
7:00 High School Youth Group (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Monday, May 23
Offices Closed – Victoria Day Holiday
6:00 Music Recital (D. Steeves, Sanctuary)
7:00 BoD Meeting (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Tuesday, May 24
10:00 Library Open
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
12:00 Men’s Basketball
1:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
2:15 Full Staff Meeting
7:00 Fresh Start (Gym/3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
7:00 “Walking With Jesus” Bible Study with Daniel Savard (Zoom)
Wednesday, May 25
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary and Choir Room)
6:30 BSBC Choir – Rebuild Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Family Room, FLC)
