The Banner
Growing Faith, Friends & Families to Serve
In this issue:
1 – New Life Camp Funding Request
2 – Recovery Round Tables – Part 2
3 – Bereavements
4 – This Sunday’s Services
5 – Stewardship Report
6 – Introducing “Brunswick Street Cares!” Facebook Ministry
7 – Paid Summer Ministry Positions for Students
8 – News of the Millette Family and Summer Y/YA Ministry
9 – On Leave
10 – Celebrating Our University Grads – Last Opportunity
11 – Wednesday Library Openings
12 – This Week @ BSBC
1. New Life Camp Funding Request
The leaders of the New Life Ministry would like to thank the congregation for their very generous response to the request for grocery items to meet the needs of the ladies in the program. This was much appreciated.
We would also like to bring to the congregation a current need for financial assistance to send 4 children of ladies in the program to Green Hill Lake Camp this summer. Two of the children would like to attend a full week program while the other two children wish to attend a two- to three-day mini-camp program. Total cost of the children’s attendance would be in the vicinity of $2,100.
If you would like to help these children have the life changing experience of attending a Christian camp, please make a donation to BSBC and designate the funds to the “New Life Camp Ministry.”
In the weeks ahead we’ll keep you posted on how the fund is growing. All gifts are appreciated.
2. Recovery Roundtables: Part Two
Church family, we are about to launch the May portion of the Recovery Roundtable sessions to be led by our deacons. Some deacons are leading the discussion in a number of our small groups and the deacon’s listed below look forward to hosting open groups — anyone can join.
Here are the first two options for your consideration. To register for either, please click the button below.
Saturday, May 15, 10 am, Third Floor Assemble Area (Led by Deacon Charlie Ritchie)
Wednesday, May 19, 7 pm, ZOOM (Led by Deacon Mary Tingley)
Thursday, May 27, 7 pm, Third Floor Assembly Area (Led by Cheryl Gibson)
The Deacons will be holding a retreat in early June to consider the input from these sessions. We need your input as we plan for Fall 2021.
3. Praying for Those Experiencing Loss
Jesus promised comfort for those who mourn and so we claim this promise for two families in our congregation who have experienced loss.
Melissa Nason’s mom, Brenda Jane Nason, 68 years old, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Wednesday, May 12, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her obituary shares: Brenda was a member of the Catholic Church Women and a dedicated member of the Nackawic Comfort Quilters. She loved her family and enjoyed camping at Great Bear Campground. Brenda is survived by her husband, Robert Nason; three children, Jeff Nason, David Nason (Marsha) and Melissa Nason; two grandchildren, her father, Donald Lavigne (Lauza); and 8 siblings. Melissa would appreciate prayer for her, her Dad and all her family as they mourn her physical death, and celebrate her Eternal life in Jesus!
Diane Bannister’s mother, Greta May Rae, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Thursday, May 13. Her obituary shared: Greta was a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute (NBBI) and faithfully served the Lord at Kijabe, Kenya with the Africa Inland Mission for 38 years. She was known for her calm demeanor and her gift for hospitality. She served her Lord and Savior with joy and dedication for 88 years and has now earned her reward! Please pray for Greta’s family: her husband Glenden Rae; three children, David (Denni) Rae, Diane (Tim) Bannister and Donna (Neville) Gosman, 10 grandchildren, five great grandchildren.
4. This Sunday's Service
“That Sinking Feeling” (Matthew 14) - Dr. Keith Bodner
There is a famous image in Psalm 1 where the person who delights in God’s Word will be “like a tree,” firmly planted and able to withstand the worst kinds of inclement weather. This image is put to the test in Matthew 14, a portion of the gospel narrative where large crowds have gathered and witnessed sensational miracles. While Jesus prays in a solitary place, the boat carrying the disciples is tormented by the waves because the wind was against it.
This tempest sets the stage for the famous account of Jesus walking on the water, and also for Peter’s bold attempt to do likewise (despite his sinking!). We are invited to ask about the reasons for Peter’s experience here, and compare this to our own lives right now.
One of the great commentators makes the following remark: “Christ bid him come, not only that he might walk upon the water and so know Christ’s power, but that he might sink and so know his own weakness; for as he would encourage his faith, so he would check his [self-] confidence.” As we study this passage we will note some stunning points of application, and discover that the words are Jesus can literally be up-lifting even when we feel like we are sinking in the storms of life.
Worship leaders
In the sanctuary, musical leadership for the sanctuary will include David Steeves, Gloria Tranquilla, one of our wonderful vocal ensembles and soloist, Sandra McMullin. Juliane Moore will be the worship leader in the gym service.
5. Stewardship Report to the End of April
Financial Giving Update, Jan. 1 to April 30:
Current Yr Prev Year Budget
General $276,581 $294,524 $307,168
Building $44,955 $34,130 $45,000
Giving to the General Fund is below budget by $30,587, quite healthy for this time of year but approximately $18,000 behind giving to this point last year. Giving to the Building Fund is meeting our budget target, and is significantly greater than this point last year.
Ken Reimer, Treasurer
6. Introducing "Brunswick Street Cares!" Facebook Ministry
Brunswick Street Cares!
Life is meant to be shared and we are excited to introduce a new way to experience prayer and fellowship together! Last Sunday evening, May 9 at 8 p.m., we hosted our first "Brunswick Street Cares!" gathering through Facebook Live.
Much like the Lenten series, you are invited to 'gather' from the comfort of your home for a half hour of sharing, giving thanks to God, lifting one another in prayer and praying for the needs around us. It is our goal to offer "Brunswick Street Cares!" on Sunday and Wednesday evenings.
Your prayers are welcome as we launch this new digital ministry. We desire that this initiative be pleasing to God, beneficial to the church family and a way to show love in our community.
In Acts 2:42, God’s people are encouraged to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.
Please join us for "Brunswick Street Cares!" You’ll find us on our Brunswick Street Facebook page.
Denise Mersereau, Host
7. Paid Summer Ministry Positions for Students
Mactaquac Baptist Church, Bloomfield Baptist Church and Millville Baptist Church all have paid summer positions for a youth (ages 15-30) to help with summer programming and events. Under the direction of the Pastor these positions will entail planning and leading summer programming for children, families and youth.
The exact type of programs will vary by church and the gifting/interests of the leaders but can include VBS, youth events, family outings, cooking camps, and excursions. All these activities are also contingent on the Covid-19 situation this summer. Applicants should have regular access to a vehicle. For further information please inquire with Ragnar Oborn (ragoborn@gmail.com).
8. News of the Millette Family + Summer Youth & Young Adult Ministry
In the fall, back to my primary ministry:
Equipping churches to make disciples of Jesus Christ through sports!
Since March of 2020, God has forced us all to enter into the School of Contentment with or without our permission. Regardless of our willingness to attend this school, I am sure we can all say that we have learned a great deal. We have learned to navigate unchartered waters, to balance wisdom and boldness on a day-to-day basis, to deal with fear and concerns and most importantly, to live and lead through adversity.
I have found contentment in a ministry position I never thought I would ever do. It is now hard to believe that my time as the Youth Ministries Coordinator is coming to a close at the end of June. It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve the youth over the past 8 months and also a tremendous treat for our family to be much nearer to BSBC than in the past. Directly serving here has given us much life and consistency in the midst of a demanding season of transition and uncertainty for all.
I want to express my thankfulness to you, dear brothers and sisters, of all ages, who have welcomed me with kindness and grace. Whether we have collaborated from up close week after week, encouraged one another to pray unceasingly or worshiped our God together on Sunday mornings, thank you! I have joyfully come into this church with a smile day after day, mainly due to your support and your prayers. Merci! Along the way, I have learned a great deal about what caring and serving for others really means and I'm convinced that it will impact the work He wants me to do on His behalf in the future.
What's next after the end of June?
Lord willing, our family will be travelling to Surrey, BC, in order to participate in an evangelistic project that has been taken shape for the past two years, in collaboration with SIM Canada and many local churches who are partnering to reach the Sikh community of southern BC, where more than 70,000 live. We will spend the summer in BC, to train new Christian coaches, help prepare and run Christian sports camps, and work at building trust and friendship with Sikh families. It is an exciting faith-filled adventure to become part of as this ethnic group represents the least reached with the Gospel of all of Canada. We are thrilled to see how God will use sports to connect individuals and allow for words of truth to be shared.
And when comes September?
A new season will give me a chance to go back to my primary ministry, Sports Friends, whose mission is to equip churches to make disciples of Jesus Christ through sports among young people, their families and their communities. At the present moment, God is bringing to many Canadian pastors' attention, the efficiency sports has to connect their congregation with their neighboring community. From coast to coast, many churches are impatiently waiting for some help in starting such simple yet powerful disciple-making ministries. Therefore, this new awareness and contagious excitement are opening the doors to ministry for Sports Friends, SIM Canada and myself. As a family, we rejoice in the fact that Fredericton will remain our home-base and that Brunswick Street Baptist Church is ready to become our anchor church for this effervescent time of collaborating with the God of the Harvest and seeing new disciples of all nations begin their walk with Christ as their leader and coach!
May God continue to work powerfully in and through us!
In Him, by His Grace and for His Glory!
Charles, Sarah, Lucie, Victoria & Joseph Millette
Plans for Summer Youth & Young Adult Ministry
What a joy it has been to have Pastor Charles as part of our pastoral team and his family as part of our fellowship. A wise man once said, “The only person who likes change is a wet baby!” I would add, “…and Charles Millette” who transitions so easily and beautifully. And so, we celebrated his transition into the core of our ministry life and now, celebrate his transition back to his primary calling. He certainly leaves us with a legacy of blessing that will continue to bear fruit in the months and years ahead.
At this point, we are pleased to announce that Emily Perrin-Colpitts and her husband, Isaac Colpitts, have accepted our invitation to facilitate weekly youth ministry events through July and August. In addition, we are planning for the weekly Youth Bible Study to continue. Monthly Greenhouse Youth Services will be planned and we’re grateful to Dr. Keith for his willingness to host the Refresh Young Adult Luncheons each Sunday in July and August.
I know we are grateful to those stepping up to ministry leadership for the summer. News about fall plans will be released mid-summer.
Let me encourage you to be here on Sunday, June 20, when we hold a Commissioning Service for the Millette family, as they prepare to leave for their summer ministry in BC. And, I invite you to express your appreciation for Pastor Charles ministry by making a donation to the LOVE OFFERING for Pastor Charles (please note, due to CRA regulations, we are unable to issue tax receipts for such gifts). Just mark your gift “Millette Love Offering”.
Throughout the five year journey since pastoral transitions began, God has been completely faithful in providing for our needs, as we have experienced in the form of Pastor Charles. Please pray for the Search Committee as they continue their work of discerning God’s provision for a full time pastor for Next Gen Ministries.
Pastor Greg
9. On Leave
Please be in prayer for Pastor Charles, who will be engaging in two weeks of focus on preparations for his summer Sports Friends ministry in British Columbia. When Pastor Charles joined our team, we anticipated this need and provision was made for it. He will be gone from Monday, May 17 and will return to ministry on Monday, May 31. Please pray that this will be a renewing and engaging time.
10. Celebrating University Grads
It's that exciting time of the year again where we seek to honour and acknowledge the efforts of students who are soon graduating from University, College and High School. Undoubtedly, this academic year has been unique and will go down as a challenging one. These graduating students have pushed through and adapted as well as they could to online courses, dealing with limited peer and school staff interactions, grieving the loss of social events and having to create a whole life routine for themselves. We want to celebrate with all of them!
How you can help
In order for us not to forget any students connected to BSBC, please contact us (charles@bsbc.nb.ca) with:
the full name of the student,
the school,
the field of study (College/University), and
a graduation photo, if possible.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Pastor Charles
Interim Youth Ministries Coordinator
11. Wednesday Library Openings
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!
12. This Week at BSBC: May 19 to 26
Wednesday, May 19
9:00 Audit Committee (2nd Floor Boardroom)
9:30 Senior Exercise (Gym)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly/Zoom)
7:00 James Bible Study (Teams)
8:00 BSBC Cares! (Facebook Live)
Thursday, May 20
9:30 New Life (3rd Floor Board Room)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study with Carol Bray (Family Room)
1:30 Bible Study with Mary McMulkin (3rd Floor Boardroom)
7:00 Chinese Hymn Practice (Choir Room)
Friday, May 21
9:30 Senior Exercise (Gym)
6:00 Friends Are Us Puppets (2nd Floor Kidztown)
7:00 Youth Groups (3rd Floor Assembly)
7:30 No Parking in Our Parking Lots – Sweeping Taking Place
Saturday, May 22
1:00 Contemporary Worship Team Practice (Gym)
1:00 Youth Worship Team (3rd Floor Assembly)
Sunday, May 23
10:15 KidzTown
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary/thestreetonline.ca)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym/Facebook Live)
10:30 Youth Greenhouse Service (3rd Floor Assembly)
12:00 Refresh Lunch (3rd Floor Assembly)
2:00 Chinese Worship Service (Sanctuary)
8:00 BSBC Cares! (Facebook Live)
Monday, May 24 (Victoria Day Holiday – Church Offices Closed)
7:00 Board of Deacons Meeting (Zoom)
Tuesday, May 25
12:00 Chinese Prayer Meeting (2nd Floor Boardroom)
1:30 Full Staff Meeting (Family Room)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
2:45 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Family Room)
Wednesday, May 26
9:30 Senior Exercise (Gym)
10:00 Library Opens
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly/Zoom)
7:00 James Bible Study (Teams)
8:00 BSBC Cares! (Facebook Live)
