The Banner
Our Mission
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 24 to 31.
Church Family BBQ
Dinner & A Show
Welcoming a New Member
Last Day of Sunday School: June 11
Preschool Coordinator
Stellar Half-Day Summer Camp
Summer Juice Ministry
Keeping the Kitchen Faith
2023 Graduates
Pastor Greg’s Sabbatical & Pastoral Care for the Next Three Months
New Traffic Patterns in the Church Office
Sending Children to Green Hill Lake Camp
Child & Youth Worker Summer Positions
“Days for Girls” Are Looking for Soaps
Memories: A Photo Collection Of Children Who Are Now Adults
Myths & Questions About Homelessness Part 3 (Information shared by your SAT)
Spring Preaching Series
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
NextGen Ministry @ BSBC (Children/Youth)
Fresh Start Young Adults Group
Community Opportunities
This Week @ BSBC
1. Church Family BBQ: June 11
This spring season of ministry is drawing to a close with much to celebrate, so let’s have a celebration! Come out for our Church BBQ after the Sunday, June 11 services.
You’ll enjoy BBQ-ed hotdogs, chips, veggies, and ice cream sandwiches. Seniors will find special seating under tents next to the sanctuary building. Parents, your kiddos will enjoy the bigger-than-life “bouncer” and other fun activities — like face painting. There’s a rumour that there might even be snow cones. Parents, we apologize in advance, but we’re sure your kids won’t mind!
If you’re new to BSBC, this is a great way to get to know people. If you’ve been here “forever,” be on the lookout for people you don’t know…and get to know them!
2. THIS Saturday: Dinner And A Show
TIDAL IMPACT FUNDRAISER
Join us this Saturday, May 27, at 5:30 p.m. for Dinner And A Show — to support the BSBC youth on Mission for Tidal Impact. Our young people will be serving up dinner and entertainment. You can expect super spinach salad, lovely lemon chicken, rocking rice pilaf, vitalizing vegetables, and an amazing apple torte.
Tickets are available at the church office for $10/person this week. This covers the cost of your meal. During this evening of entertainment, you’ll have the opportunity to make a financial donation to help cover the team’s expenses as they spread the love of Jesus in Saint John.
3. Welcoming a New Member
On behalf of the Pastoral staff and Board of Deacons, I am happy to welcome Jessica McQuarrie into the membership of Brunswick Street Baptist Church. Jessica has served in the Contemporary Service almost from her first Sunday in attendance! Being a newbie didn’t stop her from stepping in and doing what needed to be done!
You might find Jessica enthusiastically greeting people at the gym doors, serving coffee after morning worship, or just connecting with people during times of fellowship. Jessica is also serving on the Christian Education Committee. Here’s what she had to say about joining BSBC:
“I moved to Fredericton in December of 2021 for a new job. I live in the neighbourhood and like going to a church in my community when I can, so I came to Brunswick Street. I have experienced BSBC to be a church family who values Scripture, prayer and community and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Welcome, Jessica, we are excited that you made Brunswick Street your home and, we are thankful for your servant heart and love of Jesus.
Denise Mersereau
Chair, Board of Deacons
4. Last Day of Sunday School: June 11
As we move toward the last day of Sunday School on June 11, we want to thank our faithful teaching staff for loving our children, youth and adults and encouraging them in the truth of God’s Word. We pray that the seeds you’ve planted bear fruit for the Kingdom for years to come.
5. Preschool Coordinator
Goodbyes are hard, but saying thank you is easy when it comes to Ufuoma Akalusi as she completes her term as our Preschool Coordinator. Ufuoma has been a steady hand on our Sunday preschool ministry and a blessing to our preschoolers, their parents, volunteers and those in leadership who have served with her. We’re really excited and ask you to pray for her as she prepares to move to Toronto to begin her studies at Osgood Hall — the law school at the University of Toronto.
God bless you, Ufuoma, as you take this next step in God’s plan for your life. We can echo the words of Paul in the opening of his letter to the church at Philippi: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.
And, with thanks to God, we introduce you to our new Preschool Coordinator, Melanie Tingley. I asked Melanie to introduce herself to you in case you may not know her.
Melanie Tingley is wife to Joel and Mom to Samuel, Micah and Nicholas. She loves sports and admits she “might” be a “tad” competitive. Melanie has loved and worked with children since way back. She wrote in her grade 2 journal that she wanted to teach when she grew up because she “loved children.”
She worked as a counsellor, lifeguard and swimming instructor at Camp Shiktehawk (where she met Greg and Rebecca Keezer as little ones). Melanie became an elementary school teacher in 1999 and has taught kindergarten almost exclusively. For ten years, she did stay home when her boys were little and ran Little Lights Christian Preschool in her home.
She loves teaching kindergarten because it’s “a beautiful age to witness so much development — academically, socially and emotionally. My heart is in the classroom building genuine connections with my sweet little students and their families and that is my hope and prayer as I begin this new position as Preschool Coordinator as well. I want all the children, and their families, to really KNOW and experience how loved they truly are.”
Melanie and Joel have served in our Sunday School and as volunteers for the preschool church hour for several years. She has also served numerous times on the BSBC Education Committee.
We give thanks to God for calling Melanie to serve and to her for accepting that call. Melanie and Ufuoma will overlap in this ministry beginning in mid-May. Please pray for Melanie and Ufuoma as they move into new chapters of serving Jesus in these days.
Pastor Greg
6. Summer Camp
Our Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light half-day summer camp will be happening Monday, July 3 to Friday, July 7, from 9 a.m. – noon. Mark your calendars and be ready for your little ones to join us.
Registration for summer camp is now open!
7. Summer Juice Ministry
Summertime brings lovely weather and the opportunity to meet with your church family outdoors after the service. If you would like to be part of the ministry that supports this time by providing a cold cup of iced tea, water or lemonade/juice, please get in touch with Jessica McQuarrie or the church office at bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca.
The ministry includes making the juice before the service and then serving it outdoors (Sunday weather is always sunny) at the bottom of the ramp entrance.
Your clean-up includes washing up the pitchers and leaving the kitchen tidy. Any kitchen linen is your responsibility to return clean. If laundering the used dishcloths and tea towels at home is not an option, please contact Andrea Bragdon at (506) 292-3568 to work something out.
Come and mingle with your church kin and bring a smile to their face on a hot summer Sunday!
8. Keeping the Kitchen Faith (And Keeping It Tidy!)
BSBC has been running at nearly normal levels of activities since last year. The main kitchen in the gym building has seen some busy times and will continue to as the months go by.
It seems timely to remind kitchen users of a few important guidelines.
Before Your Event
Be mindful of leaving supplies on the counters far in advance of your event. Consider that other groups may be using the kitchen and need the counter space for a successful event
Label and date your supplies
For the fridge
Label items with name and date
If your group has a recurring event, you may want to “own” a shelf. Place your name/group on a door sign at the level of the shelf you would like to keep.
Ensure unused items are dealt with in a timely fashion
For the freezer
Label items with date and name
Ensure unused items are not left to become unusable!
For the dishwasher
Directions for use are posted on the dishwasher. Fuses are located in the cupboard over the chest freezer
When you are done, pull the interior plug and allow reservoir to drain
Rinse entire area and wipe sink/ counter areas dry
Leave door up
Switch fuses off
After your event
Take all used kitchen towels/cloths and return clean. Place back in the proper drawers
Wash all dishes and put away
Tidy up the counters and sink area and wipe clean
Ensure coffee pots are cleaned and coffee prep area is wiped clean
Clean stovetop
Reclaim personal dishes used for the event ASAP!
I am so appreciative of the efforts of all the folks who use the kitchen and leave it better than they found it!!
If anyone has any kitchen supply or use questions or requests, please contact me at (506) 292-3568.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Bragdon
9. 2023 Graduate Recognition
This year we are recognizing our 2023 graduates. If you or someone you know is graduating from high school, college, university, technical school, or other educational institution and would like to be recognized, please contact us!
If you are a high school graduate, please contact Pastor Nikki. If you are graduating from a college, university, or technical school, please contact Pastor Ross. With your information, please include your full name, school of graduation, grad photo, and plans for next year. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Pastor Nikki or Pastor Ross.
Deadline for submissions for grad recognition signs is this Sunday, May 28, 2023.
10. Pastor Greg’s Sabbatical & Pastoral Care
A 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. On March 27, the Board of Deacons approved a time of leave for our Lead Pastor, Greg Geldart…
Pastoral Care for the Next 3 Months
In the absence of Pastor Greg, your Deacons want to affirm that BSBC is equipped to provide Pastoral Care. We are grateful for the engagement of Pastor Ross and Pastor Nikki, and we are blessed to have additional support from Rev. Kevin Culberson, the Baptist Chaplin at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital…
11. New Traffic Patterns in the Church Office
Last week, the Personnel Committee of your Board of Management had the privilege of meeting with our new Office Administrator, Janet Mitchell and our new Ministry Administrator/Bookkeeper, Naomi Phillips to check in on their adjustment to their new positions. We were so pleased to hear that both Janet and Naomi are enjoying the restructuring and, we feel, performing wonderfully in these new roles.
The new roles, however, call for some new “traffic patterns” for the members of the church family. Therefore, we’d ask that when you come to the offices for any reason you start with Janet, our Office Administrator, and let her help you with next steps, which may mean calling over to Naomi’s office to bring her into the conversation. During Pastor Greg’s absence, Naomi has taken on many of his administrative duties in addition to her bookkeeping role and so requires uninterrupted focus time to complete detail-laden tasks.
Both Janet and Naomi are eager to help in any way they can. Your adaptation to the office ‘traffic flow’ will go a long way to help them perform their tasks in as easy a way as possible. Thank you so much for supporting Janet and Naomi in this way.
Personnel Committee Members:
Kellie Brown
Roger Kierstead
Dan Lutes
Pastor Greg
12. 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.
13. Child & Youth Summer Positions
We have been awarded grants for two child & youth summer positions. Thank you for praying with us for God’s provision of the students of His choice to help lead what will be a busy summer of ministry.
Please make this summer job known to anyone you believe might be interested and don’t hesitate to reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca or (506) 458-8348 if you have any questions.
Community Child & Youth Summer Student
We have been awarded a SEED grant from the provincial government which will allow us to hire a Community Child & Youth Summer Student to work in our NextGen (children/youth) ministry for 14 weeks.
Child & Youth Worker Summer Intern
We have been awarded a grant through Employment & Social Development Canada to hire a Child & Youth Worker Summer Intern to work in our NextGen (children/youth) ministry for 8 weeks.
14. Days for Girls Request for Soaps
The group of ladies who meet bi-weekly at BSBC would appreciate the donation of any small hotel-size soaps that could be included in the kits that they make for their charity.
These are the small soaps that you would find in hotel rooms as you vacation this summer. There will be a collection basket placed in the church office for your donated soaps.
Check out Days for Girls International website for information about the Days for Girls project.
15. 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
16. Part 3: 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: All people who experience homelessness are addicts.
Fact: Many people who experience homelessness do not struggle with substance abuse problems or addictions. Just like in the general population, only a percentage of those who are experiencing homelessness deal with addictions. People experiencing homelessness may deal with other issues related to their experiences of homelessness, including trauma and mental illness, for example.
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.
17. New Preaching Series
As we move further into spring, Pastor Ross will be beginning a new sermon series entitled, “Could God Use Me if I Struggle With…?”
The series will include the following considerations:
1) Anxiety and Self-Worth – Through the lens of Moses;
2) Loneliness and Insecurity – Through the lens of Jeremiah;
3) Extremes of Emotion and Deep Despair – Through the lens of David; and
4) Fear, Discouragement and Burnout – Through the lens of Elijah.
Dr. Keith will be continuing leading us through the gospel of Mark. May God lead us to new truth and spiritual vitality through our times studying God’s word.
18. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The gym worship service will be under the musical leadership of Greg Keezer and friends. In the sanctuary, the service will feature musical leadership by the Sanctuary Choir and soloists Pascale Butt and David Steeves, along with pianist Gloria Tranquilla.
In the sanctuary this week, Pastor Ross will be preaching on Anxiety and Self-Worth – Through the Lens of Moses. Of his sermon, Ross writes, “When we talk in church about God meeting His people, building His Kingdom through us, and having a call for each of our lives, do you believe it or do you think others may be better fitted for this? Let’s have a look at Moses’ story to see how even when we may wish to disqualify ourselves, God can still do amazing things.”
Dr. Keith will be preaching in the gym with a sermon entitled “Conspiracy Theories.” He writes, “Returning to our series on the Gospel of Mark, our focus this week is on Mark 3:1-6. This episode takes place in the synagogue on the Sabbath and involves an unnamed man with a withered hand. Already Jesus has raised the ire of the religious authorities, and on this occasion, they are looking to accuse him of violating the Sabbath by healing the man’s hand. A key theme in this scene revolves around a stubborn heart: we will discover that it is easier than we might think to acquire this particular kind of heart disease, but the good news is that healing is at hand.”
Whether in-person or online, we hope you’ll join us this Sunday morning. Both services start at 10:30 a.m.
19. NextGen Ministry
Children @ BSBC
Hands-in Girls Ministry: Saturday, May 27, 10:00 am – noon
All of our elementary-aged girls are encouraged to join Allie Dunfield and her awesome gang of leaders for a Saturday morning of fun, friends, fellowship, activities, and music! If your daughter or granddaughter wants to attend, please email Allie at ali.dee@rogers.com.
Sunday School Open House: 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.
Stellar Half-Day Summer Camp: July 3 – 7, 9 am – noon
Our Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light 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 is now open!
Youth @ BSBC
Youth Bible Study: Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
This week we have a new series on Peter! Tonight, our youth, Pastor Nikki, & Kari Dunfield will continue our new Bible Study on Peter. If you have not been out and would like to join in a new study please do, all youth grades 6 – 12 are welcome!
NO FRIDAY NIGHT YOUTH GROUP:
The youth will be gathering this Saturday for our Tidal Impact Fundraising dinner. Youth are invited to join us this Saturday for serving. Alternatively, they are welcome to join us Wednesday for Bible Study or High School youth (grade 9-12) on Sunday evening.
Tidal Impact Fundraising Dinner: Saturday, May 27, 5:30 pm
On Saturday, May 27th, our youth will be putting on a Dinner & A Show! fundraising dinner and a show for Tidal Impact. 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! Please be praying for this event this Saturday, for all those involved, and the evening.
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.
High School Youth Group: Sunday, 7 pm – 9 pm
Coming up this Sunday we have High School youth, all youth in grades 9-12 are welcome and encouraged to join us for this evening!
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!
20. Fresh Start Young Adults Group
Our Young Adults ministry, Fresh Start, continues to meet on Tuesday nights from 7 - 9 pm on the 3rd floor of the Family Life Center. Come along for snacks and social time followed by a Bible study. We would love to see you there!
Please contact Pastor Ross ross@bsbc.nb.ca for details.
21. Community Events
NB Right to Life March for Life
The New Brunswick Right to Life March for Life is taking place on Thursday, May 25 at 11:15 a.m. Prior to the March, there will be a prayer meeting at 9:45 a.m. at Brunswick Street Baptist Church, 161 York Street.
Gibson Memorial United Church Yard Sale
Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St., will be hosting a YARD SALE on June 3, 2023, 8 a.m. - 12 noon. All are welcome!
22. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre and CC stands for Connections Center
Wednesday, May 24
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Greenhouse Band Practice (Barnabas Center)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, CC)
8:00 Youth Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
Thursday, May 25
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 (Memorial Room, 2nd Floor, CC)
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)
9:30 Right to Life Prayer Meeting (Sanctuary)
1:00 Tidal Impact Dinner Prep (Gym/Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (CB) (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:30 Gospel of John Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
5:30 Ensemble Practice (Sanctuary)
6:00 Greenhouse Band Practice (Barnabas Center)
6:00 L’Arche/Opal Drop-In (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Armour of God Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Barnabas Center/Choir Room)
Friday, May 26
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
11:00 Tidal Impact Dinner Prep (Gym/Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
4:00 Ensemble Practice (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center and KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
Saturday, May 27
8:00 Gym Set-up (Gym)
9:30 Green Hill Lake Camp AGM (Sanctuary)
10:00 Hands-In Girls Ministry (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Tidal Impact Dinner Prep (Gym/Main Kitchen. Gym Building)
5:30 Dinner & A Show Tidal Impact Fundraiser Dinner (Gym)
Sunday, May 28
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
9:20 Sunday Morning Prayer (Counselling Room, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 Sunday School Open House (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 Greenhouse Youth Worship Service (Barnabas Center)
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, 2nd Floor, FLC)
Monday, May 29
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 JHS Youth Program (Gym)
7:00 Fredericton Music Festival Committee (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 Mandarin Sister Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
Tuesday, May 30
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
10:00 Library Open (Connections Center)
10:45 Planning Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
11:15 Full Staff Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor, Connections Center)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adult Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, May 31
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, CC)
8:00 Youth Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
