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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 3 to 10.
Mums for Mom
Sending Children to Green Hill Lake Camp
Sabbatical for Pastor Greg Geldart
Prayer/Healing Service
New Ladies’ Bible Study
BSBC’s WMS Meeting
Funeral Service
Travels with Bekah Sears
Photos From Your Library
Microwave
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
NextGen Ministry @ BSBC (Children/Youth)
Seeking Summer Student for Next Gen Ministry
Children’s Ministry Staff Openings
Meals on Wheels – Opportunity to Care
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. 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.”
4. Prayer/Healing Services
If you were not able to attend the April 30th, “Healing Service” there’s good news. The next service will be held THIS Sunday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
This is a simple time of worship and prayer with the invitation for those who attend to come to a prayer station and have a brother and a sister hear your request, with your permission anoint you with oil, and pray over you and with you. The emphasis is on simple. Sitting in the pew for the whole time is welcome. You won’t be forced to pray publicly; such opportunities may be offered but only those who wish will engage in this way. As I said, the emphasis is on simple.
If you have never been to a “Healing Service” come, attend, and engage in a way that feels right at this point in your spiritual journey.
Pastor Greg
5. New Ladies Bible Study
Hosted by Bo Vinh-Doyle, starting Thursday, May 4 and runs for 7 weeks, in the Boardroom on the third floor of the Family Life Center.
The Publisher’s website states, “All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you — unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny.
But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you're tired of being pushed around and caught with your guard down, this study is for you.
The enemy always fails miserably when he meets a woman dressed for the occasion. The Armor of God, more than merely a biblical description of the believer's inventory, is an action plan for putting it on and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory.”
6. BSBC’s WMS Meeting
The Brunswick Street Baptist Church’s Women’s Missionary Society will be hosting their monthly meeting in the Assembly Area on the third floor of the Family Life Center on Monday, May 8 at 2 p.m. All ladies welcome!
7. Funeral Service
The funeral service for the Late Gordon Thorne will be held on Thursday, May 11 at 2 p.m. at McAdam’s Funeral Home.
Visitation will take place at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 10, from 2–4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Please continue to pray for Shirley and family in this time of loss. To view the obituary in full please visit the McAdam’s website.
8. Travels with Bekah Sears
Our Partner in Mission, Rebekah Sears is winding up her time with the Mennonite Central Committee. We were praying for her on her recent mission tour, and she’s provided us with links to these video vlogs on three points of engagement.
Please be in prayer for Rebekah as she transitions to a new ministry opportunity. Details will follow!
9. Library Finds
Your church library has some books for first-time moms 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.
10. We Need a Microwave
We have a need for a microwave for our friend, Souaibou. If you can help, please contact the church office. Thank you!
11. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The gym worship service will be under the musical leadership of Sarah Hoyt, Mark McAllister, and friends. In the sanctuary, the service will feature musical leadership by the Sanctuary Choir and soloist Margaret Geldart. Pastor Ross will be leading the communion devotional in the gym with Pastor Greg leading in the Sanctuary. Both services start at 10:30 a.m.
12. NextGen Ministry
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 mid-May. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
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: Big Upcoming Events
Tidal Impact Fundraising Dinner: Saturday, May 27
On Saturday, May 27, our youth will be putting on a fundraising dinner and a show for Tidal Impact. All those in our congregation are welcome to come to this event. Tickets to cover the cost of food are $10.00 a ticket, and donations going towards Tidal Impact will be accepted on top of this. Receipts for any donations can be given.
The Dinner is on May 27 at 5 p.m. to get your tickets please come into the church office.
One Conference: Friday, June 2 – Saturday, June 3
The One Conference is back this year from June 2nd – 3rd 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 $80.00. The deadline for youth to register is April 25. If you have any questions or if cost is an issue, please contact Pastor Nikki at 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!
Youth @ BSBC: Weekly Events
Youth Choir / Greenhouse Band: Wednesdays, 6 – 6:30 pm
The youth choir is happening this evening 6 – 6:30 pm in the Barnabas Center. All youth are welcome and those who are interested in participating in the youth choir and/or Greenhouse Service band can join us tonight and can contact Julianne at julianne.d.moore@gmail.com with any questions or to express interest.
Bible Study: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 pm
Bible Study! Youth are welcome to come out tonight to join us as we continue through the book of Mark. All are welcome, even if you have not been previously. Join Kari Dunfield and Pastor Nikki.
Combined Youth Event at Smythe Street Church: Thursday, May 4, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Youth are welcome and encouraged to join us on Thursday, May 4th at Smythe Street Church for a combined gathering for worship, games, and pizza. Pizza is $2 a slice. As we will be meeting on Thursday, May 4th, there will be NO YOUTH GROUP on Friday, May 5th.
High School Youth Group: Sundays, 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.
13. Seeking Summer Student for NextGen Ministry
We have been fortunate to be awarded a SEED grant from the provincial government which will allow us to hire a summer student to work in our Next Gen (children/youth) ministry for 14 weeks. Details follow. Please pray with me for God’s provision of the student 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.
Thank you, Pastor Nikki
Community Children/Youth Worker Summer Student
Position Outline
The community children/youth worker summer student is a position created to support, foster and grow the Next Generation in the community in and around Brunswick Street Baptist Church. The ideal candidate would have problem solving skills, initiative, creativity, dependability and teachability.
Position Responsibilities
Assisting Next Generation Pastor & Children’s Coordinators with Vacation Bible School (VBS) which includes planning, participation, recruiting volunteers and follow up
Participating in a local missions’ week tour to Saint John (lead up/follow up)
Assisting in leading weekly programming for Next Generation ministries
Developing programming for Next Generation ministries summer events
Developing programming for fall Next Generation ministries
Administrative work
Using Social Media for promotion of events and contacting individuals
Providing basic AV/IT service
Participating in KidzTown on Sunday mornings
Creating a connection point with the Next Generation cohort in the broader community (ie. Park Ministry)
Position Accountability
The Summer Student 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 summer job is made possible through the provincial SEED program for current students. Requirements for applying include: must be a resident of New Brunswick, eligible to work in Canada, a Student in current academic year and attending full-time post-secondary in the fall 2023.
This position is for 14 weeks, 35 hours a week, at $17.50 per hour. Start date is negotiable. 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 5, 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).
14. Children’s Ministry Staff Opportunities
The congregation is asked to pray for God’s provision for part-time paid leaders in Children’s Ministry. Please share this information with people you believe have the gifts to serve in these ways.
Interested applicants should apply with their resume and a cover letter explaining why they are interested in the position and a brief summary of their Christian testimony. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 5, 2023. For more information, please contact Pastor Nikki (nikki@bsbc.nb.ca) or Pastor Greg (greg@bsbc.nb.ca).
Elementary Bible Teacher
Position Outline
The Elementary Bible Teacher provides direct Bible teaching to children in this age group through weekly KidzTown ministry and if possible, at the annual Vacation Bible school.
Position Responsibilities
Coordinate lesson themes with other elementary leaders
Prepare in advance the lessons to be taught
Deliver lessons in KidzTown and, if possible, in VBS
Meet with Next Gen Pastor as needed to review and direct this work
Position Accountability
The Elementary Bible Teacher is responsible to the Board of Deacons through the Education Committee and Pastor Nikki Leftely.
Terms of the Position
Remuneration for the position is $17.50 per hour for 5 hours per week. Four weeks (four Sundays) paid vacation is to be coordinated with the NextGen Pastor.
Preschool Coordinator
Position Outline
The Preschool Coordinator will support and facilitate the delivery of Christian Education Ministry to the church preschoolers (infancy to age four) and their parents. This will be done under the direction and support of BSBC’s Education Committee and the Lead Pastor.
Position Responsibilities
Secure volunteers for Church-Time Preschool Ministry
Create volunteer rotations/communication with volunteers and Church Office
Prepare weekly church hour curriculum (stories and colouring pages)
Weekly washing of cups/pitchers and laundry
Coordinate sanitization of preschool toys
Purchase needed toys and other resources with approval from the Lead Pastor
Maintain stock in the snack cupboard
Change seasonal decorations for preschool check-in area
Resource crafts and craft supplies for special occasions (ie. Christmas, Easter, etc.)
Attend monthly Education Committee Meeting
Be present in the Preschool Area two Sundays a month and in worship “On Call” the remaining Sundays
Position Accountability
The Preschool Coordinator is responsible to the Board of Deacons through the Education Committee and the Lead Pastor.
Terms of the Position
Remuneration for the position is $17.50 per hour for 10 hours per week. Four weeks (four Sundays) paid vacation is to be coordinated with the Lead Pastor.
15. Meals On Wheels: An Opportunity to Care
Can You Help in May?
For those who cook, I invite you to consider providing one meal a week for a couple in our church family who are each shouldering challenging health burdens. Just click the link below and register to provide a meal sometime in that week. Names and contact information will be provided after registering. If you are not able to deliver the meal to the northside, just let us know and we’ll arrange delivery for you. There are no dietary restrictions.
THANK YOU TO ALL who helped in the previous weeks. Know that your ‘carrying’ has been a blessing of Christ in these lives.
Pastor Greg
16. Community Events
NB Right to Life presents 2023 Focus on Life Summit on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. This event will be held at Faith Baptist Church, 525 New Maryland Hwy, New Maryland, NB E3C 1J7. For more information, please visit our website www.nbrighttolife.ca. To pre-register, email office@nbrighttolife.ca or call 506-459.8990. Space is limited.
17. This Week at BSBC
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre
Wednesday, May 3
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)
6:30 Scouting Boys Group (K-Gr 5) (Gym/Fellowship Hall)
7:00 Nominating Committee (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
8:00 Youth Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
Thursday, May 4
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)
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)
6:00 L’Arche/Opal Drop-In (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Armour of God Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Youth Group (Smythe Street Church)
7:00 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
7:00 Scouting Boys – Grades 6-12 (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Barnabas Center/Choir Room)
Friday, May 5
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Friends Are Us Puppets (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center and KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
Saturday, May 6
9:00 Gym Set-up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, May 7
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 Mandarin Worship (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Service (Sanctuary)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym)
1:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Healing Service (Sanctuary)
7:00 High School Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Monday, May 8
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Senior Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
2:00 WMS Meeting (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Education Committee (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Sister Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
Tuesday, May 9
8:30 Gospel on Web (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Library Open
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
6:00 Sports Friends (Wilmot Park)
6:00 L’Arche Board Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 Missions Committee Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start Young Adult Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, May 10
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)
6:30 Scouting Boys Group (K-Gr 5) (Gym/Fellowship Hall)
8:00 Youth Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
