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Our Mission
Experience the love of Jesus. Live it out everywhere.
In this issue
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from Nov. 16 to 23.
Advent 2023 @ BSBC
Advent Craft Afternoon: Register for Your Craft
Senior’s Luncheon Returns
Christmas Choir
Christmas Reading for You from Our Library
Starting Local/Going Global Christmas Project
Christmas Memorial Plants
Something New for New Year’s Eve
Myles on a Mission Update
Bereavement
Financial Stewardship Countdown Weekly Report
NextGen Ministries (Kids & Youth)
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – Join a Group
The Case for Faith Study
Community Announcements – Breakfast/Christmas Market
This Week @ BSBC
1. Advent 2023 at BSBC
This Sunday, Nov. 20, we’ll be releasing our Advent 2023 Ministry Plan with all the details for the Advent/Christmas Season. If you receive our newsletter by email – the link will appear in your inbox on Sunday morning. If you don’t, visit the homepage where you’ll find the link to all the details. We look forward to a very special time of honouring the coming of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world (John 3:16).
2. Advent Craft Afternoon: Register For Your Craft
Advent Craft Afternoon will be on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. We’ll gather to craft and to enjoy supper and a treat. This is an event for elementary children through to senior adults. We'll have activities for preschoolers at the same time. We’re going to have pizza for supper and hope you’ll bring some sweet treats that can be eaten without forks.
Want to come and watch? The Family Room will be open for non-crafters to gather, and you’re welcome to wander around and see what’s going on. We’ll get you for supper! Please click the link below to register and let us know how many slices of pizza we should plan on for your party.
Now, about the crafts…click the link below to see what's in store and register (some crafts have limited supplies). This Sunday, Nov. 13, we’ll have a display in the Connections Centre and you can sign up there, as well.
OK, go ‘shopping,’ and we’ll see you in the gym on Dec. 3!
Pastor Greg
3. Senior's Luncheon Returns
That’s right! It seems our great team of volunteers are bored and want to serve you a delicious lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at noon in the gym. Come have a wonderful meal, including chicken pot pie, biscuits and bread pudding, and some great fellowship with a few small changes:
We are asking that you use the link below to make your reservation for the luncheon OR call the church office (458-8348) to do the same.
We are asking for reservations to be in by Friday morning, Nov. 18.
We will be using card tables for seating so there will be seating for groups of four or as needed. When you register, you’ll indicate who you will be sitting with.
We suggest you come with a donation of $5 to cover the cost of the meal.
Thanks to our Luncheon Volunteers and Chef Willie Waye for hosting the event. We’re planning another for Saturday, Dec. 17…you know…a special Christmas “do”.
We hope you’ll come. Go ahead and make your reservation today!
Pastor Greg
4. Christmas Choir
Greetings!
A special Combined Church Christmas Choir is being formed to sing Sunday Evening, Dec. 4, at the Combined Celebration of "Starting Local / Going Global" (Hanging of the Greens Service). This service is always a unified beginning to our Church Christmas Celebrations as we decorate our Church Sanctuary and present gifts for projects at home and abroad.
This year we would like to incorporate some special music representing all five of our congregations that gather on Sundays for worship: Sanctuary, Gym, Greenhouse, KidzTown and Mandarin. This is an open invitation. Would you and some of your family members consider joining us as well as inviting others who enjoy singing? This is an opportunity for us to present several Christmas selections in a multi-generational group and I encourage those who have never been in a choir before to come and give it a try.
Three selections are being prepared. One for ladies, one for men and one combined.
Ladies - WERE YOU THERE ON THAT CHRISTMAS NIGHT? - N. SLEETH
Men- WISEMEN TRAVEL ON TO BETHLEHEM TOWN - H.DECOU
Combined - RING THE BELLS! V. MACKENZIE
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will be for four Wednesdays - Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30 in the Church Choir Room.
8:00 pm Ladies
8:15 pm Everyone, Men and Ladies
8:30 pm Men
Finished at 8:45pm
For anyone who wishes I will offer added or alternate rehearsal time on Sunday mornings following the morning service in the choir room starting Nov. 6, and continuing on the 13, 20 and 27.
Please consider joining me and inviting others to join in this music ministry opportunity as we worship and celebrate the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Please use the link below to let me know you’ll take part or share your questions.
Looking forward to seeing you at the first rehearsal!
Sincerely,
David Steeves
Choir Director
5. Christmas Reading From Our Library
Have a “look” at titles waiting for you!
6. Starting Local / Going Global
Dear Church Family,
It’s coming up to that time of the year when we consider our ability to be a blessing to others as God blessed us with the precious gift of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In its 21st year, our Starting Local/Going Global Christmas Project has been a means of practical blessing in the lives of people living here in Fredericton and some place of need in the world at large. I encourage you to read the following articles which will explain the project to you and ask you to consider what you can do to bless others in Jesus’ name.
How do you give?
Mark your gift “Starting Local” to support families in our New Life Ministry and guests at Third Sunday Supper. Mark your gift “Going Global” to support Ukraine’s refugees. Gifts marked “SLGG” will be divided equally between the two funds.
It’s not too early to consider blessing others this Christmas.
Pastor Greg
7. Christmas Memorial Plants
This season we invite you to help us beautify our worship spaces with Poinsettia plants placed in honour or in memory of someone. Poinsettias will be placed in the worship spaces for the first Sunday in December and stay throughout the season. Plants, this year, will be $20 each. Click below to order your plant and be sure to mark your offering for the plant – “Christmas Plants”. We will acknowledge the plants on Sunday, Dec. 18 and in the newsletter on Wednesday, Dec. 21.
8. Something New For New Years
This year for New Year we are going Scottish... and throwing you a Hogmanay celebration! Come and enjoy music from a live ceilidh band, Fredericton's own 'Frantically Atlantic', learn some Scottish dances, share in a potluck and bring in the new year with your church family in a time of worship.
Tickets go on sale at the Connections Center, after worship services, starting this Sunday, Nov. 20. Tickets sell for $10 each for ages 16 and up (15 and under are free but require a ticket for numbers – so get these free tickets when you purchase). Fi Watters will meet you at the Connections Center. Please try and have the correct cash. We have 150 tickets available, first come, first served. Really looking forward to sharing this time with you.
9. Myles on a Mission
We invite you to catch up with Reuben and Leah Myles by reading their latest newsletter and enjoying their video. Please pray for these two servants of Jesus serving faithfully in the Philippines.
10. Bereavement
Please be in prayer for Bryan MacWilliam’s family in Ireland as they have suffered the loss of his brother-in-law, Daragh on Friday, Nov. 11. On Sunday, Bryan will be flying home to be with his mother, sister, Tara and nephew, Dylan.
You may remember that it was just this past June when Bryan’s dad died. So, please pray for the family in these days and Bryan as he leaves for Ireland on Sunday.
11. Financial Stewardship Report
13. NextGen Ministries
Children at BSBC
Scouting Boys K - Grade 5: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
BSBC offers a scouting program for boys from kindergarten to high school. 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 will be 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.
Children’s Christmas Party: Saturday, Dec. 10, noon – 1:30 p.m.
Our annual Children’s Christmas Party is a time for families to come together for some kid-focused celebration of Jesus’ coming. We will be meeting at noon for a lunch together, and then joining in a time of celebration for an hour! Songs, stories, crafts, treats, laughter, prayer, and being together. Stay tuned for next week's newsletter where you'll be able to register.
Youth at BSBC
WEDNESDAY
Youth Choir: Wednesdays, 6 – 6:30 p.m.
We would love for our youth to come out and join this opportunity to grow in the gifts/ talents that God has given them! For more information, please reach out to Julianne Moore at julianne.d.moore@gmail.com.
Bible Study: Wednesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Youth are welcome and encouraged to come as we continue to go through the series Outpouring: Unleashed with Holy Spirit Power. Even if your youth has not been out yet this year to Bible study, youth are welcome. Join Kari Dunfield and Pastor Nikki Wednesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.
THURSDAY
Middle School / High School Scouts, 7 p.m.
The Scouting program is available for middle school and high school boys at 7 p.m. Scouts is packed full of outdoor adventures, fun activities, and community service projects that are used to teach boys how to live the great commission and to love God and our neighbours. Meetings are held biweekly at the church gym. For more information contact the church office at 458-8348 or bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca.
FRIDAY
Youth Group, 7 – 9 p.m.
All youth grades 6 – 12 are welcome and encouraged to come out Friday for a night of challenges! A night full of minute to win it kind of games, and relay-style games. Invite your friends out, and join us Friday for a night of community and connection!
SUNDAY
High School Youth Group, 7 – 9 p.m.
High Schoolers are welcome to join us Sunday for a time of connection, fun, and diving into God’s Word together. See you out on Sunday, and remember to invite your friends!
COMING UP
Greenhouse Service: Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m.
Our second Greenhouse Service of the school year is Dec. 4th! Tell all of your friends about this and join us in the Barnabas Center at 10:30 a.m. Come worship, grow in community with one another, and learn how to use your gifts and talents better this Sunday. If you want more information about the Greenhouse Service, please reach out to Pastor Nikki.
Overnighter in Saint John: Nov. 25 - 26
Nov. 25-26, BSBC youth are welcome to come out and attend the First Light overnight event in Saint John. This event is from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. in Saint John. Youth will be going from one location to another doing events all night. Some of the events are pizza, worship, bouncy castles, swimming, a movie at Cineplex, pottery painting at DIY Studio, Vegas, and photo scavenger hunt! For the specifics look at this link https://rivercross.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1485460 .
We as a youth group would be leaving at 5:30 p.m. and arriving back home at the church at 8:30 a.m. If you would like your youth to attend this event, please let Pastor Nikki know by Friday, Nov. 18 at the latest. Pastor Nikki will send you a form for registration, and you can pay by etransfer to the church or cash. The cost per youth for this event is $25. If there is any reason that you are unable to cover this cost, please let Pastor Nikki know, and the cost can be covered.
14. This Sunday's Worship Gatherings
In the gym, musical worship will be led by Jon Wilton and team. Dr. Keith will offer the first of a two-part series in the book of Galatians. Of this first installment, he writes: Have you ever known anyone who started out well in the journey of faith, but then got lost and ended up in a mess of confusion? This is what happens to many of the Galatian believers in the New Testament era. They start well by responding to the good news of the gospel and embrace an exciting new reality that completely redefines their lives and gives them a completely new identity. But then something happens: they start to listen to other voices that draw them off the pathway and before long they find themselves lost in crisis, but they really don’t know they are in crisis! When the pastor who first shared with them the story of the gospel hears the rumors of their lostness, he is deeply disappointed to the point that he writes them a long and sharply-worded letter to remind them of the real story, to prompt them to return, and inspire them with a reiteration of the message of restoration. Paul’s letter to the Galatians is one of the most influential pieces of short correspondence in world history, and, as it turns out, has a much more surprising series of contemporary applications than any of us might think, and will supply us with some practical steps for our lives this week.
In the sanctuary, musical worship will be offered by the sanctuary choir and Rebecca and Greg Keezer.
In both services, we’ll be pausing to consider the amazing Ukrainian resettlement work being done by Boaz Ministries. Our special guest will be Pastor Scott Wood who heads Boaz Ministries. We’ll also hear from Sergiy and Julia Polyachenko and, in each service, a testimony from one of our families who are currently hosting Ukrainian refugees.
Online or in-person we look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday morning!
16. It's Not Too Late: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8 pm, ONLINE
With Pastor Greg
Tuesdays: Nov. 22 - Final Session
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 pm, IN-PERSON
With Pastor Greg
Wednesdays: Nov. 16 - Final Session
Sundays, 6:30 – 8 pm, IN-PERSON
With Pastor Ross
Sundays: Nov. 20 - Final Session
17. The Case For Faith Study
Doubt is familiar territory for Lee Strobel, the former atheist and award-winning author of books for skeptics and Christians alike. But he believes that faith and reason go hand in hand, and that Christianity is, in rational terms, a defensible religion.
Description: In this six-session video Bible study, Strobel explores the most common emotional obstacles to faith in Christ, including:
The natural inclination to wrestle with faith and doubt.
The troubling presence of evil and suffering in the world.
The exclusivity of the Christian gospel.
Behind each of these considerations is the question: Can I doubt and still be a Christian?
When: Six Wednesdays from 6:30 until 8 p.m. (ending Dec. 7)
Where: In person — The Board Room, Third Floor, Family Life Center OR Online — via Zoom
Who: For all people who have questions regarding their faith. No need to attend Brunswick Street Baptist Church. Bring a friend.
Facilitator: Daniel Savard
Cost: Free
For more information: Please contact Daniel Savard at 506-452-0319, or by email at timberwolfe57@live.ca.
18. Community Announcements
Breakfast and Christmas Market
Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St. will be hosting a Breakfast & Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 - 11 a.m. The breakfast will be from 8 - 10:30 a.m. at $10/person and the market tables will feature Christmas cards by Lori Donovan, a church table with baking, pickles & knitting and a Book & Puzzle table. Everyone is welcome!
Opportunity to Help the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help with its Kettle Campaign! Do you have a couple of hours to collect at a kettle between Nov. 21 and Dec 23? Please call Captain Renee Dearing at the Salvation Army (506-230-3519), and she will be happy to slip you into the schedule!
McAdam’s Funeral Home Annual Tree-Lighting
19. This Week at BSBC: Nov. 16 to 23
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre.
Wednesday, November 16
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 Mandarin Bible Study (Barnabas Center)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
5:50 Junior Choir Practice (Choir Room)
6:00 Youth Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
6:30 Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Pastor Greg (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:30 Scouts Boys Ministry (K-Gr 5) (Gym)
6:30 The Case for Faith Bible Study with Daniel Savard (Conference Room, 3rd Floor, FLC/Online)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:45 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room)
7:30 Gym Service Planning Team (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
8:00 Combined Church Christmas Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
Thursday, November 17
9:00 Benevolent (By Appointment)
9:30 New Life Ministry (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Gospel of John Bible Study with Mary McMulkin (Conference Room, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study with Carol Bray (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:00 L’Arche Fredericton (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Griefshare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room)
7:00 Scouts Boys Ministry (Gr 6-12) (Gym)
Friday, November 18
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center/KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Youth Group (Gym/Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Saturday, November 19
9:00 Stage Set-Up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, November 20
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
9:30 12 Curious Verses Bible Study with David Clark (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 Biblical Prophesy Bible Study with Manuel Brayley (Under The Sea Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 Sunday School for All Ages (Various Classrooms, FLC)
10:15 KidzTown/Preschool (1 st and 2 nd Floors, Family Life Center)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)
12:00 Life Group Leaders Meeting (Sanctuary)
12:00 Pastoral Staff Retreat (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:00 Mandarin Christmas Choir Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
5:00 Third Sunday Supper (Gym, Main Kitchen)
6:30 Final Session of Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Pastor Ross (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 High School Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
8:00 Youth Christmas Choir Practice (Barnabas Center)
Monday, November 21
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Board of Management (Gym)
Tuesday, November 22
10:00 Library Open (Connections Center)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
12:00 Seniors Luncheon (Gym, Main Kitchen)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Across from the Choir Room)
2:00 AED Training for Staff (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:00 Sports Friends (Gym)
6:30 Final Session of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Pastor Greg (Online)
7:00 DivorceCare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, November 23
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 Mandarin Bible Study (Barnabas Center)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym, Main Kitchen)
5:50 Junior Choir Practice (Choir Room)
6:00 Youth Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
6:30 Scouts Boys Ministry (K-Gr 5) (Gym)
6:30 The Case for Faith Bible Study with Daniel Savard (Conference Room, 3rd Floor, FLC/Online)
6:30 Final Session of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Pastor Greg (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:45 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
8:00 Combined Church Christmas Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
8:00 Youth Christmas Choir (Barnabas Center)
