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Our Mission
Experience the love of Jesus. Live it out everywhere.
Christmas: A Child – A Son – A Ruler
A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,”
“Eternal Father,” “Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
In this issue
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from Nov. 23 to 30.
Muffin Mania: Dust Off Your Muffin Tins
Housing Needed
Thank You
New Canadians
Advent 2023 @ BSBC
Advent Craft Afternoon – Your Craft Leaders
Hanging of the Greens Bi-Lingual Service
Christmas Choir
Christmas Reading for You from Our Library
Starting Local/Going Global Christmas Project – Exciting Updates
Christmas Memorial Plants
Something New for New Year’s Eve
Myles on a Mission Update
Financial Stewardship Countdown Weekly Report
NextGen Ministries (Children & Youth)
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The Case for Faith Study
Community Announcements
This Week @ BSBC
1. Muffin Mania: Dust Off Your Muffin Tins
Muffins are distributed every Sunday night by our Street Ministry team. We are seeking to re-stock our muffin supply with three dozen muffins for each week’s ministry. Here are the details:
To avoid an over-stocking of the freezer, we're looking for just 3 dozen muffins delivered to the standing freezer in the main kitchen by Sunday of each week
Please wrap each muffin individually in clingwrap or place it in a baggie before bringing them to the church (it’s so much easier to access the frozen muffins and more sanitary to serve them when individually wrapped)
Please put (1) your name, (2) the date and (3) STREET MINISTRY on the bag in which you put the wrapped muffins to bring them to the freezer
To ensure that we get a fresh supply each week, you are invited to click the link below and fill your name in by the week or weeks in which you will provide a dozen muffins. OR, for that person-to-person interaction, feel free to call the church office at 458-8348, and your information will be taken and added to the plan.
2. Housing Needed
Dear Church Family,
Over the last 9 months, I’ve been corresponding with a young Christian Vietnamese woman who is coming to Canada to study at UNB. I had written previously about her housing needs, but she has decided to stay in residence for a term and look for housing for the summer and going forward. If you know of someone who has a room in a Christian home she could rent, please let me know. But, her travel plans have just been finalized, and she will arrive at 12:05 a.m. on Christmas Day. We are looking for housing for her from Christmas Day through to January 8 when the dorms open again. If you, or someone you know, would be able to house her, please let the church office know or reach out to me at greg@bsbc.nb.ca. This is her first time away from home, and her parents are prayerful, seeking her housing with a Christian family as she adjusts to life in Canada.
Thank you for praying for Nghi as she prepares to come to Canada and to BSBC.
Pastor Greg
3. Thank You
On behalf of the ladies in the New Life Ministry, the leaders would like to thank the congregation for your generous donation of food items and money to this program during the “Harvest for the Hungry” campaign in October. With the rising cost of food and housing, the ladies are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, and they are very appreciative of your kind support.
4. New Canadians
We celebrate with Julia and Sergiy Polyachenko who not too long ago became citizens of Canada. They accomplished this while doing all they can for Ukrainian resettlement in Fredericton in addition to work and study responsibilities. What a great thing to know that they are officially part of our big Canadian family – although, in truth, we considered them family from the time they arrived at BSBC.
5. Advent at BSBC
The gift of a Saviour requires a celebration, and this Advent Season, there are many ways you can be involved in worship and activities that will invite you to put Jesus at the center of your December journey. Click the link below for an overview of our plans. Please know, we don’t expect that everyone will attend everything, but we hope everyone will find places to engage in a faith-filled celebration of Christ’s coming. This Sunday, November 27, marks the start. Join us as you can.
6. Bi-Lingual Hanging of the Greens
That’s right, our English and Mandarin congregations will be joining together for our annual Hanging of the Greens to be held on Sunday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. This is a wonderful time for all ages to gather in the historic church to sing carols, listen to live Christmas music, and decorate the room – including everyone coming to the tree to place an ornament and be reminded of what the decorations we use teach us about faith. It’ll be a great evening which is followed by a dessert potluck. You are invited to bring something to share that can be eaten with your fingers (no fork desserts). Never been to a Hanging of the Greens? Make Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m. your first!
7. Advent Craft Afternoon: Register For Your Craft
It’s coming! Have you registered? We’re grateful to the following who will be leading the various craft offerings:
Elementary Crafts
Led by our Elementary Coordinator, Tina Franca and Team
Christmas Tree Shaped Craft Stick Ornaments
Christmas Tree Christmas Cards
Craft Stick Nativity
Crafts for Older Children (Gr.3-5) Youth and Adults:
Holy Family Figurine (Painting)
Nellie and Herb PageWood Slice Ornaments
Chris Graves
Crafts for Youth and Adults:
Cross-Stick on Plastic Canvas
Laura McGuireBeaded Christmas Tree Shaped Ornament
Rebecca KeezerStringed Christmas Cards
Beth SnowFir Wreath Decoration
Pastor Greg Geldart
Advent Craft Afternoon will be on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. We’ll gather to craft and enjoy a supper treat. This is an event for everyone from elementary through to senior adults. A children’s program for preschoolers will be offered at the same time. We’re going to have pizza for supper. 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 this link to indicate how many slices of pizza we should plan for your party.
Now, about the crafts… click the button below to take a look at what's on offer and then fill out your order form (some crafts have limited supplies).
OK, go ‘shopping’ and we’ll see you in the gym on the 3rd!
Pastor Greg
8. 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
9. Christmas Reading From Our Library
Have a “look” at titles waiting for you!
10. Starting Local / Going Global
Our annual Christmas project is off and running.
On Sunday, November 13, our elementary Sunday School children had a visit from Sergiy and Julia Polyachenko who shared what it was like for them to grow up in Ukraine. Then, the chair of our Missions Committee, Brian McEwing engaged them in thinking about the needs of refugee children and how our Going Global campaign will be a blessing to mothers and children through financial giving. It was clear that our children were well aware of the war and wanted to help. Each child was given a small Advent coin can to take home and discuss with their parents how they might contribute. Then, the children decorated posters for Going Global now on display around the church campus.
On that same Sunday, thanks to Shelley Pronk and team, our Grade 6-12 Sunday School classes gathered in the Barnabas Center for a delicious breakfast (please don’t tell the elementary children!!!) and then Adrian and Martina Verboom from our Social Action Team shared about the monthly ministry of Third Sunday Supper and about the guests who join us each month. Pastor Nikki then led them in considering what would make for a good Christmas message for our guests to receive. Between now and December 18th’s Third Sunday Supper, the youth in these classes are adding their message to a Christmas card for each guest (60 cards).
We’re so grateful for the partnership of our children and youth who are, by their actions, proving that they are, indeed, the church of today! And we’re grateful for those of you who have already given a gift to either or both projects.
SLGG Giving Report as of Tuesday, November 22
Starting Local Goal for 2022: $6,655.00
Giving to Date: $0
Going Global Giving from 2021: $10,360.00
Going Global Giving to Date: $0
Thank you for considering a potential gift to Starting Local and Going Global. If you mark your gift “SLGG” the amount you give will be equally divided between the two sides of the project. Otherwise, indicate which part of the project you wish to support.
To learn all the details of both Starting Local and Going Global click below.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Financial Stewardship Report
15. 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.
This week looks a bit different!
We would love for our youth to come out and join this opportunity to grow in the gifts/ talents that God has given them! There are 3 rehearsal time options for our Youth Christmas Choir:
1. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 6-6:30 p.m. (Sanctuary)
2. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 8-8:35 p.m. (Barnabas Center)
3. Sunday, Nov. 27, after service 11:50a.m.-ish (Barnabas Center).
This is in preparation for singing at the Hanging of the Greens Service on Dec. 4. For more information on this, please contact Julianne Moore at julianne.d.moore@gmail.com. It's not too late to join!
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
NO MIDDLE SCHOOL SCOUTS THIS WEEK
Next event is Dec. 1, 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, Saint John Overnighter
There will not be a typical youth group this week, we are taking a group of our youth down to Saint John for an overnighter. Please be praying for those who are involved in this event. For safe travels, for those attending to experience Christ, and for the community of God to grow closer together! We as a leadership team are very excited to take on an overnighter with our youth.
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.
Volunteer Opportunity
If your youth would like to participate in a quick skit on Dec. 10 for the children’s party, please reach out to Pastor Nikki. She would love for our youth to serve in this way!COMING UP
16. This Sunday's Worship Gatherings
November 27th will be the first Sunday of Advent 2022. Each Sunday of Advent, a different age group will be responsible for lighting the candles in both services. This Sunday, we’ll be led by a group of young adults who will help us consider Jesus as our “Wonderful Counselor” from Isaiah 9:6.
Our theme for Advent 2022 is:
CHRISTMAS: A Child – A Son – A Ruler
A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God,"
"Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
So, each Sunday, we’ll explore another ‘name’ of Jesus, revealed by the prophet Isaiah.
In the gym, musical worship will be led by Julianne Moore and team. Dr. Keith will offer the second of a two-part series in the book of Galatians. Of this second installment he writes: Last week we explored the backstory of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, and talked about the controversy that necessitated this intervention: despite starting strong in their faith, many of the Galatians were led astray by false teachers who stressed the importance of earning your salvation, rather than a joy-filled life that is a response to God’s gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus. But in the letter Paul does not just correct these misrepresentations, he also articulates with fresh power the message of the gospel and its implications for changing every aspect of the believer’s life, and thus takes them from fake news back to the good news. This week we will focus on the fruit of the Spirit in chapter 5, drawing on some prophetic material in Isaiah 32 as part of Paul’s thinking (e.g., v. 17: “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever”) as well as outlining some of the psychological benefits of such qualities (e.g., patience, faithfulness, and self-control) that recent researchers are emphasizing. Beyond any cliché, we will illustrate this week that the fruit of the Spirit is “the ideal outcome of a divinely orchestrated transformation process to produce a Christlike character in the believer.”
In the sanctuary, musical worship will be offered by a vocal ensemble and soloist, Chris Graves. Pastor Greg will offer the message which will be a follow-up to Pastor Ross’ sermon on November 20 – asking us to explore a new definition of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Online or in-person we look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday morning!
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 23
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 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)
8:00 Youth Christmas Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
8:00 Combined Church Christmas Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
Thursday, November 24
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)
7:00 Griefshare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room)
Friday, November 25
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Center/KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
6:00 Youth Group (Overnighter in Saint John)
Saturday, November 26
9:00 Stage Set-Up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, November 27
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)
11:50 Youth Christmas Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
12:00 Combined Church Christmas Choir Rehearsal (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Pastoral Staff Retreat (Offsite)
1:00 Mandarin Christmas Choir Practice (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
2:30 Funeral Service for the late Vernon Kierstead
7:00 High School Youth Group (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Monday, November 28
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Board of Deacons (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Tuesday, November 29
12:00 Men's Basketball (Gym)
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor Over Main Kitchen)
1:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Across from the Choir Room)
6:00 Sports Friends (Gym)
7:00 DivorceCare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, November 30
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 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)
