The Banner
Growing Faith, Friends & Families to Serve
In this issue:
Hear the Latest on BSBC Ministry to the Homeless
Immediate Needs to Facilitate Ongoing ‘Street Ministry’
November’s BODcast
Attention Boys Ages 5 – 10 Years Old: Scouting Event
Bereavements
Starting Local/Going Global: Our Goals
Trunk OR Treat: Thank You
Gym Closure
This Week’s Worship Services
Security Alert
In-Person Study with Pastor Ross
Who Needs Christmas?
Our Benevolent Fund/What Your Giving Does
Recruiting ‘CSI’ Inspectors for BSBC
This Week @ BSBC
1. An Update on BSBC Ministry to the Homeless
Your Social Action Team are grateful to Sergiy Polyachenko for providing this overview of ministry to our city’s homeless population, started by Pastor Steve Patterson, and continuing in partnership with him today.
Commonly known as “The Street Ministry” is a community outreach mission initiated by Pastor Steve Patterson in early 2021 to extend the love of Christ to those who are often forgotten about and to bring light to the darkest corners of our neighborhood. In the early going, Pastor Steve joined others in the faith community to split up the nights of the week.
Currently we continue to go out Sunday and Monday evenings from the Barnabas Centre. Other faith groups cover the other five nights of the week. Today the ministry unites several individuals of the faith community who go out and serve food and water to those living on the streets of Fredericton.
The Ministry serves several goals...
2. Immediate Needs to Facilitate the Street Ministry
So now that you know more about the nuts and bolts of this ministry, how can you get involved?
1. Pray! Every evening as they visit folks in vulnerable circumstances, they are protected and supported through prayer.
2. Tangible donations!
3. November's BODcast
This month’s BODcast is up for your edification and listening pleasure. Here’s Dr. Keith’s introduction to November’s edition:
"Have you ever underestimated something that turned out to be of great value? If so, then Psalm 100 is worth your attention! Even though this is one of the shorter compositions in the Psalter, there is powerful message in its handful of poetic lines. Located at the midpoint of Book Four -- as the people of God are seeking to rebuild their broken world -- this psalm calls to a deeper appreciation of the Lord's personal care in every aspect of our lives as we seek to be faithful stewards of the gifts we've all been given."
4. Scouting Event for Boys 5 to 10 years-old
The Otter and Timberwolves (that’s boys ages 5 – 10 years old) will be meeting on Sunday Nov. 14 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. We will meet at the church Sunday afternoon and walk to a member of our church family’s house to rake his lawn. We will return to the church to do a woodsmen competition that will include boiling a kettle and rolling some logs among other things. We will end the afternoon with a campfire and a devotional
The details
What: Leaf raking and Woodsmen competition
When: Nov. 14, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Brunswick Street Baptist Church Parking lot
What to Bring:
Dress for the weather: hiking boots, jacket, hat
Water bottle and snacks for yourself
All tools you will need will be provided
If it rains, the event will be held at the same time and place on Sunday Nov. 21
COVID-19 considerations:
All transportation to and from the event must be provided by parents or guardians
Parents/families and or guardian are asked to attend the event with their sons
Everyone bring a mask to wear
Each participant will be asked to sign a sheet to aid in contact tracing, if required
We as leaders are excited to offer this event for our boys at Brunswick Street this month and we look forward to your feedback on what future events we can do. If you are planning to attend this event, please let me know by email as we require pre-registration.
Thank you!
Dale Wilson, Akela
Phone: (506) 470-8737
E-mail: dale.a.wilson@gnb.ca
5. Praying For Those Experiencing Loss
We surround John McGuire and family with love at this time of the loss of his dad, E. Owen McGuire, 91, on Thursday, Oct. 28 at his home on Howland Ridge. Surrounded by his family, he passed peacefully to glory in the same house in which he was born on Aug. 4, 1930. In addition to John and Ruth, please remember Owen’s grandchildren, our own George and Laura McGuire, his sister, Adra Trail and the extended McGuire family.
His obituary included, “Owen was a "dad" and "grandfather" to many he met, and he had numerous friends in the community, especially the members of the Bereans Bible Study Group. Although Owen spent most of his life as a dairy farmer, he had a passion for his horses and did farrier work for a number of years. His latest passion was going for rides on his side by side with friends. Owen was involved with the Wesleyan Church, the Equestrian Club and the Holstein Association through the years.
Mr. McGuire’s funeral service was conducted from his home church, Maple Ridge Wesleyan, on Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Also, please be in prayer for Brenda and Rev. Dr. Terry Atkinson on the passing of Brenda’s dad, Everett O’Blenis, 95. Mr. O’Blenis “passed away at his home with his family by his side on Thursday, Oct. 28 to be reunited for eternity with his wife Dorothy (Harris) O'Blenis.”
His obituary included, “Everett retired from Chrysler Canada where he worked in the parts department for 31 & ½ years. Before that he served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. He was a member of the Salisbury Baptist Church serving in many capacities over the past 60 plus years. He enjoyed many winters in Florida with Dorothy, camping with family, traveling throughout and across Canada numerous times, golfing, hunting, fishing, playing and watching hockey and baseball, playing cards with his family and spending quality time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
The funeral service for Mr. O’Blenis was also held on Tuesday, Nov. 2, with Pastor Terry officiating.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
6. Starting Local Going Global: Our Goals
While the first Sunday of Advent isn’t until the last Sunday in November, it’s time for the BSBC church family to prepare for our 19th annual “Starting Local/Going Global” Christmas campaign. “Starting Local AND Going Global” provides practical help here in Fredericton and, this year, in Rwanda.
7. Trunk or Treat: Thank You!
THANK YOU to Pastor Nikki and Emily Perrin Colpitts for hosting last Sunday afternoon’s first edition of Trunk OR Treat at BSBC. And, to our youth and young adults who helped by making props, decorating cars and organizing treats. And, to those who offered their trunks to be used to communicate a wide variety of creative Bible messages. And, to those who donated treats. AND, to parents from our church family and from the community who dropped by to enjoy the event. So much for which to give thanks.
We planned for 50 children and ‘guess’ that we had 60-70 children and, maybe, 120 guests in total. (Note, these are not ‘audited’ figures!!!). Please pray for the seeds that were planted through people’s experience of the event and the Scripture messages that went home on treats.
Pastor Greg
8. Gym Closure
We’re very excited that Signature Sound will be completing extensive AV Upgrades in the gym which will require it to be out of use from the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 10 through to the evening of Monday, Nov. 15. However, the gym will be available for use on Sunday morning, Nov. 14. The Contemporary Service will proceed as usual.
9. This Week's Worship Services
Join us in-person or online for worship this Sunday. In both services we’ll be pausing to remember sacrifices made for us by those who have served in the armed forces.
Contemporary Service
In the gym, Julianne Moore and friends will be our musical worship leaders. Dr. Keith will be offering a message, from the book of Acts, that introduces us to an unusual communion service. “Communion in Chaos” will take you on a deep dive into Acts 27:1-20. Pastor Ross will lead at the Communion Table.
Sermon notes
It is no great surprise that one of the climactic points in the book of Acts is a voyage at sea, given the many images of the sea in the Bible. The sea represents the forces of chaos in our lives, yet these forces are subdued by God who does not abandon us in the storms of life. In anticipation of our celebration of the Lord’s Table on this Sunday, we will focus on three aspects of this stressful event in Acts 27 that ends with a communion celebration.
First, we’ve all been lost at sea, as it were, either drifting aimlessly or driven about furiously by seemingly irrational forces. Second, we can receive the gift of peace in the midst of any storm, and this peace is not a feeling; rather, it is our status and identity as followers of the risen Lord Jesus. Third, this passage reminds that our journey is not over yet, but as we live our lives as disciples, there are places where we’ve yet to be sent as we are empowered by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus we are invited celebrate communion like those on the ship in Acts 27 who likewise have not reached the end of their voyage.
Traditional Service
In the sanctuary, our musicians include David Steeves, organ and Gloria Tranquilla, piano with ministry from a men’s ensemble. We’ll welcome back, Ken Brophey, trumpeter to take a special role in our time of remembrance. Pastor Greg will be offering a communion meditation based on Isaiah 6 and then we will gather at the table.
To join our online congregation, check out Facebook Live for the Contemporary service and Youtube for the Traditional service. However, the easy-peasy way is to visit www.thestreetonline.ca and on the homepage click the Worship Online button and you’ll be taken directly to the service of your choice.
10. Security ALERT!
Some of our long-term volunteers are retiring and we have a few spots needing to be filled. Why not join our team and take a shift once a month?
Hours are from 6 to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Can't commit to a regular shift? We also need spares! Volunteers are a vital part of ensuring our facilities are available for church activities and the buildings secured each evening. Contact Bill Sorenson at 261-1157 or email billsorenson842@gmail.com.
11. Dream Big Study with Pastor Ross
DREAM BIG!!!
Please come and join us TONIGHT @ 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3 in the Family Room for 6 weeks to look at Dream Big by Bob Goff.
In this video study, bestselling author, Bob Goff, dares to ask the questions: What would you do if opinion, reason, or probability were no objects? What do you deeply desire to do even if it scares you to the marrow of your bones? What were you meant to do even if no other person thinks you should?
He shares stories from the Bible that show how God called certain individuals to follow him—regardless of their lack of "qualifications"—and how those people changed the world when they dared to follow God's dreams for their lives. In the same way, God is calling us to step into the version of our lives that he intended for us before others told us it was impossible and once again dream big.
SO looking forward to seeing you there and spending time with you all.
Pastor Ross
12. Who Needs Christmas? Study with Pastor Greg
Do you need the ‘jab’ that amazement provides as a means of connecting with Christmas? Does it seem that the hustle and bustle robs the Christ event of meaning and joy? Do you need to drill down on the truth of God’s Word in order to put Christmas back in perspective…as the life-changing event is it?
If so, consider spending four Tuesday evenings, starting Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m. on Zoom with Pastor Greg.
This is what Andy Stanley says about his study:
The details of the Christmas story are amazing . . . and can seem a bit unbelievable. There is the angelic announcement to Mary that she will give birth to the Messiah. The dream from God that convinces Joseph to take Jesus as his own son. The angelic host who announces Jesus' birth to the shepherds. The madness of a king who tried to put an end to Jesus' life.
The narrative of Jesus' birth is miraculous. But as pastor Andy Stanley explores in this four-session video study, when you look at all the events in the Old Testament leading up to this point in time, the unbelievable story of Christmas becomes quite remarkable.
It was only "when the set time had fully come" that God sent Jesus into the world "that we might receive adoption to sonship" (Galatians 4:4–5). God sent Jesus to do what laws and regulations, judges and prophets, and exile and punishment could not accomplish. He sent Jesus not merely to deliver us from the penalty and consequences of our sin, but to actually break the power of the enemy and free us from our slavery to sin.
Through Christmas, we are reminded that even when it seems God is silent, he is always working. God sent Jesus not simply to be the Savior of the world but to be the Savior in our world. Through Christmas, we are reminded that God always keeps his promises to us.
13. Our Benevolent Fund: How Your Giving Helps Our Community
You might not be aware that our church provides support to members of our church family and the community through our Benevolent Fund. Giving that is designated "Benevolent" provides food, prescriptions AND at times a small payment to keep the power, financial bridging for rent when a shortfall is experienced because of an unforeseen expense or to help with a damage deposit so someone can get into housing.
14. Recruiting CSI Inspectors
Maintaining a church building as large as BSBC, is not a small task. Sometimes staff can miss things like a burned out light. They can't be everywhere all the time.
If you notice something that requires fixing or is not working properly such as a heater or a toilet that is constantly running, it would be a great help if you let the church office (Janet or Naomi) know. Not only will this help get the problem fixed quickly, but it will also save us money.
This can easily be done with a quick phone call (458-8348) or an email.
Thanks for your help in this.
Ron Smith, Chair
Board of Management
15. This Week at BSBC: Nov. 3 to 10, 2021
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Center & Z stands for Zoom Gathering
Wednesday, November 3
9:30 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
6:30 Dream Big Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
6:30 Not Your Usual Prayer Meeting (Z)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Family Room, FLC)
Thursday, November 4
9:30 New Life (3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study (Family Room, FLC)
6:40 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, FLC)
7:00 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room, FLC)
Friday, November 5
9:00 Benevolent Ministries (By Appointment)
9:30 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
6:00 Friends Are Us (Puppet Room, KidzTown, FLC)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Zoom)
7:00 Youth Groups (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Saturday, November 6
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
Sunday, November 7
06:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
9:00 Asian Sunday School Class (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
10:15 Preschool Classes (1st Floor, FLC)
10:15 KidzTown (2nd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
12:00 Fresh Start (Barnabas Center)
Monday, November 8
9:30 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
6:30 Education Committee (Z)
7:00 BSBC WMS (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Tuesday, November 9
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
1:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Family Room, FLC)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
2:15 Full Staff Meeting (Family Room, FLC)
6:30 DivorceCare (Family Room, FLC)
Wednesday, November 10
GYM CLOSED FOR UPGRADES
10:00 Library Open
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
6:30 Dream Big Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
6:30 Not Your Usual Prayer Meeting (Z)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (Family Room, FLC)
