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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. 30 to Dec. 7.
Christmas Wreaths & Trees: Support our Scouts
NextGen Ministries (Children & Youth)
Bereavement
Muffin Mania: Dust Off Your Muffin Tins
Advent 2023 @ BSBC
Advent Craft Afternoon: Your Craft Leaders
Hanging of the Greens Bi-Lingual Service
Senior Christmas Dinner and Program
Starting Local/Going Global: Exciting Updates
Christmas Memorial Plants
Something New for New Year’s Eve
Financial Stewardship Countdown Weekly Report
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The Case for Faith Study
Community Announcements
This Week @ BSBC
1. Christmas Wreath & Trees
BSBC Scouting Groups are selling decorated choice balsam fir Christmas wreaths ($10) again this year. Christmas trees are also available ($30-$40) and can be delivered until Dec 17. This is the groups’ only event to raise funds for camp equipment, outdoor activities, and community service.
How to purchase
Order forms are available on the church gym foyer bulletin board. Completed order forms can be left in Dale Wilson's church mailbox. The deadline to order wreaths and trees is Dec. 5. Make cheques payable to 1st Fredericton BPSA and please make payment at the time of order.
For information or to order by phone call: Dale Wilson at 458-1402 OR email him at 6wilson@nb.sympatico.ca.
You can also pay for your tree or wreath by e-transfer to 6wilson@nb.sympatico.ca.
2. NextGen Ministries (Children & Youth)
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. Help us plan for your arrival by signing up online or calling the church office at 458-8348.
Youth at BSBC
Greenhouse Service This SUNDAY! 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.
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.
Youth 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, 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: Friday, Dec. 2, 7 – 9 p.m.
All youth grades 6 – 12 are welcome and encouraged to come out Friday for a night of challenges and games connected to the newspaper. This will be a night full of games, activities, friends, and fellowship. Invite your friends out, and join us Friday for a night of community and connection!
SUNDAY
There will be NO High School Youth This Sunday
This Sunday, youth are invited to join the rest of the congregation at the Hanging of the Greens Service at 6:30 p.m. Our next High School gathering will be Next Sunday, Sunday, Dec. 11 at 555 Aberdeen Street for our Christmas Party gathering!
3. Bereavement
Please be in prayer for Joan Kierstead and family on the passing of her beloved husband, Vernon, on Monday, Nov. 21 at Mill Cove Nursing Home.
Vernon graduated from NB Forest Ranger School and worked for the province of New Brunswick for 35 years as a forest ranger, including many years as District Ranger for the Kingsclear District. He was an active member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church, where he was involved with numerous committees and activities during his many years there.
He remained very active in the Fredericton area throughout his long retirement. He spent summers at his cottage at Grand Lake, was an avid hunter, and enjoyed working in his woodlot at Coles Island, NB. Joan was the love of his life and he took great joy in helping his three boys and their families. He demonstrated his love for his Lord and Saviour in the way he tried to help people, and in how he raised and supported his boys.
Vernon is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan; three sons Gary (Nancy) of Coles Island, Roger (Debbie), and Stephen (Mary-Jo), all of Fredericton; twelve grandchildren Laura (Luke), Heather (Robert), Anna (Caleb), Sarah, Rachel, Abigail, Rebekah, Esther, Danielle, Jacob, Molly, and Elijah; seven great grandchildren; one sister Florence Chown; two brothers-in-law Richard West (Judy) and Brian West (Cynthia); niece Laurena Parks, as well as nephews Floyd Black, and Eugene Chown.
A celebration of Vernon’s life and faith was held at BSBC on Sunday, Nov. 27. For Joan and family we pray the words of Jesus be fulfilled, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”
4. 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.
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.
6. Advent Craft Afternoon
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. We 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 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
7. 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!
8. Seniors Christmas Dinner & Program
A special Christmas dinner event is planned for the “chronologically gifted” members of the BSBC family to be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. in the gym. This is an event to which you could invite friends to join you but reservations are required.
The dinner will be unique: Food Truck Christmas Dinner. What, you ask, is a Food Truck Christmas Dinner? We’ve heard a rumor that the dish includes all the elements of a traditional dinner but with a unique presentation. Topped with a cranberry sauce or traditional gravy. Dessert will be cheesecake.
The cost is $12 per person, payable at the door. To make your reservation, click the link below or contact the church office (458-8348). You’ll be seated at tables of 4 – so please indicate those who will sit with you.
9. Starting Local / Going Global
Our annual Christmas project is off and running.
SLGG Giving Report as of Tuesday, Nov. 28
Starting Local Goal for 2022: $6,655.00
Giving to Date: $4,812.50
Going Global Giving from 2021: $10,360.00
Going Global Giving to Date: $7,367.50
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.
10. 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.
11. Something New For New Years
There are only 26 tickets left! You can buy them again this week at the Connections Center following the services.
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.
12. Financial Stewardship Report
13. This Sunday's Worship Gatherings
On Dec. 4, we gather at the Lord’s Table on what will be the second Sunday of Advent. Advent reminds us of Jesus' first coming in Bethlehem but also His second coming in glory. The Table, too, reminds us of Christ’s promised return. We share this meal until Jesus comes.
Each Sunday in Advent, a different age group will be responsible for lighting the candles in both services. This Sunday we’ll be led by the children from our Sunday KidzTown ministry who will help us consider Jesus as our “Mighty God” from Isaiah 9:6.
Remember, 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
In the gym, musical worship will be led by Greg Keezer and team. Pastor Greg will be leading the gym service and will be preaching from Luke 1 – considering God’s message for us from Mary’s song of praise.
In the sanctuary, musical worship will be offered by the sanctuary choir and soloist, Pascale Butt. Dr. Keith will share a message entitled An Original Christmas Carol, exploring texts in Isaiah and Philippians. He writes: Traditional images of the nativity are familiar to most North Americans, as a “baby in the barn” is a stunning juxtaposition to “the Word of God, now in flesh appearing.” Altogether, the nativity scene stresses the opposite of royal pomp and ceremony, as Jesus—in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells—is surrounded by hay and animals because there was no room at the hotel. Our Advent reflection this week encourages us to consider these traditional images against the backdrop of what might well be one of the earliest hymns in the history of the Christian faith. In Philippians 2 Paul is writing to cultured Europeans who have come to have faith in Jesus, and at a key point in the letter apparently quotes the words of a hymn. Songs have always been a popular way of teaching and nurturing faith, so it is no great surprise to find these lyrics quoted here. But in this hymn there are several aspects of the Christmas story—such as humility, the nature of the incarnation, and the power of sacrifice—that can help to focus our hearts during this Advent season, and to consider a fresh view of the arrival of the Messiah.
Online or in-person we look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday morning!
14. 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.
15. 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
16. This Week at BSBC: Nov. 30 to Dec. 7
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre.
Wednesday, November 30
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
10:30 Giselle Tranquilla (Barnabas Center)
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 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Scouting Boys Ministry (K-Gr 5) (Gym/Fellowship Hall)
6:30 The Case For Faith Bible Study With Daniel Savard (Conference Room, 3rd Floor, FLC/Online)
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, December 1
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (By Appointment)
9:00 Days For Girls (Room 219, KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
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 Scouting Boys Ministry (Gr 6-12) (Gym)
7:00 Griefshare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room)
Friday, December 2
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, December 3
9:00 Stage Set-Up (Gym)
1:00 Worship Team Practice (Gym)
3:00 Advent Craft Afternoon (Gym)
Sunday, December 4
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 Final 12 Curious Verses Bible Study With David Clark (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 Final Biblical Prophesy Bible Study With Manuel Brayley (Under The Sea Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 Final Sunday School For All Ages (Various Classrooms In The Family Life Center)
10:15 Preschool & KidzTown (1st and 2nd Floors, FLC)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Greenhouse Youth Worship Service (Barnabas Center)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)
12:00 Youth Christmas Choir Rehearsal (Barnabas Center)
1:00 Mandarin Christmas Choir Rehearsal (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:30 Hanging of the Greens Service (Sanctuary)
Monday, December 5
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Right to Life (Conference Room, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Social Action Team (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Tuesday, December 6
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over Main Kitchen, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room)
2:15 Full Staff Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
6:00 Sports Friends (Gym)
7:00 DivorceCare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, December 7
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 Youth Bible Study (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Scouting Boys Ministry (K-Gr 5) (Gym)
6:30 Final The Case For Faith Bible Study With Daniel Savard (Conference Room, 3rd Floor, FLC/Online)
6:45 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
