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Experience the love of Jesus. Live it out everywhere.
In this issue:
Check out what's coming up at BSBC from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2.
Fall Business Meeting
Trunk or Treat is This Sunday
Nametag November
Starting Local/Going Global Christmas Project
Return of Wednesday Community Potluck
Celebrating New Canadians
Financial Stewardship Weekly Countdown Report
Advent Craft Afternoon
Your Post Office is Moving
Reducing the Risk Training
NextGen Ministries (Children & Youth)
This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
PRAY Online Community
Refugee Sponsorship Update
Update from Our Partner in Mission: André Sibomana
Update from Our Partner in Mission: The Millettes
Update from “Myles on Mission”
Bible Study: The Case for Faith
Community Announcements
This Week @ BSBC
1. Fall Business Meeting
Please note: The time of the Fall Business Meeting has changed to 6:30 p.m.
Our Moderator, Calvin Smith, is calling the constitutionally required Fall Business Meeting to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The purpose of this meeting will be to consider and approve our new mission statement and receive updates on refugee sponsorship, news from our Treasurer, Ken Reimer, Chair of the Board of Management, Ron Smith and Chair of the Board of Deacons, Ron McMullin.
Thank you for planning to join us on Nov. 2 as we consider our “Father’s business” which is our witness for Christ in this time and place.
To join online, please click below to register BY MONDAY, OCT. 31 to receive the Zoom link for the meeting.
2. Trunk or Treat: This Sunday
This Sunday, Oct. 30, from 4-5 p.m. the BSBC parking lot will be the scene of marvellously decorated cars — each with a spiritual theme — and staff and volunteers who will greet children as they move ‘trunk to trunk’ to receive the ‘treats’ prepared for them.
It's not too late to invite the families in your life
This is a fun event and we’d love for you to share it with the families in your life. You can even invite people on Facebook. Children can be costumed or not — all will be welcome. Thanks to all the folks offering their cars and those who have donated treats. May this be a great event to connect our church family with the community. Pray for Pastor Nikki as she provides overall leadership.
3. Nametag November
I named my dog 5-Miles so now I tell people I walk 5-Miles every day.
I asked my grandpa: “After 65 years you still call grandma darling, beautiful and honey. What’s the secret?” Grandpa responded: “I forgot her name five years ago and I’m scared to ask her.".
I used to date a girl named Ruth, but she broke up with me and now I am Ruthless.
What did the lawyer name his daughter? Sue.
OK, enough! I hope those brought some smiles.
On Sunday mornings we’re a large group of people — over 300 people each Sunday over the last few weeks — so it can be hard to remember the names of the people you see each week. Introducing: NAMETAG NOVEMBER.
Yup, for the month of November we’re asking everyone to sport a nametag each Sunday. Let’s take a month and try to nail down a few names of the people around us. Your Deacons and pastors are grateful for your participation.
Thanks,
Pastor Greg
4. 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 only Oct. 26, but it’s not too early to consider blessing others this Christmas.
Pastor Greg
5. The Return of Wednesday Community Potluck Dinner
Good news! Our “Wednesday Night Potluck” supper returns next Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the gym. However, for this first week, you’re invited to bring something that would go along with free pizza and drinks! So bring something or nothing and come for pizza.
What is “Wednesday Night Potluck?” It’s a place for community. Individuals, couples, families join together in an intergenerational common meal with great conversation and the opportunity to get to know the others seated at your table of 8. All you have to do is show up and bring something to add to the buffet. Enough for your family and a couple of others. Homemade? Awesome! Store-Bought? Super! Missed getting something…well, we always seem to have enough.
So, NEXT Wednesday night – come on out. To help us prepare for this first event would you be so kind as to click the link below to make your reservation? We do want to make sure there’s ‘pizza-a-plenty’. And, if you’re available, come at 5 p.m. to help set up tables and chairs.
You’ll have enjoyed your meal by the time your children need to go to Junior Choir or your youth need to go to Youth Choir and everything will be all wrapped up and put away in time for you join the Fall Business Meeting (on Nov. 2).
Your hosts are Bruce and Anna Marie Colpitts (who would love to share the leadership)!
6. Welcoming New Canadians
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice…
And so, we rejoice with Wellinghton, Tina and Ruth Franca who became Canadian citizens on Thursday, October 20. I’m going to steal part of Tina’s Facebook post from October 20 to set the stage:
It happened 8 years ago when on a business trip to New Brunswick, one of our business associates, now a dear friend, took me for a tour of the UNB/St. Thomas campus, and a meeting at NBCC. It was a gorgeous September Fall day. I fell in love with the city right that same day.
When I returned to Brazil, I told my husband I wanted to move to Canada. To New Brunswick, to be more precise. I said to him I wanted to change career and country. I wanted to have more time for our daughter. To my surprise, his answer to me was: Lead the way...
One year later, we arrived here in Fredericton full of hopes and dreams of a better life for our family. Our journey was NOT easy. In fact, it was pretty hard for anybody who chose the path we did. But we did it. And today, this certificate officially confirms what I have always felt in my heart: I am a very proud Canadian.
We praise God that Janet Ross invited them to visit her church and here they landed and stayed to become an important part of our leadership team. Tina, as many of you know, is our Elementary Children’s Ministry Coordinator and Wellinghton serves behind the scenes as our Facility Coordinator. You can thank him that the gym stage and seating is ready for every Sunday, for working lightbulbs and so much more. Their daughter Ruth is a marvelous young lady who is as sharp as her parents with an amazing smile that warms your heart.
I asked Tina to write a bit about what being a Canadian means to her family.
What does becoming Canadians mean to us?
It means kindness; It means seeing people greet each other in the streets and holding the door for you to pass… It means knowing your neighbours and sharing daily and holiday greetings with them; It means being free, safe, and having equal opportunities and responsibilities.
It means learning and loving multiculturalism and its different traditions; It means acknowledging, respecting, and celebrating our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Moving to Canada meant having a better quality of life and greater opportunities for our family.
Most importantly, becoming Canadians meant the fulfillment of a promise the Lord had made to us eight years ago when after 365 days of prayers, He said “yes,” and we put (again) our lives in His precious hands, trusted Him, and accepted what He had planned for us.
Last Thursday, October 20th, my family and I stood up in that theatre “with glowing hearts” as we pledged the Oath of Citizenship and officially became part of the “True North strong and free” while praising, thanking, and asking our God to forever “keep our land glorious and free!” and to give us wisdom and strength “to stand on guard for thee.” Thank you!
Boy, such a testimony puts many of us ‘organic’ Canadians to shame. I think I’m going to pause and thank God for the unique blessings that come from being a Canadian Christian…and at the top of today’s list are Tina, Wellinghton and Ruth Franca!
Pastor Greg
7. Financial Stewardship Weekly Report
8. Your Post Office is Moving
After nearly 20 years of service, we find that the mailboxes in the gym foyer are being used less and less. Because individual boxes are there, people leave mail that is not picked up. Further, to enhance the gym foyer as the first step toward the contemporary service, we will be moving a portion of the mailboxes to the Connections Center.
Here’s how those mailboxes will be offered:
Each church ministry will now have a mailbox so that communication between ministry leaders can take place (you can leave something in the box for your fellow team member and let them know that it is there for pick-up)
We will be creating “alphabetical range” mailboxes (ie. A-C) so that you can leave something for someone and let them know that can pick up in their last name alphabetical box.
However, if you wish to maintain an individual box for your household, we will do our best to accommodate this request. Please note that you must use the link below to indicate that you wish to maintain a household box. Without submitting this request your individual household box will be removed. Also, please note that we require applications for household boxes to be submitted by Friday, Oct. 28.
Thank you for helping us in this reorganization of our church post office. We are most grateful for your engagement.
9. Advent Craft Afternoon
When we arrived here in the fall of 2002, as Advent approached, we were introduced to a wonderful experience called Advent Craft Night. The premise was simple – people of all ages were invited to sign up to do a Christmas craft, enjoy inter-generational time with others making the same craft.
I think it’s time to bring back this wonderful tradition. So, we are planning ADVENT CRAFT AFTERNOON for Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. We’ll gather to craft and to enjoy a treat. This is an event for elementary through to senior adult. A children’s program for preschoolers will be offered at the same time.
For this to become a reality we need volunteers who will choose and lead a craft for elementary children, youth and/or adults. If you would be willing to explore leading a craft, please click the link below and leave your information and we’ll get in touch with you to answer your questions.
Starting the middle of November, we’ll preview the craft offerings in this newsletter so you can register all in your household who are wanting to participate. Then come to the church on Dec. 3 and experience a great time being together as a church family.
Thanks so much for considering being part of this Church Family Life event to launch our Advent season.
Pastor Greg
10. Reducing the Risk Training
Calling all of our volunteers who serve in ministries with those of the vulnerable sectors (preschool, children, youth, Third Sunday Supper, senior care visitations, etc.) For those serving in these ministries, we will be doing a reducing the risk training on Nov. 6 (after church in the Barnabas Center) and Nov. 9 (6:30 p.m.), you only have to come to one of these trainings, which will only be an hour in length.
Completing this training is part of the process to serve with those of the vulnerable sectors. If you have any questions regarding this please contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
11. 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.
Trunk or Treat: Oct. 30
Coming up on Oct. 30 is our annual Trunk or Treat event from 4-5 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to dress up and join us in the parking lot for this fun event of treats, fellowship, and fun! Please be sure to invite your friends out for this event! This is an event to serve our larger community.
Youth at BSBC
WEDNESDAY
Youth Choir: Wednesday, 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 on this, don't hesitate to get in touch with 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
Scouting Boys Grade 6 – 12: Next Week, Nov. 4, 7 p.m.
There's no Scouting Boys Middle & High School this week. The next meeting is Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
FRIDAY
Youth Group: 7 p.m.
Youth are invited to join Pastor Nikki, our great youth leaders, and students for youth group! This is a great time to connect with one another, grow in community, and a chance to invite your friends out! We look forward to seeing you out Friday! If you have any questions about the event, please Pastor Nikki at Nikki@bsbc.nb.ca
SUNDAY
Greenhouse Service: Sunday, Oct. 30, 10:30 a.m.
Finally, our first Greenhouse service of the school year is here! Tell all of your friends about this and join us in the Barnabas Center at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday! 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.
Trunk or Treat: Sunday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m.
Calling all families! We would love for you to bring out your kids and students, to join BSBC in our annual trunk or Treat event! If you or your youth would like to volunteer, please reach out to Pastor Nikki. Otherwise, we would love to just see the church family come together! Remember to invite others in the community, your neighbours, or whoever God places on your heart, especially those who may not come to BSBC as this is an outreach event!
High School Youth Group, Sunday, Oct. 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Please note the time change for our gathering this week! This is because we are inviting our high schoolers to help with the Trunk or Treat event. We will be meeting together at 3:30 p.m. in the church parking lot. If you are unable to serve ahead of time at Trunk or Treat, we will be meeting from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the third floor for pizza! See you all there! Invite your friends and come out to serve our community!
12. This Sunday's Worship Gatherings
In the gym, musical worship will be led by Greg Keezer and team. Pastor Ross will be preaching, introducing a three-week focus on the component steps in our living out our new mission statement: Experience the Love of Jesus/Live it Out Everywhere.
In the sanctuary, Dr. Keith will be offering a two-part series entitled The Story of the Book of Galatians. Of the first sermon 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.
Music ministry will include, soloist David Steeves along with our sanctuary choir. This week something different, 15 minutes before the service we’ll join in a hymn-sing celebrating the grace of our Lord Jesus.
13. It's Not Too Late: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
It’s not too late to join our fall study group tonight or on Sunday evening. Take a look at the trailer below.
Weekly Topics:
The Case for an Unhurried Life
Silence and Solitude
Sabbath
Simplicity
Slowing
Join a Group
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8 pm, ONLINE
With Pastor Greg
Tuesdays: Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22
Meeting link
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 pm, IN-PERSON
With Pastor Greg
Wednesdays: Oct. 26; Nov. 2, 9 and 16
Sundays, 6:30 – 8 pm, IN-PERSON
With Pastor Ross
Sundays: Oct. 30; Nov. 6, 13 and 20
14. PRAY: Online Community
Hey, our second episode of PRAY has launched. Please check it out at thestreetonline.ca.
Want to get the link directly in your inbox each Tuesday? Sign up below.
15. Refugee Sponsorship Update
Your Social Action Team thanks you for your ongoing support for the many initiatives that we bring to your attention including helping others both near and far, including the recent Harvest for the Hungry. We would like to provide you with an update on a couple of refugee applications.
16. Update from Our Partner In Mission: The Millettes
Hello dear BSBC family!
As Charles spends the week in Surrey, to continue serving and equipping local churches of this buzzing city of British Columbia, we humbly ask you to accompany us in praying that...
1) God gives much discernment and wisdom in his interactions with the many pastors and coaches he will meet with to further their understanding of sports ministry and his own understanding of how he can best serve them. At the moment, there are some barriers that prevent for ministry to happen.
2) Sarah and the kids enjoy a great week together, characterized by patience and grace for one another and by vitality of every kind!
If you are curious as to how sports ministry really works, here's a 3-minute video for you to watch:
Thank you so much for walking with us!
In Him, by His Grace and for His Glory among all Nations!
Charles, Sarah, Lucie, Victoria & Joseph
17. Update from Our Partner In Mission: André Sibomana
Hello there, my name is Andre Sibomana, and I serve with Canadian Baptist ministries as the Africa Team Leader. My responsibilities include providing a continental strategic direction in the area of joint ministries between CBM and the local church partners and maintaining the relationships and partnerships between CBM and denominational leaders.
Thank you very much, for keeping all of us in your prayers. We continue to see God’s hand in our work but also among the church communities that we are working alongside. It has been a busy year so far...
18. Update from Myles on a Mission
Read the latest update from Reuben and Leah Myles serving in the Philippines.
19. Bible Study: The Case for Faith
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
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 (started Oct. 19) from 6:30 until 8 p.m.
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.
20. Community Announcements
L’Arche Fall Dinner Fundraiser
L'Arche Fredericton has planned our Annual Fundraising Dinner for Nov. 5, 2022. The funds raised help support our weekly day program and community growth. The drive-through dinner for two consists of lasagna, garlic bread, Caesar salad, and cookies prepared by Chef Yves Dechaine of Greener Village. The beverage is Coburn's fresh apple cider. Pick-up for the dinner is at Greener Village between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2022.
The dinner cost is $85.00 and includes a tax receipt of $35.00. Dinner tickets can be purchased online at any time until Oct. 22, 2022. A contact name, phone number and email are required for ticket purchase. Tickets can be reserved by emailing larchefredericton@gmail.com and paid by e-transfer at: larchefredericton@gmail.com.
21. This Week at BSBC: Oct. 26 to Nov. 2
Please note: FLC stands for Family Life Centre.
Wednesday, October 26
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 Mandarin Bible Study (Barnabas Center)
5:50 Junior Choir Practice (Choir Room)
6:00 Youth Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
6:30 Scouts Boys Ministry (K-Gr 5) (Gym)
6:30 The Case For Faith Bible Study with Daniel Savard (3rd Floor Conference Room, FLC)
6:30 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Pastor Greg (Family Room, FLC)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Thursday, October 27
8:30 Janzen Wedding Preparations (Main Kitchen)
9:00 Benevolent (By Appointment)
9:00 Days for Girls (Room 219, Kidztown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:30 New Life Ministry (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Bible Study “Gospel of John” with Mary McMulkin (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Bible Study with Carol Bray (Family Room, FLC)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room, FLC)
7:00 Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room)
Friday, October 28
8:30 Janzen Wedding Preparations (Main Kitchen/Sanctuary)
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
2:00 Janzen Wedding Preparations (Gym)
7:00 Youth Group (Third Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
7:00 Janzen/Wall Wedding Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Saturday, October 29
8:30 Janzen Wedding Preparations All Day (Sanctuary, Gym, Main Kitchen)
6:00 Stage Setup (Gym)
Sunday, October 30
7:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (2nd Floor Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
9:00 Asian Sunday School (2nd Floor Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
9:30 12 Curious Verses Bible Study with David Clark (Family Room, FLC)
9:30 Biblical Prophesy Bible Study with Manuel Brayley (Under the Sea Room, FLC)
9:30 Sunday School for All Ages (Various Classrooms in Family Life Center)
10:15 Kidztown/Preschool (Family Life Center)
10:30 Contemporary Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Youth Greenhouse Service (Barnabas Center)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
10:30 Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)
4:00 Trunk or Treat (BSBC Parking Lot)
5:30 High School Youth Group – Pizza Night (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
6:30 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Pastor Ross (Family Room, FLC)
Monday, October 31
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
Tuesday, November 1
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (2nd Floor Boardroom Over Main Kitchen)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
12:30 Staff Team Building Event (Offsite)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Across from the Choir Room)
6:30 DivorceCare (Family Room, FLC)
6:30 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Pastor Greg (Online)
7:00 Fresh Start (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
Wednesday, November 2
10:00 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:00 Mandarin Bible Study (Barnabas Center)
1:00 Floors Being Polished (Gym)
5:30 Wednesday Church Family Potluck Pizza (Gym)
5:50 Junior Choir Practice (Choir Room)
6:00 Youth Choir Practice (Family Room, FLC)
6:30 Fall Business Meeting (Sanctuary)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
6:30 Scouts Boys Ministry (K-Gr 5) (Gym)
6:30 The Case For Faith Bible Study with Daniel Savard (Online only)
6:30 Youth Bible Study (3rd Floor Assembly Area, FLC)
