The Banner
Seeking to minister in new ways in challenging days!
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
In This Issue:
1 – October’s Adult Line UP
2 – “Harvest for Hunger” Food Drive
3 – Laundry Detergent Needed
4 - BSBC BODcast
5 – ANXIETY Zoom Study Group – Starts Tonight!
6 – This Week’s Middle & High School Activities
7 – Kid’s “Bible Fall Fun” Club
8 – Current Online Service for Sunday, Sept. 20
9 – Our In-Person Service This Coming Sunday, Sept. 27
10 – Library Opening After Services on Sunday Mornings
11 – Online Program from the Mennonite Central Committee
12 – An Invitation from the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton
13 – September Birthdays
1. Adult’s Getting Together to Learn & Share
Considering how you will engage in spiritual enrichment this fall? We invite you to consider these offerings:
BIBLE STUDY IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
Hello Church — As we enter the fall months I’ll be offering a study in the Gospel of John. This book was instrumental in getting my attention when I was living without the saving knowledge of Christ, and the preaching from this book woke me from my spiritual sleep some twenty years ago! Please join me on this journey on Tuesday evenings, starting on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. You can take part in this study via ZOOM or by joining me, in-person, in the gym. The study will continue until Nov. 26. Thank you for preregistering using the link below.
Let’s learn together, Pastor Steve
MICAH 6:8 NIGHTS
I confess that, when confused about the demands of the Christian faith, I return to and find clarity in Micah 6:8—
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Simple, really. Justice...kindness...a humble walk...and yet so challenging when set in the context of contemporary society and the many voices that cry for their own understanding of justice...kindness...and a humble walk with God. In light of social unrest and demands for a changed society how do Christians respond...I would say by turning to the Word of God and by praying.
Micah 6:8 Nights take place in the sanctuary on Wednesdays, starting October 7, from 6:30-7:45 pm. Here we’ll explore the Scriptures and then spend time praying for … whatever the Spirit of God leads us to offer.
Micah 6:8 Nights invite us to study and pray for God’s kingdom to come and God’s will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven … and especially in our own walk with God and others.
To pre-register for ZOOM or in-person participation, please click on the link below.
I look forward to sharing a journey of learning and prayer – Pastor Greg
IT’S AS EASY AS LIVING
The very last words of Jesus, to his disciples, that we read in Matthew 28, verses 18 to 20, were very clear: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of age.
A very clear passage indeed. But sometimes, the GO, speaks louder than the others words that compose Jesus’ final address to his disciples. As I paused and reflected about this, I came to the conclusion that the GO brings to mind the famous missionary stories and evangelistic initiatives we’ve heard, read about and maybe experienced, which are undoubtedly inspiring and moving.
However, it is not this word that is at the center of Jesus’ concluding words. In fact, in Greek, the only verb that is written in the imperative tense is MAKE (disciples). Thus, we must understand that Jesus emphasizes and prioritizes the discipleship-making process more than the ‘going’ and the trips.
Now that we are more than ever before limited in our comings and goings, we are left with the core of this important verse: focusing on making disciples of all nations, as we go about our daily life, here, right where God has us! Not a bad Covid-19 side effect if you ask me!
But what does that mean for us at Brunswick Street? It means that we have a unique opportunity, as individuals and as a congregation to hear from God, look around us and notice the ones who are earnestly seeking God and start engaging with them! Stay tuned for the upcoming series of workshops that will challenge us all to embrace Jesus’ mission on earth to seek and save the lost!
Workshops will take place on Thursday evenings, both in-person and on Zoom—so you can take part in whatever format is best for you. You won’t be weighed down with a load of guilt but will be encouraged to live life with a renewed desire to introduce your family and friends to your awesome friend, Jesus. It’s as easy as living and since your going to be living anyway, why not live in a way that builds the kindgom by loving others?
The first workshop will take place on Thursday, October 8, 7:00 pm in the gym. To pre-register, click on the link below. I’m excited about what we’ll share together – Pastor Charles.
2. Harvest for Hunger
Community needs have not disappeared during the pandemic. Many agencies have reported increased requests for help, especially with food. So, we are inviting you to take part in our annual “Harvest for Hunger” which sees you bringing non-perishable food items to the church between Sunday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 11.
These gifts will be divided, as has been our practice, with the Greener Village Food Bank and for use in our New Life Ministry, stocking our Food Pantry for use each week. PLEASE feel free to drop your donations off at the church office any time, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am and 5 p.m. If you bring donations on Sundays, there will be receptacles at the entrances for your convenience.
3. Laundry Soap
Here’s another way you can be a blessing: our friends and neighbours at the John Howard Shelter on Brunswick Street are in need of laundry detergent. With COVID-19, they have increased request to wash cloths for those who stay with them and they have a need for laundry detergent that they can’t meet. If you would like to buy any kind of laundry detergent and drop it off at the church (same as donations for Harvest for Hunger) you would be a blessing to that Shelter’s hosts and guests. Thank you!
4. September’s BSBC BODcast
We’re grateful for Dr. Keith’s gift of the BODcast for September.
Tune in and enjoy his rapier wit and woke wisdom as he takes us on a deep dive into Acts 16.
5. Anxiety: A Spiritual Response – Starts TONIGHT
In this difficult time of anxiety in our world with the pandemic and everything else that is going on in our lives, we are looking for hope and encouragement. “Anxiety is inescapable in today’s world. When stress overpowers us and fear infects our minds, it can feel like the peace the Bible talks about is impossible to find. And no amount of pretending, overworking, or isolating ourselves will offer us the peace we need.
Pastor Jonathan Pokluda explores how Christians can face anxiety head-on. With real-life stories from people facing various kinds of anxiety, this series helps us see that peace can be found on this side of eternity.”
How to register
Everyone who would like to attend this Bible Study may register with Jason ( Xinkai Zhou) at xinkaixk.zhou@gmail.com . You do not need to be a member of BSBC to attend this Bible Study.
Starts tonight, Sept. 23 and finishes, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
Daniel Savard will facilitate the discussion during the Bible Study periods. For more information on the content of the Bible study see description below. If needed, feel free to contact Daniel at timberwolfe57@live.ca .
6. This Week’s Middle & High School Ministry
Don’t forget to register for youth group and bible study by emailing Pastor Charles at charles@bsbc.nb.ca.
Learn more about our fall youth ministries on our Youth Page.
7. Children’s Ministry Online “Bible Fall Fun”
Kids of all ages can engage in a new online platform with the premiere of our BIBLE FALL FUN with Jesus, their best buddy, EVER! Our kids will enjoy the return of our VBS “Bible Adventurer” as well as crafts, songs, the Brain Break and our all new “Find It In Your Bible” game. Don’t forget to register so that the craft kit and support materials can be delivered to your home. Please, feel free to invite other friends to join us by having them register here!
8. Current Online Service for Sunday, Sept. 20
The recording now available includes Dr. Keith’s sermon on the second part of the 16th chapter of Acts.
A guest contemporary worship team headed by Michaiah Gosman offer praise and worship. Traditional worship is led by song leader, Margaret Geldart, with hymns accompanied by David Steeves.
A special musical offering is provided by one of our new vocal ensembles. The children’s time presented by Yewande Akalusi.
This service was recorded on Sunday, September 13.
9. In Person Services - Sunday, Sept. 27
Attendance this past Sunday morning grew to 95 in the sanctuary and 63 in the gym. We’re grateful for the cooperation of all who come and engage in the required protocols. Thank you so much. Thank you for registering in advance by clicking on the button below to make your reservation for either the gym or sanctuary for this coming Sunday. You can also do that by contacting the church office (458-8348 / receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca) or on the website under the “Worship” tab.
This Sunday, Sept. 27, for our in person services, Pastor Charles will be preaching! This will be a great opportunity to be introduced to our Resident Missionary and Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult ministries. Contemporary worship in the gym will be led by Pastor Steve and friends. The traditional worship service will be musically led by David Steeves, Gloria Tranquilla, and one of our new vocal ensembles.
Pastor Greg
10. Sunday Library Opening
In addition to our Library being open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until noon, starting THIS COMING Sunday, Sept. 27, our Library will be open after the morning services.
Please note that you might be asked to wait outside the door for a moment or two so that we can observe physical distancing, but we’ll be open until everyone gets in…and OUT! Thanks to our Librarian, Sharon Gosselin, and her team for extending the Library ministry to Sunday mornings.
11. Mennonite Central Committee Offering
Rebekah Sears, our Partner in Mission working with the Mennonite Central Committee in Ottawa has an invitation for us:
BSBC folks may find the following webinar informative. It will be offered on Thursday Sept. 24, at 1 p.m. ADT. It is called: Advocacy for Justice and Peace: Conversations from the Field. Here is a brief description: "Through our advocacy work, Mennonite Central Committee amplifies the voices of global partners. Our vision is to bring about change in local communities. Come hear stories of how advocacy can make a difference in the lives of marginalized and displaced peoples - from Latin America to Palestine and Israel." MCC Canada's Executive Director is hosting and it will feature Anna Vogt, the Director of the Ottawa Office (my supervisor), James and Joan Alty, MCC's Representatives in Palestine and Israel (who I connect with regularly), and Annalee Giesbrecht, who coordinates advocacy efforts for MCC in Latin America. My role has been behind the scenes in brainstorming/and being a soundboard for the presentation ideas.
12. Anglican Diocese Online Offering
Alan Sears (yes, related to Rebekah by fatherhood!), shares another invitation with us – something closer to home:
Twice a year the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton sponsors a Christian Forum that features Christian scholars exploring important themes and ideas from their work that have implications for our common life. This fall’s forum will take the form of an online webinar delivered by Dr. Tom Bateman, Professor of Political Science at STU. Dr. Bateman’s talk is titled “Does Liberalism Need Christianity.” It will take place on Thursday, October 8 between 7:00 and 8:00 pm. Dr. Bateman summarizes the talk this way: “Liberalism (by that he means the philosophy underlying liberal democracy and not the political party) owes a deep debt to Christianity, having grown out of Christian theological ideas and moral commitments. The talk will explore whether liberalism therefore may not be intelligible or sustainable outside of that theological and cultural framework.”
13. September Birthdays 🎉
YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. Keith Bodner, Preaching Pastor
Pastor Greg Geldart, Lead Pastor
Pastor Jim McLellan, Pastor of Senior’s Visitation
Pastor Charles Millette, Missionary in Residence
Pastor Steve Patterson, Outreach Pastor
Pastor Changbin Tian, Full-time Pastor to the Chinese Congregation
