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Growing Faith, Friends & Families to Serve
In this issue:
This Sunday @ BSBC: We’re Back!
The Watters ARE Coming: NEXT Wednesday
Introducing Our Candidate for Next Gen Pastor
Special Business Meeting: Thursday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.
“Not Your Usual Prayer Meeting” Prayer Meeting
Prayer Ministry During Sunday Worship
“Walking With Jesus” Bible Study
Vacation Bible School Report
GriefShare Ministry Start Up
DivorceCare Ministry Start Up
“Bills 4 Bikes” Campaign
This Sunday’s Services: Sept. 12
Wednesday Library Openings
This Week @ BSBC
1. This Sunday at BSBC
On Sunday, Sept. 12, we restore some normal rhythms for Sunday mornings. Here’s what you can expect:
Preschool Opening
This Sunday morning, starting at 10:15 a.m. we’ll have two preschool classes prepared to welcome your favourite preschooler. One class for infants to age 2 led this week by Dan and Eleanor Wilton and a second for older age 2 to age 4 led by Toon and Shelley Pronk.
Our caregivers will be masked. If you would like your children to be masked…we’ll do our best. Thanks to members of our Education Committee who are providing care to preschoolers from now until Thanksgiving.
KidzTown
Opening at 10:15 a.m., KidzTown offers Kindergarten children to Grade 5 a time of worship, teaching, games and engagement with friends. Our KidzTown team of Tina Franca, Elementary Coordinator; Yewande Akalusi, Elementary Bible Teacher; and Sarah Williams, Teaching Assistant look forward to welcoming children in this age group. Please note that children and leaders will be masked through the KidzTown hour.
Contemporary Service
Our worship leaders, worship band members, tech team and greeters are ready to welcome you BACK to our contemporary worship service in the gym. While work on upgrades is continuing, you’ll see a new look. There will also be some tables and chairs for family seating during this service.
Off the gym hallway, there is the mini-nursery with a change table, rockers, and toys for preschool age children. You no longer need to make a reservation to attend this service.
Please feel free to wear a mask for the service, sanitize your hands on entry and, as you enter and leave, attempt to keep some distance between you and other worshippers. It never hurts to be careful. To enter, please continue to use the ramp door on the George Street end of the gym building. Children can be taken through this entrance to preschool and KidzTown.
Traditional Service
To the music or organ, piano and vocal ensemble we invite you to join us in the main sanctuary for worship and teaching. There is no longer a need to make a reservation to attend this service.
Please feel free to wear a mask for the service, sanitize your hands on entry and, as you enter and leave, attempt to keep some distance between you and other worshippers. It never hurts to be careful.
The centre downstairs section offers distanced seating. To enter, please continue to use the main sanctuary doors on York Street. Children can be taken through this entrance to preschool and KidzTown.
Mandarin Service
As part of our return to a more normal rhythm, our Mandarin brothers and sisters will be meeting on the third floor as they resume Sunday morning services. We rejoice in our facility being filled with the praise of God. Please note that the Mandarin congregation will be using the Connections Center doors for entry and exit.
What’s not happening on Sunday… please note that Sunday School is not planned to resume until after Thanksgiving.
2. (We Anticipate) The Watters Will Arrive Next Week
Well, the moment we’ve been waiting for is (we anticipate) just around the corner. Given negative Covid-19 tests for the whole family (please pray that this is the case), they will depart Scotland NEXT WEDNESDAY, Sept. 15 and arrive in Fredericton on Air Canada at 11:39 p.m.
Please continue to pray for their protection from Covid-19. Just this week there was a case in Eden’s school class. Isn’t this exciting? Check out next Wednesdays newsletter for confirmation of their arrival.
3. Introducing Our Candidate For NextGen Pastor
Your Search Committee are very pleased to introduce you to Nikki Leftley, our candidate for the position of Next Gen Pastor at Brunswick Street Baptist Church. Nikki is a recent graduate of Redeemer University, Ancaster, Ontario, completing a Bachelor of Arts – Religion in Youth Ministry.
Let us introduce you to this program: How do we disciple the next generation in times of rapid technological and cultural change? Redeemer's Religion - Youth Ministry program focuses on discipleship, outreach, and cultural engagement as a way to serve God and the youth that make up the church. Develop the character and skills to mentor and influence youth through ministry.
We invite you to click below and our office will email you an electronic copy of our introduction packet so you can “get to know” Nikki and find out why we think she should be considered for the position of Next Gen Pastor at BSBC.
Please see the Moderator’s invitation to the Special Business Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. where members will have opportunity to prayerfully consider having Nikki become a permanent member of our pastoral staff. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and know that we are praying for you as you engage in this process of discernment.
The Next Gen Search Committee
4. Special Business Meeting: Thursday, Sept. 23, 7pm
Greetings Church Family,
As Moderator, at the request of the Next Gen Search Committee, I’m calling a Special Business Meeting to be held in the sanctuary on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. to consider a motion for the congregation to issue a call to Nikki Leftley to serve BSBC as Next Gen Pastor. The meeting may also hear updates from Boards, Committees and Team.
No reservations are required to attend the in-person meeting.
If you wish to ‘attend’ the meeting on Zoom, please contact the church office (458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca) by Tuesday, Sept. 21, 5 p.m., to provide your name and email address so you can be sent the Zoom link.
Members and adherents of BSBC may attend the meeting and ask questions, however, only members are eligible to vote. Voting on the motion will be by secret ballot. Only those who attended the meeting on Zoom can visit the church office on Friday, Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to cast your secret ballot.
Ballots will be counted at the end of voting and once the result has been calculated, all in the church email address book will receive the result. In addition, the result will be posted on the church website.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this Special Business Meeting.
Sincerely,
Calvin Smith
Moderator
5. Not Your Usual Prayer Meeting
I’m very excited to announce a new ministry opportunity at BSBC, the “Not Your Usual Prayer Meeting” Prayer Meeting starting on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Room. What a blessing to have Deacon Charlie Ritchie embrace a vision for a new iteration of a weekly gathering for prayer.
He writes, “The purpose of this prayer group is to pray for the ministry of the church, for the pastors and for the congregation using various forms of prayer. So, as we are praying, we will also broaden the ways in which we pray. Let’s depart from what can become a gathering to offer God a ‘grocery list’ of concerns. I hope we will worship in prayer, practice thanksgiving, pray for healing, pray for the world scene, pray for the lost, pray for our nation, pray for our leaders and more. This will be a time for us to seek the presence of God…together."
Thank you for considering attending this Wednesday evening time of worship and intercession. Pray for Deacon Charlie as he seeks the Spirit’s leading in his leading.
Pastor Greg
6. Resuming Our Prayer Ministry During Sunday Worship
What
Sunday service prayer ministry sees brothers and sisters in Christ taking turns gathering together on alternate Sundays to pray as the services take place. This ministry kicks off this Sunday, Sept. 12.
Who
People led by the Spirit to be part of this ministry are welcome to join. Simply use the whiteboard on the wall in the gym hallway to write your name by the date you will participate. Note: People who would prefer to attend when they can be there without a set week can simply join the prayer team on any Sunday.
When
Each Sunday at 10:25 a.m., starting on Sunday, Sept. 12.
Where
Starting this Sunday, we’ll be meeting in the main boardroom over the main kitchen.
Questions
Please contact Daniel Savard at (506) 452-0319; Text at (506) 999-5765; email at timberwolfe57@live.ca .
"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado
7. Walking With Jesus Bible Study
What
A fall Bible study for all. Walking With Jesus is an 8-part video journey through the land of Israel with Pastor Matt Reagan of Southeast Christian Church. In the series we will visit the places where Jesus lived, walked, and ministered with His disciples. As the land of the Bible comes alive before your eyes, you’ll gain fresh perspective on the life-changing power of Christ’s love and His church’s calling to make disciples who follow Him.
Facilitator
Daniel Savard
When
Starting Thursday, Sept. 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The Bible study will take place every Thursday evening for 8 weeks, from Sept. 30 until Nov. 18, 2021.
Where
Tentatively, the group will meet in the Boardroom on the third floor. People who register for this Bible study will have the location confirmed.
Who
Anyone interested in the topic can attend the Bible study. You do not need to be a member of BSBC, or to be a Christian to attend this Bible Study.
How
You can register for this Bible study by clicking the link below.
Questions
For more information feel free to contact Daniel Savard at timberwolfe57@live.ca
8. Vacation Bible School in Review
Our VBS 2021 was a blessing!
It ran from July 7 to Sept. 2, 2021 and we had a total registration of 28 children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old.
VBS happened every other week on Wednesdays for children K-2 and Thursdays for Grades 3, 4 & 5. We had an average attendance between 6 to 10 children per day. Our days had worship, prayer, bible adventure, snacks, games, crafts, videos & and more worship.
Our motto / theme was Treasured – You are priceless to GOD! Each week the children learned that the Lord always: Hears us (Psalm 139:1), Knows us (Psalm 116:1), Comforts us (2 Corinthians 1:4), Forgives us (Nehemiah 9:17) and finally, God Chooses us (Isaiah 43:1).
Thank YOU!
Our volunteers/leaders were amazing and responsible for all the success we achieved. We would not be able to do it without the wonderful bible adventures led by Sara Duguid, Ron and Sandra McMullin, Yewande Akalusi, Sarah Williams and Anika Fraser.
The FUN and GAMES were planned and led by Eric Dunfield and Rotimi Akalusi with the awesome help of Erika Kelly. Finally, I am happy to say that we were all blessed by Kari Dunfield’s kindness and care always ready to help around in any way she could.
With thanks to God for all His blessings,
Tina Franca, Elementary Coordinator
9. GriefShare Ministry
If you are suffering the loss of a loved one, GriefShare, a Christian-based video-discussion support group, is being offered in the Family Room in the Family Life Center at Brunswick Street Baptist Church starting Thursday, Sept. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. for 13 weeks.
More information
Please call 458-8348 for information and to register. There will be limits on group size due to Covid-19.
10. DivorceCare Ministry
If you know someone who is going through marital separation or divorce, invite them to consider joining our 13-week DivorceCare program, a ministry which will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Room of Brunswick Street Baptist Church.
About the program
Each evening includes the presentation of videos with expert counsellors sharing insights on how to move from hurting to healing. In addition, supportive conversation provides encouragement to participants led by Gloria Tranquilla, Pauline Harvey and Bryan McWilliam. Each session stands on its own so participants can join any week.
More information
For more information, please contact facilitator, Gloria Tranquilla or call the church office at 458-8348. You can also register online.
11. Bills 4 Bikes
YOU ARE THE BEST! Thank you for exceeding our $1,600 goal. We’ll forward the cheque to Green Hill Lake Camp so that the 2 mountain bikes can be ordered. How exciting to be able to bless our camp with this practical gift. Thanks to all who were able to give!
12. This Sunday's Services: Sept. 12, 2021
Contemporary Service
This coming Sunday morning Jon Wilton will be leading worship. We look forward to Denise Mersereau offering another “His Name is Power” testimony with special guest, Matthew Akalusi. Pastor Greg will be offering the first instalment of a three-week sermon series “Unleashing the Church” — a study in the book of Ephesians. Next Sunday, Charlie Ritchie will preach followed, we trust, by Pastor Ross peaching the last Sunday in September. This week we’ll focus on Ephesians 1:1-14 and explore how we, as the Church, realize our potential in Christ. We’ll also be praying for our church staff as we enter the fall of 2021.
Traditional Service
Worship in song for this week includes soloist, David Steeves, a vocal quartet with keyboard support provided by Gloria Tranquilla (piano) and David Steeves (organ). Our special instrumental guest will be Jim Tranquilla who we like to think of as the “Gabriel” of the trombone! A powerful morning of praise. Denise Mersereau will offer another “His Name is Power” testimony with special guest, Matthew Akalusi. Dr. Keith will be launching his three-week series entitled “Turning a New Leaf.” Here is what Dr. Keith offers about this Sunday’s message entitled “Time to Reconsider”:
When Jesus is speaking at the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4), he reads a passage from book of Isaiah, and announces that the prophetic word has been fulfilled with his arrival on that day. Yet the assembled crowd are doubtful that this local son of Joseph could possibly be the great fulfillment of the Scriptures.
As part of his response, Jesus reminds them, “there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.”
Who is this widow, and how does her story make a difference in our lives right now? As it turns out, she’s character who is invited to have a completely new perspective on her desperate circumstances, her lifetime of disappointments, and her doubts about the resurrection power of God. When we put these various portions of God’s word together, we are given a fresh invitation to consider the reality of Jesus and his call on our lives this season.
Please note: Reservations are no longer requested to attend services.
13. Wednesday Library Openings
Your librarians invite you to visit the library the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10 am until noon. Come and engage with our huge collection of books — there’s something for everyone!
14. This Week at BSBC: Sept. 8 to 15
Wednesday, September 8
10:00 Library Opens
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
Thursday, September 9
7:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Choir Room)
7:00 GriefShare (Family Room)
7:30 Counselling Centre Committee Meeting (Counselling Room)
Friday, September 10
7:00 Youth Group Start Up (3rd Floor)
Saturday, September 11
1:00 Worship Team Practice
Sunday, September 12
06:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom Over the Main Kitchen)
10:15 Preschool Classes (1st Floor, Family Life Center)
10:15 KidzTown (2nd Floor, Family Life Centre)
10:30 Traditional Service (Sanctuary)
10:30 Contemporary Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (3rd Floor Assembly Area)
12:00 Fresh Start Lunch (3rd Floor Assembly Area)
Monday, September 13
9:30 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
1:30 Right to Life Meeting (3rd Floor Boardroom)
7:00 Mandarin Bible Study (Gym)
7:00 BSBC WMS (3rd Floor Assembly Area)
Tuesday, September 14
12:00 Mandarin Prayer Meeting (Boardroom over Main Kitchen)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor)
6:00 Fredericton, Ladies Choir (Sanctuary)
6:30 DivorceCare (3rd Floor Assembly Area)
6:30 Social Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, September 15
9:30 Seniors Exercise (Gym)
6:00 Vocal Ensemble (Sanctuary)
11:39 Arrival of the Watters Family (Fredericton Airport)
