Where Faith Comes T o Life! The Newsletter of First Baptist Church Halifax
Vol. 22 No 2 June 2012
HOSPITABLE TRADITIONALISM - A CUTTING EDGE
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did a recent search on You Tube for videos of Dr. Bill Leonard of Wake Forest Divinity School who will be the guest preacher for our 185th Anniversary Service on September 30th. Bill is an outstanding Baptist historian with a keen interest in the contemporary landscape of church life in North America. I found videos of lectures and interviews he has given in numerous locations, and among them was a fascinating conversation on what he called “Hospitable Traditionalism.” He said: Local congregations are finding ways to thrive by developing liturgical and ministry-based niches in their communities while anchoring their identities in denominations. Bill spoke of a number of thriving congregations where he lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Episcopal, United Methodist and Presbyterian), and of a Baptist congregation in Louisville, Kentucky, all of which have found a unique “niche” for creative ministry. Certain things were common to these congregations - a liturgical (worship) emphasis, a creative connection with their community and a clear sense of identity in a denominational tradition. The worship emphasis was not the same for each of these Churches - they ranged from the structured liturgies of the Episcopal congregation to the “seeker sensitive” style of the Presbyterian congregation, with the Methodists and Baptists somewhere in between. What was similar in each congregation was the emphasis on consistent excellence in a particular style of worship that “branded” them for their community. Their ministries were also varied, with one reaching out through the arts, another to the poor, another to a very eclectic community surrounding their Church. In each case, though, the congregations became
known for the particular kind of outreach they did. What fascinated Bill the most was that each of these congregations remained profoundly anchored in their denominational tradition. Their sense of identity as Episcopal, or Methodist, or Presbyterian or Baptist was very strong, not in an exclusive or sectarian sense, or even in a “loyal to headquarters” way, but rather in having a deep well of tradition and perspective from which to draw as they confronted their challenges. Bill described Hospitable Traditionalism as a combination of open, creative, vibrant outreach and a rich, living tradition of worship and identity. In many ways, I think this would be an apt description of what we are trying to do here at First Baptist. In this our 185th year, we are known for a style of worship that combines traditional liturgies and music with warm friendliness and contemporary messages. We are known for the outreach we do bringing refugees to Canada, partnering with other congregations in feeding the poor, participating in the Face of Poverty Coalition, supporting the Youth Project in its work with GLBTQ youth, being an inclusive congregation. We are also known for being an ecumenical community of faith rooted in the Baptist tradition, an identity that has informed and guided our congregational life in very specific ways, including, ironically, our decision not to abandon our autonomy under the Lordship of Christ by renewing our membership in the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. As we celebrate our 185th Anniversary this year may we seek ways to renew our “hospitable traditionalism” so we remain on the cutting edge as a thriving congregation here in Halifax. - Rev. Page John E. Boyd
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HALIFAX MISSION FUND 2012
A
t our Annual Meeting we established the First Baptist Church Halifax Mission Fund as an alternative to UIM (The United in Mission fund of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches). The FBCH Mission Fund will receive and fully disburse all funds to the designated organizations noted below, which were chosen for 2012. In the fall we will choose which organizations to support in 2013. The FBCH Mission Fund does not form part of the General Fund Budget (Current Expenses on your envelope). Please write Mission Fund and the amount in the Other section on your envelope to designate your support ORGANIZATION
CONTRIBUTION
%
Global Canadian Baptist Ministries $ 2,000.00 Joyce Hancock-Brazil Mission 1,000.00 Alliance of Baptists 1,000.00
20% 10% 10%
National Atlantic Baptist Fellowship
1,000.00
10%
Regional Acadia Divinity College 1,000.00 African United Baptist Assoc. 1,000.00
10% 10%
Local HRUBA-Home Missions Hospital Chaplaincy Bayside Camp
1,000.00 1,500.00 500.00
10% 15% 5%
$10,000.00
100%
Total
185th Anniversary Service 30th September 2012 10:30 a.m. Special Guest Preacher:
Rev. Dr. Bill J. Leonard
James and Marilyn Dunn Professor of Baptist Studies and Professor of Church History Wake Forest Divinity School, Winston-Salem, NC
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WHAT IS PENTECOST? (from www.stpaulskingsville.org)
P
entecost is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost means "fiftieth day" and is celebrated fifty days after Easter. WHAT HAPPENED ON PENTECOST? (Acts 2:1 - 41) Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the twelve apostles, Jesus' mother and family, and many other of His disciples gathered together in Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival that was celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. While they were indoors praying, a sound like that of a rushing wind filled the house and tongues of fire descended and rested over each of their heads. This was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on human flesh promised by God through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29). The disciples were suddenly empowered to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ. They went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching to the crowds gathered for the festival. Not only did the disciples preach with boldness and vigor, but by a miracle of the Holy Spirit they spoke in the native languages of the people present, many who had come from all corners of the Roman Empire. This created a sensation. The apostle Peter seized the moment and addressed the crowd, preaching to them about Jesus' death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. The result was that about three thousand converts were baptized that day. WHAT IS THE LITURGICAL COLOR FOR PENTECOST? Red is the liturgical color for this day. Red recalls the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on the first Pentecost. The color red also reminds us of the blood of the martyrs. These are the believers of every generation who by the power of the Holy Spirit hold firm to the true faith even at the cost of their lives. WHY IS PENTECOST SOMETIMES CALLED "WHITSUNDAY"? A tradition of some churches in ancient times (continued on page 5)
You’re Invited!
185th Anniversary Celebrations For 185 years the congregation of First Baptist Church Halifax has been a steadfast witness to the redeeming love of God for members, friends, and our community. How blessed we are to share in this ministry together! Join us during September as we celebrate our Anniversary
Memories Each Sunday in September we will share historical FBCH moments
Special Guest Speaker Sunday September 30th Come and hear Dr. Bill J. Leonard, Professor of Baptist Studies and Professor of Church History, Wake Forest School of Divinity as he brings special anniversary greetings to us
Luncheon And then join us for a Celebratory Luncheon at Ashburn Golf Club* 12:30 PM following morning worship *Tickets to the Anniversary Luncheon are available from the Church office and every Sunday in June and September following morning worship. See Anniversary Luncheon details on this page.
185th Anniversary Celebratory Luncheon Details For Family and Friends! 12:30 PM Sunday September 30th Ashburn Golf Club, Joseph Howe Drive Join us for a delightful sit-down family luncheon! Choose Salmon, Beef, or Vegetarian entrée when ordering your tickets Children’s Menu of chicken fingers, fries, ice cream sundae Light music, short remarks, mix & mingle! Tickets: Adults $34.50 Children $15.00 (under 12 yrs) Starting June 1st, tickets will be available from members of the planning committee (see below), after church on Sundays through June and again in early September, or through the church office.
We look forward to seeing you there! Luncheon Planning Committee Doug and Jackie Eisner Jennifer Ferguson
Gisela O’Brien Peggy Dunbar
Church Office: 422-5203; fbaphfx@eastlink.ca
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MUSIC: SPREADING OUR WINGS IN THE COMMUNITY
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want to share with you my vision for FBC music. These goals have already been revealed to our Music Committee, who are invaluable in advising, implementing, and communicating these ideas to you. My primary concern is to prepare the Senior Choir and Men's Choir in leading worship. We endeavor to prepare our music so that the composer's inspiration is recreated, and to instill a spirit of insight, emotion, and empathy to the worship service. We have developed a highly versatile, skilled and positive group of singers, always ready to try new repertoire and to also to prepare longtime favorites. Our practices are both educational and empowering, placing music, community, and caring in equal importance. We are also inspired to reach into the community, having participated in benefit concerts for Phoenix and Bryony House, and singing for services at Victoria Hall. We love to see and hear from the FBC congregation, and thank you for taking the golden opportunity to participate as listeners. Your support of our musical vision is appreciated! I have also received tremendous support for our Children's Choirs, Songsters and Marshmallow Choir. My vision includes 4 parts:
to offer choral training and music education to involve the children in our services to establish community outreach give them opportunity to join their peers by sending them to Summer Choir Camp.
All of these things help to build a strong choir of committed and inspired young singers, and I believe that over time, will help our church grow as well.
PRESENT Their Year-End Concert Sunday, June 3rd, 1:00 p.m. A lunch will be provided after the morning service by the Board of Christian Education with the concert following.
Donations taken at the concert will benefit the C.E./Choir Camp. Come and hear our young musicians. All Welcome!
Vincent Rushton Lectures 2012 Saturday, June 2nd
Manning Memorial Chapel Acadia University Our special speakers will be
11:00 Registration 11:30 Lecture (in the Chapel) 12:45 Luncheon Tribute to Rev. Dr. I. Judson Levy (Rev. John Boyd) Brief Business Session
To register for the luncheon, contact Kim Sweet, ksweet2@ns.sympatico.ca The cost is $20.00, payable at registration.
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DORCAS and CRAFT GROUPS
T
hese two groups now meet together on Monday afternoons.
The most important task is to combine efforts to make items for the Craft Table at the annual Tea and Sale in November, and to keep the craft cupboard supplied with suitable gift items. The group will not meet during the summer, but will resume meetings on September 10, 2012. All "Crafters" please take note - we would appreciate any help with knitting, sewing or the donation of craft items for the up-coming sale. Please call Johanne McKee if you have any questions. The group can supply any materials needed. We would like to concentrate our efforts making items that are popular for the sale. Thank you for thinking of our hard-working group. Have a wonderful summer! Johanne McKee
CHURCH SCHOOL GRADUATION and CHURCH FAMILY BARBEQUE
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n Father's Day, Sunday June 17th, the Church School will be celebrating the completion of the Church School year. The Board of Christian Education would like to thank the Sunday School teachers whose dedication and hard work make Sunday School classes an engaging and exciting place to learn. Our teachers and volunteers this year have been; Anne-Marie Kruger-Naug, Lara Hazelton, Cynthia Thompson, Karen Leitch-Duggan, Bill Ferguson, Erick Lee, Emma Hazelton and Amelia Crowell. The Board of Christian Education will be hosting a church family picnic after the church service to celebrate the many graduations that occur during this time of year. The family picnic will be location on the church lawn and lower parking lot. We are very excited about this picnic and all friends and family are welcome. Please join us! There will be fun for all including games, music and food. We will have hot dogs and refreshments as well as entertainment for all ages.
PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE Deaths Dr. Marjorie Holmes March 16, 2012 Former Director of Christian Education Queenie Stonehouse March 18, 2012 Son: Brian Stonehouse Beatrice Harrington April 25, 2012 Son: Gordon Harrington Keith O’Hara May 7, 2012 Daughter: Gwendolyn MacLean Sharon Davis May 13, 2012 Son: Jason Davis Ted Whitney May 14, 2012 Son: Dahryl Whitney Births Benson Grant Williams February 21, 2012 Parents: Jason and Alicia Williams Sisters: Ayla and Carley Ella Grace Crowell-Rice May 3, 2012 Parents: Amelia Crowell and Mitchell Rice Grandparents: Tom and Adele Crowell Aunt: Julia Crowell
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS During July and August the office hours will be: Monday: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm closed 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Tuesday - Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Friday: 7:30 am - 1:30 pm
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CHILDREn’S PagE
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Matthew 19:14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
(continued from page 2) What
is Pentecost?
was to baptize adult converts to the faith on Pentecost. The newly baptized catechumens would wear white robes on that day, so Pentecost was often called "Whitsunday" or "White Sunday" after these white baptismal garments. Many Christian calendars, liturgies, an hymnals (particularly those from the Episcopal/Anglican tradition) still use this term. WHY DO WE CELEBRATE PENTECOST? There are three "mega-festivals" commemorated in the Christian calendar. The first two, Christmas and Easter, are well known to both believers and non-believers. But it's possible that even liturgical Christians may not be as familiar with the third, the festival of Pentecost. God’s wonderful Christmas gift of Jesus, and Christ's Easter triumph over the power of sin, death, and evil would be of no benefit to us if the Holy Spirit did not give us the gift of saving faith. Through the Word and Sacraments, the Holy Spirit gives us the faith to believe and trust in Christ as our Savior. This precious gift of faith in the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ is the reason Pentecost is the third "mega-festival" of the church and why we celebrate it with such joy and thanksgiving. WHAT IS THE SEASON AFTER PENTECOST? The season after Pentecost is centered on sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit in the day to day life of the Christian. This is reflected in the liturgical color for this season: green, the color of life and growth. Through the gift of faith that comes only from the Holy Spirit working through the means of grace, Christians trust in Christ as Savior and proclaim Him in their daily lives by service to their neighbors. The season after Pentecost is the longest season of the church year -it lasts from Trinity Sunday until the first Sunday of Advent. This is the non-festival portion of the liturgical calendar during which the church stresses vocation, evangelism, missions, stewardship, almsgiving, and other works of mercy and charity as ways in which Christ empowers us by His grace to share the Gospel with others.
2012 GRADUATES — CONGRATULATIONS!
Jennifer Dexter B.Sc. Kinetics — St. Francis Xavier U. Parents: David and Marlene Dexter Laura Doane B.A. Psychology — Dalhousie U. Parents: Tom and Maureen Doane Grandparents: Larry and Elise Doane Michelle Doane Grade 12 — J.L. Illsley High School Plans to achieve a B.Sc. from Dalhousie U. Parents: Stephen and Kathleen Doane Grandparents: Larry and Elise Doane Jean Ferguson B. Commerce — Saint Mary’s University Parents: Bill Ferguson, Leslie Ferguson Erick Lee M. Ed. — Acadia University Jennifer McKee B. Ed. — Acadia University Father: the late Christopher McKee Grandparents: Ian and Johanne McKee **** Elizabeth Fountain Honorary Doctorate of Canon Law University of King’s College
Do you have a graduate not listed here? We would be pleased to include an announcement with the others in the June 17th bulletin. Please contact the office with the details.
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VISITATION MINISTRY SUPPORT UPDATE THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL SUPPORT!
W
e have all recognized how important the Visitation Ministry is for our seniors and shut-ins to those who receive regular visits by the Rev. Nelson Metcalfe. This has been evident from the outstanding response to the need for financial support of this ministry, with leadership from our Diaconate and Ministers and contributions over the past three months from many in our congregation. In that short time, we have now reached our goal of $12,000.00 for this year. As of May 13th, we have raised $10,882.43 and have pledges for an additional $1,400.00 for the remainder of the year. Thank you all for your generosity! So what happens now? Any further donations we receive this year will allow us to reduce the amount we will need to draw from the Special Gift Fund which makes up the remainder of the total $17,000 budget for the Visitation Ministry, leaving more money in the Special Gift Fund for other important projects approved by the congregation.
My co-worker’s three year old son Reese: “Our Father, who does art in Heaven, Howard is his name. Amen” VACATIONS Rev. John E. Boyd: June 27 - July 31 Rev. Renée Clark: (On Study Leave to July 15) Vacation—TBA Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe: July 1 - 31 Lynette Wahlstrom: June 8 -10, 19 - July 2; away Aug. 13 -18, 20 - 30 Wayne McPhee: June 4 - 8; August 3 - 24 Alana Foster: August 6 - 20; September 6 -17
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GARAGE SALE RESULTS
T
hank you!: It was perfect; it was fun!
The sign of a good sale is when salespeople and customers alike had a good time and volunteers enjoyed explaining how it works and the value they received for such a small price. David Morse outdid himself by looking after staff on numerous coffee runs (boy a LU/LA would have helped there!). Lunch was hot and tasty - a nice unwind after a busy morning - and relating stories like: A lady said to a customer "Do you see anything that you like?" He replied, "Yes, You". What a chuckle we had. This was such a success (for a total of $2200+) that we have temporarily booked a repeat event for September 8, to appeal to returning University students. Please save your dishes, linens and furniture and anything else you feel a student could put to use. Our biggest THANKS A LU/LA* to our many (30) Volunteers. *LU/LA is the lift device we are currently fundraising for that will operate between the various levels of the church.
AFRICA ADVENTURE
O
ver the next three months Ashley Margeson daughter of Ken and Janet Margeson, will be in Cape Coast, Ghana, as part of a team of Acadia interns working with the Abusua Foundation. You can follow Ashley's Blog and keep up with her adventures at: http://ashleymargeson.wordpress.com.
Worship at First Baptist June - September 2012
June 3: Trinity Sunday; Communion Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29 Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17 “Time for God” - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Men’s Choir—Men Without Jackets
July 22: Pentecost 8 2 Samuel 7:1-14a; Psalm 89:20-37 Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Sermon - Rev. Renée Clark Duet: Sheila Davis, Natasha Sider
June 10: Pentecost 2 1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15; Psalm 138 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35 It Seemed Like a Good Idea - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Hayes– Davis Family
July 29: Pentecost 9 2 Samuel 11:1-15; Psalm 14 Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21 Sermon - Rev. Renée Clark Soloist: Megan Quick
June 17: Pentecost 3; Father’s Day Church School Closing Ezekiel 17:22-24; Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 2 Corinthians 5:6-17 Mark 4:26-34 Urged On by Love - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Rutter
August 5: Pentecost 10; Communion Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15; Psalm 78:23-29 Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35 A Grown-Up Faith - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Bach
June 24: Pentecost 4 Job 38:1-11; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41 Withstanding the Storm - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Hatfield, Lojeski
August 12: Pentecost 11 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51 When Behaviour Needs Modification - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Handel Gloria, Part 1; Soloist: Eve Roberts
July 1: Pentecost 5; Communion II Kings 2:1,2, 6-14; Psalm 77:11-20 Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62 “Strong and Free” - Rev. Nelson Metcalfe Music: Leon Cole, organist
August 19: Pentecost 12 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14; Psalm 111 Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58 You Are What You Eat - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Handel Gloria part 2; Soloist: Eve Roberts
July 8: Pentecost 6 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 48 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13 Sermon: Rev. Hugh Kirkegaard Music: Bédard
August 26: Pentecost 13 Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22 Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69 The Tipping Point - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Mozart
July 15: Pentecost 7 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24 Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29 “The Book of Dalton” - Pastor John Dalton Soloist: Meghan Jamieson
September 2; Pentecost 14; Communion Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Psalm 15 James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Tough Talk from Jesus - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Schubert
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