The Road to Emmaus By Rev. Lynn Uzans Holy Week Services April 9-April 16 April 16 Happy Easter! Wednesday, April 19 5:30 pm The beginning of Book Study Class on The Resurrection And following Wednesdays Saturday, April 22 Church Yard Sale and Men at Work Sunday, April 23 55+ Luncheon April 29-30 A Gathering of Baptists April 30 HURBA Meeting held at First Baptist
“This story resonates with the faith journey I have experience d most often”
Of all the resurrection stories in the Gospels, it is Luke’s Emmaus Road Encounter that most inspires me each year. To recap - two people are heading home three days after the crucifixion of Jesus; they are grieving and fearful, despondent and discouraged. A man joins them on the road and begins to tell them of the prophecies about the Messiah, and of his need to suffer before entering glory. Upon arriving at their village, they urge the stranger to stay because it is late and the road not safe at night. He agrees and they sit down to an evening meal. Scripture states, “When he was at table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight” . It is only after this recognition that the two also remember that their hearts “were burning” when the scriptures were opened to them as they walked. (see full story – Luke chapter 24, verses 1335). This story resonates with the faith journey I have experienced most often – in myself and in others. Every so often a piece of scripture heard or read many times will suddenly speak deeply to the soul; every so often, the sharing of blessed and broken bread, will stir me to the very depths. Every so often, a person will speak a word, write a note or do an act that reminds one anew that Christ is here, we are held and directed by the very Triune God. It is my sense that First Baptist has been and is living this road to Emmaus journey. Together, people are learning afresh familiar pieces of scripture. Most recently this has been apparent in the fine series on The Lord’s Prayer facilitated by Clyde Evans and the Lenten emphasis on these same words of Jesus by Rev Jenny in her Education Moments. Together, people have encouraged one another to deepen their faith journey – Continued on page 2
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The FBC Halifax Piano Fundraising Committee has now reached the half-way mark in our campaign to raise $60 thousand dollars for a new Yamaha C7X Grand Piano for the Church Sanctuary. We are looking forward to additional contributions from church members to help us achieve our final goal.
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through personal reflections on scripture in the Lent Booklet, through participation in the spiritual practices evenings, through the summer connections, and through many other activities, both formal and informal. Together, people have been discovering the power of sharing a simple meal: as part of study (the Lord’s Prayer Series, the workshop on Personal Directives), as part of committee and congregational meetings, over coffee after worship, at the Harvest supper, Thanksgiving, Valentine, Intergenerational, (Scout) Pancake suppers and so much more. Looking ahead, I am delighted that Clyde has agreed to facilitate another 4 week study, this time using, Geza Vermes book on The Resurrection of Jesus (see elsewhere in Voices for more
information). I am also delighted that Jenny is planning another Youth Bible Study in homes, over food and is gearing up for a second summer connections focus. I truly believe God meets us on the journey, walks with us and points us to sustenance if we remain open. As you continue your Lenten journey to and through the Cross, may you be sustained by this and other scriptures, prayer and relationship. Your Sister-in-Christ Lynn
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April 9: Lent 6 Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-11 Ride On – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Songsters and Messiah
Holy Week Ecumenical Services Morning Services will be held at 7:30 am followed by a light breakfast at 8:00 am
Monday, April 10 Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Martello Street Tuesday, April 11 St. John’s United, 6199 Chebucto Road Wednesday, April 12 St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, 5221 Spring Garden Rd Thursday, April 13 St. Andrew’s United, 6036 Coburg Rd
Maundy Thursday, April 13 7:00 pm Tenebrae; Holy Communion A service of readings and quiet reflection Matthew 26:20-27:66 Music: “Were You There” -trad. spiritual Amanda Zadeh, soloist
Easter Sunrise Service 6:20 am Point Pleasant Park, Black Rock Beach A joint service with The Presbyterian Church of St. David’s John 20:1-10
April 16: Easter; Holy Communion Jeremiah 31:1-6; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 28:1-10 There You Will See Him – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: McDonald and Beethoven
April 23: Easter 2 Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31 Unlocking the Doors – Rev. Nelson Metcalfe Music: Handel April 30; Easter 3 Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35 Camino Emmaus – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Goodall
Easter Memorial Flowers Friday, April 14 10:30 am Good Friday A joint service with The Presbyterian Church of St. David’s, St. Andrew’s United Church and St. John’s United Church Matthew 26:36-46, 57-68 Matthew 27:27-50 Who’s Being Crucified Today? Music: Enns and Widor
Members and friends of FBC Halifax are invited to place memorial flowers in the church on Easter Sunday to honour the lives of family and friends. Please contact the office with the wording for your memorial by Tuesday, April 11.
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Meet Our Newest Member Julian Summers: I work as a vocalist. I am currently enrolled in the B.Th program at Acadia Divinity Collage. It is my hope to become a minister. I started attending FBC over a year ago, in January 2016. (It is hard to limit the love to just one thing!) I love the atmosphere at FBC; it is a lively, and dynamic church community. Moreover, I enjoy the friendliness of the people, and singing in the choir.
Meet Our Newest Deacons
Neil Ritchie joined First Baptist in April 2014 but first attended as a student at Dalhousie University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dalhousie and a Masters in Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta. He was baptized at First Baptist Moncton and has been a member of both Baptist and United churches over the years. His career in hospital administration took him to Sackville. New Brunswick and Calgary, Alberta/ before he returned to Halifax where he was Chief Operating Officer for Capital Health. He now provides project management services in health, life sciences and environment through his company, Invicta Health Inc. Neil is married to Carol, who is a nursing instructor at Dalhousie and they have three children, Michael in Montreal, Megan, in Toronto and Daniel in Halifax. They have one grandchild, Henry, born last year. Neil is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying biking, swimming, skiing and gardening. As a Deacon, Neil is looking forward to helping build the First Baptist faith community and to extending our reach into the broader community to impact social justice. Anthony Zadeh: Growing up as a Baptist, Anthony and his now wife, Amanda, visited First Baptist for the first time in 2013 while planning their upcoming nuptials. The music, fellowship and Christ focussed atmosphere is what encouraged them both to make First Baptist Halifax their new church family. Working as a Project Manager building multi-residential buildings, Anthony spends whatever free moments he can volunteering on various committees within the church, including Property Maintenance, Board of Management, Music Committee, Usher and now as a member of the Diaconate. As a Deacon, Anthony hopes to give back to a community that has provided so much, spiritually to both him and his wife during the last four years. He looks forward to deepening his understanding of Christ centred leadership and sharing the gifts God has given him with others.
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How Easter Eggs Came to Be By Bryan Darrell Catholics were not supposed to eat meat during the period of lent. Eggs were considered premature chickens; therefore they were not to be consumed. This edict by the Pope stopped Catholics from eating eggs, but did not stop the chickens from laying eggs. As a result to preserve the eggs they were hardboiled and decorated with coloured wax to preserve them. With the end of Lent, Easter, these eggs could then be eaten.
Youth and Young Adult Baptism Class During the month of May (7, 14th and 28th) stay for lunch on Sunday's from 12-1:30pm. Classes will be held to prepare youth to join First Baptist Church Halifax either by Believer’s Baptism or by transfer from another Christian Church. The class will cover such questions as: What does it mean to be a Christian? Why do Baptists baptize the way they do? What is different about a Baptist Church? How can I continue to grow in my faith? What is the First Baptist Church Halifax story? The class is always open to youth or young adult inquirers who have not made up their minds about joining the Church, but have lots of questions! For more information, contact Rev. Jenny Csinos.
Easter Offering By Rev. Lynn Uzans Doug Eisner’s Lenten reflection (March 12) reminded me of a practice that has disappeared in many churches: that of special coin envelopes or boxes, filled during the seasons of Advent and Lent and brought as a Christmas or Easter offering for the work of God. The daily reminder of both our blessings and our opportunity to be a blessing helped some people stay focused on both the season and relationship with personal resources. Here at First Baptist, we don’t issue Lent boxes, but you will find Easter envelopes in this months’ printed Voices and in the church. The intent is the same – an opportunity to give of your resources as you are able to assist the ministries of God in this place and time. Please know that your offering will be appreciated and stewarded well.
The Gathering of Baptists April 28 - 29, First Baptist Church, Ottawa. Theme: Into the Next 150 Years. Special Speakers: The Rev. John E. Boyd - It’s Not the Same, Is It?; The Rev. Neil Hunter - From Gutenburg to Zuckerburg; Calvin Eady - Using Internet Platforms In Our Ministry. Registration $30/$25 before April 11 at caldwell@silomail.com. Info at fred.demaray@symatico.ca. Sponsored by Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms and The Gathering - exploring how the two groups might work together and support each other.
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Just Part of a Typical Clergy Wednesday A Joint Effort by Rev. Lynn Uzans and Rev. Jenny Csinos Putting Ministry first: During our recent budget meeting, we described the five Ministries of First Baptist. This brief article is the first of what will become a series telling the stories – behind the scenes of those five short words – Worship, Learning, Caring, Outreach and Resources. Did you know that Sunday morning’s worship service solidifies on Wednesdays? Those hymns that we sing, the readings that we hear, the prayers that we say, the messages from the pulpit are all prepared and brought together on Wednesday. On Wednesday mornings, a group of up to 15 Clergy from mostly South End Halifax meet in the parlour to read and discuss the Scripture readings for the week. Most Christian Churches use a common “Lectionary” – a three-year cycle of readings of four readings on each Sunday: Old Testament (in the season of Easter, it is replaced with a reading from Acts); Psalm; One of the New Testament Letters; and a Gospel reading. The three-year cycle of readings begins on the first Sunday of Advent, the start of the Christian year: Year A: Gospel of Matthew (December 2016 through 2017) Year B: Gospel of Mark (December 2017 through 2018) Year C: Gospel of Luke (December 2015 through 2016) The Lectionary uses these Gospels as the guides for the year because they are most closely related, and often referred to as the Synoptic Gospels. The Gospel of John is read throughout Easter, and is used for other liturgical seasons including Advent, Christmas, and Lent where appropriate. The Clergy in the parlour come from various religious traditions including: Anglican, Baptist, United, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist and Jewish. On Wednesday afternoons, our own Worship team – Lynn, Jenny and Lynette meet to plan themes, hymns and other liturgical details, with Nelson, John Dalton and Arla Johnson attending as needed. Seasonally, Lynn, Jenny and Kathy Schwartzentruber, the Diaconate Worship Coordinator, meet to develop a worship leadership schedule. Weekly, Sharon McGill ensures there are readers for the first two scripture lessons. Did you know that the Service Leader (Clergy or Lay) writes the opening Call to Worship? And the leader for the prayers composes the Prayers of the People? Behind the scenes of Worship – there’s more to Worship than meets the eye. It’s all supported by your time, your resources, your prayers.
Sundays at 9 Join us for a thought-provoking discussion series Sundays at 9am in the Transition Minister’s office. The hour will include a short video clip or article followed by discussion facilitated by Rev Lynn. Please note, this discussion group will be on hiatus April 16 and 23.
Did You Know There is an Upper Room App Available?! The Upper Room is a daily devotional that offers Scripture, reflection and prayer. The Upper Room has developed an app for both Apple and Android, phones and tablets. The App provides access to the current issues and a searchable library of back issues for only $13.99 CAD, yearly subscription. Why not download the app, and bring it with you where ever you go! Should you wish to download this app, but require financial assistance, please contact Rev. Jenny Csinos.
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He Was Raised On The Third Day: Group discussion of Christ’s Resurrection By Clyde Evans The historical and spiritual reality of Christ’s resurrection is foundational to our Christian faith, and is at the heart of our beliefs about life, death, and immortality. Yet, as Géza Vermes suggests in his book, The Resurrection, there remains much to consider about this central Christian doctrine in terms of its original as well as its contemporary meaning. For instance, how do we account for the fact that the resurrection of Christ encompasses only a very small portion of the Gospels? Using Vermes’ short book as a guide, we will examine how Christ’s death and resurrection fit into early Jewish and Graeco-Roman ideas about life and death, and how those cultural understandings might compare with our own beliefs today. Join us four consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning April 19th at 5:30 PM until about 7:00 PM in the church parlour for an interactive and thought-provoking discussion. We will begin with a light meal and then proceed to our discussion of the historical and contemporary meanings and implications of the Resurrection. Vermes’ 2008 book can be obtained from Rev Lynn Uzans, although copies are limited. Even if you are not able to read the book section before each meeting, please come anyway. There is much room for discussion. Our facilitator will be Clyde Evans.
Men at Work By Neil Ritchie April 22, Earth Day, 10:00 AM, all men are invited to "get down to earth" to help with some outdoor clean up on the Church property and to help put away tables at noon, following the Yard sale. The Auxiliary will provide coffee in the morning and lunch. There'll also be a short presentation on the Common Roots Urban Farm. Come for fresh air, fellowship, food and learn about the urban farming movement. Please RSVP to: neil.ritchie@invictahealth.com/902 489-9123 or for more information. All are welcome !
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The Outreach Committee 55+ Luncheon: The annual 55+ Luncheon will be held on April 23rd after the Sunday morning service. Please plan on attending for a bowl of fish chowder, good conversation and more! A very special afternoon is being planned for you. Transportation is available. So we will know how many to prepare for, please RSVP to the church office (902 422 5203/office@fbchalifax.ca) if you will be attending the luncheon. Brunswick Street Breakfast Program: We will be preparing and serving breakfast on Saturdays at the Brunswick Street Mission during the month of May. There are between 55 and 80 people each Saturday that come for hash brown, ham, and cheese casserole, toast, scrambled eggs, orange juice, coffee, tea, fresh fruit, and granola bars. We also make a variety of sandwiches (ham, turkey, and roast beef) for them to take for a snack later on. All the food items (except the tea and coffee) will be provided by our church and purchased with individual donations and the profits raised from the sale of our Just Us! coffee. If you would like to help at the breakfast program, there is a sign-up sheet outside the parlour.
The FBC Auxiliary A meeting will in the Church Parlour, at 1:30 pm on April 24th for their regular monthly meeting. We will have as a guest Speaker Cst. Michelle Everson of the HRM Police who will speak to us about "Computer Fraud and Telephone Scams". This is a very important subject and is so prevalent today. We invite members and friends of the Congregation to join us. There will be a short business meeting following the presentation at 1:30 and that will be followed by Tea, Coffee and Sweets. All are welcome.
1300 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8 Phone: 902-422-5203 Email: office@fbchalifax.ca Facebook.com/FirstBaptistHalifax
. . .was founded in 1827 as the Granville Street Baptist Church (renamed First Baptist Church in 1886) and is a member of the Halifax Region United Baptist Association as well as the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms (formerly the Atlantic Baptist Fellowship). We are intentionally ecumenical and inclusive in our services (Sundays at 10:30 a.m.) and programs. We are an affirming church. Photo by Warren Hoeg - June 2016
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