Fall 2011: First Baptist Voices by First Baptist Church Halifax

Where Faith Comes T o Life! The Newsletter of First Baptist Church Halifax

Vol. 21 No. 3 October 2011

PASSING IT ON…

THANKSGIVING IS THANKS-LIVING!

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going, And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; That's how it is with God's love, Once you've experienced it, Your spread the love to everyone You want to pass it on…”

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

ver the years I have read these verses many times, and even preached on them once or twice, yet I do not believe I understand fully what St. Paul was getting at. It seems strange, for example, that he would command another person to rejoice. After all, whether or not we feel joy or sorrow, or something in between, is not always under our control. As well, if you think about it, praying without ceasing is impossible for most, if not all, of us - there is just too much else going on in our lives! To give thanks in all circumstances is surely an equally impossible command, simply because some circumstances are so terrible as to offer no visible reason for thanksgiving. So, what do you do when you find that the wisdom of the Bible is not resonating with your own experience or conventional wisdom? The obvious answer is to ignore it. The more fruitful answer would be to go deeper. One way of doing this (and I hope you will find others) is to think of these “commands” from Paul as “invitations” to discover something we were not aware of in our lives, especially in the tough times a reason to rejoice, to pray and to give thanks! When particularly difficult times come along, the loss of a job, serious illness, the death of a loved one, our first response is not to rejoice. In fact, rejoicing may not be our second, third or fourth response! Continued on page 2

o begin the words of Pass It On, a song I first learned as a child at summer camp. I smile as I realize just how much we as a congregation are living those words in so many dimensions of our life together. This fall, we have rejuvenated our Church School ministry with a change to engaging SPARK curriculum, as well as presenting each of our children with their very own Bible (the proceeds of the Plant Sale at work!). Already, positive comments are coming from parents about how their children’s interest has been piqued. In recent weeks I have heard heartwarming references to the contributions First Baptist has made to the work of the Youth Project and Family SOS, organizations that have expressed appreciation for financial support, yes, but even more for our affirmation and value of their work. Once again we are partnering with Parker Street Food Bank who will benefit from proceeds of the Harvest Supper at a time when the need is great. The level of interest for volunteering at the Brunswick Street Breakfast and St. Andrew’s ARK Suppers has never been higher. May we continue these significant partnerships within our community! Continued on page 2 Page

THANKSGIVING IS THANKS-LIVING! Continued from page 1

PASSING IT ON …

Nonetheless, it has been my experience as a pastor and in my personal life that even in the darkest moments there can be light - the understanding of a friend, the gift of a particular memory, the receipt of a card, the presence of a loved one - and in that light one’s heart is lifted and joy, albeit bittersweet, seeps in. At these times I, too, can say, this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Sept. 19, I took part in a Children’s Ministry training seminar offered at Birch Cove Baptist Church, where about fifty people from across the HRUBA gathered to learn and share experiences in connecting children with the broader congregation. We were told that one of the greatest predictors for ongoing engagement of children and youth in the life of the church is opportunities for intergenerational fellowship where they are able to see adults significantly involved and sharing what their faith means to them, and feel that they belong, as a family, to the wider church community. This is another area of our ministry where we are doing well and moving forward – our young families felt this need several years ago, and now the Intergenerational Family Fellowship that meets monthly for potluck, fun, and discussion is one of our most vibrant ministries.

Similarly, when we are going along in daily life from busyness to more busyness and from deadline to deadline, it is not unusual to become myopic and even cranky under the burden of responsibility. Here is where the words of the old hymn become so relevant Count your many blessings, name them one by one... . Sometimes we call this “lifting our heads above water”, or “stopping to smell the roses”. Whatever we call it, the reality is that when we count our blessings we soon find our spirits lifting again and our hearts suddenly warming with gratitude. It is possible to give thanks in all circumstances! As I look at the blessings in my life, I can surely say, this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Sandwiched between the invitations to “rejoice” and “give thanks” is what may be Paul’s deepest wisdom pray without ceasing. But let’s be clear - this is not about giving up your vocation, your family, your social life and your home so you can enter a monastery! No, this is about an orientation or an attitude in the midst of life. Here is how it works: we let our lives be shaped by this question, Is what I am doing right now something I can offer to God as worship? Yes, working can be prayer, studying can be prayer, doing household chores can be prayer, caring for children or elderly parents can be prayer, serving in government can be prayer, etc. The point is not that we suddenly become pious or constantly seek a “place” to pray, but that we orient ourselves so that our daily life becomes a prayer without ceasing. In this we will discover joy that can never be fully taken away and find a host of reasons to give thanks. Rev. John E. Boyd Senior Minister

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Continued from page 1

The opportunities for learning and growing are many. Come and join us on Sunday mornings for thoughtful, meaningful worship and uplifting music. Share in spirited discussion with the Saving Jesus study group on Wednesday nights. Learn some of the background for the Gospel of Mark with the Tuesday morning Bible Study group beginning on September 27th. Wherever you choose to feel the spark of God’s love within you, what matters is that you find a way to pass it on. Rev. Renée Clark, Associate Minister: C.E.

BE YE THANKFUL

few days from now we are going to have Thanksgiving Day. The first Thanksgiving in North America was celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. President Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863. Long before Thanksgiving was a 'day,' it was given to us in the Bible as a responsibility, as a duty, as an exercise in obedience. God's Word says, Be ye thankful (Colossians 3:15b, KJV). The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean. Frobisher's Thanksgiving was not for harvest but homecoming. He had safely returned from a search for the Northwest Passage. In 1578, he held a formal ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for surviving the long journey. The feast was one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations by Europeans in North America.. After the American Revolution, American refugees who remained loyal to Great Britain moved from the newly independent United States and came to Canada. They brought the customs and practices of the American Thanksgiving to Canada. The first Thanksgiving Day after Canadian Confederation was observed as a civic holiday on April 5, 1872 to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from a serious illness. Starting in 1879, Thanksgiving Day was observed every year, but the date was initially a Thursday in November. The date of celebration changed several times until, in 1957, it was officially declared to be the second Monday in October.

Thanksgiving is all over the Bible. The children of Israel had special days of thanksgiving when they were to come before the Lord and express their gratitude and appreciation to Him. In fact, some of the Levites were set aside particularly to lead God's people in the exercise of thanksgiving. Then when you pick up the Jewish hymnbook, the book of Psalms in your Bible, you will find out that there are many of those psalms that are dedicated to the theme of thanksgiving. We are to enter into his courts with praise and with thanksgiving. Many times, in the book of Psalms, it says, O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. Then you go to the New Testament and you just find it scattered all over the New Testament. You will find that thanksgiving is connected with prayer. Jesus, when He prayed before meals, would give thanks to the Heavenly Father. When Jesus broke the bread in the last supper, the Bible says that He gave thanks and He broke the bread. The Apostle Paul, in prayer, would give thanks. He wrote, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every request of mine with thanksgiving. So, prayer is a part of thanksgiving. Praise is a part of thanksgiving. When we praise the Lord, one of the things we do, one of the ingredients of our praise to the Lord is our gratitude and our thanksgiving. Hebrews 13:15 says, Let us therefore offer unto him our sacrifice to God continually. That is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. So, prayer and thanksgiving go together. Praise and thanksgiving go together. Be ye thankful. May there be a flood of thanksgiving (II Corinthians 9:12, NEB) for all the blessings we have received. Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe, Minister of Visitation

In Colossians 3:15 the author writes: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which also you are called in one body and be ye thankful. Let us look at those last three words.

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THE ANNUAL FIRST BAPTIST CHRISTMAS TEA AND SALE 2011

Saving Jesus Last winter and spring we began a study called Saving Jesus Redux, a 12-session DVD-based series from Living the Questions that explores what a credible Jesus looks like for the third millennium. Contributors include Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, Robin Meyers, Marcus Borg, Walter Brueggemann, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, and a host of other theologians, scholars, and pastors. In September we resumed the study. It doesn’t take long to “catch up”, so don’t worry about whether you have participated before! Each 1½ hour session includes conversation around the readings in your participant guide, a 30-minute video segment, and guided discussion. Join us on Wednesdays at 7 pm for Saving Jesus Redux and be a part of saving a relevant Jesus for today!

INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

he Inter-generational Family Fellowship meets on the first Saturday of the month, generally 5:30-8:00 p.m., at the homes of various members or occasionally at the church. The format consists of a potluck supper or costshared pizza, followed by an hour of adult discussion and prayer time, while the children are supervised in play or watch a child-friendly program in a separate room. We have mainly been viewing the NOOMA DVD series http://nooma.com by Pastor Rob Bell , in which he gives a thought-provoking reflection on an issue in the day-to-day struggles of modern Christians, with references to passages in Scripture. New members of all ages are always welcome! The next meeting will be Saturday, October 1, 5:30pm at the home of the Sampsons. For more information, contact Sandy Yip at amyip@eastlink.ca.

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reparations and plans are well under way for this year’s “Tea and Sale”. Please make note on your calendars Saturday, November 5, 2-4:30 p.m. This event is our biggest fund raiser and thus requires the greatest involvement, commitment and support from our congregation and extended church family! We need whatever amount of “time, treasure, and talent” which you can give. Be it great or small we need it all! Our members and friends have been busy but could definitely use your help. All crafters are invited to donate any examples of their creative efforts; knitting, crocheting tatting, rug hooking etc. Donations of baked goods, books, craft supplies, Christmas decorations, jewelry, and items for the “new to you” table are needed. Please note that the craft supplies and Christmas decorations are new requests this year. Any glass, crystal, paintings, silver, or antiques suitable for the silent auction are also welcome. Please note that items which are designated for the “Silent Auction” need to be appraised. Therefore, as this takes a bit of time in order to ensure that all appraisals are accurate, it would be appreciated if you could donate your auction items sooner than later. Tax receipts for the selling price are issued to the donors of those items We are very appreciative to receive all of these items which you have been so kindly storing for us in your homes and cottages just waiting for the opportunity to donate them for such a worthy cause. In as much as there is a tremendous amount of lifting required, from tea cups to tables, there are even more uplifting moments filled with fun (uncontrollable laughter), friendship (new and renewed), and that joyful fellowship comes from working together to achieve a common goal. Proceeds from this event are used to support not only the “upkeep” of the church, but also the “upkeep” of those individuals and groups who benefit from our continued efforts on their behalf.

Tickets are presently available from the church office and from our Ticket Convenors, Warren and Esther Hoeg, who will have tickets available during coffee and Conversation. After September 27, tickets will also be available from members of the Women’s Auxiliary. Tickets are $5.00 each or 6 for $25.00. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on November 5! Marjorie Stevenson and Robin MacInnis 443-1670 422-6238 CRAFT GROUP NEWS The ladies of the Monday Dorcas group, and the Wednesday Craft Group, have been working all year on projects for the Tea and Sale. The Convenors of this table would be pleased to accept donations of knitted and sewn articles and any other crafted items. Thank you for your cooperation. Johanne McKee CRAFT SUPPLY TABLE A new feature to be added to the Tea and Sale this year is a display of craft supplies for sale. This will be of particular interest to tole painters, needle craft fans, knitters, sewers, rug hooking, etc. There will also be craft books, magazines and material for sale. If any “crafter” has such items they no longer need, please consider donating them to this new project.

THANKSGIVING OFFERING

n offering envelope is enclosed with this edition of First Baptist Voices so that you can participate in our annual Thanksgiving Offering. Three times a year (Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas) we seek a special offering in addition to our Sunday giving as a way of highlighting the importance of these seasons in our life of faith. All three offerings go directly to our budgeted ministries and are crucial for meeting the challenges we set for ourselves each year. The fall is a good time to remind ourselves of these challenges and of the exciting ministries we support through our congregation, our Baptist connections and in community outreach. If you have any questions about our ministries, pick up a copy of the latest Annual Report, or speak directly to one of the Ministers, a Deacon, or the Chair of our Finance Committee, Bill MacInnis. Please join with us in using the gifts God has given us to do the work God is calling us to do! ST. LUKE SERVICE

highlight of our fall is the annual St. Luke’s Service when members of the medical community, the Dalhousie Medical School and the Dalhousie Medical Chorale join us for worship. This year’s service will be held on October 23rd at 10:30 a.m. and our guest speaker will be Dr. Drew Bethune. Dr. Bethune, MD MSc FRCSC FCCP, is Assistant Professor of Surgery and Head, Division of Thoracic Surgery for Dalhousie Medical School. Drew is well known to us, having grown up as part of First Baptist and now serving as one of our Deacons. Also participating in the service will be readers from the various classes and the Chorale. The Children’s Story will be told by Ellen Boyd, a second year medical student, who spent the summer in southern Africa in an educational program sponsored by Doctors Nova Scotia.

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50 YEARS AGO: LOOKING BACK TO 1961 REACHING OUT

lthough the Tom Allen Mission and the Africville Project were the most visible, the congregation reached out in other ways, too. The Deacons set a goal of $13,000 for the Missionary and Extension Fund, which was exceeded. For Acadia, the congregation raised $1500. There was strong support for the Churches in New Communities Project. H.E. Crowell helped raise over $2000 assist the new Birch Cove Baptist Church. Missionary work was important to the congregation. Mrs. Neil Price, Superintendent of the Home Mission, came to speak to the Women’s Missionary Society, which had 146 members. At another meeting of the WMS, Mrs. Philip DeLong spoke about her missionary work in India. Miss Gene Morrison led a study group for the Senior CGIT to share what she had learned about Russia during her recent visit to Moscow. Miss Maxine Morse returned from the worldwide convention of Baptists in Japan and had a slide show for the CGIT. Miss Sandra Morse wore a kimono and sang a Japanese song. Jean Smith used the Japanese theme for the Mother/Daughter CGIT banquet. Earl Dexter, as Superintendent of the Church School, organized a training session for teachers which included a visit to the Beth Israel Synagogue. Other groups that received support from the congregation included: Grenfell Mission, Maritime Home for Girls, NS Temperance Foundation, Home for Coloured Children, Camp Hill, Red Cross, Foreign Mission, and World Refugee. Elsewhere in the world, John F. Kennedy was inaugurated and spoke: “Ask not what your country can do for you; but what you can do for your country.” Basque terrorists derailed a train in Spain. The first hijacked commercial flight landed in Cuba. Adolf Eichmann was hanged for war crimes committed during World War II. And in Canada, the New Democratic Party was created by the merger of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and the Canadian Labour Congress. Research by Ed Tummers

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“MEN WITHOUT JACKETS”

alling all male voices. Our Men’s Choir, called “Men Without Jackets” starts a new season this fall. Rehearsal last Saturday of each month from 10:00 am until noon. Schedule Sat Sep 24 Sat Oct 29 Sun Oct 30 Sat Nov 26 Sun Dec 17 Sun Dec 17 Sat Jan 28 Fri Feb 10 Sat Feb 25 Sun Feb 26 Sat Mar 24 Sun Mar 25 Sat Apr 28 Sat May 26 Sun May 27

Rehearsal Rehearsal Church Service Rehearsal Victoria Hall Carols by Candlelight Rehearsal Valentine’s Supper Rehearsal Church Service Rehearsal Afternoon Hymn Sing with RCCO Rehearsal Rehearsal Church Service

Remember, we call ourselves "Men Without Jackets" because God never said we needed to dress up to sing his praises. For further information, contact our Director of Music, Lynette Wahlstrom. Men Without Jackets: Luke Morrison, Bryan Darrell, David Morse, Mac Philips, Ian McKee, Jim Stanley, David Bourque, Alan Manchester, Erick Lee, Joe O’Brien, Brian Ashton, Ken Margeson, Nelson Metcalfe, David Dexter, Paul Henderson, John Dalton, David Gibson, Garnet Colwell, Rex Deverell, Tom Crowell, Alan North, Jeremy Dutcher, Gordon Taylor, Kim Davison, Ed Tummers, Dahrl Whitney, Richard MacMichael, Guest organists, Patrick Salah, Shawn Whynot.

GIVING THROUGH PREAUTHORIZED GIVING

Dedications Anais Young Cherin, September 4, 2011 Emmanuel and Vick yCherin Grandparents—Alex and Diana Young

Weddings Sherwin Chan & Eun-Ju Kim, July 30 Barry Connors & Leanne Colley, Aug. 6 Andrew White & Blair McIntyre, Sept. 10 Philip Aulenback & Michael Best, Sept. 24 David Allen & Mari Tanaka Allen, Sept. 24 Robert & Susie (Cruess) Ammerman, Oct. 1

Baptisms Adrien Mopoho, June 12 Amanda Ballam, Aug. 28

Accepted into Membership Tom Murdoch, June 12 Natalie Corbitt Sampson, June 12 Shealagh McGrath, Aug. 28

o you know that your weekly offering may be given through First Baptist’s preauthorized offering plan? (POP) This plan offers you a convenient way to give regularly and provides the church with a dependable and consistent flow of income to meet budget commitments throughout the year. When you enroll, you simply authorize your bank to debit to your account the amount you wish to give on a monthly basis. This means that your annual giving will be reflected in twelve monthly gifts, and you will receive your tax receipt at year end. Preauthorized giving is confidential and you are free to adjust your level of giving , in writing, at any time. Those who are already committed to giving through this Plan are pleased at how easy it is to participate and to support the work of the church in this way. Why not contact the Church Office (422-5203) to find out how you may become part of preauthorized giving at First Baptist Church.

First Baptist Church Halifax Children’s Choirs Two new choirs have begun rehearsals, in the Sanctuary, following the service. Songsters: Ages 7—12 years Marshmallow Choir: Ages 3—6 years We plan to participate in some Sunday Services and our annual Carol Service. Come have fun, learn some music, and bring a friend! New members welcome!

DESTINATIONS I have been to a lot of places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I've also never been in Cognito, either. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips, thanks to my friends and family. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump and I'm not much on physical activity.

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CHILDREN’S PAGE

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ABF TO CELEBRATE ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

t was in the fall of 1971 that a group of pastors and lay persons formed the Atlantic Baptist Fellowship in response to certain decisions taken by the United Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces (now the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches). Of greatest concern were two decisions, one to withdraw from the Canadian Council of Churches and other formal ecumenical involvement, and one to require local churches to choose only persons baptized by immersion as their Convention delegates. Our early ABF leaders believed that ecumenical relationships were vital for the future of Christianity, and that local Baptist congregations, several of which had open membership policies that welcomed Christians baptized by means other than immersion, were best suited to decide who their delegates would be.

In business sessions the ABF will present a revised constitution and a motion to incorporate under the Society’s Act of Nova Scotia. Included in the new constitution will be authorization to develop a process for the accreditation of ministers, something that will be vital for First Baptist in the years ahead. First Baptist Church Halifax has been a member of the ABF since its beginning. All members of the congregation are invited and encouraged to attend all sessions. In particular, you are invited to come to the Anniversary Banquet on the Friday night, which is being catered, where you will hear stories, meet many friends from around the province, and hear Dr. Haggray’s first address. Registration, including the Friday banquet, is only $25 for the weekend, and you can register by calling the Church Office or emailing abf@ns.sympatico.ca. More details are on our church website. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray will also preach at the 10:30 a.m. service at First Baptist Church Halifax on October 2nd.

Over the last 40 years the ABF has championed ecumenism, Baptist freedoms, local church autonomy, engagement in social justice issues and, above all, provided a “safe place” for diverse Baptists to meet, discuss and grow in faith and fellowship. First Baptist Church Halifax will host the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the ABF on the weekend of September 30th - October 1st. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Senior Minister of the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, DC. Dr. Haggray, the first African American to hold this pulpit, is an American Baptist pastor who has worked collaboratively with a variety of Baptist organizations, including the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the American Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist Convention and the Alliance of Baptists. He will be speaking on Being Baptist in a Changing World, giving particular attention to being a Baptist Congregation and being a Baptist Leader.

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

his November, on the first Sunday of the season of Advent, we begin the new Church year, a year which features Gospel readings from the Gospel of Mark. The shortest of the four Gospels, it is also the earliest, and we can learn from it much about how a community undergoing severe persecution saw Jesus as their guide, saviour and lord, one who challenged them to follow his way of love, justice and peace. To learn more about Mark's Gospel, come to the Parlour on Tuesdays at 10 am. We are a sociable group, and all are welcome to join us at any point in the study. Coffee is on by 9:45. Hope to see you there!

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TANCOOK ISLAND EXCURSION

xcitement, energy and enthusiasm bubbled over onto the ferry wharf at Chester on Saturday afternoon, September 10th as nineteen members of our church family embarked on an outdoor adventure.

The day was picture perfect. The sun shone in a clear blue sky. The waves were gentle and the air, refreshingly dry. Beautiful blue Mahone Bay beckoned us onto the upper deck of the William G. Ernst, where the air was rare, diamonds danced on the waves, and wind and sun bathed our faces as we surveyed passing scenes of lovely isles, faraway horizons, white sails and summer cottages along the shorelines. On Big Tancook Island we revelled in the freedom of roaming on country roads, exploring the fossil beach, visiting local shops and a gallery on our own or in small groups for an hour and a half—all the while soaking up the ambiance of rural life in a beautiful maritime setting. By mid-afternoon we gathered at the historic Baptist “church in the wildwood”—such a special privilege and a real joy—to be led in worship by Renée and John Dalton. We sang favourite old hymns, listened to scripture, reflected on Renée's meditation and joined our hearts and voices in prayer. Arthur Stevens, a fifty-year deacon at the church, gave words of warm welcome and led us in several more songs. Down the road we poured into the little café/craft shop, enjoying each other’s stories and good-humoured company. Carolyn and Lee (Stevens?) were our gracious cooks and hosts at supper. Tummies filled with delicious seafood chowder, freshly-made fish and chips, scrumptious lobster rolls, and hamburgers with fries and gravy, we hiked the short distance along the shore road to climb back onto the ferry for the return voyage to the mainland. The continuing happy exchange of conversation rose above the roar of the ferry plying its way across the bay in the stiff breeze of the early evening. On the wharf, hugs were shared in gratitude for the wonderful experience which had been ours that day. We clambered back into our vans and cars for the journey home to the city—hearts, minds and spirits greatly enriched. Billowy orange clouds reflecting on the quiet waters of lakes along the highway and a near full moon rising in the dark blue sky provided the perfect ending to a wonderful excursion. Thank you, Renée and John, for your leadership and spiritual guidance, for bringing us together and for sharing with us this memorable time of adventure and fellowship. - Grace Gibson

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UP-COMING EVENTS—MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Carols By Candlelight Sunday, December 18, 7:00 p.m. Our annual service of lessons and carols. Mark your calendars for this special Advent celebration.

Sunday, December 11, 2011 10:30 a.m. White Gift Service 1:00 pm Sunday School Christmas Presentation. NOVEMBER 6, 2011 REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE All veterans of the World War I and II, Korean War. Gulf War and Afghan conflict are invited to gather in the parlour at 10:20 a.m. to process with the choir and clergy into the Sanctuary at the start of the service.

ADVENT EVENT! Sunday, November 27th is the first Sunday of Advent. The Board of Christian Education invites FBC folks, tall and small, to join us in the Assembly Room following the service for our second Annual Family Advent Event. Come and enjoy a light lunch, stories, Christmas crafts, seasonal singing, and a surprise or two! Hope to see you there!

ALL SAINTS SERVICE Join us on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. This will be a service of Communion and Remembrance, remembering all those who died since November 2010. The music that day will be special—excerpts from Duruflé’s Requiem (Kyrie, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, In Paradisum) with a solo— Pie Jesu, sung by Lucy Hayes Davis.

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PRAYER CIRCLE

GREETERS—1ST Sunday of Month

here are times in our lives when we all feel the need of prayers - illness, loss of a loved one, troubles of any kind. Here at First Baptist, we have a Prayer Circle, made up of people who have committed to responding to requests for prayer from anyone who asks. There are six in the circle at present, but we would love to have more. If you would like to be part of this important service to the congregation, please contact Deacon Pauline Allsop (492-1050). If you wish to make a request for prayers, contact Pauline or one of the Ministers, who will pass the request to the Circle.

The Deacons and Board of Management of First Baptist Church would like to extend the opportunity to members and adherents to provide GREETINGS to our congregation and guests at the main entrance of the church on the first Sunday of the month. We believe that this opportunity will help our congregation to fulfill the following commitments made in our Strategic Plan.

SUNDAY SUPPER FOR ARK Our turn to provide casseroles for this outreach is Sunday, Oct. 2. Sign-up sheet and recipe are on the bulletin board outside the parlour. The dish for this turn is Oriental Casserole and the recipe is available, along with a signup sheet, outside the parlour, or on the church website.

Where faith comes to life through caring A congregation that provides a stronger caring and joyful fellowship and promotes acceptance, support and nurture for individuals and families in their life journeys. Where faith comes to life in Stewardship A congregation where stewardship of our human, spiritual, physical, and financial resources provides opportunity for ministries and outreach to our community. (This includes employing the talents and gifts of our congregation.) We are delighted to extend this opportunity to you, as we know that it will allow us to get to know one another better. The Bulletin will list names of Greeters; a wonderful “gift” to send Grandparents who love to hear about all their grandchildren’s activities. Time: 10:00 – 10:30 (until the choir goes in) Sunday morning.

Casseroles must be delivered, hot, to St. Andrew’s church hall, at 4:00 p.m..

Nametags are on table to left of the middle doors in Narthex (table behind guest book stand).

SUNDAY READERS

An email will be sent the week prior: to the Office, to the Deacon on door with you and to you to verify: How you would like your name to appear in the bulletin and on your nametags. If you need to cancel at the last minute, you can contact the Deacon.

Individuals are needed to read the Scripture lessons on the 2nd and 3rd weeks of each month. Would you like to be added to the list of those willing to do so? Please contact Sharon McGill (457-2229/ fmcgill@ns.sympatico.ca)

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Please contact Gill Maling at gillanddon@ns.sympatico.ca or the church office for more information or a date that you would like to participate in this ministry. What are your plans for: November 6, December 4, February 5, March 4, April 1 (Palm Sunday), May 6, June 3.

Worship at First Baptist Fall 2011 September 25: Pentecost +15 Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 Are We There Yet? - Rev. Hugh Kirkegaard Music: Bach, Chilcott October 2: World Communion Sunday Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15 Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 Sermon - Rev. Dr. Jeff Haggray Music: Handel, Daley October 9: Thanksgiving Sunday Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23 Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 Ecology of Thanksgiving - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Bach, Poston

October 30: All Saints/All Souls Sunday; Communion Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 130 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; John 5:24-27 Celebrating Life - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Duruflé Requiem November 6: Remembrance Sunday Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 Sermon - Commander Baxter Parks Music: Adsett November 13: Pentecost +22 Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30 Hidden Talent, Hidden Treasure - Rev. Renée Clark Music: Hatfield

October 16: Pentecost +18 Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-9 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 The Faith-Driven Life - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Rutter, Tchaikovsky/Luboff

November 20: Reign of Christ Sunday Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46 Music: Inter-generational Service—Children’s Choir

October 23: Pentecost +19 St. Luke’s Service Scriptures: TBA Speaker: Dr. Drew Bethune Music: Dalhousie Medical School Chorale

November 27: Advent 1 Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37 Wake Up! - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Britten

WEEKLY MEETINGS—NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays

Dorcas Group Bible Study Craft Group Saving Jesus Study Group

1:45 pm, Parlour 10:00 am, Parlour 1:45 pm, Craft Room 7:00 pm Parlour

Third Thursday of each month: 1:30 p.m. Mattie Curry Women’s Missionary Society Fourth Monday of each month: Women’s Auxiliary—watch for time and venue.

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Telephone: (902) 422-5203 FAX: (902) 422-8665 E-mail:

fbaphfx@eastlink.ca

Personal E-mail: srminister@eastlink.ca lynettewfbc@eastlink.ca na.metcalfe@ns.sympatico.ca revreneefbc@eastlink.ca Web Site: http://www.firstbaptisthalifax.org

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Agreement # 40042667 Return Undeliverable Canadian Address to:

Publications PosteMail publications

First Baptist Church Halifax 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax Nova Scotia, B3H 3Y8

First Baptist Church Halifax 1300 Oxford Street Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Y8

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