First Baptist Church – where Faith comes to Life in Community Outreach
The Communit y Outr eac h Committee is involved in a variety of activities that express our faith through meeting needs in our community. The committee works as organizers, but without the support and involvement of church members, First Baptist Church wouldn’t be able to reach out and help those in need. One of our projects is our commitment to ARK Outreach. ARK is a community shaped by those who are homeless and street involved, and it supports those who live with the realities of life without shelter. We support ARK when we prepare and serve casseroles for more than 200 men, women, and children at the Sunday Suppers. Preparing and serving breakfast at 5:30 AM on Saturday mornings at the Brunswick Street Mission is a very rewarding experience. Between 65 and 80 people come for pancakes and sausages, boiled eggs, potato patties, toast, orange juice, coffee, tea, granola bars, and fresh fruit. We also make sandwiches (ham, turkey, and roast beef) for takeaway. All the food items (except the tea and coffee) are provided by our church and purchased with special donations to the breakfast program and the profits raised from the sale of our Just Us!
Coffee. This year, we will prepare breakfast every Saturday in April as well as a Saturday in the summer and on December 11th. We are fortunate to have many volunteers, including people from outside our church community, help with this important outreach project. Not only do our volunteers prepare and serve breakfast, but they also sit down and play cribbage or have a chat with our guests. The December breakfast is especially meaningful with our volunteers leading a Christmas singsong with the guests. Because of generous donations we were able to provide Tim Horton gift cards, which everyone was delighted to receive, at the last two December breakfasts. We hope to continue providing these gift cards at future breakfasts. Community Outreach will hold the annual 55+ Luncheon on April 24th after the Sunday morning service. We have been fortunate to have Lynette Wahlstrom and the children’s Songsters Choir, Rev. Nelson Metcalfe, and the Girl Guides and Pathfinders volunteer at the luncheon in past years. The third Sunday of each month is designated as ‘Food Bank Sunday’. Our local food banks pick up donations the following Monday. Food bank donations are very important to help feed those in need in our community. "Bread of Life Ministries", a non-denominational Christian Ministry started in 1992 by former Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer Rob Pattison and his wife Sandra, was the 2015 recipient of the proceeds from our annual Harvest Supper and Silent Auction. Motivated by their Christian faith, the Pattisons saw a need to help people in the Halifax area. "Bread of Life Ministries” operates The Street Connection Mobile Soup Kitchen, which stops in four low-income areas in the Halifax Regional Municipality and provides food and clothing to more than two hundred men, women, and children each week. The food, served by volunteers, includes sandwiches, bagels, bananas, yogurt, hot homemade vegetable soup and a drink. Frozen homemade soup is also given to people to take home. Our White Gift Program is another great way for our church community to get involved. Because of generous donations to this program, shoppers purchase and wrap gifts for 70-90 people, and volunteers help pack the food boxes at the Ward 5 Community Centre, and then deliver the boxes, along with the gifts, to the recipients. It is your support that makes the White Gift Program a success every year – a wonderful way to bring Christmas to families in need! The Community Outreach committee raises funds for a special project, chosen by our members, at our supper meetings where members donate $10.00 for a delicious homemade dinner. This year we have chosen the Food Bank at Dalhousie University as our charity of choice and will be donating $400.00 to support their purchase of a commercial freezer, which will be used by other university food banks as well. The Community Outreach Committee does not have a budget. The support for our projects comes from members of First Baptist Church who contribute (continued on Page 5)
Lent, as we know it came
The tradition of fasting during Lent mirrors that of our Lord. In some denominations, Ash Wednesday is described as a ‘Greater Fast’, one of two, with Good Friday being the other. Fasting, in Biblical times, was always associated with acts of repentance, along with ‘sackcloth and ashes’. People would wear sackcloth and sprinkle themselves with ashes, as an outward sign of repentance. The ‘ashing’ of Christians at the beginning of Lent was formerly only for public penitents. The repentent would go to the church door on the first day of Lent, wearing penitential clothing and barefoot. Penances were imposed, and they were then brought before the Bishop, who would put ashes on their foreheads. Out of humility and affection, friends of the penitents would join with them and also have ashes imposed. Numbers increased gradually until eventually all Christians present came forward for 'ashing'. The words “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” is a reminder that we are both mortal and that we have a God who is not. The ashes used on this day are obtained by burning the palms crosses of the previous year. As is the custom at First Baptist, we will have an Ash Wednesday Service at 12:15 pm. If you have previously attended this worship, you will know how very powerful it is. If you have not experienced being marked by ashes, please consider being a part of our worship this year. Some people like to leave the ashes on their forehead as they go about their day, seeing this as a form of public witness. Others remove the ashes before leaving the building, as a way of honouring Christ’s call to repent in private (Matthew 6:16,17).
i n t o e x i s t e nc e somewhere between the fifth and eighth centuries. It lasts forty days (Sundays during this period are not part of Lent), forty being the number of days Jesus spent in the wilderness and the number of years the Israelites wandered in the desert. The season is a time for spiritually strengthening the faithful. It is a time when we pray for God’s compassion, and show compassion to others. Money saved by fasting (from food or habits) is given to those in greater need. By denying ourselves even small luxuries and pleasures, we are freed to concentrate on being with God. It has sometimes been called a time of honeymoon with God. From early times spiritual exercises have had increased focus during Lent. We talk about ‘taking something on’ instead of (or in addition to) ‘giving something up’. On Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent, we eat up rich foods, thus removing temptation and stocking up the bodily larder for the leanness of Lent. Supplies of eggs, fat, flour and sugar are used up to make the pancakes we consume. Here at First Baptist during Lent 2016, we will offer opportunities to draw closer to God through a variety of spiritual practices such as walking a labyrinth, participating in an experience of Taize worship, using prayer beads and other ancient forms of spiritual concentration. Rev Jenny Csinos will be sharing more information about this in News Notes. We will also offer an opportunity for silent prayerful listening and discernment in small groups – more about that a bit later. We invite you to think about what might help you enter a time of spiritual renewal and refreshment as we walk the path of Lent in 2016. Rev. Lynn Uzans
Just a reminder, in case we need to cancel church on a Sunday due to weather, please check the website, Facebook or email. The decision will be made by 8:00am. Hopefully, it won't be an issue!
First Baptist Church Halifax
February 28th the Annual Meeting of First Baptist Church Halifax will take place in the Assembly Room following our regular worship service. Lunch will be prepared by the FBC Auxiliary and served prior to the meeting which will bring reports and updates from various boards and committees of the church. The nominating committee will present a slate of officers for the coming year, 2016-17, who will coordinate the work of our church family. Please plan to attend and enjoy the great fellowship, and be a part of the decisions that will be made directing the future of our family.
Valentine Supper Friday, February 12, 2016 6:30 p.m. Tickets $10.00 per person $30.00 per family
Join us and Celebrate the
Would you be willing to invite a few people in for tea/coffee to meet and talk with Rev Lynn and a member of the Transition Leadership Group? If so, please contact Lynn (lynnuzans@fbchalivax.ca) or AnneMarie Kruger Naug.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 9th 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hosted by 36th Halifax Scout Group Homemade Pancakes with NS Maple Syrup and Sausage Coffee, Tea, Juice
’s
in your life
.
William Byrd
February 7th, excerpts from Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices to be Sung by the Senior Choir
Byrd was born in Lincolnshire in 1543 and studied under Thomas Tallis (you heard his anthem last week), until becoming Music Director of the Chapel Royal (music for the Royal family) 1575-1623. While under the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, he composed for the Anglican Church, however, remained a staunch Catholic. This Mass was first sung for a Christmas Eve Mass in a private Catholic home. He chose not to publish his Masses, however, we are glad they have been preserved and now remain a major part of the Choral sacred tradition.
Looking Back 50 Years Ago To . . . .
1966
Life of the Church Membership was holding steady at 723. A special meeting was held in the Parlour to welcome new and prospective members. David Kennedy was the part-time Minister of Visitation, sharing his time as Hospital Chaplain. He made 528 home visits. Mr. Justice Ronald Fielding led 18 deacons. New deacons Dr. Douglas Eisner, Mr. C. Pelton, and Mr. Martin Smith replaced retiring deacons Lloyd Shaw, Charles Illsley, and John MacGregor.
Replacements were being sought for vacant positions as Christian Education Leader, Director of Music and Church Organist. Miss Frances Tyrrell was the supply organist for much of the year. She was also organist at All Saints Cathedral, and Head of the Halifax County Schools Music Department. Evening summer services were suspended due to low attendance. The main property maintenance problem faced by the church was the deterioration of the stone masonry which in turn caused water leakage and hidden water damage. The south wall of the church was especially vulnerable due to the repeated freezethaw cycles common throughout the Halifax winters. Repairs were completed to the Shaw Memorial Bell. It was decided to restrict maintenance to repair only necessary wear and tear during the blasting for the foundation for the new Life Sciences Building across the street at Dalhousie. Design studies were completed on the proposed Denton memorial window. The new frame and stained glass were designed by Whitefriars Studios of Wealdstone, England and entitled "The Calling of the Disciples". Budget for the entire project, including installation was $12,000. The House Committee, chaired by Mrs. Garnet Colwell, helped keep the church clean and the silver polished. Each lady had a two-month tour of duty. Mary Hatfield led 18 women on the Decorating Committee, mainly in charge of the flowers. Elsewhere in the world Australia introduces the Australian dollar at an exchange rate to two dollars to the pound. The Russian spacecraft Luna 9 is the first vehicle to make a soft moon landing. Church officials from the Anglican and Catholic faiths meet for the first time in 400 years. IRA terrorists bomb Nelson's Column in Dublin. France withdraws from NATO and closes all NATO bases in France. LSD advocate Timothy Leary is sentenced to 30 years in jail for trying to smuggle a small amount of marijuana into Mexico. He stages a press conference to launch a new psychedelic religion, the League for Spiritual Discovery (LSD) and coins the phrase: "Turn on, tune in, drop out." LSD is made illegal in the US.
Men Without Jackets
Rehearsals continued throughout the fall in preparation for the Advent season. It is becoming a tradition for us to join with others to decorate the sanctuary for Advent. We struggled at times as this was the first time in decades that we were not supervised by John and Debbie Boyd. Thankfully, we had the pictures taken by Warren Hoeg as a guide. Another tradition is the annual advent communion at Caritas which continues to be well attended by the ladies of the former Victoria Hall and increasingly by the sisters of Caritas. And another tradition continues as the Men Without Jackets join in the Carols by Candlelight service, beginning with the choir photo. We had 21 singers in attendance. This year we performed "What Child is This?", accompanied by our guest organist, Shawn Whynot. After the service, Christine Fall Moore and the Music Committee organized a festive gathering for all of the choirs at the home of Ed and Sandi Tummers to wind up the 2015 calendar year. We rehearse usually the fourth Sunday of each month except in the summer. All tenor and bass voices welcome. For further information, contact our Director of Music, Lynette Wahlstrom. Remember: We call ourselves Men Without Jackets because God never said we needed to dress up to sing our praises. Men Without Jackets: Current and Previous Members: Peter Fillmore, Anthony Zadeh, Bryan Darrell, 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, Tom Crowell, Alan North, Jeremy Dutcher, Tony Marshall, Kim Davison, Ed Tummers, Dahrl Whitney, Richard MacMichael, Allen Cruess, Benjamin Shaw. Guest organists, Patrick Salah, Shawn Whynot.
Upcoming Services
“Atlantic Baptist Women’s Winter Bible Study at Birch Cove Church on Saturday February 6th from 9 -11:30am. Study leader is Rev. Jenny Csinos, Minister of Faith Development at First Baptist Halifax. Theme: “A look at the Season of Lent”. Cost $2.00 Storm date February 13. Everyone is welcome!”
February 7; Last Sunday of Epiphany; Transfiguration; Communion Exodus 34:29 – 35; Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2; Luke 9:28 – 36 (37 – 43) Hidden in Plain Sight – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Mass for Four Voices – Byrd February 10; Ash Wednesday Service at 12:15 p.m. Joel 2:1 – 2, 12 – 17 (Isaiah 58:1 – 12); Psalm 51:1 – 17 2 Corinthians 5:20b – 6:10; Matthew 6:1 – 6, 16 – 21
Take Sunday School Home! Our curriculum offers at home resources for continuous conversations of faith formation for the whole family. Check out the church website for each weeks take-home sheet.
February 14; Lent 1 Deuteronomy 26:1 – 11; Psalm 91:1 – 2, 9 – 16 Romans 10:8b – 13; Luke 4:1 – 13 Wild and Wonderful – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Rorem, Hart
Canstruction: FBCH will be participating in Canstruction again this year! The project is yet to be determined, but probably Star Wars related. If you would like to be part of the visioning or building (build date March 2), please speak with Rev. Jenny Csinos or Deacon Bryan Darrell. Donations towards purchasing cans are appreciated, the approximate cost of the cans will be around $3,500. Please mark "Canstruction" on your offering envelope. All food donations go to Feed Nova Scotia.
February 21; Lent 2 Genesis 15:1 – 12, 17 – 18; Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17 – 4:1; Luke 13:31 – 35 (Luke 9:28 – 36) Re-Imaging God – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Togni, Tcheli
Lenten Spiritual Practices Class: This class, open to all ages, will run Monday's from 7-8 in the church parlour during the season of Lent. Each week will focus on a different prayer method or spiritual practice. You do not need to attend each class in order to participate. Please speak to Rev. Jenny Csinos for more information. Class begins on February 15th! Bake Sale: Support our Refugee family by supporting the Youth Group's Bake Sale on Sunday, February 21, following the service, in the Parlour Lobby. Men's Retreat: Hosted by Bayside Camp February 5-7. Spots to register are still available at www.baysidecamp.org/seasonal/men.
February 28; Lent 3 Isaiah 55::1 – 9; Psalm 27 1 Corinthians 10:1 – 13; Luke 13:1 – 9 Second Chances – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Washburn, Palestrina (continued from page 1) - Community Outreach
regularly through their envelopes, memorial gifts, or direct donations to our committee. These donations go a long way, allowing us to help those less fortunate in our community who benefit from your generosity. Thank you very much!
These are a few projects that concern Community Outreach. Our Faith instructs us to love our neighbours, and in particular, the least fortunate among us. It is with your support, your participation, and your generosity that First Baptist Church can help those in need in our community, and for this, we thank you. Gwendolyn MacLean - Chair