Saturday
February 4th Coffee with Stephanie
J.D. Shore’s Café Upper Water Street 10:30 am Sunday February 5th Guest Speaker Sobaz Benjamin 10:30 am Wednesdays
February 8th, 15th, and 22nd The Greatest Prayer Discussion Group 5:30 pm Friday
February 10th Valentine Supper
Assembly Room—FBC 6:30 pm Sunday
February 12th Guest Choir
Did you know that our province has over 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities, dating back over 200 years? The history, heritage and contributions of this segment of our population is huge, but often unknown. African Heritage Month, which is celebrated in February each year, is one attempt to highlight the great debt owed to so many who arrived in North America against their will, were abused, oppressed, dehumanized and dismissed. The Month has its origins in the USA in 1926. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, one of the earliest African Americans to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard university, whose idea it was, called for a time when the “hidden history and culture” of his people could be celebrated. Dr Woodson, at age 47, turned from a distinguished career as university professor to dedicate his life researching and writing on the African American experience. Last February, my time was taken up with trying to learn names, customs, and Baptist identity. This year, I am pleased to say, we have a Sunday focus on African Heritage three of the four weeks in February.
SAESO
On February 5, we will be joined by Sobaz Benjamin, Debra Paris and Jeff Brooks, from iMOVe, a North End Halifax initiative that instils hope and encourages change through theatre, music and poetry. The folks from iMOVe will preach and the Choir will lead us in a Communion setting called Missa Luba, sung in traditional styles of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
February 12th Ark Supper St Andrew’s Church
On February 12, we will be joined by SAESO (Saved and Empowered by Singing Out). This Junior Choir from Cornwallis Baptist Church is small but powerful and I think their music will have us maybe even clapping our hands a little.
Cornwallis Street Baptist Church Junior Choir 10:30 am Sunday
5:00 pm Sunday
February 26th Scout/Guide Sunday 10:30 am Sunday
February 26th Lunch - followed by
FBC Annual Meeting
On February 19, Dr David Divine will preach. The second James Robinson Johnston Chair of Black Studies (Dalhousie University), he has extensive experience in community development on practitioner, policy, and academic levels. His life has largely involved working with the most disadvantaged communities, calling others to listen to those whose voices are not heard. February worship promises to be a wonderful way to begin to highlight this, our 190th Anniversary year, which is centering on the theme “Building on the Base: 190 Years of Music and Faith” Rev. Lynn Uzans
In the Footsteps of St. Thomas by
Ed and Sandi Tummers We are back from our pilgrimage to India where we followed in the footsteps of St. Thomas (known commonly as Doubting Thomas). In the November issue of Baptist Voices, we shared a few of our first impressions. As we have a little more time to reflect on what we saw, we are able to frame our thoughts in the broader context of the history of Christianity and its relationship with other religions. One of the most surprising things we saw was a granite statue depicting St. Mary Magdalene which was found on an altar inside a cave in Goa. For many centuries, Mary was the most obsessively revered of saints and the very embodiment of Christian devotion, which was defined as repentance. The place around the cave is known by local tradition as the meeting place of the Rishis. In Hindu tradition, the Rishis were divine human beings with mystical knowledge and psychic abilities. There is also evidence that Buddhist monks worshipped here. The original slab on which St. Mary Magdalene is carved appears to be part of a Kadamba pillar. The Kadamba dynasty ruled this area of India starting in the 4th Century CE, about the same time as Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. The sculpture that we saw at the seminary in Goa was made in 1733. It shows an aging St. Mary Magdalene doing penance on the floor of the cave. She is lying on the ground with long hair on her back holding her instruments of penance and meditation: a scourge (whip), a skull, a Gospel Book, and a Cross in her hand. In front of her is a linga, (the Hindu symbol of holiness); at her feet is a tree of enlightenment (the symbol of Buddhism); above her head is an angel in a cloud with water and bread (the Jewish symbol of Elijah the Prophet) and the half moon around her head (the symbol of Islam).The carving depicts the communal harmony amongst the people of Goa and South India. Nobody knows for sure where Mary Magdalene died. Very officially, in the Catholic tradition, the tomb of St Mary Magdalene is in the crypt under the basilica of the town of St Maximin in Provence. According to Eastern Orthodox belief, though, Mary died in Ephesus, Turkey. But our Indian guide had a different theory. Based on this ancient carving, he believes that after the resurrection Mary Magdalene accompanied Thomas and Bartholomew to India and helped them spread the word throughout the south of India. It sure sounded convincing. Sandi and I have been invited to give a short talk about our experiences at the church. Watch the bulletin for an announcement.
The carving of St. Mary Magdalene depicting harmony amongst the religions
The Lord’s Prayer is undoubtedly the most well-known and oft-repeated prayer (or biblical text) in Christianity. Many of us, though, may not have considered or challenged our understanding of the meaning of the words of this prayer, or looked at the prayer’s origins and history. The early Church believed that The Lord’s Prayer held much power and mystery, and these characteristics are reflected in John Dominic Crossin’s book, The Greatest Prayer. Crossin considers The Lord’s Prayer nothing less than “a radical manifesto and a hymn of hope for all humanity.” Join us in the Church parlour for each of the remaining Wednesday evenings in February, at 5:30 PM until about 7:00 PM for an interactive and thought provoking look at this very important and spiritual prayer. We will begin with a soup supper and then proceed to discuss the prayer in order to gain insights into its meaning as well as its role for us personally and in today’s world. We will use Crossin’s 2010 book as a guide in our discussion (available from Rev. Lynn Uzans, though copies are limited). However, reading the book is not a barrier to attend and interact with our discussion group—though it is an interesting read, and will help each of us to form our own thoughts. Our discussion facilitator will be Clyde Evans. Hope many of you will choose to attend and participate in this very interesting discussion and social interaction!
Yes, it is still a month away, but it is a short month and it will go quickly, so here is a bit of a ‘teaser’ to help you think about Lent. In 2017 we will again ….
have open doors to the Church – days and times to come be offering an evening of Spiritual Practices on Mondays (Jenny led) worship on Ash Wednesday ecumenical worship through Holy Week
In addition, we will offer…. an emphasis on The Lord’s Prayer during Children’s Talk a daily reflection written by various people in our congregation There are a few more ideas in the works, so stay tuned via News Notes
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. In the interest of providing some context, the church pays $9.72 US for small print, and $13.02 US for large print paper subscriptions per year. Why not download the app, and bring it with you where ever you go! For your convenience, there will be tech support and more information available in the parlour on February 5th (feel free to bring in your tablets or phones). If you have questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Ferguson (jlferguson7@gmail.com). Should you wish to download this app, but require financial assistance, please contact Rev. Jenny Csinos. Children/Youth Bible Study: Join Rev. Jenny to study the book of Esther over three Monday's in February from 6-8pm (Feb. 13, 20 and 27). We'll meet in peoples’ homes, enjoy dinner together, and dive into Scripture. This study is open for anyone in grades 5-12. Bring your appetite, Bibles and questions! Youth Go Project Weekend: A joint youth service weekend with St. John's United church February 17-19. Cost is $20 per youth, which includes meals, accommodation, transportation, participation in the blank exercise, volunteering around Halifax, worship and hearing from community leaders. See Rev. Jenny Csinos to register or for more details. Be Part of the Congregational Lent Reader: This year for the 40 days for Lent, we will hear voices from people within our own congregation. If you would like to offer a short devotion, prayer or story (approximately 250-300 words) based on an assigned Scripture passage, please speak to either Rev. Jenny Csinos, Bob or Lara Hazelton. All submissions must be received by Feb 24th. Spiritual Practices Class: Mark your calendars for Monday night Spiritual Practices class during Lent (March 6- April 10). Everyone is invited to meet in the parlour from 7-8 focusing on a different spiritual practice each week. More details to follow, but feel free to contact Rev. Jenny with any questions.
January 23rd — a very busy day for First Baptist Church Auxiliary! At 1:30pm members and guests met in the Church Parlour for their Annual Meeting, during which they received annual reports from their President and Committee Chairs plus the Nominating Committee’s slate of Officers and Chairs for 2017. Having concluded the Annual Meeting business, the regular January meeting was called to order. Reports were presented, regarding the current work of the Auxiliary, discussed and accepted. During the presentation of the treasurer’s report, discussion centered around our annual financial contributions in support of charitable organizations in the Halifax area and to the work of the Benevolent Fund and Outreach Committee of FBC. In total, $14,550.00 was disbursed or committed. Seeing an increasing number of young families in church, a baby change table has been purchased and set up in the washroom on the Sanctuary level of the church. Plans are well in hand for the provision of lunch prior to the Annual Meeting on February 26th. Tea, coffee and sweets were enjoyed following adjournment of the monthly meeting.
The Planned Giving Committee of First Baptist Church encounters many interesting and inspiring stories of personal faith that sometimes have resulted in a planned gift of financial resources to the Church. It is the role of the Committee to inform and assist members and friends of FBC who would like to make a gift that benefits the work of the church now or in the future. We wanted to Share some of the stories we have learned with you. With the donor’s permission, Alyssa Feir, a consultant from King’s College Journalism School, has interviewed several donors, capturing both their personal journeys and the motivations of the donors to make a planned gift to the work of church. Here is one story, told anonymously: Spirit of Generosity A gift of a lifetime A lifetime spent as a member of First Baptist Church Halifax has a profound impact on a person. Their faith is nurtured through worship, as they are supported by a community of believers. They are met with opportunities, at all ages, to grow their faith in an inclusive church family. That’s how the story of (let’s call him John) begins. As a child who attended First Baptist Church when it was located on Spring Garden Road, John grew up in the church. After years of Sunday school, John was baptized, and immersed himself as an active member of this faith-based community. First Baptist Church enriched his spirituality throughout the many seasons of his life, and continues to do so to this day. Through his volunteerism, John became aware that the church has many needs, and he wanted to help. John considered all facets of First Baptist Church, but decided to direct his gift to a part of church life that meant a great deal to him – the music program. John feels joyful when he listens to the choir, and he has fond memories of his mother’s own contributions to music in the church. Motivated to make a gift in his lifetime, he chose to make a gift of securities to establish an endowment that would, every year, going forward, support the music program as well as general building maintenance. Endowments like this are gifts that keep on giving. By choosing to establish an endowment, John has gifted First Baptist Church with a perpetual source of financial support. Although it was important to him to make a gift in his lifetime, he notes that the endowment will continue to support First Baptist Church long after he is gone. A Gift of Securities A gift of securities is one of the most cost-effective ways to support First Baptist Church, immediately or through a gift in your will. When publicly listed securities are donated “in kind” to First Baptist Church, the tax on the capital gains is eliminated and First Baptist Church is able to put the gift to work immediately. For more information, or to plan a gift to First Baptist Church, Please contact the Church Office at 902-422-5203.
Mark your calendars!
Friday, February 10th, 6:30pm Assembly Room — FBC Tickets - $10 per individual or $30 for families Available at the Church Office through the week or after gathered worship On Sundays
Come out for a Wonderful Evening
First Baptist Church will be hosting the ARK Sunday Supper at St. Andrew’s Church on February 12th. The menu is Shepherd's Pie and volunteers are needed to prepare the casseroles. The recipe is beside the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parlour. These meals are an important way for our church community to provide a hot meal for homeless people and people experiencing hardship in our city who would otherwise go without dinner.
A Monthly Gathering of Women: First Saturday of each month at J.D. Shore’s Café (across from the Maritime Museum on Lower Water St. Halifax), Saturday, February 4, 10:30—11:45 AM. We’ll focus on The Revolutionary Art of Listening (TED Talk) by Steffanie Spellers, the author of several resources focused on embracing emerging cultures and Church traditions, including the very insightful book, Radical Welcome. She is an articulate, engaging, African American Episcopal (Anglican) priest with a great message on the importance of dialogue with those we consider “other.” All women are welcome!
50 years ago. Looking back into history 1967 Life of the Church Staff: All former living ministers and assistants, apart from Rev. Mr. Sherwood who was living in Hong Kong, joined to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the church. Miss Frances Tyrell filled the position of temporary organist and choir director until the arrival of Edward Norman in the summer. The Organ Committee contracted Casavant Freres Ltd for $13,800 of repairs. The pipe organ blower motor was also repaired. Rev. David Kennedy, part-time Minister of Visitation, left the church to become full-time Hospital Chaplain. Mrs. David Kennedy accepted the position of office secretary. A call was extended to Rev. Willis Henderson, Baptist Minister to Dalhousie University, to become the Associate Minister with a starting salary of $7000 and a car allowance of $1000. Shortly after his arrival, he wrote the following (extract from page 7 of the Annual Report 1967): “One of the traits of human nature seems to be that of forming preconceived judgments about things. I plead guilty to having done so concerning First Baptist Church. It is no secret to many that this church has been the focus of criticisms of various kinds. It has been said that we are rich, sophisticated, cold, indifferent, proud, liberal, ritualistic, etc. Having only been in the church on one occasion prior to accepting the call of the congregation to be Associate Minister, it was inevitable that my thinking should have been shaped by these rumors. However, in the five months since I have come into your midst, I have discovered much to change my assumptions. I will not elaborate, but will only say that I have deeply appreciated the reception which has been given to me and my family, and that I have found much in the tradition of First Baptist and in the present membership to make me grateful for the opportunity to serve as one of your ministers.” Maintenance. G.J. Colwell was appointed Chair of the newly formed Building Maintenance Endowment Fund. The Property Maintenance Committee was led by J.D. Fraser (church building) and P.H Prentice (parsonage). Pointing to the stonework of the CE Wing was delayed due to poor weather, a Building Trades strike, and a shortage of stone workers. Because of vandalism, the broken glass in the church windows was replaced with Plexiglas. Electrical controls on the Shaw Memorial Bell were completed and bird screening was replaced. The design of the Denton Memorial window was approved. The templates were sent to Whitefriars Stained Glass Studios in England for execution of the stained glass work.
1967
Mr. Karl Freeman was thanked for his untold hours of repair work and his assistance to the church sexton Mr. C.S Gray. The Decorating Committee, chaired by Mary Hatfield, had 14 members who took turns serving throughout the year.
Deacons were led by Mr. Justice Fielding and Murray Proctor. Dr. Cherry, Dean of Theology at Acadia University, gave an address based on Acts 6:1-8 and Timothy 3 and Paul’s letter to Timothy on “The Role of Deacons in the Contemporary Church”. So impressed and challenged were the deacons that a summary of the address was re-printed on page 9 of the Annual Report 1967. The question of the proposed new constitution would be taken up at some future time. Evening summer services were suspended, much to the delight of all. The budget was approved for operating expenses of $59,000; missionary $13,000; and Acadia University $1500. Interest from the John Naylor Trust Fund was deposited into the Benevolent Fund for needy persons. Church membership increased by 13 to a total of 735. Elsewhere in the world in 1967 France vetoes the application by the United Kingdom for membership in the European Economic Community. Expo 67 begins in Montreal celebrating the 100th anniversary of Confederation. Over 50 million visitors attend. General de Gaulle causes controversy when he declares: “Vive le Quebec libre”. Edward R. Brooke becomes the first black Senator in America. The draft board refuses a Vietnam exemption for boxer Muhammad Ali . When he continued on page 8
continued from page 7 — 50 Years ago —1967
refuses induction he is stripped of his heavyweight title and sentenced to five years in prison. In the “Summer of Love”, Timothy Leary tells 20,000 people in San Francisco to “Turn on, Tune in, Drop Out.”. A launch pad fire on Apollo I at Cape Kennedy kills three astronauts.
Upcoming Services February 5: Holy Communion; Epiphany 5 Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 112:1-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20 Giving Voice – Changing Lives – Sobaz Benjamin Music: Haazen
The Super Bowl I is won by Green Bay Packers. Major films of the year include “Bonnie and Clyde”. it records of the year include “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procul Harum; Best-selling books: “I’m OK, You’re OK” by Thomas Harris MD.
February 12: Epiphany 6 Sirach 15:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37 Living by Heart – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Hatfield and Willan February 19: Epiphany 7 Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; Psalm 119:33-40 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23; Matthew 5:38-48 Guest Preacher: Dr. David Divine Music: Hogan and Haydn
Following our morning worship, the FBC Auxiliary will provide lunch in the Assembly Room. Then we will proceed with the Annual Meeting. We will receive the Annual Reports from the Ministers, Elected Officials, Boards, Committees and Groups of the church and the report on the external review of the 2016 Financial Statements of the Church. We will also receive a Nominating Report for Church Officials, Boards and Committees and a separate Nominating Report from the Diaconate. The 2016 Annual Report will be made available in advance of the meeting.
1300 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8 Phone: 902-422-5203 Email: office@fbchalifax.ca Facebook.com/FirstBaptistHalifax Twitter: twitter.com/FBCHfx
February 26: Epiphany 8; Scout/Guide Sunday Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9 On Retreat – Rev. Jenny Csinos Music: Hogan and Mendelssohn (SSA)
. . .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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