Where Faith Comes T o Life! The Newsletter of First Baptist Church Halifax
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Vol. 21 No. 1 March 2011
FAITH MATTERS!
ince September we have been working with special ―themes of the month‖ that have helped us focus on important aspects of our mission, on our mission partners and on our mission opportunities. The theme for March is Faith Matters, a very appropriate emphasis for Lent as we are preparing to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. If someone asked one of us, ―Does your faith matter to you?‖, we would likely say ―yes, of course!‖ But, if we were asked to explain further, to tell why our faith matters and how anyone would know, we might stumble a bit for words. One thing we could do is emphasize the word faith and say that faith is multifaceted, consisting of beliefs (e.g., Jesus is Lord), practices (regular worship) and expressions (helping the poor). We could also affirm that faith is part of a relationship of trust and love with God, who has come to us in Jesus Christ. This could lead to a conversation about how we grow in our faith by taking time to study the Bible, pray and worship with others. Most of us have also learned that our faith grows when it is challenged by life’s circumstances and even doubts. Or, we could put the emphasis on the word matters and talk about how much our faith means to us. This could lead to a conversation on the difference having faith makes in our daily lives.
and homophobia because God’s love overcomes all boundaries and brings us together in authentic human community. With Paul we have learned to say, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Yes, Faith Matters to us, and we want to share that faith with others. So, throughout March we are going to do some things that will help us both grow in our faith and show others how our faith matters. During our services we will hear from some of our members about their personal faith journey. Each story will be different because God deals with us in different ways; yet, we will find we have much in common in our journey of faith. On Ash Wednesday (March 9), the first day of Lent, we will have a half hour service at 12:15 p.m. to express our penitence toward God through the imposition of ashes, seeking God’s forgiveness for ourselves and for others. Beginning that same evening at 7, we will launch a new twelve week study series entitled Saving Jesus (see more details elsewhere in this newsletter or on our website). This will take place in the Parlour and will be a small group DVD-based exploration of Jesus Christ for the Third Millennium featuring some of today’s finest biblical scholars.
We can be more forgiving because we have experienced God’s forgiveness and know the power of reconciliation.
Or, perhaps you are only beginning to ask questions about your relationship with God and are wondering if faith could matter to you. If you would like to explore further in a safe and affirming environment, I invite you to come to the classes on membership I will be teaching in preparation for baptisms and the reception of new members at Easter (see page 4).
We can face difficult times of grief and illness without losing hope because we have faith in God’s promise to walk with us through any dark valley, even the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23)
Wherever you are on your personal journey of faith, I hope you will join us in one or more of these opportunities to discover and celebrate Faith Matters.
We can find courage to tackle big issues like racism, injustice, prejudice against immigrants or refugees
- Rev. John E. Boyd
We can share justly with others because our faith is in a God whose bounty knows no end.
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Loss is Indeed Our Gain*
CREATING SPACES
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will admit it. Lent is not my favourite season of the Christian year. Growing up as one of the few Baptist children in a largely Roman Catholic community, my only early understanding of Lent was one of self-imposed deprivation. All you would hear about Lent was the incessant question ―What are you going to give up this year?‖, soon to be followed in coming weeks with ―Did you cheat yet?‖. Lenten sacrifices were seen in our young minds as close cousins to New Year’s dieting resolutions. And as I listened to my friends debating the relative merits of giving up chocolate, or soft drinks, or video games, I skeptically wondered if God really cared what one gave up, or even whether one gave up anything at all. It seemed, from the outside at least, to be a rather pointless exercise. In recent years, this understanding has evolved into a realization that we need Lent. Not for the purpose of renouncing some vice or other, but for the purpose of preparation. Without the spiritual disciplines associated with the observance of Lent, we lose something of the joy of Easter. Lent is about making room in the busyness of our lives to reacquaint ourselves with the richness and the depth of the Gift we’ve been given. Through the dreariness of a Nova Scotian winter, we can find ourselves longing for the cheery colours and bright mood of Easter Sunday. But we deny ourselves something far more precious than any indulgence if we allow ourselves to focus only on the high points of Palm Sunday and Easter without being willing to walk with Jesus through the forty days in the wilderness, the humble servanthood of Maundy Thursday, and the darkness and despair of Good Friday. By walking each step of this journey, Lent brings us to a realization of our own inadequacies before God. It encourages us to strip away all pretense and self-righteousness and empty ourselves of the false pride and rationalizations that prevent us from seeing ourselves as needing the redemption offered in the sacrifice and Resurrection. Theologian and Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann wrote a Lenten prayer that expresses these ideas clearly:
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The pushing and shoving of the world is endless. We are pushed and shoved. And we do our fair share of pushing and shoving in our great anxiety. And in the middle of that you have set down your beloved suffering son who was like a sheep lead to slaughter who opened not his mouth. We seem not able, so we ask you to create the spaces in our life where we may ponder his suffering and your summons for us to suffer with him, suspecting that suffering is the only way to come to newness of life. So we pray for your church in these Lenten days, when we are driven to denial not to notice the suffering, not to engage it, not to acknowledge it. So be that way of truth among us that we should not deceive ourselves. That we shall see that loss is indeed our gain. We give you thanks for that mystery from which we live. Amen. Those are big thoughts, and ones that need time and space to process. Lent encourages us to create that space in our lives, to recognize and respond afresh to God’s presence in our lives and in our world, to recognize again who God is, and to come to worship on Easter Sunday with a fresh victory and hope that goes beyond the new clothes, the spring flowers, and the happy music. But it begins in ashes. And it journeys though darkness. Rev. Renée Clark From Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann (Augsburg Fortress, 2003 p.153)
WHAT CAN YOU BUY WITH $900? ― If you had $900, what would you do with it?‖ was the question I posed to the children at the beginning of our January Assembly. Some grew contemplative, while others had answers springing from their mouths before they could get their hands in the air. ―Candy! Lots and lots of candy!‖ ―I would put it in my bank. That’s a big decision!‖ ―A great big house!‖ ―I would go to Disney World!‖ ―A Puppy!‖ ―I would feed hungry people!‖. As is often the case when you pose a question to this group, some of their answers were surprising, some amusing, and some touching. Each Sunday, there is a small wooden church that makes the rounds of our Church School classes, usually in the hands of Bob Hazelton. The few dollars collected weekly are given to the tellers, and Alana keeps a running tally of how much money the children have accumulated. At the end of the year, the money is divided equally between the classes, and they choose gifts from a special catalogue to share with other children and communities half a world away through the Sharing Way Hopeful Gifts For Change program. This year the children’s offering totaled $921.54. When the wish lists of each of the classes were combined, this $921.54 became books for four seminarians, health insurance for five families, Chagas Disease tests for five people, enough water filters to provide clean water for six families for three years, school tuition for a child for a year, four pairs of rabbits, ten fruit trees, a year’s costs for an orphan-led family to participate in the Guardians of Hope program, and seeds for a farmer for a year. Not bad for $900! ―Did you know that you had over $900? Let me tell you about the wonderful things you did with it! Think of all the people you helped!‖ I could see their eyes shining with possibilities as some of them began to grasp just what an impact their quarters and loonies had made.
Easter Offering
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nclosed with your newsletter is an Easter Offering envelope that we hope you will use as an additional offering sometime during the Easter season. This is one of the three ―special offerings‖ we receive each year (Christmas and Thanksgiving being the other two) and our target for 2011 is $2,500. Many people ask, ―What should I give?‖ The answer is highly personal and will be different for each person or family. What matters most is not the size of our gift, but what it represents in terms of our gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and the victory of life over sin and death that God gave to us and the world in the Resurrection of Jesus.
BRIDGE LUNCHEON Saturday, May 14th, the Women’s Auxiliary will sponsor a Bridge Luncheon, in the Assembly Room, 12:30—3:30 p.m. To purchase tickets ($10 each) contact Robin MacInnis (4226238) or Jackie Eisner (477-6340).
ABF’s Vin Rushton Memorial Lunch and Lecture Saturday, June 4; 11:30 a.m. Acadia’s Manning Memorial Chapel Speaker: Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton General Secretary, Canadian Council of Churches
What can you do with $900?
Topic: The State of Ecumenism in Canada Today
Just ask our kids!
Contact Rev. Dr. Roger Prentice, 542-7407
Tickets at $15 must be reserved by May 27 roger.prentice@acadiau.ca
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FIFTY YEARS AGO LOOKING BACK TO 1961 WITNESS
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he highlight of our city church life in 1961 was the Reverend Tom Allan Mission. The purpose of this mission was to cooperate with other churches of our city to demonstrate a strong witness of Protestant Christianity in our city. M.A. Proctor volunteered to be the key man, and Harvey Doane stepped forward as Treasurer for the Mission. The congregation raised over $1000 to support the work of the mission. The major event of the year was held in the Forum and at Dalhousie University from October 15 to 29. Our pastor, Rev. H.M. DeWolfe took an active part in the preparation and presentation. Members of the congregation acted as Counsellors, Ushers and Choir. The Women’s Auxiliary hosted a reception for the Ministerial Association in honour of Tom Allan. In February, during Scout Week, Rosamund Piper and 19 Girl Guides led a joint service at the church for all of the Halifax Protestant Companies and Packs. In the Fall, Mary DeWolfe and 18 Brownies hosted a Thanksgiving Service. Lady Baden Powell, the World Chief Guide, visited the city and the Guides and Brownies joined in a huge rally which was held at the Stadacona gymnasium. Captain A.D. McPhee, the adult leader of the Young Adult Fellowship, held regular supper meetings with students from the nursing schools and Dalhousie University before the Sunday evening service. They also attended a 2-day retreat in Lunenburg with Protestants from throughout the region. He also arranged a Home Visitation Project so that the youth could become better acquainted with newly-organized Calvary Baptist church in Spryfield. During the summer, Rev. H.M. Bartlett organized church vacation Bible Schools at FBC and also at Calvary Baptist Church in Spryfield.
Elsewhere in the world, President Eisenhower warned of the increasing power of what he called the ―military-industrial complex‖. Iraq announced its intention to annex Kuwait and the UK responded by sending troops. Construction began on the Berlin Wall. The Bay of Pigs invasion ended unsuccessfully and relations between Cuba and America deteriorated. This year also marked the start of what would become the Vietnam War. Research by Ed Tummers Coming: May 2011: The Africville Project August 2011: Reaching Out November 2011: The Life of the Church
Craft Group News
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he members of the Monday afternoon Doras Group, and the Wednesday afternoon Craft Group, are working on projects for the fall tea and sale. The Craft Group launched a Home Made Baked Beans and Brown Bread sale on three occasions, the Valentine Supper, and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 20 after church. The response was very positive and we look forward to repeating occasional sales of beans and brown bread in the spring. Bottles—the small baby food with matching tops, and small jam or jelly jars are needed for the Jam and Jelly Project for the Tea and Sale. The bottles can be left in the box outside the church office.
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Membership Classes
series of classes to prepare people for baptism and membership in First Baptist Church Halifax will be held in March and April. The classes are offered with ―no strings attached‖ so they are a perfect opportunity for those who have questions or are unsure about taking this step. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Rev. John E. Boyd at 422-5203 or srminister@eastlink.ca.
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A CLOSER LOOK AT HYMNS
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s a small child, when my cousins from Minnesota came to visit, I would pester my Uncle to sing, which in truth, did not take much armtwisting. I come from an extended family of Swedish Lutheran and German Baptist church founders, my grandmother a church organist, my uncle and cousins Ministers, parents Deacons and Sunday School teachers, all of us involved in choirs as a family activity. The library of hymns and songs in four-part harmony was something I heard from a very young age. While even in my lifetime I can see that these types of gatherings are changing, I am sure that hymn-singing will evolve and adapt to new community experiences. In fact, I love to hear other people’s stories and memories of hymn-singing. With this in mind, I renewed my passion for finding out the inspirational stories of the poets and musicians who penned our so-familiar hymns. Here is a glimpse into what I found: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” Bishop Reginald Heber excelled in poetry during his studies at Oxford, befriending Sir Walter Scott and becoming involved in the greater literary community while there. Bishop Heber became Vicar of his father’s parish in Shropshire, remaining there for 16 years, until at 40 yrs. of age, went to India as a missionary, being made Bishop of Calcutta in 1823. An unfortunate drowning 3 years later cut his life short, but fortunately his widow published his 57 hymns in a collection of poetry entitled, ―Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Service of the Church Year.‖ During his lifetime, Bishop Heber dreamed of publishing a collection of hymns corresponding to the Liturgical Year, and we are all grateful for his inspiration and the chance to experience it. His poetry echoes through time in the memories of all who know this monumental hymn. ―Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee: Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity!
Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert, and art, and evermore shall be. Holy, Holy, Holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, Only Thou art Holy, there is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love, and purity. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky and sea: Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity!‖ Poetry by Reginald Heber Music by John Dykes (1823-1876), poetry by Reginald Heber(1783-1826).
The singing of hymns brings us to a place of wonder, of memory, of learning, and they bring something new each time we sing them. It is also one of the few places in our modern world that ancient tradition of community singing can be experienced. Come hear more hymn-stories and participate in the Men’s Choir Hymn Sing on Mar. 20th at 3pm, guided by the eloquent Olga Milosevich. Hope to hear you there! Lynette Wahlstrom, Director of Music
Remember that ASAP means "Always Say A Prayer" Quick Prayer - just 27 words
"God, our Creator, walk through my house and take away all my worries and illnesses and please watch over and heal my family in Jesus’ name, Amen."
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SOME THOUGHTS DURING LENT
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he Last Supper, which Christians celebrate on what is traditionally called Maundy Thursday, has been immortalized in countless paintings and displays and acted out in famous plays, films and musicals. It is significant because it is when our most revered sacrament was first administered. It is also where Jesus gave his final instructions to his disciples, recorded in the Gospel of John and labeled by biblical scholars as ―The Upper Room Discourse‖ (John 13-17). But rarely do we stop to think about that room and how it came to be such a sacred place. It belonged to somebody. Somebody donated it to the cause. Somebody donated the donkey that Jesus rode in on for the Triumphal Entry, and someone prepared the meal for that famous supper. Think of how many different houses Jesus and his disciples slept in over three years of ministry. Think of how many meals were prepared for them. Think of those who contributed to their treasury so their basic needs could be met. Then there was Joseph of Arimathea who contributed his tomb as a burial place for Jesus; Nicodemus, who helped prepare the body for burial; and the women who got up early on Resurrection Day to anoint the body because they could not do it on the Sabbath. All these people served Jesus and his cause, and without them, the work would not have been able to be accomplished. Yet we hear so little about them. Many remain nameless. They are always in the background. That’s always the way it is with servants, but they don’t mind because it’s not about them. They are serving a higher cause and a greater one than they. Their job is to serve and get out of the way, and they do this with great pleasure. Their reward is in knowing that God sees their work, and in watching what their work has made possible in the lives of others. Servants are bent on pleasing God, and their own needs are minimal.
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When you think about the Lord’s Supper, remember that someone set the table, and someone picked up afterwards, just as someone will have prepared the Last Supper celebration you might be experiencing tonight. Ministry doesn’t take place without service, and we are all called to play a part in serving each other. Make yourself ready. Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe Minister of Visitation
HYMN SING Mark March 20, 3 p.m. on your calendar and plan to join us for an uplifting afternoon of your favourite hymns. Join Men Without Jackets, the Men’s Choir of First Baptist Halifax, Director of Music, Lynette Wahlstrom, Dalhousie Student Trombone Quartet, Patrick Salah, piano and organ, and MC Olga Milosevich, as they lead us in joyful singing. An offering will be taken during the service.
Children’s Page
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An Historic Decision for First Baptist Church Halifax! On Sunday February 27, 2011 our members voted not to join the newly incorporated Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches this coming August. We have belonged to the Convention of 500 Atlantic Baptist churches since our beginnings in 1827. By any measure this was an historic decision by our membership and, for the most part it was met with sadness and disappointment by our congregation. You can see the Motion that was passed here in this Newsletter. The vote was 75 in favor, 3 opposed, 4 abstentions. Our congregation has courageously faced the issues found in the new governing By-Law for the newly incorporated Convention that will begin this August. With patience and open dialogue we worked with all our fellow Atlantic Baptists to address many questions and help make the By-Law better. However, we could not achieve a definition of local church independence that affirmed our historic Baptist freedom to determine our own faith and practice without being compelled by any other authority than the Lordship of Christ. Since 1827 this has been precisely how we have governed ourselves. Under the new By-Law there would be a requirement to adhere to doctrine and standards set by the Convention. This is simply unacceptable to FBC Halifax. So, what now? We are Baptists. We carry out our mission in our time and place answering the needs of our families and our community. This will not change! For many of us, the relationships we know are all around us and this will not change. Whether it’s our mission and outreach partners in the community, or the South End Churches, or our continuing membership in the Halifax Region United Baptist Association of 30 HRM churches, our role and responsibilities will continue! As Baptists, we know it is important to be in ―association‖ with
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other Baptists even beyond our own city. We remain as a founding member of the Atlantic Baptist Fellowship which since the 1970’s has been a meeting place for independent-minded Baptists. This organization, in which we have always been active, may take on more significance in developing our relationships with fellow Baptists both locally and regionally. We also have national and international affiliations that are decades old including the Alliance of Baptists in the USA whose representatives have often visited with us, and we with them, for the exchange of ideas and learning opportunities. This relationship may also afford us broader mission opportunities. First Baptist Halifax has affirmed who we are and how we stand together in Christ’s service here in Halifax. We have now met our responsibility as a member of the current Convention to engage vigorously with our fellow Baptists to defend our view of the significance of local church independence to all Baptists. We now turn our energies to the missions at hand, to continue to do the work God has called us to do, and we will continue to rejoice in this work!
MOTION Concerning a Decision by First Baptist Church Halifax on Joining the Newly Incorporated Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches WHEREAS First Baptist Church Halifax is an inclusive and ecumenical community of believers in Jesus Christ committed to proclaim God’s Mission of love by word and deed; and WHEREAS First Baptist Church Halifax has, since its formation in 1827, adhered to the historic Baptist freedom to determine its own faith and practice under the Lordship of Christ, in faithfulness to God and in obedience to his Word, and led by the Holy Spirit has defined its own affirmations of faith and covenant; enjoyed the freedom of doctrinal statements; organized
and governed its church life under independent statements and policies; developed its own ministries, mission, and service; called its own pastors and other staff; chosen its own officers; and owned its own property, without the permission or approval of any other authority; and WHEREAS the Congregation of First Baptist Church Halifax seeks the freedom to be obedient to Christ’s Mission without being compelled by any other authority or organizational veto; and WHEREAS the history of Atlantic Baptists working together in Associations shows that clarity has been sought in defining the independence of local churches by adopting measures such as amendments, or Notwithstanding Clauses, to ensure local church independence, and WHEREAS First Baptist Church Halifax has, with others, sought clarity around the issue of independence of the local church in the General Operating By-Law of the newly incorporated Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches by recommending a Notwithstanding Clause to achieve such clarity: and WHEREAS First Baptist Church Halifax has been informed that the Council of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches does not support a Notwithstanding Clause and will not place the question of a Notwithstanding Clause before Convention at the August 2011 Assembly under the 180 day rule, IT IS THEREFORE MOVED THAT First Baptist Church Halifax will not, at this time, join the newly incorporated Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches as governed by the General Operating By-Law adopted in August 2010 and which takes effect in August 2011. Presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of First Baptist Church, Halifax on February 27, 2011, and passed: 74 in favour, 3 opposed, 4 abstentions.
GARAGE SALE The Women’s Auxiliary will hold their annual Garage Sale —
Saturday, April 30 9am—12 noon We need your treasures! Please bring your donations for the sale - no computers, TVs please. Volunteers—we need assistance working the day of the sale and Wednesday to Friday during the day, sorting and pricing. Please call Louise Schurman (429-2304) if you can help.
PLANT SALE! Saturday, May 21, 9am—12 noon. The Christian Education Committee has assumed responsibility for this event from the Women’s Auxiliary. Proceeds from the sale will be used to support our various C.E. programs. How can you help? 1. We will provide pots for people to pick up and use as they divide stock in their gardens, so we need any old pots, trays, or containers you might have lying around. Leave them in the Craft Room and Bill Ferguson will look after them. 2 We need plants! Please bring your donation of potted plants, bulbs, or equipment starting on Wednesday before the sale. 3. We need customers! Plan to bring a friend and enjoy shopping among quality garden stock ready to go in the ground.
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Valentine’s Supper 2011
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he 46th Annual edition of the First Baptist Church Valentines Dinner was held Friday Evening – February 11 with over 120 in attendance. The ―White Knights‖ as Paul Henderson, Chair of this event affectionately refers to the men of the church who offer themselves up every year, put in another incredible effort. Thus ensuring this cherished event lives to see another year. Many thanks go out to all the ladies who temporarily surrender their Beau each year to this effort. We are grateful that you encourage us to put in every effort we can so that you have enjoyable evening. It is because of you that this event has survived and thrived over these many years and you continue to place it on your annual ―Must Attend‖ events ... even after 46 years Much is required to pull this event together … Decorations to be primped … Tables Set … Coffee and Tea to be made … Juice to be poured … Food to be cooked, warmed, set out and served as well as 100 other tasks that are never noticed … and then the clean up. Thank you to everyone for every little and big task you take on to make this evening come to life. Paul Henderson – MC for the event – although offering a less than traditional toast to our guests reminded everyone that although Valentines has traditionally focused on ―The Girls‖ the true meaning of the day should always focus on relationships we share with our spouses, partners, children, families, friends, our fellow man and woman. ―There is a lot of love‖ for us all to share and in turn somehow we can make the world a better place for us all. After Reverend John Boyd led us in a Valentine grace, two members of the Dal Swing Club got things started. Mimi Breslow and her dancing partner, Frederik Sy, set the tone for the evening with a lively dance routine. Now that is surely a first for us. Then, our Music Director, Lynette Wahlstrom, and her husband William, joined together to sing an original romantic duet
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of Williams. A song he had composed for the wedding of close friends a few years previous. During the response to the Valentine’s Toast, Carey Harvey reminded us all that the tradition of the First Baptist Church Valentine’s Supper dates back to 1965 when the Men’s Club was looking for a way to thank the ladies for preparing dinners for their monthly meetings. Two men from that first Valentine’s Dinner were still there this year: Carey Harvey and John Conn. Like most cherished traditions, they have watched the Valentine’s Supper change with the times. The Men’s Club has disappeared. In another response to the toast, William Crowdis, he noted that in his day, after a delicious Valentine’s meal lovingly prepared by the wife, the husband might grunt: "That was good, dear; I’ll do the dishes tonight." Specially noted during the evening were Gordon and Sharon Taylor were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. We also had singles, widows, widowers and divorcees, over a dozen guests from outside the church, and again welcomed families with their children. The thought of having ladies prepare dinners is seen as anachronistic. In spite of these changes though, our chair, Paul Henderson, responded to a real need within the congregation to continue the tradition. And what a response. We sold out. Many traditions of this event remain unchanged. The menu of turkey, ham, scalloped potatoes, cole slaw and ice cream and cake has been a staple for four decades. One minor change has occurred along the way -- gluten-free scallop potatoes. The recipe is right out of Alyce Feindel’s "Quick and Easy Gluten Free Recipes". The meal wouldn’t happen without the hard work of our boys in the kitchen: and In the spirit of the fun of the evening Paul Broke all those who contributed to the evening in to teams … These are as follows:
Valentine … con’t from page 10
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer (our Maitre’D) David Dexter Fire in the Kitchen … Don Maling Leonard MacLean Ken Margeson Graham Reid David Freeman Garnet Colwell The Stage Crew…. Bill MacInnis Frank McGill Bud Whalen John Conn
Ted Doane Bob Hazelton Bud Whalen David Thompson
Larry Doane David Fraser David Morse Alan North
The Water Boys …. Jason Naug David Clarke Brian Ashton Ray Eisener
The men of 1965 would not have recognized the event. Yes, we toasted the ladies, and, yes, we had traditional couples celebrating Valentine’s with their sweethearts. Our "Men Without Jackets" choir was augmented for the occasion to serenade the ladies with a medley of syrupy love songs. Another first, they were joined in their singing by Louise Schurman. And in another first, Louise and her Valentine danced to the sounds the men singing Moon River. Before we knew it, several other couples joined them, and even a few of the children danced. In our church life, February is "Love your Neighbour" month. The sentiment expressed in the toasts, the exchange of hugs and the "passing of the carnations" was celebrating the friendship and fellowship we share in our extended church family. Proceeds from the dinner have been donated to the Social Concern Committee to assist our less-fortunate neighbours in the surrounding community.
The Court Jester (Master of Ceremonies) Paul Henderson Bible Boy ….
John Boyd (Prayer - Grace)
The Entertainers … Lynette Whalstrom – Music direction William Crowdis Men’s Choir Dal Swing Club The Party Planner
Alana Foster
The Work Horse
Wayne McPhee
Decorating Dreams
Joanne Henderson
Picture Perfect
Ian McKee
The Ticket Masters
Ed Tummers David Bourque
Easter Memorial Flowers Those wishing to honour deceased loved ones by placing memorial mums in the church for the Easter season are asked to contact the office with details by April 8th . The flowers and acknowledgements will be in place Easter Sunday morning.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
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HANK YOU! from the Community Outreach Committee to: All the early risers who helped to prepare and serve breakfast for the homeless at the Brunswick Street Mission on December 11. Doris Hilchey who knit lovely warm mittens, scarves, socks, and an afghan for our Christmas Gift Program. Members of the congregation who generously donated to the White Gift Program. Everyone who shopped and wrapped gifts off clothing, household items, and toys for 81 people. Volunteers from First Baptist Church who helped to pack the food boxes at the Ward 5 Community Centre on December 17 and then deliver the boxes, along with the gifts, to the recipients on December 18. Everyone who prepared spaghetti pie and helped to serve at the ARK Sunday Supper which was held on January 2, 2011 We were able to make the following monetary donations: $1,000.00 to the Ward 5 Neighborhood Centre for Christmas dinners $500.00 to the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank for their Christmas Dinner Program $200.00 to the Angel Tree Gift Program to help with Christmas gifts for the children of prison inmates $200.00 to Bryony House $200.00 to Adsum House
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hank you for your generous support for our special Food Bank Project held in February. Hunger is a real story. We all know and are in contact with people affected by hunger, even though we might not be aware of it. These are often hard-working adults, children, and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days. Nova Scotia highlights from Hungercount 2010 show that 22,573 individuals were assisted at a food bank in March 2010, which was an 11% increase over the March 2009 number, and children account for 33% of that number. Cash donations of $520.00 and lots of nonperishable food items were received from you and will be donated to our community food banks. Thank you again for your generosity!
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5+ LUNCHEON
The annual 55+ Luncheon is scheduled for April 10th 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.
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UNDAY SUPPER FOR ARK
Our church is hosting the St. Andrew's Supper on May 8th. The menu is Spaghetti Pie and volunteers are needed to prepare meals. The recipe is on the FBC website as well as 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 in our city who would otherwise go without dinner.
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RUNSWICK STREET BREAKFAST PROGRAM - MAY
First Baptist Church will again host the Saturday morning breakfasts at the Brunswick Street Mission in May. There are between 55 and 65 people each Saturday that come for pancakes and sausages, hash browns, toast, 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 the profits raised from the sale of our Just Us! coffee and tea. Thank you to everyone who continues to purchase their coffee from the Community Outreach committee. If you would like to help at the breakfast program, there will be a sign-up sheet outside the parlour. US! COFFEE J UST People and the Planet Before Profits The Community Outreach committee has bags of coffee, boxes of tea, and chocolate bars for sale. Proceeds from the sale of coffee are used to buy food items for the Brunswick Street Breakfast Program (i.e., pancakes, sausages, hash browns, juice, fruit, and sandwiches). Our regular coffee sells for $9.00 per bag, the decaf sells for $10.00 per bag, the tea is $4.00 per box, and the chocolate bars sell for $2.00 and $2.50 each. Thank you for your continued support of this Outreach project.
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ood Drive Our annual food drive in the South End of Halifax will be held on June 11th. Volunteers are needed to distribute flyers to local residents several days in advance and to collect donations on Saturday morning. Please contact the church office if you can join in the fun! All donations will be given to our community food banks.
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EMEMBER OUR FOOD TRUNK The third Sunday of each month has been designated as Food Bank Sunday, with donations going to local food banks such as Feed Nova Scotia, Ward 5 Food Bank, and the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank to help feed those in need. Donations can be dropped off at other times as well.
Pancake Supper Shrove Tuesday Tradition March 8, 2011 5—6:30 p.m. Adults $6 Children under 12 $4 Families $20 Sponsored by the Christian Education Committee
Births November 24, 2010 Isabelle Josephine Tummers Parents: Patrick and Tanya Tummers Grandparents: Ed and Sandy Tummers November 26, 2010 Ryder Christian Strange Parents: Rob and Marion Strange Grandfather: Rev. Dr. W. Carey Harvey
Death C. Willam Smith, Dec. 11, 2010
Saving Jesus Ever feel like Jesus has been kidnapped by the Christian Right and discarded by the Secular Left? Then join us for Saving Jesus Redux, a 12 -session DVD-based study from Living the Questions exploring 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. 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 beginning March 9th for Saving Jesus Redux and be a part of saving a relevant Jesus for today!
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CARP SUPPORT TEAM PROGRESS REPORT
workshop led by Lee on understanding ourselves, and how we interact with others.
ctober 24, 2010, five of us stepped forward to answer a call, to form the first FBCH CARP (Community Accompaniment Reintegration Process), Support Team, to offer community support and guidance to selected prison inmates who have qualified for Escorted Temporary Absences, (ETA’s), but lack the necessary community contacts to proceed.
Cory quickly came to realize that he had the full support, and understanding of our Team, who accepted him as a human being, with feelings, hopes, fears, and dreams of a future in a community without fear or judgment.
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Our team consists of Rev. Renée Clark, Lee Nicholas-Pattillo, Gwendolyn MacLean, Kim HarperGiven, and Warren Hoeg. This is a pilot project in Nova Scotia and at FBCH, spearheaded by Rev. Carol Smith, Facilitator of St. Luke’s Renewal Centre, based at the Springhill Penitentiary, and I am pleased to announce that our efforts, to date have been an outstanding success, far exceeding Carol’s expectations. November 20, 2010, our team completed a five hour Orientation/Training course, outlining the duties, and responsibilities of being a volunteer with Corrections Canada, covering security, safety, health, and confidentiality issues, as well as deportment, and dress codes. Our team members each received CPIC security clearance, allowing us limited access to the Institution, and clearance to work closely with the prison inmates. Halifax ETA’s were carried out here at FBCH, behind closed doors, on December 2, December 17, 2010, January 26, 2011, and again on February 10, 2011. Our selected inmate, Cory, was accompanied by his Parole Officer, his ETA Escort Officer, Rev. Carol Smith Facilitator, Kelly O’Neil, a Social Work student from Dalhousie, and Kyle Lewis a graduate student from UNB, who is doing a detailed study, and report on our FBCH CARP Program, for Corrections Canada. Each ETA meeting consisted of half day Circles, during which our team bonded very quickly, and built a bridge of trust, understanding, and compassion, which Cory gratefully crossed, thus opening up a safe, and confidential environment, where we talked about reintegration needs for the community and the inmate; the power of forgiveness; victim’s needs; and enjoyed a
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The Circles were highly beneficial to all of us, and we have welcomed the opportunity to play a small part in this very important Program. Each day, we all took a lunch break together, as a ―Family of Friends‖, at several local restaurants, enjoyed by all. We spent the afternoons, with Cory, touring various Halifax points of interest. January 20 our Team traveled to Springhill, and spent the day touring the Springhill Penitentiary, and the St. Luke’s Renewal Centre, (a Spiritual Retreat, and Restorative Justice Facility, run by the Christian Council for Reconciliation). It was a day well spent, which gave us a first hand understanding of the daily stresses, and challenges the inmates must face. Cory’s successful participation in this CARP Program is an opportunity for him to experience life outside the prison, and is assisting him in his hopes of returning to the community as a person who will contribute in positive ways. It also opens the doors to future funding for additional CARP Programs, much needed in Nova Scotia. Our Team has requested a continuation of our ETA Program with Cory to offer him our continued support, and guidance during the coming year. Rev. Carol Smith has other qualified inmates, anxiously waiting for an opportunity to participate in a CARP Program, therefore we would like to encourage any of you who might be interested in becoming a CARP Volunteer, to come forward and speak to me, or any Member of our Support Team, and we will be pleased to put you in touch with Carol. We would like to see enough of you come forward, to be able to form a 2nd. FBCH CARP Support Team! Once you make that 1st. step, there will be no looking back, as you enter this very beneficial, and rewarding area of Prison Ministry. - Warren Hoeg
Worship at First Baptist March to May 2011 March 6: Transfiguration; Communion Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9 It’s Awesome to be With Jesus - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Brahms, Handel
Holy Week Ecumenical Services; 7:30 a.m. Monday: Cathedral Church of All Saints Tuesday: Presbyterian Church of Saint David Wednesday: St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica Thursday: First Baptist Church Halifax
March 13: Lent 1 Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11 The Devil’s in the Details - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Pergolesi, Mendelssohn
April 21: Maundy Thursday; 7:00 p.m. Service of Communion and Tenebrae
March 20: Lent 2 Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17 Starting Over - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Chilcott, Scholin
April 24: Easter; Baptism; Communion Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18 The Promise of Easter - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Leavitt, Handel
March 27: Lent 3 Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42 Water for Life - Rev. Renée Clark Music: Daley, Dvorak
May 1: Easter 2; Communion Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31 A Faith of Our Own - Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe Music: Giacomin, Vivaldi
April 3: Lent 4; Communion 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 A Light in the Darkness - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Daley, Dvorak
May 8: Easter 3 Acts 2:14a, 36-42; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35 Knowing Jesus Today - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Mendelssohn, Mozart
April 10: Lent 5 Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45 Jesus Gives Life - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Palestrina, Bach
May 15: Easter 4 Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10 A Gated Community? - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Special Guest Choir
April 17: Palm/Passion Sunday Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-11 Who Killed Jesus? - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Poulenc, Young Instrumentalists
May 22: Easter 5 Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14 Thoughtful Witness - Rev. Renée Clark Music: Vaughn Williams, Stanford
April 22: Good Friday; 10:30 a.m. Ecumenical Service at St. Andrew’s UC
May 29: Easter 6 Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21 Are You Looking for God?- Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Tallis, Rutter
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