Monday
March 6th the beginning of Spiritual Practices Class and each Monday following at 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Sunday March 12th Advanced Care Planning and Personal Directives Following Worship (bring your bagged lunch) Saturday March 25th Men Without Jackets Rehearsal 10:00 am to 12 noon
Epiphany Season is an opportunity each year to expand our horizons, look at what God is doing beyond our doors, join in missions to which we are called and generally celebrate that Christ, the Light of the World, is with us as we journey ever deeper into a lived faith. If indeed, Epiphany is a season of ’shining light’ on our world that we might see afresh, I believe our focus on African Heritage this past month has been lived in true Epiphany style. From the gritty witness of Sobaz Benjamin and Debra Paris Perry, to the articulate wisdom of David Divine, the month gave us several lenses to look at where we were, where we are, and where we need to be as we live into being a congregation of diversity. In addition to the guest preachers and the Junior Choir from Cornwallis Baptist Church, some of us marked African Heritage Month by participating in events in the wider Halifax community. But does embracing diversity and overcoming racism stop at the end of February? Might the knowledge we gained and the truth we discovered inform our Lenten journey? If the answer to that is yes, here are some suggestions: Read or watch The Book of Negroes Mini Series (available on cbc.ca and Netflix) Borrow a book from the Lent Basket
Monday March 27th In The Footsteps of St. Thomas Ed and Sandi Tummers (Sponsor: FBC Auxiliary) 1:30 pm in the Church Parlour Sunday April 2nd Congregational Meeting Following Worship light lunch to be served
Go see the movie “Hidden Figures” and/or “Moonlight” Watch and put into action “The Revolutionary Art of Listening” a TED talk by Stephanie Spellers on Youtube Be mindful of your prejudices, language and attitude Pray for opportunities to listen and learn This is a very partial list of possibilities, but if the only one we try is the one at the end of the list, trust me, opportunities will jump up around us. Lent, the 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays), begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. It is traditionally a time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving, all geared to us drawing closer to God. A good friend once put it this way “Lent is the season when we live as we would like to live all year”. I have found over the years that Holy Week and Easter has taken on much greater significance for me when I have been intentional about my spiritual discipline during Lent. At times, I have set aside extra time to listen to God, and/or refrain from a food or activity I love, and/or give of my resources to a cause to which I feel called. However you decide to honour and delight in this invitation to greater intimacy with Christ, may the time between March 1 and April 15 this year be rich and refreshing. Rev. Lynn Uzans
Jim Stanley for your Diaconate Here we are again at a point where it’s time for an update regarding the Fall and Winter work and activities of your Diaconate. Effective February 26, Joe O’Brien and I leave the Diaconate. Under the able leadership of David Morse, with Executive members Kathy Schwartzentruber, Joanne Stonehouse and Marsha Hurshman your Diaconate Executive is refreshed, Two new Deacons, Neil Ritchie and Anthony Zadeh, join for the new Diaconate season ahead. We thank the Diaconate Nominating Committee David Dexter and Lee Nicholas-Pattillo for their diligence in finding new Deacons and for formulating the proposal for the new Diaconate Executive which was so fully acceptable to the Congregation at its Annual General Meeting on February 26.
David Morse KathySchwartzentruber Joanne Stonehouse Marsha Hurshman Sandy Yip Ashton Bryan Darrell Paul LaFleche David Clarke Arla Johnson Anthony Zadah Neil Ritchie Deacon Emerita Dr. Pauline Allsop
The review of the Church Mission Fund projects led by Bryan Darrell and Rev. Lynn Uzans and ongoing liaison with a number of the Mission Fund project sponsors (e.g. Halifax Hospital Chaplaincy, Acadia Divinity College, Hope Blooms and the Halifax Community Investment Fund and the Halifax Region United Baptist Association (HRUBA)) has been and will be an important ongoing Diaconate activity as will be the implementation of the new Mission Project application process adopted at the January 2017 Church Budget meeting. Our Church has agreed to host the Spring Session of the HRUBA in our Church on April 29 and 30, 2017 and that will entail a large effort on our part to provide hosting, program support and food for this special initiative, one that we have not hosted for some time. In addition to our regular Diaconate duties your Deacons have been engaged in supporting the Transition Leadership Team and the Senior Minister Search Committee as they lead us through this most important set of activities. This Winter, beyond our innovative weekly worship experiences together, we are being energized as a spiritual community through a number of new study and fellowship initiatives (e.g. Clyde Evan’s Lord Prayer Study Circle, the Saturday Morning Women's Fellowship and Study Group and the Men’s Monthly Fellowship Breakfast and Study Circle). We know our God is speaking to us through these new avenues of engagement and your Deacons and Ministers are listening carefully. And don’t forget Diaconate service for your Church is a very important, meaningful and high calling. If you are feeling a voice speaking to you about the possibility of serving your Church in this way don’t hesitate to contact either Lee Nicholas-Pattillo or Jim Stanley (or your Ministers Lynn Uzans, Jenny Csinos or Nelson Metcalfe) for advice, inputs and follow-up. May your Lenten Season be reflective and meaningful! Reserve Sunday April 2, 2017 after the Worship Service for our next Congregational Meeting. We will have at least two items on the agenda: - Parsonage Update and Consultation - Property Maintenance Committee 2017 Work Plan A light lunch will be served.
Ed and Sandi Tummers will join the FBC Auxiliary on March 27th
In the Footsteps of St. Thomas By Ed and Sandi Tummers
Our pilgrimage to India in November followed in the footsteps of St. Thomas. In the February issue of Voices, we shared with you a theory that Mary Magdalene followed Thomas to India and died there. But why did Thomas go to India and how did he get there? While his presence in India may seem strange to those who first hear of it, there is actually good reason for him to have traveled there. As you can see from the map below, there was an extensive trade network between China and the Mediterranean going back at least 3000 years to the time of King Solomon. It included both land-based caravan routes (The Silk Route) and sea-routes. Here is a map of the region showing some of the common trading routes at the time, any of which could have been used by Thomas. The exact route that Thomas travelled is not clear.
to tell their story “In the Footsteps of St. Thomas�
The earliest source connecting Thomas to India was recorded in the Acts of Thomas, likely written in the early 3rd century. According to the Acts of Thomas, the Apostle Thomas traveled from Syria to India in 40 AD. A Jewish diaspora, in fact, was already well established in southern India since the time of King Solomon around 1000 BCE. The mission of the Apostles was specifically to spread the gospel to the Jewish people throughout the world. Thomas would have been attracted here by a settlement of a group of merchants and traders known as the Cochin Jews. The presence of ancient Christian churches in Southwestern India today in fact gives credence to the claims made in The Acts of Thomas. Sandi and I have been invited to give a presentation about our pilgrimage. Watch the bulletin announcements for a time and place.
February 27th — a very successful Annual Meeting on February 26. It has been tradition that the FBC Auxiliary provide lunch on this day of reflection and planning and this year was no different.. The Auxiliary was happy to provide the lunch—many thanks to Joanne Stonehouse who organized its members and to the members who carried out Joanne’s plan. On February 27th we met in the Parlour at 1:30 for our regular February meeting. After a warm welcome to all in attendance and a devotional offered by Sharon McGill, items on the agenda were dealt with in short order. Reminders that the “Heritage” Plant Sale, so named this year in recognition of our 190th Anniversary will be held on May 27th. Donna Darrell will convene the sale. The Spring Yard Sale date is April 22nd. We are looking for a convener for this event - any volunteers from the congregation? If so please speak to Frank McGill. His phone number is 902-457-2229 or he can be reached by email at fmcgill@ns.sympatico.ca March is Daffodil Month during which Auxiliary members will be visiting our shuts-ins to deliver good cheer and Cancer Society Daffodils. Ed and Sandi Tummers will join us at our meeting on March 27th to tell us about their adventures in India— In the Footsteps of St. Thomas. Members and friends of the congregation are invited to join us for this presentation. As always we ended our fellowship time with tea, coffee and sweets. Rev. Lynn and Rev. Jenny joined us for refreshments and conversation. Frank McGill, FBC Auxiliary
Advance care planning asks us to think about who should make our health-related decisions when we can no longer do so ourselves. It helps us identify our primary health-related goals and preferences for care through to the end of life. March 12th bring a bagged lunch and join us after the service to learn about advance care planning from Darcy Gillis, a Chaplain with the NSHA who facilitates the completion of personal directives with chronically ill patients. It is important for everyone to have a personal directive and so all ages and levels of health are encouraged to attend.
March 5: Lent 1; Holy Communion Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11 More, More, More – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Petr Eben March 12: Lent 2 Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17 Night Moves – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Chilcott and Tallis March 19: Lent 3 Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42 Thirsting for More – Rev. Jenny Csinos Music: Palestrina March 26: Lent 4 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 Deacon Arla Johnson Music: Kedrov and Clausen April 2: Lent 5; Holy Communion Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45 Lazarus – Fake News or Fact? Pastor John Dalton Music: Widor Mass
After Jesus was baptized, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. He is going to be tempted by Satan. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. After 40 days Jesus was hungry. Now Satan comes to tempt Jesus.
Satan said, if you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread. Jesus told him that bread isn't the only thing that you need to live on, you need the Word of God also.
SANCTUARY HOSTS WANTED: Throughout the past Advent and Lenten seasons the Sanctuary was open selected hours for quiet reflection. Some members of our congregation, as well as the greater community, found solace in a place of quiet rest. We’d like to open our doors again, but need some help. To show greater hospitality, we are looking for “hosts” that could welcome any guests that would come during this time. Perhaps they have a question about the windows, or services or just need to see a friendly face. At these times either Rev. Lynn or Rev. Jenny will be available should a guest wish to speak to a minister. If you are available to host, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board across from the parlour. The sanctuary will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. from 4-6pm throughout Lent (March 1 - April 13). Thank you to those who have already signed up. LENTEN SPIRITUAL PRACTICES CLASS: This class, open to all ages, will run Monday's from 7-8pm in the church parlour during the season of Lent, beginning on March 6th. 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 info. CONGREGATIONAL LENT BOOKLET: This lent, take time in personal devotion each day with reflections from those within our congregation. A copy of the booklet has been e-mailed to the "News notes list". If you have not received an electronic copy, and would like to, please e-mail: office@fbchalifax.ca. There are print copies available throughout the church for those who need them.
Satan took Jesus up into the Holy City and put Him at the top of the temple. He said, if you are the Son of God, throw yourself down and let the angels save you” Jesus answered this time saying again, do not tempt the Lord.
Now Satan took Jesus up to a really high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. Satan told Jesus that I will give You all these things if You will fall down and worship me. Well, Jesus answered that one by telling Satan to go away! You should only worship the Lord your God and only serve Him!
THE LORD'S PRAYER DURING WORSHIP: During our Sunday services as a congregation we'll have an education moment throughout the season of Lent. Each week we'll explore a different aspect of the prayer to come to a greater understanding as faithful followers. You'll notice that the order of service will change a a bit throughout this season to help us focus on the words we are saying.
Finally, Satan left Jesus and angels came and ministered to Him.
In December, we returned to Caritas for the Advent Communion, at which we sang: Let There Be Peace on Earth, and O Holy Night At the Carols by Candlelight Service on Dec. 18th,we sang What Child is This, followed by our annual Choir Christmas party hosted this year at Lynette’s house. Our Chair of Music, Christine Fall-Moore, greeted the choir with a few words of appreciation for our efforts in making the ministry of music so much more meaningful for so many of our congregation. Although not scheduled as part of our formal program, Christmas morning turned out to be a Men Without Jackets service. We had a good turnout to help the congregation along with the hymns. The most poignant part of the service was the gathering hymn Christians Awake: Salute the Happy Morn. The first verse was sung by Alan Manchester, for whom the hymn had very special meaning. Reverend Lynn introduced the hymn by relating the story of how the slaves in the Caribbean island of St. Kitts had adopted this as their opening hymn on Christmas morning at their only authorized church service of the year. We rehearse normally on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 am until noon. All bass and tenor voices are welcome. Join us as we prepare our Easter repertoire.
1300 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8 Phone: 902-422-5203 Email: office@fbchalifax.ca Facebook.com/FirstBaptistHalifax Twitter: twitter.com/FBCHfx
MWJ Schedule 2017 Sat Mar 25 Rehearsal Sun Apr 2 Caritas Sun. April 16 Easter service Saturday April 22 Rehearsal Sun May 14 Mother’s Day Service Saturday May 27 Rehearsal & Luncheon Remember, we call ourselves "Men Without Jackets" because God never said we needed to dress up to sing our praises. For further information, contact our Director of Music, Lynette Wahlstrom. Men Without Jackets: David Mensink, Julian Summers, Peter Fillmore, Anthony Zadeh, Bryan Darrell, Mac Philips, Ian McKee, Jim Stanley, David Bourque, Alan Manchester, Erick Lee, Brian Ashton, Ken Margeson, Nelson Metcalfe, David Dexter, Paul Henderson, John Dalton, David Gibson, Garnet Colwell, Tom Crowell, Alan North, Tony Marshall, Kim Davison, Ed Tummers, Dahrl Whitney, Allen Cruess, Benjamin Shaw. Guest organists, Shawn Whynot.
. . .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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