Saturday, November 5, 2-4:30— Annual Tea and Sale
Submitted by Rev. Lynn Uzans What Is Advent? For many Christians unfamiliar with the liturgical year, there may be some confusion surrounding the meaning of the Advent season. Some people may know that the Advent season focuses on expectation and think that it serves as an anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. This is part of the story, but there’s more to Advent.
Sunday, November 6, 10:30am– Remembrance Day Service Saturday, November 12, 1:00pm Finger Puppet Workshop Thursday, November 17, 7:00pm—Public Lecture with Dr. Maryann Francis Saturday, November 19, 9:00am—Adult Membership Class Sunday, November 27– Advent Potluck following worship Sunday, December 13— White Gift Sunday Sunday, December 18, 7:00pm – Annual Carols by Candle light service
“During Advent, the church looks back upon Christ’s coming in celebration, while at the same time looking forward in eager anticipation to the coming of Christ’s kingdom.”
The History of Advent The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Scholars believe that during the 4th and 5th centuries in Spain and Gaul, Advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, the celebration of God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. During this season, Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and fasting to prepare; originally, there was little connection between Advent and Christmas. By the 6th century, however, the Western Church had tied Advent to the coming of Christ. But the “coming” they had in mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem, but his second coming in the clouds as the judge of the world. It was not until the Middle Ages that the Advent season was explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas. Advent Today Today, the Advent season lasts for four Sundays leading up (Continued on page 2)
PAGE 2
Looking Back 50 YEARS Ago To . . . . . 1966
Our Remembrance Day Service will be held this Sunday, Nov. 6. All those who have military service are welcome to process in with the Ministers and Choir, in uniform, or not. Please gather in the parlour at 10:20 am.
In Our Congregation Reaching out to the World
Submitted by Ed Tummers
The Women's Missionary Society group had 121 members. During the year, Miss Evelyn Eaton spoke about her work in India; Mrs. Murray Armstrong on the Grande Ligne missions; Mrs. Marshall Thompson on conditions in Bolivia; and Miss Elizabeth Brown on her work training teachers in Tanzania. The summer picnic was held in Indian Harbour at the home of Miss Maxine Morse. The WMS sent food parcels to missionaries in India, clothes to the Congo; supplies to the White Cross for hospitals; donations to the Halifax Seaman's Fund; and donations to support activities in Beechville. There were 20 babies at the Baby Band Party. Planning was started on the Centennial Project in support of libraries at Acadia and the Bible School in Moncton. In total, the church contributed over $13,000 to missionary and extension work. (which by today’s equivalency is approximately $97,000!) Elsewhere in the world
Flooding in Venice leaves 5000 homeless. US planes bomb Hanoi, the capital of North Vietnam, for the first time. There are now almost 400,000 US troops in Vietnam. Walt Disney died. Major films: Alfie; Georgy Girl; The Good the Bad and the Ugly.
(Continued from page 1) to Christmas, beginning on the Sunday that falls between November 27th and December 3rd each year. Advent symbolizes the present situation of the church in these “last days”, as God’s people wait for the return of Christ in glory to consummate his eternal kingdom. The church is in a similar situation to Israel at the end of the Old Testament: in exile, waiting and hoping in prayerful expectation for the coming of the Messiah.
Israel looked back to God’s past gracious actions on their behalf in leading them out of Egypt in the Exodus, and on this basis they called for God once again to act for them. In the same way, the Church, during Advent, looks back upon Christ’s coming in celebration while at the same time looking forward in eager anticipation to the coming of Christ’s kingdom when he returns for his people. Adapted from an article by Rev Justin Holcomb at Christianity.com
PAGE 3
Men Without Jackets November 6: Remembrance Day Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 Ephesians 2:13-18; Matthew 5:1-11 Remembering for Tomorrow – Marilyn Peers, C.M., LL.D. Music: Jenkins November 13: Pentecost 28 Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19 Don’t Be Fooled, It’s Not What It Seems – Deacon Arla Johnson Music: Vivaldi and Bach November 20: Reign of Christ Jeremiah 23:1-6; Luke 1:68-79 Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43 Restorative Justice – Scott Harris (Corrections Canada) Music: Dubois and Archer November 27: Advent 1 Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 Seeing in the Dark – Rev. Lynn Uzans Music: Vivaldi
Finger Puppet Service Project: The IWK Children's Hospital is running low on supplies. Come and join a workshop on Sat. Nov. 12, 1pm in the parlour, tea and cookies provided. Beginner to experienced knitters and crocheters of all ages welcome. Donations of yarn welcome, please leave it in the box in the parlour. For more info, please contact Rev. Jenny Csinos or Jennifer Ferguson.
Submitted by Ed Tummers Welcome back to our bass and tenor voices. Our first Rehearsal of the season was Saturday Oct 29 from 10 am until 11:30 as we prepared for the upcoming Advent season. On Saturday Nov 26 from 10 am until 11:30, in addition to our regular rehearsal, we will be decorating the sanctuary for Christmas. Our first performance will be Sunday Dec 4, at 2:00 pm Caritas at Mount Saint Vincent University campus as we come together with the ladies of the residence for the sacrament of Holy Communion. On Sunday Dec 18, at 6:00 pm we will gather for the choir photo and final rehearsal for Carols by Candlelight. MWJ are invited with their spouses to attend the choir Christmas party. 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 praises. Men Without Jackets: 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, and Allen Cruess.
Christmas Memorial Flowers
Members and friends of First Baptist church are invited to place Memorial Flowers, beautiful Poinsettias, in the church this Christmas season. To make a donation toward the flowers mark your offering envelope, or one from the pew, "Flowers". Please contact the Church Office, before December 11th with the wording for your memorial. The acknowledgements will be placed in the bulletin Sunday, December 18, 2016 and throughout the Christmas season.
PAGE 4
Public Lecture: Be sure to save the date for the second lecture in the “Public Journey” series of Distinguished Public Service Fellow Dr. Mayann Francis, ONS. In her next talk, Dr. Francis will explores the way in which her own spiritual faith influenced and inspired her journey as a public service leader in Canada. And she will share the insights and discoveries she made along the way that served her well in embracing the call to leadership. This exceptional public event will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 7:00 – 9:00 PM in Room 1020, Rowe Building, 6100 University Ave. RSVP: Dolene Lapointe, dolene.lapointe@dal.ca or by calling #902-494-3742 Sundays @ 9, Back by Popular Demand: beginning Nov 13 Join us for coffee and small group discussion in the Senior Minister’s Office. Video Content will be used as a discussion starter. For 12 weeks we will be looking at a series around the life of Jesus the Christ, entitled “Drawing All Things to God.” About the series: Jesus’ birth welcomed something greater into human form. Through the recorded accounts of his life, Jesus’ teachings pointed to a connected way of living in relationship to God, one another, our meals, our positions and possessions, and to the Earth. To people who find themselves detached from such things, who had exhausted themselves and their means, who had forgotten they were created out of the same vibratory frequency (voice) that birthed all things out of no-thing (the Eternal), Jesus came with a message: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
Come to as many or few sessions as you are able!
Brunswick Street Breakfast Program
Submitted by Gwendolyn Maclean
As part of the First Baptist Church team, Ray and Mary Anne Eisener have been dedicated volunteers with the Saturday morning breakfast program at the Brunswick Street mission. Every Saturday that we are responsible for preparing breakfast, they are there by 5:15 AM, waiting to carry in the groceries and supplies, and then get ready to prepare breakfast. Whether it is making sandwiches or scrambling eggs to perfection or chatting with one of the guests, they both work tirelessly to make sure we have an excellent breakfast to serve. Always with a smile, Ray and Mary Anne are there until the last crumb is swept from the floor. Through Ray, the CN Railroaders in the Community Program have approved a Retired Employee Volunteer Grant for $750, submitted by him, on behalf of First Baptist Church. CN is extremely proud of their retired employees and their families who volunteer in our communities. CN recognizes and celebrates their commitment by donating $500 to organizations for which they have volunteered at least 40 hours in a given calendar year. They also recognize and celebrate the same volunteer commitment of their employees' family members by donating $250. This gift from CN is designated to the Brunswick Street Breakfast Program. Our heartfelt thanks to Ray and Mary Anne and the CN Railroaders in the Community Program for their generosity!
PAGE 5
Submitted by Ed and Sandi Tummers As you read this, we have likely just returned from our pilgrimage to India following in the footsteps of St. Thomas, known commonly to us as “Doubting Thomas” from the Crucifixion story. The inspiration for making this pilgrimage came to us as we were preparing the retirement album for Reverend Boyd and we were including pictures of the pilgrimage he led following in the footsteps of St. Paul. At the same time, there was a series of shows on TV documenting the travels of the apostles following the death of Jesus as they spread the word to the four corners of the earth. While Paul was preaching throughout the Roman Empire, Thomas made his way to India. So Sandi and I planned to follow in his footsteps. Our first stop was Mumbai, where we visited its first British church, St. Thomas Cathedral dating back to 1676. However, there is no evidence that Thomas actually ever visited Mumbai. After the Death and Resurrection of Christ, Thomas became acquainted with Habban, a merchant of King Gondophare of India. Our next stop on the pilgrimage was Cochin. It was in the company of this merchant that Thomas landed at Cranganore on the Malabar Coast of present day Kerala in 52 A.D where there had been a settlement of a group of merchants and traders known as the Cochin Jews who had lived here since the time of King Solomon and the first temple. Habban would have had connections with them and an Aramaic-speaking Jew such as Thomas would have found this an attractive starting point for his ministry. The earliest source connecting Thomas to Kerala was recorded in the Acts of Thomas, likely written in the early 3rd century. After building seven churches on this coast, St Thomas crossed over to Coromandel Coast of India's eastern seaboard to spread the Gospel. This brought us to the final destination on our pilgrimage in the city of Chennai. According to tradition, St. Thomas was killed near Chennai, in 72 AD and his body was interred in the Santhome Basilica. Since at least the 16th century, the St. Thomas Mount has been a common site revered by Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Following in the footsteps on St. Thomas gave us some very interesting insights into the spread of Christianity and its influence on the history of India. If you are interested in learning more about a pilgrimage to India, a good place to Pictured Above: Santhome Basilica, Chennai, start your journey is this website: http://www.pilgrimageIndia where Thomas was martyred india.com/christian-pilgrimage/
November is an exciting and busy month for music at FBCH. We are preparing for Advent and Christmas with Songsters and Marshmallow Choir (children in the crèche), a new FBCH In-House Band, Men Without Jackets, Grace Notes (woman’s choir), Senior Choir and a new Youth Instrumental Christmas Band. Thanks to our jazz duo, Kim Davison and Tom Crowell for entertaining us before the annual Tea and Sale.
PAGE 6
Adult Membership Class: Sat., Nov. 19, 9:30-4:30 with lunch provided. The class will cover such questions as: What does it mean to be a Christian? Why do Baptists baptize the way they do? What is different about a Baptist Church? How can I continue to grow in my faith? What is the FBC Halifax story? Interested in participating? Contact Rev. Jenny Csinos at jennycsinos@fbchalifax.ca. The class is always open to inquirers who have not decided to join the Church, but have lots of questions! Advent Potluck: Save the date for Sunday, November 27 following worship in the Assembly Room. Everyone is invited to bring in their crèche/nativity scenes in from home that day. Please also include a short note or two about where and when you received it and any meaning behind it. We’ll enjoy a wonderful potluck meal together and learn the origin of nativity scenes as we eat. Please bring a dish to share. Each household will leave with an empty box from Feed Nova Scotia to participate in “a reverse Advent calendar” by adding one canned or boxed food item each day. All boxes will be collected during Epiphany. For more information, contact Rev. Jenny Csinos. Sanctuary Hosts Wanted: Throughout last years Advent and Lenten seasons the Sanctuary was open for selected hours for quiet reflection. Some members of our congregation, as well as the greater community found solace in a place of quiet rest. Given the response from last year, 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. During these times either Rev. Lynn or Rev. Jenny would 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 from TuesdaysThursdays from 4-6pm throughout Advent (Nov 29-Dec 22).
1300 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8 Phone: 902-422-5203 Email: office@fbchalifax.ca Facebook.com/FirstBaptistHalifax
. . .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
at We’re on the web ca x. ifa www.fbchal
connect