Sunday October 8th Thanksgiving Dinner Assembly Room 5:00pm Friday October 13th Harvest Supper Community Outreach Committee Supporting The Parker Street Food & Furniture Bank 5:30pm Friday & Saturday October 13th & 14th CABF Annual Meeting Manning Memorial Chapel Acadia University Wolfville, NS Friday 6:30pm Saturday 8:30am
Marilyn Peers
Garnet Crowell
Alumni Choir
Sunday October 15th Congregational Meeting Following Gathered Worship Assembly Room Monday October 16th Youth Bible Study the Lee home 6:00 — 8:00pm
Pauline Allsop
Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards
Monday October 23th Youth Bible Study the Naug home 6:00 — 8:00pm Friday October 27th Bethany United Church Another Spooky Night at the Movies 7:30pm
Lynette Walstrom
Tom Crowell
FUTURE DATES TO REMEMBER
Rev. Jenny Drewitz
November 4th Annual Tea & Sale November 8th The Christmas Story; Group Discussion Diana Hazelton
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Bernard Gueller Guest Speaker
Rev. Jenny Drewitz As I was preparing a number of months ago for the 190th celebration of FBCH, I decided to update my google contacts with the churches anniversary. I went to add in the date, and was not allowed to put a date prior to 1900 as the birth year. We are too old for Google!
Our church congregation has been around for a long time, and we have seen a lot of change in that time. We have overcome great obstacles and wrestled with some big faith questions some of which were touched upon at the anniversary service. But when you stop to think about it, yes, this congregation is 190 years old, but, we are part of a much wider church and faith, one that spans thousands of years. The stories of our faith stretch back to the stories before the Israelites wandered in the desert. Our faith takes grounding on Jesus’ teachings’ and ministry. We base our mission on that of the early church and use the guideposts of letters written to churches over two thousand years ago. With that framework, we are a young church with an old faith, and a faith that is evolving to our current culture and needs. Throughout these 190 years our church community has striven to make decisions and respond to the call of Jesus based on this old faith. And as we move towards the future and thinking about the next 190 years we look back on what it is that God is calling us to be and do in this world and what the world needs us to be and do now. And in case you’re wondering, I followed up with Google and got the change made that you can now add dates prior to 1900 in your contacts. Go ahead and add September 26, 1827 as the day a group of Christ followers listened and responded to the call of God for their time; and a day we celebrate continuing to do that now .
Jenny, Addison, and I are just beginning our explorations of our beautiful provincial home. A couple of Saturdays ago we made our first journey to the valley to pick apples and take in the hilltop views. We noted the tidal rivers and basins and the obvious changes in water level between our journey in and out of the valley. I later learned that the Bay of Fundy and its surrounding habitat is a significant resting stop for birds migrating throughout North America. A 2016 CBC article reads, “The Bay of Fundy is one of the world’s hotspots for migrating shorebirds.” The Bay provides a “reliable place where migrating birds can stop, rest, and feed before continuing their journey.” Nova Scotia—a home for the migrating. I have just finished reading Brian McLaren’s newest book, The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World’s Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to be Christian. McLaren joins a growing company of ministers, sociologists, researchers, and theologians who are spotlighting a migration happening within Christianity—significant changes to how we understand the core of our faith and what it means to be church. McLaren calls us to embrace this migration. After all, most of our sacred faith story takes place as people migrate—the journey of Sarah and Abraham, the people of God in the wilderness, Jesus migrating throughout Galilee and Judea, Paul a tent-making migrant. McLaren writes: At this pivotal moment, something is happening. Within our tradition, unsettling but needed voices are arising—prophetic voices, we might call them, voices of change, hope, imagination and new beginnings… They claim that the Spirit is calling us, not to dig in our heels, bur rather to pack up our tents and get moving again. They invite us on a great spiritual migration—not out of our religions, but out of our cages and ruts, not as a jaded ex-members, but as hopeful pilgrims moving forward in the journey of faith. McLaren further ponders what it might look like for Christians to migrate from a faith defined as a system of beliefs into a faith that calls forth a generous way of life, rooted in contemplation and expressed in compassion, that makes amends for its mistakes and is dedicated to beloved community for all. It’s a migration from a church focused on right belief to one focused on right practice, and that right practice is grounded in the love ethic of Jesus—love of God, love of self, love of neighbour, and love of all creation. And so I wonder… I wonder what it would mean for First Baptist to seek to become a resting spot for those on spiritual migration—a reliable place for people to stop, rest, and find nourishment for their life journeys. A place for contemplation. A place for practicing a generous way of life. A place where beloved community is enacted and actively extended outside our walls. A place that is willing to giveup the tiring work of digging in our heels, and instead commit to pack-up our tents and migrate into a future that might truly make our faith community a rare hotspot for the migrating. First Baptist Halifax—a home for the migrating?
Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HALIFAX
HARVEST SUPPER & SILENT AUCTION
Friday October 13, 2017 at 5:30 pm
PLEASE ADD TO OUR SILENT AUCTION ITEMS!! Do you like to cook (a favorite cake or pie), or hand craft - something fun? OR, Do you have a collectible, artwork or a special item for re-gifting? Please let us know what you would like to donate! HARVEST SUPPER TICKETS Adult - $15.00 Child (age 12 and under) - $5.00 Family (2 adults + children under 12) - $35.00
Come and bid on: Neptune tickets, a museum visit, a sailing experience, a luncheon, delicious homemade items…plus so more! Questions? Contact Dianne, Donna, or Peggy We would love to hear from you. Donna Darrell moreend@eastlink.ca tel 902 422 7884 Peggy Dunbar peggydunbar@eastlink.ca tel 902 477 3891 Dianne Kokesh d.kokesh@bellaliant.net Donations to the Harvest Supper are in support of
Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank
October 8: Thanksgiving Sunday Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Psalm 65 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 17:11-19 Thanksgiving at the Boundaries – Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Music: Bach and Kedrov October 15: Pentecost 19 Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 Who Are You Wearing? – Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Music: Poulenc and Handel
October 22: Pentecost 20 St. Luke’s Service Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 Guest Preacher: Rev. David Maginley Music: Paulus and Fauré October 29: All Saints Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 Blessed Are Those Who Mourn – Rev. Jenny Drewitz Music: Fauré Requiem
Fall has arrived and the Annual Christmas Tea and Sale is just over a month away: Nov. 4 from 2:00-4:30 pm. Of course, we will be provided with music in the sanctuary before the event, beginning at 1:30 so please tell your friends to join us. Over the summer months, Kathy and I hope you have been talking to your family and friends about this spectacular event and the great buys that can be found for the home and for gifts. This year you will find a grand selection of venues including jewelry, the pantry table, jams and jellies, crafts and the Boutique/Emporium (vintage items and collectables.) Not to be forgotten on the lower level is the "New to You" and the Book Room where a bargain read can be found for only $1.00. Planning for the Tea and Sale is now moving into high gear but will only be a success if we can get the people inside our doors. Let's get the word out to all your family and friends that this is the best Christmas Tea and Sale in Halifax! Where can one find an afternoon tea and fantastic sales venue for the bargain price of $8.00? If you are looking for an even better bargain, tickets can be purchased at 4 for $30.00.
Most important to the Tea and Sale's success is your participation. We need craft items, new to you ( items that still have good use but no longer required by you), baked goods, jewelry, as well as Boutique/Emporium items. Please, no computers. Items may be brought to the church Monday-Friday 8:30-12:30 or 13:003:30pm. Beginning the first Sunday in October and each Sunday until the sale, tickets will be available for purchase in the Parlour Lobby. If you would like to volunteer to work at one of the sales venues, in the tea room, or at one of the many behind the scenes areas, please contact Mary Anne Eisener at rmeisener@gmail.com or 902-876-7515 or Kathy Schwartzentruber at kmsb408@gmail.com or 902444-0883. We would be delighted to hear from you to help make this another successful Tea and Sale. Mary Anne Eisener Kathy Schwartzentruber Co-Conveners 2017 Tea and Sale
In preparation for the 190th year celebration, Caitlin Smithers recruited my experience in the archives, to help create a PowerPoint displaying the rich history of First Baptist. We started looking through pictures and newspaper articles. There weren’t many earlier photos, from before Oxford Street, so we took a trip to the NS archive to see what they had in their collection. Well looking through their index we found some newspaper articles about the fire on Spring Garden that included some wonderful photos. It was amazing to learn that they had run out of water while trying to put out the fire. We also found online a couple of maps from the 1800’s of Halifax. Ultimately the best thing we found was the original handwritten records from 1827 which included the original covenant. This rather large book still smells like smoke. I am working on finding a way to get a copy for our own archive. It was quite an exciting find. Also, special thanks to Olga Milosevich who spent time digging through the CBC archives for additional information on the fire and other FBCH events.
Back in our own archive we found bulletins and newsletters dating back to the 1950’s. The best part about these was finding references and pictures of current members, and getting a glimpse at their lives within the church. It was great to see how this project brought our First Baptist community together to find out the names and dates of people in the photos. It’s wonderful to see people connect with their past and see how their past connects with ours. As the celebrations wrap up I’m excited to continuing exploring our rich history. Church Archivist, Jean Ferguson
Saturday, October 21, 10:30am — noon, JD Shore Cafe, Lower Water Street (across from Maritime Museum of the Atlantic)
This month Brene Brown will talk about the reckoning, rumble and revolution (video followed by discussion). All woman are most welcome, feel free to invite a friend.
Assistant Sexton
Sandrico Provo
Sandrico Provo is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography & Sociology. Last winter, Sandrico began attending Sunday services here at First Baptist Church. After attending additional services over the coming months, he grew to enjoy the welcoming nature of our church. Due to such a warm welcome, Sandrico wanted to give back to the church that opened its arms to him. Since late summer, Sandrico has been our newest Assistant Sexton and is looking forward to continuing this role within the church.
Senior Choir Member — Alto Section Lead
Ruusu-Maaria Brousseau
Ruusu-Maaria Brousseau moved from Helsinki, Finland to Halifax to study at the Fountain School of Performing Arts, at Dalhousie University. She is now in her third year of her Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in Voice. Even though Ruusu-Maaria began her musical training by playing the violin, it was choral singing and her love of choral music that inspired her to try her wings at singing. Growing up singing in multiple choirs; her local church choir as well as youth choirs, she is excited to now be a part of the First Baptist Church Senior Choir.
Senior Choir Member — Bass Section Lead "All the way from P.E.I., Jacob Hemphill became a new addition to our FBC Choir and community, this September. Jacob moved to Halifax in 2016 to study Opera and Theatre at Dalhousie University and is currently in his second year of study. Classical music and theatre are not the only passions Jacob has developed over the years though - he has a deep love (and deep voice) for country music and acoustic guitar playing! Feel free to ask Jacob any questions - he loves stories!" Jacob Hemphill
The grape-vine is working well at FBCH – what I am hearing? Well, I have been hearing that two of our most cherished outreach initiatives are in danger of not being able to reach out to our friends at the Brunswick Street Mission Breakfasts and the Ark Suppers at St. Andrew’s United Church. And I hear, it’s not for the lack of financial resources available for these programmes, but for the lack of volunteers to make things happen. Financial resources come from private donations and the sale of “Just Us” coffee and tea. For these two initiatives, the congregation is very supportive financially. To insure that what I was hearing was correct, I verified it with the Chair of the Community Outreach Committee, Gwendolyn MacLean. I have had a longstanding admiration for the work that she and her committee do on our behalf, as well as the work Gwendolyn does with other organizations in Halifax; all this work is involved with bettering the lives of the underprivileged among us. Consider this: - the Brunswick Street Breakfast programme begins at 5:30 am, (well for everyone else, but for Gwendolyn and Leonard - their day begins the day before) but have you seen the wonder of God’s painting in the skies over Halifax at this early hour? Breath-taking! Have you ever experienced the lack of vehicles on the streets or the four-way flashing traffic lights? There is little or no traffic to insight a sudden attack of “road rage”; or find the great camaraderie of working with a dedicated group of persons to prepare and serve a hot, hearty breakfast and above all, the grateful thanks of the people who are served. There is always time to listen – for there are great stories to be heard; there is always time for a game of cards and experience the joy on the face across the table that someone would spend some “happy time” with them. Discuss the headlines in the Chronicle
Herald or – I could go on and on, but you get the picture. It’s just not a breakfast – it’s a time of sharing. To have this all disappear for the lack of volunteers, well I just can’t imagine what it would be like not providing breakfast at the Mission. The Ark Suppers are yet another outlet for our energies here at First Baptist Church that we have enjoyed for decades. I say we, for many have passed through the crowded dining hall, to the kitchen to deliver casseroles that are then plated and served to the waiting guests. The joy of someone offering to hold the door or take the casserole for you or to just say “good afternoon” and “thanks”. When we see the sign-up sheet on the Parlour Bulletin Board – let there be so many that we have to form a line and wait to put our names on the sheet and not wait for the coaxing from the ministers on the Sunday prior to our turn to provide the dinner. For just a moment put yourself in Gwendolyn’s place – will there be enough casseroles? who can I ask for two maybe even three? (there are a few people in the congregation that will do this when asked). Through the Spirt moving among us, (and prodding by our Ministerial staff) somehow there are always 18 casseroles! But there is a long, nervous wait until that final casserole is signed-up. Let’s make it easier on the organizers—Volunteer early! Remember they are volunteers too, but they are the face of First Baptist Church, let’s give them the tools to make it easier for them. These two outreach programs have become part of the fabric of FBCH – let’s not forsake our friends at the Brunswick Street Mission and St. Andrew’s Church Ark Suppers. Lets VOLUNTEER By the way, the grape-vine is still working – I heard that at the last Breakfast there were 15 volunteers. Yes, Gwendolyn confirmed it. Let’s keep up the good work! Frank McGill
Géza Vermes
“An
unsurpassed master of the art of laying bare the inmost core of spiritual truth." -Géza Vermes
The Christmas Story: Group Discussion of the Nativity Celebrating the Christmas story is one of our most beloved and treasured religious traditions. The narratives of Christ’s birth, which come to us via the Gospels of both Matthew and Luke, are certainly very familiar. Yet, as Géza Vermes’ book, The Nativity: History and Legend, suggests, there remains much to consider about this defining event. For instance, how do we account for the fact that the birth of Christ encompasses only a very small portion of the Gospels? In what ways do the Gospels of Matthew and Luke differ, and what might those differences mean? What might early Christians, given the Graeco Roman setting, understand about the Nativity? What do these narratives tell us about the person of Jesus? Using Vermes’ short--and very readable--book as a guide, we will consider the ways in which the Christmas Gospel narratives help us to examine aspects of our own Christian beliefs. Please join us four consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning November 8th at 5:30 PM until about 7:30 PM in the church parlour for an interactive and thoughtprovoking discussion. We will begin with a light meal and then proceed to our discussion of the Nativity. Vermes’ 2006 book can be obtained from Clyde Evans (our discussion facilitator). Even if you are not able to read the book section before each meeting, please come anyway. There is much room for discussion. We hope you will choose to attend and participate in this discussion and social interaction. Please feel free to ask questions of Clyde or Kathy Schwartzentruber.
November 08th November 15th November 22th November 29th Church Parlour 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Following Service on Sunday, October 22, Rev. David Maginley, who will be preaching at the Service, will make a presentation on “The Spiritual Journey”. The presentation will be in the parlour, following coffee and conversation. Along with a question period, we expect the session will last from 12:00 to 1:15 PM.
Rev. David Maginley
“Spirituality is distinct from religion. . . .”
For Rev. Maginley, “Spirituality is distinct from religion. It is reflected not so much in what one believes as it is in the quality of one’s love.” Rev. Maginley invites us to “explore how the universal journey is expressed through each of us … and the role suffering and compassion play in evolving us towards our best selves”. Rev. Maginley is a spiritual counsellor at the Queen Elizabeth cancer centre here in Halifax. He is a four time cancer survivor, including a near-death experience, which has left him with a deep sense of purpose in supporting others in their spiritual journey. Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation. Sandwiches, tea, coffee and cookies will be available. Joe O’Brien, Chair, Visitation Committee
There will be a Congregational Meeting following the Morning Worship Service on Sunday, October 15, 2017 to receive reports on the Refugee and Visitation Ministries. A light lunch will be served. David Gibson Chair, Board of Management
1. CRIMSON STAIN - Saturday, November 4 (First Baptist Church) with Nova Voce, Shimon Walt (cello) and Lynette Wahlstrom (piano) - our Remembrance-themed concert returns, with the world premiere of a new piece, Crimson Stain, written for us by BC composer, Larry Nickel. 2. HALIFAX 1917: FROM DREAMS TO DESPAIR - Sunday, December 3 (Halifax Central Library) - our original show commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion returns with Jeremy Webb (actor), Lynette Wahlstrom (piano) and Rhapsody Quintet. March’s performance was completely sold out and we turned away people at the door, and this program was a huge success in June in Edmonton - don’t miss it! 3. MEMORIES OF THE HEART - Saturday, March 10, 2018 (First Baptist Church) - with Christianne Rushton (mezzo-soprano) and Lynette Wahlstrom (piano)
Do you ever wonder what’s going on with the kids and youth downstairs during worship? We currently have two Sunday school classes, the younger of primary-grade 3, and the junior and senior youth of Grades 4-12. In our younger class our two dedicated teachers, Brian Ashton and Erick Lee are working on a curriculum called Sparkhouse. This is a lectionary based curriculum, so that the lessons that are in Sunday school use the same Scripture as what is being read in the worship service. Hopefully, this will help stimulate faith conversations at home. In our older class, all are encouraged to stay in the full service on the first service of each month. During these Sunday’s youth are asked to help as readers, ushers and join the choir. The rest of the month will have a theme based on the gifts and interests we heard from the youth. For October, we’re focusing on mission and using our gifts. Here’s an overview of what’s coming up: Oct 8- Dianne Kokesh will join and facilitate along with Rev. Jenny about using our spiritual gifts for volunteering, and what the bests places are for each to plug into. Oct 15- Kevin McKay from Parker Street will offer an engaging conversation about homelessness and ways we can help. (Parker Street is also the focus of the Harvest Supper just two days before this. If you're able to attend that, this will almost be a "part 2") Oct 22- Karen Theriault from Feed Nova Scotia will come and speak about the food bank. She will also bring along a service project for us to get hands on with. We can also begin to work on the upcoming Canstruction project. t. Oct 29- We'll be cooking in the kitchen! That evening FBCH will be hosting the St. Andrew's dinner and 18 casseroles are needed. We'll work on getting two of those together. Nov 5- we'll be back in the worship service serving as ushers, readers and choir members. If you have any questions about Sunday school or faith development, please feel free to ask Rev. Jenny Drewitz, Minister of Faith Development or Jason Naug, chair of board of Christian Education.
Teach me to walk in the light of God’s love
If you are interested in becoming a member at First Baptist, have questions about the Baptist tradition, the First Baptist story, or how your faith journey is part of the larger faith story please join in! This class is open at all inquisitive minds at are willing to share, learn and grow together. A date is not set at this point, as it will be based on schedules of interested participants. If you are thinking about joining the class, please speak with either Rusty or Jenny.
Youth Bible Study: back by popular demand, the Monday evening youth Bible study will run again in October! Mark your calendars for October 2nd (the Edwards home), October 16th (the Lee home) and October 23rd (the Naug home). Plan to come and explore the book of 1 Samuel over dinner and discussion from 6-8pm. Bring your Bibles, appetites and questions. This is open to anyone in grade 7-12, please RSVP to Rev. Jenny.
Rev. Jenny Drewitz
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Bethany United Church presents Another Spooky Night at the Movies featuring the Classic 1925 film ‘The Monster’ with organist Shawn Whynot providing a live and chilling musical soundtrack.
Annual Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms (CABF) Meeting: October 13 and 14 at Manning Chapel, Acadia University. Guest speaker is Rev. Jamie Scott, topic: The Uncomfortable Journey of Reconciliation.
Friday October 27th at 7:30 PM, Bethany Church, 7171 Clinton Ave. Tickets: $15 Regular or 2 for $25, Family $30, Child $5. Call 902-455-0521 for tickets and information.
Friday beginning at 6:30pm, Saturday beginning at 8:30am with lunch followed by annual meeting. Registration for both days is $35, for Saturday only is $25. Please register for attendance only to: davidg.allen@ns.sympatico.ca. Visit www.c-abf.ca for more details.
Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday October 8, 5:00pm – RSVP required First Baptist Church, Assembly Room Join the First Baptist family in celebrating with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner! We will be serving turkey, ham, potatoes, vegetables and pumpkin and apple pie. Dinner is open to anyone who wishes to attend. If you would like to contribute a celebratory dish from your own family you are most welcome to do so but it is not necessary. Please inform the church office 902-422-5203 or Kathy Schwartzentruber 902-444-0883 or kmsb408@gmail.com if you plan to attend or make a donation of food or funds.
ARK Sunday Supper — Sunday October 29 St. Andrew’s Church Volunteers are needed to prepare 18 casseroles. The recipe is beside the signup sheet on the bulletin board outside of the parlour. These meals are an important way for us to provide a hot meal for homeless people and people experiencing hardship who would otherwise go without dinner.
. . .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 Phone: 902-422-5203 Association as well as the Canadian Association for Baptist Email: office@fbchalifax.ca Freedoms (formerly the Atlantic Facebook.com/FirstBaptistHalifax Baptist Fellowship). We are intentionally ecumenical and Twitter: twitter.com/FBCHfx inclusive in our services (Sundays at 10:30 a.m.) and programs. We are an affirming church.
1300 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8
Photo by Warren Hoeg - June 2016
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