The Newsletter
Our Mission
Experience the Love of Jesus. Live it Out Everywhere.
Making a submission to our weekly Newsletter?
Submissions for our weekly newsletter should be sent to
sam.essel@bsbc.nb.ca
The deadline for inclusion in Wednesday’s edition is 11:00 am the Monday prior.
In this issue:
Check out what’s happening the week of December 3 to December 10, 2025!
1. Advent Letter from the Pastor’s Office
2. Advent Services and Events
3. Starting Local Going Global 2025 Christmas Campaign
4. Advent Books Available at the Library
5. Roddy Thomson’s 80th Birthday Open House: December 6
6. Volunteer Appreciation Evening: December 7
7. WMS Monthly Meeting: December 8
8. Service of Comfort and Hope: December 18
9. Chinese Congregation Christmas Celebration Invitation: December 19
10. A Note of Appreciation From the Family of Lera Beers
11. A Note of Appreciation From the Family of Adra Trail
12. Volunteering Opportunities
13. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
14. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
15. Adult Bible Studies and Prayer Groups
16. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: December 7
17. Pastoral Care
18. 2025 Financial Countdown
19. Church Center Directory
20. Bereavement
21. Community Events
22. This Week @ BSBC
1. Advent from the Pastor’s Office
2. Advent Services and Events
3. Starting Local Going Global 2025 Christmas Campaign
Our 24th SLGG Christmas outreach campaign at BSBC is fast approaching it’s final stages with a number of local and global efforts scheduled within the next few weeks:
New Life Ministry Year End Christmas Party: Thursday, December 11th
Third Sunday Supper (Special Christmas Edition): Sunday, December 21st
In addition, we are hoping to be able to repeat last year’s efforts of distributing a small Christmas gift to individuals we encounter through our local Street Level outreach ministry.
Regarding this year’s Going Global component, we are also hoping to send off a generous financial donation through Canadian Baptist Ministries as soon as possible to help the many struggling farmers and their families in great need in South Sudan.
This year, to November 30, 2025, we have raised $3,905 for Going Global and $3,925 for Starting Local. Over each of the past two years, our church family at BSBC has been able to raise over $20,000 for these important Christmas outreach programs to show God’s wonderful love to those in need both locally and globally at this special time of year.
So, please be in prayer as we wrap up our 2025 SLGG Christmas campaign, and if you can help out again this year please mark your financial gifts either Starting Local, Going Global, or Starting Local/Going Global (and your donation will be split 50/50 between the two components).
Thank you so much. God is so good.
Your Social Action Team and Missions Committee
4. Advent Books Available Now at the Library
The church library has a special selection of Advent books available this week—perfect for daily devotionals, family reading, or deepening your preparation for Christmas. Books are available for all aged children through to senior.
Stop by the library this week to browse our Advent display and discover something meaningful to guide your heart and home through the season.
5. Roddy Thomson’s 80th Birthday Open House
You are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate a very special milestone — Roddy’s 80th birthday!
We’ll be hosting an open house celebration on Saturday, December 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the church gym, and we would love for our whole church family and friends to join us.
Come drop in, share your well-wishes, enjoy some fellowship, and help make this joyful occasion one to remember. Let’s surround Roddy with love, laughter, and gratitude as we celebrate his 80 wonderful years!
Best wishes only!
6. Volunteer Appreciation Evening: December 7
This Advent season, we want to express our deepest gratitude to every wonderful volunteer who serves within our Brunswick Street Baptist Church family. Your dedication, kindness, and faithful service make a difference in ways seen and unseen—and we want to celebrate YOU!
📅 Date: Sunday, December 7
🕕 Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
📍 Location: The Gym
Join us for a special evening filled with delicious desserts, lighthearted games, and plenty of fun as we gather to appreciate all who serve—whether in Sunday School, security, the muffin ministry, or any of the countless other ways you care for our church.
We’re excited to celebrate your service and the joy you bring to our church community!
7. WMS Monthly Meeting: December 8
The Women’s Missionary Society will gather on Monday, December 8 at 1:30 pm in the third-floor assembly area of the Family Life Centre. This special December meeting will include our Christmas celebration as well as the joyful reveal of this year’s prayer partners. We look forward to sharing this meaningful time of fellowship with you—hope you can join us!
8. Service of Comfort and Hope: December 18
As the losses of the past year cast a shadow on your familiar celebrations, I understand how your feelings are different this Christmas. You have deep longings for the ones who are not by your side. This is normal. As we prepare for Christmas, my thoughts and prayers are with you and for your comfort.
To assist you through this time, I invite you to the Service of Comfort and Hope, Thursday, December 18 at 6:30 pm sanctuary, when candles will be lit in memory of loved ones who you long for. A reception time will follow. If you feel this would be helpful for you, mark this date on your calendar and register your intention to attend. This will assist us as we prepare the names for the Memorial Honour Roll.
Remember you are not alone,
Pastor Kevin Culberson
Questions? Contact Kevin at culberson.kevin@gmail.com or call 506-260-6240
To Register: Email BSBC church office janet.mitchell@bsbc.nb.ca or call 506-458-8348
9. Chinese Congregation Christmas Celebration Invitation: December 19
The Chinese Congregation invites you to a joyful Christmas Celebration on Friday, December 19, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Barnabas Centre.
Enjoy a festive evening featuring:
• Beautiful Christmas choir presentations
• A special video drama created by our Chinese Congregation
• A Gospel message filled with hope and the true meaning of Christmas
We warmly welcome you—along with your family and friends—to join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and share together in the joy and peace of the season.
10. A Note of Appreciation from the Family of Lera Beers
We want to thank our Brunswick Street Baptist Church family for all the prayers, cards, phone calls, and encouragement shown to us following the passing of Lera Beers. Your compassion and care was a marvellous expression of our Lord’s love and was gratefully appreciated.
Wayne, Mark and Andrew Beers.
11. A note of Appreciation From the Family of Adra Trail
Your words of encouragement and kindness at the loss of my mother, Adra Trail, will always be treasured.
With Appreciation,
Katherine & Perry Haines
12. Volunteering Opportunities
A. Sunday Streets Muffin Ministry: January 2
On behalf of our brothers and sisters who make a weekly evening trek around the city to visit those sleeping rough, and the members of your Social Action Team, thank you ‘muffin makers’ for your faithfulness serving in this way. Your sweet generosity is more than just baked goods; it’s an expression of care and hope in Jesus’ name.
Our Street Ministry team need muffins as soon as January 2 for our Sunday night outreach program. As we prepare for the busy winter months, we aim to have 4 dozen muffins each week to ensure we’re well-stocked and ready to bless those we serve. If you are able to help in this way, please place 12 muffins, individually wrapped, in a large zipper locked bag, and label the bag “Street Ministry”. You can place the labeled muffins in the upright freezer in the main kitchen. Don’t forget to include your name and the delivery date for which you signed up.
Please click the link below or call the church office (506-458-8348) and our admin team will be pleased to do the online registration for you. Jesus spoke of offering cups of cold water in his name. Muffins, we believe, offer the same opportunity to bless others for Him.
B. Security Volunteers Needed
Towards the fall we’re seeking dedicated volunteers to help keep our church safe and welcoming on weekday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 pm starting in September. Your presence makes a real difference — creating a warm, secure space where everyone feels at home. If you’re ready to step up and be part of this vital ministry, reach out to Dan Lutes or call the church office at 506-458-8348 to learn more or sign up.
C. Third Sunday Supper Volunteers
We have several months in 2026, when we need volunteers to prepare a meal for our guests. If you could help out, I would love to hear from you. Please contact Judy Thompson at 506-238-9903 or email judypaul1088@gmail.com.
13. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
Children @ BSBC
KidzTown and Preschool | Sundays | 10:45 to 11:30 am
Hey kids! Join us Sunday morning for our worship services. Be sure to sign in before the service starts. At 10:45 am, our KidzTown and Preschool leaders will collect children from the gym, stop in at the Connections Centre to collect children from the sanctuary and take them to their designated program areas. Preschool children will be taken to the nursery and children from Kindergarten to Grade 5 will be taken to the second floor for KidzTown Ministries during the church service (10:45 to 11:30 am). Our children will enjoy a time of teaching, games, worship, and crafts. For more information, please reach out to Sam Essel at sam.essel@bsbc.nb.ca.
Sunday School | Final Class | Sunday, December 14 | 9:30 to 10:15 am
Our final Sunday School class for 2025 will be on Sunday, December 14, before services from 9:30 to 10:15 am. Sunday School classes will resume on Sunday, January 11, 2025. This is an intentional time for all those from pre-kindergarten to 18 years old to grow deeper in their understanding of the Bible.
Scouting Boys | Final Session on Wednesday December 10 | 6:00 to 9:00 pm
This program offers fun activities with an emphasis on outdoor adventure and community service projects, in a Christ-centered environment.
Our final session will be on Wednesday, December 10. We will resume on January 7.
From 6:00 to 7:30 pm, the regular meeting for boys ages 5 to 10 years, starts in Fellowship Hall, and finishes in the gym. From 7:30 to 9:00 pm, the regular meeting for boys ages 11 to 14 years, starts in the gym.
Our group is also in need of leaders. Dads, young adults or high school students who are interested in joining our leadership team can contact Dale Wilson at wilsondaletreefarm@gmail.com.
Thank you to all who came out to our Children’s Christmas Party!
This past Saturday was our Children’s Christmas party. We want to thank everyone who came out to the party with their family, to those for inviting others, and to those who volunteered! We are so grateful to have the opportunity to come together to celebrate our Saviors birth, to celebrate as a church family, and to welcome in others from outside of our church!
Youth @ BSBC
To keep up to date with what’s happen for BSBC’s youth, email Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca to be included in our weekly parent email!
Youth Thursdays! | At BSBC | 4:45 to 8:00 pm
4:45 pm – Doors Open @ BSBC
5:00 to 5:30 pm – Supper Together (provided)
5:30 to 6:15 pm – Bible Study
6:30 to 8:00 pm – Movie Night!
Come for the whole evening or just the parts that work for you. All students in Grades 6 to 12 are welcome – bring a friend! This Thursday, we will be on the third floor for supper and Bible study, then joining together to watch a Christmas movie and get into the Christmas spirit! Popcorn and snacks will be provided for the movie – all are welcome!
Greenhouse Band Practice | Resumes in 2026
Greenhouse Band Practice will be paused for the rest of this year. We will resume in January 2026. Please join us for our last Greenhouse Service on Sunday December 7 at 10:30 am.
If you want to learn more, please contact Julianne at julianne.d.moore@gmail.com.
Greenhouse Service | Sunday, December 7 | 10:30 am
Our final Greenhouse Service for the year is coming up on December 7th, and you will not want to miss it! We invite all of our youth grade 6 to 12, to join us on December 7th at 10:30 am on the Third floor for a youth led time of worship! We look forward to seeing our youth out for this time of fellowship and worship!
Final 2025 Line Up for Youth Thursdays!
Coming up for the next couple of weeks, this Thursday is our movie night! Next week, December 11, will be a Dodgeball and Sports night. We will finish the year at our Youth Christmas Party on December 18. We will celebrate with a Yankee Swap so bring a wrapped gift of $15 or less!
If you have any questions please reach out to Pastor Nikki.
Youth Gatherings Coming Up:
December 4: Youth Thursdays! Movie Night (4:45 pm)
December 7: Greenhouse Service (10:30 am)
December 11: Youth Thursdays! Dodgeball Night (4:45 pm)
December 18: Youth Thursdays Christmas Party! Yankee Swap (4:45 pm)
December 25 and January 1: No Youth Thursdays, Happy Holidays!
14. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
Our Young Adults ministry, Fresh Start, will meet on Tuesdays, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, on the 3rd floor of the Family Life Center. Come along for some fun, snacks and social time followed by a Bible study. We would love to see you there!
For more information, please contact Rev. Ross at ross@bsbc.nb.ca.
15. Adult Bible Studies
There is so much going on at our Church that sometimes it is hard to keep track! To help ease your calendar preparation, here is a brief list of current Bible studies and prayer groups that we have on offer:
For more details on these or other programs, please visit our website at our website.
16. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: December 7
This week we will be celebrating at the Lord’s table. We also celebrate week two of our Advent Season.
The worship team will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and David Steeves in the sanctuary. In the gym, worship will be led by Annaclare Culberson.
Dr. Keith Bodner will be preaching in the sanctuary on the theme of “The Promise of King”.Of his sermon he says; “As a pastoral staff, our theme for the 2025 Advent season this year is ‘The promise of Christmas,’ and by that we mean: the Christmas event didn’t just show up out of the blue! Rather, it was long anticipated and the fulfilment of all of sorts of divine promises and plot movements in the biblical story. Previously we looked at ‘The Promise of Light,’ and noted that the earlies moments in the book of Genesis, the presence of light drives away darkness and enables life and flourishing in creation; we then connected this theme to the Song of Simeon in Luke 2 where we see a powerful illustration of light with the arrival of the Messiah. In our next installment of this Advent series, we will trace ‘The promise of a King,’ climactically announced to the shepherds by the angelic host: ‘Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’ However, we will also point out that this promise was nearly extinguished during a very dark episode in 2 Chronicles 22 during the days of Queen Athaliah. But with the promise holding on by a very slender thread, God’s protection is evident, and some remarkable characters become unsung heroes in the Christmas story.”
Pastor Ross Watters will be preaching in the gym on the theme of “The Promise of Hope”.
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am.
17. Pastoral Care 2025
Your Deacons want to affirm that BSBC is equipped to provide Pastoral Care. We are grateful for the engagement of Rev. Ross and Pastor Nikki. We are blessed to have additional support from Rev. Kevin Culberson, sanctuary Ministry Coordinator and the Baptist Chaplin at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital and Doug McAllister, our Benevolent Coordinator and Senior’s Visitation Pastor. We are equally blessed to have Cheryl Gibson and Roz Thompson, our Parish Nurses.
Here are some suggested approaches:
Hospitalizations
Your pastors will only know of hospitalizations if the church office or individual pastors are contacted directly
We’d appreciate you notifying the office if you know of the hospitalization of a member of the BSBC family
Critical Incident
If a pastor is needed in an emergency situation, between Monday to Friday, 8:30 am and 4 pm, please contact the church office
Outside of office hours, please contact a pastor directly
Bereavement
Rev. Ross and Rev. Kevin will be available to support families at a time of loss, to conduct funeral and committal services
Contact the church office during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm
Outside of office hours, please contact a pastor directly
We have provided McAdams, Bishops, and York Funeral Homes with the contact information for both Rev. Ross and Rev. Kevin
If you are not a member of a bereaved family but know of a death within the BSBC family, please contact the church office to make sure your pastors are aware of the need
Parish Nurses
The parish nursing ministry is intended to support and strengthen the spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and the congregation at BSBC. Roz Thompson and Cheryl Gibson, your parish nurses, collaborate with members of the pastoral team promoting health and faith, to facilitate the healing of the body, mind, and spirit. The parish nurses are available to provide prayer and support for physical, mental, and spiritual health challenges.
Contact Details
Church Office
506-458-8348
naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca
bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca
Rev. Ross Watters, Lead Pastor
506-282-3443
ross@bsbc.nb.ca
Rev. Kevin Culberson, Sanctuary Worship Leader and Pastoral Care Provider
506-260-6240
culberson.kevin@gmail.com
Pastor Nikki Leftley, Next Generation Pastor
506-282-1075
nikki@bsbc.nb.ca
Doug McAllister, Benevolent Ministry Coordinator and Seniors Visitation Pastor
506-440-4023
doug.mcallister@bsbc.nb.ca
Roz Thompson, Parish Nurse
506-457-2787
tawsky@gmail.com
Cheryl Gibson, Parish Nurse
506-454-6657
cheryl.gibson@unb.ca
Please pray for our pastoral care team as they seek to partner with you in caring for the BSBC family.
Your Board of Deacons
18. 2025 Financial Countdown
May God bless you, as you continue to support the ministries at Brunswick Street.
Ken Reimer, Treasurer
19. Church Center Directory
Hello BSBC Family,
We hope this message finds you well! We want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and patience as we work to improve how we stay connected as a church community.
We’re excited to share that BSBC is now using a new online congregational directory that we hope will be more user-friendly and accessible for everyone. This updated directory will serve as a combined contact list and include our official list of Members – both Resident and Non-Resident – as well as Adherents and Guests.
To join the directory, each family member must contact Naomi in the church office at Naomi.Phillips@bsbc.nb.ca to receive their welcome email and get started.
Thank you for hanging in with us as we navigate this shift. We truly appreciate your grace and flexibility as we move toward a more connected future.
Blessings,
BSBC Church Office
Join Our Online Church Center Directory Instructions:
Step 1: Contact the Church Office to get the Welcome Email
Step 2: Download the Church Center App
On iPhone/iPad: Go to the App Store, search for Church Center, and tap Download.
On Android: Go to the Google Play Store, search for Church Center, and tap Install.
Alternatively, you can access Church Center via a web browser on your laptop/computer at: www.churchcenter.com
Step 3: Locate Your Church (BSBC)
Open the app or website.
Tap Get Started.
Use the search bar to find your church by name, city, or zip/postal code.
Select BSBC from the list.
Step 4: Log In (Passwordless Login)
Church Center uses a secure, passwordless login method.
You can log in using either your phone number or email address.
Note: Users under 13 years old cannot log in. If your birthdate is incorrect, contact your church administrator.
Step 5: Enter Your Contact Info
Type your phone number or tap Use email address instead.
Tap Next.
Step 6: Enter the Verification Code
Check your text messages or email for a 6-digit code.
Paste the code into the app or browser.
Tap Next.
Step 7: Confirm Your Identity
Make sure your name appears on the welcome screen.
Tap Log In.
If your church doesn’t recognize your contact info, or you tap Not you?, you’ll be asked to add your name to complete your profile.
Step 8: Stay Logged In
On the mobile app, you’ll stay logged in unless inactive for 90 days.
On the web browser, you’ll stay logged in unless inactive for 14 days.
Optional: Log Out
To log out, go to your profile/settings in the app or browser and tap Log Out.
20. Bereavement
Inez Wyman
It is with sadness that the family of Inez Wyman announce her passing at York Care Centre on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in Bath, NB, on August 29, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Elbert and Mary (Beattie) Lloyd.
Inez was a long-time member of BSBC and the BSBC Choir.
A funeral service was held in the J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel, McAdam’s Funeral Home, on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 2:00 pm.
Follow the link below to the full obituary.
21. Community Events
33rd Advent Carol Festival | December 3 | 7:30 pm | Grace Memorial Baptist Church
Join us this evening at 7:30 pm for the 33rd Advent Carol Festival at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 536 Northumberland St. Our BSBC Christmas Choir will be performing a special Christmas number.
We will be collecting a freewill offering for the Make the Season Kind Campaign in support of local food banks. Don’t miss this joyful night of music and holiday cheer!
Memorial Tree Lighting | December 3rd and 4th | 7:00 pm
22. This Week at BSBC
Wednesday, December 3
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
6:00 Fredericton Music Committee (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
6:00 Scouting Boys (Gym, Fellowship Hall)
6:30 Choir Practice (Sanctuary, Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connection Centre)
Thursday, December 4
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Gym, Main Kitchen)
7:00 Woman’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:00 Benevolent Ministries (Pastor’s Office, Gym Building)
9:00 Days for Girls (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
9:30 New Life Program (Assembly Area and Café, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Afternoon Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:30 Adult Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
4:00 Boys Basketball (Gym)
4:45 Youth Thursdays: Movie Night (Main Kitchen, Gym, Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 GriefShare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Friday, December 5
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Centre)
Saturday, December 6
9:30 Hand Bell Practice (Sanctuary)
2:00 Roddy’s 80th Birthday Bash (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building, Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
5:00 Gym Band Set-Up (Gym)
Sunday, December 7
9:00 Kids Sing (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connection Centre)
9:00 Learning English with the Bible (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:00 Mandarin Worship Practice (Barnabas Centre)
9:30 Coffee and Fellowship (Connection Centre)
9:30 Sunday School for Preschool, Kids and Youth (FLC)
9:30 Together in Prayer (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
10:30 Greenhouse Service (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:30 Gym Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Mandarin Worship Service (Barnabas Centre)
10:30 Sanctuary Worship Service (Sanctuary)
10:45 KidzTown Classes (2nd Floor, FLC)
10:45 Preschool Classes (1st Floor, FLC)
11:30 Library Open After Services (Connections Centre)
12:00 Mandarin Sunday Lunch (Barnabas Centre)
1:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Barnabas Centre)
6:00 Volunteer Appreciation Evening (Gym, Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
Monday, December 8
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
6:00 Girl Guides – Sparks (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, Family Life Center)
6:30 Education Committee (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 Sports Friends Ministry (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Tuesday, December 9
10:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor, FLC)
5:30 Basketball Ministry (Gym)
6:30 DivorceCare (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, December 10
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
6:00 Scouting Boys (Gym, Fellowship Hall)
6:30 Choir Practice (Sanctuary, Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connection Centre)
