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 10 to December 17, 2025!
1. Advent Letter from the Pastor’s Office
2. Advent Services and Events
3. Service of Comfort and Hope: December 18
4. Chinese Congregation Christmas Celebration Invitation: December 19
5. Candlelight Service of Christmas Music: December 21
6. Christmas Eve Christingle Carol Service: December 24
7. Advent Reflection, Worship, and Prayer: December 10 and 17
8. 55+ Christmas Luncheon: December 16
9. Advent Books Available at the Library
10. A Note of Appreciation From the Family of Adra Trail
11. Volunteering Opportunities
12. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
13. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
14. Adult Bible Studies and Prayer Groups
15. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: December 14
16. BSBC Office Holiday Hours
17. Pastoral Care
18. 2025 Financial Countdown
19. Church Center Directory
20. Bereavement
21. Community Events
22. This Week @ BSBC
1. Advent Letter from the Pastor’s Office
2. Advent Services and Events
3. 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 in the sanctuary, where candles will be lit in memory of loved ones who you long for. A reception time will follow in the Family Room. 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
4. 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.
5. Candlelight Service of Christmas Music: December 21
The Service of Christmas Music: “Love Came Down at Christmas” will be held on Sunday December 21, 2025, at 6:30 pm at Brunswick Street Baptist Church 161 York Street. Fredericton, NB.
Join us for an evening filled with heartwarming worship and joyful celebration as we sing together and reflect on the greatest gift of all — the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The service will include congregational carol singing, vocal selections from the church choirs, soloists and ensembles. all on the theme of Love Came Down at Christmas. Please join us as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, in worship and song. An offering will be received in support of the vital work of our downtown partner The Fredericton Homeless Shelters.
Come with your family, friends, and loved ones — let’s celebrate the season with song, worship, and joy.
6. Christmas Eve Christingle Carol Service: December 24
Join us for a magical Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday December 24 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm filled with light, joy, and togetherness! Our Family Christingle Service is a beautiful tradition where we gather as a church family to prepare our hearts to “open” the greatest gift ever given, Jesus.
Expect a joyful hour of sparkling Christingles, heartwarming carol singing, and a festive, welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Bring your family, invite a friend — everyone is welcome to share in the wonder of Christmas Eve with us!
7. Advent Reflection, Worship, and Prayer
In this season of Advent, we invite you to join for an Advent Reflection, Worship, and Prayer time on Wednesdays, Dec. 10th and 17th from 7:45 till 9:00 pm in the Assembly Area on the 3rd floor.
This is a time to come together and meditatively celebrate our Lord Jesus' first coming, to reflect on God's desire to make our hearts his dwelling place, and to seek His face in this special season.
Please feel free to come and join in, for any part of these 1 hour and 15-minute sessions. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Debbie Kierstead at 506-455-2147 or the church office at 506-458-8348.
8. 55+ Christmas Luncheon: December 16
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the special 55 Christmas Luncheon will be held from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in the BSBC gym!
On the Menu is Christmas Dinner Roast Beef, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Garden Vegetables, Holiday Gingerbread with Fresh Whipped Cream, Tea and Coffee.
After lunch David Steeves will treat you to a musical presentation delivered by the Devon Middle School String Orchestra performing Music of the Season for your enjoyment.
This is a don’t miss event and one that you are sure to enjoy! No need to register, just come! We’re waiting for you!
9. 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.
10. 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
11. 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.
D. Scouting Boys Volunteers
Our group are 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.
12. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
Children @ BSBC
KidzTown and Preschool | Sundays | 10:45 to 11:45 am
Kids! Join us Sunday morning in the 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 11:45 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 this 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, 2025 | 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.
Hands – In Girls Ministry | Wednesday, November 17 | 6:00 to 7:30 pm
All elementary-aged girls are invited to join us Wednesday, November 17 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm for our monthly Hands-In Girls’ Ministry! Join us for a fun evening of crafts, games, friendship, and learning about Jesus.
If you are interested and want to get involved, you can get more information by getting in touch with Allie at her contact ali.dee@rogers.com.
Thank You for Coming! | Children’s Christmas Party!
On Saturday, November 29, we hosted our Children’s Christmas party. We want to thank everyone who came out to the party with their family, those who invited others, and 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 – Sports and Dodgeball 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 for sports and dodgeball! We will be in the gym this week, so bring your in door footwear, water, and energy – 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. If you want to learn more about the Greenhouse band, please contact Julianne at julianne.d.moore@gmail.com.
Final 2025 Line Up for Youth Thursdays!
Coming up for the next couple of weeks, this Thursday is our Dodgeball and Sports night! Next week, December 18, will be our last gathering for the year as we have our Youth Christmas Party. We will celebrate with a Yankee Swap so bring a wrapped gift of $10 or less!
If you have any questions please reach out to Pastor Nikki.
Youth Gatherings Coming Up:
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!
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: December 14
This Sunday, in the sanctuary, worship will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and Elaine Durling with special music by the Handbell Choir and Debbie Kierstead. In the gym, worship will be led by Jon Wilton.
Dr. Keith Bodner will be preaching in the gym 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 sanctuary 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.
16. BSBC Office Holiday Hours
Please take note of our office hours for this festive season!
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
Carley Edna (McKay) Colwell
Our hearts go out to the Colwell family on the passing of Carley. Carley was a long-time member of BSBC and a Sunday School teacher of note.
As the very heart of her family, Carley’s passing leaves a huge void in their lives. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Carley is survived by her husband of 73 years, Laurin; children, Dwight (Mary), Cynthia (Garth), Karen (Bill), Steve (Lise) and Mark; grandchildren, Michael, Melody, Jessica, Jordan and Erin; great-grandchildren, McKenna, Lydia and Adelyn; brother, Harland McKay; sisters-in-law, Margaret, June, Rae, Isobel Spicer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation, however a private, family-only service celebrating Carley’s life will be held, with interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brunswick Street Baptist Church or Hospice House Fredericton.
Follow the link below to the full obituary.
21. Community Events
MLA David Coon's Holiday Open House | December 15, 12:00 to 2:00 pm | 346 Queen Street, Suite 102
You are invited to MLA David Coon's Holiday Open House. Please join us for refreshments and holiday cheer.
For more information and to RSVP you can contact them through their email: taeyon.kim@legnb.ca.
Happy Holidays!
Wilmot United Church: Part Time Office Administration Position
This employment position is a part-time (2 days per week) for a 6-month contract which is renewable, to commence late January 2026. There may be some flexibility on the days and hours of work. The position could change going forward with added time and responsibilities. The main area of responsibilities will be a focus on internal and external communication for Wilmot United.
Tasks /Responsibilities:
• Producing and distributing weekly e-announcements
• Weekly church bulletin for Sunday worship services
• Communication and office support for Minister, other staff, and Volunteers or Committees
• Social Media communication and Website management
Qualifications:
• Advanced computer and social media knowledge and skills
• Able to work in a busy work environment with interruptions, an initiator and independent worker
• Excellent interpersonal skills
For more information, please contact judycoates@rogers.com.
22. This Week at BSBC
Wednesday, December 10
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
6:00 Scouting Boys Final for 2025 (Gym, Fellowship Hall)
6:30 Choir Practice (Sanctuary, Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connection Centre)
6:30 Gym Christmas Choir Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:30 Advent Reflection, Worship, and Prayer (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Thursday, December 11
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)
9:30 New Life Program Final for 2025 (Assembly Area and Café, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Benevolent Committee (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Afternoon Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
4:00 Boys Basketball (Gym)
4:45 Youth Thursdays! Dodgeball and Sports Night (Main Kitchen, Gym, Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Friday, December 12
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:00 Gym Band Set-Up (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Centre)
Saturday, December 13
9:30 Hand Bell Practice (Sanctuary)
Sunday, December 14
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 Gym Christmas Choir (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
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 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)
11:45 Gym Christmas Choir (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 Mandarin Sunday Lunch (Barnabas Centre)
1:00 Mandarin Choir Practice (Barnabas Centre)
Monday, December 15
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Right to Life Meeting (Boardroom 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Joint Board of Management and Deacons Meeting (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
7:00 Board of Deacons (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Board of Management (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
Tuesday, December 16
8:00 55+ Luncheon Setup (Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
10:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 55+ Luncheon (Gym)
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 17
8:00 Service Canada Super Clinic (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC, Meeting Room, 1st Floor, Gym Building)
10:00 Ladies Exercise (KidzTown)
5:30 Community Potluck (Gym)
6:00 Gym Christmas Choir Practice (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Hands-In Girls Ministry (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Choir Practice (Sanctuary, Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connection Centre)
7:30 Advent Reflection Worship and prayer (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
