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 May 13 to May 20, 2026!
1. Welcome, Reverand Mark Archibald!
2. Church Office Closed – Victoria Day: May 18
3. Watoto Children’s Choir Recap
4. Celebrating Baptism
5. Floyd is Retiring – BSBC is Hiring: Custodian
6. 55+ Luncheon: May 19
7. Green Hill Lake Camp Sponsorship: May 27
8. Social Action Team (SAT) Refugee Family Update
9. Social Action Team (SAT) Update for Outfitting the Residence
10. List of Pantry Supplies for our Refugee Family
11. Grad Sunday: Calling All Grads!
12. Church Family BBQ: Volunteers Needed
13. BSBC Missions Partners: The Ritchie Family
14. Half Day Summer Camp “Rainforest Falls”: June 22 to 26
15. Volunteering Opportunities
16. NextGen Ministry (Children/Youth)
17. Fresh Start Young Adults: Tuesdays
18. Adult Bible Studies and Prayer Groups
19. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: May 17
20. Service Structure Planning Update
21. Pastoral Care
22. Invitation to the Church Center App
23. Church Center Directory
24. Financial Update
25. Bereavement
26. Community Events
27. This Week @ BSBC
1. Welcome, Reverand Mark Archibald!
We are delighted to announce the Rev. Mark Archibald has accepted the position of Associate Pastor for Outreach and Connection at BSBC! At our Special Business Meeting this past Wednesday, our members voted unanimously with 134 yeses of 134 votes in favour of calling Rev. Mark. He will take up this position at the end of August.
2. Church Office Closed – Victoria Day: May 18
Please take note, the church office will be closed on Monday, May 18 in observance of Victoria Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 19 for our regular weekly hours. We wish everyone a safe and restful long weekend as we celebrate this holiday.
3. Watoto Children’s Choir Recap
BSBC were excited to host the Watoto Children's Choir on Sunday, May 10th. Their excellent performance filled great dance choreography, fantastic singing, heartfelt testimonies, and worship that brought everyone who attended together. This was a concert that exemplified the traditional African worship set while mixing in contemporary worship features. A heart-warming experience full of energy and praise is one that all who attended enjoyed and will forever reminisce on. We thank the Watoto Children’s Choir for their performance, and we pray for a safe journey.
4. Baptism
On Saturday, May 2, a small group gathered at Killarney Lake to joyfully celebrate the baptism of Anthony Lessard. He was baptized by Charles Millette, a deeply significant mentor in Anthony’s journey of faith. Together, we celebrated the goodness of God in Anthony’s life on a beautiful, Spirit‑filled afternoon.
Please continue to pray for Anthony as he walks in his new life of faith — that the Spirit of God would remain close in all he does, and that God’s ongoing blessing would continue to shape and transform his life.
If you or someone you know have questions about baptism or would like to be baptized, please contact the church office at 506-458-8348 or speak to any of our pastors.
During our Celebration Sunday (Blended Worship, Grad Sunday, Communion, and Baptism) Service, we will be witnessing the baptism of three new believers! We look forward to this special day!
5. Floyd is Retiring – BSBC is Hiring: Custodian
After three years of faithful service, our custodian, Floyd is retiring on May 29, 2026. Floyd has been a wonderful servant at BSBC, and we will miss his gentle spirit and quick wit on our team.
Brunswick Street Baptist Church requires a reliable custodian to maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment. The position entails 20 hours per week and would ideally start on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Custodian Job Responsibilities:
Clean and sanitize floors, washrooms, offices, and common areas
Empty garbage and recycling
Refill supplies (paper products, soap)
Other related duties as requested
Remuneration is $17.50 per hour for 20 hours per week.
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca by Monday, May 18, 2026.
6. Final Church Community Potluck and Scouting Boys
This week marks the final gatherings for both our Church Community Potluck and our Scouting Boys program for the season. We are grateful for everyone who has participated, served, and shared in these times of food, learning, and fellowship. We look forward to starting up again in the fall and will share updates as we get closer.
7. 55+ Luncheon: May 19
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the 55+ Luncheon will be held from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in the BSBC gym!
We will be celebrating Mother’s Day so come enjoy a delicious feast including Herbal Turkey with Mixed Vegetables, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Rolls. Warm Chocolate Melting Cake will be served for dessert, and it is as delicious as it sounds!
After lunch a speaker from The Fredericton Regional Museum will tell us all about the happenings taking place at the Soldier’s Barracks in Officer’s Square this summer.
No need to pre-register, just bring your appetite and come!
8. Green Hill Lake Camp
Since 1961, Green Hill Lake Camp has welcomed kids and teens from across the Maritimes to grow, explore, and experience unforgettable summers. Nestled in the hills of mid-western New Brunswick, we host over 1,000 campers each year. As a non-profit, Christian camp run by Baptist churches in the region, we’re committed to providing fun, safe, and meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Green Hill Lake Camp exists to provide life-changing experiences for children and youth through outdoor adventure, intentional community, and personal growth rooted in their identity in Christ. We strive to make camp accessible for all families, offering scholarships and keeping costs low. Our goal is that every camper leaves with new friends, new skills, and a stronger sense of identity—ready to grow into who they were made to be.
Green Hill Lake Camp is a Christian camp where biblical teaching is a natural part of the experience—but everyone is welcome, no matter their background. In fact, over two-thirds of our campers come with no church experience at all.
Our teaching moments are age-appropriate, asking only that campers respect the space and one another, as they are respected in return. Campers are encouraged to explore and ask questions in a safe and open environment.
If you would like to support the work of GHLC, please mark your offering GHLC. In the next few weeks, you will be able to donate toward the sponsorship of camp fees for some of the children in the church to attend camp at GHLC this summer.
9. BSBC Missions Partners: The Ritchie Family
The Ritchie Family will soon be serving in Canada with Pathfinders Fellowship Canada with a focus on training church planting worldwide. Please keep Charlie Ritchie, Lydia Le, Ayleen and Tracy Pham in your prayers.
Their prayer requests as they embark on their journey are as follows:
Witnessing to the Vietnamese Families: Pray for wisdom for knowing maintain foster relationships with the surrounding Vietnamese families leading up to a camping trip with them in June
English Using the Bible: I have started an English class for newcomers to Canada by using the Bible as a text.
Vietnamese Bible Commentary: I am managing the editing of a translation project of an English Bible Commentary into Vietnamese. This will be a long-term project over the next 36 months.
To donate to their efforts, please mark your offering “Ritchie Missions”. If you would like to receive updates on the Missions Ministry, please contact Charlie Ritchie at ritchiecharlie@gmail.com.
10. Social Action Team (SAT) Refugee Family Update for Today
As mentioned over the past month in the newsletter, we are excited to be imminently anticipating the long‑awaited arrival of the Syrian refugee family for whom we submitted a sponsorship application in 2023. We are very pleased to let you know that they now have a travel date of June 11th. Since they are living in Lebanon and in the midst of the Middle East conflicts, their travel could be delayed, but please join us in praying for their safe arrival here to Fredericton.
Please see the separate news articles for some remaining furnishing and pantry donations to start them with full cupboards.
Thank you to the volunteers who have put their names forward already to help with settlement tasks. We will be reaching out soon to schedule helpers for set up tasks. If you are willing to help with moving furniture, setting up their rental, welcoming them at the airport and helping support their settlement to make Fredericton home once they arrive, please let us know.
We are thankful to share that, to date (up to May 3rd in person offering and up to April 30th online giving), the refugee fund has a balance of $40,897. Thank-you! We are deeply grateful for this support. The estimated costs to support this family for our one-year commitment are $52,300. We still need to raise over $11,000 before the end of our one-year commitment. Thanks to you, our church family, we are making excellent progress at meeting our goal! We have enough to cover their start up costs and approximately the first nine months of support, but the refugee fund needs your financial support to be able to cover the last part of their first year here. Please note that any excess funds would go to future refugee sponsorship initiated by BSBC, the same way that the current fund had a head start of approximately $7,000 prior to voting on sponsorship for this family. To donate, simply mark your giving with "refugee fund".
If you have any questions about this sponsorship, please feel free to contact Martina Verboom at sk8martina@gmail.com.
11. Social Action Team (SAT) Update for Outfitting the Residence
Thank you for your continued generosity. Our list is getting shorter, but we still need some items for the family our church is sponsoring:
Bedrooms:
1 Single/twin bed
3 Single/twin mattress protectors
2 Queen mattress protectors
4 Single/twin sheet sets
5 Bedside tables
5 Lamps
2 Dressers
Clothes hangers
Living Room:
Lamps
End Tables
Coffee Table
Vacuum cleaner
Bathroom:
4 Hand towels
2 Shower curtains
1 Shower curtain liner
2 Bathmats
Hand Soap
Broom and dustpan
Garbage bags
Mirror
Laundry basket
Laundry soap
Clothes drying rack
Waste baskets
Kitchen/Dining Room:
Casserole dishes
Baking dishes
Garbage bags
Dish soap
Dish cloths and towels
Storage containers
Hand mixer
Sharp Knives
Microwave Stand
If you can contribute in any way, please contact Sheila Ross by email at sheilaobrienross@gmail.com or text or call 506-440-1048.
Thank you!
12. List of Pantry Supplies for our Refugee Family
These are supplies that can be provided for our refugee family now. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat can come when they are en route. There will be a table set up at the Connection Centre to place your donations on. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Liz Smith at pigotsmith@gmail.com.
Rice (Jasmine would be a treat, but white rice in general is preferred)
Lentils (green, brown, or red)
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
Parsley
White flour
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Corn Starch
Salt
Pepper
Onion powder
Canola oil
Ceylon Horsehead Tea (probably at Walmart)
Containers:
Large (Quart/Litre) Mason Jars
Mason Jar Lids
13. Grad Sunday: Calling All Grads!
Hi Grads!
We would like to celebrate you in our upcoming Grad Sunday service on June 7. We would like to honour you during our service with prayer, a Bible with handwritten notes from members of our congregation, highlighted with inspiring verses, as well as a Grad Sign placed on the lawn at BSBC the week before.
If you are graduating from high school, college, university, trade school or another program, we need your confirmation that you would like to be celebrated in this way. Please email Naomi at naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca with the following information:
School you are graduating from
What’s Next: program of study or field of work
Future outcome: What do you hope to do/be in the future?
Grad pic or a favourite photo of yourself
Grad Sign: Yes or No
Deadline for registration is Tuesday, May 19. On grad Sunday all those who told us of their graduation will take home their personalized Bible and Grad Sign! We look forward to hearing from you and celebrating this accomplishment with you.
14. Church Family BBQ: Volunteers Needed for Sunday, June 7
Hi Church Family,
Our annual Church BBQ is just around the corner! We’ve got games and treats planned —it’s going to be a fun-filled day for all ages!
Now, we just need a few helping hands to make it all happen. If you’re able to assist with setup, serving, or clean-up, we’d love to have you on the team.
Specifically, we are looking for help in the following areas:
Morning Setup Crew from 9:00 – 10:00 am: to setup canopies for BBQs and seniors seating, BBQs, tables for serving, Sno-Cone table, tables and chairs for seniors, chairs around the parking lot, and garbage cans.
Kitchen Crew from 9:00 – 10:00 am: to prepare veggie trays, drink coolers, and unwrap hotdogs.
Lunch Setup Crew from 11:15 – 11:40 am: to stuff hotdogs, bring out condiments, veggies, potato chips, plates, napkins, cups, and beverages.
Serving Crew from 11:30 am – 12:40 pm: Serve hotdogs and seniors’ tables.
Clean Up Crew from 12:40 pm – 1:30 pm: Start clean up; take down, clean and put away BBQs, tables, chairs, canopies, garbage cans, clean up dishes, kitchen, and parking lot.
There is also a sign-up sheet posted in the main kitchen. If you are willing to serve in this way, please contact Naomi at 506-458-8348 or naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca to give her your availability.
15. 2026 BSBC Half Day Summer Camp “Rainforest Fall” | June 22 – 26
Join us for our “Rainforest Falls” Half-Day Summer Camp as we get ready to have an unforgettable week filled with lots of fun, great learning experiences, and developing faith. From June 22 through 26, we invite elementary-aged children for a week packed with engaging activities, music, games, Bible lessons, crafts, and more in this year’s inspiring theme: “Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God”.
If you are interested in volunteering or if you have any questions, please reach out to the church office at 506-458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca.
16. Volunteering Opportunities
A. Sunday Streets Muffin Ministry: June 14
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 June 14 for our Sunday night outreach program. As we prepare for the busy summer 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”. Don’t forget to include your name and the delivery date for which you signed up. You can place the labeled muffins in the upright freezer in the main kitchen.
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
We’re seeking dedicated volunteers to help keep our church safe and welcoming on weekday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. 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 Mike Bech or call the church office at 506-458-8348 to learn more or sign up.
C. Third Sunday Supper: Volunteers Needed For November 2026
We are looking for someone or a group to prayerfully consider preparing a meal for our Third Sunday Supper guests in November 2026. A stipend of $250.00 is offered to help with the rising food costs. Please contact Judy Thompson at 506-238-9903 or email judypaul1088@gmail.com.
17. NextGen Ministry (Children & Youth)
Children @ BSBC
Vacation
Pastor Nikki will be on vacation from May 8 and will be returning on May 25, 2026. For all your Next Gen needs, please contact the church office at 506-458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca.
Sam Essel, our Children’s Ministry Coordinator will be away from May 14 and returning to BSBC on Sunday, May 24, 2026. For all your Children’s Ministry needs, please contact the church office at 506-458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca.
No Sunday School This Sunday: Resumes May 24
Please note that there will be no Sunday School on May 17, as it is the Victoria Day long weekend. Please enjoy this long weekend with your family and join us again on May 24.
Typically our Sunday School classes are open from 9:30 to 10:15 am. This is an intentional time for all those from pre-kindergarten to 18 years old to grow deeper in their understanding of the Bible. At the same time, we offer Coffee Time in the Connections Centre for adults, as well as the Together in Prayer group in the family room.
Please note that there will be No Sunday School on May 17, as it is the Victoria Day long weekend. Enjoy this long weekend with your family and join us again on May 24!
KidzTown and Preschool | Sundays | 10:45 to 11:30 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 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.
Scouting Boys | Final Meeting | Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Join us tonight at 6:00 pm! This will be our final regularly scheduled evening program for the Scouting Boys program for this semester. For information about any special events coming up, please reach out to Dale Wilson. This program offers fun activities with an emphasis on outdoor adventure and community service projects, in a Christ-centered environment. 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
2026 BSBC Half Day Summer Camp “Rainforest Fall” | June 22 – 26
Join us for “Rainforest Falls” Half-Day Summer Camp as we get ready to have an unforgettable week filled with lots of fun, great learning experiences, and developing faith. From June 22 through 26, we invite elementary-aged children for a week packed with engaging activities, music, games, Bible lessons, crafts, and more in this year’s inspiring theme: “Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God”.
If you are interested in volunteering or if you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Little Lambs Play Group | Wednesday | 10:00 am
Parents, caregivers, and little ones are invited to join us Wednesday mornings for a relaxed time of play and connection. Babies and toddlers can enjoy free play while adults build community, slow down, and share life together. Snacks, coffee, and tea are provided. This is a drop-in program—come when you can, stay as long as you’re able. No registration required, though letting us know you’re coming helps us plan snacks.
When: Every Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:30 am
Where: Nursery, 1st Floor, FLC, Brunswick Street Baptist Church, 161 York Street
Who: Parents and caregivers with babies and toddlers of preschool age
Whether you’re looking for community, conversation, or introducing your child to community play, we would love to welcome you. Contact Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca for more information.
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
On Thursday, we invite all youth to join us for Youth Thursdays! Come for the whole evening or just the parts that work for you. On the Third floor, we come together at 4:45 pm. At 5:00 pm we host supper, Bible study at 5:30 pm and our youth group at 6:30 pm to end the day. All students in Grades 6 to 12 are welcome to join us and bring a friend!
Greenhouse Band Practice | Resumes fall 2026
Thank you to all who participated in Greenhouse Band practices this school year. It has been a pleasure. We look forward to resuming practice in the fall!
Final Greenhouse Service | May 31 | 10:30 am
Our next Greenhouse Service is on Sunday, May 31. This will be our final Greenhouse Service for the semester. Youth are invited to join us on the Third floor at 10:30 am. We are looking for volunteers to help serve at Greenhouse, if you would like to help lead in Greenhouse, or would like to know more, please reach out to Pastor Nikki at nikki@bsbc.nb.ca.
Volunteer Opportunity: Half Day Summer Camp | June 22 to 26 | 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
We are looking for volunteers to serve at our “Rainforest Falls” Half Day Summer Camp from June 22 to 26. We need you! There are many different volunteer opportunities: from helping with food prep, games leader, group leader, set up/ tear down, to helping with crafts, there is a spot for everyone. If you would like to be a part of this, please reach out to Naomi at naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca.
ONE Conference | June 5 and 6 |
ONE Conference is our annual youth gathering, where churches from across the Maritimes come together in a cross-denominational worship environment. This past year, over 3,000 students in Grades 6–12 gathered to worship Jesus.
This year, ONE Conference will take place June 5–6 at the Moncton Coliseum. Here’s a snapshot of what the weekend looks like: we’ll leave Fredericton around 3:00 pm and head to Moncton to arrive in time for the start of the event. The first afternoon and evening kick off with the Fun Zone (featuring bouncy castles and large inflatables), followed by a high-energy worship service with engaging speakers. The night wraps up with a performance by rap artist Hulvey. After the evening concludes, we’ll head to Lower Coverdale Church for the night. The following day includes two main worship sessions, more time in the Fun Zone, and some free time before we head home around 5:00 pm.
For many Christian teens, ONE Conference is the highlight of the youth group year. It’s an incredible opportunity to worship alongside thousands of other students, hear from inspiring speakers, enjoy powerful worship music, and experience God in a fresh and meaningful way.
Please be praying for the students who will be attending One Conference.
Grad Sunday | June 7 | 10:30am
High School graduates! We would like to celebrate you in our upcoming Grad Sunday service on June 7. We would like to honour you during our service with prayer, a Bible with handwritten notes from members of our congregation, highlighted with inspiring verses, as well as a Grad Sign placed on the lawn at BSBC the week before.
We need your confirmation that you would like to be celebrated in this way. Please email Naomi at naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca with the following information:
School you are graduating from
What’s Next: program of study or field of work
Future outcome: What do you hope to do/be in the future?
Grad pic or a favourite photo of yourself
Grad Sign: Yes or No
Deadline for registration is Monday, May 18. On grad Sunday all those who told us of their graduation will take home their personalized Bible and your Grad Sign! We look forward to hearing from you and celebrating this accomplishment with you.
Youth Gatherings Coming Up:
May 14: Youth Thursdays!
May 17: NO Sunday School
May 21: Youth Thursdays!
May 28: Youth Thursdays!
May 31: Final Greenhouse Service
June 5/6: ONE Conference in Moncton
June 7: Grad Sunday and Church BBQ
June 22- 26: Volunteer Opportunity Half-Day Camp
18. Fresh Start Young Adults | Tuesdays | 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Our Young Adults ministry, Fresh Start, meets on Tuesdays, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. 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.
19. Adult Bible Studies and Prayer Groups
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:
Please note: the Adult Bible Study and the Ladies Afternoon Bible Study are cancelled for this week, May 7, due to the planned NB Power outage.
For more details on these or other programs, please visit our website at www.thestreetonline.ca.
20. This Sunday’s Worship Gatherings: May 17
In the sanctuary, the worship team will be led by Gloria Tranquilla and David Steeves with special music from Allie Dunfield and the Sanctuary Choir. In the gym, the worship team will be led by Illyana Vermeersch.
Dr. Keith Bodner will be preaching in both the sanctuary and the gym. Of his sermon, he says; “A few months ago at TheStreet, we studied an episode in Mark 7 where Jesus ventures way up north, deep into Gentile territory. Here there is a woman whose daughter is plagued by a demon of darkness, and a story of healing and freedom that features the most politically incorrect sounding parable of all time about dogs and crumbs from the table. And yet, the unnamed mother is a real hero in the story, because she knows that all she needs is to pick up a single crumb, because she believes that the table of Jesus overflows with God’s blessing and goodness. But this is not the end of the northern tour, and there is still more to come. This week we’ll pick up the story at the end of Mark 7:31-37 where a group of people bring their friend to Jesus, and the friend is described as dull of hearing and chained in speech. What questions emerge from this episode, and what are the key points of application during this season in the life of our community? As we will hear, Jesus enables all of us to listen afresh to the divine word, as he breaks the sound barrier and changes the landscape of a surrounding culture in surprising ways.”
Whether in-person or online, be sure to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am as we worship together.
21. Service Structure Planning Update
As the Board of Deacons begins stakeholder sessions with groups involved with ministry about changes to the service structure, we will take notes during sessions to be held in April and May. The email address, servicestructurefeedback@bsbc.nb.ca, will also be used to receive feedback. We appreciate and are seeking solution-based feedback about the way forward.
Messages sent to the email address need to identify the name of the individual or individuals. All emails will be acknowledged as received. Emails will be received by the Service Structure Sub-Committee of the Board of Deacons (Peter Cook, Andrew Culberson, Liz Smith, and Stephen VanSlyke). They will be reviewed identifying themes. The contents of the emails will have identifying information and personal details removed. The analysis will include AI-powered tools to summarize session notes and emails. Emails, without identifying information, and the analysis will be shared with the Board of Deacons.
Board of Deacons Service Structure Subcommittee: Peter Cook, Andrew Culberson, Liz Smith, Stephen VanSlyke, and Pastor Ross Watters
Why A Change Now?
Capacity issues within the gym
Space for growth
An inviting space to allow new families to feel welcomed
Weekly set-up time & resources, inefficiencies/fatigue with getting sound right
Gym space setup is standard at 180 and most weeks there are limited seating options.
Parking on a Sunday morning often forces families to park and walk to BSBC.
We have engaged in two distinct worship services at BSBC for almost 20 years.
Maintaining current services is paramount within the shifts.
Deacons have prayerfully determined that maintaining and bolstering Sunday School is important moving forward.
Good Financial Stewardship
We need to use our current facilities and maximize the space God has provided to BSBC
Some Considerations
Unity in one church body
Engaged in 2 worship styles for over 20 years with adjustments
Services are deeply important
Financial stewardship (constraints)
Need to support both services with resources
Changes are significant and our culture can be deeply entrenched
Summary of Discussions & Collaboration
BOD discussions for more than 2 years
When calling an Associate Pastor, considered the connection between pastoral staff and service structures
December 2025 - Letter from a congregant was shared with the Deacons that clearly articulated the need for change and underscored the urgency
February 2026 - Deacons special meeting to develop possible options for service structure
Annual Meeting February 2026 - Chair of Deacons shared that there would be upcoming discussions around service structure
March 2026 - Consultation on potential changes
March 2026 – Today’s information meeting to share the plan for consultation and review as we create clear plans to implement change in September 2026
Goal to Have a Solution in Place for the Start of Fall Programming
Current plans involve a pilot (periodic review with the inclusion of a start date)
Using the sanctuary for both services at different times on a Sunday – referring to this as a ‘stacked’ model
Planning will be influenced by lead-up consultations with congregation stakeholder groups over the next few months
A fall start provides a runway for consultation and preparation
The Proposed Model
2 services will be held in the sanctuary in a stacked format on a Sunday Morning
This requires both services to shift start and end times
Both worship services will remain distinct in their worship style
Keep Sunday School and work to bolster opportunities for connections between the two services
Use and maximize the current facilities with an openness to the potential of physical changes
Facilitate Multiple Small Group Consultation Listening Sessions
Sunday School teachers
Tech team members (both services)
Worship teams
Choir
Coffee ministry
Greeters/Ushers
Library
Others?
General congregation sessions to follow
Timeline
April - 3 virtual/in-person sessions & launch of email feedback
May - 3 virtual/in-person sessions
May (end) - Deacons will review the suggestions and data from the consultations
June - Follow-up with congregational meetings and information meetings (possibly on Sunday mornings)
Summer – Detailed planning
September - Launch
Questions & Brief Discussion
15-20 minutes
24-hour rule
Can repeat questions into the microphone
Questions focused on the principles, process, and perhaps consider groups that should be consulted
Points that suggest alternative thoughts & ideas will be steered toward feedback through the email address or small group or congregational feedback sessions
Feedback
To send your feedback to the Service Structure Planning and Consultation Subcommittee, please email:servicestructurefeedback@bsbc.nb.ca.
22. Pastoral Care 2026
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 Chaplain 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.
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 Kincaid, Next Generation Pastor
506-282-1075
nikki@bsbc.nb.ca
Pastor Changbin Tian, Pastor to the Chinese Congregation
506-897-5885
cbtian@gmail.com
Church Office
506-458-8348
naomi.phillips@bsbc.nb.ca or bsbc@bsbc.nb.ca
Doug McAllister, Benevolent Ministry Coordinator
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
23. Invitation to the Church Center App
We’re excited to introduce the Church Center App, a new way to stay connected and engaged with our BSBC community. Our hope is that this tool strengthens communication, simplifies involvement, and helps every member feel even more at home in our church family.
What You Can Do in the Church Center App
With the Church Center App in Planning Center, you’ll have quick access to features designed to keep you informed and connected:
Weekly Newsletter – Read the latest updates, announcements, and upcoming opportunities.
Church Directory – Browse contact information for members who have chosen to share their details.
Profile Management – Update your personal information, household details, and privacy settings.
Event Calendar – Explore upcoming events and easily find locations.
Child Check-In – Pre-select your children for check-in before you arrive.
Special Events – Stay informed about major upcoming gatherings and celebrations.
Social Media Hub – Scroll to the bottom of the home page to find links to our YouTube services, Facebook community, and Instagram updates.
As we continue to grow, we look forward to adding even more helpful features. Moving toward the Church Center App also allows us to streamline our behind-the-scenes processes, making everything run more smoothly for everyone.
Getting Started
To download the app, you’ll need access to your Apple ID or Google Account information and password.
If you have any questions or need help getting set up, please reach out to Sam, Janet, or Naomi in the church office—we’re happy to help.
24. 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 from the BSBC Church Office.
25. Financial Update
Thank you for your faithful giving to the Lord’s work here at BSBC. Your response to the Easter goal resulted in $12,299 given toward the $9000 goal. Praise the Lord!
26. Bereavement
Dorothy Wasson
The passing of Dorothy Eva Wasson occurred on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Oromocto Public Hospital. Born on June 14, 1935, in Faucet Hill, NB, she was the beloved daughter of the late Rev. George and Laura (McMann) Wasson.
Dorothy enjoyed many simple pleasures throughout her life. She had a love for gardening, painting, and animals, especially cats. She was also a devoted member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church and enjoyed her time with the church flower club. Dorothy was a RN, starting her career as the Director of Nursing Education at Saint John General School of Nursing. After the closing of the school, she came to Fredericton and taught 2nd year Nursing until her retirement in 1997.
A Graveside Service will be held in The Range Cemetery, 8470 Route 10, Cumberland Bay, NB on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 1 pm. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Oromocto SPCA or The Range Cemetery. Personal condolences may be offered through www.hoggfunerals.ca.
27. Community Events
BASICS OF WILL AND ESTATE PLANNING | OROMOCTO BAPTIST CHURCH | MAY 19
CREATION MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL | FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH | MAY 30TH
Creation Ministries International is with Faith Baptist Church on May 30th at 7:00 pm, sharing on the theme: Evolution vs Biblical Creation. If you consider yourself science-minded this is the event for you. It's a free event but an offering will be taken.
27. This Week at BSBC
Wednesday, May 13
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (Meeting Room)
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
10:00 Little Lambs Play Group (Nursery, 1st Floor, FLC)
12:00 Benevolent Committee Meeting (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:15 Church Community Potluck (Gym, Main Kitchen)
6:00 Final Scouting Boys (Gym, Fellowship Hall, Basement, Gym Building)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir (Choir Room, Sanctuary)
Thursday, May 14
7:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Gym)
7:00 Women’s Prayer Breakfast (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
9:30 New Life Program (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, 3rd Floor Café, FLC)
1:30 Adult Bible Study (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
1:30 Ladies Afternoon Bible Study (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
4:45 Youth Thursdays! (Assembly Area, Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Ladies Evening Bible Study (Under the Sea Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
Friday, May 15
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
1:30 Gym Set-Up (Gym)
7:00 Mandarin Fellowship (Barnabas Centre)
Saturday, May 16
9:00 English Class Using the Bible (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Sunday, May 17
9:00 Chinese Worship Practice (Barnabas Centre)
9:00 Kids Sing Rehearsal (Choir Room, 2nd Floor, Connection Centre)
9:00 Learning English with the Bible (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
9:30 Coffee and Fellowship (Connections Centre)
9:30 Sunday School (Nursery/Preschool, KidzTown, 3rd Floor Classrooms, FLC)
9:30 Together in Prayer (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
10:30 Chinese Worship Service (Barnabas Centre)
10:30 Gym Worship Service (Gym)
10:30 Sanctuary Worship Service (Sanctuary)
10:45 KidzTown (2nd Floor, KidzTown, FLC)
10:45 Preschool (1st Floor, Nursey, FLC)
11:30 Library Open After Services (Connections Centre)
12:00 Chinese Sunday Loving Lunch (Barnabas Centre)
1:00 Chinese Choir Practice (Barnabas Centre)
5:00 Third Sunday Supper (Gym, Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
Monday, May 18
VICTORIA DAY – CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
5:30 Student Piano Recital (Sanctuary)
Tuesday, May 19
8:00 55+ Luncheon Prep (Main Kitchen, Gym Building)
10:00 Pastoral Staff Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:00 L’Arche Learning Kitchen Graduation (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
10:00 Quilters for Missions (Quilting Room, 2nd Floor, Connection Center)
11:15 Full Staff Meeting (Boardroom, 3rd Floor, FLC)
12:00 55+ Luncheon (Gym)
6:30 Board of Management Meeting (Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Gym Building)
7:00 Midweek Fellowship (Family Room, 1st Floor, FLC)
7:00 Fresh Start (Assembly Area, 3rd Floor, FLC)
Wednesday, May 20
9:00 Benevolent Ministry (Meeting Room)
10:00 Ladies Exercise (Gym)
10:00 Little Lambs Play Group (Nursery, 1st Floor, FLC)
12:00 Men’s Basketball (Gym)
5:15 Church Community Potluck (Gym, Main Kitchen)
6:00 Hands-In Girls Ministry (KidzTown, 2nd Floor, FLC)
6:30 Sanctuary Choir Practice (Choir Room, Sanctuary)