"Using gifts God has given us to do the work God is calling us to do!

Transcription

1 First Baptist Church Halifax - Where Faith Comes To Life! Founded in Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8 Office Fax fbchalifax.ca; office@fbchalifax.ca facebook.com/firstbaptisthalifax Rev. Lynn Uzans, Interim Minister (lynnuzans@fbchalifax.ca) Rev. Jenny Csinos, Minister of Faith Development (jennycsinos@fbchalifax.ca) Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe, Minister of Visitation (na.metcalfe@ns.sympatico.ca) Ms. Lynette Wahlstrom, Director of Music (lynettewahlstrom@fbchalifax.ca) Dr. Pauline Allsop, Deacon Emerita LENT 4 26 MARCH 2017; 10:30 A.M. OF SERVICE TO YOU TODAY DEACON ON DUTY: Bryan Darrell SEXTON ON DUTY: Jaaziel Ugbebor USHER: Joe O Brien (Capt.) WELCOME! We are in the season of Lent which lasts for the 40 days prior to Easter. Please see an usher for assistance and note that we now have a change table in the 3rd floor women s washroom. There are pew cards to record your visit, or to request offering envelopes, membership transfer or pastoral care. Everyone is invited to stay for coffee and conversation following worship in the Parlour. OUR MISSION To be an inclusive and ecumenical community of believers in Jesus Christ, committed to proclaim God s mission of love by word and deed. OUR VISION To be a Christ-centred community of diverse people experiencing God s unconditional love and acceptance, finding opportunities to grow and nurture our faith, and sharing that love, acceptance and faith with the world. "Using gifts God has given us to do the work God is calling us to do! Please visit our website, or contact the Church Office, for info on how to donate, sponsor a bulletin, our pre-authorized donation plan (POP), offering envelopes, or bookings for meetings/events. Our online calendar is updated regularly. Copies of the daily devotional, The Upper Room, are available throughout the church. Thank you for helping us create a welcoming and scent free environment. KEEP INFORMED! Electronic weekly News Notes and the monthly newsletter, FBC Voices, containing info about the events and activities at our church are available, please office@fbchalifax.ca. *Please stand as you are able

2 GATHERING Prelude and Entry of Choir (Please remain seated.) Rhosymedre Vaughan Williams Welcome and Announcements - Rev. Lynn Uzans A Time of Silence to Settle Ourselves for Worship Anthem Otche Nash (Our Father) Kedrov Call to Worship - Rev. Lynn Uzans God summons us to wake up and see. Light has come to lead us to all that is good. Our eyes have been opened to God's goodness. We seek to live as children of light. God sees beyond our outward appearance. God knows the intent of our hearts. We are here to find out what is pleasing to God. We want to know what is right and true. God listens to all who worship sincerely. Praise God with openness and obedience. We seek to know and follow God's will. Prayer of Confession Great Shepherd, we thank you for finding us and bringing us to this time of prayer. We have wandered far from the paths of integrity, justice and peace that you have set before us. We are quick to judge others and to excuse ourselves. Even as we say these words, we know we are not in tune with your way. Forgive us, we pray, and help us to change. Amen. Words of Assurance THE WORD OF GOD *Centering Hymn #171 THE KING OF LOVE MY SHEPHERD IS (ST. COLUMBIA) Parent-Child Dedication Educational Moment Ending with The Lord s Prayer - Rev. Jenny Csinos (Children and Youth are welcome go to Sunday School following the prayer) First Lesson 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (OT, p. 259) - Deacon Kathy Schwartzentruber *Responsive Psalm Psalm 23 (The Inclusive Bible) Lord, you are my shepherd - I want nothing more. You let me lie in green meadows; you lead me beside restful waters: you refresh my soul. You guide me to lush pastures for the sake of your Name. Even if I m surrounded by shadows of Death, I fear no danger, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff - they give me courage. You spread a table for me in the presence of my enemies, and you anoint my head with oil - my cup overflows! Only goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in your house for days without end. Epistle Ephesians 5:8-14 (NT, p. 194 ) - Deacon Bryan Darrell *Gradual Hymn #370 JUST AS I AM, WITHOUT ONE PLEA (WOODWORTH)

3 Gospel John 9:1-12, (NT, p. 102) Sermon Have You Looked Up Lately? - Deacon Arla Johnson RESPONSE Offertory Anthem The Lord s Prayer, Amanda Zadeh, soloist *Prayer Over the Offering (Let us pray together) God of all humankind, send our generous gifts where we are unable to go. Send us places where we would not venture to witness to your love, except by the assurance of your presence with us. We rededicate all we have and all we are to your service. Amen. Prayers of the People - Deacon Bryan Darrell *Sending Hymn #324 OPEN MY EYES THAT I MAY SEE (OPEN MY EYES) *Benediction Postlude (A time to prepare to go out in mission, please be seated after the choir leaves.) Hyfrydol Vaughan Williams OUR PRAYER LIST We pray for all members of our congregation, especially those who are in frail health and unable to join with us for worship and activities. Particular prayers are requested for: Lynne Alary, Evelyn Denton, Roy Yetman, Marjorie Morrison, Marie Crowell. IN HOSPITAL: Fran Irwin (VM), Judy Morton (NHI), Marjorie Hickey (Sydney, Alison Hickey s Mom.) SINCERE SYMPATHY is extended to Charlie Joudrey, and family, on the death of his brother, William Joudrey of Bridgewater on March 16. A Memorial service has taken place. IN SOLIDARITY we pray for the congregation of St. Thomas United Baptist Church of North Preston as they cope with the recent fire and resulting damage, in their church. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Sunday April 2, in the Assembly Room after the Worship Service. We will have at least two items on the agenda; Parsonage Update and Consultation as well as Property Maintenance Committee 2017 Work Plan. A light lunch will be served. PARENT- CHILD DEDICATION: Today we welcome Elliot Cameron and August Liam Cheverie, along with their parents, Daniel and Tiffany Cheverie for Parent-Child Dedication. We will be having a potluck luncheon following the service today in the Assembly Room, to formally welcome August Liam Cheverie, born Sept. 28, 2016, and in honour of the dedication of both boys. All are welcome. A SURVEY FOR ALL WOMEN AT FBCH: please take the time to fill out this survey, whether or not you have attended the woman's discussion groups. Please use this link -

4 COFFEE WITH...: Saturday, April 1, 10:30am, at JD Shore Café, Lower Water Street. All women are welcome to join us for coffee, a video, and conversation. Feel free to bring a friend. Contact Kathy Schwartzentruber (kmsb408@gmail.com)for more details. THE FBC HALIFAX PIANO FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE has begun its work. You should have received a letter outlining our campaign and ways in which you can participate. Copies are available at various points through the church if you did not receive one. Thank you to those who have already contributed. SUNDAYS AT 9: Join us for a thought-provoking discussion series Sundays at 9am in the Transition Minister s office. The hour will include a short video clip or article followed by discussion facilitated by Rev Lynn. MUSIC NOTES: Songsters rehearsal dates are after worship to 12:30 pm.; Apr. 2 & 9 (no practice 16 Easter Sun); May 7 & 21 (no practice 14 Mother's Day). Mark your calendars accordingly as we continue to prepare beautiful music for Worship services. CHURCH OPEN FOR QUIET REFLECTION: Throughout the Lenten season the Sanctuary will be open Tuesday - Thursday from 4-6pm. At these times either Rev. Lynn or Rev. Jenny will be available should a guest wish to speak to a minister. Thank you to those who have agreed to act as hosts during these times. LENTEN SPIRITUAL PRACTICES CLASS: This class, open to all ages, will run Monday's from 7-8pm in the church parlour during the season of Lent. You do not need to attend each class in order to participate. Please speak to Rev. Jenny Csinos for more info. Upcoming classes: March 27- Prayer through Christian Icons, April 3 - Century Prayer. PASTORAL CARE UPDATES: Would you like to be included in our weekly updates, receive the weekly news notes, monthly Voices and be included on our pastoral care and mail lists? Please contact the church office with your and mailing addresses and your telephone number and we will include you. We are so happy to have you worship with us! EASTER MEMORIAL FLOWERS: Members and friends of FBC Halifax are invited to place memorial flowers in the church on Easter Sunday to honour the lives of family and friends. Please contact the office with the wording for your memorial by Tuesday, April 11. THE FBC AUXILIARY will hold it's March meeting on March 27, 1:30 pm in the Parlour. We will have as our guest speakers Ed and Sandi Tummers who will share with us their adventures "In the Footsteps of St. Thomas" during their visit to India. There will be a short business meeting first and Ed and Sandi will speak at 2:15pm. Anyone who would like to hear the Tummers' are invited to join us. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served following the meeting.

5 CONGREGATIONAL LENT BOOKLET: This Lent, take time in personal devotion each day with reflections from those within our congregation. An electronic copy is available by ing: There is a link to the booklet on our website (/links/daily Bible reading). 55+ LUNCHEON: The annual 55+ Luncheon will be held on April 23rd after the Sunday morning service. Please plan on attending for a bowl of fish chowder, good conversation and more! A very special afternoon is being planned for you. Transportation is available. So we will know how many to prepare for, please RSVP to the church office ( /office@fbchalifax.ca) if you will be attending the luncheon. BRUNSWICK STREET BREAKFAST PROGRAM: We will be preparing and serving breakfast on Saturdays at the Brunswick Street Mission during the month of May. There are between 55 and 80 people each Saturday that come for hash brown, ham, and cheese casserole, toast, scrambled eggs, orange juice, coffee, tea, fresh fruit, and granola bars. We also make a variety of sandwiches (ham, turkey, and roast beef) for them to take for a snack later on. All the food items (except the tea and coffee) will be provided by our church and purchased with individual donations and the profits raised from the sale of our Just Us! coffee. Through Ray and Mary Ann Eisener, we are very fortunate to have received a donation of $ for the breakfast program from CN Railroaders in the Community. Ray is a retiree of CN and they honor former employees who contribute to their community through volunteer work. If you would like to help at the breakfast program, there is a sign-up sheet outside the parlour. HALIFAX UNITED BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (HRUBA): Annual Meeting at First Baptist Halifax April: HRUBA is a gathering of 30 Baptist Churches in the Halifax Region and together we support the Halifax Hospital Chaplaincy, the growth and sustainment of new Baptist churches in our Region, as well as Bayside Camp. HRUBA is also a great support to our Clergy as they seek to minister in our challenging world. As a member Church we are encouraged to send as many as 10 lay delegates to the Association's General Meetings which will be held on Sat. 29 April, in our own Sanctuary and Assembly Room. If you would like to attend as one of our delegates please talk to the Chair of the Diaconate David Morse , morseds@eastlink.ca or contact the Church Office. CONNECT THREE: March 31 (7-9p) - April 1 (9:30-4), FBC Dartmouth. Come together to talk and learn more about where God is leading us to bring hope and healing to women touched by injustice. Freewill offering to cover expenses and development projects in Canada and around the world. Bring a bagged lunch for Saturday, coffee and tea provided. RSVP to Linda Rafuse (linda.rafuse@gmail.com/ ). Details on the bulletin board outside the parlour. CONCERT: Today, 4 pm at the Cathedral Church of All Saints. Choral Evensong sung jointly by the Chapel Choir of Hatfield College, Durham University (UK) and our Chapel Choir of the University of King's College, Halifax. Directors & organists Jonathan Allsopp and Paul Halley.

6 THE GATHERING OF BAPTISTS: April 28-29, First Baptist Church, Ottawa. Theme: Into the Next 150 Years. Special Speakers: The Rev. John E. Boyd - It s Not the Same, Is It?; The Rev. Neil Hunter - From Gutenburg to Zuckerburg; Calvin Eady - Using Internet Platforms In Our Ministry. Registration $30/$25 before April 11 at caldwell@silomail.com. Info at fred.demaray@symatico.ca. Sponsored by Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms and The Gathering - exploring how the two groups might work together and support each other. L'ARCHE HALIFAX will be holding its popular Annual Art Show and Sale in the St. Agnes Church Auditorium, 6903 Mumford Road (corner Chebucto Rd) on Friday, April 21 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Saturday, April 22nd from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, April 23rd from 9:30am to 3:00pm. The show features a wide variety of art work by local artists at affordable prices. Selected works by Renee Forrestall, Zahava Power, Mohamed Ahmed and Inana Jewels will be included. Please join us. A portion of the proceeds will be used in support of the work of L'ARCHE HALIFAX. L'Arche is an international faith-based organization dedicated to the creation and growth of homes, programs and support networks with people who have intellectual disabilities. THIS WEEK IN OUR CHURCH: MARCH 26 - APRIL 2, 2017 Please refer to the calendar on our website for a complete list of activities. Church Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Church Open for quiet reflection Tues. - Thurs., 4-6pm during Lent. TODAY 9:00 am Sundays at 9 10:30 am Creche, Sunday School, Worship 11:45 am Coffee/Fellowship; Songsters 12:00 pm Welcome August Cheverie party MONDAY 1:30 pm FBC Auxiliary 6:30 pm Sr. Min. Search Comm. 7:00 pm Lent Spiritual Practices Class TUESDAY 6:30 pm Board of Deacons WEDNESDAY 11:00 am Clergy Group FRIDAY 9:00 am CABF Exec. 6:00 pm Music Committee SATURDAY 6:00 pm Dal Swing Dance NEXT SUNDAY, 2 APRIL; LENT 5; HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 am Sundays at 9 10:30 am Sunday School, Creche, Worship Lazarus - Fake News or Fact? - Pastor John Dalton 11:45 am Coffee/Fellowship 12:00 pm Congregational Meeting & Lunch