First Baptist Voices Fall 2014

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The Newsletter of First Baptist Church Halifax Vol. 27 No 3 October 2014

Where Faith Comes To Life!

N ova Scotia in the Fall is at its best: warm, sunny days; crisp, starlit nights; coloured

leaves, bright, red apples and a bountiful harvest. It is indeed a season of thanksgiving! Fall is also a busy time in the life of the Church as the congregation returns from summer traveling, groups and organizations ramp up their activities and planning gets underway for a new year. As you read through the following pages, you will see that we will have an exciting few months with guest speakers (Rev. Robin Lunn, Dr. Wendy Stewart and Melvin Bray), transition planning and traditional activities like the Harvest Supper and the Tea and Sale. You will even notice that we are giving a “heads-up” on our worship plans for Advent and Christmas! Especially exciting is the ongoing opportunity to welcome Jenny and Dave Csinos as Jenny begins her role as our first Minister of Faith Development! Already we have been blessed by her keen insight, professional abilities, friendly personality and engaging children’s story - and she has only just begun! All of this is taking place after one of the most interesting and meaningful summers First Baptist has experienced in a long time. We welcomed the congregation of the Presbyterian Church of St. David to our July services, and then in August, due to a fire at St. Andrew’s United Church, we welcomed the congregations of St. Andrew’s and St. John’s United Churches. Each Sunday we had an “Easter-size” congregation, four to five times larger than any

summer service I had previously experienced here at First Baptist. How grateful we are to be blessed by such visible evidence of the presence, guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit! God has given us a wonderful community of faith here at First Baptist and is now leading us in a time of renewal in vision and leadership. God has given us terrific sister congregations with whom to worship and do mission together, confirmed by a summer of joyful fellowship and rich worship. God is continuing to give us vision, resources and empowerment for “the living of these days” and for a future filled with hope and opportunity. When we gather for worship on Thanksgiving Sunday, we will have much for which to rejoice - so let our voices ring with passion and joy as we sing, Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices.”

- Rev. John E. Boyd

A SEASON OF THANKSGIVING

PRAYER CIRCLE

D id you know that First Baptist Church has a Prayer Circle? Would you be willing to join

this group of folks who have committed themselves to helping others through intercessory prayer? No special training or talents are necessary - only a willingness to include others in your daily prayer life. Anyone can ask for prayers, either through our ministers or directly to the group leader, Deacon Pauline Allsop (492-1050 or 228-2985). All requests are held in strictest confidence. When a request for prayers is received, the leader contacts the members of the circle, and each member commits to hold in prayer the person(s) for whom prayers are requested. Our group is small, and we would welcome new members. Unlike Committees and other groups, there are no meetings to attend, and the only commitment is to pray for others. If this sounds like a call to you, contact Pauline.

CABF ANNUAL MEETING

T he CABF, a member body of the Canadian Council of Churches, is our link to fellow

Baptists as well as the ecumenical community. The Fall Conference and Annual General Meeting will be held in Chester on October 4 and is open to everyone. The Guest Speaker will be Rev. Dr. Scott Kindred-Barnes, Minister of First Baptist Church, Ottawa. To register and to access

special rates at the Atlantica Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre, contact Kim Sweet, [email protected], 902-542-1261.

FAITH DEVELOPMENT AT FBCH

T hank you for very warmly welcoming me to the community of First Baptist Church

Halifax. I have appreciated your care, support and patience as I try to remember all your names, I promise to keep trying!

Throughout my first few weeks here I have had the opportunity to meet with the board of Christian education and hear more about what has traditionally happened during Sunday school. There was a lot of passion and energy around the table of what could be, what is happening and working well and excitement of the future of education at this church.

I joined the youth and junior youth in Sunday school and at a campfire and heard their hopes and dreams of faith development. Between roasting s'mores and telling stories I heard the connections that already exist in this church. I learned about the faith formation that has been happening throughout the years, whether structured or organic, and I began to feel very happy.

Over the past several months as I prepared to move to Halifax, I would check back in on the FBCH website and see how things were. I read through the values of the church many times. Since arriving, I have been doing a lot of listening to the different groups connected with faith development. Throughout my listening, I have come to experience the core values of the church as values that are being lived.

This is a pivotal time in our church. There is no question that change is upon us and that we will all experience some unrest during this time. I feel confident that during this time faith formation will continue to change and adapt to not only meet the needs, but challenge the needs of this congregation. What does faith development look like in the changing context? and how will this be nurtured by all ages? These are areas that I'm excited to begin exploring together. I'm looking forward to having these conversations with you

and seeing how God moves in this time.

- Jenny Csinos Minister of Faith Development

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AWAB TO SPEAK

R ev. Robin Lunn, Executive Director of the

Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (www.awab.org/), will be our guest speaker on World Communion Sunday, October 5th at 10:30 a.m. Robin has been Executive

Director of AWAB since January 2011. Her passion is to facilitate the embodiment of AWAB’s call to be The National Voice for LGBT Baptists. This call is rooted in the history of AWAB as the grass roots organization that encourages and supports churches, organizations, and individuals to go on record as welcoming and affirming all persons without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity, joining together to advocate for the full inclusion of LGBT persons within Baptist communities of faith. Robin received a Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School in 2006 and was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Ithaca, NY in 2011. She has served churches in New Hampshire and Vermont as well as being the Assistant Director at Camp Wightman in Ledyard, CT. Robin and her spouse, Rev. K. Shayna Appel, live in Milford, NH. Robin is visiting Nova Scotia to attend the CABF annual gathering and to meet with interested Churches. So far, First Baptist Church Halifax is the only Baptist Church in Canada that is officially welcoming and affirming for LGBT persons. For more information on AWAB, contact:

Rev. Robin R. Lunn, Executive Director

Assoc. of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists

PO Box 34, Milford, NH 03055

[email protected]

MEN WITHOUT JACKETS

O ur April rehearsal was cancelled. Since we had only one piece to perfect for the

Father's Day service, we used the May rehearsal to enhance our music education. Lynette arranged to have the organ pipe loft open for viewing, and she also gave us a musical tour of the organ console. After the rehearsal, Garnett Colwell kindly invited MWJ to a season closing lunch at the Royal Nova Scotian Yacht Club. Visiting members of Lynette's family joined us. For our Father's Day Service, we welcomed Andrea Dickinson back as our guest conductor. Congratulations to Andrea on her recent marriage. We will be starting our Fall program very soon. All male voices welcome. We meet normally on the fourth Saturday of each month. Sat Sep 20 Rehearsal Sat Oct 25 Rehearsal Sun Oct 26 Service Sat Nov 22 Rehearsal Sat Nov 29 Decorate sanctuary for advent Sun Dec 21 Caritas, Carols by Candlelight and Choir Party Remember, we call ourselves "Men Without Jackets" because God never said we needed to dress up to sing his praises. For further information, contact our Director of Music, Lynette Wahlstrom.

Men Without Jackets: Peter Fillmore, Anthony

Zadeh, Bryan Darrell, Ian McKee, Jim Stanley,

David Bourque, Alan Manchester, Erick Lee,

Joe O’Brien, Brian Ashton, Ken Margeson,

Nelson Metcalfe, David Dexter, Paul

Henderson, John Dalton, David Gibson, Garnet

Colwell, Tom Crowell, Alan North, Tony

Marshall, Kim Davison, Ed Tummers, Dahrl

Whitney, Allen Cruess, Benjamin Shaw. Guest

organists, Patrick Salah, Shawn Whynot,

Andrea Dickinson.

DO YOU LOVE TO SING?

C heck out the fantastic Music Page on our website for information about the Senior

Choir, Men’s Choir, Children’s Choirs and more!

FALL MUSIC HAPPENINGS

T he FBC Senior Choir is growing in numbers with six1st sopranos, seven 2nd sopranos,

five tenors, six altos and five basses. Welcome to our two new section leads: Natalie Thimot and Patrick Simms.

The Senior Choir went on their first annual Choir Retreat, Sept. 26-27 at the Tatamagouche Centre, with participation of St. Andrew's Choir. The site was recommended by Alana Foster, and the event organized by Tom Crowell (choir president) and Director, Lynette Wahlstrom. 25 persons in total attended, and we are hoping for more next year.

The choir has new repertoire, much of it Canadian, which is very exciting. Lynette studied with National Youth Choir in May and also at HSCCS in July, both with the notable conductor and pedagogue, Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt. The new choir collars have been much commented on. They were first worn at the Easter service 2014, and dedicated at June 22nd service. The Men's Choir looks forward to regular monthly rehearsals in preparation for All Saints, Carols by Candlelight, and Caritas services. They will also be involved in decorating the church sanctuary at Advent. Thanks to Ed Tummers for managing the communication for this group. Songsters has begun rehearsals with intention to sing Oct. 19, 26 (Jenny Csinos' induction service), Dec. 7 and 24 services, and Dec. 14 Christmas pageant. They are working on a rewards certificate program for learning Solfege, levels 1-6, which will focus on their reading skills and sound production. Guitar Ensemble plans to resume in October, in preparation for Christmas, with instructor William Crowdis. Thanks to the FBC Auxiliary for their funding for 2014. In Community Outreach, Maritime Brass Quintet are thrilled to rehearse in our sanctuary, and have been asked to play for our Dec. 21st Carols by Candlelight service in exchange for use of space. EMS Madrigal group has decided to

rehearse at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, where their Director has just received an Interim appointment. On the community front, Lynette remains President of RCCO Halifax, and is in the hub of advising Organist job placements, organizing Events, and creating scholarships (EMS and RCCO). This collegial spirit has added considerably to Lynette's training as Organist and provides excellent collegial support. Thanks to all who participate as choir musicians, instrumentalists, hymn singers, and avid listeners. It's going to be a great year for music at FBC!

- Lynette Wahlstrom, Director of Music

PHOTOS WANTED

I n preparation for Reverend Boyd's upcoming retirement party, we are collecting photos for a

slide show and photo album to share those special moments together. We have gathered the available photos from the church archives, and we also have a reasonable digital photo record. However, there is very little from the pre-digital age of photography. So we are asking for your help to find any photos that you might like to share with the rest of us. Ideally, each photo should be dated and the people in the photo identified. We will be scanning all contributed photos and we will return the originals to you. Photos can be left at the church office. If you have any questions, contact the church office or a member of the committee. Ed Tummers, Naomi Shelton

THANKSGIVING MEDITATION ~ PSALM 100

A Psalm of Thanksgiving.

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD, He is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good;

His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

P salm 100 reminds us that we need to be sure to thank God for all the good things and

people that have come to us in life. Too often we like to think of ourselves as “self-made people” who need no one to lean upon. We are rugged individualists and consider it a weakness if we cannot work our own way through life. This often cuts us off from people who could and would have much value for us and who would support us. There are times we believe we struggle alone through life, not realizing that others have “been there and done that” before us, and who are willing to extend a helping hand. Thanksgiving should help us remember that we are all intertwined on this planet, we all need one another and, until we learn that important lesson, there will be no true and lasting peace on earth.

The Psalmist, in our song of thanks, reminds us that we are in God’s care; we are tended to as

sheep in God’s pasture. This does not point to just a few of us as being the children of God, but to all people who dwell on earth. While we have times of difficulty and misunderstanding, we are all loved and cherished by our

Maker. For this we should truly be grateful.

So, as we “gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing” this

coming Thanksgiving, we should reflect on all it is God brought us through in the past; think of where we are in the present and trust that we have a future through the grace of God and our ability to know and understand God’s will. – Amen

A BLESSED THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!

- Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe

FBCH AUXILIARY Join a growing fellowship!

T he FBCH Auxiliary is expanding! Both women and men are now enrolled in our

ranks! Our Auxiliary has been around for 120 years! Much of the work we do has been similar throughout the years and the demand for our assistance seems as strong as ever! Our work includes fund raising to provide money to help maintain the facilities of the church, providing receptions and meals for special occasions, donating to worthwhile charities in our community, and providing support for our own members and friends through visitation and flower deliveries at holiday times. Almost everyone in the church helps in some way with the annual Tea and Sale for which we are grateful. Some of our activities include organizing yard sales, plant sales, bridge socials, and creating handcrafts for sale. One of the most enjoyable aspects of our group is the fellowship and the great friendships we make when we work together. We normally meet on the 4th Monday of the month at 1:30 at the church. Our biggest donation to this group is our time. Friendship is free! Please think about joining us and know you will be warmly welcomed into a wonderful group.

INDUCTION SERVICE FOR JENNY CSINOS

F irst Baptist Church Halifax will induct Jenny

Csinos as Minister of Faith Development during a special service on Sunday, October 26 at 7 p.m. The service will include the participation of the Rev. Borden Scott, Moderator of the Halifax Region United Baptist Association and the Rev.

John Tonks, President of the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms.

The Guest Preacher will be Melvin Bray of Atlanta, Ga. Melvin Bray is an Emmy® award-winning storyteller, writer, educator and social entrepreneur residing with his wife and three children in the West End of Atlanta, Georgia. He’s an active member of multiple networks cultivating sustainable approaches to a life of faith, including Faith

Forward and Wild Goose Festival. He co-edited “Faith Forward: A Dialogue on Children, Youth & a New Kind of Christianity” (Woodlake Publishing, 2013) and is coordinating author of “The Stories in Which We Find Ourselves.” Through gardening, neighboring, storytelling and convening, Melvin loves to help people pursue collaborative relationships in which to thrive. Jenny became the Minister of Faith Development on September 1, 2014. She has a Bachelor of Religious Education from Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener with a focus on Christian education and children’s ministry. She studied Christian Education at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, before returning to Canada to earn her Master of Divinity degree (with a focus on Christian education and pastoral care) from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. While studying part-time toward her MDiv degree, Jenny served for two

years as the interim pastor of Christian Education and Formation Ministry at Erb Street Mennonite Church in Waterloo. This past year Jenny completed a year long residency certificate program in Clinical Pastoral Education at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario. Jenny is currently a board member of Faith Forward, a non-profit Christian interdenominational organization dedicated to bringing together children’s and youth ministry leaders for collaboration, resourcing and inspiration toward innovative theology and practice. Jenny’s husband, Dave, is founder and president of Faith Forward.

16TH

ANNUAL ST. LUKE SERVICE

D r. Wendy Stewart, an Associate Professor,

Department of Paediatrics and Division of Medical Education, Dalhousie Medical School, will be the guest

speaker for the 16th annual St. Luke Service on October 26th at 10:30 a.m.

Special music for the occasion will be provided by the Dalhousie Health Professions Chorale and Ensemble, conducted by Bryan Crocker. Dr. Stewart was born in Dundee, Scotland and practices in the area of Paediatric Neurology. She has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Calgary. She has been active in the Medical Humanities program, Music in Medicine and since 2009 has been a Member of the band The Cool Chicks and the Ugly Doclings. Most recently she has been part of the Dalhousie medical faculty in Saint John, NB.

CHILDREn’S PagE

THANK YOU! Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op People and the Planet Before Profits

B uy a bag of coffee to support projects of the Community Outreach Committee, as well as

to support the Fair Trade partnership between producers, traders or buyers, and consumers.

Colombian ........................ $10.00 French Roast .................... $10.00 Mexican Morning .............. $10.00 Jungle Blend .................... $10.00 Italian ................................ $10.00 Breaking the Silence ........ $10.00 Mocha Java ...................... $10.00 French Roast Decaf ......... $11.00

Proceeds from the sale of coffee are being used to buy food items for the Brunswick Street Breakfast Program (i.e. pancakes, sausages, home fries, juice, fruit and sandwiches). When you purchase a bag of coffee, you are supporting the Fair Trade partnership between producers, traders or buyers, and consumers. Buy a box (6 bags) of Fair Trade Coffee for your office!

THANK YOU! Members of First Baptist Church contribute regularly to Community Outreach through their envelopes. These donations go a long way to support the many projects of our committee, and those less fortunate in our community benefit from your generosity. Thank you very much! Thank you to everyone who volunteered at the Brunswick Street Mission, September 13, arriving at 5:30 AM to help prepare and serve breakfast, make sandwiches, and clean up. Thank you as well to everyone who prepared a casserole for the ARK Sunday Supper on September 14. Your generosity of spirit and hard work was greatly appreciated by everyone who attended both!

BRUNSWICK STREET MISSION BREAKFAST First Baptist Church will be preparing and serving breakfast for the Brunswick Street Mission on Saturday, December 20 at 5:30 AM. Although a busy time of year for everyone, we are hoping that

we will have lots of volunteers sign up for this very rewarding outreach project. REMEMBER OUR FOOD TRUNK The third Sunday of each month has been designated as Food Bank Sunday, with donations going to local food banks, such as Feed Nova Scotia, Ward 5 Food Bank, and the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank to help feed those in need.

HARVEST SUPPER & SILENT AUCTION

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 17, at 6:00 PM, for the annual Harvest Supper & Silent Auction at First Baptist Church. Watch for exciting details to follow. All proceeds from the dinner and silent auction will be given to Bread of Life Ministries. "Bread of Life Ministries" is a non-denominational, Christian Ministry that operates by faith. This ministry began in 1992 by former Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer Rob Pattison and his wife Sandra. Motivated by their Christian faith, the Pattison's saw a need to help people in the Halifax area. "Bread of Life Ministries" does not receive any government support. Their support comes mainly from individuals, businesses, churches, foundations and service organizations. "Bread of Life Ministries” operates The Street Connection Mobile Soup Kitchen which provides food and clothing to low-income families in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The majority of those served are children. As you do your fall cleaning, please put aside anything that you would like to donate to the silent auction. All donations (e.g. paintings, boat rides, dinners in your home, collectables, antiques) are welcome! Gather a few friends and plan to attend - help us support our community! Last year more than $3,000.00 was raised for Adsum for Women and Children.

OUTREACH AT WORK ~ IN OUR CHURCH, OUR COMMUNITY, OUR WORLD

INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY AN UPDATE FROM THE TRANSITION LEADERSHIP TEAM

TEAM MEMBERS

David Dexter, Chair; Marilyn Peers; Hugh Kirkegaard; Anne Marie Kreuger Naug; Clyde Evans; Joe O’Brien; Alberta Morgan

D uring the summer months a small group from our Team formed our Interim Ministry Search Committee: Hugh Kirkegaard, Chair; Marilyn Peers, and David Dexter. They have begun the work of

preparing for the search for an Interim Minister who will begin work with us when Rev. Boyd retires from ministry with FBCH next April. Among many tasks, the committee has compiled a reading list on Interim Ministry; joined the Interim Ministry Network; begun the process of educating our members about Interim Ministry and listening to our members’ ideas and concerns about the future ministry of FBCH; met with some of our senior members in various residences; met with the Intergenerational Family Fellowship; updated our Deaconate leadership; begun the process of meeting with all committees of the Church; drafted a paper to be vetted by the congregation describing who we are, what our current circumstances are, and a position description for the Interim Minister; scheduled a Congregational Meeting for October 19th to hear from our membership and approve the position description for an Interim Minister so that a search can begin. Also at work for many months now, Alberta Morgan has been leading a small group who are planning the celebratory events around Rev. Boyd’s retirement. This group includes David and Susan Morse, Peggy Dunbar, Frank McGill, Pauline Allsop, and Elinor Nicoll. To learn more about Interim Ministry and the process we are following you can visit the FBCH website and click on the “Transition Info” tab at the top of the Home Page, or ask any of our Team for information or a conversation. We’d be delighted to speak with you! In this issue of Voices we are including our Terms of Reference and an article by Rev. Dr. B. Leslie Robinson, Jr. entitled “What is Interim Ministry?” Our Team looks forward to the coming transition time with excitement and anticipation. Be sure to attend the Congregational Meeting to learn more and participate fully in discovering our road ahead in ministry together!

TERMS OF REFERENCE: TRANSITION LEADERSHIP TEAM Introduction On April 14, 2013 the Congregation of First Baptist Church Halifax (FBCH) approved, on the recommendation of the Diaconate, the formation of a “Transition Team” to guide the Congregation through the time preceding the retirement of our Senior Minister to the calling and arrival of a new Senior Minister. The Congregation approved an approach to be used for this change in ministry known as Intentional Transition Ministry. This means that a professional Transition Minister, trained in the work of leading congregations through a change in ministerial leadership, would be employed for a period of 18-24 months prior to the calling of a new Senior Minister. The Diaconate was charged with the responsibility of developing the Terms of Reference for the Transition Team. Intentional Transition Ministry The concept of Transitional Ministry is a 2-3 year process which begins with the activities preceding the departure of the current Senior Minister, continues with the leadership of an Intentional Transition Minister, and ends with the arrival and welcome time of a new Senior Minister. As the transition process at First

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Con’t from page 8 Baptist is ultimately a congregational responsibility, there will be many opportunities for member input and engagement during this 3-year transition period. The Transition Leadership Team will give guidance and leadership to the many activities required, enabling and coordinating the work of the members, Boards, and Committees of the Church as required in order to transition to a new Senior Minister. Membership of the Transition Leadership Team Four to six members of the Congregation will form the Transition Leadership Team. These members should have spiritual depth, know the Congregation well, and be widely respected by the membership. The Deacons shall recruit the members of the Transition Leadership Team and present them to the Congregation for approval. Membership may change over the three-year period and the Team is authorized to change its composition with new members approved by the Diaconate. Transition Leadership Team Mandate The Transition Leadership Team is responsible for co-ordinating the process of change through the stages of departure of Rev. Boyd, preparation and search for the Intentional Transition Minister and arrival of the new Senior Minister. The Team will drive the process, identify tasks and ensure these are completed. It is not intended to replace or duplicate any Board’s or Committee’s responsibilities. It has a mandate from the Diaconate to seek out individuals or groups to complete required tasks. It will recommend to existing Boards or Committees that they should complete specific tasks at certain times throughout this three-year time period. Responsibilities The Transition Leadership Team is responsible to coordinate all aspects of the change in FBCH Senior Ministry. This includes, but is not restricted to: Continuously educate the Congregation about the process of transitional ministry. Prepare the Congregation for the departure of Rev. John Boyd. Compile various demographic statistics and information about FBCH Develop a process to select and engage an Intentional Transition Minister (the “Transition Minister”) Assist the Transition Minister in the consultative process with the FBCH membership to discern the

requirements for new senior ministry. Recommend the parameters for a Search Committee for a new Senior Minister Prepare for the departure of the Transition Minister Welcome and assist the new Senior Minister Timeline Generally, the work of the Transition Leadership Team will comprise three phases: Phase 1: The time leading up to the departure of the Rev. John Boyd May 2013 to January - April 2015 Help to celebrate the ministry of Rev. John Boyd Compile demographic and other information on FBCH Prepare a position description for Transition Minister Conduct a comprehensive review of the employment package for the Transition Minister and submit it through the Diaconate for Congregational approval

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Educate members of the Congregation and staff about the Transition Minister’s role and responsibilities

Search for a Transition Minister Plan the welcome for the Transition Minister Phase 2: The time of Transition Ministry - April 2015 to January - April 2017 Welcome and introduce the Transition Minister Assist the Transition Minister in the consultative processes with the FBCH membership to discern the

requirements for new senior ministry. Develop a new Senior Minister profile Conduct a comprehensive review of the employment package for a new Senior Minister Recommend the parameters for a Search Committee for the new Senior Minister Arrange the farewell to the Transition Minister Phase 3: The arrival of a new Senior Minister - Early to Mid 2017 Plan for and welcome the Senior Minister Provide advice to the new Senior Minister on learning from the transition process Reporting Requirements The Transition Leadership Team is accountable to the Diaconate, and through them to the Congregation. It will attend Diaconate Executive, or full Diaconate, meetings as it deems necessary. On behalf of the Diaconate, it will report directly to the Congregation from time to time. It will provide regular updates to the Board of Management.

What Is Interim Ministry? - Reverend Dr. B. Leslie Robinson, Jr. Three words are associated with the interim period in a congregation: change, transition and transformation. Change can be defined as the inevitable movement of life’s forces. Inevitable means it is going to happen, and movement means we will become different. This is true for churches as well as individuals. In fact, for a faith community, the interim period between senior clergy is the time that change becomes most obvious. We can chose to resist it or fight it or be angry about it or even deny it, but change is going to occur; we are going to become different as life progresses. It is very natural, then, for a congregation to find themselves grappling with the concept of change – especially during the interim time. Transition is the process by which individuals and congregations deal with change. The late William Bridges, a leading professional on the topic of transition states, “When change happens without people going through a transition, it is just a rearrangement of the chairs.” So we find ourselves asking, “What are the options?” “What can be done that will create the best opportunity to handle change in a healthy way?” Perhaps the most difficult part of understanding what is happening is that change is situational, but transition is psychological. It is not change we resist. We resist the losses and endings. With every change, a piece of somebody’s world is being lost. Transformation is the new shape that grows out of this time of transition. Transformation is the result of individuals and congregations managing change and transition, and dealing with the losses and endings. Transformation is what gives the church new life and new possibilities and new energy as the people claim their place and purpose in God’s Kingdom. The presence of these three elements – change, transition, transformation – is why the interim time in a

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church often is referred to as a “wilderness journey.” Three biblical characters immediately come to mind when thinking about the wilderness journey. The Exodus story is about what happened during the 40 years the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness. The story is about a transition from the end of one experience (slavery) to the beginning of another experience/setting (freedom). In the process of going from Egypt to the Promise Land, the people are seeking and discovering and clarifying God’s will, direction and movement in their lives. During the journey, they often move off course. But, that is where Moses makes his contribution. He continues to redirect them and to challenge them to refocus their energy to God’s glory. The second biblical character that comes to mind when thinking about a wilderness journey is John the Baptist. In the Gospel of Matthew we are told that this individual came to prepare the way for Jesus. John has a purpose. He believes that God has given him the responsibility for pointing people to Jesus. He moves about in the wilderness with a consistent and urgent message. Others try to redirect him and Jesus even confuses him by asking John to baptize him. Nevertheless, throughout the entire journey, John continues to seek and discover and clarify God’s will, direction and movement. The third person who comes to mind is Jesus himself. Also in the Gospel of Matthew we learn that early in his ministry Jesus is led off into the wilderness. He spends 40 days and 40 nights in prayer and fasting. He is earnestly seeking and discovering and clarifying God’s will, direction and movement. This is not a simple task and it does not come without challenge and pain. Jesus is confronted by Satan and tempted to go a direction other than that ordained by God. Jesus emerges from the wilderness, but not before he has clarity about what God is calling him to be and to do. Notice that Moses dealt with change and transition, but not transformation. He led the people through the process of dealing with those inevitable movements of life’s forces, but he did not get to see the new shape that takes place. Moses did not enter into the Promise Land. Moses was the interim leader. He helped the people become clear about their purpose. He helped them to rethink their relationship with God and how that would impact their future. He stayed with the people until the permanent leader emerged. John the Baptist announced the change that was going to take place and introduced the transition that would have to happen for transformation to occur. Before the transformation really took hold, however, John was put to death. Those who objected to his message of change fought against him. They wanted to keep things the way they were. They were afraid of what would happen to their traditions. They were comfortable with who they were and heard John’s messages as a threat. John was the interim leader. His purpose was to encourage the transition that was required in order to transform the world. He was not the light, he only pointed to the light. Jesus, on the other hand, dealt with change, transition, and transformation. Yet, the transformation also cost him his life. You cannot transition through change and experience transformation without giving up the old and taking on the new. In Matthew 9:17, Jesus is credited with saying, “Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” This time period called the “interim” provides congregations an opportunity to put new wine into the fresh wineskins. It gives a faith community the chance to leave behind the enslaving behaviors and attitudes that keep them focused on the past instead of the present and the future. It is a time when the people can objectively decide what meaningful parts of their history, tradition and practice will continue to be carried with them and what will be left behind. Interim ministry also is about seeking effective ways to organize for ministry, recruit, train and develop new leadership. It involves assessing the way decisions are made in the church and determining if there are more inclusive ways to handle this task. This is a time to look at how the community of faith relates to one another, the surrounding neighborhood, and the wider church. Finally, this is a time for a congregation to discover their identity apart from the pastor of the church. This is an opportunity to develop a vision that will help meet the spiritual needs of members and enhance their ministry beyond themselves. With this

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Times flies and fall approaches as does the Tea and Sale, November 1, between 2:00 to 4:30.

Annual Christmas Tea and Sale

O ver the summer months MaryAnne and I hope you have been talking to you family and friends about this spectacular event and the great buys to be found for the home and

gifts. As in the past two years we will continue to use all three levels of the Church for the

sales venues. Back by popular demand jewelry and “The Boutique” in the Parlour. The Boutique will consist of Vintage objects and Collectibles, along with some high-end crafts and other desirable pieces.

The big change this year WILL BE NO SILENT AUCTION - instead “THE EMPORIUM” will have higher priced items for sale. The Emporium will be located on the stage where the Silent Auction was previously held.

Planning for the Tea and Sale is now swinging into high gear however we can plan to our hearts content but if we don’t get people inside our doors to see what we have to offer then, these plans only make good archive material. Let’s get the word out about “the best Christmas Tea and Sale in Halifax”. Where else can one find fantastic sales venues and an afternoon tea for the cost of $6.00, and if you or your friends are looking for a bargain, tickets can be

bought 6 for $30.00. Most important to the Tea and Sale’s success is your participation. We need craft items, new to you items, jewelry, boutique and Emporium items. Please no computers. We need you to volunteer to work at one of the sales venues or at the Tea Room or at one of the many behind the scenes areas, please contact: Donna Darrell at [email protected] or 422-7884 or MaryAnne Eisener at [email protected] or 876-7515. We are looking forward to hearing from you and making this another successful Tea and Sale.

Donna Darrell and MaryAnne Eisener

Co-Conveners 2014 Tea and Sale

Con’t from page 11

kind of clarity, the congregation can find a new leader who will equip them to follow what they believe to be God’s will, direction and purpose.

1) I am indebted to Warren Schulz for introducing me to the distinction of these three words. (Nicholson, Roger S. Temporary Shepherds (A Congregational Handbook for Interim Ministry). Alban, 1998, p. 121.) 2) Les Robinson is the manager of interim ministry resources for the Center for Congregational Health, a ministry of the Division of FaithHealth, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC. Reproduced with Author’s permission.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

THANKSGIVING OFFERING

O n Thanksgiving Sunday, October 12th , we receive one of the three special offerings of

the year (Easter and Christmas are the others). Each of us is challenged to express our thanksgiving for the blessings God has brought to our lives by bringing a special gift in addition to our regular offering. Over the years this offering has been especially important in helping us meet the “mission” responsibilities we include in our annual budget; e.g., Acadia Divinity College, Association Home Mission for New Churches, Halifax Hospital Chaplaincy and the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms. Please give as God enables you to do so.

Youth at First Baptist

A campfire kicked off the youth group year at Shubie Park. Youth and fami-

lies, watch your emails to stay tuned for more information on monthly youth events.

DIACONATE NEWS

O ur Fall 2014 season has started up with a “ roar”.

We celebrated the fact that our pews were full and the energy level from our Summer season was high as we partnered with the Presbyterian Church of St. David and later St. Andrew’s United and St. John’s United churches to provide high quality worship services and fellowshipping opportunities for our people and the community. Given that positive experience, we may want to lay similar plans for the Summer of 2015. That heightened sense of energy seems to have transitioned very smoothly and quickly into the Fall season with the arrival of our new Minister of Faith Development, Jenny Csinos, and the excitement and focused work surrounding her new ministry with us. Welcome Jenny! The Fall and Winter seasons at First Baptist Church Halifax promise to bring lots of opportunities and challenges to your Diaconate as we participate in and provide leadership for and support to the transitioning changes we will be experiencing in our Congregation. It has been nearly 27 years since we had a change in the person occupying our Senior Minister position. We have lots to celebrate and we will, and we will even shed tears when John and Debbie retire

from our midst next April. Already, with the full support of the Diaconate, your Transition Leadership Committee has been very busy during the Summer laying the groundwork for the selection of a Transition Minister and there is much more to come on that front. The Diaconate is carrying on its regular work of providing spiritual leadership through its consideration and actions around our worship services, caring for the Congregation’s needs, supporting Halifax Region United Baptist Association (HRUBA) and Canadian Association of Baptist Freedoms (CABF) and our mission and ecumenical outreach and in dealing with the day-to-day spiritual matters of the Church. My hope is that as we move forward we will reaffirm and stay true to what we value most as a Congregation, that we will continue to remain open to God’s calling for our work together, that we will continue to communicate openly and freely with one another as we seek new Senior Minister leadership and that in doing so we will lay the foundation for a bright, energized and faith- filled future for the wonderful Congregation that we have created to serve our God over the past 187 years. May God bless us all!

- Jim Stanley, Chair

50 YEARS AGO: New Directions for the Church

R everend David Kennedy was hired as the first Baptist hospital chaplain and also as our part-time Minister of Visitation. Reverend Max DeWolfe announced his

resignation to accept a call at First Baptist Church Montreal. At the Spring Convocation at Acadia, he was honoured with a Doctor of Divinity. The church welcomed Reverend Wm. Carey Harvey as the new pastor from New Glasgow. Shortly after his arrival, there was a special evening communion and reception for young people and all new members who had been baptized in the previous few years. Church membership was holding steady at 709. Roger Prentice led a very successful Young Adult Fellowship group. On average, 25 members attended every Sunday after evening service. They held their closing banquet at the end of exams in April, conducted a Spring Retreat during the Victoria Day weekend, and held Daily Vacation Bible School at Seaview United Baptist Church. They also enjoyed an Agape supper and Christmas supper with St. Matthew's Church. A Men's Brotherhood was started by C.L. Illsley. The mailing list counted 75 men, of which about 40 showed regularly. The series of presentations included Ralph Cowen with "Painting - My Hobby", Reverend Harry Rackham with "From Horse and Buggy Days to the Jet Age", C. Brookbank with "Industrial Relations and Christian Values", Dr. H. Read with "Hong Kong - A Travelogue"; and Reverend Wm. C. Harvey with "Memories 1939-1945".At the supper meeting in February, the men began the tradition of serving a buffet dinner to the ladies in appreciation for their preparation of the monthly meals for their meetings. The newly formed Publicity Committee, O.C O'Hara, J.G Quigley, Mrs. Marlene Taylor and Mrs. Robertson of the Halifax Herald and Mail Star, covered every major event at the church in the monthly newsletter. Elsewhere in the world. Beatlemania. The first album, "Meet the Beatles" is released. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" is their first number one hit in America. They meet Bob Dylan who introduces them to cannabis. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is created and proclaims Israel to be an illegal state, pledging "the elimination of Zionism in Palestine". Fatah makes its first terrorist attack on Israel, launching its armed struggle for an independent Palestinian state. President Johnson announces the "War on Poverty in America". The first student protests against the Vietnam war begin. Over 800 students at Berkeley are arrested. Canadians are issued Social Insurance Cards for the first time.

- Ed Tummers, research

ACTIVIST THEATRE TROUPE GOING TO PRISON

Forgiven/Forgotten: a play that gets audiences talking

F ounded in 2011, Theatre of the Beat has quickly gained a reputation as a social justice theatre company which tackles tough topics.

This fall, in partnership with Mennonite Central Committee Maritimes and other organizations supportive of restorative values, TOTB will be touring their original drama, Forgiven/Forgotten. This hour - long play will be presented in universities, prisons, high schools and various denominational churches throughout New Brunswick, Halifax, and P.E.I., and will engage communities on concepts of justice and crime. The play initially toured in 2013 throughout Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to a wide variety of audiences. Having heard the remarkable response, Mennonite Central Committee Maritimes was interested in bringing the piece out east to inspire dialogue about issues pertaining to Restorative Justice. A play is a great way to start a conversation says the play's writer/director Johnny Wideman. When a story draws you in, and allows you to put a face to an offender or give voice to a victim, you begin to see the complexities of the issues. Forgiven/Forgotten follows a family and their reactions to learning that an ex-offender will be serving his parole in their community. The play is meant to examine the rippling effects of crime and the individuals who get lost in its wake. The result is an emotionally driven piece with a hard -hitting script and talented performers. The play is designed to get audiences talking says Wideman. That's why the troupe follows up every performance with a Talk Back, where the audience is encouraged to process the play with the actors and professionals working in the field. You can catch Forgiven/Forgotten on:

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 First Baptist Church (1300 Oxford St), Halifax, NS, 7:00 pm

Contact: Lee Nicholas-Pattillo, [email protected]

Thursday, October 30, 2014 Manning Memorial Chapel, Acadia University (45 Acadia St), Wolfville, NS, 7:00 pm

Contact: Tim McFarland, 902-585-1203

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

I n the Gospels of Matthew and Luke there are many words of Jesus that seem to tease us

into thinking more deeply into their meaning, and by doing so they encourage us to explore the very nature of God. This was how Jesus taught his followers - by encouraging them to think deeply about the most important things in life. In the Gospels of Luke and Matthew there are parallel passages that have intrigued scholars during the last few decades: Luke 7:33-35 - For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.’ Matthew 11:18-19 - For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ Luke also has a further reference to “Wisdom” in Chapter 11: Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute.” Lk 11:50: Who is this “Wisdom” and what do these passages tell us about how Jesus understood himself and his relationship with God? We shall explore this topic from its roots in the Hebrew Scriptures to its flowering in the Gospels and the first letter of Paul to the church in Corinth, beginning on Tuesday the 7th of October. We meet in the Parlour at 10 am and all are welcome to join us. Coffee is on by 9:45.

PAST, PRESENT

and FUTURE

Deaths

William Roland Tracy—June 4 Father of Joan Whitney

Emma “Beckie” Beattie—June 25

Sister of Mattie Boyd

Bernice Miller—June 26, 2014

Laura Davies—July 27, 2014

Rose Whalen—August 24 Aunt of Bud Whalen

Ellen Rosamund Piper—Sept. 12

Mother of Charles Piper

Births

Otis Foster Montgomery Ammerman August 24

Parents: Rob and Susie (Cruess) Ammerman

William Foster Cruess September 15

Parents: Gord & Lindsay Cruess (NYC)

Grandparents: Alan & Laurie Cruess

Marriages

Stuart MacLean and Lisa Joya June 16 2014; Kauai, Hawaii

Parents: Gwendolyn & Leonard MacLean

Graduate

Dr. Stuart MacLean York University with PhD.,

Computer Science, October 16, 2013 Parents: Gwendolyn & Leonard MacLean

B ryan Darrell’s father moved from Bermuda to Canada in hopes of becoming an engineer.

Bryan completed his father’s dream when he received his B.Eng. (Ind) from the Technical University of Nova Scotia in 1981. In his 42 year career Bryan worked with Gulf Oil Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Proctor & Gamble, MT&T, the Government of the British Virgin Islands, Economic Development & Trade, Dalhousie University and the Department of Health and Wellness Nova Scotia. He launched the Provincial Black Basketball Tournament and started the Cabot Trail Relay Race. Both events contribute regularly to the economy of the province. He currently serves with the Halifax Community Investment Fund, the Annapolis Basin Conference Center, the NSCC Research Ethics Board and CanStruction Nova Scotia,

Past awards include: the W.P. Oliver Wall of Honor; Engineers Nova Scotia, J.D. Fraser Service Award and Past President’s Award for Service; Big Brothers Donovan Bailey, Gold Medal Award; North End Health Clinic, Community Service Award; Engineering Institute of Canada, Engineering Excellence Award; Big Brothers Big Sisters, Corporate Yacht Program;

and Halifax Harbour Solutions Project Service Award.

One project Bryan is most fond of was with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Five Architectural/Engineering companies were challenged to give back to the community. Five sailboats were constructed and raced throughout the summer. There were huge gains in confidence and social skills for the participating companies and the Littles from Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

“As engineers we are very fortunate,” says Bryan. “Virtually every project we work on has a direct pay back to the larger society.

Recognizing the ripple effect of the role we play forces us to perform at our best on a daily

basis.”

Known as the “The Kayak Guy” Bryan has published five books on where to paddle in Nova Scotia. He enjoys sailing and has made many deliveries to and from the Caribbean.

Bryan is supported by his wife, Donna, and two sons Obediya and Ojayaba.

For outstanding service to the community and the Engineering Profession, Oliver Bryan Richardson Darrell, P.Eng. is the recipient of the 2014 Engineers Nova Scotia Citizenship Award.

CONGRATULATIONS DEACON BRYAN DARRELL!!

Oliver Bryan Richardson Darrell, P.Eng., FEIC Citizenship Award

The Gourmet Jam and Jelly table needs small ba-by food bottles with the tops for the jams and jel-lies. Small jars that hold one-half cup would also be very suitable. If you know any friends that are using baby food, perhaps you could help us by asking them to save the jars. They may be left in the lobby outside the church office. Thank you for your help.

M embers of the Craft Group are preparing for the Christmas Tea and Sale on No-

vember 1, 2014.

We welcome any donations of items that would be suitable to have on our table. This would in-clude knitted and sewn items. We also welcome any craft items that would be hand painted, or decorative items crafted by the donor. The items on display will include Christmas items, as well as those that would be used for suitable gifts during the year.

CRAFT GROUP

October 5: World Communion Sunday

Jeremiah 31:7-14; Sirach 24:1-12

John 1:1-14

Horizons of Hope - Rev. Robin Lunn

Music: Stephanie Martin

October 12: Thanksgiving Sunday Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23

Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

Bears, Bulls & a Golden Calf - Rev. J. Boyd

Music: Goodall

October 19: Pentecost +19 Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

Being Known - Jenny Csinos

Music: Songsters, Jensen

October 26: St. Luke’s Service Speaker: Dr. Wendy Stewart

Music: Dalhousie Medical School Chorale

Jenny’s Induction, 7pm

Preacher: Melvin Bray; Music: Songsters

November 2: All Souls; Communion Isaiah 25:6, 7-9; Psalm 27

Romans 6:3-9; John 6:37-40

A Faith for Life, and Death - Rev. J. Boyd

Music: Fauré; Men Without Jackets

November 9: Remembrance Sunday Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70


Sermon - TBA

Music: Daley; Richard Simoneau (trumpet)

November 16: Pentecost +23 Zephaniah 1:7-18; Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12


Who Can You Trust? - Rev. J. Boyd

Music: Handel

November 23: Reign of Christ Sunday Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100

Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

The King’s Speech - Rev. J. Boyd

Music: Isler

November 30: Advent 1 Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37

Raising the Alert Level - Rev. J. Boyd

Music: Kim North, flute

December 7: Advent 2 Communion Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

An Urgent Call - Rev. J. Boyd

Music: Songsters, Guitar Ensemble

December 14: Advent 3

White Gift Sunday Isaiah 61:1-4; 8-11; Psalm 126

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

God’s Gift of Joy - Rev. J. Boyd

Music: Sirett, Chilcott

Children’s Pageant, 1pm

December 21: Advent 4 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:47-55

Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Ready to Receive Christ - Rev. J. Boyd

Music: Howells, Pärt

December 21: Carols by Candlelight, 7pm

Music: Maritime Brass Quintet, FBC Choirs

Organist: Shawn Whynot

Director: Lynette Wahlstrom

December 24: Christmas Eve

Family Service, 4 p.m. Featuring Children and Families

December 24: Christmas Eve

Communion, 11:00 p.m. Isaiah 9:2-7

Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14

An Awesome Message - Rev. J. Boyd

Soloist: Natasha Sider

December 28: Christmas I Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148

Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

A Sight for Certain Eyes - Rev. N. Metcalfe

Music: Chillcott, Willcox

Worship Schedule - Fall 2014

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HOW TO CONNECT?

First Baptist Church Halifax 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax Nova Scotia, B3H 3Y8

Web Site: fbchalifax.ca

Telephone: (902) 422-5203 FAX: (902) 422-8665

General E-mail: [email protected] Personal E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Blog: boydsblog-jeb.blogspot.net Twitter: @FBCHfx

facebook.com/FirstBaptistHalifax

From the Congregation and Leaders of

First Baptist Church

“Where Faith Comes To Life!”

First Baptist Voices Fall 2014

Documents

Transcript of First Baptist Voices Fall 2014