summer 2011: first baptist voices
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Summer 2011 edition of First Baptist Voices, the quarterly newsletter for First Baptist Church, Halifax, NSTRANSCRIPT
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The Newsletter of First Baptist Church Halifax Vol. 21 No. 2 June 2011
Where Faith Comes To Life!
MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
O ne of the lessons I learned from Dr. Charles Taylor, my professor in clinical pastoral
education, was the importance of the ministry of presence. One could not always (or often) ―fix‖ someone‘s difficult situation, but one could offer to be present to them in the struggle.
Charlie saw this ministry as ―incarnational‖ - in the name and Spirit of Jesus we could embody the compassion and of the gospel. It was a good lesson, especially in times of serious illness or bereavement.
Almost forty years have passed since I took that course, and we are now in a new century, a new millennium! Being ―present‖ still means what it used to, of course, but it now also means something new.
Many people, especially, but not only, young people do not spend a lot of time at home, but they do spend a lot of time on the inter. With the proliferation of smart phones, tablets and iPads, people are more often ―present‖ on the net than anywhere else in their lives!
So, I am making an attempt to be ―present‖ there as well. I have long given attention to our Church website, and it is still important; but it is also a more static means of communicating. I have also begun a ―blog‖ where I can post reviews, sermon excerpts, stray thoughts, etc.— you can find me at http://boydsblog-jeb.blogspot.com/.
The livelier ―places‖ are social networks, like the ubiquitous Facebook, and instant communication forums like Twitter. I have started a Twitter feed (@JEBhfx) and am already finding it an interesting way of interacting with others. My next project, probably over the summer, will be to facilitate the creation of a First Baptist Halifax Facebook page.
In a way I (nor Charlie) would never have dreamed at the beginning of my ministry, this, too, is a ―ministry of presence‖, and incarnational!
- Rev. John E. Boyd
SHARED HOPE, SHARED STORY
A t 4am on April 28th, I arrived at the Halifax International Airport to begin a long-anticipated
journey. Four airports and 13 hours later, I landed in Louisville, Kentucky, for the 24th annual Convocation of the Alliance of Baptists, hosted by the congregation of Crescent Hills Baptist Church. For a number of years I had listened to colleagues from within the Atlantic Baptist Fellowship speak very fondly of their experiences at this event. Though FBC is not a formal member of the Alliance, many of us had the opportunity to meet the Alliance‘s Minster for Partnership Relations, Rev. Paula Clayton Dempsey, when she and her husband were here for the fall gathering of the ABF last year. As well, our own Senior Minister has served on the Alliance Board for several years. From what I had been told, I began to hope that there were indeed others outside FBC and the ABF who shared my conviction that progressive and Baptist need not be a contradiction in terms. I would not be disappointed.
For the next three days, I was swept up in a flurry of meeting new people. There were seemingly endless opportunities for participating in meaningful and creative worship, engaging with gifted workshop leaders, hearing about the difference other Baptists were making in their communities and the world through a myriad of Christian organizations, and experiencing warm Southern hospitality that (dare I say it!?) rivals our own friendly Maritime welcome. Fast friendships were formed with a number of my colleagues, and I look forward to deepening those connections in the future. I will not soon forget the energy of sitting among a group of seven or eight other young clergy over dinner, with open minds, open hearts, and a palpable desire to engage the world in meaningful ways for the sake of Christ.
Most valuable and life-giving for me was the sense of shared story I gained from listening to others
Continued on page 2
Page 2
ABF’s Vin Rushton Memorial
Lunch and Lecture
Saturday, June 4; 11:30 a.m.
Acadia’s Manning Memorial Chapel
Speaker:
Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton General Secretary
Canadian Council of Churches Topic:
The State of Ecumenism
in Canada Today
Tickets at $15 must be reserved by May 27
Contact Rev. Dr. Roger Prentice, 542-7407
Saving Jesus
Last winter and spring we began a study called Saving Jesus Redux, a 12-session DVD-based series from Living the Questions that explores what a credible
Jesus looks like for the third millennium. Contributors include Brian
McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, Robin Meyers, Marcus Borg, Walter Brueggemann, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, and a host of other theologians, scholars, and pastors.
In September we will continue the study. It doesn‘t take long to ―catch up‖, so don‘t worry about whether you have participated before !Each 1½ hour session includes conversation around the readings in your participant guide, a 30-minute video segment, and guided discussion.
Join us on Wednesdays at 7 pm beginning September 21st for Saving Jesus Redux and
be a part of saving a relevant Jesus for today!
Continued from page 1
SHARED HOPE, SHARED STORY
share the stories of how and why their congregations became affiliated with the Alliance. The Alliance itself is not a denomination, but instead is a group of congregations who choose to affiliate with one another in order to further common ideals. Some of the congregations have dual affiliations with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, others with the American Baptist Churches. Many of them are former Southern Baptist congregations who are no longer part of the Southern Baptist Convention because their convictions differed from the SBC‘s views on issues like the role of same-gender-loving people in the church and the ordination of women. All of them have been the moderate voice amongst conservatism and felt the consequences. These, friends, are people who have lived the difficult, emotional, and oft frustrating realities of our current situation within the CABC. A quarter-century later, they are the stronger for it. Yes, the pain is still there – but with it the joy that comes through serving God with others of like mind and spirit.
At the end of September, we are hosting the 40th Anniversary gathering of the ABF here at First Baptist. Baptist from across Atlantic Canada will gather here to celebrate the courage and conviction of those who felt led to form the ABF back in 1971, and to hear from Rev. Dr. Jeff Haggray, first African-American pastor of First Baptist Church, Washington DC. Also joining us for that weekend will be some new friends from south of the border: Carole Collins, Director of Finance for the Alliance of Baptists, and Robin Lunn, the Executive Director of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, and their spouses. I am glad that some of our Alliance friends will be here to share this meaningful celebration with us. Being among them, even though only for three days, was tremendously affirming and hope-giving. I am also looking forward to the 2012 Convocation, which will be held in Austin, TX the weekend after Easter. If you are able, please take my experience as encouragement to consider coming along.
- Rev. Renée Clark
Page 3
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
A s many of you are eager to hear about, there is an exciting plan in the FBC works to start
a Children‘s Choir which will include both our FBC youth and community members. A training choir for 4-6 years of age, called the ―Marshmallow Choir‖, and 7-12 years of age proudly holding the title of ―Halifax Children‘s Sacred Choir‖, will begin September 18th after service in the sanctuary. The director is Lynette Wahlstrom, who loves working with children, is a good listener, and brings many years of experience as a music teacher and professional musician.
The challenge to recruit new singers is given to you as congregation of FBC; to spread the word to any families that want to participate in an educational and fun choral experience for youth. The mandate of ―HCSC‖ and it‘s training choir, the ―Marshmallow Choir‖, will be to help young people learn proper technique of choral singing, to develop sight-reading, musicianship and theory skills, and to experience the joy of accomplishing goals as a group.
Getting parents on board is vital! Parents helping at any level of involvement can help the choir run more smoothly and boost membership. It can be as simple as handing out music or taking attendance at weekly rehearsals, carpooling, or creating an e-mail contact list.
The reasons to join a choir are simple: Singing is fun! For parents, rest assured that your youth is enjoying an educational social activity that will enrich their musical life.
To sign up early for September 18th start, or for more information, visit our church website. Lynette would also love to hear from you at:
[email protected] or 422-5203 ext 13
Lynette Wahlstrom Director of Music
"MEN WITHOUT JACKETS"
O n a beautiful, sunny, Sunday afternoon in December, the ladies of Victoria Hall
gathered for a special Christmas communion service. When they arrived, they were greeted by "Men Without Jackets", singing hymns and carols of the season. After the service, the men mingled with the women, who were so grateful and appreciative for the musical accompaniment to the service. Thanks to Lynette for her musical leadership. Special thanks to two of our singers: Nelson Metcalfe for organizing the event and leading the worship; and special thanks to deacon, usher, server, singer and scripture reader John Dalton. As one of the ladies commented after the service: "Thanks so much for sharing this special Christmas time with us again this year. Your singing makes such a difference."
With barely time to relax, the Men Without Jackets gathered again later that afternoon for the choir photo, rehearsal, and then the Annual Christmas by Candlelight Carol Service. We sang a beautiful arrangement of "O Little Town of Bethlehem". Our thanks to Shawn Whynot, who offered again this year to play the organ so that Lynette could direct. We always enjoy singing along with Shawn. After the service, we were all invited to a choir Christmas party at the home of
Joe and Gisela O’Brien.
Our numbers continue to grow. We welcome David Gibson and Alan North, who have recently added their voices to our choir. And we
celebrated Gordon Taylor’s 92nd birthday.
To round out the winter season, we could not pass up the opportunity to serenade our sweethearts at the annual Valentine‘s Supper. A selection of syrupy love sings left the ladies swooning.
Then we brought in the first day of Spring with the annual Hymn Sing on Sunday March 20 at 3:00 pm. We were accompanied by a trombone quartet. To wind up a very successful year, we sang "A Closer Walk With Thee" for the church service on Sunday May 29. We will be taking a break for the summer. If you like to sing, join us when we start a new season on Saturday September 24 at 10:00 am.
Continued on page 4
SPECIAL MENTION
E arlier this spring, Jamie Dunbar was drafted to a Senior A Lacrosse team in British
Columbia after playing there for the past two summers. The lucky team is The New Westminster Salmonbellies.
Jamie will be there for the summer returning to Dalhousie for his final year. Congratulations
Jamie!
Page 4
Continued from page 3
Men Without Jackets
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.
[email protected] or 422-5203 ext 13
Men Without Jackets: Luke Morrison, Bryan Darrell, David Morse, Mac Philips, 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, Rex Deverell, Tom Crowell, Alan North, Jeremy Dutcher, Gordon Taylor, Kim Davison, Ed Tummers, Dahrl Whitney, Richard MacMichael, Guest organists, Patrick Salah, Shawn Whynot.
Ed Tummers
STAFF VACATIONS
S ummer is a time of rest and recreation for all of us. We visit cottages, family or other
recreation facilities to relax and store up resources for the coming winter.
Church School will move into a summer program, the Senior and Men‘s Choirs will go on hiatus, and so will the staff.
Rev. John E. Boyd will be on vacation from June 30 to July 31, returning to the office on August 3.
Rev. Renée Clark will be off June 26 and August 8 - 31.
Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe will be off for the month of July.
Lynette Wahlstrom will vacation from July 3 - July 22 & August 7.
Alana will be off for three weeks beginning on August 1 returning to the office on August 22. Marion Doane will be staffing the church office, half days only while Alana is away. Thank you Marion!
Wayne McPhee will be taking time off in August and September. Exact dates will be announced later.
SUMMER IS IN THE AIR!
O r at least, it should be! As we dodge the raindrops wondering where the sun has
gone, the days go by and we find ourselves marking the end of another school year. On Sunday June 19th we will be congratulating our graduates as part of our worship service. Those of any age graduating from any program of study will be honoured, but we want particularly to recognize the accomplishments of those who are completing high school. These young people will be presented with a Bible during our worship service on that Sunday, a gift given with our love, prayers, and hope that God‘s Word will be a guiding light for them as they launch forward into adulthood. If you know of students who are graduating from any program of study this Spring, please let the church office know as soon as possible so that we can join in celebrating their accomplishments!
Following the worship service that morning, we hope you will join us in the church back yard for what has become a favourite FBCH tradition. The annual Church Family barbecue (we will move inside if the weather doesn‘t cooperate) promises plenty of food, fellowship, and fun. As always, there will be barbecued delights, a bouncy castle, face painting, games, and an opportunity to spend time together before everyone launches into summer activities and vacations.
This Sunday also marks the ‗graduation‘ of many of our Church School children from one class to the next. We will present them with certificates during a special closing Assembly downstairs. Our all-ages Summer Sunday School program begins on June 26th. There are still a number of Sundays in August for which volunteers would be much appreciated. If you can help, Erick Lee is coordinating teachers for these Sundays.
You can reach Erick at [email protected], 423-1291. Summer Sunday School runs until September 4th, and we will launch into a fresh Church School year with our new SPARK curriculum on September 11th… a day that will arrive before we know it!
- Rev. Renée Clark
Page 5
50 YEARS AGO:
LOOKING BACK TO 1961
Africville
T he Africville Project Steering Committee went into high gear in 1961. Nancy Hagen,
Alexa Shaw, Catherine Isnor and Betty Crookshank were the main workers. They met 15 times, seeking to acquaint themselves with the complicated social, economic and personal problems involved in the Africville situation. The Parker-Colpitt Award was presented to Catherine Isnor for her leadership in the Africville project.
The congregation was invited to three discussion groups, and on two occasions, panels of experts were invited to share their knowledge and expertise. In addition, they held interviews, discussions, and conversations with the Mayor, civic officials and others. As a direct result of their efforts, the City Recreation Department initiated a Recreation Program for the children of Africville. A playground, complete with equipment, was established at Fort Needham.
The youth of the church also conducted a two-week program of recreation and instruction for the children of Africville. These same youth held a Christmas party for 65 children from Africville. Lois Bartlett and the girls of the CGIT made and sold Christmas decorations at the Tea and Sale. The money was used to help host the Christmas party for the children of Africville.
Baptisms in 1961 included: Gregory Evans, Lloyd Gesner, Virginia Gill, Glenford Hatfield, Sandra Morse, Karen Sarty, and Linda
Schurman.
Elsewhere in the world, Dr. Martin Luther King and 700 civil-rights protestors were arrested in Georgia. A state of martial law was declared in Montgomery, Alabama as race riots broke out. The UN condemned South Africa for its system of apartheid. France passed legislation to give all citizens freedom of worship. And Spain voted to give equal rights to men and women.
Research by Ed Tummers
Coming: August 2011: Reaching Out November 2011: The Life of the Church
PROM DRESSES
I t‘s time for high school graduation and proms. Many students in our city are not
able to afford dress-up clothing and as a result miss end of year activities including prom.
If you have any party/prom dresses in your closet that are not being used please consider donating them to a high school near you.
For more Information contact:
Kathy Reid at Citadel High School [email protected]
or 491-4444
Deaths: Dr. Kenneth Heard, May 7, 2011
Gladys (Hon) Keddy, May 24, 2011
Dedications Ryder Christian Strange, April 10, 2011
(Rob & Marion Strange)
Ella Sam MacFarlane, May 15, 2011
(Andrew and Leigh Ann MacFarlane)
Carley Elizabeth Williams, May 29, 2011
(Jason and Alicia Williams)
Weddings Tracey and Cheryl (Evans) Crowell April 16
Jason and Sophie (Nelson) Crouse May 28
Baptisms
Nellie Bless Motey - April 24, 2011
Accepted into Membership April 24, 2011
Dylan Chain
Maureen Chain
Richard Chain
Jacob Haddad
Jan Haddad
Min Jae Lee
Sunny Lee
Barrie MacFarlane
Karen MacFarlane
Nellie Motey
Andrew MacFarlane
Leigh Ann MacFarlane
Paul LaFleche
Page 6
CHOIR CAMPS
T he Nova Scotia Choral Federation hosts a choir camp in Berwick, N.S., for Children
ages 8-12, and Youth ages 13-18. This is a wonderful opportunity for our FBC Young people to learn about singing and participate in an overnight camp experience. FBC is collecting donations to help send our FBC Youth to Choir Camp this August 14-20. Tuition is $400, and FBC has traditionally sponsored our Youth in the past. You can help through your pew envelope donations, marked Choir Camp.
Thanks for supporting our FBC Youth and helping to develop our Youth Choir program here at home. The following info is taken from the NSCF website:
www.nscf.ns.ca/programs/youth/junior-camp.asp
For Children and Youth:
Youth Choir Camp :: August 14-20, 2011
Guest Conductor, Kathleen Skinner
Youth Choir Camp provides an opportunity for teenage campers to develop their skills as choral singers under the guidance of excellent instructors. In addition to the great musical and social activities, YCCers tell us this week is a wonderful opportunity to step away from their busy worlds and just hang out together in a cool, relaxing place. It's a place for drama, dance, musicianship training, great food, sunshine and song.
Junior Choir Camp :: August 14-20, 2011
Guest Conductor, Karen Newhook-MacDonald
Assistant Conductor, Michael MacDonald
Junior Choir Camp offers a fun-filled week of music and social activities in a safe and happy environment. The week ends with a concert for family members and friends. The camper to staff ratio is 4:1 with only 5-6 children per cabin. There is a nurse on site available 24 hours a day. As well, the chef prepares nutritious, home cooked meals, healthy snacks, and caters to dietary restrictions and allergies.
Registrations will be taken on a first come first served basis until maximum capacity is reached.
OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS
TEA AND SALE
Saturday, November 5, 2011
W e are gathering our thoughts and our donations for this year‘s ―Tea and Sale‖
and hope that you will do what you can to con-tribute also. Last year‘s event was very suc-cessful and we hope to do as well again this fall. Please make a note on your calendar for the FBCH Tea and Sale on Saturday, Novem-ber 5, 2-4:30p.m. This event is our biggest fundraiser and we need help from everyone in our congregation and extended church family. Your time, treasures and talents are all much appreciated and your assistance is needed to make this event wonderful and fun.
The members of the Women‘s Auxiliary have been creating crafts but could use more. All crafters are invited to donate their knitting, cro-chet work, tatting, rug hooking, quilting, em-broidery, etc. Donations of baked goods, jewel-ry, books and very gently used items for the ―new to you‖ table are also needed. This year we will add a table to sell special Christmas items that are in good condition.
Our silent auction is always fun and interesting. Please consider donating any treasures that you no longer want to store at home. Glass, crystal, paintings, silver or antiques are all suit-able for the silent auction. Since items for the silent auction need to be appraised, it would be helpful if you could donate these items well in advance of the sale. Tax receipts for the selling price are issued to the donors of silent auction items.
The organization of this event requires a lot of contributions in terms of both manpower (and woman power) and materials, but the Tea and Sale is always a delightful event and will go a long way toward helping us meet our financial goals. We expect to have a lot of fun and fel-lowship and look forward to your support.
Marjorie Stevenson and Robin MacInnis
Co-conveners
Page 7
CHILDREN’S PAGE
Page 8
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!
SUNDAY SUPPER FOR ARK
Thank you to everyone who prepared Spaghetti Pie and helped to serve dinner for the St. Andrew's Supper on May 8th. These meals are an important way for our church community to provide a hot meal for homeless people in our city who would otherwise go without dinner.
55+ LUNCHEON
The annual 55+ Luncheon was held on April 10th
after the Sunday morning service. A special thank you to Rev. Nelson Metcalfe for providing our after lunch entertainment!
HOLLY HOUSE
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit organization that has been advocating for and supporting women and children from all walks of life, not only those in prison. The term "at risk of becoming in conflict with the law", allows the Society to offer their services to women in general, not only those involved with legal issues. Support is also provided to women who are experiencing physical, emotional or financial difficulties that may be the result of addictive behaviors or living in abusive situations.
Holly House, purchased with federal funds, was opened in the spring of 2007 and provides safe and affordable housing for low-income women in an environment conducive to healing and ultimately fostering the ability to live independently.
Thank you for the lovely items that have been donated to help the women of Holly House. You have been very generous, and your support is really appreciated.
Because of a generous donation to the Community Outreach Committee last year, a desk, chair, and bookcases have been purchased for the resource room at Holly House.
BRUNSWICK STREET BREAKFAST PROGRAM - MAY
First Baptist Church is again hosting the Saturday morning breakfasts at the Brunswick Street Mission this May. There are between 60 and 75 people each Saturday that come for pancakes and sausages, hash browns, eggs, toast, orange juice, coffee, tea, granola bars, and fresh fruit. 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) are provided by our church and purchased with the profits raised from the sale of our Just Us! coffee and tea. Thank you to everyone who continues to purchase their coffee from the Community Outreach committee and to all the early risers who come to help at the breakfast program.
JUST US! COFFEE
People and the Planet Before Profits
The Community Outreach committee has bags of coffee, boxes of tea, and chocolate bars for sale. Proceeds from the sale of coffee are used to buy food items for the Brunswick Street Breakfast Program (i.e., pancakes, sausages, hash browns, juice, fruit, granola bars, and sandwiches). Our regular coffee sells for $10.00 per bag, the decaf sells for $11.00 per bag, the tea is $4.00 per box, and the chocolate bars sell for $2.00 and $2.50 each. Thank you for your continued support of this Outreach project.
FOOD DRIVE
Our annual food drive will be held on June 11th. Volunteers are needed to distribute flyers to local residents several days in advance and to collect donations on Saturday morning. Please contact the church office if you can join in the fun! There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parlour. All donations will be given to our local food banks. In conjunction with the food drive, the monthly Food Bank Sunday will be held on the second Sunday, June 12th (instead of the third Sunday). Special bags will be distributed to the congregation prior to June 12th for you to fill and return to FBC. Cash donations are also welcome.
continued on page 9
Community Outreach Committee
Page 9
PARTNERS IN MISSION
D uring the month of January, our focus had been to recognize the outreach we do
denominationally and ecumenically with our fellow Baptists and Christians. During the month, we highlighted some of the organizations with which we partner.
The Hazelton family spoke of their experiences at Bayside Camp. Another of the programs we support is the Home Mission Churches of the Halifax Regional United Baptist Association. Rev. Borden Scott, the pastor at Faith Baptist Church spoke about the significant impact on his congregation of our donations to this program. We also recognized the Hospital Chaplaincy. We welcomed Rev. Adele Crowell, who shared with us some of the important aspects of this ministry. Adele is well known to us as a former Associate Minister, and we are delighted to offer support and encouragement for her important ministry.
We also affirmed the work of ADC‘s Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Tracy Demmons, the Director of the Centre, will be speaking to us later in the year about this vital new mission.
At the annual budget meeting we committed $800 for Bayside Camp, $3000 for New Churches, $5,000 for the Hospital Chaplaincy and $4,000 for ADC‘s Taylor Centre. Thanks to Lee Nicholas-Pattillo and the deacons for their leadership and encouragement in celebrating our partners in mission.
Ed Tummers and Bob Hazelton
continued from page 8—Community Outreach Committee
HARVEST SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION
Mark your calendars for Friday, September 23, the first day of fall, for the annual Harvest Supper & Silent Auction, which will be sponsored by the Community Outreach and the Refugee Committees. The menu will include hors d‘oeuvres, international cuisine, baked beans, ham, and other goodies that will be served at 6:30
pm. Last year, more than $3,000.00 was raised for the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank and for the Refugee Committee.
As you do your spring and 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!
THE SMITH WINDOW
This window, given in memory of Fletcher and Charlotte
Smith and their daughter, Sara, by Diane Smith, Marta
Stewart and Doug Smith, celebrates and remembers their
lives through the extraordinary milestones of the Con-
gregation of First Baptist at our Oxford Street location.
These milestones, chosen by the Congregation, make us
who we are today.
Ordination of Women as Ministers: Beginning with
the right window at the top - a female pastor, wearing
clerical robes and collar.
Outreach Programs: Situated beneath her - an Afro-
Canadian youth holding a basket containing loaves and
fishes, alluding to the parable of the Feeding of Five
Thousand (Matthew 14:14) and our deep commitment to
our Outreach programs.
An Inclusive and Ecumenical Community: Next to the
young man, a young woman, representing the congrega-
tion’s desire to embrace victims of war, famine and per-
secution and to offer hope and a new life of freedom in
Canada.
Election of Female Deacons: On the left side of the
window, at the bottom - a woman who represents the
increasing role of women in leadership positions, includ-
ing the election of our first two female deacons.
Embracing Openness Towards All People: Standing
beside her a senior. Their dedication and many contribu-
tions have brought us to this point in the Church’s histo-
ry, where positive change has given rise to a community
of faith open to all who seek the Lord.
Ministry of Music: At the left top – a chorister dressed
in the gown colours of our church and musical notes on
both sides of the window, symbolize the importance of
music in our worship of God.
Sattler's Studio : Norbert Sattler
Artist: Sue Obata
The window will be dedicated on Sunday, June 12, 2011.
Page 10
I t all began with a generous donation from the Alloway Trust fund earmarked to update the
Ladies Parlour. Wind the clock back to 1950. The Ladies Auxiliaries and the Missionary groups were meeting in the area that is now the back of the stage. Then with the addition of the C.E. wing in1958, the Ladies Parlour was born, creating a wonderful place to meet and socialize. The Auxiliaries assumed the role of decorator and caregiver of this space, fund raising to pay for the furnishings. Fast forward to the present. 53 years of use have taken a toll. Maintenance issues, out-dated and worn furnishings suggest a time for renewal.
Enter, an enthusiastic team dedicated to creating a functional and beautiful space now called the Church Parlour. With representation from Maintenance Committee (Brian Darrell and David Morse) and the Women‘s Auxiliary (Jackie Eisner and Linda Macintosh), this group met with an Interior Designer (Charlotte MacLean) and they set to work on the project. ‗Public opinions‘ on approach to the project were many and varied creating interesting discussions!
After a detailed analysis of elements involved, the committee determined the goals of the project to be: Produce a space that is functional, attractive, durable and within our budget. The following decisions were implemented:
1. The light fixtures were replaced with more energy efficient lighting. As part of the upgrade, this included the installation of additional electrical service in the parlor.
2. The carpet was removed and the beautiful
hardwood floor was refinished.
3. The walls were repainted in a lovely warm two-
tone beige.
4. The cleaning and reframing of the Daley Painting was completed through a special donation. The other historical artifacts and
memorial paintings have been reinstalled, some of them in the Board Room.
5. Many hours of effort were involved in selecting two new sofas, 24 chairs and several glass topped tables appropriate for the use of our members and guests
6. The Hilchey table in the Board Room was
moved to become the focal point in the parlor.
7. Relatively new draperies in the room were
maintained.
8. An anonymous donation enabled the church to enter the technological era with the purchase of a video monitor. This gives us the ability to show DVD‘s and photos of church functions, etc
9. A new coffee brewing system was purchased
and installed in the kitchenette.
Some of the furnishings from the parlour (sofas, lamps, tables and chairs etc.) were transferred to create a cozy, inviting meeting area in one of the Church School classrooms.
As the refurbishing proceeded, it became clear that further funding was necessary to complete the project. The members of the Women's Auxiliary then voted to contribute the necessary funds required to complete the project and provide new furnishings for the renovated Parlour.
Our sincere thanks go to Jackie, Linda, Bryan and David for persevering through the many challenges and creating a warm, friendly environment that will meet many needs of our church family. We appreciate their commitment. Yeah! Team!
Who knows where this may lead: concerts, lectures, art displays, outside group meetings, receptions, etc. Our skilled facilitators successfully created a space of which we can be proud.
- Women‘s Auxiliary -
THE PARLOUR - A NEW BEGINNING
Page 11
Worship at First Baptist June to September 2011
July 31: Pentecost 8 Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 23
Romans 9:1-5; John 10: 11-16 Face To Face With God - Rev. Renée Clark
Music: Summer Soloist
August 7: Pentecost 9; Communion 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13
Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 Failure Is An Option - Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Summer Soloist
August 14: Pentecost 10 Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28 She Spoke for God - Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Summer Soloist
August 21: Pentecost 11 Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20 When It All Comes Down to You - Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Summer Soloist
August 28: Pentecost 12 Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c
Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28 God’s Seismic Activities - Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Summer Soloist
September 4: Pentecost 13; Communion Ezekiel 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40
Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 Knowing Christ Today - Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Schubert Mass
September 11: Pentecost 14 Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114
Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 Forgiveness Isn’t Easy - Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Bruckner, Sibelius
September 18: Pentecost 15 Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16 Sufficient For All - Rev. Renée Clark
Music: Quilter, Tchaikovsky
June 5: Easter 7 (Ascension) Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11 Thy Kingdom Come - Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Haydn Missa Brevis
June 12: Pentecost; Communion Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23 Holy Spirit in You – Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Bach, Palestrina
June 19: Trinity Sunday; Father’s Day Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20 Have a Good Day! - Rev. John E. Boyd
Music: Tchaikovsky, Mozart
June 26: Pentecost 3 Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:39-42
A Warning for Christians - Rev. John E. Boyd Music: Rorem, Rutter
July 3: Pentecost 4; Communion Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14
Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Hand It Over! - Rev. Renée Clark
Music: Summer Soloist
July 10: Pentecost 5 Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1-13
Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Fertile Soil - Rev. Renée Clark
Music: Summer Soloist
July 17: Pentecost 6 Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 The Garden of Weedin’ - Rev. Renée Clark
Music: Summer Soloist
July 24: Pentecost 7 Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 128
Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 It’s Worth It - Rev. Renée Clark
Music: Summer Soloist
September 25: Pentecost 16 Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 Of The Same Mind - Rev. Renée Clark
Music: Bach, Chilcott
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First Baptist Church Halifax
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Telephone: (902) 422-5203 FAX: (902) 422-8665
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Web Site: http://www.firstbaptisthalifax.org The Holy Spirit Descends on Pentecost