Fall 2012 First Baptist Voices

Where Faith Comes T o Life!

The Newsletter of First Baptist Church Halifax

Vol. 23 No 3 September 2012

185th Anniversary Celebrations First Baptist Church Halifax, where faith comes to life!

Here’s an update on the progress of our planning and activities in preparation for the 185th Anniversary of First Baptist Church Halifax on September 30th 2012.

CELEBRATIONS

FUND RAISING

Each Sunday morning during worship as we approach Sunday, September 30th, we will highlight a “memory” from the storied history of our congregation.

Our two projects for the 185th Anniversary are the installation of an elevator to make all levels of our church facility accessible to everyone, and to support Cornwallis Street Baptist Church’s funding for the construction of a new church on their current site. At mid-August, we are excited to report very generous support for these initiatives! We have received contributions and pledges totaling $282,000.00 or 93% of our overall goal of $300,000.00. Great news indeed! Make your contribution today and help take us over the top!

On Saturday, September 29th, we will meet Dr. William J. Leonard of Wake Forest Divinity College in North Carolina in a special program to be held in the Church Hall at 2 p.m. In a lecture that is open to the public Dr. Leonard will speak on current religious trends in North America. He will also field questions. Dr. Leonard is an internationally recognized church historian and a popular speaker and commentator. As a regular “blogger” for Associated Baptist Press, Dr. Leonard has shown himself to be a keen observer of the world in which the Church exercises its ministry.

ELEVATOR STATUS

Then, on September 30th we will welcome guests and friends from the community and hear a message from Dr. Leonard who joins us as our guest preacher. Plan now to participate in this exciting weekend celebrating our 185th Anniversary.

The Elevator Construction Committee has worked through the spring and summer preparing the design elements for tendering. The request for tenders for the construction of the elevator has been released with responses due August 31st. There has been good interest from the industry with many firms attending the information sessions. The project is scheduled to be completed by November30th of this year. Committee members are Bryan Darrell, Chair; Alan North, Ken Margeson, Doug Eisner, Diane Campbell, Louise Schurman, Naomi Mensink, Wayne McPhee.

Following morning worship, join us at Ashburn Golf Club for a special luncheon and celebration. Ticket and seating availability can be confirmed at the Church Office.

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(continued from page 1) 185th Anniversary Celebrations

ABOUT CORNWALLIS CHURCH

STREET

BAPTIST

The first Baptist congregation in Halifax came into existence under the leadership of the Rev. John Burton in 1795. It had a predominantly black membership, with some lower class white members, drawn from Halifax and the surrounding communities of Hammonds Plains and Preston.

Their Meeting House was on the corner of Barrington and Buckingham streets. The Records of the Nova Scotia Baptist Association (est. 1810) show Burton’s Church as First Church, and had strong relationships with the Baptists at Horton (Wolfville) and Cornwallis. Although Burton was highly respected, his Church was looked down on for reasons of class and race.

When, in the 1820s, a dispute arose in St. Paul’s Anglican Church that led to the withdrawal of several prominent families, it was Burton and his congregation that led the former Anglicans to become Baptists. With the founding of the Granville Street Baptist Church in 1827 it was hoped that Burton’s congregation would be part of the new Church (as long as people of colour sat in the When, in the 1820s, a dispute arose in St. Paul’s Anglican Church that led to the withdrawal of several prominent families, it was Burton and his congregation that led the former Anglicans to become Baptists. With the founding of the Granville Street Baptist Church in 1827 it was hoped that Burton’s congregation would be part of the new Church (as long as people of colour sat in the balcony). This did not happen, again because of issues of class and race. However, the new Granville Street Church clearly had its roots in the faithful witness of Halifax’s first Baptist congregation!

In 1832, the Rev. Richard Preston, the son of a slave who came to Nova Scotia from Virginia, and one of the outstanding preachers in the history of Nova Scotia, organized the African Baptist Church, the mother Church of the African United Baptist

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Association. Its members were predominantly drawn from Burton’s original congregation. In 1892 the African Baptist Church was incorporated as the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church and has faithfully served its community for 180 years.

The Granville Street Baptist Church (First Baptist Church Halifax since 1886) and the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church have a common origin in the ministry of the Rev. John Burton. Over the years the two congregations have shared many times of mutual support and encouragement.

Today, the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church plays a crucial role in the life of the city and as a beacon of justice, compassion, social outreach and spiritual vitality. As they celebrate their 180th Anniversary, they are also planning a new building which will greatly enhance the ministry and mission of the congregation. First Baptist Church Halifax is delighted and honoured to be able to designate 5% ($15,000) of our 185th Anniversary Offering to Cornwallis Street Baptist Church Building Program.

185th Anniversary Committee David Dexter, Peggy Dunbar, Gisela O’Brien, Jennifer Ferguson, Doug Eisner, Jackie Eisner, Lee Nicholas-Pattillo, Rev. John Boyd

CABF Conference

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

The 41st Annual Meeting and Fall Conference of the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms (formerly the Atlantic Baptist Fellowship) will take place in the Wolfville Baptist Church on October 19-20, 2012. Registration is $40 (Includes meals, breaks) and can be sent to: Kim Sweet 25 Ports Landing Avenue PO Box 528 Port Williams. NS B0P 1T0 ksweet2@ns.sympatico.ca

If you ask anyone in the Western world, churchgoer or not, “What is the best known story in the Bible?” chances are that the Christmas Story will rank high on the list of answers. But how well do we really know this story? For instance, do we know that there are in fact two Christmas Stories, one in Luke’s Gospel and one in Matthew’s Gospel, and that they are quite different? Have we ever wondered why Luke and Matthew waited until at least 50 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus to tell these stories? And why Mark, who wrote his Gospel at least ten years before them, tells us nothing about Jesus’ birth?

If you are interested in learning more about the stories we all love so well - their meaning for first-century Christians and for us today - please join us at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays starting on the 18th of September. Everyone is welcome, and coffee is on by 9:45. A warm welcome awaits you.

The guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. J. Brent Walker, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty in Washington, DC. J. Brent Walker is both a member of the US Supreme Court Bar and an ordained minister. A native of Charleston, W.Va., Walker earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Florida and holds a J.D. degree from the University of Stetson University College of Law. He earned an M.Div. degree from Southern Seminary in 1989. He has taught in the Georgetown University Law Centre and is currently an adjunct professor at Richmond Theological Seminary.

The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is a leading voice in Washington, DC, fighting to uphold the historic Baptist principle of religious freedom. A proven bridge-builder, the BJC provides reliable leadership on church-state issues as it leads key coalitions of religious and civil liberties groups striving to protect both the free exercise of religion and to defend against its establishment by government. Dr. Walker has led the BJC since 1999.

DO YOU LOVE TO SING? Check out the fantastic Music Page on our website for information about the Senior Choir, Men’s Choir, Children’s Choirs and more!

Mandy England Cole to Preach Rev. Mandy England Cole, Associate Pastor of Sardis Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, and a member of the Board of the Alliance of Baptists, will be our guest preacher on Sunday, October 14th. Mandy is a graduate of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and Meredith College. She and her husband, Mark, are the proud parents of three boys: Ethan, Turner and Carter. She is an avid reader who enjoys travelling, gardening, spending time with her boys, and challenging her husband to a Wii dance-off.

Mandy and Mark will be in Nova Scotia to represent the Alliance at the 41st Annual Meeting and Fall Conference of the CABF and we are delighted to welcome them to First Baptist.

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WHAT'S IN A NUMBER? (The following is an article published on August 9, 2012, by Rev. John E. Boyd on Boyd’s Blog.)

On August 4, 2012, I officiated at a wedding - not an unusual thing for a pastor to do on a summer Saturday! What was different this time was a number - the number given to me by the Province of Nova Scotia that authorizes me to legally marry people.

You see, I had lost the number I had used for 38 years when the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches, at my request, removed me from their list of accredited ministers. After many attempts to make changes and to convince the Convention leadership that Baptists should practice their belief in freedom of conscience and the autonomy of the local Church, it became clear that such freedom was not possible and that the price of remaining on their list of accredited ministers was to practice discrimination against gays.

The Convention had passed a number of resolutions over the years that described marriage in traditional heterosexual terms, but none of these were binding on the local congregation.

In June 2006, my congregation, First Baptist Church Halifax, after two years of study and preparation, adopted a policy supporting same-sex marriages, which had been legal in Nova Scotia since September 2004.

The Convention responded to the legalization of same-sex marriage by reiterating its opposition, and by placing a new regulation on clergy prohibiting them from conducting same-sex marriages on penalty of being removed from the Convention's accredited list as well as the list they submit to the government seeking authorization to conduct legal ceremonies.

Neither First Baptist Halifax nor I accepted the new regulation, believing that the Convention's own constitution did not authorize clergy regulations in jurisdictions belonging to the local Church (a key principle of Baptist polity).

Everything came to a head after I conducted a same-sex marriage in September 2011. In correspondence with the Convention beginning this past February, it soon became clear that although the prohibition against same-sex marriage was not binding on the Church, they were determined to make it binding on clergy.

Being left at that point with a choice between relinquishing my Convention credentials and fighting (perhaps even through the courts) to remain on a list that required discrimination, I chose to relinquish them.

In my resignation letter I listed three reasons for my decision: 1. I can no longer conduct my ministry in full freedom of conscience under the Lordship of Christ while under the current Regulations on the Ministry. In particular, the prohibition against officiating at a same sex marriage violates my conscience in Christ.

2. I can no longer conduct my ministry according to the policies and core values of the Church I serve as Pastor while under the Convention’s current Regulations on the Ministry... The Convention’s prohibition against same sex marriage makes a mockery of local church autonomy under the Lordship of Christ by declaring it to be binding on accredited clergy but not on a member congregation. Current Convention policy and interpretation prevent me from fully exercising my pastoral responsibilities within the congregation Christ has called me to serve.

3. I can no longer conduct my ministry under the current Regulations on the Ministry because they require me to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, contrary to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, the New Brunswick Human Rights Act and the Canadian Human Rights Act. Although these Acts do not require clergy to marry same sex couples, they do prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. I do not wish to be a party to such discrimination, supposedly in the name of Jesus. That the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches is determined to not only discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation but force its clergy to discriminate, leaving no option for dissent, means that I cannot continue as a minister of the Convention without being willing to discriminate contrary to human rights legislation.

I am now an accredited minister of the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms (formerly the Atlantic Baptist Fellowship), and through this organization have been registered to officiate at marriages in Nova Scotia - hence, a new number! (continued on page 5)

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(continued from page 4) What’s In A Number

Although I will always cherish the memories of my long association with the Convention of Atlantic Baptists, I feel a wonderful sense of freedom in the Gospel, a freedom I pray will someday be available to all Baptist clergy. In fact, I call upon the Convention to repent the sin of homophobic discrimination and its requirement that accredited clergy, who have dedicated their lives to proclaiming the love of Christ, must be agents of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

What's in a number? For me, it is the freedom to continue proclaiming the love of God in Christ to all people, without discrimination.

- Rev. John E. Boyd

Thanksgiving Offering On Thanksgiving Sunday, October 7th, 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 Atlantic Baptist Fellowship.

Please give as God enables you to do so.

GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, September 8, 2012 9:00 A.M. - 12 NOON Free Admission First Baptist Church Halifax, 1300 Oxford Street Large Variety of Used Household Items and Furnishings, Dishes, Linens, Small Appliances, Books, Clothing, Footwear, and More!

Students - a great opportunity to outfit your dorm or apartment!

Donations gladly accepted - Please - no TVs or computers Contact 422-5203 for more information or visit our website: firstbaptisthalifax.org

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All Saints and All Souls

PAST, PRESENT

One of the most meaningful services of the year takes place on the first Sunday of November when we remember the loved ones we have lost to death over the previous twelve months. This year the service falls on November 4th.

and FUTURE Deaths Mona Dexter, June 3, 2012 Widow of the late Dr. Earl Dexter

For centuries, All Saints Day (November 1st) has been a time to honour the nameless saints and martyrs who have faithfully served Christ in extraordinary ways in their time, yet whose names are no longer remembered. All Souls Day, November 2nd, developed as a time to honour fellow Christians whom we have known and loved in our own day, especially members of our own families.

Hugh Langin, June 28, 2012 Brother - Marjorie Lindsay Clarence Cavanagh, July 1, 2012 Step-Father - Shealagh McGrath Gladys Peach, July 3, 2012 Helen Milosevich, July 16, 2012 Mother - Olga Milosevich

Once again, our Choir will be preparing special music for this occasion, and we will read aloud the names of our own departed saints during the Communion Service. If one of your loved ones is being named this year, please feel free to contact your family and friends to be with you in worship that day. We will do our best to make them welcome!

Dorothy Lutes, July 20, 2012 Sister - Sally Illsley Bruce Nickerson, August 9, 2012 Uncle - Heather Harris

Marriages Constant Ma and Liang Zhou - June 3

Prayer Circle Did 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.

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Steven and Becky (Wilbe) Johnston - August 4 Parents: Dennis and Lalia Johnston Cody and Carolyn (Wright) Hall - August 4 James and Karen (Lake) Duncan - August 4 Parents: Susan and Gary Duncan Michael and Janet (Wells) Balsom - September 1

INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

T

he Inter-generational Family Fellowship meets on the first Saturday of the month, generally 5:30-8:00 p.m., at the homes of various members or occasionally at the church.

The format consists of a potluck supper or costshared pizza, followed by an hour of adult discussion and prayer time, while the children are supervised in play or watch a child-friendly program in a separate room. We have mainly been viewing the NOOMA DVD series http://nooma.com by Pastor Rob Bell.

New members of all ages are always welcome!

For more information, contact Sandy Yip at amyip@eastlink.ca.

A Monument to a Misery In the southern part of Alabama, in a village called Enterprise—in the town square—there is a monument erected to an insect. It is probably the only monument of its kind in the world. The monument honors the Mexican boll weevil.

In 1895, when the bug first appeared, the annual yield of thirty-five-thousand bales of cotton was cut by forty percent. The damage spread through the Cotton Belt—from Alabama to Texas. In their desperation to survive, the cotton farmers had to turn to more diversified farming. They began to raise corn and potatoes and, most of all, peanuts.

In 1919 we are told that the country’s peanut crop was yielding more than a million bushels annually.

In that year of prosperity, a fountain was built across from the courthouse square in Enterprise.

The inscription read: In profound appreciation of the Boll Weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama.

me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (7-9).

There are at least two things to be learned from this passage. Paul does not call his misery “a blessing in disguise.” We cannot doctor these afflictions. We have to take them as they are. They make hell out of our world and misery out of our lives.

But even after praying three times that his thorn be removed it remained. But Paul discovered a grace that was large enough to bear it and to carry him and was sufficient for his every need.

Perhaps, in your weakness you can build your monument. God will meet you where once God met the Son on a dark Friday afternoon. You will find God’s grace sufficient, and you will give thanks—in the oddest of moments—in the strangest of times—for you will see your monument rise in the midst of your misery.

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, whatever “boll weevils” we may be experiencing, or if we are abounding with joy, may God give us the grace and the ability in everything (to) give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

A people have constructed, literally, a monument to a misery. For the place of most difficulty became, for them, the place of greatest strength.

The time of deepest adversity became, for those families, the moment of greatest blessing.

Remembrance Sunday

Are not some of the miseries in our lives the place and the time when the real turning point in the road can come? We are told in the Chinese language the character that stands for crisis has a double meaning. It can mean danger, but it may also mean opportunity.

First Baptist will observe Remembrance Sunday on Remembrance Day, November 11th this year.

This is a time to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces during the World Wars, the Korean Conflict, Peacekeeping Missions and the war in Afghanistan.

The boll weevils come, do their work, and leave things in shambles. But wise women and men will always begin to salvage, to make adjustments, and to deal with the situation. They carve, quite literally, a monument out of a misery.

In honouring their sacrifice we also lift up the vision of peace for which all peoples, including soldiers, fervently hope. Making peace also requires deep and costly sacrifices, but as those who seek to follow Jesus, we know that he is already at work for the healing of the nations.

The apostle Paul, in II Corinthians 12 tells of a misery he experienced in his life: …in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to

- Rev. Nelson A Metcalfe

Join us on November 11th at 10:30 as we worship, reflect and remember together!

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CHILDREn’S PagE It’s First Baptist Church’s 185th Birthday on September 30th. Colour the Birthday Cake and say a prayer of thanks to God for the ministry and people of the congregation!

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Why We Sing the Kyrie The origins of Church Music go back to the early Christians and their roots in ancient liturgical music of Judaism. In the Old Testament, we read that official musicians at the opening ceremonies of temple of Solomon (900 B.C.) were cantors, players of cymbals, harps, lyres, and trumpet (2 Chronicles 5:12-13). The writings of the Jewish Talmud lists the Psalms as accompanied by plucked stringed instruments, with trumpet on breaks (Selah). The early Christians would have been familiar with synagogue worship: readings from the Law and the Prophets, psalmody, teaching, prayer and final blessing. It is not unusual that the early Christians did not record the musical elements of their worship, as it would have been assumed to be common knowledge of the period.

The Jewish Cantors sung text on a single note, with simple melodic changes to go with the grammatical text. Although not documented by modern standards, it can be assumed that the traditions of the synagogue were absorbed into Christian worship. Some examples from the Christian Bible are the “Alleluia” refrain (Rev. 19:6-9), song of Mary (Magnificat), song of Zechariah (Benedictus), song of Simeon (Nunc Dimitis) (Luke 1:46-55,67-79, 2:29-32)

church modes (interval patterns for Psalm singing), and development of the Mass. It was Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-530), abbot and founder of Italian monasteries, who developed the Rule of Day. The monk’s day included:

Over the next few hundred years, the early Christians began to formulate worship patterns based on their Judao origins. History tells us that Christianity gained recognition by the conversion in 313 A.D. of Emperor Constantine. He founded Constantinople in 328, making it the center of Christian culture and learning, kin to Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria and Rome. As Imperial Rome collapsed, Pope Leo the Great (440-461) helped the church pick up the political reins, which propelled the Christian church into the great flowering of Christian music referred to as the Medieval Period.

It was during this Medieval Period that Gregorian chant developed, named for Gregory the Great (4th-6th c.). Gregory the Great (b. 540), was Pope from 589 to 604 A.D. He re-established Roman authority, worked in international and national politics, developed charities and hospitals, revised tax systems, redrew law and penal code, preached, wrote doctrine on law and faith, and helped to accomplish conformity in styles of worship. Is is no wonder that historians credited the development of Gregorian Chant to his name.

1. Cantillation or Chant (prayers, readings, psalms) 2. Free composition (antiphons) 3. New poems set to music (hymns)

Through the Medieval period (4th-13th c), Christian music developed from text on a single note, to

Matins (morning) before daybreak Lauds (praises) at dawn Prime (at 1st hour) 6 am Terce (3rd hour) 9 am Sext (6th hour) midday None (9th hour) 3 pm Vespers (evening) about 6 pm Compline (completion) end of the day Lesser hours (Prime, Terce, Sext, None) had a simple hymn, 3 psalms, chanted scripture and response. The cantor chanted by following the grammar of the text, always unaccompanied. The Mass, Eucharist, and Divine Office were celebrated daily in the matins, Lauds, Vespers, Compline. By the 11th century, Chant was finally starting to be notated, and although many consider this to be the origin of Chant, we know that it developed from Judao synagogue tradition and early Monastic worship. In the 11th century, worship music is notated as 1 of 3 types:

As time progressed from the 11th to13th centuries, the Christian Mass became a mainstay in Monastic worship tradition. The later Medieval Mass merged the Monastic Liturgy and Eucharistic Feast into a worship format that is still celebrated today: • Introit –sung by choir • Epistle • Kyrie • Gradual -choir • Prayers • Alleluia -choir • Gloria  Sequence  Versicle/response  Gospel  Collects  Credo And that is why we sing the Kyrie. Are you glad you asked?

Director of Music, Lynette Wahlstrom

Translation: Kyrie eleison—Lord have mercy Chiste eleison—Christ have mercy

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50 years ago: Looking back to 1962 New Directions With the completion of the new church building and the extension of the CE Wing behind them, the congregation was ready to turn its attention in new directions. Motivated by the success of the Africville Project, there was a new energy bursting forth. The slow decline in membership since the opening of the CE Wing was reversed with the addition of 29 new members to bring the total to 684.

To harness this new energy, a committee was appointed to survey the total ministry of the church, and to re-organize the total church program to give renewed impetus to church life. Three additional new committees were formed: one, to foster study of our Christian faith and heritage; one on evangelism to reach beyond our Baptist tradition; and a third to examine Christian mission and world Christianity. Reverend Max DeWolfe also recommended placing more emphasis on the Maritime United Baptist Convention and the Halifax County United Baptist Association. On September 23, Hubert Barnstead and the Visitation committee organized an entire church membership visitation.

The Board of CE was chaired by G.M. Dewis.

Garnet Colwell replaced Miss Maxine Morse as Vice-Chair. An effort was made to offer something for every age group.

The Church School, with 219 students, was led by Earl Dexter, who said: "Our purpose is to build that which cannot be destroyed." The creche was run by Mrs. John Conn. The congregation relaxed the restrictions on children in the sanctuary and allowed that they might attend part of the worship service on special occasions. Judy Hicks was presented the Parker Colpitts award.

The Family Life Committee led a mid-week service and study session. The mid-week bible study aver-

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aged 45 people of all ages. Garnet Colwell also formed a Children’s Committee and organized a Halloween Party for the 9-11 year olds. Rev. Bartlett led a series of Junior and Senior High School nights, and a Boy’s Parliament. There were a series of retreats for the High School and Young Adults groups. The Young Adult Fellowship group met on Sunday afternoons following the service.

The Young Married Couples group met regularly. A Senior Citizens’ group was formed and Men’s Club activities were revived.

In the Sunday School, film strips were introduced as teaching aids. Mr. Percy Prentice donated a cabinet for storage and Lois Duffy took charge of filing and indexing the film strips and slides. The Grade 8 teacher was Dr. D. Eisner and the Grade 11 teacher was Mrs. Marilyn Peers.

We baptized 13 new members: Fred Barrow, Helen Daley, Elizabeth DeWolfe, Peter Doull, David Drysdale, Ellen Evans, Douglas Foran, James Fraser, Marian Halfield, Ellen Hicks, Charles Illsley, Wayne Sarty and Marian Welch.

The House Committee was chaired by W.L. Dickson. The major item for 1962 was the paving of the driveway.

Elsewhere in the world in 1962: John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth; the Rolling Stones first performance at the Marquee Club in London; the term "Personal Computer" was first used in the media; and Chubby Checker topped the charts with "Let’s Twist Again".

In future issues: November 2012: The Life of the Church Research by Ed Tummer

November 3rd Christmas Tea and Sale 2012 Celebrating the 185th Anniversary of Our Church Sitting beside an open window with the bright sunshine and warm August breeze brightening the day, is not really conducive to thinking about winter and snow and CHRISTMAS - however, preparations and plans are well under way for this year's "Tea and Sale". This is a long standing tradition for our Church and for many Haligonians, so mark your calendars, November 3rd, and get the word out that this year’s event is shaping up to be the best ever Tea and Sale, celebrating our church’s 185th Anniversary – certainly, as in the past, this is an event not to be missed.

Orchestrating such an event requires the utmost involvement and commitment from the organizing group, the Maestro, to everyone in the congregation and our extended church family, the woodwind, the percussion and the string instruments, but it is also fun! One of the greatest benefits of the Tea and Sale is the camaraderie and fellowship that comes from working together for a common purpose.

Last year’s team put it this way “We need whatever amount of "time, treasure, and talent" which you can give. Be it great or small we need it all!” – a great motto that works well for this year’s team too!

Our members and friends have been very busy but can always use your help. All crafters are invited to donate their creative efforts; knitting, crocheting, tatting, rug hooking etc.; donations of baked goods, books, craft supplies, Christmas decorations, jewelry, and items for the "new to you" table are needed. Any glass, crystal, paintings, silver, or antiques suitable for the silent auction are always welcome.

Items which are designated for the "Silent Auction"

need to be appraised. Appraisals for items such as these takes time, so, should you have something for this category, donate it early. Tax receipts for the selling price will be issued to the donors of those items. All items which you have so lovingly stored for us in your homes and cottages just waiting for the opportunity to donate them to a worthy cause are much appreciated and will brighten a special spot in someone else’s home.

Last year, the Tea Room opened at 2:00 pm rather than 2:30 as in previous years. This was appreciated so much by those attending and also by those working, that it will now become a permanent feature.

Like our modern economy, we too find it necessary to adjust our admission price for adults from $5.00 to $6.00. We will however keep the children’s entry price at $1.00 to encourage them to participate. Six adult tickets can be purchased for $30.00. Proceeds from this event are used to support not only the "upkeep" and “special projects” of the church, but also the "upkeep" of those individuals and groups who benefit from our continued efforts on their behalf. Tickets will be available from the Church Office and from Frank and Sharon McGill and others during Coffee and Conversation.

After September, tickets will be available from these sources, as well as members of the Women’s Auxiliary.

Let’s make November 3rd a great day of celebration; a celebration of 185 years, a celebration of who we are!

Co-Conveners Robin MacInnis (422-6238) and Frank McGill (457-2229)

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We ARE The Church and We Need You! First Baptist Halifax has a long history of community service, religious independence, and advocacy for social justice and tolerance. None of this would be possible without you and your unselfish efforts! However, the number of volunteers ready to lead has not kept pace with our goals and expectations. These past couple years, this seems to be a constant challenge.

Just think of the activities underway – even in the middle of summer. Volunteers usher you to your seat; count the collection; serve Communion, offer us coffee after worship; prepare meals for the poor; and prepare plans for the elevator we are enthusiastic to see installed. Many of these cheerful volunteers have been active in the Church for many years. Every one of us has something to offer and we are appealing to you to consider, as the new Church year draws near, how you can be a more active part of our efforts.

There are so many opportunities to serve. For example, as a congregation, we are Diaconate led and we decided a long time ago that we need 15 Deacons to share this task. Ten Deacons are currently serving!

The Chairs and members of key committees (Board of Management, Finance, Christian Education, Music ….) serve without complaint but many have served for several years and many serve on more than one committee. Perhaps you could join one of these committees?

In Baptist life, we are the Church. THEY IS US. In a thriving and busy fellowship, there is need and room for all to take a place.

Our Nominating Committees are actively searching for Deacons, and for Board and Committee members. Let us all be receptive to the opportunity to serve.

Please, consider how you might take your turn helping us all do what we are called to do, by

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

Contact us today to find your place in serving our fellowship and our community Nominating Committee Chairs are: - for the Diaconate, Lee Nicholas-Pattillo – reallee@ns.sympatico.ca, 443-9784 - for Boards and Committees, David Morse – morseds@eastlink.ca 820-2312

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Community Outreach Committee News Harvest Supper & Silent Auction Mark your calendars for Friday, October 12 at 6:30 PM for the annual Harvest Supper & Silent Auction at First Baptist Church. Once again we will be hosting the event with the Refugee Committee.

Watch for exciting details to follow. All proceeds from the dinner and silent auction will be shared with the Refugee Committee and the Ward 5 Neighbourhood Centre.

Ward 5 Neighbourhood Centre "...is people dedicated to enriching and enhancing the lives of all by sharing in a nurturing and welcoming environment."

Ward 5 Neighbourhood Centre, located on Russell Street in Halifax, is a non-profit organization that has been providing community programs to those who need them and is instrumental in responding to identified needs and community requests for over 30 years. In an average year, the Centre prepares and serves more than 18,000 hot meals to children and seniors. The Centre also operates St. Mark's Food Bank which distributes approximately 40 tons of food to as many as 4,000 people (almost half being children). Ward 5 also provides a wide range of programs for children and seniors such as pre and after school children's care, senior's dances, and Christmas Baskets for the needy to name a few.

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 $4,171.71 was raised and donated to The Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank and the Refugee Committee.

always, the dinner was really appreciated by all the guests who were there. 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. Thanks again.

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

Buy 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 Rise Again ..................... $10.00 Ethiopian ....................... $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!

We are also selling Fair Trade Tea and Fair Trade Chocolate Bars.

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.

Thank You Thank you to all who prepared the Chicken Casserole for the ARK Sunday Supper on July 29. As

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MEN WITHOUT JACKETS On Sunday April 15, the men sang at a communion service at Victoria Hall. Our guest conductor, Patrick Salah, led us in Lynette’s absence while Nelson Metcalfe conducted an Easter communion service for the ladies. Our thanks to Patrick for filling in for Lynette, who had another commitment.

Comings and Goings: Our very own Gordon Taylor will be leaving us this summer as he starts a new life in Wolfville.

Gordon is our most senior member. At age 90+ he is an inspiration to all of us. Our Wolfville Concert has been scheduled for Sunday, October 14. Rehearsal late afternoon, followed by a light supper provided by the Wolfville Men's Chorus. Concert at 7:00 pm. Mark your calendars.

This will be a great opportunity to welcome Gordon to his new home and sing with him again as he plans to join the Wolfville Men's Chorus. Gordon is also famous for being the nephew of the very first Captain of the Nova Scotia Schooner BLUENOSE. We will also miss David Morse who has joined the Bay Chorale. However, David will continue to be an enthusiastic fan whenever we participate in worship services.

Also Rex Deverell will be finishing his time in Halifax and plans to return to Ontario. Rex has been a great addition to our choir and we will miss him and Rita.

Our last rehearsal for the season was May 26 in preparation for the worship service in June.

Rehearsal is the last Saturday of each month from 10:00 am until noon (some exceptions).

Schedule - 2012

(Once by an Inland Water) Sat Oct 13 Rehearsal. (special rehearsal before concert) Sun Oct 14 Wolfville Concert 7:00 pm.

(Rehearsal at 4:00 pm, supper with hosts) Sat Oct 27 Rehearsal Sat Nov 24 Rehearsal Sat Dec 1 No rehearsal, MWJ are invited to decorate the sanctuary Sun Dec 16 Carols by Candlelight with Brass Quintet Sun Dec 23 Victoria Hall (Christmas communion service) Remember, we call ourselves "Men Without Jackets" because God never said we needed to dress up to sing his praises. We rehearse normally the last Saturday of each month at 10 am. Join us. For further information, contact our Director of Music, Lynette Wahlstrom.

Men Without Jackets: Luke Morrison, 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, Jeremy Dutcher, Kim Davison, Ed Tummers, Dahrl Whitney, Richard MacMichael. Guest Conductor: Brandon Lange. Guest organists, Patrick Salah, Shawn Whynot.

Sat Sep 29 Rehearsal Sun Sep 30 185th Anniversary Service.

St. Luke Service Our annual St. Luke Service in partnership with the Dalhousie Medical School’s Medical Humanities Department will take place on October 14th at 10:30 a.m. Once again, the Dalhousie Medical Chorale under the leadership of Bryan Crocker will be singing at the service. As this newsletter was being prepared we had still not received final confirmation of our guest speaker stay tuned in the Sunday bulletin and on the website for further news!

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- Ed Tummers

Worship at First Baptist September to November 2012

September 2: Pentecost 14; Communion Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 James 1:17-27;Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Sermon - Rev. Renée Clark

October 14: St. Luke Service TBA Music: Dalhousie Medical Chorale

September 9: Pentecost 15 Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125 James 2:1-10, 14-17; Mark 7:24-37 Change of Heart, Change of Mind - Rev. John E. Boyd

October 21: Pentecost 21 Job 38:1-7, 34-41; Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45 Guest Speaker: Rev. Mandy England Cole

September 16: Pentecost 16 Proverbs 1:20-33; Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 - 8:1 James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38 Live and Learn, Learn and Live - Rev. John E. Boyd

October 28: Pentecost 22 Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22 Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 10:46-52 - Rev. Renée Clark

September 23: Pentecost 17 Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 54 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 185 Years - So What? - Rev. John E. Boyd

November 4: All Saints Sunday; Communion Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44 The Home of God - Rev. John E. Boyd Special Music

September 30: 185th Anniversary Scriptures: TBA Sermon: Rev. Dr. Bill Leonard Special Music

November 11: Remembrance Sunday Micah 4:1-5; Psalm 133 Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44 Guest Speaker Special Music

October 7: World Communion and Thanksgiving Sunday Joel 2:21-27; Psalm 126 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Matthew 6:25-33 Thanks is Given - Rev. John E. Boyd

November 18: Pentecost 24 1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25; Mark 13:1-8 - Rev. Renée Clark

November 25: Reign of Christ Sunday 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12 Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37 A New Standard - Rev. John E. Boyd

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HOW TO CONNECT? First Baptist Church Halifax 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax Nova Scotia, B3H 3Y8 Web Site: firstbaptisthalifax.org Telephone: (902) 422-5203 FAX: (902) 422-8665 General E-mail: fbaphfx@eastlink.ca Personal E-mail: srminister@eastlink.ca lynettewfbc@eastlink.ca na.metcalfe@ns.sympatico.ca revreneefbc@eastlink.ca Blog: boydsblog-jeb.blogspot.net Twitter: @JEBhfx

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