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The Newsletter of First Baptist Church Halifax Vol. 22 No. 1 February 2012

Where Faith Comes To Life!

N o doubt you are familiar with the old saying, The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The saying came to me as I was reflecting on the situation faced by the original members of our con-gregation when it was organized on September 30th, 1827, 185 years ago this fall. Surprisingly, there are a number of similarities with the situation faced by First Baptist today.

They had left their denominational home after lengthy efforts to resolve differences. The first six members of the Granville Street Baptist Church (our original name) had been active members of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the oldest Church in what would become Canada. Because of a dispute with the hierarchy of the Church of England over the ap-pointment of a new rector, these six, to be followed later by many others, had decided to leave their de-nomination to form a new congregation with a Bap-tist identity. Prior to making their decision, they had worked for three years to find another option, all to no avail.

Ironically, 185 years later we find ourselves separat-ing from the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches due to a dispute over congregational authority and freedom. Like our forbearers, we object to the un-warranted interference of denominational officials in the life of the congregation by proscribing certain doctrines and policies. Similarly, the process that led to such a difficult decision involved close to six years of intense efforts to resolve our differences with no success.

Their dispute involved the appointment of a rector. When Rev. Dr. Inglis resigned St. Paul’s to become Bishop of Nova Scotia, the congregation, following its understanding of the law of the day, decided to recommend the appointment of Dr. Twining. To their astonishment, they learned that Dr. Inglis had al-ready appointed Rev. John Willis, a choice ratified by the King. Apparently, the law allowing St. Paul’s to recommend their own choice for rector did not

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE...

apply should their previous rector be appointed Bish-op, as in this case. In spite of many efforts to change minds, the Bishop’s choice prevailed.

Although the dispute between First Baptist and the CABC is much broader than the choice of a rector (pastor), one aspect involves the insistence by Con-vention officials that their authority over a pastor’s ministry takes precedence over that of the congrega-tion. The specific issue is whether or not a pastor can conduct a same-sex marriage. First Baptist fol-lows a non-discrimination policy regarding sexual orientation and the Convention threatens to remove pastors from its list of accredited ministers should they officiate at one. This particular issue is ongoing.

They eventually found a new denominational home. At the time of its founding in 1827, the new Granville Street Baptist Church was not part of any organized denominational body even though it had specifically chosen a Baptist identity. As early as 1828 they suc-cessfully petitioned the Nova Scotia Baptist Associa-tion (one of the founding bodies of the CABC) for membership and became the champions of a new effort in education that led to the establishment of Acadia College in 1838.

First Baptist Church Halifax is actively pursuing posi-tive relationships with fellow progressive Baptists in the Atlantic Baptist Fellowship and the Alliance of Baptists. The Church continues to be an active member of the Halifax Region United Baptist Associ-ation, a membership first begun in 1827. Like our forebearers in 1827, we desire to be part of a vital and effective denominational body through which we can advance the local, regional, national and global mission of the Church.

As we celebrate our 185th Anniversary this year, let us find encouragement and inspiration in the exam-ple of those brave six who were baptized on Sep-tember 30th, 1827, beginning the adventure we con-tinue to live! - Rev. John E. Boyd

Page 2

ATLANTIC BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP

T he annual Friends Luncheon and Vincent Rush-

ton Memorial Lecture sponsored by the Atlantic

Baptist Fellowship (atlanticbaptistfellowship.ca) will

be held in the Manning Memorial Chapel on Satur-

day, June 2 at noon. The speakers will be Rex and

Rita Deverell.

Rex Deverell is a socially en-

gaged playwright born in To-

ronto, raised in Orillia, now liv-

ing in Halifax. After graduating

from McMaster University, he

was a pastor in rural Ontario

before writing for the theatre. A

prolific playwright, having pro-

duced nearly fifty dramatic

works - plays for children, mu-

sicals, political satires, historical documentaries, and

scripts for television and radio, he also holds the Ca-

nadian record for longest run as a playwright in resi-

dence, 1975-90, at the Globe Theatre in Regina. In

1978 he won the Canadian Authors Award for Boiler

Room Suite.

Rita Deverell is currently the holder of Nancy's

Chair in Women's Studies at

Mount St. Vincent University.

Her distinguished career has in-

cluded work as an academic,

broadcaster, television producer/

director, journalist, arts adminis-

trator and theatre artist. Rita was

the first woman to lead a journal-

ism program in Canada in her po-

sition as Director of the School of

Journalism at the University of Regina in the 1980s.

She recently completed her term as head of news and

current affairs at the Aboriginal People's Network

and was a founding member of Vision TV, the

world's first multi-faith and multicultural network.

Rita was recognized in 2005 with an Order of Cana-

da for her pioneering work in journalism, and has

authored several screenplays for which she also

served as producer and director.

The Luncheon is open to all interested people and

you can reserve a ticket by contacting Kim Sweet at

kim2@ns.sympatico.ca.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES

W e are continuing the tradition of early morn-

ing Holy Week Services among South End

Churches. The services begin at 7:30 a.m. followed

by a continental style breakfast at 8 a.m. This is the

schedule:

Monday: Cathedral Church of All Saints

Tuesday: St. Andrew’s United Church

Wednesday: First Baptist Church Halifax

Thursday: Presbyterian Church of St. David

We will have our Maundy Thursday Communion

and Tenebrae Service at 7 p.m. on April 5th and this

year the Good Friday Service will be hosted by St.

John’s United Church at the Conservatory on

Chebucto Road. The congregations of First Baptist

Church, St. Andrew’s United Church, St. Matthew’s

United Church, and the Presbyterian Church of St.

David will gather there at 10:30 a.m. on April 6th.

Easter Sunday will begin with a Sunrise Service at

6:30 a.m. at Point Pleasant Park, jointly sponsored

by First Baptist and the Presbyterian Church of Saint

David. Our Easter Service of Baptism and Commun-

ion will begin at 10:30 a.m.

PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

Deaths: Marion Scott, d. Jan. 24, 2012

Page 3

MORE IMPORTANT THAN CHRISTMAS

Easter is the time of year when all Christians cele-

brate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after he was

crucified on the cross. It is probably the most cele-

brated occasion in the Christian calendar. It is even

more important than Christmas itself.

Easter itself is the culmination of forty days in which

time Christians pray, fast and reflect. That time is

called Lent. The forty days are said to represent the

forty days that Jesus was out in the wilderness alone

and where he overcame many temptations of the

devil.

The week before Easter itself is the Holy Week.

Thursday is known as Maundy Thursday and is the

day Jesus had the last supper with his disciples then

Good Friday is the day Jesus was crucified. As we all

know Easter Day is the day in which we celebrate

the resurrection of Jesus and should not be forgotten

when we celebrate Easter.

The Christian church was looking for a time to hold

a celebration for the resurrection of Christ and

changed the pagan celebration of Eostre into their

own celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. They

also changed the day on which the celebration took

place and decreed that the new date was after the

first Sunday after the full moon on or after the Ver-

nal Equinox. This also meant that the date changed

from year to year and is now celebrated between the

22nd March or in some cases as late as the 25th

April.

Many centuries before Jesus was resurrected from

the cross, civilizations celebrated the coming of

spring with grand festivals and rituals so it's no coin-

cidence the Christian church used this time to cele-

brate Jesus' life and death.

But where did the Easter celebration come from?

Well we are not quite sure but it's almost certain that

it is from one of these events:

The word "Easter" could be derived from the pagan

word Eostre who was the goddess of fertility and

birth. The pagans believed she returned to earth

each year around what we now call spring time and

bestowed light and warmth to the land. To mark the

coming of Eostre the pagans laid on huge celebra-

tions in her honor so as not to upset the goddess.

Another version is the Jewish Passover with some

people believing this Hebrew tradition was the basis

of Easter. The Jewish people celebrated around

Easter time to herald the freedom of the Israelites

from incarceration and slavery. This, along with the

resurrection of Christ which happened around the

same time as the Jewish Passover contributed to

many Jews considering the Passover and Easter be-

ing one.

It has become a much commercialized event too

with the integration of Easter eggs, chocolate and

the Easter bunny being at the forefront of the com-

mercialization. The original Easter bunny and eggs

originated from pagan times when they associated

them with the coming of spring and fertility. The

pagans would paint them with bright colors and

hang them in trees and bushes and also give them

out to family and friends. But it was the Germans

who carried on with the tradition, so much so that

around the 18th century the first chocolate Easter

eggs were created by them. Since then we have seen

an explosion of people giving chocolate around

Easter time but it should not be forgotten why East-

er is important for another reason.

No matter how or why we celebrate Easter there is

one thing that all Christian's must never forget. We

should never forget the reason why the world over

people celebrate Easter, and that is the resurrection

of Jesus Christ.

For that very fact Easter is an important date in the

Christian calendar and possibly more important than

Christmas itself.

May you experience a victorious Easter!

Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe

Page 4

UPCOMING MUSIC WITH FBC SR CHOIR

F BC Lenten services will feature one of Pergo-

lesi's most celebrated choral works, the “Stabat

Mater Dolorosa”. Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710–

1736) originally wrote his Stabat Mater (1736) for

male soprano, male alto, string orchestra and basso

continuo. It was commissioned by the Confraternità

dei Cavalieri di San Luigi di Palazzo, a group Italian

gentlemen, for the annual Good Friday meditation in

honor of the Virgin Mary. Stabat Mater Dolorosa is

a 13th-century Catholic hymn to Mary. The text has

been attributed both to the Franciscan Jocapone da

Todi and to Innocent III. The Dolorosa hymn, one of

the most powerful and immediate of medieval po-

ems, meditates on the suffering of Mary, Jesus

Christ's mother, during his crucifixion. This Doloro-

sa text has been set to music by many composers,

with the most famous settings being those by Pale-

strina, Pergolesi, Haydn, Rossini, and Dvorak.

Our own FBC Senior Choir will present 4 of the 13

movements of Pergolesi's “Stabat Mater Dolorosa”

in our Lenten services on Mar. 18th and 25th. The

translations of the entire Latin text is as follows:

“At the Cross her station keeping,

stood the mournful Mother weeping,

close to her Son to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,

all His bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword has passed.

O how sad and sore distressed was that Mother, highly blest,

of the sole-begotten One.

Christ above in torment hangs, she beneath beholds the pangs

of her dying glorious Son. Is there one who would not weep,

whelmed in miseries so deep,

Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain

from partaking in her pain, in that Mother's pain untold?

For the sins of His own nation,

She saw Jesus wracked with torment, All with scourges rent:

She beheld her tender Child,

Saw Him hang in desolation, Till His spirit forth He sent.

O thou Mother! fount of love!

Touch my spirit from above,

make my heart with thine accord:

Make me feel as thou hast felt; make my soul to glow and melt

with the love of Christ my Lord. Holy Mother! pierce me through,

in my heart each wound renew

of my Savior crucified: Let me share with thee His pain,

who for all my sins was slain, who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with thee,

mourning Him who mourned for me,

all the days that I may live:

By the Cross with thee to stay, there with thee to weep and pray,

is all I ask of thee to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!, Listen to my fond request:

let me share thy grief divine; Let me, to my latest breath,

in my body bear the death

of that dying Son of thine. Wounded with His every wound,

steep my soul till it hath swooned, in His very Blood away;

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,

lest in flames I burn and die, in His awful Judgment Day.

Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence, by Thy Mother my defense,

by Thy Cross my victory;

While my body here decays, may my soul Thy goodness praise,

Safe in Paradise with Thee.”

Translation by Edward Caswall

Lyra Catholica (1849)

Lynette Wahlstrom

Director of Music

Page 5

50 YEARS AGO: LOOKING BACK TO 1962

THE AFRICVILLE PROJECT

T he Africville Project had been championed by

Jane Gill, Nancy Hagen, Catherine Isnor,

and Joan MacKinnon. The congregation decided

that this work was so important that they formed the

Social Service Committee to take responsibility.

L.T. Hancock chaired the first meeting of this new

committee.

The founding concept of the committee was to pro-

mote action, rather than to take action. Therefore, it

was agreed that their efforts would be best chan-

neled through Cornwallis Baptist Church. The So-

cial Services Committee would act as enablers, ra-

ther than doers. They worked tirelessly to build

awareness of the plight of Africville among respon-

sible authorities and agencies. They persuaded City

Recreation to establish a playground at Fort Need-

ham. Catherine Isnor and Nancy Hagen were

hired by the City Recreation department to run the

program. They convinced City Council to take ac-

tion to provide better housing. Two clothing drives

were organized. Also, clothing was donated to the

triplets born to Mr. and Mrs. Upshaw at Cornwal-

lis Baptist Church.

The congregation promoted opportunities for reli-

gious education and recreation at First Baptist

Church, YMCA and several other locations. The

Junior High class shared a meeting with students

from Africville. The Guides served meals at the Af-

ricville Church Day Camp. Reverend Charles

Coleman was called to lead Cornwallis and

Seaview Baptist Church. The committee helped the

Cornwallis congregation to organize and host a joint

Christmas party for over 100 children from the three

congregations. Supper was prepared by the Wom-

en’s Auxiliaries and served by the CGIT. Santa

Claus even made a surprise visit. The Africville

children were included in the Christmas program at

FBC.

Elsewhere in 1962, the UN condemned apartheid in

South Africa. In France, women were given the

right to vote. Walmart opened its first store. In the

Vatican, Pope John XXIII convened the Second

Vatican Council to discuss and settle various mat-

ters of church doctrine.

In future issues: May 2012: New Directions

August 2012: Reaching Out

November 2012: The Life of the Church

Research by Ed Tummers

MEN WITHOUT JACKETS

W e finished off the year with a busy advent

schedule. On a beautiful, sunny, Sunday af-

ternoon in December, the ladies of Victoria Hall

gathered for a special Christmas communion ser-

vice. 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 Brandon Lange for his musical leadership. Spe-

cial 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 la-

dies commented after the service: "Thanks so much

for sharing this special Christmas time with us

again this year. Your singing makes such a differ-

ence."

With barely time to relax the Men Without Jackets

gathered again later that afternoon for the choir pho-

to, rehearsal and then the Annual Christmas by Can-

dlelight Carol Service. We sang a beautiful arrange-

ment 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 al-

ways enjoy singing along with Shawn. And a warm

welcome to Tony Marshall who joined us after be-

ing recruited to sing the Duinker Magnifacat. Jere-

my Dutcher sang Schubert’s " Ave Maria" in his na-

tive Maliseet language and then followed that with a

beautiful duet with Natasha Sider. Readings by Ed

Tummers, John Dalton and Nelson Metcalfe

rounded out the men’s participation in the service.

Con’t on page 8

Page 6

EASTER OFFERING

E ach Year at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas

we challenge ourselves to make three special

offerings in addition to our usual offering for these

Sundays.

Although these offerings are not tied to any specific

part of our budget, they are a crucial part of our

strategy to meet the challenges of ministry and out-

reach.

The commitments we made at the Annual Meeting

on February 26th will challenge all of us to more sac-

rificial giving this year. What better time to start

than with our special Easter offering as we remem-

ber the outpouring of God’s love in the Resurrection

of Jesus.

This year's Easter Offering goal is $2500 and a spe-

cial envelope is included with your newsletter.

Wouldn't be wonderful to exceed this goal as we rise

to the challenge of the ministry and mission needs

we have committed ourselves to meet this year?

DATES TO WATCH FOR!

Sunday, April 22, 2012—12 noon

The Annual 55 + Chowder Luncheon

Sponsored by the Community Outreach

Committee

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Bridge Social

Sponsored by the Women`s Auxiliary

Saturday, May 19, 2011

9am—12 noon

Annual Plant Sale

Come one, come all!

YES, WE’RE STILL COLLECTING

SOUP LABELS

Barbershop Choruses in the Metro area are

still collecting Campbell’s Soup labels as one

of their charity projects. The labels are

trimmed, packaged and delivered to Land-

mark East (a school for those with learning

disabilities) in Wolfville. In turn, Campbell’s

provides the school with computers and other

equipment. A receptacle for your labels is

located just inside the entrance to the church

parlor. Thanks for your help.

Nelson Metcalfe for the Atlantic Swells Bar-

bershop Chorus.

ANNUAL YARD SALE

The Women’s Auxiliary will once

again hold a yard sale on Saturday,

April 28, 9am—12 pm.

All volunteers are welcome to help set

up and price through the week and to

assist the day of the sale. Please contact

Louise Schurman at 429-2304 or

louiseschurman@bellaliant.net. There

is always a cup of coffee (and a muffin)

on and lunch at the end of the sale.

We also need things to sell so as you

clean out basements, attics and garag-

es consider donating items. You may

bring them to the church the week pri-

or to the sale. Please no TVs or com-

puters.

Page 7

Page 8

This is an Easter Egg Tree for you to colour. It’s also something you can make at home. Ask Mom or Dad for permission and help!

Page 9

What has been happening with the used postage stamps you have been donating Here is a letter sent to Ellen Layton that explains it all! Thank you Ellen—good job!

Page 10

LENT 101

By Rev. Penny Ford, Pastor of a small UMC Church in

Carrolton, Alabama. From Upperroom.org.

Lent is a season of the Christian Year where Christians

focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to

grow closer to God.

Con`t from page 5

After the service, we were all invited to a choir

Christmas party at the home of Alan and Laurie

Cruess.

This was one of those rare years when Christmas is

celebrated on Sunday and we hold morning worship

services. More than a dozen of us "Good Christian

Men Rejoiced" together in the "Little Town of Beth-

lehem", most of us sporting our special Santa neck-

ties.

Valentine’s Dinner at the church is always a high-

light for us and for the ladies. This year we joined

together with Nelson Metcalfe and the barbershop

quartet "Crosswind" for some our our favourite love

songs.

Remember, we call ourselves "Men Without Jack-

ets" 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 fur-

ther information, contact our Director of Music,

Lynette Wahlstrom.

Men Without Jackets: Luke Morrison, Bryan Dar-

rell, 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, Tony Marshall,

Jeremy Dutcher, Gordon Taylor, Kim Davison, Ed

Tummers, Dahrl Whitney, Richard MacMichael.

Guest Conductor: Brandon Lange. Guest organists,

Patrick Salah, Shawn Whynot.

When is Lent? It's the forty days before Easter. Lent excludes Sundays

because every Sunday is like a little Easter. Basically, it's

about one-tenth of a year (like a tithe of time). Mardi

Gras is the day before Lent, which begins with Ash

Wednesday. This year it's from March 9- April 24

(Easter) 2011.

Mardi Gras? What does that have to do with JESUS?? Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday". It refers to the day

before Lent starts. Since Lent always starts on a Wednes-

day, the day before is always a Tuesday, and it's called

"Fat" or "Great" because it's associated with great food

and parties.

In earlier times, people used Lent as a time of fasting and

repentance. Since they didn't want to be tempted by

sweets, meat and other distractions in the house, they

cleaned out their cabinets. They used up all the sugar and

yeast in sweet breads before the Lent season started, and

fixed meals with all the meat available. It was a great

feast! Through the years Mardi Gras has evolved (in

some places) into a pretty wild party with little to do with

preparing for the Lenten season of repentance and sim-

plicity. Oh well. But Christians still know it's origin, and

hang onto the true Spirit of the season.

So the real beginning of Lent is Ash Wednesday? Yes. Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras, usually

begins with a service where we recognize our mortality,

repent of our sins, and return to our loving God. We rec-

ognize life as a precious gift from God, and re-turn our

lives towards Jesus Christ. We may make resolutions and

commit to change our lives over the next forty days so

that we might be more like Christ. In an Ash Wednesday

service, usually a minister or priest marks the sign of the

cross on a person's forehead with ashes.

Why ashes? In Jewish and Christian history, ashes are a sign of mor-

tality and repentance. Mortality, because when we die,

our bodies eventually decompose and we become dust/

dirt/ash/whatever. Repentance, because long ago, when

people felt remorse for something they did, they would

put ashes on their head and wear "sackcloth" (scratchy

clothing) to remind them that sin is pretty uncomfortable

and leads to a sort of death of the spirit. This was their

way of confessing their sins and asking for forgiveness.

Con’t on page 9

Page 11

Lent 101—con’t from page 8

Where do the ashes come from? On what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus rode a donkey

into Jerusalem while people waved palms and cheered

him on. Less then a week later, Jesus was killed. The

palms that were waved in joy became ashes of sorrow.

We get ashes for Ash Wednesday by saving the palms

from Palm Sunday, burning them, and mixing them with

a little water (like tears) or oil. It's symbolic.

What do Christians do with ashes? At an Ash Wednesday service, folks are invited to come

forward to receive the ashes. The minister will make a

small cross on your forehead by smudging the ashes.

While the ashes remind us of our mortality and sin, the

cross reminds us of Jesus' resurrection (life after death)

and forgiveness. It's a powerful, non-verbal way that we

can experience God's forgiveness and renewal as we re-

turn to Jesus.

So what is LENT? At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God,

which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus,

and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Be-

loved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in

Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was sent into the wilderness by the

Spirit. Where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. During

his time there he was tempted by Satan and found clarity

and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was

ready to begin his ministry.

(Speculation)

Maybe Jesus needed some time with God to sort through

the major changes happening in his life. Maybe needed to

get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in

order to see God (and himself) more clearly. Perhaps he

wanted some intentional time with God as he searched for

direction and answers like you. Like Jesus, we may need

to take some serious time to pray and listen for God.

Why " DO" Lent? How do I start? Are you searching for something more? Tired of running

in circles, but not really living life with direction, purpose

or passion? It's pretty easy to get caught up in the drama

of classes, relationships, family, and work. Our lives are

filled with distractions that take us away from living a life

with Christ. We try to fill the emptiness inside us with

mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol,

too many activities or other irrelevant stuff. We run away

from life and from God.

Lent is a great time to "repent" -- to return to God and re-

focus our lives to be more in line with Jesus. It's a 40 day

trial run in changing your lifestyle and letting God change

your heart. You might try one of these practices for Lent:

FASTING: Some people have been known to go without

food for days. But that's not the only way to fast. You can

fast by cutting out some of the things in your life that dis-

tract you from God. Some Christians use the whole 40

days to fast from candy, TV, soft drinks, cigarettes or

meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. You might

skip one meal a day and use that time to pray instead. Or

you can give up some activity like worry or reality TV to

spend time outside enjoying God’s creation. What do you

need to let go of or "fast" from in order to focus on God?

What clutters your calendar and life? How can you sim-

plify your life in terms of what you eat, wear or do?

SERVICE: Some Christians take something on for

Christ. You can collect food for the needy, volunteer once

a week to tutor children, or work for reform and justice in

your community. You can commit to help a different

stranger, co-worker or friend everyday of Lent. Serving

others is one way we serve God.

PRAYER: Christians also use Lent as a time of intention-

al prayer. You can pray while you walk, create music or

art as a prayer to God, or savor a time of quiet listening.

All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God.

Christians from many different traditions celebrate Lent.

How will you use the time to grow closer to God?

Top Ten List: THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR THE

LENTEN SEASON

10. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Guitar Hero, tex-

ting, tweeting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day

every week. (or everyday of Lent!) Use the time to read &

pray.

9. Start a prayer rhythm. Say a prayer every time you

brush your teeth, hear an ambulance, or check your e-

mail. Before you text someone, pray for them.

8. Read one chapter in the Bible each day. (Matthew is

a good book to start with. Psalms, too.)

7. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it (maybe

even yourself.)

Con’t on page 10

Page 12

2012 COMMITTEE AND BOARD CHAIRS

The following are the Chairs of the various committees and boards of First Baptist Church, as voted on

at the Annual Business meeting, Sunday, February 26, 2012.

Board of Deacons Lee Nicholas-Pattillo 443-9784

Board of Trustees Naomi Mensink 402-1772

Board of Management Joe O`Brien 422-9859

Board of Christian Education Paul Henderson (to June) 835-7952

Cynthia Thomson (July on) 422-5534

Sunday School Superintendent Erick Lee 423-1291

Finance Committee Bill MacInnis 422-6238

Investment Committee Ian McKee 477-3112

Property Maintenance Bryan Darrell 422-7884

Music Committee Laurie Cruess 423-8466

Community Outreach Gwendolyn MacLean 425-6959

Refugee Committee Elinor Nicoll 445-5761

Tellers Committee Co-Chair Bill Ferguson 456-5619

Co-Chair Frank McGill 457-2229

Planned Giving Larry Doane 477-7761

Nominating Committee David Morse 820-2312

Board of Ushers Co-Chair Steven Dexter 222-2399

Co-Chair David Gibson 454-0503

Flower Committee Johanne McKee 477-3112

Visitation Committee David Bourque 479-0708

Archivist Louise Schurman 429-2304

Church Clerk Louise Schurman 429-2304

Auxiliary President Joanne Stonehouse 435-4724

Lent 101—con’t from page 9

6. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Give the money you save to help folks in Haiti or others in crisis.

5. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer.

4. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have

helped you along the way.

3. Be kind to someone each day.

2. Pray for others you see as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work.

1. Volunteer one hour or more each week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, prison ministry or a

Habitat for Humanity project.

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March 4: Lent 2 Genesis 17:1-7,15-16; Ps.22:23-31

Rom. 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38

Are You Crazy, God? - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Children’s Choirs, Copland, Rutter

March 11: Lent 3 Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22

Why Was Jesus Angry? - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Tallis, Byrd

March 18: Lent 4 Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21

Look and Live! - Rev. Renée Clark

Music: Pergolesi

March 25: Lent 5 Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12

Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33

Bigots Need Not Apply - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Pergolesi

April 1: Palm/Passion Sunday; Communion Mark 11:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11

Mark 14:1-15:47 (selected verses)

The Heart of the Story - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Gibbons, Handel, Fauré

Holy Week Services; 7:30 a.m. April 2: Cathedral Church of All Saints

April 3: St. Andrew’s United Church

April 4: First Baptist Church Halifax

April 5: Presbyterian Church of St. David

April 5: Maundy Thursday; 7 p.m. Communion and Tenebrae Service

Music: Fleming, Soloist—Breanna Miller

April 6: Good Friday, 10:30 a.m. Joint Service with First Baptist, St. Andrew's United, and

Presbyterian Church of St. David at St. John's United

Music: Combined Choir

April 8: Easter Sunrise Service, 6:42 a.m.

Joint Service with Presbyterian Church of St. David

Location: Point Pleasant Park, Black Rock Beach area

April 8: Easter Sunday; Baptism and Communion

Acts 10:34-43; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Mark 16:1-8

Why Death Doesn’t Win - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Vaughan-Williams, (five Mystical songs), soloists,

choir and trombone quartet

April 15: Easter 2

Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133

1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31

Heart and Soul - Rev. Renee Clark

Music: Thompson, Roberts

April 22: Easter 3

Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4

1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

The Trajectory of Peace - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Stabback

April 29: Easter 4 Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23

1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

Boldness from God - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Hatch

May 6: Easter 5; Communion Acts 8:26-40 ; Psalm 22:25-31

1 John 4:7-21 ; John 15:1-8

Where Do You Live? - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Daley (Missa Brevis)

May 13: Easter 6; Mothers’ Day Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98

1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

Friends of God's Choosing - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Duruflé, Rorem

May 20: Easter 7; Ascension Sunday

Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47

Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53

The Up and Coming Christ - Rev. Nelson Metcalfe

Music: Bach, Bissell

May 27: Pentecost Sunday; Communion Ezekiel 37:1-14 ; Acts 2:1-21

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

A Celebration of Spirit - Rev. John E. Boyd

Music: Tallis

Worship at First Baptist March 2012—May 2012

Page 14

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First Baptist Church Halifax

1300 Oxford Street, Halifax Nova Scotia, B3H 3Y8

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

E-mail: fbaphfx@eastlink.ca Personal E-mail: srminister@eastlink.ca lynettewfbc@eastlink.ca na.metcalfe@ns.sympatico.ca revreneefbc@eastlink.ca

Web Site: http://www.firstbaptisthalifax.org