Pentecost 24 First Baptist Church Halifax

November 19, 2017

Parable of the The Talents By JESUS MAFA—an artistic response to the New Testament reading from the Lectionary by a Christian community in Cameroon, Africa.

2

The Community Gathers for Worship

Prelude: Organist, Lynette Wahlstrom

Suite liturgique- Bédard Please use this time to settle for worship

*Please stand as you are able

*Processional Hymn: Congregation

#464 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (HYMN TO JOY)

*Call to Worship: Rev. Jenny Drewitz & Congregation

Lift up your eyes, seeking to know your God. Attune your spirit to the One in whom we dwell. God’s love surrounds us here today. God calls us to be children of light. We belong to the day when we have faith. We live confidently in the hope of salvation. We seek to be faithful to the best we know. We want to invest the talents God gives us. Faithfulness gives us a sense of greater abundance. Doing justice adds to our sense of worth and dignity. We are here to build up one another. May our worship encourage each of us today.

Welcome to First Baptist Church Halifax! If you are visiting with us today, please know how glad we are to have you with us as we worship God together. We invite you to complete a visitor’s card, located in the hymnal rack in front of you, and place it in the offering plate later in the service. You are also invited to stay for coffee and conversation immediately following this morning’s service. We gather in the Parlor, just behind the Sanctuary.

3

*Prayer of Approach Holy One, we long to be faithful stewards of your

abundant grace. We are called to serve each other in love and humility and serve your world with wisdom and energy. Forgive us when we stumble over pride, when our words and actions are not guided by love. Turn our hearts when we act in folly. Restore our energy when it is gone. Sometimes, many times, O God, our efforts fail. But your abundant grace is strong and eternal, and forgiveness is ours through Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Anthem Sheila Davis, soloist

O Taste and See - Vaughan Williams

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards *Children’s Hymn:

Congregation

#369 I'm Gonna LIve So God Can Use Me (I'M GONNA LIVE)

Children’s Story: Rev. Jenny Drewitz & Congregation

First Testament: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 (pg. 874) Alan Manchester *Psalm Lesson: 90 (the Inclusive Bible)

Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the

next.

4

Before the mountains were born, you brought forth the earth and the world; you are God without beginning or end. R You turn humankind back into dust and say: “Go back, creatures of the earth!” For in your sight a thousand years are like yesterday, come and gone, no more than a watch in the night. You sweep us away like a dream, fleeting as the grass that springs up in the morning—in the morning it sprouts, buy by evening it has withered and died. Make us realize how short life is that we may gain wisdom of heart. R

Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (pg. 205) Peggy Dunbar *Gradual Hymn

Congregation

#374 Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace (DICKINSON COLLEGE)

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30 (pg. 28)

Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards

Sermon: The Church and Oak Island

Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards

Offertory Anthem Choir God be in My Head – Rutter

*Presentation of Offering: Doxology (OLD 100TH)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Christ, all people here below, Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

5

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Deacon Pauline Allsop

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. *Recessional Hymn:

Congregation

#420 God of Grace, and God of Glory (CWM Rhondda)

Benediction & Choral Amen Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards

Postlude: Organist Duo, Amanda and Anthony Zadeh

Sortie -Bédard

News Notes

Our Prayer List

We pray for all members of our congregation, especially those who are in frail health and unable to join with us for worship and activities. Particular prayers are requested for: Lynne Alary, Roy Yetman, Judy Morton, Florence Margeson, Pearl Stevens, Marjorie Morrisson, and Betty Deal. Sincere sympathies to family and friends of Donald Reid who passed away earlier this week. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

6

Acknowledgement I wish to express my sincere thanks for the organizers and participants for the Retirement Liturgy and Reception held in recognition of my twelve years as part-time Minister of Visitation last Sunday at First Baptist, Halifax. The attendance and expressions of best wishes was overwhelming. The gift of an engraved stained glass panel was unexpected and will be even more greatly appreciated when I am able to arrange for a “hanging”! My wife, Arlene, wants to thank you for the beautiful plant. Thank you also for the “novel” idea of a book containing many greetings and best wishes, although I must confess there were times when I failed to recognize the person they were writing about! It has been a wonderful twelve years and I give thanks to God for the health and strength that was given as well as for the many friendships that developed and will remain for a long time. Sincerely, Nelson A Metcalfe, Minister of Visitation

Faith Development Notes

Clergy Schedule Note Rev. Jenny Drewitz will be away on silent retreat at the Seton Spirituality Centre from Monday Nov. 20th thru Wednesday Nov. 22nd. She will not have access to phone or email during this time. Men at Work Breakfast & Discussion: Men’s Health: The Body-Mind-Spirit Connection with Dr. Rob Rutledge Saturday November 25, 8:30am – 10am First Baptist Church, Parlour Dr. Rob Rutledge is a Radiation Oncologist and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. In addition to his commitment specializing in breast, prostate, and pediatric cancers, he invests his personal time as a dynamic and passionate speaker, presenting scientific knowledge and providing insight gained from serving people dealing with life-threatening

7

diseases. Please RSVP to: neil.ritchie@invictahealth.com, call 902 489-9123 for more information. All are welcome! Youth Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf Saturday, November 25 from 5:45-7:45pm Putting Edge, 182 Chain Lake Drive All youth grade 7-12 are invited for an evening of mini golf and fun! Cost is $16/ea which includes 18 holes of golf, some arcade games and a party room with snacks. Please RSVP to Rev. Jenny if you are able to attend, or if you need a ride or help with the fee. Advent Potluck Lunch Sunday Dec. 3, following worship (First Sunday of Advent) Assembly Room Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the beginning of the Advent season with a potluck lunch. This is for all ages and stages in the congregation. If you are able to prepare something for the lunch, please sign up on the sheet in front of the parlour. Don’t forget to indicate which food item you plan to bring. This helps the board of Christian Education to fill in the gaps. During the lunch we'll engage in faith conversation about Christmas hymns, and maybe sing a little too. There will also be a puzzle that will need everyone's help to work on! Hope to see you there.

Music Notes Songsters – “Meet & Sing” Sunday, weekly following Worship service. Chancel Open to all interested youth (ages 2-17), especially new singers. Come and hear what fun it is to sing! Please see Lynette for more information.

8

Community Outreach

Food Bank Sunday November 19 The third Sunday of each month is “Food Bank Sunday!”. All donations will go 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. We encourage you to keep bringing in non-perishable items to help fill our trunk each month. The trunk is located in the Narthex. Clothing Donations Deadline December 8th The outreach team is collecting gently used, clean items to distribute at the Brunswick St. Mission Breakfast on Saturday December 9th. Items such as sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and gloves would be greatly appreciated. There will be a box in the narthex to collect your donations. Brunswick St. Mission Breakfast 2107 Brunswick St. December 9, 5:30am First Baptist Church will be preparing and serving breakfast for the Brunswick Street Mission on this date. Although a busy time of year for everyone, we are hoping that lots of volunteers will sign up for this very rewarding outreach project. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parlour. White Gift Program Sunday Dec. 10th Worship Service This special Advent program is a great way to support the needs and causes of our community! Last year, members of the congregation generously donated $8,049.00 to the program. This year we are hoping to provide gifts for at least 80 people and donate a minimum of $1,500.00 for Christmas dinners as well as

9

support a few other worthy organizations this holiday season. Volunteers are needed to:

• Purchase and wrap gifts of clothing, household items, and toys

• Deliver the food boxes, as well as the gifts, to the recipients on December 16th at 9:00 AM

We’re counting on your support to make our White Gift Program a success again this year – a wonderful way to bring Christmas to families in need!

Community Notes

A Grand Welcome Piano Concert! Sun., Nov. 19th, 3pm First Baptist Church Halifax, Sanctuary FBCH and Fountain School of Performing Arts present Chamber Music. Join pianists Peter Allen and Lynette Wahlstrom, with special guests Sonia Hellenbrand, violin, and Jacob MacDonald, cello, in music by Liszt, Chopin and Beethoven. A Grand Welcome, Full-Stick, to celebrate FBC's new CX7 Yamaha grand piano. Freewill offering at the door will be shared by FSPA and FBC. Induction Service for Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Sunday Nov. 26, 3pm

It was during the longer and warmer days of summer when we first welcomed our new Senior Minister! So much has happened since then as Rusty has settled in to his new role and there is much excitement ahead as we approach our busy Advent season – but first, we invite you to join us on Sunday November 26th for the induction service for Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards. The transitional road was a long one and this ceremony marks a very special moment for us as we officially receive our new Senior Minister to our congregation. Please join this momentous occasion. Reception to follow in the parlour.

10

FBC Auxiliary Christmas Luncheon November 27th 12noon for 12:30pm Assembly Room Everyone is welcome to join us for our concluding meeting of 2017. Come and enjoy this opportunity for festive fellowship with members of the Auxiliary. Marlene Dexter (marlenedexter@eastlink.ca) and Judy Whalen (judywhalen@eastlink.ca) are coordinating this event. Christmas Memorial Flowers Deadline: Monday Dec. 11th Members and friends of First Baptist Church are invited to place Memorial Flowers, the beautiful poinsettias, in the church for the Christmas season that honour the lives of family members and friends. You can donate to the fund by placing your offering in an envelope marked “Flowers”. Please note if you wish to have your name added to the acknowledgements that will be in the bulletin of Sunday Dec. 17th. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the church office via email at office@fbchalifax.ca or by calling during office hours a 902-422-5203.

Greater Community Notes

Volunteer Opportunity, Friendship Centre November 21st 9am – 3pm The Friendship Centre is looking for volunteers to assist with filling shampoo bottles and other toiletry items for distribution. More details can be found on the Friendship Centre Facebook page. The Halifax Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) A Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent & Christmas Monday Dec. 4th, 7:00pm Cathedral Church of All Saints The evening will begin with a recital of organ music by organists from the

11

Centre and will continue with the Service of Lessons and Carols, featuring choirs and clergy from churches in Halifax, Lunenburg and Elmsdale, including our own First Baptist Halifax. A freewill offering will be received. All are welcome. 36th Halifax Scouts - Christmas Trees The Scouts are selling Christmas trees and wreaths by pre-sale only. Pick-up day is Saturday, December 9 from 9am to 12pm. For your convenience, order forms are available by the bulletin board outside of the parlour. Alternatively, you may pre-order your tree or wreath by calling Scouter Howard Donohoe at 902-223-4544. Your support helps the scouts to purchase equipment and program aids.

This Week in Our Church: Nov 20 - 26

Please refer to the calendar on our website for a complete list of activities. Church Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm.

Today 10:30am Creche, Worship 11:45am Songsters, Sanctuary 11:45am, Coffee & conversation Tuesday – 6:30pm, Board of Management(Boardroom) Tuesday – 7:00pm, Visitation (Parlour) Wednesday – 11am, Clergy Meeting Wednesday – 5:30pm, The Nativity discussion (Parlour) Thursday – 5:30pm, Refugee Committee (Boardroom) Thursday – 7:00pm, Choir Practice Saturday – 5:45pm, Youth Mini Golf

Next Sunday: November 26, 2017; Christ the King Sunday 10:30am Creche, Worship Has the Church Found Jesus? Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards 11:45am, Coffee & Conversation 3:00pm, Induction Service for Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards

12

Our Mission

To be an inclusive and ecumenical community of believers in Jesus Christ, committed to proclaim God’s mission of love by word and deed.

Our Vision To be a Christ-centered community of diverse people experiencing God’s unconditional love and acceptance, finding opportunities to grow and nurture our faith, and sharing that love, acceptance and faith with the world.

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

Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards, Senior Minister (rustyedwards@fbchalifax.ca)

Rev. Jenny Drewitz, Minister of Faith Development (jennydrewitz@fbchalifax.ca)

Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe, Minister of Visitation (na.metcalfe@ns.sympatico.ca)

Ms. Lynette Wahlstrom, Director of Music (lynettewahlstrom@fbchalifax.ca) Dr. Pauline Allsop, Deacon Emerita

First Baptist Church Halifax - Where Faith Comes To Life! Founded in 1827

1300 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8 Office 902-422-5203

www.fbchalifax.ca; office@fbchalifax.ca facebook.com/FirstBaptistHalifax

Of Service To YouToday

Deacon on Duty: David Clarke Sexton on Duty: Sandrico Provo