All Saint’s Service First Baptist Church Halifax

October 29, 2017

Today we celebrate All Saints Day, the November 1 festival of the Church that recalls the faith and witness of our sisters and brothers in Christ throughout all ages. The service celebrates our continuing communion with them, and memorializes the deceased.

Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and Life” - John 11:25

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The Community Gathers for Worship

Prelude: Organist, Lynette Wahlstrom

Pianist, Amanda Zadeh

Be Thou My Vision - arr Smith Please use this time to settle for worship

*Please stand as you are able

*Processional Hymn: Congregation

#260 A Mighty Fortress is Our God (EIN FESTE BURG)

*Call to Worship: Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards & Congregation (from “For all the Saints Who’ve Shown Your Love” by John

Bell) For all the saints who’ve shown your love in how they live and where they move, for mindful women, caring men, Accept our gratitude again. For all the saints who loved your name, whose faith increased the Saviour’s fame, who sang your songs and shared your word, Accept our gratitude, good Lord.

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.

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For all the saints who named your will, and showed the kingdom coming still through selfless protest, prayer, and praise, Accept the gratitude we raise. Bless all whose will or name or love reflects the grace of heaven above, though unacclaimed by earthly powers, Your life through theirs has hallowed ours.

*Prayer of Confession: Merciful God, we confess to you what we are. We like the

paths of life to be easy, comfortable, and untroubled. We like problems to melt away and hardships to be smoothed over. We do not want the hard way that Jesus takes. We like every step to be free from fears. We like to see mighty power helping us at every turn. We like miracles to happen for our benefit. We do not want the faithful way that Jesus takes. Gracious Lord, guard us against those temptations, alert us to their corruption, forgive us our sins. Teach us to tread the way that Jesus takes, for his sake. Amen.

Words of Assurance Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Anthem Choir

Kyrie & Introit -Faure (Requiem) "Rest eternal give them Lord, and let light always shine on them."

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Jenny Drewitz

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*Children’s Hymn: Congregation

#244 Let Us with a Gladsome Mind (MONKLAND)

Children’s Story: Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards & Congregation

First Lesson: Revelation 7: 9-17 (NT pg. 249)

Jim Stanley

*Psalm Lesson: 34: 1-10 (the Inclusive Bible)

Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards & Congregation

I will bless the LORD always; praise will continually be on my lips! My soul will boast about the LORD—let the oppressed hear it and be glad! Glorify the LORD with me, and let us exalt God’s Name together! I sought the LORD, who answered me and freed me from all my fears. R Those who look to the LORD are radiant, and their faces are never covered with shame. The poor called out; the LORD heard and saved them from their troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who revere God, and rescues them. Taste and see how good the LORD is! Happiness comes to those who take refuge in the LORD.

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Holy people of God, revere the LORD—for those who stand in awe of God lack nothing. The young lion may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD will lack no good thing. R.

Second Lesson: 1 John 3: 1-3 (NT pg. 240) Sheila Stanley *Gradual Hymn

Congregation

This Vaulted Room (ST. COLUMBA)

This vaulted room is all ablaze With light and life and love Our prayers and songs and kindly ways Will echo high above. We listen for a better choice We listen for the spirit We listen for a still small voice That calls for us to hear it. Your love has filled this place with light And love has filled our prayer A love that has transformed the night And taught us how to care. A hymn of Christ’s amazing love A song of transformation to touch the soul and make us whole A holy invocation.

Gospel: Matthew 5: 1-12 (NT pg. 4)

Rev. Jenny Drewitz

Sermon: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn Rev. Jenny Drewitz

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Memorial Moment

Bob Pulsifer Gordon Taylor Jessica Cameron Lois Burnes

Shirley Moir Joan Eisner Kathryn Dickens Gordon Boyd

John Naug Marjorie Hickey Harvey Crowell Bette Smith Eddie Crowell Malcolm Clarke James Mitchell John Feindel David MacKay Edith Chamberlain Martha Easter Louise Schurman

Rev. Dr. W. Carey Harvey Kenneth Crowdis Ellen Layton Edna Pineau

Erving Lester MacDermid Helen Bethune Marjorie Little Iris Oxner

William Joudrey Betty Thomas Jack Saade Elsie Munro

Evelyn Denton Marilyn Sylvester Dorothy Parkes Anne Sylvester Wong

Offertory Anthem Choir

Sanctus - Fauré

"Holy Lord, heaven and earth are full of Your glory, hosanna in the highest"

*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.

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Invitation to the Table Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards and Rev. Jenny Drewitz

Communion Hymn

#509 For the Bread (CROSS OF JESUS)

Agnus Dei/ In Paradisum - Fauré "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, give them rest" / "Into paradise may angels draw them" Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Deacon Neil Ritchie

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. The Peace

Sharing the Holy Feast

Deacons & Congregation

Prayer after Communion Rev. Jenny Drewitz

*Recessional Hymn:

Congregation

#526 For All the Saints (SINE NOMINE)

Postlude: Organ Trio: Lynette Wahlstrom, Amanda Zadeh, and Anthony Zadeh,

For All the Saints – Callahan

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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 and Betty Deal. Sincere sympathy to Peggy Dunbar and family on the death of her Mother, Betty Thomas. A funeral service was held for Betty on Friday October 27th. Sincere sympathy to the Evans family, particularly Clyde, Owen and their familes on the loss of their aunt, Dorothy Parkes. Dorothy passed away on Thursday evening. Service arrangements have yet to be confirmed.

Faith Development Notes

Next Sunday, November 5th is Remembrance Sunday. We will welcome Debbie

Eisan to the pulpit. Debbie is Ojibway Anishinabee kwe from Batchewana First

Nation in Ontario. She retired from the Canadian military after 36 years. Also a

recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, Debbie received the National

Aboriginal Women in Leadership Foundation Award of Distinction in 2004. She

serves as the community planner for the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre in

Halifax.

The Christmas Story: Group Book Discussion of the Nativity Commences Wed. Nov. 8, 5:30 – 8:30pm (4 week program) First Baptist Church Halifax, Parlour Join in this discussion on Vermes’ The Nativity. The weekly meeting begins with a light soup supper followed by discussion. (See Voices for full description of the

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discussion group). Vermes’ 2006 book can be obtained from Clyde Evans (our facilitator). We hope you will choose to attend and participate in this discussion. Please feel free to ask questions of Clyde or Kathy Schwartzentruber. Be part of the Congregational Advent Booklet Respond by Sunday Nov. 5th For this advent season, we want to hear from people in our congregation, similar to the Lent booklet. If you would like to offer a short devotion, prayer or story (approximately 250-300 words) or photos or poems based on an assigned Scripture passage, speak to either Rev. Jenny Drewitz, or Bob or Lara Hazelton. All submissions must be received by Nov 15th. Approximately 25 volunteers are needed. Church Membership Class Sunday Nov. 5th, after worship If you have questions about the Baptist tradition, the First Baptist story, or how your faith journey is part of the larger faith story, please join in! This class is open at all inquisitive minds that are willing to share, learn and grow together.

Music Notes Special thanks! Our first hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God” is to highlight the 500th Anniversary of the reformation. Special thanks to our Senior Choir, for the gift of excerpts from Fauré's Requiem, and to Anthony and Amanda Zadeh for their gift of piano and organ playing this morning. 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.

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Community Outreach

ARK Sunday Supper Sunday October 29 St. Andrew’s Church Thank you to all who have signed up to make and deliver casseroles to St. Andrew’s. Just a reminder to bring them hot between 4:30 – 4:45pm. These meals are an important way for us to provide a hot meal for homeless people and people experiencing hardship who would otherwise go without dinner.

Community Notes

The annual Christmas Tea and Sale Sat., Nov. 4th, 2pm - 4:30 pm. – Ticket Sales now open! First Baptist Church Halifax THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA AND SALE: Less than one week until November 4 for the Best Tea in Halifax and the last Sunday to purchase tickets after the service outside the parlour. A reminder to all volunteers that you must purchase a ticket at the reduced price of $4.00 and also a huge thank you to those that have signed up to make this a successful Tea and Sale. We still need items donated for the Emporium/Boutique as well as the New-to-You. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either Kathy Schwartzentruber (902-444-0883) or Mary Anne Eisener (902-876-7515). Reception for Rev. Nelson Metcalfe Sun. Nov. 12th, after worship First Baptist Church, Parlour After 12 years as our Minister of Visitation, Reverend Nelson Metcalfe will be retiring at the end of December. We will be celebrating his contribution to First Baptist Church at our service on November 12, with a reception to follow in the Church parlour. Please mark this on your calendar so that you can come and celebrate with Nelson. All are welcome!

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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.

This Week in Our Church: Oct. 30 – Nov 5 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 Monday – Friday, set up for Tea & Sale Thursday – 7:00pm, Choir Practice Saturday – 2:00pm – 4:30pm, Tea & Sale Saturday – 7:00pm – Camerata Concert

Next Sunday: November 5, 2017; Remembrance, Communion Sunday 10:30am Creche, Worship with guest speaker, Debbie Eisan 11:45am, Coffee & Conversation 12:00pm, Membership Class

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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 You Today Deacon on Duty: Neil Ritchie

Sexton on Duty: Sandrico Provo Ushers On Duty: Steven Dexter