Pentecost 23 Recognition of the Retirement of

Reverend Nelson A. Metcalfe

First Baptist Church Halifax November 12, 2017

Artist Rendering, Dedication of First Baptist Church Halifax

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The Community Gathers for Worship

Prelude: Organist, Lynette Wahlstrom

Siciliano for a High Ceremony -Howells Please use this time to settle for worship

*Please stand as you are able

*Processional Hymn: Congregation

#210 “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” (ST. ANNE)

*Call to Worship: Rev. Nelson Metcalfe & Congregation

God has gathered us to this place, where we hear those stories which show us what the kingdom of God is like. God summons us to this place, where we can learn how to serve our God without reservation, or hesitation. God will send us from this place, to tell others of God's hopes and dreams, so they, too, can choose to follow God.

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 a reception in honour of Rev. Nelson Metcalfe immediately following this morning’s service. We gather in the Parlor, just behind the Sanctuary.

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*Prayer of Approach You do not want us to be ignorant of your dreams

and hopes for us, God of holiness, so you speak to us in parables, so we might pay careful attention to your words. Filling us with the holy oil of generosity and grace, you make us ready to welcome Jesus Christ into our lives, and to open our hearts to those who are in need. Amen.

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Jenny Drewitz

Recognition of Rev. Nelson Metcalfe, Minister of Visitation Please join us for a reception following the service where a gift from the congregation will be presented along with further words of thanksgiving. Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Ministry of Rev. Nelson Metcalfe Gracious God you have called us in our baptism to be your

servants. You have enabled us to respond to your call as a community of believers. Thank you for the partnership in the gospel we have enjoyed with Nelson Metcalfe. Now we send them forth to enjoy retirement, care for his family, and continue his ministry in a new way. May Nelson go from here knowing our love and appreciation. We pray In Jesus' name. Amen.

Anthem Choir Prayer - Clausen/ Mother Teresa

First Testament: Amos 5:18-24 (pg. 854) David Mensink

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*Children’s Hymn: Congregation

#319 Spirit of Gentleness (SPIRIT)

Children’s Story: Rev. Jenny Drewitz & Congregation

*Psalm Lesson: 70 (the Inclusive Bible)

O God, save me! O LORD, make haste to help me, and hurry!

Let those who seek my life be humiliated and dazed! Let those who wish me harm flee in disgrace! Those who jeer, “Aha! Aha!”—make them retreat, covered with shame! R Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! Let those who love your salvation forever say, “God is great!” As for me, I am poor and needy, my God—hurry to my side! You are my rescuer, my help; LORD, do not delay. R

Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (pg. 204) Bev Smith *Gradual Hymn

Congregation

#17 ’Sleepers, Wake!’ A Voice Astounds Us (WACHET AUF)

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13 (pg. 28)

Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards

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Sermon: Oil Crisis Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards

Offertory Anthem Choir Infinite Light -Halley

*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.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Rev. Nelson Metcalfe

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

#148 “At the name of Jesus (KING'S WESTON)

Benediction & Choral Amen Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards

Postlude: Organist, Lynette Wahlstrom,

Toccata on Amazing Grace - Pardini

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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, Marjorie Morrisson, Bryan Darrell and Betty Deal. Our thoughts and prayers are with the congregation, friends and family of First Baptist Church Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Acknowledgements The flowers in the Baptistry are placed in recognition of Rev. Nelson Metcalfe in honour of his years of service with First Baptist Church Halifax.

Faith Development Notes

Congregational Advent Booklet Deadline: Nov. 15th Thank you to all who have volunteered to be part of this year’s Advent Booklet. Please be reminded that all submissions must be received by Nov. 15th. We welcome all forms of creativity – a short devotion, prayer, poem, story or photos based on an assigned Scripture passage. All text must be within 250-300 words. We look forward to seeing everyone’s contributions this Advent season! 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

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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 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.

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Community Outreach

Food Bank Sunday November 19 A reminder that the third Sunday of each month is Food Bank Sunday. We encourage you to bring non-perishable items to help fill our trunk 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. Donations can be dropped off throughout the month as well. The trunk is located in the Narthex. 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. 10, 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 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

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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

Reception for Rev. Nelson Metcalfe Today, 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 today, November 12, with a reception to follow in the Church parlour. All are welcome to celebrate with Nelson! 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

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congregation. Please join this momentous occasion. Reception to follow in the parlour. 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

Trivia Night & Silent Auction Fundraiser Friday Nov. 17th 7:00pm FBCH, Assembly Room A fundraiser in support of your local Girl Guides 2019 Trip to Europe! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 at the door. Register by contacting Euadv19@gmail.com

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This Week in Our Church: Nov 13 - 19

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 – Office will be closed in recognition of Remembrance Day. Tuesday – 9:30am, CABF Meeting Tuesday – 6:30pm, Finance (Boardroom) Tuesday – 7:00pm, Visitation (Parlour) Wednesday – 11am, Clergy Meeting Wednesday – 5:30pm, The Nativity discussion Thursday – 7:00pm, Choir Practice

Next Sunday: November 19, 2017; Pentecost 24 10:30am Creche, Worship The Church and Oak Island Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards 11:45am, Coffee & Conversation 3:00pm, Piano Concert

Calendar of Events – Online Viewing is Available! In case it’s been awhile since you hopped on the church website, don’t forget that all of our events and activities are now posted there for you to see! Ever wonder if you remembered to book space for your upcoming meeting? Need to know what time your group meets? Looking for an upcoming concert? The online calendar may be just what you are looking for! Visit www.fbchalifax.ca

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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: David Clarke

Sexton on Duty: Jennifer Ferguson