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WHAT ABOUT HALLOWEEN? - THE CHRISTIAN CONNECTION
Did you know that Halloween has both Christian and pre-Christian historical roots?
The word Halloween comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the evening before All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1), a traditional Christian observance honouring faithful believers who have gone before us. However, October 31 also has connections to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the transition from harvest to winter and carried supernatural meanings.
Over time, these traditions and customs developed alongside one another, eventually contributing to the 'Halloween' we know today.
As Christians, we may have different convictions about participating in Halloween activities. It's helpful to distinguish between historical origins, occult practices, Christian traditions, and modern celebrations - not everything associated with Halloween is necessarily harmful.
Whatever our approach, we're encouraged to live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8), reflecting Jesus' love and sharing his hope with those around us. This October 31, may we remember that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12)!
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COVENANT RENEWAL & CHURCH FAMILY POTLUCK – NOV. 15
At our 10am Sunday Worship on November 15, we will have a special opportunity to renew our covenant together as a church family during communion. Following the service - in true Baptist fashion - we'll celebrate with a potluck!
Scripture reminds us of the importance of encouraging one another, growing together in faith, and remaining united as the body of Christ (see Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Cor. 12:12-27). As a church family, covenant renewal is a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Christ, to one another, and to the work God has called us to do together.
This November 15 also marks the 62nd anniversary of the first worship service held on our church property, making this an especially meaningful occasion to celebrate!
A few reminders:
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Communion: There will be no communion this Sunday, Nov. 1. Instead, we will celebrate communion and renew our covenant together on Nov. 15.
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Potluck: Sign up in the foyer to bring something to share as we celebrate our covenant renewal and the blessing of being part of this church family.
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No Classes: There will be no Sunday classes on November 15.
Please note: Pastor Geoff's class, "Abide," will not be gathering on Nov. 1, 8 or 15 - it will resume on Sun., Nov. 22.
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CHRISTMAS BOXES - REGISTER IN PERSON
12-1pm, Mondays, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
3-4pm, Wednesdays, Nov. 4, 18, 25
11am-12pm, Fridays, Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27
A Christmas Box includes turkey/ham, trimmings, and some basic food items. Anyone who needs extra help is invited to register - no need to explain. Registrations are processed using the Saint John Community Christmas Exchange program.
connect@fhbChurch.ca
(506) 633-7515, ext. 1
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STARTING THIS SUNDAY: MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH CLASS
We're excited to announce that beginning this Sun., Nov. 1, we'll be offering a NEW class for middle school students! This class will give students a place to connect, explore their faith, ask questions, and discover how following Jesus makes a difference in their everyday lives. If you have a student in middle school, we'd love for them to be part of it!
It all happens in Sunday Worship, 10-11:15am, right here at fhbChurch!
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SHARE THE HOPE!
Looking for an encouraging read or a simple way to share the hope of the gospel with someone? We have copies of ShareWord Global’s HOPE magazine available! Featuring beautiful photography paired with Scripture, this magazine includes 50 Psalms centred on the theme of hope, along with the complete Gospel of John. You’ll find copies near your seats and in the foyer this Sunday. Feel free to grab one for yourself, take a few to share with friends or neighbours, or pass one along to someone who could use a little encouragement and a reminder of the hope we have in Jesus!
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BOLIVIA 2027 UPDATE
We'd like to thank everyone who supported our Bolivia Missions Team through recent fundraisers! Our soup fundraiser raised $660, the bottle drive raised $334.30, and our coffee raised $514.50!
We recently held a lunch fundraiser at the C.C.C. Meeting, and we're waiting for the final total... stay tuned!
We'll be at the next C.C.C. Meeting with lunch again and we're having a Christmas Market in November (see details below). We hope to see everyone there!
Every fundraiser and donation helps get us closer to our goal of $33,000. Please prayerfully consider giving.
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CHRISTMAS MARKET - NOV. 21
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping while supporting the fhbChurch Bolivia 2027 Missions Team!
10am to 3pm, Sat., Nov. 21
Tables are available to rent for $25, with all table rental fees going directly to support the Bolivia 2027 mission trip. Whether you’re interested in booking a table or coming out to shop and support the team, we’d love to see you there!
connect@fhbChurch.ca
(506) 633-7515, ext. 1
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HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY: 60TH ANNIVERSARY & TRAINING EVENT
Rev. Paul Carline invites us to celebrate 60 years of hospital chaplaincy in Saint John with a special training event at 9:30am on Saturday, November 7, right here at fhbChurch! The event will explore how Christians can offer compassionate, Christ-centred care to patients and families navigating Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), while remaining faithful to one's personal convictions. Churches are encouraged to attend and help promote the hospital chaplaincy ministry, which continues to provide spiritual care and support to patients and families during difficult times. No need to register. Everyone is welcome! Invite a friend!
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HYMN SING & LUNCH
Our next Hymn Sing & Lunch will be held from 11am to 1pm on Sat., Oct. 31! Dig out a costume, wear something orange, or just come in your regular clothes - no matter what, everyone is welcome! On the menu is pulled pork sandwiches. $7/person but don't let the cost keep you away if it's a hardship - come anyway!
We look forward to seeing you and, as always, please invite anyone who would like to sing with us!
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DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS -
FALL BACK 1 HOUR THIS SUNDAY
While your phone and smart devices will update on their own, make sure to manually set your oven, car, and wall clocks back 1 hour.
The best part? You get a whole extra hour of sleep this weekend! 😴
See you all at 10:00 AM for Sunday Worship!
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FAITH & FAMILY SEA DOGS HOCKEY NIGHT
Join us at 4pm on Saturday, November 21 for an exciting afternoon of Saint John Sea Dogs hockey, fellowship, and family fun!
Take advantage of special ticket pricing:
- Early Bird by Nov. 1: $12.50 per ticket
- After Nov. 1: $14 per ticket
Don't miss the early bird deadline! To receive the discounted rate, please contact Pastor James (james@fhbchurch.ca) no later than Sun., Nov. 1, to confirm how many tickets you need.
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FOOD BANK: VOLUNTEERS & BAGS NEEDED
Our Saint John East Food Bank is looking for volunteers! If you’re interested in helping support local families in our community, please contact the Food Bank today: (506) 633-8298 / sjefb648@gmail.com.
The Food Bank also needs gently used or new reusable bags, which can be dropped off at the donation box in our church foyer or during Food Bank hours: 9am-12:15pm, Tue's and Fri's, 648 Westmorland Road.
Thank you for helping meet these local needs!
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FALL WORK DAY AT CAMP TULAKADIK
"Come help us get the Camp ready for winter! Join us on Saturday, October 31 for our Fall Work Day. We'll be here from 8:30am to 4pm.
Come for the whole day or a part. Bring a friend or two, and be sure to pack a lunch. Coffee will be provided! We have many projects suited for a variety of abilities, both indoors and out.
For more information about a project you can tackle, please contact the Camp: info@camptulakadik.com | (506) 839-2964. See you there!
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Prayer Line
Prayer is an integral part of our faith (cf. Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2; Psa. 145:18; Eph. 6:18; Acts 2:42). For confidential prayer support, contact Deacon Linda Fleming: prayer@fhbChurch.ca | (506) 214-0339.
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The Joy of Giving
Your generosity helps fhbChurch minister effectively—locally and globally—through worship services, community missions, discipleship, and more. Each contribution plays a vital part in expressing the gospel, meeting needs, and sharing blessings.
Giving is more than a transaction—it’s an expression of love and truth, rooted in a generous heart. As the Apostle Paul reminds us:
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT)
Ways to Give:
1. Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) - Set up convenient, automatic giving by downloading and completing the PAD form [CLICK/TAP HERE], and sending it to give2@fhbChurch.ca or our church office.
2. Cash or Cheque - Drop your gift in an offering envelope during Sunday Worship or mail cheques to: Forest Hills United Baptist Church, 36 Mountain Road, Saint John, NB E2J 2X1.
3. E-Transfer - Send gifts via e-transfer to give2@fhbChurch.ca. Please include your giving envelope number (if applicable), and specify whether your gift is for our General Fund or a special cause (e.g. Deacons’ Fellowship Fund, Easter Offering, etc.).
4. VISA Debit & Credit Card - [CLICK/TAP HERE] to use VISA debit or credit at CanadaHelps.org.
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