This week, in several unrelated blogs I follow, I was reminded that we can’t be great at everything. Humbly, I have to accept that this is true, after all it is said that you need to spend 10 000 hours practicing something to master it and the reality is that we do have limited time and energy. Often, I wish that there was a way to bend time as I find it frustrating when I have to decide which of the opportunities to focus on and admit I can’t do it all. When there are so many great opportunities in front of us that we want to engage in, it is important to remember that we were made by God, to live within these limitations. When we try to do too much, we end up being as the old adage goes, “a Jack of all trades, master of none.” Reflecting on this fact, I am left asking – “do I want to try and be a Jack of all trades, or do I choose to invest in a couple of areas, mastering a specific niche?”
This is a question that we all ask ourselves personally and professionally. It is also a question that faces organizations like the Church. While being a Jack of all trades has advantages for holding things together, when it comes to growth, passion and being able to promote what you do, it is better to put master level attention towards one or two projects or goals.
The question then becomes, what project or goal do I focus on when there are so many great options to choose from, especially when all of them could and would make a difference. Deciding on how to go forward requires discernment, seeking God’s voice in what we plan to do. I often describe this as listening to God’s call.
As we start to articulate with greater clarity, what God is calling us to do NOW, here are a few questions to help guide our reflection: What ways do you live out your faith currently? What are the community’s needs? What do you feel our church is being called to do? How are you being called to be involved in a different or in a deeper way?
These are big questions, worthy of our thought and attention. So, as we enter this home stretch of summer, please take time to reflect and listen for God’s call so that when September hits we will be ready to discern and answer God’s call.
In the meantime, let us pray.
God of long hot summer days
And refreshing rain showers,
God of ice-cream treats,
And fresh garden beans and carrots,
In these last days of beach and camping season we call out to you.
Continue to bless our time of rest with your renewing spirit.
Let us linger with you a little longer,
learning, listening and elaborating our understanding of your love.
that as you slowly draw our attention to the season to come
we will see and seek your way. Amen.
Featured In This August 25th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday August 28th
Church Office Closed
Rev. Michelle’s Walk-In Office Hours
Pantry Program
Second Annual Orange Shirt Day Giveaway
GriefShare Support Group
Pantry Program
Brown Bag Program
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Fall Kick-Off
Worship This Sunday August 28th
Please join Rev. Mary at Wilmot United Church for worship this Sunday at 10:30am. If you can’t be there in person, join via Zoom at Wilmot United Church – YouTube
Church Office Closed
The office will be closed from August 26th through September 5th. If you need to drop anything off, please feel free to use the locked mailbox at the York Street entrance, it will be checked on a daily basis. Rusty will be on the premises throughout the week from 8am to 12pm. Please contact Rev. Michelle directly if your need is urgent in nature. michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com or 259-7602.
Rev. Michelle’s Walk-In Office Hours
Looking to connect with Rev. Michelle? The best way to do this is to connect via email to michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com or call 259-7602 to set up an appointment. Walk-in office hours are Mondays from 10am to 1pm and Wednesdays from 1-2:30pm.
Pantry Program
The pantry needs the following items: pudding, jam, KD, beans, canned ham, canned mushrooms, oil, oatmeal, large juice, sugar, salt, cookies, dish detergent, and Mr. Clean. Thank you for your continued support of this important outreach program!
Second Annual Orange Shirt Day Giveaway
There is still time to enter the “Every Child Matters” flag giveaway, put on by the Indigenous Ministries and Justice unit of the United Church of Canada. To enter: Send your Name, full mailing address and phone number to general-IMJ@united-church.ca by 12pm EDT this Friday August 26th to be included in the draw for one of forty flags. These flags can be used to show your support for those who have been impacted by the residential school system and show your commitment to continue to learn and work towards reconciliation. Enter today before it is too late.
GriefShare Support Group
If you are suffering the loss of a loved one, GriefShare, a Christian-based video-discussion support group, is being offered in the Family Room in the Family Life Center at Brunswick Street Baptist Church starting Thursday, September 8th, 2022 from 7-9 pm for 13 weeks. Please call 458-8348 for more information and to register.
Brown Bag Program
The Brown Bag program requires flip top cans of proteins, and juice boxes. Thank you for supporting the folks in our community.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
August 26th – Messy Church at Wilmot. 5-7pm.
August 28th – Service at Wilmot at 10:30am or online @ Wilmot United Church – YouTube
September 4th – Service at Wilmot at 10:30am or online @ Wilmot United Church – YouTube
September 11th – Service at St. Paul’s 10:30 am & Fall Kick-Off & BBQ
November 6th – 190th Anniversary Celebration
Fall Kick-Off
Fall is coming! September 11th we not only start regular worship here at St. Paul’s, but it is the perfect time to reconnect if you have been away for the summer or get back into the pattern of Sunday worship after a longer break. We will be welcoming our kids back to Sunday School for children 4 and older, our nursery provides an opportunity for parents to listen to the service while their children play. Special features of that first service include a blessing of the backpack, briefcases or other bag you use regularly – complete with bag tags, cards and magnets of this year’s theme. After service, we will have an expanded social time with hamburgers and cake! Let’s kick-off this fall with joy as we renew our fellowship!
St. Paul’s United Church
190 Years of Glorifying God through Worship, Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and Serving Others in Christ’s name
Contact Information
224 York St., Fredericton, NB E3B 3P1
Web: www.stpaulsunited.ca | Tel: 506-458-1183 | Email: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong | Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Church Administrator: Meghan Roebuck | Custodian: Rusty Blakely