St. Paul’s United Church
Our Mission: Glorifying God through Worship, Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and Serving Others in Christ’s name.
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
On the way to drop off Ella at day care, the new green on trees caught my eye. I would swear that those fledgling leaves were not there yesterday, but today those little flecks of green stood stark against the gray skies. This time of year, always brings me comfort. After the long winter, when everything seems dead, we see the truth that life wins. It is as if creation is enacting the Easter Story.
To come out of our winter we need to let spring come. This means attending to and paying attention to the buds of new life. At times this is hard to do, we instead focus on the gray skies or the raindrops and miss the fresh buds bursting open. However, tending to the fresh buds and tender stakes shifts us at a deep level. Focusing on the new growth moves us from the fears and worry that follow focusing on threats, to hope and greater optimism.
As a congregation, there are definitely things to be optimistic about. The exploration of new ministry opportunities is definitely one thing, but there are also smaller but equally important shoots of life. A few examples include the regular attendance of a few younger and newer people to worship, the joy experienced when we have opportunities to gather together, like the pancake supper, and the expanding campus ministry that reminds us that our support in the community makes a difference. So, as we shift our attention this spring I wonder, what new leaves have caught your eye?
God of change and renewal,
shake us from our regular patterns
and open our eyes
so that we may see the ways you bear new life out of freshly thawed soil
and coax fresh buds to open into glorious flowers.
Give us the faith as we see these everyday miracles in nature,
to believe that you can do this for us too.
This we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Featured In This April 27th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday April 30th
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Youth @ Region! (Formerly I@C and YF!)
Camp Wegesegum – Celebrating 100 Years!
Worship This Sunday April 30th
Please join Rev. Michelle for worship at 10:30 am on April 30th, 2023
Updated COVID Protocols for In-Person Worship Services:
- Masks are highly recommended, but no longer required.
- Congregational singing is permitted.
- You are encouraged to spread out to maintain social distancing. Anyone wanting extra space is invited to sit in the balcony.
- Sanitize or wash hands on entry into the building or the sanctuary.
- Offering plates are located at the door.
As always, if you are unable to join us in person we hope to see you on Zoom – link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
You can also join by phone only, if you don’t have a long distance plan charges will apply. All you need to do is call 1 647 558 0588 and follow the prompts to enter Meeting ID: 868 5471 8551 and Passcode: 165090
FundScrip ~ May Promotions
If you are still putting together your next FundScrip order (deadline Sunday, May 7th), please note that several retailers have increased the value of their donations to St. Paul’s for the month of May. They include Boston Pizza, Chapters, Hello Fresh, Chef’s Plate, Winners/Home Sense/Marshalls and American Eagle. Gift cards will arrive for distribution on Sunday, May 14th (Mother’s Day . . . hint, hint).
Order forms are available in the church office, the narthex or click here: May 7th FundScrip Order Form to print a form. New supporters always welcome! Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program is in desperate need of proteins with flip top lids, granola bars, fruit cups and pudding cups. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items: coffee, pancake mix, syrup, pudding cups, chicken & rice soup, cookies, salt, vegetable oil, juice, Mr. Clean and dish detergent. Thank you for your continued support!
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Broadview magazine features award-winning coverage of spirituality, justice and ethical living stories and images, inspiring readers to live a purpose filled life. If you would like to subscribe or renew your subscription, St. Paul’s group subscription rate is $25 per year, for 8 issues, mailed directly to your home. You can pay for your subscription in the office via cheque (payable to St. Paul’s), cash or by e-transfer. Deadline is June 1st. For more information on Broadview click HERE. Reach out to Meghan with any questions or to register or renew at stpaulsofffice224@gmail.com or 458-1183.
Kindred Works Project Update
Our exploration into a housing project with Kindred Works has taken another step forward. The first 3 members have been appointed to the Development Committee to represent St Paul’s interests in coming up with a plan to present to the congregation. Our thanks and congratulations are due to Carole Peacock, Cathy Davis and Jane Blakely. https://www.kindredworks.ca
Bible Study
Wednesday morning lectionary study. This week we will be focusing on Romans 1:1-17. Join us in the board room at 11:15am or online via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190
Youth @ Region! (Formerly I@C and YF!)
Registration for Youth @ Region is now live! To register follow this link ( https://ucceast.ca/77646-fsldw-weekly-announcements-april-19-2023). This program is for all youth, grades 6-12 in your community of faith and beyond. Have questions? Email Catherine Stuart, Regional Minister for Children, Youth and Young Adults, cstuart@united-church.ca.
Camp Wegesegum – Celebrating 100 Years!
Camp Wegesegum – 100th Anniversary Party July 15, 2023. We are so excited to finally announce the schedule of events https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=548053527455477&set=a.395014366092728 for our 100th anniversary party! Mark your calendars! Come celebrate with us!!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
April 30th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Trustees
May 7th ~ Downtown United Service ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by M&P followed by a presentation from Creedence Consultants
May 14th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Worship
May 21st ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Choir
May 28th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Outreach
Rummage Sale at Wilmot
Wilmot United Church is hosting a rummage sale on Friday, April 28th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday, April 29th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. We’re located at 473 King Street at the corner of King and Carleton.
Take-Out Ham Supper
TAKE-OUT BAKED HAM SUPPER – Friday, April 28th, pick-up 4:00-5:30pm at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street. The delicious take-out supper includes carved baked ham, potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans, roll, and raspberry cheesecake dessert for $15. Please call Rindy or Tom Austin, 506-450-7151 by noon on Monday, April 24th to reserve your take-outs.
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 | Organists: Dr. Sharon Pond & Alexis Ervin
Church Administrator: Meghan Roebuck | Custodian: Rusty Blakely