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…
I have been reflecting on a brief conversation that I had last week. Someone had come in and said that their grandchild was asking them about their faith. The person recounted that they had been caught off guard and didn’t know what to say. I was reminded of 1 Peter 3:15b-16a which says, “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
We live in a secular time where people will not and do not become involved with churches, just because it is seen as the right thing to do or the place to go to get ahead. Fewer people are being raised in the church, and many in the younger generations have little to no first-hand experience of the Christian faith. Also in this age, authenticity is a top priority.
This means a couple of things when it comes to how we engage in the world. First, we need to make sure that what we say about our congregation and what people can expect are accurate. It is great to be aspirational, and important to name our aspirations as what we are working towards being. Ideally, we would also be able to talk about the concrete steps we are taking to manifest these goals.
The second is that our personal experiences of how our faith has influenced and supported our lives, are critical for our discussions. It is our individual stories that help people to break through all the negative images of Christianity and help others to vicariously experience God at work. If you were at the Downtown United discussions, the energy that was experienced was at least partly the Holy Spirit moving as people shared their stories, hopes, and dreams. If we are not passionate about our experience of God, how can we expect anyone else to get excited?
Yet, when we go to make our accounting of our experiences, we sometimes get tongue-tied. This is at least, in part, because encounters with God are often so personal and can be hard to explain. Yet it is our personal experiences and stories that help people to experience God and take steps towards knowing Jesus better.
So, this week I challenge you to think about how you would “make an accounting of the hope that is within you.” To do this, spend some time reflecting on your relationship with God through Jesus. Writing down your personal faith story can help you think about what God has done in your life. In doing so, you should begin to see God’s hand and providence.
Powerful stories follow a three-movement format. First setting the stage, what was happening in your life before you trusted Christ or experienced God’s presence. Followed by how you trusted Christ or what you experienced God doing in your life. Then finishing with what was the result of trusting Christ or how did this experience of God impact your life. How dramatic your story is, or how your experience compares to other people’s, doesn’t matter at all. What is important is that you speak the truth of your experience, sharing what your heart can claim.
Here is one of my stories of God’s presence. When I was pregnant with Reid, I was flooded with all the things that could go wrong with his birth, given my age and size. I was anxious about things, especially at 42 weeks. It was clear that I was headed towards an induction, as he was happy where he was. I spent some time, in prayer and reading scripture to remind myself that regardless of what happened, God would not leave. I chose to write scripture on the pillowcase I would take to the hospital, encouragement like John 16:21, Romans 8:18, and Deuteronomy 31:6. In the delivery room, when it became clear that delivery had stalled and in the aftermath of an unplanned C-section, the words of scripture brought me strength and peace. I felt held by God.
So, what is your faith story? How has your relationship with Jesus impacted you? Where have you experienced God’s presence? Lent is a time of reflection and preparation. If someone you loved came to you and asked you about your faith, what would you say?
God, you are always present,
Even when we do not recognize your presence.
Help us to see your hand at work in our lives.
Help us to align our lives with your call and vision of what a good life is.
Give us the words to share the ways you have transformed us through your love.
This we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Featured In This March 7th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday March 10th
Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday!
Organ & Choir Concertato
“Special” eNews Responses Requested
Critical Congregational Update
Maundy Thursday Service At Wilmot
Fellowship Hour Servers Needed!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Booking Meeting Space at St. Paul’s
God’s Story, Our Story
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Lenten Book Study
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Vigil for Middle Eastern Mother’s Day
Stew Takeout at Nashwaaksis United
Worship This Sunday March 10th
Please join Rev. Michelle for service this Sunday at 10:30am
Can’t make it in person, join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740 Password: 657067
Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday!
A quick reminder that daylight savings time begins Sunday March 10th. Don’t forget we Spring Forward, so set your clacks ahead 1 hour before going to bed so you are not late for our church service!
Organ & Choir Concertato
Dr. Pond and the choir will present “Take up Your Cross, the Savior Said” during service on March 17th.
It is a Concertato for Choir and Organ.
“Special” eNews Responses Requested
Remember responses to the “Special” eNews sent out on Monday, Feb 26th are due on March 15th. Responses will be used to help guide the discussions and decisions on our next steps. Please respond today and make your voice, needs, and hopes heard.
Critical Congregational Update
There will be a Critical Congregational Update on March 17th after service, this meeting will update people on the work that has happened so far and provide important updates from the task groups looking at divesting of our property and the ecumenical shared ministry.
Thank You!
Delivering a very grateful and special Thank You! To the ladies who covered the office while I was on vacation. Many appreciative thanks to Cathy Davis, Patty Trail, Debbie Allison, and Jayden for their time, you are wonderful humans. ~ Meghan
Maundy Thursday Service At Wilmot
Maundy Thursday Service will take place on March 28th at 6pm at Wilmot in their lower parlor. Please note this year there will be no meal, just a service.
Good Friday Service At St. Paul’s
St. Paul’s will host Downtown United Good Friday Service at 10 am on March 29th.
Easter Morning Sunrise Service
Downtown United Easter Sunrise Service will take place at 7am on March 31st at the pedway by the library. Breakfast will follow at St. Paul’s.
Fellowship Hour Servers Needed!
Thank you to everyone who has provided for our fellowship time. Currently we are seeking folks to sign up for March 31st and all of April. You can help our faith community by picking one day to serve in the coming months. Check the bulletin board across from the hall for available dates.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs proteins with flip top lids. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items this week: white & brown sugar, macaroni, spaghetti, Shake ’n Bake, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, pancake mix, crackers, cookies, Miracle Whip, corn kernels, large juices, jam, plastic wrap, tin foil, Mr. Clean, Comet, dish and laundry detergent. Thank you for your continued support of this increasingly busy outreach program!
Booking Meeting Space at St. Paul’s
As the use of our space at St. Paul’s gets busier, please remember to book your meetings space through the office. Drop by in person, call 458-1183 or email Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com.
God’s Story, Our Story
Pick up this reflection guide in the narthex to use as a home devotional or with your friends. This devotional follows the pattern of pray, reflect and do, offering suggestions on how to put the biblical theme into action.
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Tuesdays from 10:45am-11:45am we explore the biblical passage for Sunday, seeking to create connections with our lives. Come explore deeper the passage we will be reading. As one participant noted, “it makes Sunday service richer”. Join us in the boardroom. Can’t make it in person, you can join the discussion via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736183320 Meeting ID: 817 3618 3320 Passcode: 750844
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Thursdays from 6-7pm in the Parlor we explore the questions you have, scripture and faith practices to deepen our connection with God and each other. We hope you will join us.
Lenten Book Study
When Church Stops Working: by Andrew Root and Blair Bertrand. If you are interested in joining the discussion, please sign up on the bulletin board across from Frasier Memorial Hall. Available in print, e-book, and audio formats, order your copy today. If finances are a constraint or if you need help finding a copy of the book, please reach out to Rev. Michelle
Upcoming Dates To Remember
ASAP ~ Annual Report Submissions Due
March 10th ~ Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 10th ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by Lois & Bill Paterson & Carole Peacock
March 15th ~ Responses to “Special” eNews from Feb 26th Due
March 17th ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by Mel & Barb McGuigan & Debbie Allison
March 17th ~ Critical Congregational Update following service
March 22nd ~ Candlelight Classix Noon Hour Concert at St. Paul’s from 12-1pm
March 24th ~ Palm Sunday ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister
March 28th ~ Downtown United ~ Maundy Thursday Service at Wilmot at 6pm
March 29th ~ Downtown United ~ Good Friday Service at St. Paul’s at 10am
March 31st ~ Downtown United ~ Easter Morning Sunrise Service at 7am with Breakfast to follow at St. Paul’s
March 31st ~ Easter Sunday Service with Communion ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed
April 1st ~ Easter Monday STAT Holiday ~ Office Closed
April 7th ~ Annual General Meeting following service
UCW March Meeting
Wilmot UCW will be meeting on Monday, March 11th at 1 pm, in the church parlor. There will be a regular meeting, where we usually collect our Easter Thank Offering, followed by our annual Bring & Buy Sale. Bring along something you have and don’t use; perhaps a small gift received but not needed like frames, jewelry, or decor. Also welcome are baked goods and preserves. If you don’t have anything to bring, that’s OK! Bring along a little money because we will be auctioning it all off. It’s always great fun! We will close off the afternoon with tea and conversation. Please circle it on your calendar, all ladies are welcome.
Vigil for Middle Eastern Mother’s Day
You are invited to join the Fredericton community for a solemn vigil on March 21st in observance of Middle Eastern Mother’s Day, to honour and show solidarity with Palestine mothers and families. The candlelight vigil is taking place at the Legislative Building at 706 Queen Street at 7pm. Please RSVP to fp.solidarity@gmail.com by March 20th and dress warmly for the outdoors.
Stew Takeout at Nashwaaksis United
Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, will be hosting a Stew Takeout on Friday, March 22nd from 4– 5:30pm. The menu includes delicious homemade Beef Stew, Rolls and Carrot Cake for dessert. The cost is $15. Cut off for reservations is Monday, March 18th. Please call the church office 506-458-9452 or email admin@nashwaaksisunited.ca please use the front door for pickups
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: Jaedyn Williams