It is that time of year when I take a moment to steel myself before calling my mom. Why? Because it has started the ever-present questions: What do you want for Christmas? What do you need? What would you like? One of her love languages is gift giving and she loves this time of year. The problem is every year I have the same answer “I don’t know”. I don’t need anything, except new tires come spring and our house is already overflowing with thing. Yet giving is such a powerful part of this season. Foundational one might say as we receive the greatest gift, Jesus the Christ.
Teasing apart what has been called secular Christmas from our faith can be a challenge. And with all the joy that this season can bring, the work of it sometimes feels like too much. So, as we start this festive season I just want to leave you with one simple thought that might reshape your whole celebration. What if this year, we patterned our giving on the best and first gift of the season? By this I mean, God through Jesus gave us the gift of God-self.
Emmanuel, God with us! What if we sought to follow this pattern and give each other more of ourselves? The gift of time together and experiences that build memories. Gifts made by our own hands, sharing our talents. What if, instead of spending money on things we didn’t need, we spent it to make the world a better place? If we gave our loved one’s donations in their name such as “buying” gifts from the gifts with vision catalogue that supports our Mission and Service Fund projects. Following the pattern God put in place during this season allows me to feel greater sense of connection to Christ and makes the time even more memorable.
As we prepare for and reflect on the gifts of this season, let us pray:
God of advent waiting,
we hold out hope for all of the joy, peace and love this season brings.
As we move through the next four weeks, turn our hearts towards you.
Make us long for your presence so that we may know the joy of that first Christmas Day.
Call us from this busy season,
Give us rest and show us the way as we journey towards Bethlehem. Amen.
1) Worship announcements
2) Advent Newsletter
3) A Note from Melissa & Updated Office Hours
4) Holiday FundScrip Orders
5) UCW Christmas Sweet Trays
6) Sunday School Christmas Sale/fundraiser
7) Christmas Angel Tree
8) Save the Date – January 15th, 2022
9) Wednesday Bible Study Group
10) Chili Take-Out Supper
1 – This Sunday worship starts at 10:30am.
As always, if you are not ready to join us in person we hope to see you on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
If you are joining us on zoom please make sure your microphone stays muted the entire time – if not, we hear your conversation instead of the worship service.
Please note that as of September 24th, to attend in-person worship here at St. Paul’s United Church you must show proof of vaccination. We will also be following the same protocols as previous weeks
– Wearing a mask at all times
– Sitting in marked pews
– Singing while masked is permitted
Our services are uploaded to our youTUBE channel every Sunday so you can view them at your convenience.
2 – An Advent Newsletter was sent out in the mail, yes! the mail, this week so keep an eye out for that. We’ve included a list of upcoming events plus two advent calendars with activities for you to do throughout the season.
3 – A Note from Melissa: I would like to personally thank everyone for their warm welcome and kindness throughout my time here at St Paul’s. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a proper life balance working full time. This week is my last “full time” week and starting next week, November 29th, the office hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9am – 1pm, until further notice. Your M&P Committee is working hard to find a suitable replacement. Thank you all for the past 3 months – it’s been lovely getting to know everyone! ~Melissa
4 – FundScrip: Countdown for Christmas! FundScrip offers gift cards from over 200 retailers in various denominations. The cards are welcome gifts for family and friends and so easy to shop for. Many retailers have increased the value of their donations to St. Paul’s during November and December; information sheets available in the Narthex. Deadline for the last order before Christmas will be Sunday, December 12. Remember, shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
5 – The UCW will be selling trays of assorted sweets for $20.00. Pick up is on Friday, December 10th at the Church. To order, telephone Donna Chauvin at 458-5885 or 458-1898.
6 – Sunday School fundraiser: On Sunday, December 5th, the Sunday School will be selling handmade Christmas cards, ladies knit socks and other crafts to raise money for the purchase of farm animals through World Vision. We invite you to come to Fraser Memorial Hall after church to join us for Coffee/tea and shopping.
7- Christmas Angel Tree: Thank you to Santa’s helpers for your generous support of this ministry outreach. Your gifts of toys, games, books and other items will bring much joy and happiness to 41 children and their families this Christmas. Thank you again for caring and sharing. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
8 – SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, January 15th 2022
In 2030, St. Paul’s United Church in Fredericton is ___________________. How will you fill in the blank?
Please mark your calendar now and save the morning of Saturday January 15th 2022 for a discussion with your church family about where we see our beloved church in the future. It’s time to create a shared vision and set a course. Nothing is impossible, God being our helper!
More details will follow as the plans are put in place – stay tuned!
9 – Lectionary Bible Study: Join Rev. Michelle Wednesday at 11:11am in the Lady’s Parlor for bible study. No experience is necessary just an open heart and mind. Come and have your questions and insights inform Sunday worship. The reading for next week’s study will be Ezekiel 37:1-14
10 – Chili Take-Out Supper at Nashwaaksis United Church. Enjoy beef chili, roll, Caesar salad and apple tart for $15.00. Reserve your take-out meals by November 30th with Rindy or Tom Austin at 450-7151. Pick up is Friday, December 3rd from 4:00 – 5:30pm through front door of Nashwaaksis United Chuch (46 Main Street)