Halloween (All Hollow’s Eve), All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day are just around the corner. We are taking time this Sunday to remember and celebrate those among our communion of saints who died since the pandemic started. This Sunday we will have a special liturgy of remembrance and the opportunity to light a candle for the ones we have lost. We hope that you will join us. See the worship announcements for other special services coming up.
Speaking of worship, I wanted to thank all those who have helped with Sunday services. Thank you to the multiple readers on Sunday morning that have presented the biblical text in a more dynamic way, the feedback I have received is that your contribution has helped people to hear the scripture message and made the long readings seem shorter. Thank you to the choir who have gifted us with song, your joy filled sounds are a blessing. Thank you to worship committee who have been busy behind the scenes, arraigning readers, greeters and ensuring the sanctuary is set up and ready. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank John Davis who for the last month has been running the sound system every Sunday – Thank you so much John! Worship is often seen as something the minister does, but all these thank you’s point to the reality that worship is the work of the people. A theological stance held deeply by Christianity.
As we wrap up our week and head towards Sunday let us pray.
Holy God, we give thanks for the people you have placed in our lives,
For the lessons they have taught us
For the ways that they have modeled your love, justice and mercy
For how they cheered us on when we were flying high
And how they helped us to stand when the journey was rough.
Loving God thank you for these everyday saints.
Amen.
1) Worship announcements
2) Security Code
3) UCW Meeting
4) FundScrip
5) Wednesday Bible Study Group
6) Gifts with Vision
1 – This Sunday worship starts at 10:30am. This week will be a special service to honour those who have passed away since the pandemic began.
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
As always, if you are not ready to join us in person or are feeling unwell 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.
Our services are uploaded to our youTUBE channel every Sunday so you can view them anytime, at your convenience.
- Next week, November 7th, we will be having our Remembrance Sunday. Join us as we honour and remember those who fought for our country’s freedom.
- The following week, November 14th, is our anniversary Sunday. We will be welcoming guest speaker Pastor Chris Walker as we celebrate the past, reflect on the present and look forward to the future.
2 – Security Update: We have reset the keypad door lock at the Charlotte Street Entrance. If you use a code to access the church you will need to contact the office to be assigned a new one – your old code will no longer work! We will be resetting the main church alarm, probably next week, if you typically disable/enable the church alarm, please contact the office to be assign a new code.
3 – The UCW is meeting on Tuesday, November 2nd at 10am in the Lady’s Parlor. All are welcome to join us!
4 – FundScrip: Time to start your Christmas shopping? Do it with FundScrip gift cards. Use the cards to purchase gifts or give the cards as gifts to family and friends. Gift cards make great stocking stuffers, too! We will have two orders before the holiday season . . . Sunday, November 14 and Sunday, December 12. Click here to download an order form!
5 – 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 1 Kings 19:1-18
6 – Gifts with Vison: The United Church of Canada developed Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church’s Mission & Service Partners. We’ve received the Giving Catalogue for this year and copies will be available both in the Office & the Narthex. You can also browse online at www.giftswithvision.ca. These gifts would make lovely Christmas gifts for children as a way to introduce them to the idea of philanthropy and maybe even spark the joy of giving within themselves!