Kindred in Christ,

Being so deep into the Advent season, we can almost see that light shining from the stable, can almost feel the weight of 2020 lifting from our shoulders with the new year in sight. And yet, even as we long for that big day to come or for this year to come to an end, there are still many days, many moments between now and then for us to make the most of, to cherish and celebrate. 

This coming Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, and the theme is Joy. As this year comes to a close and we look back at the year that was, it can be hard to be especially joyful. But if we look hard enough, we will see the many ways that people in this community stepped up to keep the church alive. We might not have been able to gather in the way we expected, but this past year has been a reminder that nothing can get in the way of us finding each other and sharing our faith. We worshipped, in a different way to be sure, and we served the wider community in Christ’s name. We should be joyful about that, and in our ability to adapt to situations that might cause others to crumble. 

As we stand in the strength that we have found throughout this pandemic, let us also use that same strength to continue to support one another. And as we look at the days before us – the rest of the year just waiting to happen – let us seek ways that we can bring light and joy to 2020, a year thus far known more for its darkness than anything. Let us shine in this season bringing Hope, Peace and Joy to those we meet on the way.

Worship In-Person or by Zoom: We continue to live into a hybrid worship where we have seats available for those who would like to worship in-person, but will continue to offer streamed worship through Zoom. However you join us, we are glad to have you!.

  • The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85811548808
  • The password for this meeting room is: 200188
  • For those who would prefer to call in the number is: 1 647 558 0588 then use the Meeting ID: 858 1154 8808, and then enter the passcode 200188 when prompted

Singing in Worship: Because we are now in the Yellow phase, we can sing! Though we are excited about that, we still want to minimize the risk and so we will still have the recorded music for the first hymn (you can hum to that), and for the last hymn before leaving the words will be on the screen and the organ will be playing. Remember that we do need to wear masks and keep 2 meters apart. Come and sing with us this Sunday!

Hospital Visit from a Minister in Yellow Phase: Good news! Rev. Richard is able to visit 1 patient/day in hospital during the yellow phase. If you or someone you know would like a visit from him, please contact him with the ward and room number and he will make arrangements to get in as soon as possible.

Big Thank You to the UCW for the donation of $5000 thank you ladies!

Special Thanks: As we continue our journey through Advent, the season in which we prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ anew in our lives, something we should always be practicing is gratitude. Many of you do wonderful work to keep this community of faith alive and moving forward, and today we want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank 2 such people. 

  • Greg Morton has worked with passion on both the Finance and Property Committees as well as around the church in various ways. In 2019 he stepped away from the Finance Committee and has recently decided to step down as Chair of Property, though he is still active in that committee. Thank-you Greg for your dedication to these committees and to the church.
  • Ron Naugler has been a very visible part of our Finance committee over the years, as well as part of the Board, and serving recently in a support capacity as a lay presider. Like Greg, he stepped away from the Finance Committee in 2019, but has always been a support and resource for finances when there is a question or a need. We are so grateful for all that you do, Ron, and for all that you continue to do is service to Jesus Christ in this place.
  • Both these men have given so much of their time and talent to the work of the church, and we wanted to offer our thanks for what they have done and do in our community. If you see them, give them a smile with your eyes and a thumbs up for all they do.

Advent and Christmas Eve Services

As we continue to make our way through this season of preparation, it can sometimes be difficult to keep dates straight, and so below are a list of services, along with some information, over the coming weeks.

  • December 13th @ 10:30 am – Advent 3 Joy Sunday & New Members Sunday: Next Sunday, December 13th, we are going to be celebrating with joy in a very real way as we welcome new members into our church family. If you have found yourself at home here at St. Paul’s but have not officially become a member, there is still time! Contact Rev. Richard at 262-2150 or by email at rev.bowley@outlook.com for more information.
  • December 13th @ 2:00 pm – Christmas Reflections Recital: Please join us at 2pm Sunday afternoon, December 13th at St. Paul’s United Church for a recital entitled “Christmas Reflections”. This recital will feature organ solos, piano/organ duets, vocal solos and Christmas Readings by Dr. Sharon Pond, Alexis Ervin and Jane Blakely. Covid Protocols are in place. Please wear a mask. Free will offering at the door. This recital will also be available for your listening pleasure on zoom. Login information is below:
  • December 20th @ 10:30 am – Advent 4 Love Sunday: Come on this last Sunday before Christmas to celebrate the Love that surrounds us. We move in our scriptures from prophets to Gospels as we hear of Mary receiving the news from the angel.
  • December 21st @ 7:00 pm – Longest Night Service Downtown United: This season of lights is not easy for everyone, and is particularly hard in these trying times. At the Longest Night service we allow our feelings to flow, to lift our burdens to God, and seek a true light to follow through and beyond this season. You can also attend this service virtually through Zoom. Login information is below:
  • December 24th @ 7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service: Like so many things this year, Christmas Eve at St. Paul’s is going to be a little different. Normally, we would throw open the doors and welcome as many as would fit comfortably (and some uncomfortably) as we celebrate the day, but this year we have a hard limit of 220 people (unless we remain in the orange phase, then the first 50 to register will be the only ones allowed in attendance for in-person worship). So, we are asking all those who want to be present for the 7 pm Christmas Eve service to secure a seat by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-eve-st-pauls-united-tickets-130247398475. Tickets are free, but we will need your name, number, and email (for contact tracing purposes). Please only order as many tickets as you or your family will need as seats are limited. Tickets will be available through the link starting Sunday, November 29th. If you or someone you know does not have access to the internet but wants to come on Christmas Eve, please contact the office at 458-1183. You can also attend this service virtually through Zoom. Login information is below:
  • December 24th Prerecorded on Youtube – Christmas Eve Communion: Normally we would have an 11 pm communion service, but due to restrictions this service has moved online. Join with Rev. Richard on our youtube page following the 7 pm worship for an intimate communion experience. There will be music, light, and grace enough for all. Our youtube page is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG2wvjhQzgAm-2Co5WvRkmA, check there for the video following the in-person Christmas Eve service.

Message From Our Fundscrip Team

As we await the arrival of gift cards from our recent order (sent Monday, December 7), please remember this is an on-going effort to raise much-needed funds for St. Paul’s. The campaign will continue in the new year with our next order around mid-January. You will be advised of the exact date in an upcoming e-News.  You’ll still have to buy groceries, put gas in your car, find books to read in all those hours you’ll be spending at home this winter. And what about those projects around the house? Shopping with gift cards from FundScrip is fundraising for St. Paul’s. Please continue to show your support and start thinking now about what cards to order next month.

Rental Opportunity

Downtown Office Space for rent   – $500.00 per month (first month’s rent is free!!!)

  • 224 York Street – 270 square feet
  • Heat, lights,
  • Elevator
  • Security alarm system
  • Washrooms
  • Parking for one vehicle
  • Walking distance to restaurants, banks, government offices.

Telephone 458-1183

In this season of Advent, we are preparing for the coming Christ, preparing for Christmas eve and Christmas day. As we go about the work of readying ourselves and our homes for the big day, let us take time to sit and reflect on what truly brings us joy in this life. Odds are when we take a moment to think about it, the things that truly bring us joy either involve each other or are each other. 

 

We were created to be in community with one another, and so living fully means finding and celebrating our kindred in this world. It is no small wonder that we are having such a hard time with the restrictions that come with keeping one another safe during the pandemic. So let us work on the way we can still strengthen our relationships, celebrating what truly brings us joy in this world.

Let us pray:

Kindle in us, O Restless Spirit, a joy that comes from serving this world in Christ’s name.

Move through us and let us be your feet that we might go to those places where our kindred are most in need.

Reach through our hands to bring healing, to embrace this world.

Work through us that we might model Christ in our world even as we ready the world for his birth.

We ask this and all things in his strong name. AMEN

Your brother in Christ,

Rev. Richard Bowley