Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.
-Luke 1:38

Kindred in Christ,

The end of this year is coming, which also means the end of my ministry in this place. Because next Thursday is Christmas and I want the focus to be on the joy of that day, I will offer my farewells this week. If you want to connect with me before I go, definitely reach out by phone or email (506)262-2150, rev.bowley@outlook.com).

But before I get to the good-byes, I want to remind everyone of how much we have in store over the next 2 weeks. There are a lot of opportunities for worship, prayer, and reflection, and so I encourage you to have a look at the Advent and Christmas Services listed below, and take time to hear the stories and celebrate the Good News.

Announcements

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

Rev. Richard’s Last Sunday: Sunday, December 27th will be Rev. Richard’s last worship service at St. Paul’s United Church. During the service there will be something to mark the end of the covenant between minister and church, and so all are encouraged to attend either in-person or through Zoom.

Planning for the New Year: Many of you are eagerly awaiting an update on what things will look like in 2021. The good news is that there are dedicated people working on making sure there is coverage for the Sunday’s as well as emergency pastoral care should it be required. The better news is that we should have something to share with you in next week’s eNews. Watch for an update on Christmas Eve!

2021 Envelopes: will be available in the Narthex starting this Sunday. Contact the office 458-1183 to pick them up during the week. Thanks

Brown Bag Lunches: all items needed, pop top proteins snacks and juices thank you.

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 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 (link to Zoom is above)
  • 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 return to 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 Heritage & Resource

Being fully in Advent and so close to Christmas, we want to thank all those who have given of their time, talent, and treasure throughout this year. Your gifts ensured that – when the pandemic hit – we were able to continue to worship on Sundays, feed people throughout the week, and reach out and stay connected through this year. Who we are today is a result of your generosity and dedication to this community of faith.

As this unusual year comes to a close, we also come to you with a request: if you are considering making a year-end contribution, please consider doing so earlier than usual. Receiving your gifts earlier helps us in two ways. First, it allows us to ensure that everything is entered by December 31st, 2020. Our hope is to have as little of what 2020 was spilling over into what 2021 could be. Second, the earlier we have numbers, the sooner we can finalize our plans for the year ahead, something that is particularly important as we navigate these unsettled times.

To make things as easy as possible for your offering to reach us before December 31st, here are some ways you can give:

We mentioned what your donation does for us, but it is also important to know what your offering does for you. Below is a table outlining your possible donation, the eligible tax credit for that amount, and the actual cost to you when it is all said and done:

 

Donation amount Tax credit eligibility Your donation cost
$25 $6.17 $18.83
$50 $12.34 $37.66
$100 $24.68 $75.32
$200 $49.36 $150.64
$500 $190.21 $309.79
$1000 $424.96 $575.04

 

To find out more about maximizing these tax credits, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/tax-time/.

In addition to cash gifts, St. Paul’s also gratefully accepts direct donations of securities. Giving your gifts in this way:

  • Entitles you to a tax receipt for the full market value of your contribution;
  • Generates a non-refundable tax credit you can use to reduce your income taxes in the year you donate, or it can be carried forward for up to five additional years; and
  • Eliminates the capital gains tax on the appreciated value of your securities, maximizing your charitable dollars!

To learn more, speak with your financial advisor or check out the helpful guide at CanadaHelps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/donate/donate-securities/

We close by reiterating the key role your offerings play in keeping St. Paul’s not just alive, but strong. On November 17, the Board provided an update on our current financial situation, noting that the pandemic has had a significant impact on our rental and fundraising income. Fortunately, because of government COVID assistance, income from our housing properties, and now, FundScrip donations, we have been able to keep going. Your weekly and special offerings, however, continue to be a crucial source of support. Normally, we would have three services on Christmas Eve, a time we know people often give generously to the life and work of St. Paul’s. This year – as with everything else – our Christmas Eve will look quite different. Instead of our usual services, we will have one in-person service (limited to 220 people) and one recorded communion service. If you normally give at a Christmas Eve service, we ask that you prayerfully consider making that offering through the office, CanadaHelps, or by e-transfer. This will help to cover the loss that we will experience on a Christmas Eve unlike any other.

In closing, we know that the year has not been easy on anyone, because it has not been easy on our church community. But, together we are stronger. United, we can support one another in a new year and in new ways of engaging our faith. Let’s work together to close out this tumultuous year and start anew in 2021.

Of all the people who are called by God in the Bible, I get the most inspiration from Mary. The angel told her that God needed her and that her life would be turned upside down, and Mary said, “Here I am.” I have tried to live my ministry that way, listening for the call of the Spirit on the way.

I want to thank you all again for allowing me, my sandals, my ever changing facial hair, my foolish optimism, and my sometimes abrupt sense of humour, to be a part of the ministry in this place. My kids would say that 6 years is a long time (and to be fair, they are 8), but for me 6 years has passed all too fast. I cannot even begin to imagine what my life might be like or who I might be today if not for the ministry that we shared. You have helped make me a better minister, and I hope that – in some small way – I have brought you closer to Christ. I am truly blessed to have been able to share leadership with the likes of Pastor Sarah Magie and Rev. Michelle Armstrong, and they know (because I tell them often) how much I treasure the work that we did in this place. Know that I do not leave bitter or angry, or even with regret. The Spirit drew us together for a time, and now the Spirit is calling us on different paths. I will carry a part of you with me always, and my ministry with you means you will never be the same either.

For one of the last times together, let’s pray (many of you will recognize this prayer as I often use it or something like it in times of parting):
Shepherding God, we give thanks for all the ways that you guide us together,
to support one another,
to pray for creation,
to seek Christ in our midst.
Watch over us now as we part ways. Guide our feet that we might be brought back together again in praise of you.
We offer this and all our prayers in the name of your son and our saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN

Your brother in Christ,
Rev. Richard Bowley