Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
From the desk of Rev. Michelle (who is sorry for the delay in getting this posted and looking forward to Meghan being back as she makes things look good!) …
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love that has its roots in church history, yet it’s often seen through the lens of romantic gestures, gifts, and flowers. This day carries a mixture of emotions, joy and excitement, nostalgia and longing and maybe even profound grief. While Valentine’s Day has been commercialized, as Christians, we can reflect on the deeper, more meaningful aspect of love that this day points us toward: the unconditional love of God and how we can share that love with others.
In 1 John 4:9-10, we are reminded: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” This verse speaks volumes about the nature of divine love: it is not based on our actions or worth, but it is given freely, sacrificially, and unconditionally.
Valentine’s Day invites us to think about how we can reflect that same sacrificial love in our lives. As Christians, we are called to love one another with the same kind of selfless, unconditional love that God shows us every day. It might not always be easy, but when we choose to love others this way, we demonstrate the heart of Christ. Jesus said “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”(John 13:34-35).
This commandment to love one another is a calling to practice kindness, patience, and forgiveness in all our relationships. It’s an invitation to open our hearts and extend grace to those around us, whether family members, friends, or strangers. Today we are invited to think about how these patterns of being are found in our relationships and how we can more closely align with them.
In a world where division and hurt are prevalent, love stands as a beacon of hope. Here is some Good News, while we often jump to big and grand gestures of love, we can reach out and show love in simple yet profound ways: with a card, a phone call, or even an encouraging word. Sometimes the smallest gestures are the most meaningful, reminding others that they are seen, valued, and cherished.
Yet, acts of love don’t just happen. As Gary Chapman wrote, “Love is a Verb”. To love involves being intentional. Love takes work. Christian love is more than an emotion or feeling, it is a choice- a choice to serve, to forgive, to sacrifice, and to honor others. It is about showing up for each other and being open to each other in the everyday moments of life. To love like Jesus is to proclaim in our actions that those around us are God’s beloved children.
So, whether you’re spending this day with a spouse, a friend, or even alone, my hope is that you know and feel just how much God loves you. For YOU are God’s beloved, made in God’s image, surrounded by God’s love. Take a moment to reflect on this and let it sink in.
This love God has for us is what empowers us to love more freely and sustains us in times of difficulty. We love because God first loved us. May we always know God’s immeasurable love for us, and may that love fill our hearts and overflow into our actions. Let us pray…
God who is Love,
on this day as odes to love flow freely,
we remember your love for us,
and how nothing can separate us from your love.
We thank you for loving us,
even when we do not love ourselves,
even when we mess up and fail,
even when we have nothing to give in return.
Thank you that your love covers us and surrounds us
and that we are called Children of the Most High.
May all our ministry reflect your love
so that the world may come to know you,
and your power to save.
Amen
Featured In This February 13th eNews Edition
Worship This Sunday February 16th
St. Paul’s 2024 Tax Receipts
Pantry Programs
Coffee/Fellowship Hour Volunteers
Booking Meeting Space
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Music Of Her Soul
World Day Of Prayer Services
Ongoing Church Activities
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Worship This Sunday February 16th
Please join Rev. Michelle for service this Sunday at 10:30am.
To view the bulletin in advance click here!
Can’t make it in person, join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83673756287 Passcode: 2023 View anytime on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.paulsunitedchurch984/videos
St. Paul’s 2024 Tax Receipts
St. Paul’s 2024 Tax Receipts are in the mail. Keep your eyes open for yours! Please contact Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com or 506-458-1183 if you have any questions regarding your annual contribution amount.
Pantry Programs
This month, the St. Paul’s Pantry, which runs Wednesday 9-11am, will focus on donations of 2.5 kg of flour, ketchup, and dish detergent. Other needs are vinegar, mayo, puddings, white & brown rice, syrup, molasses, coffee, and Mr. Clean. Thank you for your ongoing support!
St. Andrew’s Pantry is primarily used by guests of the Friday Morning breakfast program and by people encountered in need of food by our staff. Unfortunately, supplies are running low and any donations of non-perishable food would be greatly appreciated.
Coffee/Fellowship Hour Volunteers
Heather Labadie is coordinating Coffee/Fellowship Hour volunteers. Thanks to those who have already responded to her. If you would like to get involved too, please contact her at heather.labadie@gmail.com. You could offer to do a complete ”hour” yourself, or you could volunteer to help someone else out. If you are new to this “task”, Heather will pair you up with someone who is experienced. If you would like to volunteer to just look after the coffee and tea (and not the snacks), let Heather know. If you would like to provide snacks, but not make the coffee/tea, Heather will work with you to share with someone else who may not want to do the snacks. ~ Mary Charters
Booking Meeting Space
As the use if our space gets busier, please remember to book your meeting space through the office. Drop by in person, call 506-455-8220 or 506-458-1183 or email stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com and sapcfred@gmail.com. Both offices use a shared online calendar so we can ensure space is available for your meeting.
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Thursday Evening Bible Study is from 6-7pm in Rev. Michelle’s office. This is a Lectio Divina style engagement with the scripture reading for the coming Sunday. Everyone is welcome!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
February 16th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship hosted by Debbie Allison, Barb McGuigan & Lois Paterson
February 17th ~ Offices Closed for Family Day Stat Holiday
February 23rd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Marg Leonard
March 2nd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister
March 4th ~ Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
March 5th ~ Ash Wednesday Service
March 9th ~ Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 9th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
March 9th ~ World Day of Prayer Service at St. Andrew’s at 2pm
March 16th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Heather Labadie
March 23rd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Chris Grant & Mary Stickles
Music Of Her Soul
You are invited to Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 512 Charlotte Street on February 21st at 7:30pm to hear beautiful music written by women composers; Fanny Mendelssohn, Helene Fleury Roy, Clara Schumann, and Louise Adolpha Le Neau. Presented by Natalia Delacroix on Viola, and Nicolas Roy on Piano. Tickets are $20 online at delacroixclassix.com or $25 at the door. Tickets are also available at St. Paul’s office Monday-Thursday between 8am and 3pm for $20 each.
World Day Of Prayer Services
St. Andrew’s and St. Paul’s are hosting the World Day of Prayer for the Southside! An invitation is extended to all Women and Men to attend the World Day of Prayer Services in Fredericton. The World Day of Prayer for 2025 was prepared by the Women of the Cook Island. The theme is “I Made You Wonderful” (Psalm 139: 1-18.)
Northside: St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 780 McEvoy Street, Fredericton on Friday, March 7th, 2025 at 2 PM. Storm Date: Sunday, March 9 at 3 PM.
Southside: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and St. Paul’s United Church, 512 Charlotte Street, Fredericton on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at 2 PM. Storm Date: March 16 at 2 PM.
Ongoing Church Activities
Monday – Thursday ~ Community Outreach ~ Brown Bag Lunch Program in St. Paul’s Office
Tuesdays ~ Tuesday Morning Ladies Group at 9:30am ~ All are welcome!
Tuesdays & Thursdays ~ Quilting from 1-4pm ~ All are welcome!
Wednesdays ~ Community Outreach ~ Pantry Program from 9-11am
Thursdays ~ Choir Practice from 7-8pm ~ All are welcome!
Thursdays ~ Bible Study from 6-7pm ~ All are Welcome!
Fridays ~ Community Outreach ~ Breakfast 2 Go from 8:30-10am
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Rev. Michelle can be reached on the main office phone lines, her office directly at 506-455-0639, by text or call to her cell at 506-259-7602 or via email at michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com. Drop-in office hours are Sundays and Mondays from 1-2:30pm. Appointments are preferred to ensure the time you need to connect.
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Please send announcements to Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com by noon Wednesday.
Contact Information
Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
512 Charlotte Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 1M2
Saint Andrew’s: Tel: 506.455.8220 | Email: sapcfred@gmail.com | Website: https://sapc.ca/
Office Administrator: Joanna Price | Office Hours: Monday-Friday 2pm-6pm
St. Paul’s: Tel: 506.458.1183 | E-mail: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com | Website: www.stpaulsunited.ca
Office Administrator/Bookkeeper: Meghan Roebuck | Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong | Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Custodian: Doug Newman | Ministers Emeriti: Rev. Doug Blaikie & Rev. Dr. Basil Lowery