Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

-Mark 10:21-22       

Kindred in Christ,

The encounter between Jesus and the rich man on the road is a story that continues to speak to us, because it is one that could happen as easily today as it did in Christ’s own time.

A teacher, at the beginning of a new journey, is confronted by a man seeking eternal life. He is a good man, who has been true to the law his whole life. All he needs do is sell everything he has and follow Christ. Any one of us, seeking wisdom, hope, and a new way, could be that man on the road. We too seek the gift of eternal life, and the good news is that it is a gift that is freely given, just as Christ said. The choice is and always has been ours to take it.

As the church, we answer Christ’s call by giving of ourselves for the benefit of the community and the world. We do this in the ways that we provide a safe space for those on their journey of faith, by creating warm spaces in the midst of the cold, by feeding people, walking with people, sitting in silence with people. Sometimes that giving of ourselves is a risk, one the rich man in the story was not willing to take.

May we respond differently as we begin our journey through Lent, as we make our way to the cross and beyond. Below are some of the ways you can share your gifts and deepen your faith here at St. Paul’s.

Liturgy Through Lent. Some say that Lent is a time to give something up. Another practice of Lent is letting something go. Each Sunday through Lent there will be a time of reflection as we take open up to God and to ourselves. During that time, each of us will be asked to write something in response to a question, and place that paper in a jar. No names, just experiences and truths we share with the one who calls us to follow him.

Becoming a Member. Has St. Paul’s United Church become a home for you? Consider becoming a member! Through the season of Lent we will have membership classes, welcoming new members on Easter Sunday. Get your names to the office, and we can start this journey together. Phone: 458-1183. Email: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com.

ANNUAL REPORTS are due if you haven’t completed one yet please do so asap.

The Fredericton Women’s Inter-Church Council will be presenting the following three services to mark World Day of Prayer:

  • Friday, March 6 at 7pm at the Salvation Army Church
  • Sunday,  March 8 at 2pm at St. Peter’s Anglican Church
  • Sunday, March 8 at 2pm at Wilmot United ChurchTheme: Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk; written by the Women of Zimbabwe Donna Chauvin will be taking part in the Wilmot service. Information: Ann Raper 457-0164

Lenten Prayer Service. Starting on March 1st and continuing through until April 5th Rev. Richard will be leading a prayer service online each week. All are invited to take in this time of prayer and reflection.

  • When?: Weekly on Sunday @ 7 pm starting on March 1st
  • How to Connect?: Log in through Zoom by following this link: https://zoom.us/j/863317863, or call in through the following number: 1(647)558-0588, and use this meeting ID: 863 317 863.

Retirement Home Services. As March approaches, we want to remind everyone that we have regular worship services at a few Retirement Homes in the area. These services help keep us connected to one another, especially for those who find getting to Sunday worship difficult or impossible. Come and join in the singing and the praying as we widen our community to include as many as possible. Dates for services are below:

  • Wednesday, March 4th: St. Anne’s Court @ 3 pm (chapel on 3rd floor)
  • Thursday, March 5th: Frederick Hall @ 9:45 am and Governour Hall (Fiddlehead Lounge) @ 10:30 am
  • Thursday, March 19th: Windsor Court @ 10 am (5th floor common area)

This past Wednesday began the journey we take each year towards the cross. This Sunday is one of those first and most important steps, where we look at ourselves as God does: as worthy of the love and forgiveness we are offered. Come to worship on Sunday as we hear that Good News together, reminded that following Christ is only a risk if we are more invested in ourselves than we are in who we can be as companions on the Way.

Let us pray:

Forgiving Christ,
You ask us to give all that we are, and we are ashamed to admit that we are uncomfortable.
We give only a part of ourselves, fearing what we might lose in following you fully.
Forgive us our fear.
Forgive us our pride.
Remind us that your light ever goes before us, that your presence is constant and sure.
This we pray in your name O Christ. AMEN

Yours in Christ,        

Rev. Richard and Rev. Michelle