“…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Matthew 6:20-21
Peace be with you Sisters and Brothers in Christ
As we close the chapter on the first month of 2019, we are also turning fully from the beginning of Christ’s ministry where he was baptized and tested, into the teachings of Christ. This Sunday, February 3rd, Christ gives us those familiar words that we call the Lord’s Prayer, a reminder that our prayers need not be long or beautiful, because even the simplest prayer – like asking for daily bread – finds the ear of God. The reading for this week also has the above verses which ties the whole passage together, encouraging us to tend as much or more to our spiritual needs than to the desires for wealth, position, or power. Come this Sunday and pray as we together find joy in following God’s call for us. Worship starts at 10:30 a.m.
As we strive to find more ways to make our faith journey and faith formation a priority in the coming weeks and months, here are some of the things going on at St. Paul’s to help with that!
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-Streaming Sunday Worship: We want you to feel like you can worship with us even when you can’t be in the sanctuary. If you can’t be with us for some reason – maybe you’re travelling, maybe you’re sick, or maybe you get a little anxious in a new place and want to see what we are about – we hope that you tune in by following this link (which is different for the month of February) https://zoom.us/j/346651109. You should be able to hear the worship service and see what is on the screens.
-Reflective Bible Study: Exciting news!!! Continuing this Sunday February 3rd, Eric Hotte will be hosting a reflective Bible study from 9:15 am until 10am in the church office. Following the study, there will be a prayer group from 10am until 10:20 am. Absolutely everyone welcome! Eric will lead in the reading, which will focus on the scriptures for the weekly sermon. Watch the “Word” come alive. This Sunday January 27th the reading will be Matthew 6:7-21. Come for either the study or prayer group. No experience necessary. It will be a relaxed environment guaranteed.
-Annual Meeting: On February 17th, we will have our annual meeting of St. Paul’s United church. It will take place in Fraser Memorial Hall following worship, and there we will look at the budget for 2019, talk about the future, and elect new members to the Board and to be our Regional Representatives. The storm date for the annual meeting is February 24th.
-Positions open to serve: As we approach the Annual Congregational Meeting (February 17th following worship), there are a number of positions that we need to fill and we ask that you prayerfully consider how you may serve. Currently we are looking for the following positions:
- 3 Board Members
- Board Chair
- Treasurer (also a member of the Board)
- Ministry & Personnel Member
- Regional Representatives (3)
If you have questions about these positions, contact you Ministry Team (Rev. Michelle & Rev. Richard), and watch the bulletin on February 3rd and 10th. On those Sundays we will include bulletin inserts with position descriptions.
-Retirement Home Services: One of the most important things about a faith community is to stay connected with members who have been dedicated for years but can’t get in to worship regularly anymore. Early in February we have 2 opportunities to share in prayer, praise, and song with brothers and sisters in retirement homes. Check the dates and times below to see if you can come and add your voice.
- St. Anne’s Court: Wednesday, February 6th @ 3 p.m.
- Shannex (Governor and Frederick Halls): Thursday, February 7th @ 10:30 a.m.
-Family Night BBQ & Movie: Come to the church for a mid-winter reminder of one of the joys of the summer: a BBQ! On Saturday, February 9th all are invited to come and share in a family friendly night with BBQ’ed hotdogs and hamburgers. Following the meal, there will be a family friendly movie for all to enjoy. We hope to see you at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 9th.
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Since mid-December, St.Paul’s has been opening our doors to those who are out in the streets on these cold winter nights. We have had some great volunteers, but we still have a number of positions open between now and March 31st, and we hope that you can help us to fill them by following the link below:
http://www.connectfredericton.ca/need/detail/?need_id=392812 Pick days that work for you and help give someone a warm place to be at night. If you are having any issues with the site, please contact one of your ministry personnel to let us know when you are available. Right now we have need for next week starting on Sunday, February 3rd.
Since Christ invites us to pray simply and pray often, I invite you to take this prayer into your days and say it as often as you are able.
Thanks for this moment, O God;
for getting me to it, and getting me through it.
Forgive those moments when I forgot or ignored your love.
Guide me to those moments where I can best serve in your name.
Thanks for this moment, O God.
AMEN
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Richard & Rev. Michelle
The bulletin for this week is also available and can be downloaded here.