In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” ‘ -Matthew 3:1-3
Peace be with you Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we make our way to Baptism of Christ Sunday we are reminded of those in our lives who are showing us Christ, but also of the ways in which we are to be bearers of the Word in a world that isn’t always ready to hear that word. To be the carriers of Christ is a joyous task but it is not always an easy one. We hope that you join us this coming Sunday as we hear the story of John the Baptist, the people who sought him out, and the experience of Christ’s Baptism.
Since we are still fairly early in the New Year, it’s not too late to be thinking about beginnings in our lives. Maybe you’ve been looking for new ways to serve, whether that is on a committee at the church, or volunteering some night at St. Paul’s “Out of the Cold” Program. Maybe you want to start eating better, exercising, or reading more. The point is that it is never too late to start anew. The only difference between who you are and who you want to be is that first step.
One way that the church could use your help and support is in our “Out of the Cold” Program. This week a website has gone up to make volunteering so much easier! Follow this link:
http://www.connectfredericton.ca/need/detail/?need_id=392812 and you can see where there are open spots and pick days that work for you. 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, January 13th.
Below are some other ways that you can take a first or hundred and first step in the life and work of this community of faith:
************************************
-The Youth group will gather at the church for a new year’s themed night on Friday, January 11th 7pm-9:15pm. Please RSVP to Rev. Michelle by email at michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com
–Streaming Sunday Worship: In Advent we tried something new. There were a few hiccups, but we think we have worked out the bugs. 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: https://zoom.us/j/933214039 You should be able to hear the worship service and see what is on the screens.
–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. This coming week 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: Monday, January 14th @ 3 p.m.
-Windsor Court: Thursday, January 17th @ 10 a.m.
–All Committee Gathering: All members of committee here at St. Paul’s are asked to come together for a sharing and planning meeting on Saturday, January 26th, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.. Members of the Board will be providing lunch (vegetarian options available). If you aren’t part of a committee but would like to know more about the life and work of the church, you are welcome too!
–Bring a Friend to Church Sunday: With the New Year, comes more opportunities to share our faith with friends and neighbours. In the coming weeks you are encouraged to invite those in your life to be a part of this experience of worship and deepening of faith. On Sunday, January 27th we will have the first “Bring a Friend to Church” Sunday of 2019. Along with our usual worship experience we will share in a pot-luck as a community and as a family. All are encouraged to bring something to share, but the most important thing is that you bring yourself (and a friend!).
************************************
As we continue this journey into a year just begun, let us pray:
Blessed Christ, you stand at the edge of the river,
at the edge of your ministry,
at the edge of what might be.
Give us the courage that you had to walk boldly into the river.
Open our ears that we might hear more clearly the whispers of the Holy Spirit.
Open our hearts that we might know that on this journey of edges and of new beginnings, we are not alone, that indeed we are cherished, embraced, empowered.
It is in your strong name that we offer this and all our prayers. AMEN
Yours in Christ
Rev. Richard, Pastor Sarah, & Rev. Michelle
The bulletin for this week is available for download here.