‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ‘ Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ‘
-Matthew 4:6-7
Peace be with you Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Many a prayer, hymn, and sermon have been offered in praise to God about the trust that we have in our divine parent, but what does trusting God really mean? In the verses above we see more from Christ’s time in the desert and the temptations of the devil, specifically the invitation to put God’s faithfulness to the test by stepping off the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem. The devil is not asking Christ to trust in God as he steps over the edge, but is asking him to test and see if God will live into the promise of always being there. Testing and trusting are two different things. When we boldly step over the edge into what causes us fear because God is calling us to something, we are doing it because we know God is with us through the darkness and the dread, this is trust. When we boldly put ourselves in harm’s way (physically, mentally, or emotionally) just to prove a point, we aren’t being faithful. As we discern where it is that God is calling us in life, whether it is to wilderness or to wonders, journey with trust and faithfulness in the one who will never let us travel alone.
As we continue on this journey, there are a number of things on the go, ways that we can answer God’s call. Have a look below at where you can be a part of the life and work of St. Paul’s United Church:
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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 https://zoom.us/j/933214039 You should be able to hear the worship service and see what is on the screens.
Youth Group will be gathering off site at Kingswood Entertainment Centre January 25th @ 7:30pm-9:00pm. We will be bowling and having time to hang out. Youth are asked to bring $8.00 to help cover costs of bowling.
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!
Reflective Bible Study: Exciting news!!! Starting this Sunday January 27th, 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 4:1-17. Come for either the study or prayer group. No experience necessary. It will be a relaxed environment guaranteed.
This week as we come together in worship, Rev. Michelle will not be with us as she is travelling to Alberta to be with family as they celebrate the life of her late Grandmother. Let’s hold Rev. Michelle and her family in prayer as she travels, and as they remember.
Bring a Friend to Church Sunday: This Sunday, January 27th we will have the first “Bring a Friend to Church” Sunday of 2019. Along with our usual worship experience we will gather before service (10:10 a.m.) for a Sing-along and following worship 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!).
Annual Committee Reports are due: We ask that committees submit their reports for the Annual report no later than Monday, January 28th. Please send these reports to Cathy Simpson at cathyesimpson@gmail.com
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)
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.
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One way that St. Paul’s has been living into that call to journey with Christ and trust in God is by opening our doors to those who are out in the streets on these cold winter nights. We still have a number of volunteer positions open between now and March 31st, and we hope that you can help us to fill them by following the link: 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, January 27th.
As we step out into the world trusting in God to be with us, let us ground ourselves in faith and prayer based on one of the songs we will be singing this Sunday for worship:
God of Light, Love and Power
We march by your light, going to those dark places to share your Good News.
We live by your love, building and mending relationships with ourselves, one another, the world and with you.
We move by your power, invited to bring hope and joy to places of fear and sorrow.
Shine on us we pray.
Embrace us we pray.
Guide us we pray.
AMEN
Yours in Christ
Rev. Richard & Rev. Michelle
We will be using last weeks bulletin which can be found here.