While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’
-Acts13:2
Greetings in the name of Christ our Companion,
As we continue our journey through the Easter season, our attention has turned from the resurrection of the Christ, to the works of the ones he sends. And yet the light of the resurrection still shines because it is by and in that light that Christ’s followers work. In this week’s reading we see how people respond to that light in their presence, and how they, like us, often mistake the workings of God right in our midst for something else. As we make our way into the weekend, let us be open to the ways in which the Holy Spirit is moving in and through our lives.
Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Hear the Good News. Come and see what God is doing, and how you are invited to be a part of that work.
Unable to make it out to service? Traveling for the Season? Join us online
Sunday Morning Worship: – https://zoom.us/j/482746737 (this link is new for the month of May)
What’s coming up?
–Youth group (JR/SR High) will be gathering for Lunch on Monday May 13th from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.. Let Rev. Michelle (michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com) know if you can make it and meet at St. Paul’s United Church for 11:30 a.m.
–Reflective Bible study: The Bible speaks in many ways, one way is by what resonates for us. Join Eric as he leads a reflective Bible study based on an ancient way of letting the Holy Spirit speak through our scriptures. (9:15 a.m.) This Sunday the reading will be Acts 13:1-3; 14:8-18. Following the study, there will be a prayer group until 10:20 am. Come for one or both, Absolutely everyone welcome!
–Faith 5: Last Sunday we launched a new congregational wide practice that will help our congregation to dig deeper into our faith and integrate our faith into our lives. This daily practice has 5 steps and can take between 5-15 minutes. Our goal is to have everyone in the congregation participating, If you didn’t get the information last week, we’ll have some for you this week available from the greeters or in Fraser Memorial Hall. Imagine what God can do working in and through us!
–Retirement Home Worship: This coming week there is an opportunity to bring God’s light and love to those who often feel detached from their faith community. If you want to join in the song, you are most welcome!
- Windsor Court: Thursday May 16th @10:00 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to come and worship!
–Land Acknowledgement: Alanna Palmer will once again offer some insight into what a Land Acknowledgement is, what it isn’t, and our part in building strong relationships with our brothers and sisters in this place. Watch for her and the information she brings on May 19th during the Moment for Community.
–Regional Council Meeting: The Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Region will be holding its Annual Meeting from May 23rd-26th. This means that both Rev. Michelle and Rev. Richard will be away for Sunday May 26th. We are blessed that one of our own, Chris Walker, will be presiding and preaching on this Sunday. Come and support him even as he opens the Word for you.
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!
–You are invited to join the Board in a financial planning workshop on 21 May from 5:30 – 9:30. The purpose of the workshop: develop a 3 – 5 year strategic financial plan to be introduced to the congregation on June 2, 2019. Rev. Roger Janes, the Stewardship & Gifts Officer – Atlantic Region for the United Church of Canada will be joining us at the workshop and as an advisor on an ongoing basis. This is your chance to make an important contribution to the future of St. Paul’s.
–Deepening Faith: On June 1st from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Rev. Richard & Rev. Michelle will be leading a”Sharing Faith, Living Faith” Workshop. This time is about equipping us to share the joy, passion, and faith that we have with each other and with the world around us.
–Prayer, Picnic, Park! On June 9th we will be gathering for worship for all agea in Wilmot Park at the gazebo (10:30 a.m. worship time). This service will focus on the celebration of Pentecost and we will share the unique experience of the Sacrament of Communion in the Park. Following worship, just a short walk away at Stepping Stones, we will have a picnic to mark the end of the Sunday school year.
–ATTENTION PARENTS LOOKING FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS: Vacation Bible School is changing! St. Paul’s and Wilmot are partnering to host FULL DAY programming. From July 22-26, our Vacation Bible School will be running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dates are firm, and pre-registration will be coming soon…but if you are planning to register please let Rev Michelle know. Cost for registration is by free-will offering.
The verse that begins this week’s eNews is from the reading for this Sunday and it reminds us how the Holy Spirit which Christ sent was still at work in his early followers, but it should also reminds us of the movement of that same Spirit in our own lives. We are no less chosen and set apart, gifted for the work that God calls us to. Search yourselves and your lives for the moments where you felt God’s hand on your shoulder, heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit calling, or noted the footsteps of Christ leading you forward to new experience.
Send to us your Spirit, O God,
that our hands might be instruments of your healing;
our time spent in the sharing of your love;
over very lives witness and testament to your presence and power.
Send us your Spirit, O God, and guide us on the Way to your kingdom. AMEN
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Richard and Rev. Michelle
The bulletin is also available for download from here.