Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Fredericton has been on edge this week, as we have watched waters in the river rise. We see it as we negotiate the road closures in the downtown, as businesses and activities canceled as the waters sit at 8.2meters we are left waiting. We have been offering prayers and support to people affected by the floods, if you have been affected let us know so we can specifically hold you in prayer and offer any support we can.
The flood and corresponding traffic jams offer us an opportunity to engage our faith. In those moments when we are stuck in traffic we can offer prayers for the people affected and/or prayers of gratitude for what we have. We can reach out to our neighbours checking in on them to see how they are doing. We can offer support to the organizations who are involved in shelters. We can thank the people who are working at blockades and emergency workers who have been working to keep people safe. You can make plans to help with the clean-up that will be happening once the waters finally recede. These are just a few ways that we can mobilize the love, generosity and gratitude that our faith calls us to, we are sure you can think of more!
As a faith community many of our gatherings revolve around our physical building and this coming weekend and week is no exception. Our youth group is scheduled to meet on Friday May 4@ 6:30.
The UCW bridge lunch is happening on Saturday 12 noon. Isabel Green might still be able to find you space at a table, if you have not already called her, call her today! While the UCW is facilitating Bridge Rev. Michelle will be attending Godly Play training in hopes of bringing some Godly play to St. Paul’s!
This Sunday you are invited to stay after worship for a congregational meeting and light lunch provided by your Ministry Team. It is our way of saying thank you for participating in the congregation and to celebrate the end of response to the giving program. Just a reminder we have a 34% response rate currently, help us raise that rate – send your response card in today!
Spirit Sisters will meet on Monday 7pm. We have finished the book Bullseye, so if you are thinking about maybe joining this woman’s group next fall, come check us out. We will be engaging in a no prep, stand-alone discussion. Just bring yourself.
Tuesda, May 8th is our board meeting, did you know that all board meetings are public venues, if you are interested in finding out what happens at the board come check us out 7pm in the Ladies parlour. If you are a chair or team leader please ensure that you have chatted with your liaison and given them an update on your activities before the meeting.
And next Saturday (May 12) plan to be at church for coffee at 8:30 and breakfast at 9am as the men prepare this all member breakfast with guest speaker the Very Reverend Dr. Peter Short as a guest speaker.
May 14th is also the potluck discussion for men and women who have read Bullseye. Let’s get together and chat about our experience reading the book, and if and how we may continue to engage in the practices suggested.
This Sunday is the final week of our Called to be Church worship service series and we will be hearing from the book of 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 which encourages us to think about what we need to sow to reap what we want to achieve and to do this not under compulsion but with joy and cheer. We hope that your journey through the called to be church program has led you to a place of joy in your giving! This week we celebrate the journey we have been on and the road of faith God calls us to walk.
As we head into this weekend we pray,
God who has blessed us with this life, help us to engage fully with our world and with you, so that we may use our gifts and skills to embody your love. Create in us joy filled hearts from which praise and generosity naturally flow. Teach us that this is what your kingdom is about, and help us to take our place in it today as it is manifested one small action at a time here in Fredericton and around the world. In Christ’s strong name we pray, Amen.
Rev. Michelle & Rev. Richard
Also the bulletin is available for download here.