Thanksgiving greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ!
We are now fully into October, and with this comes the lengthening days of fall, longer sleeves, and mornings we call “brisk”, because we know that real cold is yet to come. Coming into the month of October also means a settling into routines created for many with the start of the school year. Many weeks end up looking like the week before, and they can often slide together in a blur that we look back on in December and wonder, “where did the fall go?” We hope that, as you look over your calendars, you consider making St. Paul’s a regular stop, not just on Sundays, but through the week.
For adults we have several programs that take place through the week. These are education, conversation, and rejuvenation opportunities.
On Monday evenings at 7 pm, the women’s group Spirit Sisters gathers to reflect on how we can better follow Christ in our lives. The Men’s Conversation Group is looking at the same book on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Through Bullseye: Aiming to Follow Jesus, both groups are looking that those important practices and attitudes that we live into when we listen keenly for the call of God. We hope that you consider joining us as we strive to be disciples of Christ in this time and place.
In between Monday and Wednesday there is a whole other day! On Tuesday mornings at 10 am in the ladies parlour, there is a Seniors Bible Study. This is for both men and women in the congregation, and its focus is on conversation around faith issues important to seniors.
If rejuvenation is what you seek, then we invite you to come Wednesday mornings at 10 am to the ladies parlour for Prayers in the Parlour. We gather to lighten the load of those prayers that weigh most heavily on our hearts. We also pray for one another, for the church (St. Paul’s in particular and the wider church of the world in general), for situations that are far from our feet but close to our hearts, and ultimately for the continued in-breaking of God into our every moment. No experience is required. You may come and sit as others pray, or you may offer your own words.
Just as there is space for our adults to question and to grow in their faith, we also have a Youth Group at our church that meets next on Friday, October 6th (that’s this evening) from 6:30-9:00. This group is for youth from middle school and up and is led by Rev. Michelle.
We also hope that you join us this coming Sunday morning for our regular worship which happens from 10:30-1130 am with Coffee and Conversation to follow. As we continue to make our way through the Narrative Lectionary, we find ourselves with the Israelites and Moses in the wilderness, in the midst of their 40 year journey. The focus is the miracle where God Provides Manna to the hungry people (Exodus 16:1-18). Join us this Thanksgiving Sunday as we reflect on the gifts that God gives us; gifts we are called to share with one another.
St. Paul’s has also been invited to support the the Red Shawl Campaign which seeks to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women. As the United church we seek to be in right relationships with our first nations brothers and sisters. As such we will be ringing our bells both on Wednesday and Friday at noon during the week of October 8th as a call to remember and pray for the families affected by the alarming number of missing and murdered women.
May you have a blessed Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones.
Blessings,
Rev. Michelle & Rev. Richard