But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. – 1 John 3:17-18
Dear Kindred in Christ,
Jesus ate with people all the time, so I wanted to start by reminding you that is week we are doing the same, with a welcome back potluck for Rev. Richard! Come at 10am for a hymn sing with Saints and Sinners, worship (because after 3 weeks of snow we need it) and stay for fellowship and food. What a wonderful Sunday it is going to be!
We seek to follow Jesus not just in sharing food but in all our lives, that is what it means to be a faithful follower. As the church we are called to let Christ’s life guide us as we look for how to respond to God and the world. What we do in his name and way is our ministry! As followers we are asked to do more than just come to worship, we are asked to let our life and the life of our church speak of God’s love.
Opening outdoors last year for Out of the Cold and providing space earlier this year to social development was one way we put our faith into action. We have learned that there are still many people unable to get into the Brunswick Street shelter and have been left in the cold. So we, all of us, are moving forward with being Christ’s hands and feet by opening our church doors. This ministry of St. Paul’s needs your support because it belongs to all of us.
While not everyone can stay up all night, we all can pray for the members of the church, outside volunteers and our guests each night. We all can, also, spread the word that our church is serving the community by telling people – friends, family, posting on social media- showing our pride that our church seeks to follow Christ in deed not just word. If you can offer to serve an overnight and invite others to be part of this ministry please do so by calling call Ron Yatemen at 429-6295 or the church office at 458-1183. This is a ministry that needs us all – prayer, donations of time (overnight/clean-up), financial support to offset any costs, donations of items for guests (please check with Ron about needs first). Please prayerfully join in supporting this ministry as we follow Christ in serving our community.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for what is and does happen in and around the church because of your gracious support and involvement in the ministry we offer….
-This Sunday Feb 2 we welcome back Richard. Come early at 10am to sing with Saints and Sinners. Stay after worship for Potluck and fellowship.
– Next Youth Group February 7th at 7:30pm-9:30pm. We will be meeting at St. Paul’s.
– Annual Meeting has been set for February 23rd following church. If you are responsible for producing an annual report for your committee please get them to Eric ASAP.
– February 23rd Organ Event at 2:30pm in memory of David Drinkell. He was part of our music ministry through the silent films.
– Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper! Mark the date now…February 25th
-Get Your Professional Headshots! Kelly Simpson is running a unique fundraiser for St. Paul’s if you need a headshot contact her for times and more information at kelmurandco@gmail.com
– Ash Wednesday service February 26th at 7pm. Join us as we mark the beginning of Lent. This reflective service with marking of the cross is a great way to kick off such an important season in the church year.
– Donation of Stock Shares to St. Paul’s, We have Church members who donate stock shares to St Paul’s and this is greatly appreciated. There is a big advantage in doing so as a donation of shares does not trigger capital gains and the donor receives a regular donation receipt for the full amount for income tax purposes. Please contact Eric Hotte for more details.
-Pantry Sunday is this coming Sunday. Items that are always needed for our shelves include: juice boxes, pudding cups, cereal, peanut butter, coffee, toilet tissue, large juice, cheese whiz, canned meats and fish. Thank you so much for your support of this ministry that helps so many!
-the Terry Pond Memorial fund was created in memory and as a legacy. The goal is to purchasing a new piano for the sanctuary, with the hope of moving the current piano to the hall and allowing us to advertise this hall as a desirable place to teach lessons, hold recitals and smaller scale events. All funds in that will be going to this purpose. If you have would like to donate to the piano fund this is one way to do so.
This Sunday we will be reading a story within a story found in Mark 5:21-43, where we here about a 12-year-old near death and a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years. In both cases their interactions with Jesus change their lives as he is touched and touches those who the holy people of his day would said needed to be avoided because they were unclean. As we move toward Sunday, I invite you to think about who in our day would be the people you avoid and why?
Let us pray,
Loving God you challenge us to live beyond ourselves,
Looking at your life we see just how self-giving you are,
How focused you are on supporting people into community and wholeness,
How you don’t let convention stop you from being known,
Help us to be bold followers of your way,
To replace fear with action
and worry with faith.
This we pray in Christ’s name. Amen
May God keep the snow and rain at bay that we may see each other on Sunday!
Yours in Christ
Rev. Michelle