Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him. Mark 12:17
Kindred in Christ,
Over the last few weeks, we have watched the news around COVID 19, yesterday the World Health Organization officially labeled the outbreak a pandemic and we got news about our first positive test results here in New Brunswick. All these developments have the potential to feel scary and overwhelming. Our faith gives us the ground to stand amidst any worry and instead of spiraling into fear take appropriate precautions to minimize risk here at St. Paul’s United Church.
The measures we are taking are in response to health officials’ statements and the recommendations set forth by the United Church of Canada emergency preparedness document include greeters are asked to not shake hands or give hugs but rather give a warm verbal greeting to minimize person-to-person contact. Ministers will also be refraining from handshaking at the doors. Eric has also instructed our caretaking staff to be extra vigilant with wiping down door handles and frequently touched surfaces.
All congregants are reminded that ongoing best practices for hygiene help keep everyone well. We are asking that you help us to live into these precautions and practices. So please:
-Wash hands often and properly with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds ofrubbing) OR Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing? isn’t possible.
-Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.-Avoid close contact with people who are ill and maintain personal space.
-Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash hands. If there is no tissue available, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm, not your hands.
Most importantly please if you are feeling ill, or have a fever do not come to church. Tune in to the service through Zoom by follow this link: https://zoom.us/j/422755131 Offerings can also be received online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/108037383RR0001-st-pauls-united-church/ Should you have any trouble or questions about Zoom please contact Rev. Richard at rev.bowley@outlook.com.
This weekend the worship committee is meeting and will be looking at best practices for worship in light of the current and potential impact of COVID 19, any additional shifts to our worship practice will be communicated next week.
By staying at home when you are sick you are caring for our church and your fellow congregants. By washing our hands frequently, we and all do our part to keep our community healthy. However if you do find yourself ill, with COVID 19 or any other illness, please let the office know. By letting the office know we, your ministry staff, can make contact as appropriate to offer support and prayers. If you live alone, we would like to please consider also providing the office with an emergency contact just as a precaution.
While taking appropriate action and monitoring the ongoing situation we will continue to do what our forebears did, proclaim the good news of God’s presence with us. So, let us not be trapped in fear but look towards our the upcoming events and opportunities to engage in the ministry here at St Paul’s:
New Piano is in the Sanctuary, we are blessed to have this Grand Piano, the Price was $31000 we received $14,470 in Donations to the Terry Pond Fund. Leaving us with a deficit of $16,530. Donations are still eagerly being sought, Thanks to everyone who supported the Terry Pond Fund and the purchase of this wonderful Piano.
The President of Fundy St Lawrence Dawning Waters Region Audrey Lounder, is looking forward to meeting as many of our lay members as possible. Our meeting date is March 25th starting at 7:00 pm at Nashwaaksis United Church. Please register – if you haven’t already, so we can contact you if weather causes us to reschedule. You can register by emailing alounder@gmail.com or by calling 506-977-1308. We are gathering as lay and clergy together.
Liturgy Through Lent. Some say that Lent is a time to give something up. Another practice of Lent is letting something go. Each Sunday through Lent there will be a time of reflection as we take open up to God and to ourselves. During that time, each of us will be asked to write something in response to a question, and place that paper in a box. No names, just experiences and truths we share with the one who calls us to follow him.
ANNUAL REPORTS are due if you haven’t completed one yet please do so asap.
Streaming Sunday Worship. Want to be a part of our worship experience but aren’t able to get into the church for some reason? Maybe you are travelling away from the city but want to pray with your kindred in Christ, or maybe you are sick at home, but want to sing hymns that bring their own healing comfort. You can worship with us! Follow this link: https://zoom.us/j/422755131 at or around 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings and be apart of the worship experience.
Lenten Prayer Service. This Service has started March 1st and continuing through until April 5th Rev. Richard will be leading a prayer service online each week. All are invited to take in this time of prayer and reflection.When? Weekly on Sunday @ 7 pm starting on March 1st How to Connect?: Log in through Zoom by following this link: https://zoom.us/j/863317863, or call in through the following number: 1(647)558-0588, and use this meeting ID: 863 317 863.
Retirement Home Services. We want to remind everyone that we have regular worship services at a few Retirement Homes in the area. These services help keep us connected to one another, especially for those who find getting to Sunday worship difficult or impossible. Come and join in the singing and the praying as we widen our community to include as many as possible. Dates for upcoming services are below:
- Tuesday, March 17th: PineGrove @ 10:30 (communion service)
- Thursday, March 19th: Windsor Court @ 10 am (5th floor common area)
The Children’s Choir will be singing Make My Heart Your Home on March 22nd and Little Donkey on April 5th
Maundy Thursday April 9th 6:00 pm service is here this year, it is a joint service between Wilmot United and ourselves. We will also be having a Potluck!
Good Friday Service April 10th at Wilmot this year at 11:00am
EASTER SUNDAY, April 12th, Downtown United Sunrise Service 7:00am, breakfast following at St. Paul’s; 11:00 am
Easter Worship Service here at 10:30 am
Becoming a Member. Has St. Paul’s United Church become a home for you? Consider becoming a member! Through the season of Lent we will have membership classes, welcoming new members on Easter Sunday. Get your names to the office, and we can start this journey together.
Phone: 458-1183. Or Email: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Saint Paul’s 80’s Youth Group Reunion June 6th & 7th, 2020, Saturday, June 6th, 5:00 pm – Youth Group Family Barbeque at Oakland Farm & Lodge, New Maryland. Sunday, June 7th, 9:00 am – Youth Group Breakfast here at Saint Paul’s also at 10:30 am Church Service Special Guest Speaker Rev. Ivan Gregan for more information contact karoline.barr62@yahoo.com or Greenbrad923@gmail.com
This week we will be exploring Mark 12:1-17. Thinking that they are about to trap Jesus the temple leaders ask a question about paying taxes, a great topic for this time of year. Jesus however surprises them with his answer. Join us this week as we explore what does it mean to give to God what is God’s.
As we head towards the weekend let us pray,
God, we come to you this week in the midst of our business and full lives
calling out your holy name as we seek to know you and be with you.
In the midst of our needs and our worries, you come to us.
In our sorrow and in our joy, you come to us.
For your presence with us we are grateful.
Help us to bring all that we are and feel into your presence
That we might meet with your holy light and find peace.
Guide us in your way this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours in Christ
Rev Michelle & Rev Richard