Enews November 15, 2019
Greetings Beloved of Christ,
I hope since last week’s worship you haven’t forgotten that you are loved completely and utterly by God! if you have then this is your reminder, you are loved fully by God and by those of us who work at St. Paul’s. Thank you for being who God made you to be and for offering your time, talents and treasure so we can continue to tell people the truth about this Love.
There are many people who work behind the scenes doing work they are passionate about which helps our congregation to flow smoothly. Choir members who practice Thursday night. UCW members who set up, prepare and work their organizational magic to ensure fundraisers, receptions and so many other activities go off without a hitch (don’t miss their bazar on Saturday!). Members of property committee, who work during the week to make sure the building is in tip top shape coming in to repair those places that are showing wear and tear. Maude who comes by weekly to fill brown bags so that Eric has something to hand out to those who are hungry looking for help in our community, and everyone who brings food for both this program and the pantry. Cathy Davis and Mary Staples who prepare the Sunday School lesson materials each week so that teachers don’t have to worry about supplies and can just walk in and teach their lesson. And this is just a short list. Today, however I want to highlight one of the least publicized set of volunteers but a group that is busy each Sunday…our counters! They have the fun task of taking all the offering and counting what has been received each Sunday. Working in teams of at least two counters play a crucial role in the financial running of the church. They count and record the offering by offering number, as well as loose change. Make sure everything adds up and then create a deposit and deliver the money to the bank so that cash and cheques are not left in the church. Records are then passed along to Eric for entry into our accounting software. Greg Morton after 25 years of counting and coordinating counters is hanging up his counter hat. I want to take this opportunity to give him a big thank you and I encourage you to thank him too. His retirement creates a space for new people to come and serve this vital ministry of our church. So are you relatively good at numbers (calculators are provided)? reliable and able to give some extra time on Sunday after church…If yes let Eric in the office know that you are willing to serve so he can add you to the rotation.
Do you love cookies? So do people who attend Carols by Glowsticks! Last year we served 12 dozen cookies with hot apple cider, this year our crowd should be bigger! So if you can help provide cookies either home baked or store bought for this event please let me (Rev. Michelle) know. And if you haven’t got your tickets to attend. Don’t miss out, it was an amazing night last year and we are expecting it to be even better this year!
So along with Carols by Glowstick don’t miss out on these other great events…
UCW Luncheon/Bake/Craft sale is tomorrow Saturday Nov 16th. Time for the event… doors open at 10:30 AM. Lunch from 11 to 1 PM. Menu – chicken-a-la-king, salad, angel food cake. Shop before and after lunch!! Pay at the door for lunch $12.00.
UCW will also be having a meeting Monday November 18th at 10:00am come on out!
Pictures Pictures Pictures, if you ordered pictures they are in the office stop by and pick them up. If you would like your picture in the directory and didn’t get your picture taken here, you can send it to stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com Photo directories will not be available until the New year.
Angel Tree Alert! keep on the lookout for the angel tree. Every year the people of St. Paul’s share their Christmas spirit and generosity by buying gifts for children. There will be tags on the tree for children that need presents. Talk to Sandra Huestis for more info. What an exciting way to spread Christmas Joy!
Christmas Carols, the story of Christmas and Glowsticks! Fredericton’s Second Annual Carols by Glowstick is happening at St. Paul’s United Church November 29th 6-7pm. This indoor Christmas Carol event is a great way to kick off the season as we join our voices together to sing our favorite carols by child friendly glow stick. Come out and raise your voice, swing your glowstick and enjoy the glow of the season. Stay after the singing for cookies and apple cider. Your ticket includes one glowstick per person. Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/events/1364601377051923/ Eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carols-by-glowstick-tickets-79360089163 Family ticket (up to 5 people) $20 Individual tickets $5.50, Additional Glow products available to purchase that night. Tickets available through eventbrite or church office 224 York Street.
Grandmothers Helping Grandmothers are selling Christmas Wreaths again this year. Double sided 12 inch balsam fir…Decorated $15 & Undecorated $13. Call Nancy MacGarvie at 455-3026 or Sue Short 455-5537. Deadline for orders November 24 & pickup at Wilmot Church December 1st
Reflective Bible Study and Prayer Group Sundays at 9:15 am in the office. Tammy Landry is hosting. Come enjoy the scripture!
Saints and Sinners will be leading you in to your service on Sunday, November 24 at 10:10 AM. Join us for a sing-a-long to prepare your hearts and souls with joy !
St Paul’s United Children’s Handbell Choir is starting November 17th Sunday’s 10-10:30. This program is for children 6 years of age and older. Contact Tricia Berry tmberry@rogers.com .
Youth group dates Mark them on your calendar now! (Carol’s by Glow stick on Nov 29th), then Dec 6th
St Paul’s Yarn Ministry meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Our next meeting will be on the evening of November 20 at 7:00, at the Purrfect Cup Cat Cafe (580 Two Nations Crossing, on the North Side). All are welcome – no previous experience or affiliation with St. Paul’s required. Please let Jen Petryshen know if you would like to attend so we can book a spot.
This week we have a special guest preacher the Rev. Krystal Sheremeta. Rev. Krystal is a United Church minister serving as a Navel Chaplain. We welcome her as she preaches from Isaiah 5:1-7; 11:1-5. In this section of texts we have two agrarian images. The first a vineyard that refuses to grow, despite loving care and good conditions. The second a tree sprouting out a stump. Come Sunday to explore these texts together as we worship.
God of the warm sun and the snowflake,
you tend the world in cycles of growth, rest and then back to growth.
Help us to move with the rhythm of life that you embedded in creation.
When we are tired, renew us and then inspire us again.
From death bring us new life. This we pray, as we seek to follow Christ, Amen.
Stay warm and blessings upon your day,
Rev Michelle