When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. – Hosea 11:1-3
Kindred of Christ,
What a worship weekend we had last week – the moderator challenged us to really think about what is driving our actions, what are we putting first and what gets in the way of putting God first. Then we had over 70 people gather for a lovely spaghetti supper and the time, treasure and talent auction. A fun night was had by all! And that was only day one of this week! The activity around the church continued, on Monday the UCW gathered to make those famous Mince Meat pies. Tuesday our office was busy working on processing the spaghetti dinner and time, talent and treasure auction so far we have brought in $2,500. A big thank you to everyone who made this night a huge success. Wednesday, I presided at the funeral service of Marie Wilcock.
As our first snowstorm of the winter is set to hit tonight and tomorrow, the long term and winter housing solutions for those who are homeless are not in place yet. This has led to a request from social development to partner with us in creating a warming Centre for this storm. As part of Jesus’s call to care for our neighbour, our board agreed to open our doors Thursday and Friday night to keep people safe as part of the emergency short term plan. Thank you for being the type of church that continues to reach out in care to those who so many disregard and walk past, following the lead of our Savior.
As we continue to grow in our faith and live into God’s call on our lives, check out these ways that we can come together and impact the world….
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!
Youth group next gathering November 15th at 7pm.
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 .
St Paul’s Yarn Ministry meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Our next meeting will be on the evening of November 20. The exact time/location has yet to be confirmed, but I’m looking at the Purrfect Cup Cat Cafe on the North Side, at 7. All are welcome – no previous experience or affiliation with St. Paul’s required.
Reflective Bible Study and Prayer Group Sundays at 9:15 am in the office. Tammy Landry is hosting. Come enjoy the scripture and watch the sermon come to life! Stick around afterwards for prayer. Everyone is welcome!
UCW Luncheon/Bake/Craft sale is on 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.
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
For the last couple of weeks, we have had scripture readings looking at the northern kingdom of Israel. We heard how the kingdoms split under Solomon’s son Rehoboam, with Jeroboam leading ten northern tribes away taking the name Israel with him. His first order of business was to replace the Jerusalem temple with two shrines with golden calves for the people to worship, all to protect his own power. The kings who came after Jeroboam in the north were no better than he was. Last week we heard how King Ahab promoted worship of the god Baal and how in a contest God let everyone know who he was. This week, we are sticking with the northern kingdom in the Book of Hosea (11:1-9). Hosea doesn’t mix words in talking about Israel’s turning away from God’s path…but he also, using the metaphor that a loving parent, doesn’t hold back on telling the people just how much God loves them. Join us on Sunday as we dive into our hearts and God’s heart. This also our annual remembrance Sunday. I look forward to seeing you in worship!
In the meantime, let us pray.
God of mercy and grace,
too often we slip up, we try to do good, be kind and live in the light of your truth,
but we get distracted, drawn away from the path by the lure of the “good life” and selfish pursuits. Often we end up hurting ourselves, others and you in the process. Yet through all of our wanderings you are there, to guide us and welcome us home. Help us to hold onto your guiding string of love made visible in Jesus Christ. As winter weather moves into our region, we also pray for those who are without a home and warm place to stay. We give thanks that we can in our small way put our faith into action, by serving those who need it most this night. Bless those guests who come into our building and bless those who are providing support this night. Amen.
Yours in Christ
Reverend Michelle