Blessed of God,
Yes blessed are we, even when things go wrong. Blessed are we when we are sweating in the sanctuary because we have heat and the extreme heat last Sunday lead us to find a leak in the boiler pipes around the organ so that we could deal with the problem before it caused major damage. Blessed are we when we can dress in layers to be prepared for all occurrences of weather because we have the clothing in our closets. And blessed are we that we can personally afford our bills and give to help others together through our congregation, because God has blessed us to be a blessing and this is the true way to abundant life. Oh yes, Blessed are we people of St. Paul’s….Blessed are we.
Yesterday, one of those blessings was been created by some of our churches best servant leaders. You see the UCW was in the kitchen making their annual minced meat. The church smelled heavenly and the joy of the Christmas season could almost be felt. So this is your reminder don’t miss out, sign up for your pies on the bulletin board across from Frasier Memorial Hall or call in your order to Eric in the church office. Small personal Pies cost $6 and large pies $13.
November 3rd, the day we celebrate our anniversary, it will be a full day! In the morning our band Saints and Sinners will be joined by members of Wilmot and Forest Hill leading us in a hymn sing at 10:10am before service. The Right Reverend Richard Bott, moderator of the United Church will be preaching, then at 5pm we will be joining together for supper to celebrate and have our time talent and treasure auction. Speaking of talents and treasures, please let Kelly Simpson (kelmurandco@gmail.com ) know what you are putting up for auction.
Along with these great activities, check out what else is happening at the church:
Service of remembrance for Patricia Ogden will occur here at St. Paul’s tomorrow Saturday October 26th at 2pm.
We are making pies on November 4th at 9am. Please come along and join the group!! call Donna Chauvin 458-5885 The Luncheon/Bake/Craft sale is on Saturday Nov 16th.
“Time, Talent and Treasure Supper and Auction” on November 3rd. Silent auction will start after morning worship in Fraser Memorial Hall and carry on through dinner. Join us starting at 5pm for our free will offering anniversary spaghetti dinner with salad and dessert and celebrate the impact in our community over the last 187 years. So the other question is what Talent, Treasure or Time from your blessings could you put up for auction? Your famous pie? Help with yard-work or garden? a loaf of fresh baked bread? A night of babysitting? tickets to a play? A painting? The options are unlimited. Let Kelly know what you are offering today kelmurandco@gmail.com
• Worship is one of our primary practices, and a time when the body of Christ comes together to praise God. However sometimes it is hard to get to service, but don’t let that stop you because we are Streaming our worship, the current Zoom link is: https://zoom.us/j/373853139 If you can’t be with us in person, this is the next best thing.
• If you haven’t already done so, add the churches new email to your contact list, it is important so our emails don’t end up in your junk folder. The address is stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
•Coffee Hour Schedule: Each week a different group brings snacks and serves coffee and tea. Check the fridge in the kitchen for the schedule or in the church office.
• Brown Bag lunch program continues to be a large ministry. We are in need of protein that have pop-top cans (tuna ham chicken). Lunches are handed out when the office is open. This Program provides much needed nourishment to the hungry.
• These are the Pantry’s most needed items: soups (no tomato), canned meat for sandwiches, granola bars, juice boxes, fruit and pudding cups, large juice, canned fruit, cheez whiz, cereals, household cleaners, laundry detergent, paper towels, soda crackers, cookies, ketchup, peanut butter.
• St Paul’s has very exciting news, we now have power push button doors, at the Charlotte street entrance and middle outside door at the front of the church. Great news for everyone especially those with accessibility issues.
In this Sunday’s reading 1 Kings 12: 1-17, 25-29 we see the jealousy, greed, and selfishness in David’s household and among his descendants, have led to coups, rape, murders, and rebellions. Royal projects and policies have placed a heavy burden upon the citizens to supply crops, animals, and other materials. The self-serving and oppressive royal policies of David and Solomon are what Samuel warned would happen when the people requested a king (1 Samuel 8:11-17). They are not in keeping with the expectations that the king would be the one who “delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper ….has pity on the weak and the needy…from oppression and violence he redeems their life” (Psalm 72:12-14). Unfortunately, Rehoboam neither listens to his father’s advisors nor does he keep his heart on God. Instead of serving, he lays on increased oppression and then makes choices based on fear to keep power. Come join Rev. Brian MacDonald as he leads us in service this week and the children’s choir sings.
As we journey into this week, may we continue to keep our hearts and minds on God and look for the ways that God calls us to serve. Let us pray
Guiding God,
You know how we can wander,
and yet you are faithful to us.
Working to guide us to be people after your own heart,
help us to see with your eyes the opportunities before us,
help us to respond as your hands bringing healing, hope and reconciliation wherever we go.
Help us to remain faithful to you when times are difficult, and when an easier path lined with personal gains is before us.
Help us to stay true to you.
This we pray in Christ’s name
Amen
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Michelle Armstrong