For E-news June 30,2021
As the rain pounds the window this morning I can’t help but think about the ways in which the ground is soaking up the water and my plants are finding relief from the hot days earlier in the week. While I prefer a sunny day, I am so grateful given how hot the days have been that this gift of water is well timed to help prevent fires over the weekend coming up.
The holiday tomorrow has brought with it many questions, what is Canada Day and how do we respond to the history that has been coming to light. Cities have wrestled with what to do and Fredericton put its plans on hold. Many people have expressed strong feelings about the decision. Regardless of what we may personally think, I want to encourage all of us to listen and be open to hearing what others are saying and to let love lead us. Learning and listening to experiences that are not our own helps to create understanding and a ground for moving forward. So maybe this Canada Day, learning about our fellow Canadians that we don’t normally associate with would be a fitting tribute to a country that seeks to stand for diversity and welcome for all. There are many options available, one of which is the event first nations communities are hosting on July 1st where their resilience will be highlighted. For more info see https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/resilience-day-new-brunswick-1.6084907
In the last week, Andrew Steves and myself had the opportunity to give a tour to a couple members of descendants of J.C. Dumaresq who designed our church building. This visit was part of a wider tour and filming of buildings he designed. When the premiere of the film comes out we will let you know.
It was great to talk with several of you this week, and I’m looking forward to connecting with more as the summer progresses. Until then I will keep you in my prayers. As we go into this weekend let us pray.
Abundant God,
You created such a diverse world.
In our struggle to see the world as you do,
open our eyes to
the strength in our differences,
the revelation of your love written on every corner of creation,
and our role to work with you and for you in loving care.
As we go into this holiday weekend, hold us, and guide us,
regardless of where we go. Amen.
1. Worship Announcements
2. Church office hours
3. Fundscrip
4. Beyond Words
1.) Worship Announcements
Where do we worship this summer? Worship in July will be hosted at St. Paul’s. Worship will start at 10:30am and be available in person and via Zoom Services will be hosted by Wilmot between August 1-August 29th. This week, join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Meeting ID: 868 5471 8551 Passcode: 165090
2.) Church office hours
Interim Church Office Hours: We are running a reduced schedule of hours. Monday to Thursday inclusive from 10 am -2 pm. Thank you to the volunteers who are helping out. Note Thursday, July 1st is a holiday so the office will be closed.
3.) Fundscrip
Fundscrip continues to offer a way for you to support the church without any additional cost to you by using pre-purchased gift cards to make your everyday and special purchases. Start thinking about your order needs today for July and August as we are only having one summer order on Sunday, July 18. Maybe you will be travelling . . . Fundscrip has gasoline cards you can use along the way. Perhaps you’re going to a cottage . . . purchase Fundscrip cards for groceries and other supplies to take with you. Having a “staycation”? Doing things around the house and yard? Use Fundscrip cards for hardware stores or garden centres.. You can also print one here: http://www.stpaulsunited.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/POF_46258_NB_20210107105919197.pdf Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s! Enjoy your summer, stay safe!
4.) Beyond Words
Beyond Words: Anti-racism Film Series – June 20 –August 1, 2021. It’s not too late to join the Faith and Justice network for the 5 remaining films and frank discussions about racism using the films as jumping off points. This week the topic explores what is racism and how the definition developed and changed. We are offering multiple levels of engagement, covering a spectrum of learning needs and styles. To join https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCesrIRdVWVf_a8HkODPmcm–aQ63sNkJ8Ays-KSb5lFfSfA/viewform and Check out the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/UCCanBeyondWords