As we start Holy Week, we reach the dramatic section of our scripture where the lines between life and death are starkly delineated. We watch with horror as Jesus goes from being celebrated and proclaimed as king as he enters Jerusalem amongst waving palms, to being nailed to the cross on which he dies. This is a brutal part of our faith story, in which death, the devil and pain seem to win and as readers of this story the only thing we can do is watch it unfold.
This year our story is backdropped with another brutal and horrifying story, the war in Ukraine. We watch as the news reports show cities bombed to almost nothing, remnants of tanks strewn in the streets, 4.5 million people streaming across borders and the bodies of regular citizens murdered and left in the streets. It is almost too much to take. I was hit by the image of a child’s bear in the rubble – a bear that is one of Ella’s favorite toys. As she held her bear a deep wave of grief and fear rolled over me as I immediately was transported to the rubble pile. One of the questions that has been floating around is What can I do? Unlike the gospel story that is long over, this story is unfolding right now, live before our eyes, so we can do something.
The first thing that the United Church did was release notice of support and prayer for the people of Ukraine. Adding our voices to the call for an end to war is one of the steps we can take, this kind of political engagement tells our leaders that we want ending the war to be a priority. We can do that through writing letters to MP’s in support of the Ukrainian people and calling for governmental action. We can organize or attend rallies in support of the Ukraine. We can also respond to government social media posts and share our support on social media platforms to encourage others to engage as well.
We can support organizations in providing aid to the 6.5 million people displaced with the Ukraine itself and those who have fled the country, by donating to organizations that can put people on the ground. Donations can be made through the United Church Emergency Response Fund, details can be found here: https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/ukraine-crisis or if you choose, another reputable organization like the Canadian Red Cross.
We can reach out to the Ukrainian community. They may have projects we can help with, but even if they don’t, knowing that they are not alone, and that the pain/shock/horror that they are feeling is shared, can bring comfort. Solidarity, coming along side people who are suffering is one of the things Jesus did and calls us to do too. Did you know that this Sunday, the Fredericton Ukrainian community is hosting a Fundraising Fair to support humanitarian relief? This is a great opportunity to support the local community and help provide aid, check it out Sunday April 10 from 12-5 in the Journey Church gym 131 Duncan Ln.
Maybe the simplest thing, but also a spiritually profound thing we can do is pray: for the people of Ukraine, the end of the war, and all who have found themselves effected by this conflict. Did you know that prayer has been scientifically studied, and it has been found to make a difference – I won’t get into the details at this time, but prayer impacts you and others in helpful and healing ways. So, if you are experiencing anxiety and stress and need relief, or if you want to share your care and support and promote wellness, you can any time and in every moment through prayer.
Reinhold Niebuhr, in the summer of 1943, wrote a prayer in response to WWII that speaks just as strongly today; it went: “God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, the courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.” If you thought that this sounded a little familiar but different, you may be right. While an adaptation of this prayer became popular and was used within AA, this original has several important distinctions. You will notice the prayer uses the plural us, collectively – not me singular, and that the first petition is for grace, not serenity. Then maybe the most important difference is that Niebuhr writes “courage to change the things that should be changed”, which is a big difference from “the courage to change the things I can”. Niebuhr doesn’t let us off the hook because we may believe something can’t be changed. Instead, he holds that if something should be changed, then God gives us courage to make it happen. History has been radically changed by people who saw something that should be changed, and despite being told it would never happen they had the courage to try. There is no doubt that the war in Ukraine should be changed, any action we take can and does help bring about that change.
For all who may be feeling overwhelmed at the immensity of the problem of the Ukraine invasion, or any other crisis on our planet, I wish to leave you with a quote from Miroslav Volf “The world’s needs are larger than any one person’s capacities, though they are not larger than our collective capacities.” We do not have to do it all, just do something. Anything and everything we are able to offer helps the world turn towards love and compassion.
Let us pray:
God of all, you hear the cries of the world and the cries of our hearts,
Give us courage to continue to be present to the brokenness of humanity
Give us grace to stand firm in you and not give up
Give us wisdom to discern your path that we may find our way out of the destruction we have created, and give us the strength to follow where you lead.
Help us to recognize your presence in this world, that we may shout with joy
and continue to proclaim your presence.
This we pray in the name of the one who walked to the cross for us, Jesus the Christ. Amen
1) Sunday April 10th – Worship
2) Sunday School
3) Board Meeting this Sunday
4) St. Paul’s UCW
5) Bible Study
6) Brown Bag Lunch Program
7) Pantry
8) Dates to Remember
9) 4 Seasons of Reconciliation
10) Volunteer Registry
11) Database Update – Personal Contact Information
12) Bulletin & E-News Announcements Deadline
13) Upper Room Daily Devotional – May-June
1) Worship April 10th, 2022
To attend in-person worship at St. Paul’s United Church we will no longer require you to show proof of vaccination. COVID protocols still in play include:
– Wearing a mask at all times
– Sanitizing one’s hands upon entry
– Sitting in the marked pews to maintain distance
– Being aware of social distancing when entering and leaving building
– Coffee time will be available for those who wish to partake. Tables will be set up and you are asked to maintain masks while not eating/drinking and stay seated.
As always, if you are not ready to join us in person we hope to see you on Zoom – link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
You can also join by phone only if you would prefer, if you don’t have a long distance plan charges would apply. All you need to do is call 1 647 558 0588 and follow the prompts to enter Meeting ID: 868 5471 8551 and Passcode: 165090
2) Sunday School: We are EXCITED to welcome you back to Sunday School this Palm Sunday. You can join us in person or through the Zoom platform virtually. For now, our Sunday school lessons will be delivered in a hybrid fashion (simultaneously in person and on Zoom). Activities this Sunday: Welcome and Introduction, 5 Bible Stories, Lenten Bible Word Search, Crafts and more!
3) Board Meeting this Sunday: Pray for the board as they have their first full meeting this Sunday. Board members are Barbara Cull-Wilby, Erin Hayes, Alanna Palmer, Tammy Coughlan, Donna Chauvin, Debbie Allison, Blain Irving, Roger Miller, Rev. Michelle, Past Chair – Jane Blakely. If you have any agenda items or something new to bring to the board’s attention, please talk to any member.
4) St. Paul’s UCW: St. Paul’s UCW is looking for some women interested in taking part in planning and implementation of UCW activities and events. This is a great opportunity for fellowship with other women in the congregation. The United Church Women have a long and proud history of contributing their prayers, gifts, and services for the work of the church. If you have some spare time and would like to join this group of amazing women, please speak with Donna Chauvin or Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
5) Bible Study: Join Rev. Michelle on Wednesdays at 11:15am for bible study. We are back in person, meeting in the parlor. Generally, sessions run 45min-1hour. This coming week’s scripture is John 20:1-18. Due to interest, you can also join online. Log in using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190
6) Brown Bag Lunch Program: The program needs cans of proteins with flip top lids such as soups, meats, fish. Thanks for everything you wish to donate.
7) Pantry: The pantry needs jam, relish, cookies, beef broth, shake n’ bake, tomatoes, fruit cups, pudding cups, cake mix & frosting, brown sugar, salt, juice and paper towel. Thanks for everything you wish to donate.
8) Dates to Remember:
– Maundy Thursday @ Wilmot – April 14th @ 6pm (Pot Luck @ 5:30)
– Good Friday – April 15th at 10:30am
– Easter Sunrise Service @ Pedway – April 17th @ 7am followed by breakfast
9) 4 Seasons of Reconciliation: This is a free unique 3-hour self-paced online course that promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation. Upon completion of the course, you will be issued a certificate provided by First Nations University of Canada. If interested in this course, add Erin Haye’s email erinhayes@deloitte.ca as the person who referred you to access it. For more information about the course visit https://www.reconciliationeducation.ca/deloitte
10) Volunteer Registry: We are starting a list of folks whom are available to volunteer. Anything from folding bulletins, helping out in the office, security/supervising the door for our renters or community events; during the day, after hours and weekends. If interested please the email the office or speak with Meghan.
11) Database Update – Personal Contact Information: Please forward your contact information (names of family members, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, envelope # [if known] and whether or not you would like to be included in mailouts or email updates. You can forward this information either by completing a Family Information Form for each member of your household while at the church or by email to Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
12) Bulletin & E-News Announcements Deadline: Please note that going forward, the deadline for all announcements is Wednesday at 3pm.
13) Upper Room Daily Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotional for May-June has arrived! Both the May-June and March-April booklets are available for purchase in the office for $2.