What does it mean to live beyond survival? This is a vital question, especially when we have been so focused on survival for years, and the last 2 years of COVID hasn’t helped us move beyond today. When our focus is keeping the doors open and worrying about what might come next, it is hard to pivot and explore what it might mean to thrive. This week’s scriptures had me sitting with healing stories. In one of these stories there is a man who has been lame for 38 years, Jesus finds him sitting by a healing pool and asks him if he wants to be healed. The man speaks about all that keeps getting in the way of him making it into the healing pool. In the end Jesus heals the man. I have been wondering what it must have been like, what thoughts must have gone through his head as he took the actions to stand up. After being unable to walk for so long, part of the miracle that happened that day was the man didn’t hold himself back.
Our board, trustees and other leadership have been looking towards the future during the last 6 months, in a tangible way. As we have prayed for God’s help in providing a way forward, several major opportunities have come into view. This Sunday we will be sharing what is on the horizon and what steps we need to take to both be prepared to walk into them and discern where and how to follow these gifts for the Spirit. For those who wish to join in person we will be meeting in the Sanctuary at 1pm. If you are not comfortable with this or unable to make it in person, there are two ways to join virtually. One is through the computer following the link below in the announcements. You can also join with just your phone to hear the presentations and take part in asking questions. The instructions for joining by phone are also included below.
It is written in scripture “I know the plans I have for you… Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). You the congregation of St. Paul’s have been through some tough times, COVID only being the latest chapter. As we stand in this moment and say what is next, let us reflect on the words of CS Lewis who said “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” Let us offer the wounds that we have experienced in the past and the struggle of today to God who could bring forth salvation from a cross, so imagine what he can do for us.
As we head towards the weekend and another winter storm, let us pray…
God you are greater than we can imagine,
and we try to fit you into our boxes.
Let us be open to your moving within us,
open our eyes to where you are at work,
and where you have us working as your hands and feet.
Give us the courage and faith to move forward in trust and faith.
this we pray in Christ’s name
Amen.
1) Sunday February 6th – Worship
2) Congregational Workshop – This SUNDAY!
3) FundScrip – ORDERS DUE!
4) Bible Study
5) Annual Committee Reports
6) Nominations for Board and Committees
7) Annual Meeting
8) Office Hours
9) New Building Safety and Security Measures
10) Brown Bag Lunch Program
11) Pantry
12) Offering Envelopes
13) General Council 44
1) Worship February 6, 2022
Now that NB is back in level 2 of the Winter Plan, we are resuming in-person worship. As of January 28th, to attend in-person worship here at St. Paul’s United Church you must show proof of vaccination. We will also be following the same protocols as previous weeks
– Wearing a mask at all times
– Sitting in marked pews
– Singing is NOT permitted – however this week we welcome Ralph Simpson as our soloist!
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) This Sunday Congregational Workshop: You are invited and encouraged to attend a February 6th from 1-3 pm. Come and get information and participate in discussion on 3 important, exciting, interrelated initiatives that are ready to be talked about and engaged with. These initiatives will set direction for St Paul’s in the future and require your input and support. The workshop will take place in the sanctuary and via Zoom for those to attend virtually.
Zoom link for computer access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
Join by Phone only call 1 647 558 0588 Meeting ID: 86854718551 Passcode: 165090
3) FundScrip: Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday and receiving your FundScrip orders in the Narthex. If you don’t have an order form, please click HERE or pick one up in the Narthex. I’ll place the order on Sunday and have the gift cards to distribute next Sunday. If you have never ordered gift cards through this program, let me know. I can guide you through the progress. I am investigating the option that allows supporters to order their cards online from FundScrip and have them mailed directly to your home. No forms to complete! Order whenever you like! If you are interested in learning more about this option, please let me know. Don’t worry, we will still keep the bulk order option in place! Did you know retailer donations from your orders raised $1003 for St. Paul’s last year!! Thank you for your support.
4) 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 6: 35-59. Due to interest we will attempt a hybrid bible study to join online you can log on using: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
5) Annual Committee Reports: Are now past due, Meghan is working hard to get everything ready for the annual meeting. Get yours in before she has to call you! Submit to the church office at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com today.
6) Nominations for Committees and Board: Beginning at the Annual Meeting we will identify and affirm those who have been called to leadership at St Paul’s. Help discern the path forward for the congregation by offering to serve on the board, be part of the hands and feet response to needs of our church through a committee. God called Abraham and Sarah in their 90’s, God called the boy Samuel as a child – you are neither too old or too young to serve! The big question is what are you passionate about? Talk with Rev. Michelle or Member of the board today!
7) Annual Meeting: Please mark your calendars for the Annual Meeting to be held on February 27th, 2002 at 1pm.
8) Office Hours: Just a friendly reminder that the office hours are from 8am – 3pm Monday through Friday. Please note that Thursday is a big day in the office, if you could shift your business to another day, it would be appreciated. Thanks!
9) New Building Safety & Security Measures: Starting Thursday January 13, each person entering and exiting the building will complete the new Daily Building Security Record in the binder at both the York and Charlotte Street entrances. This will allow for better safety and security of both the building and people in it should an emergency happen. Please remember to sign both in and out regardless of your nature in the building. Once year the end financial review is over we will be moving forward with re-issuing door and alarm codes for the new year.
10) Brown Bag Lunch Program: Juice boxes continue to be a priority, as well as Proteins including canned meats (with flip tops) and pudding cups for our brown bag lunch program. Drop off anytime during the week. Thank you in advance for your continued generosity.
11) Pantry: The pantry needs some vital items including: dish & laundry detergent, white flour and sugar. Donations can be dropped off anytime during office hours or on Sunday. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
12) 2022 Offering Envelopes: Please pick up your envelopes in the office! Contact Meghan at your convenience at 458-1183 to discuss a pickup arrangement!
13) General Council is the triannual (delayed 1 year because of COVID) meeting of the highest governing body of the United Church of Canada. The work of the 44th General Council will begin this month – unlike other gatherings this council will be meeting only virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. The proceedings are available for all to experience, so if you are interested in church governance and the decisions being made at the national level of our church check out https://generalcouncil44.ca/about/connect-gc44