Let’s talk. That short sentence hits people differently depending on who is saying it and the tone in which it is said. “Let’s talk about this great deal.” “Let’s talk about the plan.” “Let’s talk about why you did X.” “Let’s talk about what is bothering you.” At our house recently, it has been Reid saying “Let’s talk about Pokémon” this morning it was all about Bulbasaur.
Yesterday was Let’s Talk Day. A day used to promote and encourage conversations about mental health and mental illness. The chronic stress of living in this pandemic makes the prompted talk about mental health so vital. Statistics Canada released a study in September of 2021 that showed 1 in 4 Canadians over the age of 18 screened positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder last spring. So many of us have been struggling with the constant changes and uncertainty, the worries about catching COVID and the ways it has impacted our life situation, and loneliness as regular activities have been cut back and we are not gathering as much. As we head into year three, how are you doing? Like really doing?
Disney released the movie Encanto, it came to Disney+ this month. This movie tells the story of an extraordinary family who live in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house and for whom each child is given a special gift, except for one who might just end up being the family’s last hope when the gifts are threatened. There is something about Disney music that is acceptable and yet strikes a chord and for me one of the songs really stood out. In the song Surface Pressure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQwVKr8rCYw) the older sister, whose gift is super-strength opens up what life feels like for her. The image of the stress of life being like a coffee pot drip, drip, dripping endlessly, hit close to home the last few weeks as I muddled our way through all the demands the last few weeks. But here is the thing, the pressure was relieved only when she started to share, not only what she was feeling but also share the work load. Together we are stronger than we are alone.
This just happens to also be the great truth of our faith. When we don’t try to go it alone, when we open our lives up to God and each other, we find the relief and release we desperately need. And this is true with our mental health and so many other aspects of our lives. So even though Let’s Talk Day is over, let’s continue to talk. To open ourselves up to each other not just with the joys, but also the challenges and struggles that and the body of Christ we can hold each other.
Let us pray,
Help us God, to stop thinking we have to be perfect to be loved
or we have to have it all together to be of worth.
Use us where we are, uncertain and shanking,
to testify to your presence and your sustaining love.
Use us in our strength and blessing,
that we may hold the light of Christ high and reach out our hand in support.
Show us that in the body of Christ we can be authentic and welcomed regardless,
thanks to your love. Amen.
1) Sunday January 30th – Worship
2) Office Hours
3) Virtual Bible Study
4) New Building Safety & Security Measures
5) Brown Bag Lunch Program
6) Pantry
7) Annual Committee Reports
8) Nominations for Board and Committees
9) Offering Envelopes
10) 2022 Budget
11) FundScrip
12) Upper Room Daily Devotional
13) Faith in Action
1) Worship January 30, 2022
With NB still in level 3 we are back to Zoom only worship. This week we are making some changes. You will need to either print the bulletin from the website or pick one up from the church. To facilitate this, we are placing a pick-up envelope at the Charlotte Street entrance with copies, in case the office is closed – if you need one printed off and left, please let Meghan know. If you would like to borrow a hymn book for lock-down, you can sign one out from the church office as well.
Zoom Link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
See you this Sunday!
2) 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!
3) Virtual bible study – Join Rev Michelle on Wednesdays at 11:15am for bible study. This was previously held in person but due to restrictions we have temporarily moved online. Generally, sessions are 45min-1hour. This week’s Scripture will be John 4:46-54.
Zoom Link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
4) 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 entrance. 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.
5) Brown Bag Lunch Program: Drink boxes continue to be a priority, as well as Proteins including canned meats (with flip tops), desserts (pudding, fruit cups), and granola bars for our brown bag lunch program. Drop off anytime during the week. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
6) Pantry: The pantry needs some vital items including: cheez whiz, L size juice, dish & laundry detergent, instant coffee, sugar, pudding cups, fruit cups, pancake mix & syrup. Donations can be dropped off anytime during office hours or on Sunday. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
7) Annual Committee Reports: Thank you to Property, Trustees and the Board for getting your reports in. If you are a committee chair, please forward your year-end reports to Meghan in the church office at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com by January 30th.
8) 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!
9) 2022 Offering Envelopes: Please pick up your envelopes in the office! Contact Meghan at your convenience at 458-1183 to discuss a pickup arrangement!
10) 2022 Budget: We are preparing our new budget! The first step involves receiving your suggestions to Increase Revenue! This is crucial so we can estimate our expenses. Please contact me at 454-4628 or by email at rnaugler@bellaliant.net so we may receive YOUR VALUABLE INPUT!
11) FundScrip: Deadline for next order is Sunday, February 6. If COVID restrictions move back to Level 2 this weekend and we return to in-person church service on February 6, I’ll be available in the Narthex to receive your order. If you prefer, you can take it to the office before the deadline and I will pick it up there. If Level 3 restrictions continue, please take your order to the church office during the week/before the deadline so I can order the gift cards on February 6. If you are not venturing out these days, call me at 452-1016 and I will come and get your order. Many thanks for your cooperation.
12) Upper Room Daily Devotional: Start off the New Year right, spending a few moments with God every day. The January-February 2022 Upper Room Daily Devotional has arrived. The Upper Room is a short inspirational reading, with a suggested bible reading. It can be purchased for $2 in the Church office today!
13) Faith in Action: Emergency Warming Centre at Wilmot United Church starting Fri Jan 21 and Sat 22. This warming centre access is a community endeavour to keep people safe who are most at risk in harsh and harmful weather. We are continuing to recruit people who would be comfortable with this homeless population & also with COVID situation. (safety of volunteers will be priority as will the guests) We will provide N95 masks for volunteers & surgical for guests. Volunteers need to be fully vaccinated with at least 2 shots & if they have had booster that’s better. Thank you for your interest & willingness to volunteer. Feel free to spread the word. Please contact Judy Coates at 454-5631, c-429-6540 or email at judycoates@rogers.com