It is Spring, however, on Monday as I was standing outside with snow pelting my face as I waited for Reid to come out of the school, it didn’t feel like it. While this was happening, I was talking on the phone with a friend of mine in Nova Scotia who was sharing how the crocuses had appeared in her garden last week. This difference in our experiences of the day, lead me to have a twinge of jealousy. There are several reasons why envy was considered a sin, it can break relationships, zap our energy, change our focus, and lead us into patterns that cause us to think worse of ourselves and our situation. Ultimately, jealousy stops us from seeing the blessings for us that are right in front of our eyes. In being grumpy about the snow, instead of flowers, I didn’t focus on the crisp fresh air, the beauty of each flake, the fact that this moisture will ultimately help things grow green once again, not to mention the joy of reconnecting with someone who I have not talked with in a long time.
Mindfulness is a word used a lot these days. Mindfulness is about placing our attention in the present. It is tied closely to the older idea of counting our blessings and being aware of what God is doing right here and now. Mindfulness and seeking God’s presence and blessing in the moment are tools that help us to shift our experience of the world. When we are feeling like we don’t have something – look instead at what you do have. If the future is making you anxious – focus on this moment and the blessing of it. As we wait for spring to feel like spring, may we be open to the ways in which the present is helping to shape us and prepare us for the future, and may we always give thanks for where we are and that we are here!
Giving thanks for what we have and remembering that God is with us in every situation, helps us to be resurrection people. People who transform and are transformed by the challenges we face head on and people who shine in and with the Son. So, as we head into this weekend, I leave you with this simple prayer because sometimes the simples of prayers can help us to remember profound realities:
Thank you, God, for the world so sweet
Thank you, God, for the food we eat
Thank you, God, for the birds that sing
Thank you, God, for everything! Amen.
May you be mindful enough this day to see God at work and give thanks.
1) Sunday April 3rd – Worship
2) Memory Sharing Event – April 3rd
3) Bible Study – new zoom link
4) Brown Bag Lunch Program
5) Pantry
6) FundScrip Orders Due Sunday!
7) Volunteer Registry
8) Website Updates
9) Database Update – Personal Contact Information
10) Bulletin & E-News Announcements Deadline
11) Upper Room Daily Devotional – May-June
12) Dates to Remember
13) Hybrid Sunday School
14) Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief
15) Candlelight Concert for Palm Sunday
16) Easter Celebration with the East Coast Brass
17) Message from our New Board Chair
1) Worship April 3rd, 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) Memory Sharing Event: Join us after church on April 3rd in the hall to share your memories and experiences of your time at St’ Paul’s. Collectively this will help ground our celebration of our 190 years of history.
3) 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 19:16b-22. Due to interest, you can also join online. Log in using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190
4) 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.
5) Pantry: The pantry needs peanut butter, pudding cups, flour, sugar and cookies. Thanks for everything you wish to donate.
6) FundScrip: Deadline for our next gift card order is this Sunday, April 3rd. If you are expecting the Easter Bunny to stop at your house, maybe he should have a few gift cards in his basket! Now is the time to order them. Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s!
7) Volunteer Registry: We are starting a list of folks whom are available to volunteer for specific things both weekday and weekends. From folding bulletins on Fridays, 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.
8) Website Updates: Updates to www.stpaulsunited.ca were made on the Resources page to include pages for Publications & Reports: CLICK HERE for more information, Scholarships & Bursaries: CLICK HERE for information on eligibility & application guidelines and Newsletters: CLICK HERE to view the latest newsletter.
9) 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
10) Bulletin & E-News Announcements Deadline: Please note that going forward, the deadline for all announcements is Wednesday at 3pm.
11) 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.
12) Dates to Remember:
– Lent 6: Palm Sunday & Sunday School Begins – April 10th at 10:30am
– Maundy Thursday @ Wilmot – April 14th
– Good Friday – April 15th at 10:30am
13) Hybrid Sunday School: On Palm Sunday in-person Sunday School will start. We know that for many families the high case counts in the schools and the potential exposures may lead to uncertainty about wanting to join in person at this time. In response, Erin Hayes will be offering Sunday School via Zoom at the same time allowing all children to engage with each other. An email with the information will be sent out to families next week with all information needed to participate virtually, this is a good time to update your contact information so you do not miss out!
14) Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief: Residents of Fredericton are invited to attend a Fundraising Fair in support of Ukrainian humanitarian relief. This will take place in the gym at Journey Church, 131 Duncan Ln. The event, coordinated by Fredericton’s Ukrainian community, will take place on Sunday, April 10 from 12 to 5 pm. Stop by to try authentic Ukrainian cuisine and to check out Ukrainian and Canadian crafts. If you are running a local business and would like to join our vendor team, please give us a shout at sergiy.polyachenko@gmail.com and we will direct you to the proper people. This is a great way to make a difference in lives in war torn Ukraine.
15) Candlelight Concert for Palm Sunday: This concert will take place on Sunday, April 10, 6:30 pm at Brunswick Street Baptist Church and will feature hymns, choral/instrumental music to help reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. All are welcome. An offering will be received for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Masks are welcome but not required. Distanced seating is available.
16) An Easter Celebration with the East Coast Brass: Please join the East Coast Brass for a ‘blast’ of celebration that will be enjoyed by all ages. A variety of musical styles – these musicians engage with the audience for an interactive concert. This “Easter Celebration” will take place on Easter Saturday, April 16, 6:30 pm at Brunswick Street Baptist Church. An offering will be received to cover expenses with any additional funds going to humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Masks are welcome but not required. Distanced seating is available.
17) Message from our New Board Chair: Sunday, March 27th, at the Saint Paul’s United Church Congregational Meeting, following in the steps of Jane Blakely, I became the new Chair of the Board! To Everyone – young and old, here and there – I say Thank You! May God guide me to Serve you well!
Spiritual Practices as Chair: I intend to Practice putting God First! 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” And I intend to Practice “the will of God in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18: Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. Hallelujah!
Barbara Lynn Cull-Wilby 506-455-0877 barbaracullwilby@gmail.com