St. Paul’s United Church
Our Mission: Glorifying God through Worship, Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, and Serving Others in Christ’s name.
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Annual Meeting both in-person and on Zoom. It was a full meeting in which important topics about our future were discussed. After the ordinary annual meeting presentations and business, we tackled the motions that will bring change.
First, we adopted a council-type system of governance where about half of the members are directly elected from the congregation and half are representatives of the committees of the church. This was done to promote communication and bring more stakeholders to the table during this critical time in our history.
Other directional motions were made and approved last week. The first was to continue to work on and develop a plan for an Ecumenical Shared Ministry with St. Andrew’s. To be clear, this means that St. Paul’s would continue to exist, and all members of St. Paul’s would continue to be members of the United Church of Canada. A shared ministry is a way for smaller churches to work together for viable ministry. The congregations negotiate what the ministry they do together and separately will look like. We have an Ecumenical Shared Ministry working group that is developing a plan that will help us decide what the future will look like. In early May they hope to provide an information session on the work plan. As we look at developing a relationship with St. Andrew’s, we have been invited to join them for worship on April 28th at 11am and the worship committee decided on Monday to accept their invitation. I hope you will join us and experience what worshiping as a joint faith community may look like. Your feedback after attending worship is critical in helping us draft the best possible plan for our future.
The other motion that passed was to continue with the process of divesting our church property. Specifically, the congregation voted to list the church sanctuary, hall, and parking lots as for sale. While this will not happen tomorrow, there are some requirements at the regional level that must be met first, it did give the mandate to continue this process. For many this vote made the talk of divestment real. I have heard people express a variety of feelings. Some people have expressed relief and hope that we will be able to get the building into the hands of someone who has the resources to cover the restoration work needed. Many others expressed grief and deep sadness at facing a future without a physical connection to the past. Others were resolved that this was the path we had been on for over 10 years and now we had arrived. Regardless of your experience, one of the clear messages that we need to fight against is that with the sale of the building St. Paul’s is gone. This will only happen if you let it. The hope expressed on Sunday is that St. Paul’s will continue just not at its current location.
We adopted a budget for 2024 which is “business as usual”. Meaning that for the next year, we will continue to be living out our ministry in this place. This means the Pantry and Brown Bag will continue to operate. We will still celebrate our holidays and worship together on Sunday. It means that bible studies and other groups will still gather. Hospital visits, community visits, and emergency pastoral care will still occur. It is expected that the Advent Carol Festival will be back and likely a supper or two. Our phones will still be answered, our website updated, and regular eNews sent out so that we can connect. And last but not least, we will still be providing a physical home for 8 families in our community. All of this good and wonderful work will continue to happen in 2024, as long as you continue to show up and offer your support. It is a hard time and we have more questions than answers at this point, but one thing I can tell you for certain is that we are not alone, God is faithful and walks with us in this time. If you are struggling with the future we are facing, reach out. I would love to talk with you, hear your concerns, and offer what support I can to make sure they are considered within the processes that are being set up to move us forward.
This Eastertide, one of the elements of our service will be a time for weekly practice. When transition happens, it is good to find rest and support in our practices of faith. Last week we started with the practice of prayer. If you would like a small battery-operated candle, you can pick one up at the church office. I share now a prayer handed out on Sunday. I encourage you to use it in your regular prayer practice or to help you develop your prayer life. Try to take a minute daily in this prayer. Let us join together in prayer.
Loving God,
I open myself to your presence this day. Make me aware of what you would have me do in this moment to build up your kingdom of love.
As the light of your love falls upon me, I pray for those I know in need of your love, care, and guidance. (add your own prayers here).
I pray also for my church. We are going through so much at St. Paul’s right now and we need your presence with us. Send your wisdom to our leaders, your peace to all who are afraid, and make your will known as we boldly face the future together. This we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Featured In This April 11th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday April 14th
Introduction Of Our New Church Council
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Remit 1
E-ssentials e-Newsletter
Youth @ Region
Booking Meeting Space at St. Paul’s
God’s Story, Our Story
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Organ Recital at Christ Church Parish Church
Ham Takeout at Nashwaaksis United
Spring Rumage Sale at Wilmot
Guaranteed Livable Income
Worship This Sunday April 14th
Please join Rev. Michelle for service this Sunday at 10:30am
Can’t make it in person, join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740 Password: 657067
Introduction Of Our New Church Council
At the Annual Meeting, we voted in favor of shifting to a Council Model of Governance. This structure will allow greater participation at the decision-making table and improve communication, both are critical in this time of change. Thank you to those who have stepped forward and given of yourself to serve our congregation. There are still a few vacancies; 1-2 more Members at Large and Outreach representative. Please consider if you are being called to these positions.
So, who is on the Council? Let’s give a big welcome and thank you to:
Chair – Jane Blakely, Treasurer – Brad Webb, Regional Representative – Ron Naugler, Member at Large – Lita Llewellyn, Property Chair – Patty Trail, Worship Chair – Debbie West, Christian Education Chair – Erin Webb, Ministry & Personnel Chair, Ann Krause, Trustees Representative – Carole Peacock, and Rev. Michelle. Please feel free to reach out to any of them regarding questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs pudding cups, and proteins with flip top lids. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items this week: laundry & dish detergent, Mr. Clean, soda crackers, brown sugar, ritz, flour, molasses, tin foil, paper towel, granola bars, pudding cups, Hamburger Helper, ketchup, and cookies. Thank you for your continued support of this increasingly busy outreach program!
Remit 1
Results of the Vote on Remit 1 – The votes have now been counted! Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization has passed. What happens now? As is the case with all Category 3 Remits, if a remit has been approved by a majority of all the regional councils, the General Council must decide to enact it. The decision on enacting the remit will take place at the Annual Meeting of General Council, on October 19, 2024. When the remit has been enacted, the change will be included in the next edition of The Manual. (The process for remits is outlined in the United Church Manual, in section F, on pages 108-111.)
On the General Council 44 website, you can find more detailed information about the remit result, as well as a statement from the National Indigenous Council in response to the vote results.
Subscribe to the E-ssentials e-Newsletter and stay informed about the latest information and initiatives from The United Church of Canada. There are a variety of newsletters to choose from, each highlighting different areas of the church’s ministries and work. https://united-church.ca/e-newsletters
Youth @ Region
Calling all youth grades 6-12! Youth @ Region is a place of community, a place of fun, and a place of faith for you to meet with others your age from across NB, PEI, and the Gaspe. During Y@R you will have the opportunity to explore faith, learn more about the United Church of Canada, share in music, worship, and a ton of fun. It takes place during the Annual Meeting of the Region May 31st-June 2nd at the University of Prince Edward Island. Registration is $150 per participant and includes all activities, meals, accommodation, and an event t-shirt (if you need help coving costs speak to Rev. Michelle). Don’t miss this opportunity.
Booking Meeting Space at St. Paul’s
As the use of our space at St. Paul’s gets busier, please remember to book your meetings space through the office. Drop by in person, call 458-1183 or email Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com.
God’s Story, Our Story
Pick up this reflection guide in the narthex to use as a home devotional or with your friends. This devotional follows the pattern of pray, reflect and do, offering suggestions on how to put the biblical theme into action.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Tuesdays from 10:45am-11:45am ~ Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736183320 Passcode: 750844
Thursdays from 6-7pm ~ Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
April 14th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Sunday School & Debbie West
April 21st ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister & Debbie West
April 28th ~ Joint Service at St. Andrew’s at 11am
Organ Recital at Christ Church Parish Church
Sunday April 14th at 2pm Christ Church Parish Church (245 Westmorland Street.) The Fredericton Organists’ Association is presenting an organ recital entitled: From Darkness into Light: Organ Music for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. All are welcome to attend this recital of seasonal music performed by Fredericton area organists. Admission by freewill offering with proceeds going to the Fredericton Food Bank.
Ham Takeout at Nashwaaksis United
Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, will be hosting a Ham Takeout on Friday, April 19th, from 4:00-5:30pm. The menu includes delicious ham, potato, and macaroni salads, roll and lemon tart for dessert. The cost is $15.00. Cut off for reservations is Tuesday, April 16th @ 2pm. Please call the church office at 506-458-9452 or email admin@nashwaaksisunited.ca please use front door for pickups
Spring Rumage Sale at Wilmot
Mark your calendars for the UCW Spring Rummage Sale. Sorting will take place on Thursday, April 25th, with the sale happening on Friday and Saturday, April 26th & 27th. Donations of spring/summer clothing, housewares, toys, etc. can be left on the gym stage during office hours. To volunteer, contact Linda Gough or call the church office at 506-458-1066 and we can pass along your name.
Guaranteed Livable Income
A Conversation About Guaranteed Livable Income, sponsored by Wilmot Outreach Committee in partnership With Basic Income Atlantic. Friday May 3rd from 1-3pm in Wilmot’s sanctuary. Refreshments and further discussion following the presentation with Wil Robertson and Dr. Herb Emery with discussion moderator Randy Hatfield. Free of charge.
St. Paul’s United Church
190 Years of Glorifying God through Worship, Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, and Serving Others in Christ’s name
Contact Information
224 York St., Fredericton, NB E3B 3P1
Web: www.stpaulsunited.ca | Tel: 506-458-1183 | Email: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong | Organists: Dr. Sharon Pond & Alexis Ervin
Church Administrator: Meghan Roebuck | Custodian: Jaedyn Williams