Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
Last week, we concluded the learning phase of our exploration of the Theological Banquet. As we have gone through this series, you may have found yourself feeling at home at one or more of the tables and resonating with a particular way of understanding God and the practical ways that this understanding is expressed in our actions. Today, in our eNews, we will explore in a little more detail the group that Janet Gear labels Ecumenicals in her book, Undivided Love: Navigating the Landscapes of Living Faith. In our context, it is important to note that Janet is not using the word Ecumenical to mean multiple denominations working together as we do when we say we are part of an Ecumenical Shared Ministry. Although that spirit of working with others is part of her description of this faith perspective, there are aspects of the Ecumenical faith as Janet describes it that would not necessarily undergird a ministry like we are building.
So, what does Janet Gear mean when she talks about the Eccumenical? For Janet, at the heart of the Ecumenical’s faith is the desire and longing for the kin-dom of God. They are justice seekers. For them, there is no difference between the longing for justice and the longing for God. To join in the struggle is to come beside God in co-creating the kingdom and is the way of Jesus.
Ecumenicals seek to work with others instead of coming in and doing things for others. When they see injustice, they ask the question “Why is this happening?” They focus not just on helping those who suffer but also seek to stop suffering from happening altogether. They understand the interconnectedness of all people and live from the belief that until all are liberated, none of us are truly free.
In the church, they have the most diverse demographic around age and experience. You can often find them interfacing with groups outside of the church, participating in networks, hubs and other organizations that are working for the common good. They bring these connections into the view of the community of faith and are skilled at helping to create partnerships.
Ecumenicals are often concerned with the well-being of the entire earth, and they give voice not only for people but for all creation. They can often be found embodying Dr. Suess’ Lorax, who “speaks for the trees for the trees have no tongues”. They call the church to pay attention and take seriously the command to be good stewards of creation.
Ecumenicals can seem a little impatient because they are seeing the big picture, and the impact our actions can have. Like standing on a balcony looking down, Ecumenicals see how different parts of the world and the church work together. They offer the church this wider perspective, and can help to connect the church to the wider community through fostering partnerships with others who are pursuing the same goals.
The Ecumenical can most easily be identified when they are pointing out injustice and what we can do about it. They are most likely the ones who have been providing us with information on indigenous rights, on climate action, on Peace in Palestine and advocating for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ community, guaranteed living income and increased food security. These topics and the passion with which they engage can help us to spot the Ecumenicals in our midst.
Behind the Ecumenical, you often find a network of researchers, educators, lawyers, and activists who are working tirelessly together to turn the world around. It is this working together towards the common good that gives the ecumenical its name, they are not afraid to partner with people who have different beliefs. They may appear to be distinctly political, however, to face the weight of the world that is often experienced as resting on their shoulders requires deep faith in something more. Their faith is shaped and driven forward by the spirit because they see how the world could be different. They are the modern-day prophets, holding up the image of the kingdom/kin-dom and calling us to action, in solidarity and compassion. Their faith proclaims it doesn’t have to be this way. As they do the hard work to change things, they connect to God’s love at work in the world.
To the community of faith, the Ecumenical stream brings expertise, rigour, and hope. They bring us study, research and connection to communities around the world. They are self-reflective and are also reflective about our communities of faith. They meet God in the hunger for the kingdom and thus seek to move our communities of faith so that God’s will is seen, “on earth as in heaven.” The life of faith is to help the kingdom of God break forth right here and right now.
“The kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come now Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom” is a Taize chant that reflects the Ecumenical faith. In our hymnbooks, the hymn For the Healing of the Nations (TBOP 736/VU678) could be the Ecumenical’s anthem. They look towards scriptures such as Isaiah 2:4 and John 10:10 for a vision of what life could be/should be like. In the pursuit of abundant life for all, Ecumenicals do not shy away from the hard work of change-making.
There is a deep prayer for things to be different. They call us to be co-partners with God, so that God can be known. They see the ultimate destination of humanity and the world as it is, the kingdom here and now and not yet, and call us to attend to a theology that considers eschatology. For Ecumencials, sin is participating in oppressive social, ecological and economic systems that undo the life that God has created.
The challenge for Ecumenicals, and the pitfall to watch out for, is that they can be working so hard for God’s justice and the kingdom to come that they neglect to attend also to the presence of God in our midst. The temptation for the Ecumenical is to try and do it all, right now, at the same time and thus get overwhelmed by the magnitude of change needed. Or to take their understanding of how things should be and run with it, not stopping until the kingdom comes. Burnout is a significant risk of letting the weight of the world rest on their shoulders instead of co-partnering with God and engaging the rest of the community of faith in the pursuit of the kingdom.
Ecumenicals lead the way with wisdom on how to live justice-seeking faith because of their personal experience, and they offer a genuine invitation to others to join in actions they are already taking. Ecumenicals exhibit high integrity with their beliefs, words and actions. They meet God in the struggle for justice and move the church to imagine and live into a future that is not yet here. They are not satisfied with the status quo. The Ecumenical needs an alignment, not just internally but also with the communities they are engaged in.
For the Ecumenical, it matters that all voices are heard, and they are aware of who is missing from discussions and decision-making processes; they seek to include the full diversity of perspectives actively. In their work for justice, they have pushed the church to reconsider and shift away from colonial ways of engaging, where the church went to the mission fields with the answers to the communities’ problems, to a model of deep listening and fostering relationships with those who are at the heart of injustice.
The Ecumenical’s lived faith calls the church to be co-partners with God for the healing of the world. It is the wider community of people around the Ecumenical that helps to stave off the shadow of burnout. For when the Ecumenical loses hope they move into despair because the world seems to be on fire with little hope of getting out. From the outside, Ecumenicals can appear angry when they are just in need of being reconnected with God’s hope for the world. If left in a place of cynicism, the Ecumenical can slip into malaise as the passionate care for the world evaporates into not caring at all and isolation. In these times, Ecumenicals need the Spirituals to drive back cynicism and restore their faith. In spending time with God, their cup is filled so that they can join the fight again, and that they are not alone, and that God is already here.
We give thanks for the Ecumenicals who call us to social justice and the social gospel. We give thanks for the deep faith of Ecumenicals that help us to move from the me to we. For the ways that they hold us to account that the work of the kingdom is always on the side of life. Thanks be to God for those who call us to see and respond, so that all can be part of the promise of abundant life where hope and peace abound.
So, having now read about the 5 banquet tables, did you find yourself resonating with one table over others? Did you hear a description of one of the streams of lived faith and think, are they talking about me? If you found yourself hearing characteristics of your faith across multiple tables, that is ok, because the reality is, our faith is ever expanding, and crossover can occur depending on our lived experiences and understandings of the world. However, if you find yourself wanting to claim all the tables as your own, I want to encourage you to dig a little deeper to find out which table you start the feast at, the one where your heart feels most fulfilled, alive and connected with the Lord. Regardless of which table you find most comfortable, we have lifted the diversity that lives among our congregation. In doing so we find ourselves on holy ground, for as we intentionally pay attention to and celebrate the diversity among us, acknowledging what matters most to others and holding our own perspectives humbly, we live God’s plan for us. After Easter, we will look at ways that we can put this new knowledge to work in our community of faith. For now, just note where you feel most at home.
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and the stories of this week are emotionally difficult as we follow the death and resurrection of Jesus. As a faith community that knows suffering and loss, I ask that you please hold Meghan and her family in your prayers. Next week she will be in Ontario for her father’s funeral. Should you need something critically, please reach out to Joanna or myself.
As we move into the weekend, let us pray:
Holy God,
The crowds welcomed you into Jerusalem one final time as a hero.
They knew you saw the injustice of their world and the oppression of your people,
They cheered you on, expecting a mighty turn of fate as the Messiah comes to save.
What they didn’t expect was the compassion and love
Which extends to all peace and friendship.
Yet this is where our faith story takes us, into the heart of pain and sorrow,
To give us a better way and a new hope.
Give us the strength to walk into the shadow places of our world, where systems abuse
And inequity reigns so that we may shine your liberating light.
Ground us in your love that we may boldly seek your justice and peace.
Amen.
Featured In This April 11th eNews Edition
Worship This Sunday April 13th
Palm Sunday Service
Easter Sunrise Service
Spring Yard Sale
Mother’s Day Tea
Worship Committee Needs You!
St. Paul’s Pantry Program
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Free Income Tax Clinic
Beef Stew Take Out
Rummage Sale at Wilmot
Ongoing Church Activities
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Worship This Sunday April 13th
Please join Rev. Michelle for service this Sunday at 10:30am.
To view the bulletin in advance click here!
Can’t make it in person, join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83673756287 Passcode: 2023
View anytime on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.paulsunitedchurch984/videos
Palm Sunday Service
Please join us for Palm Sunday on April 13th at 10:30am. This service will be a special service, “A Service of Passions, Readings and Music”, written by Robert Lehman. This service will take us on a reflective journey starting with Palm Sunday and our journey towards the cross.
Easter Sunrise Service
On behalf of Downtown Churches, Rev. Ellen Beairsto will be hosting a Sunrise Service by the river at the end of Carleton Street at 7am, with breakfast to follow hosted by Wilmot. At this time there will be a ritual of remembering those who have passed since last Easter. You are invited to join this resurrected service and greet the Risen Son with the rising sun.
Spring Yard Sale
The Tuesday AM Ladies’ Group, their numbers now increased by their newest members (the St. Paul’s ladies), announce their Spring Yard Sale to be held on Friday, May 2nd from 3-7pm and Saturday, May 3rd from 9-Noon. Donations of items are encouraged to make for an interesting and bountiful inventory for our dedicated regular shoppers and first-time visitors. Drop Off Times for your items are April 22nd through 25th during Office Hours, April 30th – Evening, May 1st – All Day. If these times do not work for you, please contact the Church Offices, or a member of the Ladies Groups to make other arrangements for drop-off.
Mother’s Day Tea
The Tuesday morning ladies group is hosting a Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday May 10th from 11:30am-1:30pm. Join us for sandwiches, your choice of dessert, tea, coffee, and conversation. Tickets are $15 each and available for purchase in either church office during regular hours, or after service starting on Easter Sunday. eTransfer available to stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com.
Worship Committee Needs You!
The Ecclesial Assembly is working at strengthening our worship committee and seeking nominations for this important work. If you know of someone who would be a good member or you yourself would like to sit on this committee, please let either co-chair Mary Charters or Roger Millar or Rev. Michelle know. Thank you ~ Rev. Michelle
St. Paul’s Pantry Program
For the month of April, the Pantry will focus on receiving donations of 1L vinegar and ketchup. Other items of need are flour, sardines, canned peas, jam vinegar, mustard, tomatoes, tea, coffee, cookies, granola, cereal, white rice, tin foil, plastic wrap, Mr. Clean, hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissues, and dish & laundry detergent. Thank you for your ongoing and generous support!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
The Brown Bag Lunch program needs canned proteins with pull tops (such as flakes of meat, Chef Boyardee, chili, sardines), chicken salad & crackers, pudding cups, and small, sweet treats such as mini chocolate bars. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Broadview magazine features award-winning coverage of spirituality, justice and ethical living stories and images, inspiring readers to live a purpose-filled life. If you would like to subscribe or renew your subscription, St. Paul’s group subscription rate is $25 per year, for 8 issues, mailed directly to your home. You can pay for your subscription in the office via cheque (payable to St. Paul’s), cash or by e-transfer. Deadline is June 1st. For more information on Broadview click HERE. Reach out to Meghan with any questions or to register or renew at stpaulsofffice224@gmail.com or 458-1183.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
April 13th ~ Palm Sunday Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister & Kim Keetch
April 17th ~ DTU Maundy Thursday Potluck at 5:30pm
April 17th ~ DTU Maundy Thursday Service here at 7pm
April 18th ~ DTU Good Friday Service at Wilmot at 11am
April 18th ~ Good Friday STAT Holiday – Offices Closed
April 20th ~ Easter Sunrise Service at 7am, follow by breakfast at Wilmot
April 20th ~ Easter Sunday Service with Communion at 10:30 ~ Fellowship hosted by the Worship Committee
April 21st ~ Easter Monday STAT Holiday – Offices Closed
April 27th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship hosted by Debbie West
Free Income Tax Clinic
Forest Hill United Church is hosting free income tax clinics on Friday April 11th, and 25th from 9:30am to 1pm. You qualify for this service if you are 65 or older, housing insecure, a student, a person with disabilities, or have a modest income. To see if you qualify or for more information, please call 506-455-0988 or email foresth.office@bellaliant.com
Beef Stew Take Out
The Nashwaaksis United Church is hosting a Beef Stew Takeout on Friday, April 11th, 4–5:30pm. The menu includes Beef Stew, Roll and Carrot Cake for $15. Please reserve your order by Wednesday, April 9th at 2pm, by calling the church office at 506-458-9452 or by email: admin@nashwaaksisunited.ca
Rummage Sale at Wilmot
Wilmot United Church is holding a Rummage Sale on Friday, April 25th from 11am-5pm and Saturday, April 26th from 9am – 12 noon. There is something for everyone!
Ongoing Church Activities
Monday – Friday ~ Community Outreach ~ Brown Bag Lunch Program in St. Paul’s Office
Tuesdays ~ Tuesday Morning Ladies Group at 9:30am ~ All are welcome!
Tuesdays & Thursdays ~ Quilting from 1-4pm ~ All are welcome!
Wednesdays ~ Community Outreach ~ Pantry Program from 9-11am
Thursdays ~ Bible Study from 6-7pm ~ All are Welcome!
Thursdays ~ Choir Practice from 7-8pm ~ All are welcome!
Fridays ~ Community Outreach ~ Breakfast 2 Go from 8:30-10am
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Rev. Michelle can be reached on the main office phone lines, her office directly at 506-455-0639, by text or call to her cell at 506-259-7602 or via email at michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com. Drop-in office hours are Sundays and Mondays from 1-2:30pm. Appointments are preferred to ensure the time you need to connect.
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Please send announcements to Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com by noon Wednesday.
Contact Information
Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
512 Charlotte Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 1M2
Saint Andrew’s: Tel: 506.455.8220 | Email: sapcfred@gmail.com |Website: https://sapc.ca/
Office Administrator: Joanna Price |Office Hours: Monday-Friday 2pm-6pm
St. Paul’s: Tel: 506.458.1183 | E-mail: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com|Website: www.stpaulsunited.ca
Office Administrator/Bookkeeper: Meghan Roebuck |Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm & Friday 8am-12pm
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong |Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Custodian: Doug Newman |Ministers Emeriti: Rev. Doug Blaikie & Rev. Dr. Basil Lowery