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…
I have loved Nancy Tillman’s children’s stories since I first read “On The Night you Were Born”, shortly after Reid’s birth. Her books are positive and affirming. Full of the messages I want my kids to hear. This time of year, we pull out of the shelf, her book “The Spirit of Christmas.” In this book, the narrator and the Spirit of Christmas are having a discussion. The narrator just isn’t feeling the Christmas joy – despite all of the fun activities attributed to the season. I want to share my favorite page in the book with you now:
That’s when the Spirit of Christmas smiled. “Remember, this all began with a child. Because it took nothing but love to begin it, it’s not really Christmas if love isn’t in it. Your tree may be large as the room will allow with a bright yellow star on the uppermost bough, but of one thing I’m certain, I’m sure of one thing. It is love that makes the angels sing.”
This coming Sunday is the 4th Sunday in Advent, where we light the love candle. It calls us to remember that Christ’s birth and the foundation of our faith is love. Love the verb, an active love that will not let us go, that pursues us and seeks to serve and save. The love that was born that first Christmas is a love that risks being vulnerable, that hopes for a better way, it is a love that seeks peace and justice. The Christmas Story is full of this type of Love. Joseph’s love for Mary (which we will hear more about this weekend), Mary’s love for Jesus and ultimately God’s love for us.
The hard part about this season is, that because love is at the core of it, it is also a time when we feel the loss of loved-ones deeply. Last weekend, as we decorated our tree, I paused putting on the decorations given to me by my grandmothers, remembering them with a tinge of sorrow, that they are not here to share this season with. Yet, I also believe that they are not lost forever, but are held tight in God’s love. As we approach this season, with losses new and old, our faith provides rituals and opportunities to both express our grief and to remember that love never ends. This Sunday, we will bear witness to love that endures, by lighting Memorial Candles (see announcement below). If you would like to have one dedicated in the name of your loved one, please let the office know by noon Friday or fill out the online form by Saturday at 6pm, to have your loved one’s name spoken in the service this weekend. There is also the Longest Night service on December 21st. This reflective service helps us to remember that God is with us even when things are difficult. I hope that you will take these opportunities to remember loved-ones and connect with God through these special services of our community.
As we light the advent candle this week, we remember love given freely, laid in a manger where everyone can go, love that reaches out to the hurting, the lost and the lonely. We remember love that offers itself as the greatest gift and didn’t back down even in the face of death. As we enter into this last week of preparation for Christmas, let us be active in our love, reaching out to family and friends and maybe even touch the life of a stranger as we seek to follow Christ’s example of what it means to love.
As we journey towards Sunday, don’t forget that this Saturday at 2pm is our Downtown United Carol Sing, join us as we sing our faith and share in the joy of the season. Until then let us pray,
You break into the world and change its landscape,
much like the snow that fell this week,
your love O God, covers everything and everyone.
As our preparation time draws to an end,
ground us in the heart of this season,
love freely and vulnerably given.
Help us to follow your example,
that we may offer ourselves in the name of love,
embodying Christ today.
This we pray, in the name of the one who is coming into the world again.
Amen.
Featured In This December 15th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday December 18th
Light Up the Season with a Memorial Candle
UCW Meeting Notice
Don’t Miss the Tax Donation Deadline!
Downtown United Project
Downtown United Carol Sing
Longest Night Service
Ring In The New Year With God
Church Office Closure
Ukrainian Family in need of a Dresser
Pantry Program
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Annual Report Season Is Coming!
Learning Opportunity
Bible Study
2023 Fellowship Hour Schedule
January 8th Worship
Frozen Apple Pies Available for Purchase!
Upper Room Daily Devotional
Audio Visual System Volunteers Needed!
Gifts With Vision
Upcoming Dates To Remember
See Amid The Winter’s Snow
Annual Candlelight Service at Brunswick Baptist Street Church
Christmas Concert at Grace Memorial Baptist Church
Service of Comfort & Hope at Brunswick Street Baptist
Worship This Sunday December 18th
Please join Rev. Michelle this Sunday for worship at St. Paul’s at 10:30am. Covid protocols still in place are: hand sanitizing, sitting in marked pews, and social distancing and masking while moving around the church and while singing.
As always, if you are unable 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 don’t have a long distance plan charges will 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
Light Up the Season with a Memorial Candle
Love never dies! Scripture tells us this, you have an opportunity to make this reality a visual experience on December 18th during our Advent 4 – Love Sunday. How? For $5.00 Candle we will place a candle in the sanctuary with your loved one’s name attached to it, during the service (and during the longest night service and Christmas Eve) these candles will be light. You can then take the candle home with you after the Christmas Eve service, so you have it at home to light during the rest of the Christmas Season, as a reminder of the love that lives on. Click here to complete the form online. Click here to download the form to print and return to St. Paul’s.
UCW Meeting Notice
There will be a very short meeting of the UCW in the Lady’s Parlor after Church Service on Sunday Dec 18th to discuss finances. Thank you. Donna Chauvin – 458-5885
Don’t Miss the Tax Donation Deadline!
Donations deadline for the 2022 tax year is December 31st. While our office will not be open from December 23-January 3rd you can still get your donations in by visiting the office before December 23st 8am-3pm, using the secure drop box which will be checked while office is closed or attending the 4pm New Year’s Eve Service.
Downtown United Project
Our co-chair Ralph Simpson provided everyone an update on this groups progress in the Advent Newsletter. Credence & Co has provided us with an introduction letter to share with everyone. For more information about what we will be doing, how you will be able to participate and to learn more about our consultants, read the full letter found Here
Downtown United Carol Sing
Downtown United invites you to get into the season with a Christmas Carol sing. We are all set for accompanists and hymn leaders, now all we need is you! Join us here at St. Paul’s December 17th at 2pm.
Longest Night Service
If the darkness of the season is getting to you, or you are struggling with grief, loss or feelings of sadness, join Downtown United here at St. Paul’s at 7pm on December 21st for a reflective service that holds space for these feelings while offering words of hope and encouragement. This reflective service is open to all.
Ring In The New Year With God
As we prepare to say goodbye and hello to another year, let us worship. Join us New Year’s Eve at 4pm for this joint service of Downtown United here at St. Paul’s. Please note that there will be NO service on Sunday January 1st.
Church Office Closure
The church office will be closed December 23rd and reopen on January 3rd. Should you require pastoral care during this timeframe, please call Rev. Michelle at 259-7602. Please note that the office will not be opening this year to receive end of year contributions. If you have contributions or other mail for the church, you can drop it off in the secure mailbox at the York Street doors. The mailbox will be checked during the closure. Alternatively, you can bring you end of year contributions to the New Year’s Eve service on December 31st at 4pm.
Ukrainian Family in need of a Dresser
A recently arrived Ukrainian family is being hosted in the community. They could benefit from a dresser if anyone has one to donate. Please contact Dan Roberts at the Multicultural Association of Fredericton for more information. Tel: (506) 471-1868
Pantry Program
The pantry needs the following items: peanut butter, pancake mix & syrup, coffee mate, honey, molasses, Rice Krispies and instant oatmeal. Thank you for your continued support!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
The Brown Bag Lunch program is in very low supply of proteins with flip top lids and juice boxes. Thank you for your generosity in support of this important program throughout 2022!
Annual Report Season Is Coming!
If you are a chair of a committee or group, it is time to start thinking about your annual report. This is the official record of what has happened in the life of our congregation during 2022. We will be asking for all reports to be in by mid- January, now is a great time to reflect on what you have done.
Learning Opportunity
Many congregations across the country have members of the congregation who develop and plan services for when the Minister is on Study Leave or vacation, or help offer parts of the service in conjunction with the Minister. Historically St. Paul’s didn’t have to worry about this, but we all know that things change. If you have ever been asked to lead worship and thought: I have no idea how to do this, or if you have though that would be neat to do but you don’t know where to start, then check out this 5 part workshop offered by Region 15 (Nova Scotia/Bermuda) for occasional lay worship leaders. Not only does this help us highlight and use the skills and gifts in our congregation, but also provides security as the number of people available for pulpit supply deceases. To find out more or to register, click https://ucceast.ca/67357-worship-101-for-occasional-lay-worship-leaders
Bible Study
Bible Study is taking a break for the holidays and will resume Wednesday January 11th at 11:15am. Hope to see you then!
2023 Fellowship Hour Schedule
Coffee [or should we call it Fellowship] Hour schedule for Jan-June 2023 is as follows below.
Serving Juice, Coffee, Tea and a Treat. * Don’t forget the milk for the tea & coffee
January 8th Worship
January 8th will be our first Sunday worship of 2023. This is also the date that the Downtown United Project Survey gets released. We are hoping to see you for worship and that you will take the time to fill out the survey online or on hard copy. More details on the survey to be released closer to its release date.
Frozen Apple Pies Available for Purchase!
The UCW has a few frozen apple pies still available to purchase. Small – $4 and Large – $8. Please contact Donna Chauvin 458-5885 to reserve yours!
Upper Room Daily Devotional
The November-December and September-October Upper Room Daily Devotionals have arrived! Please stop by the office to purchase your copy for $2 before they are gone!
Audio Visual System Volunteers Needed!
St. Paul’s needs volunteers willing to help with operation of the audio/visual system for Sunday morning services. Four volunteers would allow for a rotation of one Sunday per month. Experience is not necessary as training will be provided. If you are interested or know anyone who might be, please contact the Church Office at 458-1183 (stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com) or John Davis at 455-1129 (johntdavis@hotmail.com).
Gifts With Vision
Gifts With Vision – Looking for a gift that won’t just be discarded after the holiday season? Have someone on your list who has everything already? Wanting to make a difference in the lives of others this season? The Mission and Service Gift with Vision allow you to give gifts that directly impact the lives of people here in Canada and around the world. Pick up a catalogue in the office or stop by https://giftswithvision.ca/
Upcoming Dates To Remember
December 18th – Advent 4 ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by M&P
December 21st – Longest Night Service at 7pm at St. Paul’s
December 24th – Christmas Eve Family Service at 3 pm – Everyone Welcome
December 24th – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7pm
December 31st – New Year’s Eve Service at 4pm
December 23rd to January 2nd – Church Office Closed
January 8th – First Service of 2023 ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Choir
See Amid The Winter’s Snow
Please join soprano Sally Dibblee, violist Natalia Lubimova, and guitarist Steven Peacock for See Amid the Winter’s Snow, a concert of seasonal music to take place on Sunday, December 18th at 3pm at Wilmot United Church. The concert features lesser-known Christmas treasures from a variety of traditions. Admission is by voluntary contribution, with proceeds to support the Wilmot United Church Benevolent Fund.
Annual Candlelight Service at Brunswick Baptist Street Church
The Annual Candlelight Service at Brunswick Street Baptist Church will be offered on December 18th at 6:30pm. This service of music and readings offers the opportunity for a reflective time in the midst of a busy season. The whole of the offering will be directed to support the Fredericton Community Kitchen. All are welcome.
Christmas Concert at Grace Memorial Baptist Church
Harding Smith Memorial Handbell Choir & Grace Memorial String Ensemble Present Ring Christmas Bells on December 18th at 3pm. There will be a delightful variety of Christmas music from well-loved string melodies to Brazilian and Filipino Christmas carols. Christmas sweets and tea/coffee will be served afterwards. All donations go to our Organ Restoration Fund. Contact Julie at julie_probert@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Service of Comfort & Hope at Brunswick Street Baptist
If you are experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one this season, consider attending the Service of Comfort and Hope to be offered on December 22nd at 6:30pm at Brunswick Street Baptist Church. This gentle service of Scripture and readings offers a place for you to remember your loved one and give thanks for their life. A reception will follow. All are welcome.
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 | Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Church Administrator: Meghan Roebuck | Custodian: Rusty Blakely