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…
Sometimes we experience our faith as a deep mystery that cannot be understood. This week is the last Sunday before Lent, it is designated Transfiguration Sunday.
- Transfiguration is defined in two ways
- a change in form or appearance: metamorphosis.
- an exalting, glorifying or spiritual change.
This Sunday we remember how Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor. On that mountain top Jesus was seen in his full eternal Glory. It was reported by the disciples that his face shone like the sun and his clothing was transformed. I don’t know about you, but I have not seen Jesus in all his glory. I have however, seen glimpses of the Divine and those experiences have changed me. The peace of a newborns face while they slept, on top of a mountain being blown away by the majesty and complexity of creation, and During Holden Evening Prayer when the presence of the Holy Spirit was almost tangible.
When have you experienced an ordinary moment transfigured by the holy Spirit into something more? When have you been changed/transformed by our God?
As we head towards this weekend, I want you to think about these questions. To be able to engage our faith in this time, we need to be able to speak like the disciples, of when we have witnessed God’s transformation. For in that transformation we find hope for tomorrow.
Instead of a prayer today, I leave you with words from the Song, Transfigure Us, O Lord, by Bob Hurd (if you wish to listen to if you can find it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvFdqxlVJtE )
Down from heights of glory, Into the depths below.
The love of God self-emptied, The love of God to show.
You light the path before us, The way that we must go.
Transfigure us, O Lord
Transfigure us, O Lord.
Break the chains that bind us;
Speak your healing word, and
Where you lead we’ll follow.
Transfigure Us, O Lord
Light for those in darkness, The hungry have their fill,
Glad tidings for the humble, The healing of all ills;
In these we glimpse your glory, God’s promises fulfilled
Transfigure us, O Lord
Transfigure us, O Lord.
Break the chains that bind us;
Speak your healing word, and
Where you lead we’ll follow.
Transfigure Us, O Lord
Pardon for the sinner, a shepherd for the sheep,
A drink of living water for all who thirst and seek,
And feasting at your table the lowly and the least.
I hope that you will join us this weekend in worship as we engage with the story of Transfiguration and partake in Communion. God be with you until we gather in his sight on Sunday. Amen
Featured In This February 16th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday February 19th
2022 Tax Receipts Are In The Mail
Purdy’s Easter Chocolate Fundraiser Has Launched!
Shrove Tuesday Fellowship Dinner
Ash Wednesday Worship
Reduced Office Hours
Lenten Reflective Practice
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Conversations That Matter To St. Paul’s & Wilmot
Responding To Devastation In Turkey & Syria
Donations Of Securities
Bible Study Is For Everyone
Opportunities To Serve The National Church
Kindred Works Recording
2023 Offering Envelopes Available Now!
Sound & Projection Volunteers Needed!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Warming Centre
Beef Stew Take-Out Supper
Getting Started In Stewardship
Worship This Sunday February 19th
Please join Rev. Michelle for worship at St. Paul’s at 10:30 am on February 19th, 2023
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
2022 Tax Receipts Are In The Mail
2022 Tax Receipts have been mailed out. Please contact Meghan in the office if you do not receive it in the next few weeks.
Purdy’s Easter Chocolate Fundraiser Has Launched!
Calling ALL chocolate-lovers! Want to know that most DELICIOUS way to support us? Order Purdy’s chocolates from our fundraiser! St. Paul’s has begun a fundraising campaign with Purdy’s Chocolatier in support of our outreach programs. This year, our fundraising sales goal is $4000 and we need YOUR help! We receive 25% back from our total sales order.
From now until the order deadline of March 14th, you can order Purdy’s treats from our fundraiser by joining our campaign and browsing the tastiest selection of Easter chocolates online. Shop gifts for family, friends, neighbours and yourself in one convenient place. After all orders are submitted, we will sort, distribute, and let you know when you can collect your goodies from St. Paul’s.
Ordering is as easy as eating chocolate! To view and download Easter Chocolate Sales Brochure and Order Form, available on our website, click HERE.
Ordering Options:
- Orders Place Offline through the Office:
If you would like to place an Order Offline, bring your completed order form and cash or cheque payable to St. Paul’s United Church to the Meghan in the Church Office. Please contact Meghan with any questions at 506-458-1183 or stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
- Online Orders:
What you will need to Order Online:
- Our campaign number: 67403
- Go to our fundraising website: https://fundraising.purdys.com/1719957-105534
- Click: “Join Campaign”
- Shop, shop, shop away! Payment is by Visa & Mastercard
Thank you everyone for your support. Even if you can’t buy chocolates from us, it would mean the world if you could share this fundraiser link to everyone you know!
Shrove Tuesday Fellowship Dinner
St. Paul’s will be hosting a Shrove Tuesday Fellowship Dinner on Tuesday February 21st at 5pm. Menu is pancakes, sausage, beans, apple or lemon pie and tea and coffee. Freewill offering kindly accepted. There is a sign-up list on the bulletin board near the Brown Bag room or call Cathy Davis 455-1129 if you are planning to attend. All are welcome.
Ash Wednesday Worship
This is the official start to Lent. Worship on Wednesday February 22nd starts at 7pm in the sanctuary. It is a time for prayer and reflection as we start the Lenten Journey. Service will include an opportunity for the traditional imposition of ashes.
Reduced Office Hours
The office will have reduced hours while Meghan is on vacation. Volunteers will be available from 8:30am to 1:30pm from Monday February 27th through March 7th. I look forward to seeing everyone upon my return!
Lenten Reflective Practice
You are invited to join us in a small group circle during Lent for individual reflection and spiritual practice. Rose-Hannah will facilitate a 3 week group meeting from noon to 2pm on Saturday March 11th, 18th, and 25th. No previous experience is required, just bring your open heart and curiosity. The gatherings are held in the Parlour at Wilmot United Church. We begin by sharing a potluck lunch. To register, please contact Rose-Hannah Gaskin at rosehannah.gaskin@gmail.com
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program is in desperate need of proteins with flip top lids and juice boxes. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items: pancake mix, syrup, frosting, brown sugar, coffee whitener, cookies, coffee, ketchup and Mr. Clean. Thank you for your continued support!
Conversations That Matter To St. Paul’s & Wilmot
This is an opportunity for both congregations to gather together and discuss how Downtown United might develop a collaborative project and process that will sustain and enhance both congregations’ missions of service within the greater Fredericton community. Cathy Stewart and Marijke Strong from Credence will be with us in person to facilitate both days of discussions.
Dates (Please choose one): Saturday, March 18, 9-12 am at St Paul’s OR Sunday, March 19, 1-4 pm at Wilmot. Lunch will be provided on both days. Please sign up so that we have enough food! Call the church office (458-1183) by Wednesday March 15th to register which sessions you will be attending.
Responding To Devastation In Turkey & Syria
When crises happen in the world The United Church responds, we engage with our global partners on the ground to understand what it truly needed and to get support to the people who need it most. With the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria, beyond offering our prayers for those effected, we can help directly on the ground through donations to the emergency relief fund https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/global-emergency-response
Donations Of Securities
Did you know that you can donate securities (stocks/bonds/shares) to St. Paul’s? Did you know that donating securities is easy and eliminates capital gains you would have to pay when sold? These donations are included on your annual tax receipt for the fair market value on the day donated. If you would like to donate a security, please contact the office for further direction. Meghan will provide our BMO Investment advisor’s contact information and all you have to do is inform her to which fund you would like your donation directed. Contact info: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com or 506.458.1183
Bible Study Is For Everyone
Wednesday morning lectionary study. This year we will be reading through the Gospel of Matthew, with a focus for this week on Matthew 20:1-16. Join us in the conference room at 11:15am or online via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190. Interested in an evening bible study?
Opportunities To Serve The National Church
We are seeking lay and ministry personnel leaders for roles on the General Council Executive, the General Council Planning Committee, a special task group, and a new interfaith opportunity. Please visit the United Church website for more information. Deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Kindred Works Recording
A recording of the presentation from January 25th at 7pm is available for congregants of St. Paul’s to view. To gain access to the recording, please contact Meghan via email at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
2023 Offering Envelopes Available Now!
2023 Offering Envelopes are available for pick up at the church office Monday through Friday 8am – 3 pm or in the Narthex on Sunday. Please feel free to take a neighbour or friends’ envelopes and deliver them personally! Contact Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail or 506.458.1183 to arrange pick up.
Sound & Projection Volunteers Needed!
We welcome Murray Simpson to the sound booth today, thank you for your service. Sound and projection are vital parts of our service and right now we are looking for at least one more person to step forward and join the team. Training provided! We are hoping to develop a rotating team. Please contact Meghan to express your interest at 458-1183 or stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Upcoming Dates To Remember
February 19th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Property
February 26th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Trustees
March 5th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by M&P
March 13th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Worship
March 19th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Choir
March 26th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Outreach
Warming Centre
Did you know there is a warming centre at 435 King St. open to guests from 8:30am – 11:15am and from 12:15 – 4:45pm Monday-Friday? These hours have been established to coordinate with access to meals at the Community Kitchen. Coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks will be available at the warming centre. The centre will have both regular staff and volunteers. At least one of our members is already volunteering with this program. If you would like to help or to find out more information please call Joan Kingston at (506) 999-5626.
Beef Stew Take-Out Supper
Beef Stew Take-Out Supper, Friday, February 17, pick-up from 4:00-5:30pm, Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street – please use front door. Enjoy delicious beef stew, roll and carrot cake for $15. Phone Rindy or Tom Austin at 506-450-7151 by noon on February 14 to reserve your take-out meals.
Getting Started In Stewardship
Getting Started in Stewardship: Tuesday, February 21 – 2pm AST – Presented on Zoom.
Join United Church people from across the country to learn some stewardship first principles.
Start with an online 2-hour course that answers questions like: What is stewardship all about anyway? Isn’t stewardship just a churchy word for fundraising? Why do people give, and why would they give to our church? What can we do to encourage greater generosity?
The practical assignments that follow will help you reflect on giving and generosity as part of your faith, gather and interpret some of the giving data from your community of faith, and build a stewardship team in order to start making stewardship a priority in your community of faith. Any questions, please contact Roger Janes at rjanes@united-church.ca. Click HERE to Register.
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: Rusty Blakely