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 am sure that by now you have heard about the vandalism at the Sgoolai Israel Synagogue last weekend. The breaking of their windows, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, sent ripples of anxiety through their congregation. Across Canada, there has been a rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia and if we thought our small city was immune to religious discrimination, this past weekend opened our eyes.
As people of faith, we have been given a vision of a world where all are valued and loved. A vision of life where peace and justice reign. The Bible calls this vision the Kingdom of God. As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to work towards God’s vision of abundant life for all. This means speaking out against all forms of hate and violence.
The United Church has historically been on the front edge of social justice movements. While we have been involved in creating paths of justice and reconciliation with marginalized communities, there is still work to be done within our church and beyond so that we can live in an anti-racist society. The United Church, in our recent strategic plan, states one of the church’s objectives is to “Make meaningful collective progress on Indigenous justice, racial equity, and Two Spirit or LGBTQIA+ rights both in the church and world, while demonstrably deepening bold effective solidarity on other justice issues, through ecumenical collaboration and denominational networking.” This is a bold statement about how we as a church will dare to work for justice.
Elie Wiesel once said, “let us remember: what hurts the victim most is not the cruelty of the oppressor but the silence of the bystander.” We are called to not be a passive bystander when God’s vision is assaulted, but one who moves in the world proclaiming God’s love. That means showing up when people are hurting, it means publicly speaking out to say that violence is not ok, it means offering what we can to bring healing and relief.
I didn’t find out about the attack and rally in support of the members of the synagogue until I was watching the evening news last Sunday. My heart was warmed by the number of people who came together to stand up and say NO this is not who we are and want to be as a community. I am grateful to my United Church colleagues who were present to such a degree that the Canadian Jewish News specifically named United Church Ministers among the groups present.
This week, one of my responses has been to write a letter to Rabbi Goldman and his congregation, expressing our sadness at the vandalism of their place of worship and offering our support in creating a community where violence and hate have no place.
Our task going forward is to actively work towards creating this community. We can start by identifying our own biases and inherited attitudes that allow for antisemitism and racism to continue. We have a responsibility to unlearn the bad theology that has contributed to these attitudes. We can also challenge negative and hurtful comments we might hear and take advantage of learning opportunities that seek to create understanding and connection between different groups within our city and beyond. Working in our little circles of influence, we can create ripples of love that proclaim safety, acceptance, and value for all.
Let us pray,
God, you created this world in all its diversity,
You have reached out to touch us humans in a variety of ways,
When we start to think of our way as better than others forgive us
And turn us around, opening our heart to all your people.
Give us strength to move from passive observers,
Shaking our heads at injustice, violence, and hate,
To people of your way, who challenge and build bridges of understanding and love.
Send your Spirit upon our community that we may be inspired
To work to remodel our lives to resemble your vision,
Of beloved community – the kingdom made manifest. Amen.
Featured In This February 1st Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday February 4th
Annual Reports Due!
FundScrip Returns This Sunday!
Fellowship Hour Servers
Warm Mittens & Winter Boots Needed!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
God’s Story, Our Story
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Lenten Book Study
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Employment Opportunity
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper At Nashwaaksis United
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper At Gibson Memorial
Worship This Sunday February 4th
Please join Rev. Michelle for service this Sunday at 10:30am
Annual Reports Due!
Sending a gentle reminder that all Committee, Board and Trustee reports are due. Thank you to those who have already made their submission. Please email reports to stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
FundScrip Returns This Sunday!
If you’ve used all the gift cards you purchased before Christmas, now is the time to get your order ready. Order forms are available in the church office, the narthex or click here to print one February-4th-2024-FundScrip-Order-Form.pdf. Need more information on this program? Here’s the scoop. FundScrip is Canada’s most successful gift card fundraiser offering gift cards for all your shopping needs… groceries, gas, hardware, restaurants, etc. Cards from over 200 retailers are available in different denominations. Each purchase automatically includes a donation to St. Paul’s calculated as a percentage of the card’s value. There is no cost to you for this donation. You receive the full face value of every card you purchase. Just take your order and payment (cheque, cash, e-transfer) to the church office or give it to Carole Peacock on or before the deadline date. Orders are placed once a month, usually the first Sunday, with time off in the summer and January. Cards arrive within the week. Contact Carole Peacock if you would like more information. Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s!
Fellowship Hour Servers
Thank you to everyone who has provided for our fellowship time. We still need a few more folks to sign up for dates in February. You can help our faith community by picking one day to serve in the coming months. Check the bulletin board across from the hall for available dates.
Warm Mittens & Winter Boots Needed!
We are in desperate need of warm mittens and winter boots for folks without. If you have any gently used items to donate, please drop them off at the office. Many thanks!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs 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: paper towel, Mr. Clean, Commit, Laundry & Dish Soap, Toilet Paper, vinegar, cookies, granola bars, Corn Flakes, and Rice Krispies. Thank you for your continued support of this increasingly busy outreach program!
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at St. Paul’s Frasier Memorial Hall on February 13th at 5:30pm. Menu: pancakes, sausage, baked beans, tea, coffee, and dessert. If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please reach out to Cathy Davis for more information.
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.
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Tuesdays from 10:45am-11:45am we explore the biblical passage for Sunday, seeking to create connections with our lives. Come explore deeper the passage we will be reading. As one participant noted, “it makes Sunday service richer”. Join us in the boardroom. Can’t make it in person, you can join the discussion via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736183320 Meeting ID: 817 3618 3320 Passcode: 750844
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Thursdays from 6-7pm in the Parlor we explore the questions you have, scripture and faith practices to deepen our connection with God and each other. We hope you will join us.
Lenten Book Study
When Church Stops Working: by Andrew Root and Blair Bertrand. If you are interested in joining the discussion, please sign up on the bulletin board across from Frasier Memorial Hall. Available in print, e-book, and audio formats order your copy today. If finances are a constraint or if you need help finding a copy of the book, please reach out to Rev. Michelle
Upcoming Dates To Remember
ASAP ~ Annual Report Submissions Due
February 4th ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister & Debbie West
February 11th ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by Lois Walker & Erin Webb
February 13th ~ Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 5:30pm
February 18th ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by Debbie West
February 25th ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister
Employment Opportunity
Wilmot United Church in downtown Fredericton is accepting applications for a 10-14 hr/wk Church Office Administrator beginning April 1,2024 (flexibility re: start date & hours). This position is key to creating a welcoming environment as well as the smooth, efficient, and effective functioning of the church. Its focus will be on reception, communication (i.e. social media, website management, newsletter) and general office responsibilities. Skills required include good interpersonal communication; advanced computer proficiency & knowledge of Microsoft Office products; graphics & database software; ability to work independently in an environment subject to frequent interruptions. Please direct inquiries or covering Letter & resume to Chair of Ministry & Personnel Committee, Judy Coates, wilmotuc@nb.sympatico.ca cc judycoates@rogers.com
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper At Nashwaaksis United
Nashwaaksis United Church at 46 Main St. is hosting Shove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, Feb. 13th from 4-6 pm. Pancakes, sausage, baked beans, brown bread, cake, tea, and coffee. Price $10. For more information, please contact the church office at 506-458-9452.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper At Gibson Memorial
Gibson Memorial United Church at 183 Gibson St. will be hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Tuesday, Feb. 13st from 4 – 6 p.m. and in celebration of Valentine’s Day, “Bring your Sweetheart for Pancakes”. On the menu: pancakes, sausages, ham, baked beans, scallop potatoes, brown bread and dessert. $20 per person. Please call 506-457-1951 to reserve your ticket.
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