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…
As we leave the season of epiphany, it feels like a good time to think about the ways in which your Star Words have touched your life. I’ll go first. At the New Year’s Eve service, I pulled the word “Light” from the treasure box.
The first time that my word spoke to me was when the Christmas decorations were being removed from the sanctuary. The Christmas lights were tangled in the tree, there was not enough light to see how. I grabbed my cell phone and turned on the flashlight. Immediately there was abundant light and in no time the lights were free. This got me thinking about the ways in which light functions help us see, both things we want to see and those we don’t. This also led to reflection on what ways as a minister have I figuratively been shining a light of illumination and where is a light needed.
My Star word spoke to me again, on the baptism of Jesus Sunday, when the rock that I pulled was one that let light shine through it. It caused me to think about the ways and places that God’s light shows up in unexpected places. During the week I was more active in looking for signs of God’s presence.
Then there was last night, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The evening service in the dark of night isn’t one I associated with light. But last night I was reminded that light can be a noun related to illumination but it can also be an adjective. In a service which gives space for confession and repentance, has the power to help us feel lighter. It may seem counter intuitive but by expressing our feelings of guilt and the times that we have wronged others, we allow God to take off the burden and opens the door to reconciliation. Jesus did say after all “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and by burden is light.”
So, how has your Star Word spoken to you? I would love to hear your stories. Didn’t get a Star Word? Well it is not too late! You can contact me and I will make sure you get one or if you are in the church there is a basket where you can pick your own.
As we continue this Lenten Journey, if we have your full complete mailing address, you should have received in the mail our Lenten Newsletter, including a Lenten Practices Calendar to help you stay focused on God through this season. I also wanted to take the opportunity to remind everyone that tomorrow, Friday Feb. 24th at 1:30pm is Vernon Green’s funeral. Our prayers are with Laurine, Brad and Lana as they mark Vernon’s passing.
As we continue to walk this full week towards Sunday let us share in a prayer found in Voices United 110…
God of Love,
as in Jesus Christ you gave yourself to us,
so may we give ourselves to you,
living according to your holy will.
Keep our feet firmly in the way where Christ leads us;
help our lips speak the truth that Christ teaches us;
fill our bodies with the life that is Christ within us.
In his holy name we pray, Amen.
Featured In This February 23rd Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday February 26th
FundScrip
Reduced Office Hours
Donations for Warming Centre
Purdy’s Easter Chocolate Fundraiser!
Pantry Program
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Lenten Reflective Practice
Conversations That Matter To St. Paul’s & Wilmot
Bible Study Is For Everyone
Opportunities To Serve The National Church
Sound & Projection Volunteers Needed!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Fundraising dinner At Wesleyan Journey Church
Worship This Sunday February 26th
Please join Rev. Michelle for worship at St. Paul’s at 10:30 am on February 26th, 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
FundScrip
FundScrip Deadline for our next order is Sunday, March 5. Click here March 5th FundScrip Order Form for current order form. Forms are also available at the office or pick one up in the Narthex. New supporters always welcome! Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
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!
Donations for Warming Centre
Our friends at the Warming Centre could use some items! They are looking for donations of: Toilet paper, Ground Coffee, Coffee whitener, Bottled Water, Soft Granola bars and cookies, Fruit cups, Juice, and Ensure drinks. They are located at 435 King Street and are open 8:30am to 4:30pm (they are closed for lunch from 11:15 to 12:30). They do not currently have the capacity to take household or clothing donations.
Purdy’s Easter Chocolate Fundraiser!
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!
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items: pasta, white sugar, ketchup, salt, large orange juice, coffee mate, laundry detergent and Mr. Clean. Thank you for your continued support!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program is in desperate need of proteins with flip top lids. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
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 Parlor at Wilmot United Church. We begin by sharing a potluck lunch. To register, please contact Rose-Hannah Gaskin at rosehannah.gaskin@gmail.com
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.
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.
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.
Sound & Projection Volunteers Needed!
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 26th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Trustees
March 5th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by M&P
March 12th ~ World Day of Prayer ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Worship
March 18th ~ Conversations That Matter ~ at St. Paul’s ~ 9am-12pm
March 19th ~ Downtown United Service at Wilmot
March 19th ~ Conversations That Matter ~ at Wilmot ~ 12:30-3:30pm
March 26th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Outreach
March 26th ~ Annual General Meeting following the service
Fundraising dinner At Wesleyan Journey Church
On Monday, Feb.27 at 5:00pm a group of 18 new Ukrainian families will be hosting a fundraising dinner/evening organized by Scott Wood of Boaz Lighthouse International. They are preparing a Ukrainian meal, sharing stories and entertainment. The tickets are available by e-transfer to boazlighthouse@gmail.com and the price is $100 – $20 for the cost of the meal, and you will receive an income tax receipt for the $80 donation.
This will be at the Wesleyan Journey Church on Duncan Lane. Follow this link to their Facebook notice of this event.
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.
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