Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
One of the principles of reconciliation is to include the voices of those who are affected by a decision in the decision-making process. On the national level, we can see this principle at work when consulting and including Indigenous voices in meaningful ways in decision-making processes related to the use of treaty land and First Nations government practices and policies. Fueled by the final report and recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in the last 10 years we have seen an increase in participation of our Indigenous community in matters affecting them. The reality is that while consultation with Indigenous stakeholders is now more common, we can still see the remains of the colonial era throughout society. Most often in the church, and our day-to-day lives, this shows up in an attitude that we know how best to solve a problem or disagreement even if we are not directly involved.
Unfortunately, during the colonial era, the church got caught up in the practice of insisting on our position, ideas, and beliefs as we sought to foster and build Christendom. Yet this insisting that others follow our way is not, and has never been, the Way of Jesus. Time after time, he listened to the stories and situations of those in his midst, coming to them on their terms. Time and time again, he told stories to help people think about things in new ways. Time and time again, he left the door open for people to follow or stay where they were. Even on the occasion when he flipped over the tables in the temple, he never stopped anyone from righting the tables and carrying on. There is not one instance where Jesus forced someone to do something or follow him. Jesus was all about relationships, invitations, and meeting people where they are.
At God’s heart is the desire for reconciliation among us humans and with God, our creator. In our very being as a shared ministry, we are a living example of God’s kingdom manifesting on earth. As we continue to come together and integrate our congregations to function as much as possible as one unit, we will inevitably run into times when our practices, traditions, and opinions differ. Listening to each other and understanding each other’s perspectives is valuable, and when we disagree it is essential. As is the commitment to finding the best path forward in humility.
It is also very helpful to ask the question, “Who is missing from the discussion?” and “Who is impacted by this decision, whose voice has not been heard?” Thinking seriously about these questions can help us make better decisions. They function as a check to ensure that those who are impacted by decisions are meaningfully consulted in the decision-making process, which can provide great insight and new perspectives. They also help break thinking patterns that have been passed down from the colonial practices of the past.
In the church, we are called to be the body of Christ, to work together to worship, learn, and invite others to come and see the amazing work of our God. As we move together, let us be mindful of our own actions so that we can ensure everyone feels welcomed and loved through our willingness to listen to and engage in the different opinions of our community. Let us also ask God to help us humbly see where we hold on too tightly to our familiar practices and ideas and need to invite God’s spirit to open our hearts and minds.
Reconciling God,
we are in a unique position of reconciliation with our siblings in Christ.
As we continue to live into your promise of new,
help us to be humble and open,
tender and frank,
to share our thoughts and opinions from a place of openness and vulnerability.
This we pray in the name of Jesus,
who lived a humble human life,
yet was also fully divine.
Amen
Featured In This February 6th eNews Edition
Worship This Sunday February 9th
St. Paul’s 2024 Tax Receipts Available!
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Coffee/Fellowship Hour Volunteers
Booking Meeting Space
2025 Offering Envelopes
Upcoming Dates To Remember
World Day of Prayer Services
Ongoing Church Activities
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Worship This Sunday February 9th
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
St. Paul’s 2024 Tax Receipts Available!
St. Paul’s 2024 Tax Receipts are available for pick up at the back of the church until this Sunday. The remaining envelopes will be mailed after the 10th of February. Please contact Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com or 506-458-1183 if you have any question regarding your annual contribution amount.
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Thursday Evening Bible Study is from 6-7pm in Rev. Michelle’s office. This is a Lectio Divina style engagement with the scripture reading for the coming Sunday. Everyone is welcome!
Coffee/Fellowship Hour Volunteers
Heather Labadie is coordinating Coffee/Fellowship Hour volunteers. Thanks to those who have already responded to her. If you would like to get involved too, please contact her at heather.labadie@gmail.com. You could offer to do a complete ”hour” yourself, or you could volunteer to help someone else out. If you are new to this “task”, Heather will pair you up with someone who is experienced. If you would like to volunteer to just look after the coffee and tea (and not the snacks), let Heather know. If you would like to provide snacks, but not make the coffee/tea, Heather will work with you to share with someone else who may not want to do the snacks. ~ Mary Charters
Booking Meeting Space
As the use if our space gets busier, please remember to book your meeting space through the office. Drop by in person, call 506-455-8220 or 506-458-1183 or email stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com and sapcfred@gmail.com. Both offices use a shared online calendar so we can ensure space is available for your meeting.
St. Paul’s Pantry Program 
The Pantry items needed this week are laundry & dish soap, Mr. Clean, Javex, salt, Oreo cookies, vinegar, Miracle Whip, corn, flour, white rice, Rice Crispies, Corn Flakes, icing sugar, juice boxes, paper towel, tin foil, waxed paper & plastic wrap. Thank you for your ongoing support!
2025 Offering Envelopes
If you have not yet picked up your offering envelopes for 2025, they are available in your respective church office and can be picked during regular office hours. If you need yours dropped off, please let us know.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
February 9th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Patty Trail & Cathy Davis
February 16th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship hosted by Debbie Allison, Barb McGuigan & Lois Paterson
February 17th ~ Offices Closed for Family Day Stat Holiday
February 23rd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Marg Leonard
March 2nd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister
March 5th ~ Ash Wednesday Service
March 9th ~ Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 9th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
March 9th ~ World Day of Prayer Service at St. Andrew’s at 2pm
March 16th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Heather Labadie
March 23rd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Chris Grant & Mary Stickles
World Day of Prayer Services
An invitation is extended to all Women and Men to attend the World Day of Prayer Services in the Fredericton area. The World Day of Prayer for 2025 was prepared by the Women of the Cook Island. The theme is “I Made You Wonderful” (Psalm 139: 1-18.)
Northside: The World Day of Prayer will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 780 McEvoy Street, Fredericton on Friday, March 7th, 2025 at 2 PM. Storm Date: Sunday, March 9 at 3 PM.
Southside: The World Day of Prayer will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and St. Paul’s United Church, 512 Charlotte Street, Fredericton on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at 2 PM. Storm Date: March 16 at 2 PM. Thank you. Deborah Heustis, Publicity for the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Fredericton
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 ~ Choir Practice from 7-8pm ~ All are welcome!
Thursdays ~ Bible Study from 6-7pm ~ 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
Minster: Rev. Michelle Armstrong | Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Custodian: Doug Newman | Ministers Emeriti: Rev. Doug Blaikie & Rev. Dr. Basil Lowery