Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
Happy New Year, and welcome to the first eNews of 2025. As we step into this new year, we’re reminded of the fresh beginnings that came with the birth of Jesus. God started anew his plan to connect with us in the stable. Just as Jesus brought light and hope into the world so long ago, we too have the opportunity for a fresh start. The change we experienced over the past year may have been challenging at times, but as we look forward, we can find comfort and encouragement in knowing that God is at work in our lives – today, and in the year to come.
The turn of the year brings me a sense of anticipation. Reflecting on the last 3 months, I wonder what amazing opportunities God will provide us. I am anxious about this, not in a bad way but in the way that children are anxious to open their gifts on Christmas morning. I hope that you share in this feeling and are looking ahead to the next year with hope and joy.
Jesus’ birth marks the beginning of something new for all humanity, and now we have the privilege of embracing the same renewal in our own lives and in the lives of our faith community. This year may we be like the wise ones who followed the Christmas star, remaining vigilant for the signs of God at work. For God is with us, has never left us, and is constantly working in our lives shaping our hearts, guiding our steps, and offering us grace to move forward with confidence.
God will show up for us this year, in the small, quiet moments of our everyday lives, and in the big life-changing events. Our task is to remain open and attuned to His presence and trust in His faithfulness, especially when times are uncertain. In our relationships with one another, in our church community, and even in our own hearts, God is offering us fresh opportunities to see His hand at work.
As we enter into this season after Epiphany, what might God be inviting you to do in this season so that someone sees God through your actions? At the beginning of the year, as we leave the Christmas stable, it is a great time to reflect on where God might be leading us next. So, I invite you to take a moment and think about: How has God worked in my life over the past year? What am I carrying into the new year that I can bring to God in prayer? and where can I be more open to his guidance?
Let us pray…
Holy God,
this year may we embrace the fresh start you are offering us.
May we open our hearts to your presence,
and watch with expectation for the good things you have prepared for us.
Help us to continue to grow in faith, peace, hope, joy, and love.
Amen.
Featured In This January 10th eNews Edition
Worship This Sunday January 12th
Baptism This Sunday
2024 Donation Deadline Extended
2025 Envelopes Ready For Pick Up!
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Upcoming Dates To Remember
The Women’s Inter-Church Of Fredericton
Chili Take-Out Supper
Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity
Ongoing Church Activities
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Worship This Sunday January 12th
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
Baptism This Sunday
This Sunday as part of our regular service, Susie, daughter of Cat and Humphrey Akwar, born on November 16th, 2024, will receive the Sacrament of Baptism. As part of our fellowship time following the service, the Ladies Group is welcoming Susie. Please join us.
2024 Donation Deadline Extended
The Government of Canada has announced an extension for making charitable donations eligible for the 2024 tax year until February 28, 2025. This measure ensures donors have additional time to support their favourite causes, such as our churches. Anyone wishing to still make a contribution for 2024, please speak with Meghan or Joanna or place your envelope in the offering plate on Sunday with a 2024 note.
St. Paul’s Pantry Program
The Pantry items needed this week are laundry & dish soap, Mr. Clean, Comet, plastic wrap, pancake mix & syrup, oatmeal, vinegar, tea, coffee, molasses, Miracle Whip, jam, tomatoes, sardines, canned corn, spaghetti, macaroni, large apple & orange juice, white sugar, and flour. Thank you for your ongoing support!
2025 Envelopes Ready For Pick Up!
2025 Offering Envelopes are available at the back of the sanctuary.
Please feel free to drop off a neighbour’s box set!
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Thursday evening bible study will start on Feb 6th from 6-7pm. This will be a Lectio Divina style engagement with the scripture reading for the coming Sunday.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
January 12th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by the Ladies Group
January 19th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
January 26th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
The Women’s Inter-Church Of Fredericton
The Women’s Inter-Church of Fredericton is having the World Day of Prayer Planning Meeting on Monday, January 13th at 10am at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Hall (downstairs), 1 William Street, Fredericton. If anyone is interested in helping plan for the World Day of Prayer which will take place in March, you are invited to come. Thank you. ~ Debbie Heustis, Publicity for the Women’s Inter-Church of Fredericton.
Chili Take-Out Supper
Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, is offering a delicious Chili Take-out on Friday, January 17th. Pick up will be at the church, from 4-5:30pm. The menu includes mild chili, roll, caesar salad, and apple crumble tart for dessert. To reserve your meal, please contact Judy at 506-458-9452 or admin@nashwaaksisunited.ca by 2pm, Wednesday, January 15th.
Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is the Week of January 18 to 25,2025. The Theme is “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). There is a Service being held in the Fredericton Area at St. Dunstan Roman Catholic Church, 120 Regent Street on Thursday, January 23rd,2025 at 1:15 PM with Coffee/Tea and sweets after the service. All are invited to attend Women and Men. Please use the entrance off King Street by the Tim Horton. Thank you. Deborah Heustis, Publicity for the Women’s Inter-Church 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!
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