Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
Hello From Five Oaks Retreat Centre in Ontario.
This week I have the privilege of gathering with 30 of my colleagues from across the country for the third in-person learning week of the reGenerate program. Being selected for this program and being with the incredible cohort of high-performing ministers is a blessing in itself as we share stories and resources. The support and hope for the church in this group is incredible! I have gotten so much from this week, even before we got to the theme speakers.
This week’s theme is fundraising, and we have been learning how to set up an effective and robust giving program, learning new ways to think about our giving data, and engaging with best practices for funding our ministries. I am excited to bring them home to the congregation and advance our work in this area.
One of the critical pieces for a functional church and successful fundraising campaign is to clearly tell the story about why we exist and our mission. We have been together for a few months now and it is time to discern who we aspire to be and what our mission in the world will be. Next week the Council and the Session will develop a plan to move ahead with the discernment, and articulation of our values and vision. The values and vision will guide our ministry plan and shape our decision-making process. That said by virtue of us being an Ecumenical Shared Ministry we already have a compelling story! Or at least I think we do.
In a world where differences often cause division, we believe God is calling us together. So, we are creating together a community of faith where all are welcome, and differences are honoured modeling for the world relationships of mutual flourishing.
There is more to our story, but I believe this is a powerful core from which we can overlay our discerned values to decide on our ministry goals and plan to realize them. What do you think? Do these words ring true? Are they energizing and empowering to you? Let me know, I want to hear what you think!
As we head into another weekend, I have one PSA about the presence of scams. It has come to my attention that once again members of our congregations have been targeted with requests for help from someone pretending to be me. This is a scam. I will never make an email request for gift card donations or other support. All donations would go through the church office or our regular offering processes. I was glad to see people checking with us and alerting us that our church has been targeted for this type of fraud. If you happened to fall victim to the scam, please inform the police, and notify your credit card company and any other business that might be involved. We in the church have big hearts and want to help, unfortunately, not everyone honours that goodness.
I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday for worship. As we head into the weekend let us pray…
Loving God,
we pray that you make us wise and discerning
and that you continue to open our hearts and hands to you.
We have been blessed with so much opportunity,
send your spirit to guide us on this journey of faith,
weaving us together in a vibrant and loving community.
Help us to tell our story so that others might see your good works
and join us in sharing your love and grace. Amen.
Featured In This January 23rd eNews Edition
Worship This Sunday January 26th
Beware Of Email Scams
Booking Meeting Space
Emergency Pastoral Care
Presbyterian Connect
2025 Envelopes Ready For Pick Up!
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Kilted Skate
World Day of Prayer Services
Ongoing Church Activities
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Worship This Sunday January 26th
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
Beware Of Email Scams
It has come to our attention that folks are receiving scam emails from a person pretending to be Rev. Michelle. Please do not respond to “Awaiting Response at Your Convenience” or emails requesting you to send money or donate gift cards. Rev. Michelle will never make such a request as all donations go through the church office or Sunday offering. If you have fallen victim to these scams, please inform the police. Be alert to the mail address sending the request, Rev. Michelle’s only email address is michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com.
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.
Emergency Pastoral Care
Rev. Michelle will be attending the (Re)Generate leadership program the week of January 18th-25th. Emergency pastoral care can be obtained from Ellen Beairsto by calling 506-206-1943. This number is a landline so please leave a message if you do not get an answer. Rose-Carolynn will also be available to support ongoing needs.
St. Paul’s Pantry Program
The Pantry items needed this week are laundry & dish soap, Mr. Clean, ketchup, salt, coffee, jam, vinegar, pasta & pasta sauce, tin foil, plastic wrap, large apple & orange juice, pancake mix, flour, cookies, and rice. Thank you for your ongoing support!
Presbyterian Connect
Winter of 2024 Presbyterian Connect is now available in the church and Hall entries. See page 20 for a for a familiar face. (or two)
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
Starting February 6th, Thursday evening bible study will be from 6-7pm in Rev. Michelle’s office. This will be a Lectio Divina style engagement with the scripture reading for the coming Sunday.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
January 26th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
February 2nd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister
Feb 6th ~ Bible Study from 6-7pm ~ Starting Feb 6th
February 9th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosted by Patty Trail & Cathy Davis
February 16th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
February 17th ~ Offices Closed for Family Day Stat Holiday
February 23rd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
Kilted Skate
The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew is kicking off their 200th Anniversary this year, with a Kilted Skate at Officer’s Square, from 1-3 p.m., on January 25th. Everyone is welcome. https://facebook.com/events/s/2025-second-annual-freddy-kilt/3953936764854295/
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 and All Saints 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 ~ Starting Feb 6th ~ 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