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…
Currently, I am reading the book Imaginable by Jane McGonigal. Jane is a futurist, game designer, and New York Times best-selling author. I was introduced to her writing at a retreat with the United Church Moderator Carmen Lansdowne in April. At that time, 21 ministers from across PEI, NS, and NB agreed to read this book together, drawn by the tagline “How to Create a Hopeful Future – In Your Own Life, Your Community, the World.” The book is a thought-provoking and thought-changing read. One I would recommend to you all.
Writing about a situation in which the path forward was unclear, Jane reminds us that when this happens in our own lives and the future is uncertain, that this can be a positive thing. For while uncertainty can cause anxiety and a sense of unease, it also means that we still have a chance to have a say in what happens next. Uncertainty means we can still make a choice.
Feelings of dis-ease signal an opportunity to figure out what we are afraid of and clarify what we hold as most important. We then can decide if we are going to heed to the discomfort or overcome it. This holds true in our individual lives and in our collective life together as the church.
Thinking about the future has been causing some dis-ease in our congregation because the way forward is not certain and will not be clear sailing. Some people have expressed discomfort and uncertainty about what discussions with Kindred Works and the Downtown United Project mean. Instead of withdrawing from these discussions, I want to encourage us all to take the opportunity for discovery and clarity that unease offers us.
Speaking of the Downtown United Project, we are entering our last stage of discovery this weekend. I hope you will join us for worship at Wilmot 11am followed by a workshop and lunch, with a commitment that everything will be done by 2:15. This is the last time to have your voice heard before the discernment of what the next stage or project could be. Your voice matters and is needed so that collectively we make the best choices going forward. I do hope to see you Sunday at Wilmot.
This Sunday is also my final worship prior to my Sabbatical. Over the last couple of months, several groups have been working hard to ensure this time goes as smoothly as possible and we hit the ground running in September. While there are many people who have helped make decisions and coordinated the summer pieces, I want to single out Roger Miller for his work arranging pastoral care and worship coverage. When you see him next, give him a big thanks. I also want to thank you all for providing the time of Sabbatical, I am looking forward to sharing with you what I have learned when I return in September. Let us pray,
God of the changing seasons
we come to you with summer at our doorstep,
and ask your blessings on us as we wrap up this program year.
Be with students and teachers as school ends,
gardeners as the final plants are put in the ground,
and with those counting down until vacation starts.
Help us to embrace the slower days of summer so that we may find rest and renewal.
May we be like gardens, soaking up the sun and rain,
and growing towards a fruitful harvest in the fall.
We also bring this day, our prayers for all who are facing the uncertainty of wildfires.
Give strength and perseverance to the firefighters.
Send your care and support to all who are evacuated and experiencing loss.
May we as your body, seek out ways to help.
In Christ’s name we offer these prayers. Amen.
Featured In This June 1st Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday June 4th
Downtown United Conversation June 4th At Wilmot At 11am
PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance)
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Pastoral Care
FundScrip
Wark/St. Paul’s Scholarships
Bible Study
Downtown United Project
Cremation Urns
Sunday School In Fall
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Yard Sale At Gibson Memorial
Yard Sale at Nashwaaksis United
Book Sale At Wilmot United
Fraud/Scamming Information Session
Worship This Sunday June 4th
Please join us at 11am for a joint service at Wilmot on June 4th, 2023
Updated COVID Protocols for In-Person Worship Services: Masks are highly recommended, but no longer required, congregational singing is permitted, you are encouraged to spread out to maintain social distancing. Anyone wanting extra space is invited to sit in the balcony, Sanitize or wash hands on entry into the building or the sanctuary, offering plates are located at the door.
Downtown United Conversation June 4th At Wilmot At 11am
On June 4, a shortened worship service will flow into a Facilitated Conversation time in the hall in which everyone will be invited to comment about insights gained, questions raised, or reflections pondered during the 4 weeks of Discernment. There will be minimal Credence presentation; the focus will be on listening to one another, listening for how God’s Spirit has been stirring and prompting in relation to the 4 questions posed. The Listening time will include lunch (but not right away). Inspired by the picture of the church as a human body, where each part contributes to the whole, we value each voice. While everyone will have an opportunity to speak, no one is required to speak (so don’t be shy). Worship in sanctuary: 11- 11:30; worship continues in the gym 11:30-2:15 (including lunch).
PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance)
As we approach a great summer, being a member of PAR is a great method of giving regularly towards the operation of our wonderful church. Contributions to PAR in April by 52 families is of major importance to St Paul’s! The amount contributed to OPERATIONS in April was $8,060.17 and to M&S $460.00! We encourage you to sign up today for your first time or to increase your present PAR contributions. Every dollar is important! Please call Meghan today at 506-458-1183 or pick up a form at the church entrance Sunday!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program is in need of 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: pudding cups, sugar, small vinegar, salt, Coffee Mate, flour, cookies, Large juice, tuna, ketchup, pasta, cereal, tin foil, dish and laundry detergent, Kleenex, paper towel, cleaning supplies and tooth paste. Thank you for your continued support!
Pastoral Care
Starting Tuesday, June 6th all emergency pastoral care calls are to be directed to Bev Sharpe who will be covering while Michelle is on Sabbatical. Her contact information is 506-471-4326.
FundScrip
Deadline for our next FundScrip order will be Sunday, June 11th. Gift cards will arrive in time for distribution on Sunday, June 18 (Father’s Day)…. don’t forget Dad! Order forms are available in the church office, in the Narthex or click here. Please note: This will be our final order until the fall when we return to regular church services here at St. Paul’s. You may want to order a few extra cards for your grocery shopping, gas purchases and other needs to see you through the summer. Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s. The church needs your support throughout the year.
Wark/St. Paul’s Scholarships
Students who are members or adherents of St. Paul’s and who plan to pursue post-secondary studies this fall are invited to apply for financial support from the Wark/St. Paul’s Scholarship Funds. Details on eligibility and application guidelines are available at scholarships-bursaries. Applications must be received on or before July 31st.
Bible Study
Bible Study will resume in September.
Downtown United Project
The Downtown United Project team, working with our Consultants Cathy and Marijke last weekend, presented 4 questions for all people of St Paul’s to reflect on this month to further our discernment on a way forward. Your participation is vital to shape the nature of the project which will be determined. We are asked to spend at least 5 minutes a day reflecting on one of the questions before us. Each week we will receive a reflection guide. Follow the link to access this week’s guide. downtown-united-project
Cremation Urns
Cremation urns are available at St. Paul’s, hand crafted by Harold Raper. These beautiful urns are made from oak and birch and all proceeds go towards church operations. Suggested minimum donation of $250. To make arrangements to view or for more information, please contact Meghan in the church office at 458-1183 or stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com.
Sunday School In Fall
We are trying something new, asking for people to commit not for the whole year but for one three-week Unit. The Fall themes are God Creates Family, Responding to God’s love, God’s way of Leading, Our sin, God’s Faithfulness, and Promises Made, and Promises Kept. We are looking for leaders to help share the love of God with our youngest congregation members. All serving in the Sunday School will need to provide a valid vulnerable sector police record check. If one of these themes piqued your interest or you want to help our children grow, please contact Erin Hayes at hayes.erin11@gmail.com
Upcoming Dates To Remember
June 4th ~ Downtown United Service at Wilmot at 11am
June 11th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Board
June 18th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Christian Education
June 25th ~ Downtown United Summer Service at Wilmot at 10:30
Yard Sale At Gibson Memorial
Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St., will be hosting a YARD SALE on June 3rd, 2023, 8 a.m. – 12 noon. All are welcome!
Yard Sale at Nashwaaksis United
Saturday, June 10th, from 8am-12noon at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street. We’ll have a little of “this” and a lot of “that” – something for everyone. Come and find a new treasure! If you are Spring Cleaning this year, we would be happy to help take your treasures off your hands for our yard sale. Please bring your items to the church on June 7, 8 and 9 between the hours of 9am-12am. Please no large furniture or clothing items. If you need something picked up, please call Larry or Helen Forward at 506-457-1338.
Book Sale At Wilmot United
Wilmot United will be hosting a used book sale on June 8th & June 9th from 12-6pm at 473 King Street. There are hundreds of books and something for all book lovers. All are priced to sell!
Fraud/Scamming Information Session
The Nashwaaksis United Church Pastoral Care Committee will be hosting this session, to be held in the auditorium on Tuesday, June 13th, 1-3pm. Guest speaker will be Const. Mike Bamford, of the Fredericton City Police. There will be light refreshments.
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