I have been thinking this week about the bag tags/cards we handed out in September, do you still have yours now at the end of the “school year”. Be loved. Be kind. Be you. Wonderful inspiration to remember that God loves you. In that love God has blessed you with gifts, skills and passions that make you – You. Like Paul reminds us – we can and do get a functioning healthy body of Christ as people work from there giftedness. This week it has been the middle piece that has been on my mind. Be kind.
Those two words seem easy to say – Be Kind. They were echoed by our chief medical officer frequently over the last few years. But what does it mean to be “kind” especially when kindness to one person and feel like anything but for the other. For example: Well-meaning teachers in the residential school system thought they were being kind by teaching indigenous children English, a parent is being kind when they stop their child from running out onto a busy street, and many Caucasian individuals try to offer support by saying they do not see colour.
The reality is, being kind is not always as simple as doing what we think is right. Being kind is not always doing exactly what others want. Yet kindness is one of the stances we are called to take. The prophet Micah (6:8) askes “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”
Kindness most often involves stepping outside of ourselves, our perspectives, to consider and listen to where others are coming from. It means instead of instantly pushing our desires and preferences, to take time first to reflect on what is really needed, respecting the perspectives and needs of others. In its most theological stating, Kindness is the Christ-like characteristic of behaving towards others as God has behaved towards them. Following God’s lead, kindness is linked with humility, patience, gracious mercy, love and compassion. Thinking about the people I call kind words like generous, considerate, real.
We have all experienced “kindness” that isn’t really kindness driven. Someone being nice because of a desire to look good, or to manipulate you into get something. Then there is the kindness that is driven by wanting to make people feel good and be happy all the time – even if that isn’t your lived reality. Kindness that Jesus modeled for us goes beyond civility, politeness, and social dance of exchanging pleasantries. He shows us a kindness based on respect – respecting others and helping them to respect themselves. He approached others eye to eye – like equals. They were valued and important, not to be used, manipulated, or invalidated. He listened, sought to understand, at times challenged, but the people he interacted with were always deeply loved and valued.
When we live this radical kindness the exchanges, we enter into change us and the people we are engaging with. It shakes away pretense and agenda, revealing the heart of who someone is and uncovers the responsibility that we have to one another. When we embody the kindness of Christ, that we both parties are worthy of being cared for shines forth. Being kind in this way brings vulnerability but not weakness – and I truly believe that when we are kind like Christ the kingdom of God is at hand.
This Sunday we gather with our sisters and brothers from Wilmot and St. Andrew’s. We will share in communion together as we kick-off the summer season. So, as we head into the weekend let us pray…
Holy God,
You came to walk among us, with us, that we may know you
In human form, you didn’t grab for power or control but humbly move in this world
You connected with your people, listening to what was said, offering your love
you were changed by your experiences with women at wells and men along dusty roads,
help us to also be bearers of your kindness with all who we touch, that they may touch us too. Amen.
FEATURES OF THIS JUNE 23RD EDITION OF ST. PAUL’S ENEWS
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY JUNE 26TH
190TH ANNIVERSARY GIVING
NEW OR GENTLY USED LAWNMOWER NEEDED!
WARK/ST. PAUL’S SCHOLARSHIPS
FUNDSCRIP
MESSY CHURCH AT WILMOT
PANTRY
BROWN BAG LUNCH PROGRAM
“ONE TOONIE AT A TIME”
OFFICE CLOSURE
YOUTH GROUP
A NOTE FROM REV. MICHELLE
HOSPITAL VISITATION BY CLERGY
NASHWAAKSIS UNITED CHURCH – PART TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
WILMOT UNITED – PART TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
TAKE-OUT PICNIC MEAL WITH STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
SUMMER DOWNTOWN UNITED + WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Click here for a pdf downloadable copy of the eNews
Please join us in person to worship at St. Paul’s Sunday at 10:30am. Covid protocols still in place are: masking, hand sanitizing, sitting in marked pews, and social distancing.
Following the service, Wilmot’s radical hospitality will be offering ice cream to start off our summer worship rotation. A ‘cool’ way to reconnect with faith friends.
As always, if you are not ready 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 would 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
In our Operating Budget for 2022 is an Income amount designated as: 190th Anniversary Special Givings of $25,000! This amount is requested to balance our budget in this year of our anniversary! To date we have received in excess of $2,000. Your special donations will help us quickly reach this goal!
NEW OR GENTLY USED LAWNMOWER NEEDED!
We are aware that the grounds at St. Paul’s are not up to par. We have discovered that the very old lawnmower St. Paul’s owns is no longer viable. We are in search of a new or used lawnmower. Do you or someone you know have one to donate? If so, please contact Meghan at 458-1183 or via email at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Students who are members or adherents of St. Paul’s United Church 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 on our website at http://www.stpaulsunited.ca/annual-reports/scholarships-bursaries/. Applications must be received on or before July 31.
It’s time to stock up on gift cards you will need this summer! We’ll have an order on Sunday, July 3 but none in August, then returning in September. If you are planning a trip, why not buy a few gift cards for gas? Need groceries for the visitors you’re expecting? Gift cards are available for Sobeys and Superstore. If you are looking for a break from grocery shopping, FundScrip has cards for Hello Fresh and Chef’s Plate meal kits. Order forms are available at the church office, in the narthex or click here. Our next order deadline, July 3, falls on Canada Day weekend. If you would like to place your order early, feel free to bring it to church on June 26 or take it to the church office before June 30. Have a great summer! Stay safe! Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s!
Join Wilmot for Messy Church – interactive workshops, crafts, food, games and fun for all ages. June 24th, July 22nd and August 26th from 5pm-7pm. For more information and to register, please contact the Wilmot office at 458-1066.
PANTRY
The pantry would appreciate donations of the following items: ketchup, relish, mustard, mayo, cheese whiz, sugar, chocolate pudding cups, frosting, cookies, Hamburger Helper, canned corn, soda crackers, coffee mate, Mr. Clean, and paper towel. Thank you for your donations to this important community outreach program.
BROWN BAG LUNCH PROGRAM
The Brown Bag Lunch Program needs donations of proteins with flip top lids And pudding cups. Thank you for your continued generosity of this program.
While you are away this summer, don’t forget about St. Paul’s 190th Birthday. Please pick up a vial to collect your TOONIES over the summer holidays. Bring them back in September. Each vial will hold over $50.00. Wouldn’t it be great to collect $1900.00 for our special year. The donation will be tax deductible and go towards your yearly givings. There will be vials in the entry way at the main door and in the Hall. Make it a “Tooniful Summer”. Contact Donna Chauvin 458-5885 for more information.
OFFICE CLOSURE
The office will be closed from Friday July 1st through Sunday July 10th. Rusty will be available on the premises between 8am – 12pm. Michelle will be away June 29-July 6. For pastoral emergencies during this time please contact Rev. Lori-Beth at 262-6752
This Sunday is the last of the regular season for youth group gatherings. From now until school starts in September, youth group will gather on a week by week basis. Sunday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm. Activities may include, but are not limited to, dodgeball, hide n’ seek, games, sports, snacks, stories, field trips and more. All are welcome – come as you are! For more information contact Simon at 440-0336 or visit http://www.stpaulsunited.ca/youth-group/
A NOTE FROM REV. MICHELLE
I wanted to take an opportunity to acknowledge that there are people in the congregation who have made complaints about my wearing a mask in the pulpit. I wish to state clearly for everyone that I have a variety of reasons for doing this, it is not meant as disrespect for you and your needs but is a result of the analysis public health has asked us all to do. I realize that this can be challenging especially for those who read lips. If you are someone who has found this a struggle, please reach out so we can find a way to support your engagement in services.
HOSPITAL VISITATION BY CLERGY
Hospitals are still at the RED level of Covid protections. This means if you find yourself in hospital and would like Rev. Michelle to visit, you need to let us and the hospital know. There is no way for us to find out if you are there, except direct contact and visits are by requests only.
NASHWAAKSIS UNITED CHURCH – PART TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
JOB OPPORTUNITY – Choir Director/Pianist/Organist position available September 1, Nashwaaksis United Church, average 8-10 hr/wk. Please direct inquiries or cover letter and resumes to Music Director Search, c/o Lori Perley, Church Council. Chair, lorianneperley@gmail.com, 457-0484, or the Church Office, admin@nashwaaksisunited.ca, preferably by July 15.
WILMOT UNITED – PART TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Wilmot United Church is accepting applications for a 15-20 hour per week Church Office Administrator beginning Aug 2, 2022 (flexible). For full position positing, visit Wilmot United’s website at http://www.wilmotuc.nb.ca/. Please direct inquires or covering letter & resume to Chair of Ministry & Personnel Committee, Judy Cotes at wilmotus@nb.sympatico.ca cc judycotes@rogers.com. Job description is available upon request.
TAKE-OUT PICNIC MEAL WITH STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
Wednesday, July 6, pick-up 4:00-5:30pm at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, please use front door. The take-out meal includes a deli meats sandwich, coleslaw, dill pickle, chips and homemade strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream for $15. Advance orders only, reserve with Rindy & Tom Austin, 450-7151, by noon Friday, July 1.
SUMMER DOWNTOWN UNITED + WORSHIP SCHEDULE
At St. Paul’s United Church
June 26th – Service at St. Paul’s with Rev. Mary from Wilmot leading
July 3rd – Service at St. Paul’s with Rev. Todd from St. Andrew’s leading
July 10th – Service at St. Paul’s with Rev. Michelle leading
July 17th – Service at St. Paul’s with Rev. Michelle leading
All services at St. Paul’s can be viewed via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode 165090 or view later on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/St. Paul’s
At St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
July 24th, July 31st, August 7th
All services at St. Andrew’s can be viewed via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83673756287?pwd=RFhERHZiU0hHbVpYcjYxRFFNZWdIQT09
Meeting ID: 836 7375 6287 Passcode: 839092
At Wilmot United Church
August 14th, August 21st, August 28th, September 4th
All services at Wilmot can be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/c/WilmotUnitedChurch
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, N.B. E3B 3P1
Web: www.stpaulsunited.ca | Tel: 506-458-1183 | Email: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong | Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Church Administrator: Meghan Roebuck | Custodian: Rusty Blakely