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…
Released in 2016, the movie Moana was an instant success in the Disney library. It is a story about identity, passion, and purpose. In this film, we are introduced to a young woman from a Polynesian village who is gifted a special stone by the ocean and while she loves her island she feels pulled to the horizon, wondering what is beyond. We quickly learn that the stone she has is not just any stone, but is the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, which has the power to create and give life which had been stolen. Since it was stolen, forces of death and destruction had been spreading over the known world. The film is Moana’s quest to return the heart and save her island. With the help of the demi-god who stole the heart in the first place, she is able to make it to the mother island, Te Fiti’s home. Approaching their final destination, the pair encounter one final obstacle, Te Ka, a lava monster guarding the barrier islands. Moana manages to get past her and onto the main island, only to discover that Te Fiti isn’t there. If you haven’t seen the movie, I recommend you take a few minutes to watch what happens next Moana “Know Who You Are” Heart Of Te Fiti Scene
Discovering who Te Ka really is, Moana acknowledges the truth and restores her heart. This movie is a wonderful model of what can happen to us when we are hurt and lose our sense of purpose. Te Fiti literally had her heart ripped out after being betrayed by someone she trusted deeply and in that moment lost her creative spark, and her role as a goddess in the world. As a result, she became angry and lashed out in a bid to protect herself. Moana names for her the truth about who she is, reminding her of her identity as creator and supporter of life. Moana also brings about healing by not only naming the truth but restoring what was broken and lost. She was willing to risk touching the hurt and pain to crack the hard shell that had developed preventing Te Fiti from shining forth her true self.
All of us have been hurt and the story of betrayal is not unfamiliar to this congregation. It is a natural human response to pull back and protect oneself in the face of pain. Pain can also cause us to lash out in fear and anger in ways that are destructive. Remembering who we are and whose we are, helps us to move from pain and hurt to growth, life, and joy. So who and whose are you?
You are a child of God most high. You are loved, by God and by me. You are a follower of Christ, one who seeks to walk in the way of his teachings. You have been gifted with desires, hopes, and dreams that are important. You have value, just by being you. In fact, you have more value being yourself than when you try to deny or be someone you are not. Thanks be to God for you, on the good days when you have energy and vision and on the days when it is a struggle to get out of bed and every joint in your body hurts. Even on those days when you wonder “why am I here?”, thanks be to God for you!
When we know who we are, we are grounded. When we know who we are, we can engage with the bigger questions and challenges of life. When we know who we are peace, joy, and abundant life flow more naturally. As we continue to discern the way forward as a congregation, let us take time to ensure that we know ourselves truthfully and remember deeply to whom we belong. God is calling to us, “I know who you are.” May we listen to that voice of Truth.
Let us pray,
Holy God,
We come today holding out our hands,
seeking your touch,
listening for your voice.
As we journey through this Lenten season
help us to trust in your word
to feel your presence
and hold onto you.
Break through the defense we erect that ultimately harm us.
Be a balm for our hurts and pain
and open to us a better way.
This we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Featured In This March 2nd Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Purdy’s Easter Chocolate Fundraiser!
Conversations That Matter To St. Paul’s & Wilmot
Opportunities To Serve The National Church
Sound & Projection Volunteers Needed!
Worship This Sunday March 5th
Please join Rev. Michelle for worship at St. Paul’s at 10:30 am on March 5, 2023
Covid protocols still in place are: hand sanitizing, sitting in marked pews, and social distancing and masking while moving around the church and while singing.
As always, if you are unable 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 will 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
FundScrip Orders Due!
FundScrip Deadline for our next order is this Sunday, March 5. Click here March 5th FundScrip Order Form for current order form. Forms are also available at the office or pick one up in the Narthex. New supporters always welcome! Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
Reduced Office Hours
A reminder that the office will have reduced hours while Meghan is on vacation. Volunteers will be available from 8:30am to 1:30pm from Monday February 27th through March 7th. I look forward to seeing everyone upon my return!
Purdy’s Easter Chocolate Fundraiser!
Calling ALL chocolate-lovers! Want to know that most DELICIOUS way to support us? Order Purdy’s chocolates from our fundraiser! St. Paul’s has begun a fundraising campaign with Purdy’s Chocolatier in support of our outreach programs. This year, our fundraising sales goal is $4000 and we need YOUR help! We receive 25% back from our total sales order.
From now until the order deadline of March 14th, you can order Purdy’s treats from our fundraiser by joining our campaign and browsing the tastiest selection of Easter chocolates online. Shop gifts for family, friends, neighbours and yourself in one convenient place. After all orders are submitted, we will sort, distribute, and let you know when
you can collect your goodies from St. Paul’s.
Ordering is as easy as eating chocolate! To view and download Easter Chocolate Sales Brochure and Order Form, available on our website, click HERE.
Ordering Options:
- Orders Place Offline through the Office:
If you would like to place an Order Offline, bring your completed order form and cash or cheque payable to St. Paul’s United Church to the Meghan in the Church Office. Please contact Meghan with any questions at 506-458-1183 or stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
- Online Orders:
What you will need to Order Online:
- Our campaign number: 67403
- Go to our fundraising website: https://fundraising.purdys.com/1719957-105534
- Click: “Join Campaign”
- Shop, shop, shop away! Payment is by Visa & Mastercard
Thank you everyone for your support. Even if you can’t buy chocolates from us, it would mean the world if you could share this fundraiser link to everyone you know!
Youth at Region!
Calling all Youth grades 6-12!
There will be a Youth Event during this year’s Annual Meeting!
May 26-28th, 2023 at UPEI in Charlottetown, PEI
Stay tuned for more information and registration coming soon.
Please share this note with youth and leaders in your communities!
For more information, contact Catherine Stuart cstuart@united-church.
World Day Of Prayer
World Day of Prayer Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 224 York Street, on Sunday, March 12th at 10.30am. The theme for this year is “I HAVE HEARD ABOUT YOUR FAITH” and was prepared by the women of Taiwan. We welcome one and all to join us for this very special service. A fellowship time will be held after the service. Covid protocols still in place are: hand sanitizing, sitting in marked pews, and social distancing and masking while moving around the church and while singing.
Lenten Reflective Practice
You are invited to join us in a small group circle during Lent for individual reflection and spiritual practice. Rose-Hannah will facilitate a 3 week group meeting from noon to 2pm on Saturday March 11th, 18th, and 25th. No previous experience is required, just bring your open heart and curiosity. The gatherings are held in the Parlour at Wilmot United Church. We begin by sharing a potluck lunch. To register, please contact Rose-Hannah Gaskin at rosehannah.gaskin@gmail.com
Conversations That Matter To St. Paul’s & Wilmot
This is an opportunity for both congregations to gather together and discuss how Downtown United might develop a collaborative project and process that will sustain and enhance both congregations’ missions of service within the greater Fredericton community. Cathy Stewart and Marijke Strong from Credence will be with us in person to facilitate both days of discussions.
Dates (Please choose one): Saturday, March 18, 9-12 am at St Paul’s OR Sunday, March 19, 1-4 pm at Wilmot. Lunch will be provided on both days. Please sign up so that we have enough food! Call the church office (458-1183) by Wednesday March 15th to register which session you will be attending.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program is in desperate need of fruit cups and juice boxes. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items: pancake mix, granola bars, soda crackers, cereal, coffee whitener, cookies, decaf coffee, baked beans, corn niblets, chunky soup, salt, chocolate puddings, apple and orange juices, waxed paper, dish detergent, laundry detergent and Mr. Clean. Thank you for your continued support!
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Bible Study Is For Everyone
Wednesday morning lectionary study. This year we will be reading through the Gospel of Matthew, with a focus for this week on Matthew 22:1-14. Join us in the conference room at 11:15am or online via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190. Interested in an evening bible study?
Opportunities To Serve The National Church
We are seeking lay and ministry personnel leaders for roles on the General Council Executive, the General Council Planning Committee, a special task group, and a new interfaith opportunity. Please visit the United Church website for more information. Deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Sound & Projection Volunteers Needed!
Sound and projection are vital parts of our service and right now we are looking for at least one more person to step forward and join the team. Training provided! We are hoping to develop a rotating team. Please contact Meghan to express your interest at 458-1183 or stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Upcoming Dates To Remember
March 5th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by M&P
March 12th ~ World Day of Prayer ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Worship
March 18th ~ Conversations That Matter ~ at St. Paul’s ~ 9am-12pm
March 19th ~ Downtown United Service at Wilmot
March 19th ~ Conversations That Matter ~ at Wilmot ~ 12:30-3:30pm
March 26th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Outreach
March 26th ~ Annual General Meeting following the service
Warming Centre
Did you know there is a warming centre at 435 King St. open to guests from 8:30am – 11:15am and from 12:15 – 4:45pm Monday-Friday? These hours have been established to coordinate with access to meals at the Community Kitchen. Coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks will be available at the warming centre. The centre will have both regular staff and volunteers. At least one of our members is already volunteering with this program. If you would like to help or to find out more information please call Joan Kingston at (506) 999-5626.
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