Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
In the last couple of weeks, I have been asked about when the annual meetings will take place. It is well into the time when we would normally have them scheduled. There is truth to the saying ‘you learn more from doing something wrong, than doing it right’. Not that anything is wrong with the end results, but in the process of learning what it means to actually share expenses and what processes need to be in place, we have needed to take additional time. Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and I ask that you give grace to those who have been working to get the financials completed. Realistically, we are looking at the end of April/Beginning of May before we will have everything back from the financial reviewers. The good news is that we have 6 months from our end of the year to do this work according to CRA, the better news is that it will be done before then.
Turning the eNews towards our Lenten theme, you have likely read in previous editions the description of the Ecclesial or Missional streams of faith expression. Maybe you even responded to one of them with “That’s me!”, if so, great. If not, don’t worry, there are still three other tables to try out. You will find one that feels like home.
Last Sunday, I preached about the Evangelical stream. Like so many of Greer’s names to describe the tables of the theological banquet, evangelical carries baggage because of its historic use. Mainstream reformed tradition churches have often been pitted against churches that are considered Evangelical. Unfortunately, many people who do not reside at this table hold stereotypes and prejudices because of this, which can lead to the gifts of the Evangelical table being dismissed. That said, it is not these wider denominational trends that we are dealing with at the Theological Banquet, instead, we are bringing our view down to the level of operative theology in people’s lives and using Evangelical as a nametag for this stream of lived theology. It is important to remember that evangelism is a practice that belongs to every Christian, not just this stream, although they are more likely to be comfortable and leaders in this practice. So, what does Greer mean when she speaks of Evangelical? She’s referring to people whose lived faith is profoundly and personally Jesus-centered and focused on sharing Christ with others.
Those who are most comfortable at the evangelical table are likely the more eager to tell you about their faith and experience of Jesus, that is because many evangelicals know firsthand the saving power of Christ. If they had a credo, it would be “I believe in the good news that Jesus’s sacrificial death saves all who believe in him, offering them forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.” They have been freed and desire others to know this freedom. Atonement matters because their life in God is most palpably experienced in sharing the reality of salvation. They are the messengers who share the good news of God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ, unapologetically and passionately.
They tend to be more conservative in their theology, social positions and often prefer male language for God. Among those at this table, there is a strong familiarity with the scripture and an intimacy with Jesus in their prayers. There is a personal relationship with Jesus at the heart of their faith. And that bend to relationship is found also in how they share their faith, which is often done one-on-one instead of working out in the community. The evangelical’s impulse towards a worldview that the secular is devoid of, and in need of, meeting Christ and confessing faith in him, is not held the same way by other tables at the banquet.
What binds those at the evangelical lived faith table is that they are grateful believers in Jesus’ saving love. They deeply understand that it is God’s action in Jesus that brings us new life through the reconciling act of his death and resurrection. They know that God, in love and grace, is sustaining, ruling, redeeming and judging the world and in turning to Christ in belief, we are reconciled to God forever, because Christ’s reign is eternal.
Scripture is held in high regard. It is the divine inspiration and supreme authority, the Word of God. The scriptures are trustworthy and true for the building up of faith and directing our lives. Favorite touchstone scriptures for the evangelical include John 3:16 and Romans 8:28.
Evangelicals’ gifts are many, even if not acknowledged widely. They have given their lives to Christ. They are serious about Christian living and building communities of support and accountability to help them maintain their commitments to Christ. They are knowledgeable about both scripture and prayer and have a profound sense of belonging to others in Christ and treating all people of faith as siblings. They are often incredibly hospitable to those outside the faith, as they take seriously the power of their witness to introduce others to Christ. They pay attention to those who are not in the community of faith and who could benefit from knowing Christ and the community. They are generous, often tithing their income and living simply. Seeking to let their lives be lived in Christ as thanksgiving for all God has done for them.
For the evangelical the church exists by the Holy Spirit, acting on people, empowering them as disciples and witnesses. This empowerment allows the church to share the gospel, so all who believe may make Christ known to others in turn, spreading the good news to all. The church is to proclaim and live this new life with joy and gratefulness.
The shadow and the undoing of the evangelicals’ gifts of intimacy and invitation is when it becomes exclusionary; if you do not claim Christ, you are judged as being on the outside. In the Shadow, the evangelical faith turns to judgment and condemnation, making the evangelical appear self-righteous. In this shadow, “have you been saved?” moves from a discussion starter to a marker of being acceptable. The evangelical gift of invite can also be warped by the shadow of superiority.
All tables at the banquet have a shadow, the gift gone bad, and at God’s theological banquet, we also have an antidote to our shadow. For the evangelical, it is the Missional siblings who see Christ in the less than ideal, who go to the streets and find Christ in every place. The diverse exposure and going into places others would avoid opens up the frame of reference for the Evangelical.
This Sunday we will take a seat at the spiritual’s table, but between now and then let us pray.
Loving God we give thanks for those among us who speak boldly of your life and work,
Those who hold the door open and welcome people in.
Help us to see and know you at work in our lives,
and to discern those you would have us invite into relationship with you.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Featured In This March 27th eNews Edition
Worship This Sunday March 30th
St. Paul’s Office Phone
Spring Yard Sale
St. Paul’s Pantry Program
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Free Income Tax Clinic
Beef Stew Take Out
Ongoing Church Activities
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Worship This Sunday March 30th
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
St. Paul’s Office Phone
Hi folks, I just wanted to let everyone know that St. Paul’s office has not has a working phone since March 13th. I am very sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully the situation will be rectified shortly. If you need to get in touch with me, please feel free to email me at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com or call my cell phone at 506-262-8461. My apologies. ~ Meghan
Spring Yard Sale
The Tuesday AM Ladies’ Group, their numbers now increased by their newest members (the St. Paul’s ladies) announce their Spring Yard Sale to be held on Friday, May 2nd from 3-7pm and Saturday, May 3rd from 9-Noon. Donations of items are encouraged to make for an interesting and bountiful inventory for our dedicated regular shoppers and first-time visitors. We are still working on a plan for dropping off your items. Keep tuned for our drop-off plans.
St. Paul’s Pantry Program
For the month of April, the Pantry will focus on receiving donations of 1L vinegar and ketchup. Other items of need are flour, puddings, pancake mix, syrup, cereal, granola bars, cookies, mayo, salt, tin foil, plastic wrap, and dish & laundry detergent. Thank you for your ongoing and generous support!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
The Brown Bag Lunch program needs canned proteins with pull tops (such as flakes of meat, Chef Boyardee, chili, sardines), chicken salad & crackers, juice boxes, pudding cups, fruit cups, and small, sweet treats such as mini chocolate bars. Thank you for your generosity.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
March 30th ~ Service at 10:30am Fellowship Hosted by the Mission Committee
April 6th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
April 13th ~ Palm Sunday Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
April 17th ~ DTU Maundy Thursday Service here
April 18th ~ Good Friday Service at Wilmot
April 18th ~ Good Friday STAT Holiday – Offices Closed
April 20th ~ Easter Sunday Service with Communion at 10:30 ~ Fellowship hosted by the Worship Committee
April 21st ~ Easter Monday STAT Holiday – Offices Closed
April 27th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
Free Income Tax Clinic
Forest Hill United Church is hosting free income tax clinics on Friday March 28th, April 4th, 11th, and 25th from 9:30am to 1pm. You qualify for this service if you are 65 or older, housing insecure, a student, a person with disabilities, or have a modest income. To see if you qualify or for more information, please call 506-455-0988 or email foresth.office@bellaliant.com
Beef Stew Take Out
The Nashwaaksis United Church is hosting a Beef Stew Takeout on Friday, April 11th, 4–5:30pm. The menu includes Beef Stew, Roll and Carrot Cake for $15. Please reserve your order by Wednesday, April 9th at 2pm, by calling the church office at 506-458-9452 or by email: admin@nashwaaksisunited.ca
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 ~ Bible Study from 6-7pm ~ All are Welcome!
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 & Friday 8am-12pm
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong |Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Custodian: Doug Newman |Ministers Emeriti: Rev. Doug Blaikie & Rev. Dr. Basil Lowery