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…
Last weekend we were blessed to have Cathy and Marijke reflect back to us what we have told them about our congregations during the first two phases of their work with us. What they had to say about change and the process of death, birth, and rebirth, got me thinking about how we process our experiences and information when it comes to change. Psychologists tell us that all change, both good and bad, causes stress, the same can hold true for potential change because the natural balance and flow of our lives are upset. Nobody is comfortable when they are off balance.
We also know that when we are stressed, our brain’s ability to think creatively is impaired and the part of our brain that drives our survival instincts, the flight, fight, or freeze responses, is activated at least temporarily. When stress is long-term, these patterns of fight, flight, and freeze gain strength, and our perspective shrinks. Biologically this is good because it kept us alive when our ancestors faced wild animals. However, in most of the stress we encounter today, these survival instincts are less adaptive, because our lives are not in immediate threat.
At St. Paul’s, there is some genuine concern about what the future holds. Because we love this church and it holds so much history for many of us, and because we are comfortable with the way things are, the thought of change is stressful. In facing these challenges one of our tasks is to break free from fear-based decisions and stress-driven vision. Thankfully our faith tradition provides us with many resources to help us create breathing room and shift our view. Which in turn, opens the door to ideas previously unthought of and expands our ability to take in realities we had not previously considered.
Our consultants lay out a process for helping us move into our more creative and rational brains, as we engage the questions for discernment questions. I truly believe that God has a plan for us, and that each of us holds a part of the answer. Together we will once again hear where God is calling us. But, we need to bring the best of ourselves to this process. We need to invite the Holy Spirit to join us and guide us in our reflections. And we need to take the time to engage. So I invite you to please, regardless of how you responded to the invitations of the Downtown United Project before, take time today to engage with the reflection guide and/or discernment report found on our website https://www.stpaulsunited.ca/downtown-united-project/ or request a copy from the church office. Thank you in advance for your engagement.
Let us pray;
God we are here,
With our fears, worries, anxieties.
God we are here,
With our joys, hopes, and dreams.
We trust that you have us all in your hand regardless of how we feel, or where we stand
Your love and grace are big enough, your holy spirit is wide enough to hold and support us all.
Calm our fears about the changes in the world, the changes in our lives, the changes in our church, that we may move from being locked in our patterns that no longer serve us,
to new and bold action, powered by our faith.
This we pray in Christ’s name.
Amen.
Featured In This May 11th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday May 14th
Happy Mother’s Day!
Reduced Office Hours
St. Paul’s Annual Plant Sale
Summer Student Employment Opportunities
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Wark/St. Paul’s Scholarships
Bible Study
Youth @ Region! (Formerly I@C and YF!)
Downtown United Project
Talk about it After Worship
New Zoom Link
Mark your Calendar
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Saint Andrew’s Spring Yard Sale
Yard Sale at New Maryland United
Music Night At St. Andrew’s
“Songs Of Gladness: Singing In Spring”
Yard Sale at Gibson Memorial
After Hours Supervisors Needed at Wilmot
Worship This Sunday May 14th
Please join Rev. Michelle, for worship at 10:30 am on May 14th, 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.
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/81834519740 Passcode: 657067. 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: 818 3451 9740 and Passcode: 657067.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate and give thanks to all of the mothers for their caring hearts, relentless spirit and ability to keep it together through the ups and downs of motherhood and life. Wishing you all a relaxing day that is well deserved!
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Reduced Office Hours
The office will have reduced hours from May 18th through 23rd. Volunteers will be holding down the fort from 8:30 to 12:30 during that time. Those wanting to drop off plants for the sale on Saturday can do so Friday from 9-12pm. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
St. Paul’s Annual Plant Sale
St. Paul’s Annual Plant Sale will be held on Saturday May 20th from 9am to noon. Come pick up plants for your garden, balcony and home. CASH ONLY. 224 York Street in the George St. parking lot – corner of York & George Streets.
Summer Student Employment Opportunities
St. Paul’s is seeking to fill 2 summer student positions for July and August: Office Administration Clerk and Building Maintenance Worker. These positions fall under Canada Summer Jobs funding and are 35 hours per week for 8 weeks. Eligibility criteria is: Between the ages of 16 and 30, Canadian Citizen, have a valid SIN#. More information can be found on our website at employment-opportunities Interested candidates can forward a resume and cover letter to stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com Attn: CSJ or drop-off to the church office at 224 York Street. Application deadline is June 1st.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs juice boxes and fruit cups. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items: honey, coffee, peanut butter, cookies, white sugar, vegetable oil, frosting, brown sugar, vinegar, juice boxes, can tomatoes, flour, honey, salt, butterscotch pudding, dish and laundry detergent. Thank you for your continued support!
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Broadview magazine features award-winning coverage of spirituality, justice and ethical living stories and images, inspiring readers to live a purpose filled life. If you would like to subscribe or renew your subscription, St. Paul’s group subscription rate is $25 per year, for 8 issues, mailed directly to your home. You can pay for your subscription in the office via cheque (payable to St. Paul’s), cash or by e-transfer. Deadline is June 1st. For more information on Broadview click HERE. Reach out to Meghan with any questions or to register or renew at stpaulsofffice224@gmail.com or 458-1183.
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
Wednesday morning lectionary study. This week we will be focusing on Romans 6:1-14. Join us in the board room at 11:15am or online via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190
Youth @ Region! (Formerly I@C and YF!)
Registration for Youth @ Region closes TODAY! Join youth from across the region May 26-28, 2023 at the University of PEI and make your presence known at the Regional Annual Meeting. The cost of Youth@Region is $75 per participant (this cost reflects a $100 grant from the Region). This fee includes all activities, meals, accommodations, and a t-shirt. Travel expenses are in addition to this price. To register follow this link (https://ucceast.ca/77646-fsldw-weekly-announcements-april-19-2023). This program is for all youth, grades 6-12 in your community of faith and beyond. Have questions? Email Catherine Stuart, Regional Minister for Children, Youth and Young Adults, cstuart@united-church.ca.
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
Talk About It After Worship
May 14 & 21st join with others to share your thoughts and ideas about the Downtown United discernment and reflection questions, which can be found on the website here: downtown-united-project. It is also an opportunity to share your experience of the process and ask any questions which will be passed along to the Downtown United Project team. To join the conversation, take a seat at the discussion table, where you will also find printed copies of the questions and report.
New Zoom Link
As some of you are aware, we were victims of Zoom bombers last weekend. We deeply apologize for any distress you have experienced, please reach out to Rev. Michelle for support. Because of this incident, we will be changing not only our link but a few processes behind the scenes. You are encouraged to log in promptly so that the meeting may be locked, after which you will not be able to join. We will also be removing the ability to unmute your own microphone and have made changes to the chat settings. Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740 Passcode: 657067. You can still 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 81834519740 and Passcode 657067.
Mark Your Calendar
June 4th will be a joint service at Wilmot at 11:00am. Our consultants will be joining us to lead a discussion and deepen our discernment. We have heard feedback about length of the morning, so plans are underway to shorten worship and structure meeting differently. Your attendance is very important to the outcomes. Please book the time now to ensure you can fully participate. This is the last large congregational meeting prior to the presentation of project recommendations, which will be released in the fall.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
May 14th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Worship
May 20th ~ St. Paul’s Annual Plant Sale ~ George St. parking lot
May 21st ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Choir
May 28th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Outreach
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
Saint Andrew’s Spring Yard Sale
St. Andrew’s is holding a yard sale on Friday, May 12th, 2-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 13th, 9 until Noon at 512 Charlotte St. Masking is appreciated.
Yard Sale At New Maryland United
New Maryland United Church – Large Yard Sale – Saturday, May 13th from 8 am to 12 noon at New Maryland Centre (754 New Maryland Hwy). Hot dogs and drinks available. Sponsored by New Maryland United Church.
Music Night At St. Andrew’s
Sunday, May 14th at 6 p.m. Come and join the worship team from St. Luke’s Protestant Chapel, Base Gagetown (including your pastor who had been a long-time member) as we present an evening of music and relaxation. Come prepared to sing and join us in worship and praise. We look forward to seeing you there. Please invite your friends. You are invited to bring a toonie or greater as you feel led (Homeless Shelter), and a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank. It is Spring, so let’s all sing!
“Songs Of Gladness: Singing In Spring”
The Fredericton Kiwanis Youth Choir under the direction of Ross Simonds will present its spring concert, “Songs of Gladness: Singing in Spring,” on Wednesday, May 17th, at 7 pm at Grace Memorial Baptist Church. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and $25 for a family, and can be purchased from choir members, at ScandiModern (61 Carleton Street), or on Eventbrite at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-fredericton-kiwanis-youth-choir-presents-songs-of-gladness-singing-tickets-582420765187 Come celebrate with us!
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!
After Hours Supervisors Needed At Wilmot
Wilmot United Church is looking for a few after-hours supervisors (weekdays and/or weekends). This is a paid position with highly flexible hours. Successful applicants will be given a list of upcoming shifts via email which they can accept or reject depending on their schedules.
Supervising after office hours involves: Letting users of the space (renters or church group attendees) in and out of the automated locked entrance, Light custodial duties, Operating the lift should someone need that. Training is provided. Shifts are usually quiet and relaxed. Paydays are biweekly. This position is appropriate for a wide range of candidates from responsible teens all the way to retired individuals looking for a few hours of work each week or month. Please contact Wilmot United Church for more information at wilmotuc@nb.sympatico.ca or 506-458-1066. We look forward to hearing from you!
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