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…
This Sunday is Pentecost! It is one of my favorite church holy days. Christmas has God coming among us, and Easter has God refusing to let us go, offering us new life. But Pentecost is when our new life in Christ is enlivened. Where God shakes us awake and sets us to work. Think about it, the very same spirit that resided with Jesus is given to us, to empower us!
Within our Trinitarian understanding of God, the Holy Spirit is the side that we don’t talk about, at least not much. She is often put in a box as we attempt to control and tame her power. In so many ways it has worked, because in our imagining the Spirit at work we most often think of that peaceful dove floating down to Jesus at his baptism or coming to give us strength on difficult days. These images are comforting. Yet if we only think of the Holy Spirit in these terms, we are only seeing part of her character. Or as Paul would put it “We are seeing as in a mirror, only dimly.”
The role and life of the Holy Spirit is complex. Yes, she is the helper and advocate who speaks for us when our sighs are too deep for words. Yet the same Spirit was also at work at creation, dramatically forming and shaping the world and on Pentecost, we hear how she comes as a violent wind and flames, refining and energizing. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus overturned the powers of death.
In times such as ours, we need the depths and breadth of images of the Holy Spirit to inform and illuminate how God is at work today. To be able to draw on the wisdom of the Spirit as a comforter, the Spirit as a guide, the Spirit as the shaper of the future, and the Spirit as the one who empowers, can help us trust God’s love and presence as we face and move through the pain of change.
We also can remember that Pentecost comes at the end of the Easter Season after Jesus has ascended, just when we think the story has ended. However, Pentecost is the birth of the church! The start of a new chapter of the ongoing story of God. And so we pray
Holy God,
By your own Spirit, you seek to empower us for the work of ministry in your name.
You came as Jesus to show us what your ministry looks like,
And through the Holy Spirit, you empower us to continue this work.
When we fear, comfort us
When we are discouraged, encourage and enliven us
When we are lost, direct us
Set our hearts ablaze with love for you,
that we may burn with your power and work for your glory.
In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Featured In This May 16th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday May 19th
Update On The Sale Of St. Paul’s Property
Graduating From High School This year? Already In University?
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
New Members Welcome!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Broadview Magazine Subscriptions Available
Please Join Us For Dinner!
Booking Meeting Space At St. Paul’s
God’s Story, Our Story
Downtown United Summer Schedule
Living with Dying
Spring Serenade
Job Opportunity
Stuffed Pork Loin Dinner Fundraiser
Yard Sale At Nashwaaksis United
Yard Sale & Cafe
Plant Sale
Worship This Sunday May 19th
Please join Rev. Michelle for a joint service with Saint Andrew’s 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/81834519740
Password: 657067
Update On The Sale Of St. Paul’s Property
There is a Handbook for the sale of Church property issued by the Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Region. The Council and Board of Trustees are following all the steps required for the sale of the sanctuary, hall and parking lots. An inventory of church assets has been completed, but no decisions have been made yet as to what stays for the sale, what goes with us to a new home, and what goes elsewhere. The Trustees have issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to 6 local realtors selected for their relevant expertise. They have been asked to provide their credentials, experience, marketing plan, listing price and compensation package to Trustees by May 22nd, 2024. From these responses, Trustees will recommend an official agent for the approval of the Region. We will then be able to announce our real estate agent and officially list our property for sale.
Graduating From High School This year? Already In University?
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 https://www.stpaulsunited.ca/annual-reports/scholarships-bursaries/. Applications must be received on or before July 31st.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs pudding cups, and 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 this week: laundry & dish soap, Mr. Clean, Comet, Kleenex, paper towel, waxed paper, plastic wrap, tinfoil, cereal, ketchup, pasta sauce, granola bars, mayonnaise, large apple & orange juice, rice, brown & white sugar, cake mix & icing, apple sauce, pudding cups, flour, and spaghetti. Thank you for your continued support of this increasingly busy outreach program!
New Members Welcome!
Are you newer to the congregation, but feel you have found your church home? Have you been attending St. Paul’s for a while and want to become a member of this congregation and ensure you have a voice in the changes we are navigating? Contact Rev. Michelle for information on how to officially become a member of St. Paul’s.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Tuesdays from 10:45am-11:45am ~ Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736183320 Passcode: 750844
Thursdays from 6-7pm ~ Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
May 19th ~ Joint Service at St. Paul’s ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Carole Peacock, Lois Patterson, Hope & Andrew Steeves, and Debbie West
May 26th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister & Debbie West
June 2nd ~ Joint Service at St. Andrew’s at 11am
June 8th ~ Community Dinner at St. Paul’s at 5pm
June 9th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosts Needed
June 16th ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosts Needed
June 23rd ~ Service at 10:30am ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosts Needed
Broadview Magazine Subscriptions Available
Broadview is an independent Canadian magazine featuring award-winning coverage of spirituality, justice and ethical living. As a registered charity, Broadview challenges and inspires readers seeking to live a purpose-filled life. Our spirituality reporting features Christian perspectives on belief and faith, as well as points of view from other religions and philosophies. We cover social justice from local, national and global contexts, drawing attention to contemporary issues and our response as people of faith and as caring citizens. Our ethical living stories offer inspiration and ideas on how we can all make a positive difference with our lives. Subscriptions to Broadview with St. Paul’s is only $30 per year. Contact Meghan in the office if you wish to subscribe. Deadline is June 1st.
Please Join Us For Dinner!
St. Paul’s is hosting a Community Dinner on Saturday June 8th at 5pm. The main course will be ham with mustard and brown sugar glaze, roasted potatoes, asparagus, and carrots. Dessert is a brownie bar with a selection of toppings. This meal is being presented by Red Seal Chefs Beth & Shawn Meister. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 10. And are available in the office or on Sunday after church. (cash & etransfer)
Booking Meeting Space At St. Paul’s
As the use of our space at St. Paul’s gets busier, please remember to book your meetings space through the office. Drop by in person, call 458-1183 or email Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com.
God’s Story, Our Story
Pick up this reflection guide in the narthex to use as a home devotional or with your friends. This devotional follows the pattern of pray, reflect and do, offering suggestions on how to put the biblical theme into action.
Downtown United Summer Schedule
Please join us this summer for
Downtown United +
Everyone is welcome!
SAINT ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH & Via Zoom
512 Charlotte St. Fredericton | Tel.455-8220
Sunday Services at 11am
June 30th | July 7th | July 14th
ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH & Via Zoom
224 York St. Fredericton NB | Tel. 458-1183
Sunday Services at 10:30am
July 21st | July 28th | August 4th
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740 Password: 657067
View later: https://www.youtube.com/St. Paul’s
WILMOT UNITED CHURCH & Via YouTube
473 King St. Fredericton | 458-1066
Sunday Services at 11am
August 11th | August 18th | August 25th
https://www.youtube.com/c/WilmotUnitedChurch?app=desktop
Living with Dying
A five-part presentation and conversation series called ‘Living with Dying’ will begin on Wednesday, 15 May, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 150 Church Street, Fredericton. The series will consider many of the important topics related to death and the dying process. Topics will include: End of life care options (with presentations from Palliative Care and Hospice professionals); Medical assistance in dying (with a lawyer sharing legal dimensions and interpretations of MAiD legislation); and Christian teaching on death and dying. The series will be held on five consecutive Wednesday evenings in May and June. View the schedule at cccath.ca.
Spring Serenade
James Roser, baritone | Carl Philippe Gionet, piano. Today, Sunday May 19th, at 2pm. Christ Church Parish Church, Fredericton. Free entrance, with donations. Australian baritone James Roser and Acadian pianist Carl Philippe Gionet met in Vienna fifteen years ago and since then, they have performed regularly together in Austria, England, Scotland and Canada. For this recital, they will perform the evocative Songs of Travel by Ralph Vaughan Williams, the beautiful cycle Let Us Garlands Bring by Gerald Finzi, and a selection of Lieder by Franz Schubert. Experience the emotion and rich storytelling of these exquisite pieces and immerse yourself in an afternoon of artistry that celebrates the beauty of the season and the power of music to inspire and uplift!
Job Opportunity
Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Fredericton is seeking a Sexton (caretaker), a role which is integral to overall operations. Duties include the oversight, cleaning and maintenance of the church, hall and grounds. This is a full-time, salaried position with flexible working hours, including occasional weekends and evenings. Read the full job description at: www.cccath.ca. Application deadline: Thursday, May 23.
Stuffed Pork Loin Dinner Fundraiser
Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St., will be hosting a Stuffed Pork Loin Dinner on May 29th, 4 – 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Menu: Pork, stuffing, potatoes, carrots, turnip, peas, gravy, coleslaw, rolls and PIES. Please call the church office at 506-457-1951 to reserve your tickets.
Yard Sale At Nashwaaksis United
Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, will be having a Yard Sale on Saturday, June 1st from 8:00am-Noon. The sale will be held in the auditorium, so rain or shine. Cash only. Please use the front door. Hope to see you there!
Yard Sale & Cafe
Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St., will be hosting a Yard Sale & Cafe on June 1st, 8-11:30 a.m.
Plant Sale
Keswick Ridge United Church is hosting a plant sale on June 1st from 9am – 1pm. 652-654 Route 104, Burtts Corner. For more information, please call 506-363-2553.
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: Jaedyn Williams