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…
Our bible starts with this amazing show of power as God speaks all things into existence. From mere words and thoughts comes the whole created world. What we say matters, we might not have the power of God, but our words do have the power to shape our reality and the realities of those around us.
Proverbs 18:21 says “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Your words, my words, our words have the power to bring life and death, this is what the bible says is their power. Maybe you have experienced the power of death when someone is negative about everything and that negativity spreads like a virus. Maybe you have experienced insults and verbal that eroded your image of yourself and your capabilities leaving you feeling like a ghost. Then there are the words that create societal conditions where hate, violence, and death rule.
The thing is as followers of Christ, resurrection people, we are called to speak words of life in the face of death. And by this, I don’t mean denying the realities that we face or what has been labelled “toxic positivity.” I mean we are called to call forth our relationship with Christ that gives us a way when there seems to be no way, and holding out hope, speaking that hope into existence.
I ministry colleague told me a story the other day about how one of their congregants came up to them and said, “Isn’t it horrible that St. Paul’s is selling its building, such a shame it is a beautiful building”; to which the colleague responded, “Isn’t it great that they are finding a way to carry on ministry and being faithful to Christ.”
I share this story because how we tell our story matters. It is OK to be sad about moving from this beautiful building. Yet, to acknowledge that what served us so well in the past is not serving us today is also a beautiful and amazing thing, as you are showing deep faith and trust in God. So, as we grieve let me also speak some words of life. Here is a new narrative for you if you find yourself being sucked into death:
In the last 8 months, we have had some tough conversations. Through it all, you have listened deeply to things that have not been easy to hear, but you have held each other in care as you have wrestled with the decisions to move forward with major change. YOU are an example for the other churches in our city! Not of failure and defeat but of embrace of truth and the pursuit of life. So many congregations sit with the hard realities and choose to do nothing – which leads to death. You are being bold in seeking new ways of life! For more than 20 years there has been talk of churches working together. You are providing a model and inspiration that it can happen. Maybe even giving courage to some of the other congregations that need to make these same hard decisions. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Speaking God,
Continue to speak your words of life over us,
Lifting us from fear and anxiety
Giving us a foundation on which to stand
Creating for us a way forward.
Help us to speak words of life
To those who are struggling this day
Words that empower and inspire
Words that break down barriers and systems that oppress
Words that mend and strengthen relationships.
Give us words of life!
Through Christ and in Christ we pray.
Amen
Featured In This May 23rd Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday May 26th
Bible Study Cancelled Tonight!
FundScrip
Graduating From High School This year? Already In University?
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
New Members Welcome!
Invitation From Saint Andrew’s Ladies Group
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Broadview Magazine Subscriptions Available
Please Join Us For Dinner!
Everyone Is Welcome!
Special Birthday Request From Annie Simpson!
Regional Annual General Meeting
Downtown United Summer Schedule
Movie Night At Wilmot
Stuffed Pork Loin Dinner Fundraiser
Yard Sale At Nashwaaksis United
Yard Sale & Cafe
Plant Sale
Picnic Supper
Worship This Sunday May 26th
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/81834519740
Bible Study Cancelled Tonight!
FundScrip
The next deadline for FundScrip gift cards is Sunday, June 9, a week later than usual. This means you will have more time to think of all the events coming up in June that can be celebrated with a gift card… graduations, weddings, anniversaries and don’t forget Father’s Day! If you are travelling this summer or expecting family home for a visit, you may want to get a few extra gas cards or grocery cards. We will not have an order in July but we’ll be back on track on Sunday, August 4, the first Sunday of the month. Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
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 http://www.stpaulsunited.ca. Applications must be received on or before July 31st.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs 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: brown sugar, tomatoes, cereal, Miracle Whip, pancake mix, cookies, salt, Mr. Clean, dish & laundry detergent, Comet, Javex, rice, toothbrushes, hand soap, and paper towel. 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.
Invitation From Saint Andrew’s Ladies Group
The Ladies of the Tuesday Morning Ladies Group would like to welcome any interested Ladies of St. Paul’s to join us for our potluck closing lunch, at 11am on Tuesday June 11th at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. If you have any questions or allergies, please let me know. ~ Chairperson, Colleen Watson Watson.colleen459@gmail.com
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Tuesdays from 10:45am-11:45am ~ Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Bible Study will run weekly until June 18th except for June 4th
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736183320 Passcode: 750844
Thursdays from 6-7pm ~ Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Thursday Evening Faith group will meet weekly until June 20th except for Thursday, May 30th
May 26th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister & Debbie West
June 2nd ~ Joint Service at Saint 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!
Everyone Is Welcome!
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)
Special Birthday Request From Annie Simpson!
What do you get a 106-year-old for her birthday? A birthday card! Be a part of making Annie’s wish to receive 106 birthday cards come true. Annie Simpson is turning 106 on July 27th! Cards for Annie can be dropped off to the church office or in the locked mailbox at the York Street entrance or mailed directly to Annie. Thank you!
Regional Annual General Meeting
Did you know that the Regional Annual Meeting will be happening from May 30th to June 2nd. At this annual meeting, Chris Walker who was a candidate for ministry out of St. Paul’s will be Ordained. Please hold him and all of the Region in your prayers as the business of the region is addressed. Worship on June 2nd will be at Saint Andrew’s at 11 am.
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 10:30am
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
Movie Night At Wilmot
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.
Picnic Supper
Forest Hill United Church, Friday, June 7th, 5-6:30pm, 45 Kimble Court, off Forest Hill Road (wheelchair accessible). Menu: baked, sliced ham or beet burger (v), salads, roll and cake. Gluten-friendly options available. Eat in or take out. Adult $15. Child (12 and under) $8. Reservations required by noon on Tuesday, June 4th. To reserve, e-mail foresh.office@bellaliant.com or call 506-455-0988.
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