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…
Pentecost is celebrated as the birthday of the church. It is when we say the Holy Spirit arrived to be with the first apostles, like a rush of wind that settled tongs of fire on their heads and enabled them to speak in languages they didn’t know. Ultimately this moment was the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that though he was leaving, his followers would have another advocate to help them and be with them forever.
That same Spirit which empowered the early Church desires to empower and encourage us. For this to happen, we have to be open and invite the Holy Spirit to come. Invite it to come and comfort us in our need, challenge us to follow Christ in deeper ways, and give us wisdom as we discern God’s path for us. It also means being open to where the Spirit might take us, because God’s Spirit is wild and free, and is not contained to our plans or expectations. This is the risk of being Spirit led, which is that we must give up control and listen to the Spirit’s call. I think the rewards of connection with God, moving with God-given purpose and inspiration are worth being vulnerable to God’s direction.
My prayer this Pentecost is that we may truly believe that God is at work in our congregation and that God is here for us. Even when it looks like we are being brought to death, God has a plan for us like the tree on the offering table with the power of the Spirit, move from death to new life.
This weekend I am at the Regional Annual Meeting, but we will have an opportunity to see the Holy Spirit in action and empowering the church. Our service will be co-led by our Sunday School and members of the UCW and Brad Green will be our preacher. I hope that you will join them in the celebration of this Pentecost Day! As we move towards Sunday Let us Pray,
Holy Spirit come!
Come to our hearts, our minds, our spirits
and stir us with your holy wisdom and love.
Empower us for this day and this time in which we live.
Guide us in your way and open our wills so that we may move at your call.
Comfort us and strengthen us to follow even when the way is uncomfortable
and not one we would choose for ourselves.
Come, Holy Spirit, come and inspire our reflection and discernment of our next steps.
This we pray in Christ’s name.
Amen.
Featured In This May 25th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday May 28st
Summer Student Employment Opportunities
PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance)
Pantry Program
Downtown United Conversation June 4th At Wilmot At 11am
FundScrip
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Wark/St. Paul’s Scholarships
Bible Study
Downtown United Project
Mark Your Calendar
Cremation Urns
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Yard Sale At Gibson Memorial
Yard Sale at Nashwaaksis United
Fraud/Scamming Information Session
Worship This Sunday May 28st
Please join us for worship at 10:30 am on May 28st, 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.
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.
PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance)
As we approach a great summer, being a member of PAR is a great method of giving regularly towards the operation of our wonderful church. Contributions to PAR in April by 52 families is of major importance to St Paul’s! The amount contributed to OPERATIONS in April was $8,060.17 and to M&S $460.00! We encourage you to sign up today for your first time or to increase your present PAR contributions. Every dollar is important! Please call Meghan today at 506-458-1183 or pick up a form at the church entrance Sunday!
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items: canned beans, hamburger Helper, pudding cups, Miracle Whip, Large Apple juice, Rice Krispies, pancake mix, syrup, flour, white sugar, jam, coffee, Coffee Mate, tin foil, cookies, crackers, frosting, ketchup, molasses, dish and laundry soap and Mr. Clean. Thank you for your continued support!
Downtown United Conversation June 4th At Wilmot At 11am
On June 4, a shortened worship service will flow into a Facilitated Conversation time in the hall in which everyone will be invited to comment about insights gained, questions raised, or reflections pondered during the 4 weeks of Discernment. There will be minimal Credence presentation; the focus will be on listening to one another, listening for how God’s Spirit has been stirring and prompting in relation to the 4 questions posed. The Listening time will include lunch (but not right away). Inspired by the picture of the church as a human body, where each part contributes to the whole, we value each voice. While everyone will have an opportunity to speak, no one is required to speak (so don’t be shy). Worship in sanctuary: 11- 11:30; worship continues in the gym 11:30-2:15 (including lunch).
FundScrip
Deadline for our next FundScrip order will be Sunday, June 11th. Gift cards will arrive in time for distribution on Sunday, June 18 (Father’s Day)…. don’t forget Dad! Order forms are available in the church office, in the Narthex or click here. Please note: This will be our final order until the fall when we return to regular church services here at St. Paul’s. You may want to order a few extra cards for your grocery shopping, gas purchases and other needs to see you through the summer. Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s. The church needs your support throughout the year.
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
Bible Study is cancelled next Wednesday.
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
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. 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.
Cremation Urns
Cremation urns are available at St. Paul’s, hand crafted by Harold Raper. These beautiful urns are made from oak and birch and all proceeds go towards church operations. Suggested minimum donation of $250. To make arrangements to view or for more information, please contact Meghan in the church office at 458-1183 or stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
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
June 25th ~ Downtown United Summer Service at Wilmot at 10:30
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!
Yard Sale at Nashwaaksis United
Saturday, June 10th, from 8am-12noon at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street. We’ll have a little of “this” and a lot of “that” – something for everyone. Come and find a new treasure! If you are Spring Cleaning this year, we would be happy to help take your treasures off your hands for our yard sale. Please bring your items to the church on June 7, 8 and 9 between the hours of 9am-12am. Please no large furniture or clothing items. If you need something picked up, please call Larry or Helen Forward at 506-457-1338.
Fraud/Scamming Information Session
The Nashwaaksis United Church Pastoral Care Committee will be hosting this session, to be held in the auditorium on Tuesday, June 13th, 1-3pm. Guest speaker will be Const. Mike Bamford, of the Fredericton City Police. There will be light refreshments.
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