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…
Tim Ferriss, prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author once wrote “A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.”
As we reflection this, it would be fair to change the word success to a number of other words such as happiness, contentment, clarity, purpose, and understanding. Because, ultimately Ferriss’s point is that we grow substantially from conversations we’d rather avoid. By having difficult conversations, new possibilities open up and there is a release of stress, fear, resentment, and anger that frequently build up when these conversations are avoided.
In the church, there is a myth that we are always happy, get along, and that if we just smile and play nice everything will be ok. This is a myth because God never once said following Christ would be easy, in fact, our scriptures say that we must take up our cross and follow him. In short, we are called to enter into the places that make us uncomfortable, unsure, and vulnerable – because that is exactly what Jesus would do.
The miracle is, when we do this we find that God is already there. In these difficult places, the spirit has already made a way forward. However, we are too busy avoiding discomfort to discover our own resurrection to the new and abundant life that God does speak about, over and over again in our scripture.
Given that having uncomfortable conversations is so important, and as a church we have some big questions to engage with, how do we enter these discussions? For me, step one is always to breathe. Deep breathing helps to calm our nervous system, which in turn helps us to see that these difficult conversations are not the end of the world, we will be ok. In taking deep breaths, I invite the Holy Spirit to enter into my being, bringing wisdom and peace. We can also draw on the wisdom from experts in the field, check out this series by the National Institute of Health https://ombudsman.nih.gov/content/difficult-conversations-what-happened-conversation-1-4
This weekend we continue the life-giving conversations that we started when the Downtown United consultants from Credence and Co. were here in March. I hope you will join us for worship and the presentation with lunch following. There will be an opportunity for further discussion and exploration of the follow-up questions on May 9th @ 11 am. As we move towards this weekend let us pray…
O God, you have always met us, where we are,
in the garden hiding because of what we did,
in the desert fearful of the future,
at the closed tomb when we thought it was the end.
You have always met us, in difficult places,
when our families were divided,
when the enemy has us trapped,
when we know the right way, but don’t like the consequences.
You have always met us, speaking your truth,
whispering to our hearts it is ok,
showing us through your Spirit a new way,
giving us strength and courage, to be vulnerable enough, to hope for a new day.
You have always met us, O God,
and so we watch and wait and listen for your approach.
Amen.
Featured In This May 4th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday May 7th
FundScrip ~ May Promotions
Downtown United – Presentation
Talk Back Tuesday
Youth Group Bake Sale
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
St. Paul’s Annual Plant Sale
Wark/St. Paul’s Scholarships
Summer Student Employment Opportunities
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Kindred Works Project Update
Bible Study
Youth @ Region! (Formerly I@C and YF!)
Camp Wegesegum – Celebrating 100 Years!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Saint Andrew’s Spring Yard Sale
Yard Sale at New Maryland United
Music Night At St. Andrew’s
After Hours Supervisors Needed at Wilmot
Worship This Sunday May 7th
Please join our Downtown United Service with Rev. Michelle, Rev. Mary and Credence & Co. for worship at 10:30 am on May 7th, 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/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
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: 868 5471 8551 and Passcode: 165090
FundScrip ~ May Promotions
If you are still putting together your next FundScrip order (deadline Sunday, May 7th), please note that several retailers have increased the value of their donations to St. Paul’s for the month of May. They include Boston Pizza, Chapters, Hello Fresh, Chef’s Plate, Winners/Home Sense/Marshalls and American Eagle. Gift cards will arrive for distribution on Sunday, May 14th (Mother’s Day . . . hint, hint).
Order forms are available in the church office, the narthex or click here: May 7th FundScrip Order Form to print a form. New supporters always welcome! Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
Downtown United – Presentation
The Downtown United committee invites you to stay after church this Sunday May 7th, for the interim report from Creedence and Co. This will guide the next phase of our discernment of ways to go forward. Join us for lunch as we continue the discussion of how to be the church, together.
Talk Back Tuesday
So often we are asked to listen in the church, let’s start talking. Tuesday, May 9th at 11 am you are invited to join a time of conversation in the Ladies’ Parlor. We will use the report presented by Credence and the follow-up questions as our jumping-off point.
Youth Group Bake Sale
This Sunday May 7th the Youth Group, which meets Sunday evenings at Wilmot, will be hosting a bake sale in the hall. Grab some baking to take home for after lunch and the presentation from Credence and Co. and support our young people.
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, Miracle Whip, peanut butter, vinegar, molasses, sugar, coffee, vegetable oil, large juice, tin foil, Mr. Clean and dish detergent. Thank you for your continued support!
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.
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 under “Resources”. Applications must be received on or before July 31st.
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#, Only employed under 1 CSJ grant. 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 May 31st.
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.
Kindred Works Project Update
Our exploration into a housing project with Kindred Works has taken another step forward. The first 3 members have been appointed to the Development Committee to represent St Paul’s interests in coming up with a plan to present to the congregation. Our thanks and congratulations are due to Carole Peacock, Cathy Davis and Jane Blakely. https://www.kindredworks.ca
Bible Study
Wednesday morning lectionary study. This week we will be focusing on Romans 3:28-30; 5:1-11. 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 is now live! May 26-28, 2023 at the University of PEI alongside 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.
Camp Wegesegum – Celebrating 100 Years!
Camp Wegesegum – 100th Anniversary Party July 15, 2023. We are so excited to finally announce the schedule of events https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=548053527455477&set=a.395014366092728 for our 100th anniversary party! Mark your calendars! Come celebrate with us!!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
May 7th ~ Downtown United Service ~ Fellowship and Lunch provided ~ Hosted by M&P followed by a presentation from Creedence Consultants
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 ~Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the UCW
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!
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