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 week we heard some hard words. Words none of us wanted to hear, words none of us wanted to say, yet like the prophets speaking to Israel and Juda, they were words that needed to be given a voice. I have talked to quite a few people this week and the feelings expressed have run the whole spectrum of human emotions. Frustration, anger, sadness, resistance, gratitude, relief, and even a touch of joy. The big question people have been asking is, what does this mean?
Just because we have started talking about ending our relationship with our building, doesn’t mean that the congregation is ending. In fact, around the leadership table, there was a firm commitment to keeping “the people” together. The reality is that the church has never been a building but is a people. You are the church and as our own hymn (VU 579) says “The church is wherever God’s people are praising, singing God’s goodness for joy on this day. The church is wherever disciples of Jesus remember his story and walk in his way. The church is wherever God’s people are helping, caring for neighbours in sickness and need. The church is wherever God’s people are sharing the words of the Bible in gift and in deed.”
This is a critical moment in the life of this community of faith, we can withdraw in fear and uncertainty, we can quietly slip away in sadness, or we can step out in faith. We can hold onto the words of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I personally am choosing hope and a future. I don’t know what that future looks like, but neither did the people to whom Jeremiah was writing. They had been brought as captives into a strange land, they were deprived of the temple (the center of Jewish practice and sacrifice), and they struggled to see a way forward. Yet it was during the Babylonian exile that they learned new ways to be God’s people and the roots for modern Judaism were born. I am curious about what God will do for us, as we come back to the heart of our faith. After all, everything Jesus asks us to do, we can still do without our current building or any building for that matter.
To find out what God has in store for us, we need to hang on, and continue to show up as we figure out together what our next steps are. The life and work of our community of faith will only continue if you continue to be involved through your time, talent, and financial support.
The reality is that none of the ministries have changed since last week. We are still feeding people with our pantry and brown bag programs, I am still offering support and prayer to those who are struggling, Sharon has been actively practicing for the Advent Carol Festival, we are still providing housing for 8 families, and we have done everything that goes into preparing for worship on Sunday. Our community of faith continues to live.
This coming Sunday the Downtown United Committee is presenting its final report and recommendations. I feel that this is timely and dovetails into our questions about what is next. For almost two years this committee of 8 has been meeting, discerning, and working with the congregations to create a framework for collaboration and the strengthening of ministry. The committee was not looking at amalgamation, but trying to figure out how our two congregations could work more closely beyond one-off events. The committee was looking to create a structure that would foster long-term engagement and opportunities to be Downtown United.
You are highly encouraged to read the report before the meeting, the report is available online to download or you can get a physical copy from the office. Remember that the office closes at 1pm on Friday.
On Sunday we will have a shorter worship service, a fellowship meal and then a presentation and discussion on the final report. There will be a vote on the adoption of recommendations 1 and 2, which in many ways are the foundational principles on which future engagement would rest. The plan is for everyone to be on their way home by 1:30.
This week the possibilities of cooperative ministry have also been on people’s minds. As we think about cooperative ministry, either with Wilmot/other UCC congregations or with other denominations, let us remember that there are many ways that cooperation can happen and that it is just one model for our future. Appendix H of the DTU report speaks to other ways congregations in situations like ours have responded to today’s challenges.
There is one thing that we all can do at this time, we can pray. So, as we head towards the final Sunday of the church year, a day that is designated Reign of Christ Sunday, let us pray together…
Holy One, you alone are Lord of all
and head of the church.
As we face the challenges of today’s world,
as we seek to be faithful disciples of Christ and his way,
as we dream about the future, the hope and prosperity you have for us,
give us wisdom and humility to listen for your voice speaking amongst us.
Whisper to our hearts and inflame our passion to be your people.
With confidence let us walk boldly with you,
And may your presence and missional call banish our fears.
Lead us this day, lead us every day,
this we pray in the strong name of Christ.
Amen
Featured In This November 23rd Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday November 26th
Downtown United Project Update
Chocolate Orders Ready For Pick-Up!
Reminder ~ Salvation Army Kettle Drive
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Become A Christmas Secret Pen Pal
Simpático: Music for Cello and Guitar
Laughing All The Way Comedy And Carols Show
God’s Story, Our Story
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Carols By Glowstick
Christmas Bazaar at Marysville United
Breakfast & Christmas Market At Gibson Memorial
Charpentier’s Messe De Minuit Pour Noel
FundScrip
Memorial Tree Lighting Service
Advent Carol Festival Returns!
A Ceremony Of Carols
Songs Of Jubilee Organ Recital
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Worship This Sunday November 26th
Please join Rev. Mary and Rev. Michelle for a Downtown United service at 10:30am
Can’t join us in person, join us via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740
Meeting ID: 818 3451 9740 Passcode: 657067
Downtown United Project Update
The final presentation and recommendations from the Downtown United Project will be presented on November 26th. Following our Downtown United Service, join us for a fellowship meal and facilitated discussion. The note from the consultants Note to DTU Congregations and the full report DTU Recommendations Report are available on our website under the Downtown United tab https://www.stpaulsunited.ca/downtown-united-project/. Print copies can also be obtained from the office if needed. Coming to the discussion familiar with the report will be helpful, as there will be a vote to adopt recommendations 1 & 2.
Chocolate Orders Ready For Pick-Up!
I would like to extend a tasty Thank You to everyone who ordered from our Christmas Chocolate Fundraiser, raising $635.83. The orders are all sorted and ready for pick-up during office hours of 8am-3pm Monday-Thursday and 8am-1pm on Friday or Sunday after service.
Reminder ~ Salvation Army Kettle Drive
St. Paul’s will be managing the Salvation Army kettle at the Fredericton Mall on Tuesday, Nov 28th. Thanks to all the volunteers.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs proteins with flip top lids, granola bars, pudding cups, and plastic spoons. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items this week: toothpaste and brushes, laundry and dish detergent, Mr. Clean, tin foil, rice, Hamberger Helper, chicken noodle soup, salmon, jam, can tomatoes, apple – juice large, can fruit, vinegar, salt, miracle whip, pancake mix, cookies, puddling cups, ritz, instant coffee, oatmeal, spaghetti, cake mix & frosting, and Stove Top stuffing. Thank you for your continued support of this increasingly busy outreach program!
Become A Christmas Secret Pen Pal
Advent is quickly approaching and while there may be a whirlwind of planning and activity, we are inviting folks to become a part of a Christmas secret pal connection over the four weeks of Advent. This is an exciting connection between Wilmot and St. Paul’s and it is open to all! What we ask is that you provide your REAL name and address to the office of either church. These will be collected and sorted by the Wilmot Faith Formation Team with folks who wish to participate. On December 3rd, you will receive your secret pal name and address and for the next four weeks we encourage you to send one note or card or letter each week of Advent. The great reveal will take place on Christmas Eve via email. Here are some suggestions as to what you might wish to consider in your questions or responses: Please note age-appropriate responses matter. Please tell your secret pal a little about yourself using your nickname. What is your favorite part of the Advent season? Can you share a Christmas memory that you love? What do you hope for this year? ~ Rev. Mary Tingley and Mary Lynn Cameron
Simpático: Music for Cello and Guitar
Please join Emily Kennedy and Steven Peacock in a unique celebration of the many textures and expressive possibilities of music for cello and classical guitar. This 75-minute recital happens at 3pm on November 26th at Wilmot United Church and includes works by Vivaldi, Ravel, Villa-Lobos and Gnattali, together with compositions and arrangements by Steven Peacock, including a few familiar and less-than-familiar seasonal arrangements to close the program. Admission is by voluntary contribution to the Wilmot United Church Benevolent Fund.
Laughing All The Way Comedy And Carols Show
A Christmas Comedy and Carols experience for the whole family! Thursday November 30th from 7-9pm at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street. Laughing All The Way comedy show featuring Comedian Leland Klassen and Nashville recording artist Dan Macauly, brings an evening of standup comedy, Christmas carols, musical silliness and improv. This one-of-a-kind Christmas event is designed to be friendly to all- young and old, church attenders or not. It is only one of 3 to be held in our province. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Please contact the church office at 506-458-9452 for more information or to purchase tickets.
God’s Story, Our Story
Pick up this reflection guide at the back of the sanctuary to use as a home devotional or with your own small group of friends.
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Tuesdays from 10:45am-11:45am in the Board room. This is an opportunity to engage with our scripture and listen to God speaking.
Can’t make it in person, Join by Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736183320 Meeting ID: 817 3618 3320 Passcode: 750844
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Thursdays from 6-7pm in the Parlor. This group is for those seeking to grow in their relationship with God through scripture, prayer, and action. We hope you will join us.
Carols By Glowstick
The deadline is fast approaching to get your tickets for Carols by Glowstick on December 1st from 6-7pm. This all-ages family-friendly evening invites your young ones and those young at heart to shine light into the darkness, and enter into the story of Christmas with joy. We will sing a mixture of traditional Carols and fun Christmas songs. The focus is on fun!
Ticket Prices: Online at https://www.eventbrite.ca: Single Ticket: $5.50 plus service fees, Family Ticket: (Max. family of 4) $20 plus service fees. Tickets can also be purchased by cash or etransfer at St. Paul’ s Office. For questions or more information, please contact St. Paul’s Office at 506-458-1183. Don’t miss out on the fun, get your ticket today.
Christmas Bazaar at Marysville United
The Marysville United Church UCW are having their Christmas Bazaar and Turkey a la King take out on December 1st, with cream cheese squares. $10. Pick up is 4 to 6 p.m. Call the church office to order in advance. 506 450-3082.
Breakfast & Christmas Market At Gibson Memorial
Gibson Memorial United Church at 183 Gibson St., will be hosting a Breakfast & Christmas Market on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. The Breakfast will be from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at $10/person. The market tables will feature Christmas cards & crafts by Lori Donovan, a church table with baking, pickles & knitting and a Book & Puzzle table. Everyone is welcome!
Charpentier’s Messe De Minuit Pour Noel
Inside our Church and out, this Christmas Season promises exciting and spectacular musical events. On December 2nd at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Church Cathedral, the Bel Canto Singers of Fredericton will present Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit pour Noel with full orchestration from the Elm City String Quartet. Other acapella pieces include pieces by Mendelsohn, Lauridsen and others. Tickets for Bel Canto are $25 General/$10 Student. Tickets are available online, at the door and from choir members Jane Blakely & Debbie West.
FundScrip
Countdown for Christmas! Deadline for the next gift card order… and the last before Christmas… is Sunday, December 3rd. Convenient for last-minute shopping and welcome gifts for family and friends! If you usually purchase grocery store or gas cards, you may want to order extra cards in December as there will not be an order in January. The first order in the new year will be in February. Order forms are available in the church office, in the Narthex or click here December 3rd FundScrip Order Form. New supporters always welcome! Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
Memorial Tree Lighting Service
McAdam’s & Oromocto Funeral Homes know that for many among us, the approach of the holidays will bring bittersweet memories of those who won’t be with us at this special time of year. As families gather, thoughts of loved ones who have died will often bring both smiles and tears. Though they may be gone they are very much alive in our hearts, especially during the holidays. Once again, we are pleased to host an evening of comfort and remembrance in our chapels, as we pause to reflect on the season and those who have shared seasons past. The annual Memorial Tree Lighting Service will be held at Oromocto Funeral Home on Dec 5th at 7pm and McAdam’s Funeral Home in Fredericton on Dec 6th at 7pm.
Advent Carol Festival Returns!
For years it has been the musical event that marks the start of the Christmas season in Fredericton! We missed it during COVID but on Wednesday, December 6th, the Annual Advent Carol Festival returns to St. Paul’s United Church at 224 York Street. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the program will feature both new and familiar Christmas selections. Ten church and community choirs will take part, each singing a favourite carol or seasonal song. The choirs will also unite for a mass sing and the audience will be invited to join in the festive singing, too! Come enjoy the music of the season in our beautifully decorated sanctuary and show your appreciation to the choirs, their directors and event organizers for over 30 years of commitment to this annual tradition. A freewill offering will be received for the CBC’s Feed a Family Campaign to support area food banks. Donations in past years total more than $100,000.
A Ceremony Of Carols
Fredericton Choral Society presents Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” at St. Paul’s United Church on December 9th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 General/$10 Student. Tickets are available online, at the door and from choir members Jane Blakely & Debbie West.
Songs Of Jubilee Organ Recital
Please join Dr. Sharon Pond, organist at St. Paul’s United Church, for an organ recital at the church on Sunday, December 10th at 2:00pm. Songs of Jubilee will feature music of joy in a variety of genres… Baroque, Classical, Romantic, post-Romantic and contemporary… half of it being Christmas selections. There is no admission fee for this event; a freewill offering will be received to support the music program at St. Paul’s. A reception will follow in the church hall.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
November 26th ~ Downtown United Service at St. Paul’s at 10:30am ~ Followed by lunch and a Downtown United Presentation
November 28th ~ St. Paul’s Mans the Salvation Army Kettle at Regent Mall ~ 10am-8pm
December 1st ~ Carols by Glowstick at 6pm
December 3rd ~ Advent 1 Service with Communion ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by
Brad & Erin Webb
December 6th ~ Advent Carol Festival at 7:30pm
December 10th ~ Advent 2 Service ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by
Mel & Barb McGuigan & Debbie Allison
December 10th ~ Songs of Jubilee Organ Recital at 2pm
December 17th ~ Advent 3 Service ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by
Rachel & Stephanie Lavigne & Beth & Shawn Meister
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