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…

When do you feel most alive? What were you doing when you last felt like you were “in the groove”? What makes your heart sing? I know I have asked these questions before, but can you answer them?

Sometimes we can get caught up in what others expect, we lose our own thoughts and don’t actually know what we like. Other times it can feel like our “need to do list” is never-ending, leaving no time for fun and we forget to attend to what brings us joy. Other times the struggles of life become chronic, and we have been in survival mode so long that we literally have no energy left to think about anything. All of these experiences can leave us husks of what we are meant to be and make it impossible to engage the world around us fully.

I think at times we all feel this way, a little lost and overwhelmed. The fact that so many people these days are experiencing signs of burnout and depression suggests that these experiences are commonplace. Yet this is not what we are called to.

We follow a God who is the Lord of Life. So how do we break out of these patterns, especially when the stressors don’t disappear? How do we come alive with Christ? I can think of a couple of practices that Jesus modelled for us. The first is prayer.

In prayer, we have the ability to offer to God all our thoughts, feelings, and experiences of life. In prayer, we can be honest and seek help. Through prayer, we gain the ability to let things go, gain clarity for the path ahead, and touch the Holy Spirit’s rejuvenating energy. It is the easiest of the spiritual practices because it is just a conversation with God, no materials needed. Your words don’t have to be fancy, or poetic, they only have to be honest. Some quick prayers that can be used by anyone at any time include “Thank you”, “wow” and “Help”. Praying might not change the world, but it can and does change us. And that is what the world needs right now, people transformed by and grounded in love.

The other practice I want to suggest this week is having fun, and doing more of what makes your soul glad. Even 5 minutes a day of something you truly enjoy will help you tap into your true self; the person God created you to be. Being your true self has power and touching your passions and joys often helps you to have a more positive view of life. For those of you who attended the church supper last week, think about how much fun you had, and how invigorated and joyful you felt. Did those feelings carry into other parts of your life?

If you find yourself saying that you are not sure what you find fun or what makes you feel most alive? Don’t worry! God has given us a wide diversity of possibilities; you just need to pick one and experience it. Still not right, just try again. Even the process of discovery can bring new energy and life.

So, let’s go back to those first questions: When do you feel most alive? What were you doing when you last felt like you were “in the groove”? What makes your heart sing? These were questions asked during the Downtown United Process. They are asked because when we can collectively identify what makes our hearts sing, we tap into God’s specific purpose for the local congregation. We find the energy we are missing and then nothing can stop the love of God. So, let’s start talking and discerning together where our hearts sing and what gives us energy. Our wider mission is to Love God with all our hearts, all our minds, all our souls, all our strength and love our neighbours as ourselves. How we want to joyfully do this is the question before us.

Let us pray,

God of transformation,

You take our hurts and heal them,

You take our fears and doubts and bring us peace and joy,

You even take places of death and bring about resurrection.

Work in us, turning our worry into hope,

Turn our negativity so we can see possibility,

Teach us again to dance in your spirit that opens hearts,

And knocks down doors.

This we pray for ourselves, for our church and for our world. Amen

Featured In This October 26th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews

Worship This Sunday October 29th
Mincemeat
Purdys Christmas Chocolate Fundraiser!
Change In Office Hours
FundScrip
Angel Tree Alert!
Feedback From Congregational Meeting And Discussion Table
Congregational Meeting November 5th
Small Group Study Cancelled Tonight
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Warm Clothing Needed!
Memorial Hymn Sing
Fall Supper Thank You!
Help Needed For Coffee and Conversation starting Nov 19th
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Rummage Sale At Wilmot United
Chili Take-Out Dinner
Dance Fredericton Seeks Donations
Remembrance Day War Time Menu Luncheon

         Worship This Sunday October 29th          

Please join Rev. Michelle for service at 10:30am on October 29th   

 Can’t join us in person, join us via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740

Meeting ID: 818 3451 9740  Passcode: 657067

Mincemeat

The UCW will be selling mincemeat on October 29th. Each 450 ml jar will be $15.00 Please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board to place your order! Any questions can be placed with Donna Chauvin at 506-458-5885

  Christmas Chocolate Fundraiser!

Want to know the most DELICIOUS way to support us? Order Purdys chocolates from our fundraiser! Go get your Christmas treats! St. Paul’s Purdys Christmas Chocolate Fundraiser begins…. NOW!

Our fundraising campaign link is https://fundraising.purdys.com/1719957-107824

This year, we’re hoping to raise $2000 for St. Paul’s, and we need YOUR help! Don’t worry, all the work you are doing is choosing which chocolates to order.

From now until November 6th you can order Purdys treats from our fundraiser by joining our campaign and browsing the tastiest selection of Christmas chocolates online. Shop gifts for family, friends, neighbours AND yourself in one convenient place. Stock up on beautiful Christmas gift boxes, fun chocolate bunnies, Sweet Georgia Browns and more. So, satisfy those cravings, get all your Christmas gift-shopping done while supporting a great cause.

After all orders are submitted, we’ll sort, distribute, and let you know when you can collect your goodies. Chocolate orders should be ready for pick up during the last week of November!

Chocolate Ordering Options

Ordering Online:
  1. Our campaign number: 67403
  2. Go to our fundraising website: https://fundraising.purdys.com/1719957-107824
  3. Click “Join Campaign”
  4. Shop, shop, shop away!

Thank you EVERYONE for your support. Even if you can’t buy chocolates from us, it would mean the world if you could share this fundraiser link to everyone you know!

Orders Place Offline through the Office:
If you would like to place an Order Offline, bring your completed order form and cash or cheque payable to St. Paul’s United Church to the Meghan in the Church Office. Please contact Meghan with any questions at 506-458-1183 or stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com

Happy chocolating!!

Change In Office Hours

The new office hours will be Monday to Thursday from 8am to 3pm. On Friday we are now closed at 1pm. Thank you for your understanding.

  FundScrip

Time to start your Christmas shopping? Do it with FundScrip gift cards! Use the cards to purchase gifts or give the cards as gifts to family and friends. Gift cards make great stocking stuffers, too! We will have two orders before the holiday season. . . Sunday, November 5th and Sunday, December 3rd.  Two new retailers have recently joined the FundScrip program. . . Pizza Pizza is offering a 10 per cent donation on card purchases and Apple will donate 3 per cent. Order forms are available in the office and the Narthex or by clicking here November 5th FundScrip Order Form. Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s!

Angel Tree Alert!

Once again, Greener Village Food Bank is seeking our help in making Christmas wishes come true for 40 local children whose families are being looked after by the Food Bank this year. Angel tags will be available from the Christmas tree at the front of the sanctuary this Sunday, October 29th. The angels are available in values of $20, $30 and $50. Most angel tags request gifts while some ask for gift cards to make your shopping a little easier. Please select a tag, buy the gift or gift card and return it to the church by November 12th. The people of St. Paul’s have always been generous in supporting this tradition. I look forward to your continuing support and Christmas spirit again this year. ~ Carole Peacock

Feedback From Congregational Meeting And Discussion Table

Last week a lot of information was presented about challenges. Did you go home and talk with someone about them and what you think we should do? Do you want to talk and share your thoughts and ideas? On Sunday there will be a dedicated discussion table. You are encouraged to talk with each other, share your thoughts and feed your insights into the process of exploring options by writing on the flip-chart paper provided at the table. Any notes will be forwarded to the Board and Trustees.

   Congregational Meeting November 5th

Last week there was an important congregational meeting where the challenges facing St. Paul’s were presented. We will host an update on the discussions the Board and Trustees are having on how to engage the challenges. November 5th after we celebrate our anniversary, come to the hall for cake and information. If you were not at the meeting last week the presentation can be found on our website under the Resources tab > Reports & Publications > Oct 15th 2023 Congregational Meeting Presentation.pdf

 

Small Group Study Cancelled Tonight

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 – New Date

Starting November 7th ~ Tuesdays from 10:45am-11:45am in the Board room. This is an opportunity to engage with our scripture and listen to God speaking.  New to reading the bible? NO problem, no prior experience is needed. 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

Thursday evenings 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 are using an adult model of learning, drawing on the knowledge we each hold and reflecting on where faith story touched your life. We hope you will join us.

Brown Bag Lunch Program

This week, the program needs proteins with flip top lids and granola bars. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.

Pantry Program

The Pantry program needs the following items this week: white & brown sugar, flour, pancake mix, syrup, coffee, cookies, canned fruit, vinegar, jam, large juice, tomatoes, chunky soup, dish & laundry detergent, and waxed paper. Thank you for your continued support of this increasingly busy outreach program!

    Warm Clothing Needed!

We have had requests for warm clothing for those unable to purchase items. If you have winter boots, coats, hats, mitts, scarves, sweaters, or long pants to donate, please drop them off in the office. The items can be for both males and females and all sizes, up to XXL for men’s items. Thank you for helping keep folks warm!

Memorial Hymn Sing

On November 19th, our worship service will be a memorial hymn sing. You are invited to offer thanks and celebrate the life, actions, and events of your family members, friends, or really anyone who has touched your life in a special way by sponsoring one of the hymns in the service. A list of hymns and the sponsorship form can be found on our website https://www.stpaulsunited.ca/memorial-hymn-sing/ or you can submit the form online by Clicking Here Paper copies will be in the bulletin starting this Sunday. By submitting a dedication, not only will your loved one be remembered by our community, but they will continue to impact our ongoing ministry and outreach through your sponsorship of the song. All dedication sponsorships received by November 14th will be printed in the bulletin.

Fall Supper Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who supported the fall supper and especially the coordinating team of Ralph Simpson, Cathy Davis, and Shawn & Beth Meister. Not only did we have a delicious meal and a wonderful night of community fun but $1202.95 was also raised to support the church.

Help Needed For Coffee and Conversation starting Nov 19th

We are changing the way that we do coffee and conversation. Starting November 19th and subsequent Sundays, if no one has signed up to help make coffee and provide snacks there will be no fellowship time after service. If you previously were assigned a date as part of a committee, we encourage you to sign up for a date of your choosing. The worship committee will provide support and orientation to anyone signing up for the first time. You can sign up by yourself or with a team, recommended minimum number is 3 people. Sign up today by calling Meghan or filling out the coffee and conversation weekly sign-up sheet in the hall.

Upcoming Dates To Remember

October 29th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Board

October 29th ~ Mincemeat for Sale!

November 5th ~ Anniversary Sunday ~ Soup & Bun Lunch ~ Hosted by the UCW

~ Congregational Meeting to follow

November 6th ~ Christmas Chocolate Orders Due!

November 12th ~ Remembrance Sunday Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by M&P

November 13th ~ Office Closed for Remembrance Day Stat Holiday

November 18th ~ Christmas Bazaar from 9am-12pm

November 19th ~ Memorial Hymn Sing Service at 10:30

November 26th ~ Downtown United Service at St. Paul’s at 10:30am ~ Followed by a Downtown United presentation

December 1st ~ Carols by Glowstick at 6pm

December 6th ~ Advent Carole Fest at 7:30pm

December 10th ~ Songs of Jubilee Organ Concert at 2pm

Community Announcements

Rummage Sale At Wilmot United

Wilmot United Church’s fall rummage sale will take place on Friday October 27th from 11:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday October 28th from 9:00am to 12:00pm at 473 King Street.

Chili Take-Out Dinner

Friday November 3rd, 4:00-5:30pm at Nashwaaksis United. Menu – Mild Chili, Caesar Salad, Roll and Apple Crisp. The cost is $15.00 per person. To reserve your meal, please call the church office at 506-458-9452 or email admin@nashwaaksisunited.ca

Dance Fredericton Seeks Donations

Dance Fredericton Danse Inc, a nonprofit organization, is accepting donations of outerwear which can pass for Victorian Era garments for use in their Nutcracker ballet.

What: Adult and youth sizes, male and female. Wool peacoats, fur coats, velvet/velour or corduroy. No down coats or modern look materials please.

Where: Items can be dropped off at the Dance Fredericton studio at 20 York Street (door off the back parking lot of the Justice building, near the blue storage container)

When: Sat Nov 3rd or Sat Nov 11th from 3 – 4:30 pm.

Remembrance Day War Time Menu Luncheon

On Saturday November 11th from noon to 1:30, Forest Hill United Church will be serving a luncheon with a war time menu of Baked Beans, Brown Bread and War Cake, Tea, Coffee or Juice. Take-out meals are available and there are tables if you wish to enjoy your meal in the hall. Libby and Brian Cassidy will be playing war and peace music during the meal. Adults are $12.00 and children $6.00. To order your meals as take out or eat in, please sign up before November 5th at either church entrance, or leave a message at the church office 506-455-0988 or Foresth.office@bellaliant.com.

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