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…
None of us should be surprised that God provides support and seems to have a sense of humor. Within scripture, there is ample evidence of both traits. This week, I found myself laughing out loud at the way that God showed up for me. I was meeting with my cohort group for the reGenerate program, and I was asked if I would like to be connected with another minister who is currently in the early stages of an Ecumenical Shared Ministry (ESM) relationship. I said that would be great, after all it is always good to learn from those who have done and are doing what you are. Later that day an email came introducing me to Michelle B. Rev Michelle is a UCC minister who is leading a newly formed ESM between St. Paul’s United Church and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Ontario. Hearing this I couldn’t help but laugh, there truly is nothing new under the sun!
I had the opportunity to connect with Rev. Michelle this week, and it was comforting to hear that our processes had been similar and to learn about some of the bumps that she has encountered in the first months of bringing together her St. Paul’s and St. Andrew’s. I was also encouraged that despite the challenges both of her congregations were excited to be with each other and had found new energy and blessings that they didn’t expect. All I could think was that this is my hope and prayer for us.
We are not alone in this process of entering into an ESM, across this country there are communities of faith who are choosing to work together for new life. It will serve us well to remember that birth is messy. There are pains and challenges, and often things do not go 100% to plan but in the end, once everyone has been cleaned up, it is as close to perfection as we get in this world. God is birthing a new thing in the ESM relationship between St Andrew’s and St. Paul’s. Right now, we are in the thick of the birth pains. It might feel overwhelming, but if we hold on and continue to let the Spirit work turning us to where we need to be, we too will experience the blessings that will flow from God.
In the meantime, let us continue to proclaim the Good News that God is the God of life. Let this hope of resurrection be in our thoughts, in our speech, and in our actions. Even as we grieve for what we are leaving behind, even when we resist change may we remember we are people of the resurrection, ever old and ever new. Let us also not miss the opportunities before us to embrace the current moment and savor these last few weeks in this space. I truly hope that you will join us tomorrow night for Sharon’s concert and experience the full revelry of the organ, and on Sunday when Mike Bravener is preaching. I also hope to see you on Thanksgiving Sunday as we remember and honour all the ministry that has taken place on the corner of Geroge and York. As is our practice, let us pray together,
God of eternal time and fresh mornings,
We give thanks for the way that you make all things new.
You who can coax life out of places that seem dead and dying,
from our losses bring forth blessings
from our grief bring forth new joy
from our worries bring forth trust in you.
When the ground seems to be shifting, and we are not sure where to step
be for us the rock and sure footing we need.
Guide us now O Great Jehovah, that we may be pilgrims of your Way.
This we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Featured In This October 3rd Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday October 6th
St. Paul’s Rummage Sale
The Full Colours Of The Organ
Pantry Program
Brown Bag Lunch Program
FundScrip
Office Closed Monday October 14th
Farewell Fellowship, October 13th
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Take-Out Salmon Supper
The Moderator Is Coming To New Brunswick
Worship This Sunday October 6th
Please join Rev. Mike Bravener 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 Password: 657067
St. Paul’s Rummage Sale
St. Paul’s is hosting a rummage sale on October 4th from 12-4pm and October 5th from 10am-4pm. Come check out a variety of items including arts & craft supplies, children’s toys & games, candles, glassware, linens, furniture, Christmas trees & décor, books, housewares, picture frames, and more. The sale is in the lower gym. Please enter through the Charlotte Street door.
The Full Colours Of The Organ
Thanksgiving, Farewell, And Halloween Too! October 4th at 7pm. A farewell organ recital by Dr. Sharon Pond celebrating St. Paul’s United Church and their wonderful Casavant organ, featuring my favourite crowd-pleasing music and special surprises. Everyone Welcome! Reception to follow. Freewill offering for the Food Bank. Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/thanksgiving-farewell-and-halloween
Pantry Program
The Pantry has moved over to St. Andrew’s and is kindly accepting donations again. Folks wanting to donate items are asked to leave them in the box in the narthex on Sunday or deliver to St. Andrew’s during regular office hours. If you prefer, you can make a drop off time appointment with Meghan during office hours through email to stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com or by phone 506-458-1183. Items needed this week are macaroni, white sugar, flour, rice, canned chicken, salmon, orange juice, relish, vinegar, pancake mix, Corn Flakes, cookies, canned fruit, Shake’n’Bake, paper towel, Mr. Clean, dish & laundry soap, hand soap, waxed paper, plastic wrap, and tin foil. Thank you for your continued support of this increasingly busy outreach program!
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.
FundScrip
Fall has officially arrived and that nip in the air these days is enough to remind us of all the seasonal chores we should be doing… picking up new filters for the furnace or the humidifier, planting spring bulbs to bloom next year, maybe you need new winter tires, or the kids need new boots… it is a busy time! FundScrip gift cards can help you with all your shopping needs while the retailers where you shop make a donation to the church. That’s how FundScrip works! Each purchase automatically includes a donation to St. Paul’s calculated as a percentage of the card’s value. There is no cost to you for this donation. You receive the full face value of every card you purchase. The deadline for our next order is Sunday, October 6th. As usual, order forms are available in the office and the Narthex or print your own by clicking here Cards will be available the following Sunday. Once we settle in at St. Andrew’s, we’ll figure out more order dates. In the meantime, it’s not too early to start thinking about your Christmas gift card list!
Worship & Pastoral Care
Looking ahead to worship on October 6th Rev. Mike Bravener will be guest preaching for us. A year and half ago Rev. Michelle was accepted into the Moderators Re:generate Leadership Program. Seeking to take skilled leaders and equip them for the challenges of the church today and in the future. She is required to be in a residency program from October 6-11th. During this time Rev. Richard Bowley will be covering emergency pastoral care his number is 506-262-2150
Office Closed Monday October 14th
The office will be closed on Monday October 14th for the Thanksgiving Stat holiday.
Farewell Fellowship, October 13th
We’ve heard it said that St. Paul’s is the eating-est church in town! Let’s live up to that reputation one more time! On Sunday, October 13th, we will have a reception following our final worship service here. We don’t want to leave all the work to the few people who have catered these events in the past so we’re making it a Potluck and asking everyone to pitch in!
We’re looking for sandwiches… please bring a serving plate of whatever variety you like… egg, chicken, ham, salmon, white bread or whole wheat… you decide!
If you would rather bake something or pick up your favourite sweet at the bakery or grocery store, that will be fine, too. We’ll welcome whatever you choose… cookies, a pan of brownies, slices of lemon or banana bread… a serving plate of something sweet.
Please cover your sandwiches with plastic wrap to keep them fresh and put them in the kitchen refrigerator when you arrive for the service. Sweets should be covered but can be left on the kitchen counter.
A few helpful souls will set out the food after the service and tend to the tea and coffee. And just to be sure no one has to stay to do the dishes afterwards, we’ll have seasonal napkins and paper plates available.
Please note: There is no need to contact anyone to say you’re attending or what you will bring. It will be a true Potluck! Just show up. We’ll enjoy whatever we get. If we have too much, we’ll share our good fortune with residents of Grace House, the women’s shelter on Brunswick Street.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
October 4th ~ Dr. Sharon Pond’s Organ Recital ~ 7pm
October 6th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship hosted by Ann Raper & Joan Crowther
October 8th ~ Office moves to St. Andrew’s
October 13th ~ Thanksgiving Sunday & Communion Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Potluck hosted by Carole Peacock
October 14th ~ Office Closed for Thanksgiving Stat Holiday
Take-Out Salmon Supper
New Maryland United Church is hosting a Take-Out Salmon Supper at the New Maryland Centre (754 New Maryland Hwy.) on Sunday, October 20th, 2024. Pick up times are: 4:00, 4:30, 5:00 or 5:30pm. Cost is $20. Menu: BBQ Salmon, baked potato, peas, carrots, rolls, and apple crisp. Advance tickets only by calling (506) 459-3313 or (506) 455-1948.
The Moderator Is Coming To New Brunswick
Mark your calendars because The Right Reverend Carmen Lansdown our current moderator will be hosting an event in Moncton on November 9th. More information to come.
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