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…
The deadliest words said in a church may be “We have always done it this way.” At first glance, this statement appears to just communicate a reality, however, often these words are followed by the thought “and I don’t want to do it any other way.” We like our routines and patterns; they make us feel comfortable and safe. We know what to expect. But what do we do when how we have always done something is no longer getting us the results we want or are simply just not working anymore?
Well, we have two choices. We can either continue to do things the way we have always done them, or we can do something new. If we do nothing, we can follow the current trend to predict what will happen next. If we do something new, the outcome is not crystal clear, we will have to endure the discomfort of learning a new way of being, and we risk failure. The choice is ultimately up to us, however, doing something new is the only way to get a different outcome.
Take for example the funding of the pantry. We as a congregation have worked hard and provided richly for this outreach. Donations from the congregation have been the mainstay of the program since its beginning. However, as our congregation size has changed and the cost of food and household items has risen, the pantry has struggled to keep the shelves stocked. You the generous givers of this church have risen to the challenge… but there is only so much we can do. So last year St. Paul’s sought additional funding by applying to the Fredericton Co-Op Community Sponsorship Program. This week Lois and Meghan picked up a cheque to help support this program. Our donations are still needed, but this new way of supporting our program helps remove some of the stress caused by increased demand.
As we face the struggles and challenges, I invite you to turn away from the patterns of thinking that we are used to. To take a moment and dream about what could be done differently and open the door to creating a new way forward. This will not come naturally and might be hard, but doing so is faithful. After all, our God is a God who “has created and is creating.” The bible witnesses this in passages such as Isaiah 43:19 “Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” and Revelations 21:5 “and he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new… Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” We might not always like what God is up to, we might be afraid of loss and change, but this should not stop us for our God is a God of resurrection and life. Let us seek to banish the words and thoughts that keep us stuck. Asking instead for God to hold and guide us away from stuck places that lead to death.
Let us pray:
We are made to embody your image,
your ability to create, be faithful and dream.
But we are also a fallen people,
living in fear and seeking security apart from you.
Come to our hearts and minds Holy One,
Rooting us in your life, comforting us with your resurrection,
Reminding us of your promises
so that we may trust in your faithfulness.
As we face life’s challenges, remind us again that we are not alone,
You are with us and will help us make a way.
Amen.
Featured In This September 14th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday September 17th
Thank You! To The Fredericton Co-Op
Weekend Weather Advisory
Fabric & Yarn Sale
Congratulations To Our Scholarship & Bursary Students!
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Announcement Submissions
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Board Members Needed
ZUMBA® Fitness Classes With Leslie
Looking for Used Snowblower
Sunday School Leaders Needed
Join the Moderators Book Club
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Floor Curling
Flea Market Vendors Wanted
Worship This Sunday September 17th
Please join Rev. Michelle for service at 10:30am on September 17th
Thank You! To The Fredericton Co-Op
We would like to extend a sincere Thank You! To the Fredericton Co-Op for their very generous contribution to our Pantry and Brown Bag Lunch Programs. St. Paul’s was graciously awarded $3600 towards these much-needed food programs that help the most vulnerable folks in Fredericton and surrounding areas. Thank you!
Weekend Weather Advisory
As we all know, hurricane Lee is heading up the coast. On Saturday afternoon, we will be determining if service will be held in person this Sunday. Notification will be put on our Facebook and website. If you are unable to access the internet you can also call Rev. Michelle’s cell 506-259-7602. In the event in person service is canceled, please join us on zoom, follow this lick: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740, passcode: 657067
Fabric & Yarn Sale
Cleaning out your sunroom? Don’t know what to do with leftover balls of yarn? We have a solution! On Sept 30th, St. Paul’s Quilters are joining with Wilmot for a Fabric & Yarn Sale at Wilmot United Church from 9am-3pm. Donations of fabric and yarn can be dropped off at St. Paul’s office or Quilting Room until 28th.
Congratulations To Our Scholarship & Bursary Students!
CONGRATULATIONS to our post-secondary students who have recently been awarded St. Paul’s scholarships. Recipients are Kirsten Simpson, Sam Grant and Gracelyn Godin who are all studying at the University of New Brunswick and Hannah Simpson who attends the University of Waterloo.
A St. Paul’s Theological Bursary has also been awarded to Chris Walker, now in his fifth and final year of a Master of Divinity program at the Atlantic School of Theology. We wish them all well in their studies and future endeavours.
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Mondays 11:00-12:00pm. We are venturing into a new format for our exploration. Dig into the scriptures, join with others as we seek to deepen our relationship with God. No prior experience needed.
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
We have heard an expressed desire for an evening program for those who work during the day. If this is of interest to you, please contact Rev. Michelle michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com or 506-259-7602.
Announcement Submissions
Do you have an announcement you would like included in our weekly eNews or bulletin? A reminder that announcements will be accepted by the office weekly until 12 noon Wednesdays, in person or by email to stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com All announcements will be included for a two-week period, unless otherwise requested.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs proteins with flip top lids, fruit cups 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 sugar, soda crackers, ketchup, pancake mix, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, cookies, jam, flour, apple sauce, flakes of ham, can milk, Hamberger Helper, Stove Top stuffing, oatmeal, Mr. Clean and dish detergent. Thank you for your continued support!
Board Members Needed
Have you ever been interested in helping your church community move forward? The Board at St. Paul’s is looking for 2 new members. The positions that need to be filled are general director and secretary. If interested, please contact Donna Chauvin.
Coffee and Conversation
Do you enjoy coffee and conversation after church? Do you bake? Can you pour a cup of coffee? Are you willing to learn how to use the dishwasher? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are who we need. This post-service ministry is a great way to support and serve the community without being part of a committee. You have the flexibility to serve for one Sunday or more if it fits with your schedule. If you can help support the committees in this important community time, please sign up in Fraiser Memorial Hall or by calling Meghan in the office.
ZUMBA® Fitness Classes With Leslie
Every Tuesday, 5:30 – 6:30 pm from September 12th to December 19th, 2023, in Fraser Hall at St. Paul’s United Church. Join dance fitness classes that are fun, easy to follow, and help you feel your best. These classes bring people together to enjoy moving to Latin and World music and rhythms. Each class includes both high and low intensity moves so you can choose your activity level. Open to everyone 16+ years. No experience needed. No need to register. Wear comfortable clothing, indoor sneakers and bring water. $6 per class. For more information visit Leslie Marques•Zumba Fitness on Facebook or email Leslie at LSHMARQUES@hotmail.com
Looking for Used Snowblower
Winter is just around the corner and at St. Paul’s, that means having to clear a lot of snow. We are seeking a gently used snowblower to help make this job a bit easier and faster. If anyone has a snowblower to donate, that would be greatly appreciated.
Sunday School Leaders Needed
HEY ADULTS! Are you available to help with the Sunday School for three-week stretches? We are looking for leaders to help share the love of God with our youngest congregation members. All serving in the Sunday School will need to provide a valid vulnerable sector police record check. If interested, please contact Erin at hayes.erin11@gmail.com
Join the Moderators Book Club
Brew a cup of tea or pour a glass of your favourite drink and snuggle in with a good book. Oh, and you can discuss the book with at least two friends—the Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of The United Church of Canada, and her guest—in one of Canada’s biggest book clubs. More info and sign up https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/organization-and-governance/moderator/right-rev-dr-carmen-lansdowne-44th-moderator/flourishing-project/mods-book-squad
Upcoming Dates To Remember
September 17th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by UCW
September 24th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by M&P
October 1st ~ Communion Sunday ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Christian Ed
October 8th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Choir
October 15th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by Worship
October 22nd ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Trustees
October 29th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by the Board
Floor Curling
Forest Hill United Church is offering Floor Curling Wednesdays from 10am–12pm starting September 13th. Location: 45 Kimble Court. Registration fees are $10 plus $2 each time you attend. For more info or to register, please contact Mary Grant at 506-459-8525
Flea Market Vendors Wanted
Forest Hill United Church, in collaboration with St. Matthew Lutheran Church, will be hosting a Flea Market. The Market will be on Saturday, September 23rd from 9 am to noon at 45 Kimble COURT, Fredericton. The location is 45 Kimble COURT (not Kimble Drive), which is off of Forest Hill Road. A variety of items will be for sale, including: baked goods, Tupperware, and crafts. The proceeds from the St. Matthew table will go toward sponsoring a refugee family. There are tables still available for vendors. If you are interested in signing up as a vendor, contact Forest Hill United Church at foresth.office@bellaliant.com or 506-455-0988.
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