I was talking with Reid yesterday about how this is the last week of summer and next week he will be starting school. With a long sigh he said “I wish summer wasn’t over, it is fun.” I could tell that he was sad that he would soon be trading in day camps for school books. Then, I remembered how excited he was last year to be starting a new school and how much fun he talked about having with his class and in his fall extra-curricular activities. In reality, it isn’t that his fun is over, it is just changing. So, we talked about what was so fun in summer, where that kind of fun can be found in his fall schedule and some of the new opportunities for fun that only fall can bring. After which his frown had turned upside down with anticipation.
We can all get a little down when something we enjoy changes and it can become easy to dwell on what is no longer and how we wish things were. While lament of what has been can be helpful, there has to be a turning to look at what is and what the opportunities are in front of us. This shifting of our attention, from what we are missing to what we are looking forward to, creates energy and excitement for the future. Where in your life is God calling you to make this shift?
As we move towards Sunday let us pray:
God as we turn our calendar page this day,
Help us to remember fondly the months that have passed,
But don’t bind us to what has been.
For as the month turns, new opportunities and experiences await us.
Create in us anticipation and curiosity for what will come our way.
Guide us by your spirit of wisdom and truth,
That we may be open to all you have planned.
In Christ’s strong and sure name we pray, amen.
Featured In This September 1st Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday September 4th
Rev. Michelle’s Walk-In Office Hours
Worship This Sunday September 4th
As we wrap up the summer worship schedule you are invited to join us for the last joint service of the season. We will be celebrating together the sacrament of communion. Hosted at Wilmot United Church at 10:30am or If you can’t be there in person, join via their live-stream at Wilmot United Church – YouTube
Bursaries and Scholarships
Over the summer the bursary and scholarship committee accepted and reviewed all applications for support. We are pleased to announce that Hannah, Kirsten and Rebecca Simpson have all been awarded a St Paul’s Scholarship, Erin Hayes has been awarded the Wark Scholarship and Chris Walker have been awarded a St. Paul’s Theological Bursary. We wish them all well in their studies this school year!
Fall Kick Off
Is one week away! Plans for worship and BBQ lunch are almost finished. This year’s bag tag/wallet card/magnet are in production. Sunday school will launch their program. We hope to see everyone out
Rev. Michelle’s Walk-In Office Hours
Looking to connect with Rev. Michelle? The best way to do this is to connect via email to michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com or call 259-7602 to set up an appointment. Walk-in office hours are Mondays from 10am to 1pm and Wednesdays from 1-2:30pm.
Fall Newsletter
Your newsletter should be in your mailbox in the next couple days. If you have not received it by the mid of next week, please contact the office. It may mean we have outdated contact information for you.
Pantry Program
The pantry needs the following items: white sugar, chicken noodle soup, chocolate pudding, apple sauce, pancake mix and syrup and orange juice. Thank you for your continued support!
Church Office Closure
The office will be closed until September 6th. Please contact Rev. Michelle directly if your need is urgent in nature.
St. Paul’s Website Updates
St. Paul’s website has been undergoing some updates. Please check it out at www.stpaulsunited.ca and feel free to share your experience with Meghan considering questions like; Was it easy to navigate? Did you find the information you were looking for? Was there information missing or something you think we should add? Was the website easy to read? Feedback can be set to Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Upcoming Dates To Remember
September 4th – Service at Wilmot at 1:30am or online @ Wilmot United Church – YouTube
September 11th – Service at St. Paul’s 10:30 am & Fall Kick-Off & BBQ
September 25th – Lunch Hour workshop with Soup and Bun – Our Values
October 23rd – Lunch hour workshop with Soup and Bun – Finding Focus
November 6th – 190th Anniversary Celebration
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 | Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Church Administrator: Meghan Roebuck | Custodian: Rusty Blakely