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…
Yesterday, for most of us, the day probably went along much like any other Wednesday, but this wasn’t the case for everyone in our town. As I reflect on yesterday, I can’t help but think about how opposite some of my experiences were. My morning started off with a marriage ceremony for a couple whom I met a few weeks ago. They were a mature couple, wanting a quiet legalization of their relationship in the sight of God. We met in the sanctuary, the bride and groom, and witnesses. We celebrated the connection and love they share and offered a blessing on their union. It was low-key and lovely. Peace and joy filled the space.
As I walked to deliver the marriage registration to vital statistics, I had a chat with a street-involved woman who frequently stops by the church. She is a survivor, in so many ways, and her outlook and care for others are real. She reminds me of the biblical story of the widow who gives much of what she has to others. After she shared more of her story and perspective on the protest downtown, we parted ways offering each other blessings.
An hour later, l was standing beside a fellow minister in front of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, watching what I can only describe as troubling and heartbreaking interactions. As members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community called out “Trans rights are human rights”, literal children called back, “We don’t care”. My morning included events that were polar opposites, from loving connection to outright rejection.
I felt compelled to be there for a mix of reasons. First off is my experience as a minister with youth who are queer. I have sat across from youth who were raised in different denominations who didn’t feel safe talking to their parents and held justifiable fears about what would happen to them. Children need safe spaces, and while I hope that home is that for all children, I am aware enough to know that this isn’t the case. I went to say, “You are not alone”
I also went because as a person of faith, it angers me when religion is weaponized and used as justification for injustice. I stood out on the steps of the Beaverbrook in my clerical collar to proclaim my faith in a God who is love and to live out the belief that we humans are made in God’s image, no exception. If people of progressive, liberal, and liberation theology do not stand up and share our understanding of who God is and how God works in our world, the loud voices in the media will be assumed to be our voice too.
Standing on the steps, reading signs, it was easy to see the brokenness of our world. I wonder what it would take, maybe not to get these two sides of the road to a state of love, but at least to tolerance. Ultimately, both sides want the same things (to feel safe and secure, to have our children flourish) they just have very different views on how to get there. My prayer was and is that God would show us a way to move past fear and away from hate.
Loving God in a world so broken,
Send your Spirit and call your people,
Help us to be creative in our response,
That your healing and reconciliation may be seen
In big and small ways through those who seek the way of love
As shown to us by Jesus.
Amen.
Featured In This September 21st Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday September 24th
Fabric & Yarn Sale
FundScrip
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Announcement Submissions
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Thank You! To The Fredericton Co-Op
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Flea Market Vendors Wanted
Death Café
Worship This Sunday September 24th
Please join Rev. Michelle for service at 10:30am on September 24th
Fabric & Yarn Sale
Cleaning out your sewing room? Don’t know what to do with leftover balls of yarn and fabric? 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 Sept 28th.
FundScrip
FundScrip – The deadline for our next gift card order is Sunday, October 8 (Thanksgiving). You can leave your order and payment at the church office during the week if you plan to be away for the holiday. Order forms are available in the office and the Narthex or by clicking here October 8th FundScrip Order Form.pdf. If you are not yet a FundScrip shopper and would like more information about this fundraising program, Carole Peacock will be happy to answer your questions. Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s!
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.
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.
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.
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: fruit cups, cookies, flour, sugar, cake mix, frosting, jam, molasses, tomatoes, orange & apple juice, salmon, juice boxes, macaroni, Hamburger Halper, Stove Top Stuffing, icing sugar, vinegar, sardines, chick noodle soup, paper towel, toilet paper, laundry and dish detergent, Mr. Clean, Kleenex. Thank you for your continued support!
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!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
September 24th ~ Fellowship Hour ~ Hosted by M&P
October 1st ~ World 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
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, Sept. 23rd from 9 am to noon at 45 Kimble COURT, Fredericton. The location is 45 Kimble COURT (not Kimble Drive), which is off 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 still tables 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.
Death Café
Death Café – Tuesday, September 26 from 1:30-3:00 pm, Fredericton Public Library. There is no charge to attend, and everyone is welcome! However, this is not a grief support group or grief counselling. For more information DeathInformationandEducation@gmail.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