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…
Did you know that the United Church of Canada was called to a discernment process around our vision and mission by the 43rd General Council in 2018? After the restructuring in 2019 and the initial challenges of COVID-19 in 2020, work towards a vision and strategic plan for 2022-2023 got underway. You may have noticed the new logo on videos produced by the General Council with the words – Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice. These three points bubble down the church’s call and reflect our core purpose. Linked with these points is a vision statement for our denomination, which describes what we aspire to be in the next 5-10 years:
Called by God, as disciples of Jesus, The United Church of Canada seeks to be a bold, connected, evolving church of diverse, courageous, hope-filled communities united by deep spirituality, inspiring worship, and daring justice.
Do these words inspire you? Frighten you? Leave you untouched? Personally, this vision speaks to me and the type of church I want to be involved in. I pray that we as a denomination, through local congregations, we can make this vision a reality.
This new call and vision for the UCC has many of the aspects and traits that research has identified in thriving churches. In my reading, while on sabbatical, time after time I observed that Churches that were thriving had decided to focus on developing and exploring spirituality and related all they were doing back to God’s call through Jesus. Churches that were thriving were not using a set of proven tactics or gimmicks to bring people into fellowship like bands and modern music, video projection, or coffee in the sanctuary. What they did have in common was a focus on living and following the ways of Jesus. In short, a commitment to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice. The other things they have in common are a positive outlook (belief that God has a plan for them and is present with them) and a willingness to try new things and risk failure. This is food for thought as we seek to discern our next steps.
On the topic of Daring Justice, this Saturday is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In the announcement section, you will find a link to the Moderator’s message for Truth and Reconciliation Day. Saturday you are encouraged to wear Orange and deepen your understanding of the history and legacy of the Residential School system. To learn in person tomorrow, September 30th, head to the St Mary’s First Nation Powwow Grounds between 1-4 p.m.
As we move into this weekend let us pray,
You God are a God of life,
Celebrating those who seek to preserve it,
Holding judgment over those who bring death.
Help us to embrace the life you offer,
and live abundantly,
with joy and hope and peace, justice and mercy. Amen.
Featured In This September 28th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday October 1st
Fabric & Yarn Sale This Saturday!
Orange Shirt Day
Special Board Meeting This Sunday
Important Special Congregational Meeting October 15th
Pet Blessings
FundScrip
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Announcement Submissions
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Worship This Sunday October 1st
Please join Rev. Michelle for service at 10:30am on October 1st
Can’t join us in person, join us via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740
Meeting ID: 818 3451 9740 Passcode: 657067
Fabric & Yarn Sale This Saturday!
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.
Orange Shirt Day
As members of the United Church of Canada we are inheritors of this legacy. As part of our response to this legacy and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, we are called to know about our history and its ongoing ripples. We are called to be aware of the colonial assumptions that allowed for this type of missional work and to reflect on what we have learned from residential schools and what assumptions we may still hold. her message can be found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRhRK1Ai2N4
Special Board Meeting This Sunday
There will be a Special Board Meeting held this Sunday, October 1st at 12:30 p.m. in the office conference room.
Important Special Congregational Meeting October 15th
An Important Special Congregational Meeting will be held on October 15th following service. We highly encourage all congregants young and old to attend. Mark your calendars today! The link to the agenda will be in next week’s eNews.
Pet Blessings
You and your pet are invited to join us on October 7th, on our York Street lawn at 11 a.m., for a brief time of worship celebrating the unique relationship we have with our pets. After which each owner/pet parent is invited to bring their pet forward for an individual blessing. All people and pets are welcome. We ask that you ensure your pet is secured either on a leash or in a carrier or cage. If your pet doesn’t travel well, feel free to bring a picture instead.
FundScrip
FundScrip – The deadline for our next gift card order is Sunday, October 8th (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 Oct 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 Frasier 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 Helper, 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!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
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
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