Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am excited for this weekend and the first “Bring A Friend To Church Sunday”. This Sunday gives us a wonderful opportunity to open our doors and invite people to come, to experience our worship and get to know us as we break bread together through our potluck following the service. Did you know that most growing congregations are growing because people like you, invite others to come and check church out. A personal invitation from a trusted friend or respected neighbour, who simply says, “I find something life giving through worship, maybe you will too,” is the most effective way to encourage and introduce others to our faith. So this weekend plan on joining us for worship, staying for our potluck meal and share the joy by inviting someone to come along with you. For the potluck, we encourage people to bring a dish (soup or sandwiches are always good) but if you can’t, please stay after anyway, because by the grace of God and the love we have for one another, there always seems to be enough to go around.
The new program year has begun, I am excited to announce that we will be having youth group gatherings every second week starting this Friday September 22 from 6:30-9pm. These gatherings will be opportunities for fun, faith and fellowship. This week we will be having a popcorn event, using film (youth choice of the Muppet’s or Moana) to launch into some discussion about spiritual gifts, a time for games. Youth group is for Middle School and High School Youth. Friends always welcome.
Faith formation and growth are not just for children and youth! Consider joining us for one of our adult programs designed for deepening our relationship with God. Spirit Sisters (Monday @7) and Men’s Conversation Group (Wednesday @7) both kicked off the fall this past week. In the weeks to come we will be exploring the book Bullseye: Aiming for Jesus. The senior’s bible study (Tuesday @10am) will be meeting again this coming week, this study/discussion group is open to all members of any gender. Parlor Prayers (Wednesday @10am) is a chance to break in the day and pray for ourselves, the world around us and our congregation.
It was with sadness that we said goodbye to Rev. Gil MacKenzie who passed away last week. A lovely service was held on Tuesday morning. Tribute was paid to the work and love that he shared during his ministry career and with his family. Jane Johnson offered some words on behalf of Woolastook presbytery and a message from Conference President Rev. Richard was received. We at St. Paul’s were lucky to have 16 years of Rev. Gil as our minister. Let us remember the way that he brought the presence of Christ in his love and gentleness, let us strive to emulate his model as we reach out into our community.
Last Sunday during our children’s story we talked a little bit about offering and why we give. There was place in the bulletin to put your answer to the question “If you were to tell a child of St. Paul’s why you give to the church and how you decide what to give?” Our hope is that you will include your anonymous responses to this question on a piece of paper and place them in the offering plates during the service (our stewardship committee is hoping to use your responses at a later date). This Sunday in worship we will be continuing our journey in Genesis with the story of Jacob’s Dreams (Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17).
Yours in Christ
Rev. Michelle and Rev. Richard