And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.

-Mark 8:2b-6       

 

Kindred in Christ,

Sometimes we don’t know how to react when we encounter God in the midst of our days. When Christ shows up, sometimes we don’t recognize him. When the Holy Spirit calls us, we don’t hear it over the noise of what’s going on around us. Thus it has always been, and was with Peter when he experienced the Transfigured Christ. Bathed in the light of something amazing, Peter wanted to build tents, because he was overwhelmed. Like Peter, we need to to allow ourselves to see what is right in front of us, to listen when the still small voice calls to us.

 

As a community of faith, we are called to share the ways in which we witness the movements of the Holy in our lives. Ours is a safe space to share these stories of encounters with Christ, whether they happen on a mountain top as with Peter, or on our way through an ordinary day. As you make your way through the rest of this week, look for the ways that God is breaking into your life. They might be subtle, they might be fantastic. Keep watch. Bear witness.

 

As you look for the Holy in the coming days, check out some of the ways that we come together and share in those experiences:

Organ Recital Hosted by St. Paul’s very own Dr. Sharon Pond, in Memory of David Drinkell. 3 PM Sunday February 23rd for those who love organ music you will not want to miss this special event. Sponsored by the Fredericton Organists Association and St. Paul’s. Donations to establish a scholarship in David’s name.

 

Come early and sing yourselves in to the worship service on February 23 at 10 AM.  This continues to be an uplifting time to prepare yourselves for the service.  Saints and Sinners look forward to hearing your voices join our musical selections.

 

The UCW will meet in the Lady’s Parlour on Monday February 24th at 10 AM. Please answer Roll Call with fresh fruit or vegetables, yogurt or cheese, for Grace House. All women of the Congregation are invited to join us. Donna Chauvin 458-5885

 

The Men of St. Paul’s are hosting the pancake supper on February 25th at 5:30 and we are seeking volunteers. Let Eric know in the office or contact Harold Raper.

 

ANNUAL REPORTS are due if you haven’t completed one yet please do so asap.

 

Ash Wednesday service February 26th 7pm all welcome!

 

If you have an online presence, you should be showing the world the best possible version of “you”. Instead of dodgy selfies, showcase the competent, polished, human you are with a professional headshot by Moments by Kassie. On February 26, our very own Kelly S. will be hosting a headshot day at St. Paul’s. For the amazing price of $60, you’ll get a 15 minute shoot with Kelly, who will capture your fabulous (and properly lit) self for posterity. You’ll then get to choose one photo to be edited, which will be sent to you electronically. Don’t delay – only 20 spots are available and they’re already filling up! Contact me at kelmurandco@gmail.com All proceeds go to support the Brown Bag Lunch and Pantry programs.

 

The Fredericton Women’s Inter-Church Council will be presenting the following three services to mark World Day of Prayer:

  • Friday, March 6 at 7pm at the Salvation Army Church
  • Sunday,  March 8 at 2pm at St. Peter’s Anglican Church
  • Sunday, March 8 at 2pm at Wilmot United ChurchTheme: Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk; written by the Women of Zimbabwe Donna Chauvin will be taking part in the Wilmot service. Information: Ann Raper 457-0164

 

Lenten Prayer Service. Starting on March 1st and continuing through until April 5th Rev. Richard will be leading a prayer service online each week. All are invited to take in this time of prayer and reflection.

  • When?: Weekly on Sunday @ 7 pm starting on March 1st
  • How to Connect?: Log in through Zoom by following this link: https://zoom.us/j/863317863, or call in through the following number: 1(647)558-0588, and use this meeting ID: 863 317 863.

 

Retirement Home Services. As March approaches, we want to remind everyone that we have regular worship services at a few Retirement Homes in the area. These services help keep us connected to one another, especially for those who find getting to Sunday worship difficult or impossible. Come and join in the singing and the praying as we widen our community to include as many as possible. Dates for services are below:

 

  • Wednesday, March 4th: St. Anne’s Court @ 3 pm (chapel on 3rd floor)
  • Thursday, March 5th: Frederick Hall @ 9:45 am and Governour Hall (Fiddlehead Lounge) @ 10:30 am
  • Thursday, March 19th: Windsor Court @ 10 am (5th floor common area)

 

Each day we are closer to the season of Lent, a journey of reflection on and response to the cross and what lies beyond. This is not a journey we are meant to take alone, nor is it one that we should walk in dread. The sin that binds us and weighs us down is loosed in the power that comes in Christ’s triumph over the cross. Let us bear witness to that grace and strength as we walk together.

 

Let us pray:

God of the mountaintop,

We spend our lives reaching for you, thinking that you are beyond us.

Remind us that you are ever with us:

beside us,

within us,

before us.

Inspire us to be witnesses to your constant presence in our lives, to share the blessings we find in you, with our kindred in this world.

We ask this in the name of Christ, our constant companion on the way. AMEN

 

Yours in Christ,        

Rev. Richard and Rev. Michelle