Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We hope that with a snowstorm upon us that everyone is staying safe, during this March break week. This weekend there is one important announcement that we need to make sure you don’t miss…Saturday night it is time to change your clocks ahead an hour. So make sure you do, or you will be late for service on Sunday!
While it has been a quiet week around the church this week, as we look ahead to the next few weeks when things start to pick up as we rapidly approach Easter.
This week when you come to worship you will see the project our youth did for the world day of prayer draping the pulpit and chancel area. Our youth group has been actively meeting on the 1st and 3rd Friday and on a smaller group on Sunday Morning for a youth Sunday school. Speaking of youth they are doing a fundraiser with Vesey’s bulb and seeds, in the midst of the snow let dreams for spring planting brighten your day. Check out the table they will have every Sunday between now and Easter in Fraser Memorial Hall during coffee and conversation or check out the catalogue link on our Facebook page.
Each week on our Facebook page you will find “Praying the Psalms” as short reflection and prayer to give your spirit some nurture mid-week. This Lent, we are also offering in Fraser Memorial Hall “Colouring the Psalms” Throughout the week and on Sunday a large poster highlighting one of the Lenten Psalms will be laid out to colour as a faith community, along with a copy of the scripture. You’re invited to read the psalm then as you reflect add some colour to the poster. This is a great opportunity for members of our congregation to come together regardless of age to make something amazing together. Colouring the psalms can be used as a meditative practice and many find it relaxing. We invite you to check it out on Sunday or any time the church is open through the week!
New opportunity to explore your faith “Theology on Tap” will be starting Tuesday March 20th at 8 pm at Dolan’s. Discussions over food and drink – this is a joint venture with Forest Hill and UNB campus ministry. Everyone welcome.
Dr. Sharon Pond brings us a return of the Lenten noon recitals on March 21 and March 28 from 12:10-12:50pm. Looking ahead to May 6th our music department also brings us a unique opportunity to participate in Handle’s Messiah “Sing-A-Long” here at St. Paul’s. If you don’t sing you can get a ticket just to come and enjoy the music.
This Sunday we continue our journey down this Lenten road, we hear how the Jewish authorities drag Pilate into the conflict they have with Jesus as they ask this roman governor of Judea to sentence Jesus to death (John 18:28-40). This is the last place that Pilate who has been charged with keeping peace in the province wants to be. As he seeks to discover what is truth he finds himself having to choose what truth he will live by. This week we will stand with Pilate and ask “what is Truth?”
God of life, who through Christ shows us the way, we ask that you stay close to us and hold us in your caring hand as this weekend’s winter storms rage. We ask that you keep all who are traveling and needing to work in the worst of winter conditions safe. We pray also for those who are facing storms of life, who feel the strong winds of adversity and challenge blowing, may they find sure rooting in you to face what comes. Help us all to discern your truth, the truth that sets us free. This we pray in the strong name of Christ. Amen.
Yours in Christ
Rev. Michelle and Rev. Richard
The bulletin for this Sunday is also available for download from here.