Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last week in church we asked an important question to the congregation: are you supportive of the Board moving forward with an initiative to open our doors on cold nights. The response was amazing. For those who haven’t heard, you the people said that yes, St. Paul’s should respond to the homelessness crisis here in Fredericton. A lot has happened since worship last week. Currently we are waiting to hear back about how it would affect our insurance. Also news came out that there will be an Out of the Cold shelter opening up to take in 20 people. So, the Board met Tuesday night and came away with a few paths to look at. First we are contacting Out of the Cold to see what is a higher priority right now, space or volunteers. The other side is that if we are going to push forward and open our own doors, we need to know who we have for volunteers. So as we sort out the needs, we are inviting those who can volunteer to sign up this coming Sunday. There will be sign up sheets in the Narthex (entry-way) and Fraser Memorial Hall. We ask that you prayerfully consider if you can give the gift of yourself, and be one of the volunteers who stays overnight.
Below is a list of some important events and opportunities. A more comprehensive Advent Calendar is below that.
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-Carols by Glow-stick: Get your tickets, it’s not too late! Check out the facebook page for information on how to purchase. Kick off your Advent preparations on Friday, Nov 30 with traditional carols, glow-sticks and fun from 6-7pm. Cookies and drinks to follow.
-Lectio Divina: Come and experience our Holy Scriptures in a unique way! Our Sunday morning sessions start on December 2nd at 9:30 am (that’s this week) at the church in the Ladies’ Parlour. We also have our second session of the online version of Lectio Divina on Monday, December 3rd at 7:30 pm. The link to join the online session is: https://zoom.us/j/920506969
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-CHRISTMAS WISH TREE! Every year the people of St. Paul’s share their Christmas spirit and generosity by buying gifts for children. The Children’s Wish Tree was up this past Sunday, and all the Angel tags are gone. Please be sure to have the gift purchased and brought to the Church by December 9th. Thanks to all who grabbed an Angel. You are making a child’s Christmas wish come true!
-While we will have regular Sunday worship all through December, the service on December 23rd is going to be one entirely of Christmas music and scripture, based on the historic Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge (1918-2018). So mark your calendars!
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Advent Events Calendar:
December 5th – Advent Recital: Sharon Pond/Vocal Collective (12:10 -12:50 pm)
December 5th – Advent Carol Festival (7:30 pm)
December 12th – Advent Recital: FHS Jazz Ensemble (12:10-12:50 pm)
December 14th – Youth Christmas Party (7:00 pm)
December 15th – Rev. Richard & Natalie Open-house – food provided,(2:00-5:00 pm). Call the office or talk to Rev.Richard for address
December 16th – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (7:00 pm)
December 19th – Advent Recital: Sharon Pond/Vocal Collective (12:10 -12:50 pm)
December 21st – Longest Night Service @ St. Paul’s (7:00 pm)
December 23rd – Festival of 9 Lessons & Carols (10:30 am)
December 24th – Children’s Christmas Eve Service (3:00 pm)
December 24th – Traditional Christmas Eve Service (7:00 pm)
December 24th – Carols & Communion (11:00 pm)
December 31st – Joint Worship @ Wilmot (11:00 pm)
Before we move into our weekend, I want to invite you to come and join with us for worship at St. Paul’s. Whether you have been coming every week, or haven’t been in the church for years, I want to invite you to start this journey through Advent with us here at St. Paul’s United Church. This week we will hear words of encouragement from God in the book of the Prophet Habakkuk. Here on Sunday we will also be gathering at the table to share in the feast to which Christ invites us. This Sunday we will have Communion served in our seats, and it will be sung communion to the tune of Ode to Joy. Let us continue to be a people of Hope as we enter this Advent Season.
And let us begin this season with a prayer for Hope in our hearts:
Shepherd and God you have guided us to an ending, but also to a new beginning. Walk with us on this journey through Advent. Remind us of the many ways in which you reach into our lives.
When we are lost you seek us out.
When we are lonely you embrace us.
When it is dark you send your light to fill our lives.
Guide us to your children who feel lost in this world.
Help us to be your arms reaching out to those in need.
Shine your love-light on us that we might reflect it on a world in need.
All this we ask in the Name of Christ who lives in us and who seeks to enter this world anew. Amen
Yours in Christ,
The St. Paul’s Ministry Team
(Rev. Richard, Rev. Michelle, & Pastor Sarah)