In a world of words, be an action. In the world of busyness, be the pause. – anonymous. This quote started off our clergy check in this week. It was profound, a call to be intentional in the moment.
Tomorrow is Earth Day, this poses an option for putting the above quote into action, as we use Earth Day as a springboard to engage our faith and God’s call to care for creation. We have known for a long time that humanity has been impacting the environment in detrimental ways. Humanity has taken the command in Genesis to “subdue and have dominion” over creation, as a call to have power over how it is used and to justify its abuse. This understanding misses the previous verse; that we were created in God’s image, called to be like God, who we are told lovingly created the world and all the creatures in it. So we are called to have dominion over creation, yet to do so in ways that reflect how God exercises dominion over us, giving up ultimate power to save and redeem. We are called to subdue creation as God subdues us, with love and care.
So tomorrow let us move from being overrun with words into action. Let us start by getting out doors, and taking even a moment to step outside of your “normal” to engage with our Earth intentionally. You can do that in many ways like: stopping to appreciate all that God created, pick up trash outside or prepping your garden. You could also better educate yourself on an environmental issue, donate to a project that benefits the natural environment, learn more about the ecumenical movement, which The United Church of Canada is a part of, at https://fortheloveofcreation.ca/ Need more inspiration? Check out other ideas for engagement on these websites: https://www.earthday.org/ http://earth.panda.org/
What if you find your life too busy? Take a moment tomorrow to go out into the world and pause. Listen to the creatures, feel the sun or wind on your face and marvel at the diversity and beauty around you.
How are you celebrating Earth Day on Friday? Let’s show each other and Fredericton the way that we at St. Paul’s love this world and cares for creation. Let your faith shine to encourage others: by sending us a photo of what you are doing, via email or by posting to our social media. This Earth Day, let your light shine and let us care for this amazing world God has given us.
Let us end today with a prayer for Earth Day, entitled Living Simply by Linda Jones
Compassionate and loving God,
you created the world for all of us to share,
a world of beauty and plenty.
Create in us a desire to live simply,
so that our lives may reflect your generosity.
Creator God,
You gave us responsibility for the earth,
a world of riches and delight.
Create in us a desire to live sustainably,
so that those who follow after us
may enjoy the fruits of your creation.
God of peace and justice,
You give us the capacity to change,
to bring about a world that mirrors your wisdom.
Create in us a desire to act in solidarity,
so that the pillars of injustice crumble
and those now crushed are set free.
Amen.
1) Sunday April 24th – Worship
2) FundScrip Orders Due
3) Earth Day
4) Property Committee Needs Your Help!
5) Hybrid Sunday School
6) Bible Study
7) Brown Bag Lunch Program
8) Pantry
9) 190th Anniversary: 1832-2022
10) TP the Town
11) Database Update – Personal Contact Information
12) Upper Room Daily Devotional – May-June
1) Worship April 24th, 2022
To attend in-person worship at St. Paul’s United Church we will no longer require you to show proof of vaccination. COVID protocols still in play include:
– Wearing a mask at all times
– Sanitizing one’s hands upon entry
– Sitting in the marked pews to maintain distance
– Being aware of social distancing when entering and leaving building
– Coffee time will be available for those who wish to partake. Tables will be set up and you are asked to maintain masks while not eating/drinking and stay seated.
As always, if you are not ready to join us in person we hope to see you on Zoom – link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
You can also join by phone only if you would prefer, if you don’t have a long distance plan charges would apply. All you need to do is call 1 647 558 0588 and follow the prompts to enter Meeting ID: 868 5471 8551 and Passcode: 165090
2) FundScrip: Welcome and thank you to three new supporters who ordered gift cards recently! Who would like to join us on our next order? The deadline is Sunday, May 1. Please take your order and payment to the office before that date or bring it to church on May 1. I will have the gift cards for you the following Sunday, May 8 . . . Mother’s Day . . . a chance to treat your mother or yourself! Order forms are available in the narthex, at the office or click here. If you have questions, speak to Carole Peacock (452-1016 or cpeacock@bellaliant.net). Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
3) Earth Day: March 22, 2022 is officially Earth Day! I encourage everyone to get out and participate in whatever method is available (donate, better educate yourself, get outside to collect trash or work on your spring garden ideas). You can check out the website https://www.earthday.org/ http://earth.panda.org/ for more information. How are you celebrating Earth Day on Friday? Send us your photos to be shared next week with the congregation in the E-News.
4) Property Committee Needs Your Help! To the St Paul’s family: Each year we have worked to keep the grounds of our family church looking well loved. We do this by sweeping the sand off the parking lots and front stairs and working on the gardens. We save the sand to reuse the next year so we will to be environmentally conscientious. It is that time of year and we need more help. Please join us with your brooms, gloves and rakes at 9AM, April 23. Rain date April 30, 9AM. The more help, the faster we can complete the job (ladies and your children are encouraged to participate).
5) Hybrid Sunday School: We are EXCITED to welcome you back to Sunday School. You can join us in person or through the Zoom platform virtually. For now, our Sunday school lessons will be delivered in a hybrid fashion (simultaneously in person and on Zoom).
6) Bible Study: Join Rev. Michelle on Wednesdays at 11:15am for bible study. We are back in person, meeting in the parlor. Generally, sessions run 45min-1hour. This coming week’s scripture is Acts 9:1-19a. Due to interest, you can also join online. Log in using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190
7) Brown Bag Lunch Program: The program needs cans of proteins with flip top lids such as soups, meats, fish and pudding cups. Thanks for everything you wish to donate.
8) Pantry: The pantry needs sugar, flour, coffee, large juice, jam, ketchup, corn flakes, cereals, chez whiz, pancake mix, syrup, salted crackers, cookies, tea. Thank you for your continued generosity.
9) 190th Anniversary: 1832-2022 – For 190 years, St Paul’s United Church has adapted with the changing times. And after 2 years of global pandemic influences, we are called to rise to another challenge. Our community of faith is exploring avenues that will lead to greater coordination with other congregations and to greater financial stability through different uses of our property. While these routes are being explored, we need to ground ourselves securely to move forward. The most recent budget calls for raising $25,000 in this, our 190th year. 190th Fundraiser ideas and plans are needed. Already, 4 projects have been committed and more are expected – plant sales, hymn sings, raffles, auctions (silent or noisy), breakfasts, and the possibilities go on.
GET STARTED ON A 190th FUNDRAISER NOW – SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH DONNA CHAUVIN jogrunt@nbnet.nb.ca 458-5885 OR ALANNA PALMER palmeralanna@gmail.com 449-1931. We can help get your seed of an idea to bloom.
10) TP the Town: Fredericton High School, Student Representative Council, is hosting the 7th annual TP the Town fundraiser with a goal collecting 25,000 rolls of toilet paper as well as feminine hygiene products. These will be donated to various service organizations across Fredericton. If you are able to donate any TP rolls, they will be collected in the church office until May 6th, 2022 when they are picked up.
11) Database Update – Personal Contact Information: Please forward your contact information (names of family members, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, envelope # [if known] and whether or not you would like to be included in mailouts or email updates. You can forward this information either by completing a Family Information Form for each member of your household while at the church or by email to Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
12) Upper Room Daily Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotional for May-June has arrived! Both the May-June and March-April booklets are available for purchase in the office for $2.
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, N.B. E3B 3P1
Web: www.stpaulsunited.ca | Tel: 506-458-1183 | Email: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong | Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Church Administrator: Meghan Roebuck | Custodian: Rusty Blakely