Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
I am finding it hard to believe that we are only three days past election day. It has been reported that the election turnout was among the highest in the past decades, with about 68.7% of Canadians voting. I think the tensions that our world is facing contributed to this turnout rate in comprehensive ways. Now that our MP’s have been selected, it is time for us as the church to be active in the world, vividly living out our faith in bold ways. As the church we have an important role to play in helping to mend the divisions that arose from campaigns that at times were more about being against their opponent than what their vision for Canada and their term in office would be.
Some of us who are newer to the congregation might not have heard the story about how there was a time when the church itself was politically divided, literally by the center aisle, with Tories on one side and liberals on the other. I am thankful that those days are gone and that relationships have been fostered, breaking down divisions. I am also thankful that a new division between the UCC and PCC was not created. This says something about the welcoming spirit that exists in this place, which is fostered by the understanding that we are all God’s children.
Elections can stir up many emotions: hope, frustration, gratitude and concern. In our current world political climate, where division is being intentionally sown, regardless of how any of us voted, it is important to remember that we remain bound together by a deeper commitment. Our primary commitment is to the Gospel call to love our neighbour, to seek justice and to walk humbly with God.
Following Jesus’ action of reconciling us to God, we are invited to take up the mantle of reconciliation in the world. Our faith and our experience as an Ecumenical Shared Ministry provide us with tools for working towards the restoration of relationships in the face of division. Our focus on everyone being a child of God, helps us to resist the us-vs-them thinking that leads to further segmentation, fear and anxiety.
Now, as people of faith, we have a vital role to play in holding our leaders to account for their actions, advocating for those on the margins as we work together for a more just, inclusive and sustainable society. This means continuing to engage with and advocate for continued movement towards right relationships with the Indigenous peoples and members of the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for affordable housing, taking climate challenges seriously, and working towards bringing those who are polarized back into civil discourse – not just with our words, but also with faithful and persistent action.
It is our job now to pray for all who have been elected to serve in Parliament, that they may lead with humility, integrity and a vision for the common Good. And we also hold in prayer those who, in the wake of this election, are feeling discouraged, unheard or disillusioned. May we all find ways to work peacefully and productively with each other.
It is my deep hope that our congregation continue to be a place where difficult conversations are held with grace, where hope is nurtured and where our public witness reflects the radical welcome and justice of Christ.
As we enter this weekend, let us not forget about the Spring Yard Sale happening at the church this Friday and Saturday. If you have items to drop off, you can do so tonight! There will be people around until at least 8pm. A big thanks to the Ladies’ group for organizing this wonderful opportunity. Now let us pray:
Loving God,
Thank you for bringing us into right relationship with you through Jesus,
Help us to live your love and justice in the world.
Calling out what needs to change,
Celebrating where your kingdom can be seen on earth,
Holding up your vision of life in abundance.
Help us to let go of all that holds us back from you and from each other,
That we may live in peace with all of our siblings.
This we pray in the name of the Resurrected One,
Who is our rock and our redeemer. Amen.
Featured In This May 1st eNews Edition
Worship This Sunday May 4th
Spring Yard Sale
Mother’s Day Tea
Worship Committee Needs You!
St. Paul’s Pantry Program
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Saint Andrew’s Breakfast 2 Go Pantry
Broadview Magazine Subscription
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Celtic Spirituality – Why It Matters Now
Spring Bling Jewellery Sale
Spring Songs & Sweets Concert
Cookbook Fundraiser
Ongoing Church Activities
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Worship This Sunday May 4th
Please join Rev. Michelle for service this Sunday at 10:30am.
To view the bulletin in advance click here!
Can’t make it in person, join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83673756287 Passcode: 2023
View anytime on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.paulsunitedchurch984/videos
Spring Yard Sale
The Tuesday AM Ladies’ Group, their numbers now increased by their newest members (the St. Paul’s ladies), announce their Spring Yard Sale to be held on Friday, May 2nd from 3-7pm and Saturday, May 3rd from 9-Noon. Donations of items are encouraged to make for an interesting and bountiful inventory for our dedicated regular shoppers and first-time visitors. Drop Off Times for your items are April 22nd through 25th during Office Hours, April 30th – Evening, May 1st – All Day. If these times do not work for you, please contact the Church Offices, or a member of the Ladies Groups to make other arrangements for drop-off.
Mother’s Day Tea 
The Tuesday morning ladies group is hosting a Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday May 10th from 11:30am-1:30pm. Join us for sandwiches, your choice of dessert, tea, coffee, and conversation. Tickets are $15 each and available for purchase in either church office during regular hours, or after service starting on Easter Sunday. eTransfer available to stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com.
Worship Committee Needs You!
The Ecclesial Assembly is working at strengthening our worship committee and seeking nominations for this important work. If you know of someone who would be a good member or you yourself would like to sit on this committee, please let either co-chair Mary Charters or Roger Millar or Rev. Michelle know. Thank you ~ Rev. Michelle
St. Paul’s Pantry Program
For the month of May, the Pantry will focus on receiving donations of salt and 1L vinegar. Other items of need are jam, brown sugar, tea, pancake mix, syrup, Corn Flakes, white sugar, white flour, and Mr. Clean. Thank you for your ongoing and generous support!
Brown Bag Lunch Program
The Brown Bag Lunch program needs canned proteins with pull tops (such as flakes of meat, Chef Boyardee, chili, sardines), chicken/tuna salad & crackers, pudding cups, and small, sweet treats such as mini chocolate bars. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Saint Andrew’s Breakfast 2 Go Pantry
The Saint Andrew’s pantry needs the following items: peanut butter, canned milk, coffee, Cheese Whiz, crackers and Boost or similar nutritional drinks. Thanks in advance for your generosity!
Broadview Magazine Subscription 
If you would like to subscribe or renew your subscription, St. Paul’s group subscription rate is $30 per year, for 8 issues, mailed directly to your home. You can pay for your subscription in the office via cheque (payable to St. Paul’s), cash or by e-transfer. Deadline is June 1st. For more information on Broadview click HERE. Reach out to Meghan with any questions or to register or renew at stpaulsofffice224@gmail.com or 458-1183.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
May 4th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship hour Hosted by Cathy Davis & Patty Trail
May 11th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour Hosted by Beth & Shawn Meister & Kim Keech
May 18th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
May 25th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour Hosted by Debbie West
June 1st ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hour Hosted by Cathy Davis & Patty Trail
June 8th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship hour Hosted by Debbie West
June 15th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
June 22nd ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
June 29th ~ Service at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
July 6th ~ DTU Service Here at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
July 13th ~ DTU Service Here at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
July 20th ~ DTU Service Here at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
July 27th ~ DTU Service Here at 10:30 ~ Fellowship Hosts Needed!
Celtic Spirituality – Why It Matters Now
John Philip Newell is the former warden of the Iona Abbey community in the Scottish isles, and a current Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being. On Wednesday May 7th, 6-8:30 pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton, John Philip will give a talk on themes of Celtic Christian spirituality followed by a brief opportunity for spiritual practice in response, and a book-signing reception at the end. In person tickets are $20; the event will be live streamed as well (no fee) but not recorded. Everyone MUST register in advance. For more info and access to the online registration site, see this page on the CCC website: https://cccath.ca/2024/12/23/celtic-spirituality-with-john-philip-newell/
Spring Bling Jewellery Sale
In support of Fredericton Grandmothers Helping Grandmothers. Saturday, May 10th, from 9am to 4pm (cash or cheque) at Wilmot United Church, 473 King Street. Proceeds to Stephen Lewis Foundation and Help Lesotho.
Spring Songs & Sweets Concert
The Fredericton Choral Society invites you to its concert, Spring Songs & Sweets, on Saturday, May 10th, at 7pm. It promises an evening of wonderful choral music, followed by a reception with sweet treats to tempt your palate. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students, available at the door. Come to Christ Church (Parish) Church at the corner of Westmoreland and Charlotte Streets. Contact Jack Walsworth for more information at jlwals@nbnet.nb.ca or 506-478-1980.
Cookbook Fundraiser
Brunswick Street Baptist Church is so excited to share something deliciously special with you! To support our youth as they prepare for this summer’s Tidal Impact Mission Trip, we’re selling a one-of-a-kind church cookbook—filled with over 140 treasured recipes from our congregation. From potluck favourites to family classics, get one today and enjoy the tasty treats, entrées, soups, salads, and so much more included in this book! Cookbook Cost: $20. Available: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, in the church office at 161 York Street. Contact: 506-458-8348 or receptionist@bsbc.nb.ca Every purchase helps offset the cost of going on the Tidal Impact mission trip to PEI and brings our youth one step closer to loving others and living out the heart of Jesus on this mission trip. Let’s help our youth make an eternal impact—one recipe at a time, while you enjoy some tasty food along the way.
Ongoing Church Activities
Monday – Friday ~ Community Outreach ~ Brown Bag Lunch Program in St. Paul’s Office
Tuesdays ~ Tuesday Morning Ladies Group at 9:30am ~ All are welcome!
Tuesdays & Thursdays ~ Quilting from 1-4pm ~ All are welcome!
Wednesdays ~ Community Outreach ~ Pantry Program from 9-11am
Thursdays ~ Bible Study from 6-7pm ~ All are Welcome!
Thursdays ~ Choir Practice from 7-8pm ~ All are welcome!
Fridays ~ Community Outreach ~ Breakfast 2 Go from 8:30-10am
Connecting With Rev. Michelle
Rev. Michelle can be reached on the main office phone lines, her office directly at 506-455-0639, by text or call to her cell at 506-259-7602 or via email at michellenarmstrong@hotmail.com. Drop-in office hours are Sundays and Mondays from 1-2:30pm. Appointments are preferred to ensure the time you need to connect.
Bulletin & eNews Submissions
Please send announcements to Meghan at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com by noon Wednesday.
Contact Information
Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian & St. Paul’s United
512 Charlotte Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 1M2
Saint Andrew’s: Tel: 506.455.8220 | Email: sapcfred@gmail.com |Website: https://sapc.ca/
Office Administrator: Joanna Price |Office Hours: Monday-Friday 2pm-6pm
St. Paul’s: Tel: 506.458.1183 | E-mail: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com|Website: www.stpaulsunited.ca
Office Administrator/Bookkeeper: Meghan Roebuck |Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm & Friday 8am-12pm
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong |Organist: Dr. Sharon Pond
Custodian: Doug Newman |Ministers Emeriti: Rev. Doug Blaikie & Rev. Dr. Basil Lowery