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Invitation to Read the Bible in a Year with Rev. Wendy:

As we enter the new year, I invite you to embark on a journey of faith and discovery by reading the Bible together in 2025. This “Read the Bible in a Year” plan is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of God’s Word, reflect on its relevance in our lives, and grow together as a community of faith.

Whether you’ve read the Bible in full before or are approaching it for the first time, this is an invitation to engage with Scripture in a meaningful way. To support you, I will provide:

• A structured reading plan to guide you through the year,
• Resources throughout the year to enrich your reading, and
• Opportunities to gather and discuss what we’re reading, share insights, and encourage one another.

Reading the Bible is not just about knowledge; it’s about transformation, as God speaks to us through His Word. Let’s take this journey together, discovering anew the stories of faith, hope, and love that have shaped our lives and continue to guide us today.  I will be following this plan too.

Attached is a copy of the reading plan.

Let’s make 2025 a year of walking with God through His Word!

 

 

The Christmas season often sparkles with joy and excitement, yet for many, it can also be a time marked by longing, grief, loneliness, illness, worry, financial uncertainty, or life transitions. Sometimes, amidst the busyness, we simply long for a moment of stillness and serenity.

We invite you to join us at St. James Presbyterian Church for our Service of Comfort and Hope on Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. This quiet and contemplative service offers a space for anyone seeking light in the midst of darkness, comfort in the face of sorrow, hope in the face of despair, or the assurance of God’s presence. Whether you are grieving a loss, navigating a season of change, or simply yearning for peace, this service is for you. Please feel free to extend this invitation to anyone who may find comfort here.

This meaningful service includes:

• Candle lighting as a symbol of prayer and hope
• Music to soothe the soul
• Readings and blessings to offer encouragement
• Moments of anointing with oil for those who seek this ancient sign of God’s care
• The decorating of our poinsettia tree, a beloved tradition of remembrance and prayer

The poinsettia tree has been a cherished part of this service since 2011. Each poinsettia placed on the tree represents someone dear—loved ones we miss, moments we honour, or individuals we hold in prayer. The story of the poinsettia, often called the Christmas flower, is itself a reminder of hope blooming in unexpected places.

I will be leading the service and Nolan Golding, organist at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (Woodstock) will be our guest organist.  If you would like to help with readings or candle lighting, please let me know.

Poinsettia Reservations:

If you would like to dedicate a poinsettia, please contact the church office at (506) 450-4031 or email us at [email protected]. You may also reserve a poinsettia at the service.

A suggested donation of $10 helps cover the cost, but please don’t let finances prevent you from participating—we are happy to provide one for you. During the service, names will be read aloud as each poinsettia is placed on the tree by individuals or families.

To ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate, we encourage reserving one poinsettia per family initially. If additional poinsettias are available, we will gladly accommodate requests. You are welcome to remember as many loved ones or events as you wish, regardless of the number of poinsettias.

If reserving by email, please include the following details:

• Your name
• The names of those you are remembering or honouring
• If you would like us to hold them in prayer, please specify
• If you wish to reserve an additional poinsettia, indicate this

Forms will also be available at the church for those who prefer to reserve in person.

The service of comfort and hope will also concludes with a time of fellowship and refreshments in the church hall—a chance to connect, share, and support one another in community.

For those not directly experiencing grief or loss, you are still warmly welcome to attend. Gathering in worship and solidarity is a powerful way to uphold and support those around us, and to reflect together on the hope Christ offers to all.

We hope you will join us for this special evening of reflection, remembrance, and renewal.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

May the God of hope fill you with peace and joy,

Rev Wendy

Sock Collection for The Fredericton Homeless Shelters

Let’s help our neighbours keep their feet warm, dry, safe and healthy 
against winter and cold, wet weather.

St. James’ mission team has launched a campaign to raise socks for The Fredericton Homeless Shelters.

OUR GOAL:  400 pairs of socks by April

Why 400? By October, the Fredericton Homeless Shelters had served 340 this year, so we estimate 400 individuals could need shelter care this year.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: We welcome donations of new socks (hand-knit knit or purchased) for men, women, and children. Baskets have been placed in the  entrance and sanctuary of St. James.

We will post regular progress reports on how we are meeting our goal.
As of November 30, we had 53 pairs.

If you wish to donate any other items listed on The Fredericton Homeless Shelters’ holiday wish list (posted below), you can also drop them off here and we will see they are delivered. We will regularly deliver your donations to The Fredericton Homeless Shelters, so that our neighbours do not have to wait to use these items.

Thank you for your kindness!