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Added to Prayerful Thoughts

Opening Doors to God’s Love Through Neighbourly Blessings

Each and every day is a special day because it is a day that the Lord has made.

But if you do a little research, it seems that each and every day is also marked by something unique or distinct, sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes fun, sometimes solemn, sometimes important, sometimes historical or religious, sometimes silly.

For example, did you know that August 27 is the 13^th Sunday in Pentecost?  But it is also the 147^thAnniversary of St. Paul’s and Moldova’s Independence Day!  And… it’s also National Just Because Day!

Friday, August 25 also happened to be National Second-hand Wardrobe Day.  Coincidentally it was the day St. Paul’s launched a new mission and outreach service to the community – St. Paul’s Closet.

During the spring, St. Paul’s – with the help of students from Woodstock High’s essential skills class – opened the doors of St. Paul’s Pantry to create an opportunity for neighbours to help neighbours with the sharing of food and toiletries. People can’t take as they need, at no cost, and people can also fill the cupboard with items too.

In recent years, we’ve also held clothing/bedding give-aways, and earlier this summer our yard sale’s pricing was based on by donation to make goods more accessible by those coping with rising costs and income insecurities.

In light of the feedback we’ve received with the pantry and clothing/bedding give aways, and the prayerful discernment and dialogue we’ve engaged into move forward in ministry, mission and outreach, session approved the creation of a new second-hand goods ministry that could be housed within the church building.

On August 25, St. Paul’s Closet was launched.  With donations of second-hand clothing and other household items, a new thrift store became available.  Led by Closet Coordinators Avis Golding and Dineke Sytstma, St. Paul’s Closet will open its doors each Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Prices are by donations only, unless otherwise marked.

In addition to creating opportunities for neighbours to help neighbours, St. Paul’s Closet creates good stewardship practices, i.e., cutting back on waste, creating volunteer opportunities, promoting community spirit, and having a positive impact on the environment.

If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with St. Paul’s Closet (i.e., donating, volunteering, promoting), please contact Avis (506-328-8991) or Dineke (506-276-4669).

St. Paul’s Pantry – Wish List

Dry goods: oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, rice and other whole grains, pasta, popcorn, coffee, tea, boxed dry soups, dry milk, sugar, flour, pudding mix, Jell-o mix, stuffing mix, boxes of mashed potatoes, bread

Cans:  vegetables, soups, fruits

Packaged snacks: boxes of raisins, granola bars, fruit snacks, juices, cookies

Food not requiring kitchen prep: bread, dried fruits, peanut butter, cereal, applesauce

Toiletries: feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, facial tissue, soap, diapers/wipes, bandages, deodorant, toothbrush/paste

Other:  can openers, school supplies

Items can be placed in pantry directly or kitchen cupboard (indoors) marked “pantry” for placement later.

Thank you for your ongoing generosity!

If the pantry is full, St. Paul’s can store the items on site and replenish the pantry as needed.

Gift cards and cash donations are also welcome if you would like us to do the shopping to replenish the pantry.  If making a donation of gift cards or cash, please contact St. Paul’s directly.

Thank you for your generosity and compassion!

June 8th St. Paul’s Pantry Build, Launch and Launch with Woodstock High School’s Essential Skills Class and Pantry Builders

St. Paul’s is part of the Woodstock and District Ministerial Association.  This year, the Ministerial is exploring ways to express gratitude and support for the dedication, sacrifice and service of both the Woodstock Fire Department and Woodstock Police Department.  Such activities will be led or sponsored by the various congregations within the Ministerial.

For example on June 5, following a service of blessing for the new fire truck (led by the Rev. Chaplain Walter Williams), the Salvation Army and St. Paul’s were honoured to provide the Woodstock Fire Department with a buffet supper and words of thanksgiving and prayer.

Approximately 25 members of the fire department were in attendance.  Majors Angel and Marlene Sandoval from the Salvation Army were happy to serve them along with Rev. Wendy and Eugene Craig from St. Paul’s.

We served up salads, vegetables, rolls, chicken with homemade tomato sauce, Basmati rice medley, lasagna made by Mike and Wendy Smith, a fire-truck themed cake with ice cream, coffee, and a specialty lime juice flavoured with mint and orange (Marlene’s recipe, which we must get!)

To the Woodstock Fire Department:  Thank you for your hard work, commitment, service and sacrifice. May God bless you and protect you and the community you serve. And thank you to your families and loved ones for the support and sacrifices they make too.

Charting the future of St. Paul’s ministry – Funding Development Committee: volunteers needed. One of the outcomes of last week’s meeting was to establish a funding development committee to help explore and establish means and ways to support short and long term financial needs of St. Paul’s. Diane and Les will co-chair this committee and are looking for committee members who are interested in working together to identify funding solutions, develop new ways to support our ministry and capital needs, and encourage good stewardship practices. If you wish to help, a short meeting will take place following service on June 4 at 12:15.

New! Digital Discovery Activities at St. Paul’s

Two years ago we moved into a time of great change and uncertainty as the COVID-19 pandemic grabbed hold of the world.  Throughout this time we learned and re-learned how to live with it and avoid it.  We give thanks to God for guiding us through these times and for the immeasurable ways that God has provided to help us cope, serve, and stay well or heal.  In these times we saw compassion transcend isolation.  We experienced being the church in new ways.  We surprised ourselves with how quickly we adapted to new work and school environments. We established a new normal for our daily routines. We found new ways to comfort one another in times of grieving.

We know that we still must cope with COVID even in this new phase.  And we know that we must be intentional about encouraging and supporting one another as we move forward.  Everyone has been affected by COVID, whether they tested positive for the virus or not.  As we move forward, may God bless this world with healing and renewal.

What does this mean for St. Paul’s?

• Masks are no longer required, but you are welcome to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable doing so. We should also be mindful that people may wear a mask still for different reasons (e.g., they feel more comfortable doing so; they have health issues; or their loved one may have health issues; it could be cold and flu season, etc.)

• Proof of vaccination is no longer required.

• Hand sanitizer will continue to be available throughout the building.

• If you are feeling unwell or you test positive for Covid, we recommend you stay home.  According to Public Health, isolation is no longer required among the general public, but people are encouraged to stay home if they are sick.  Within vulnerable sectors, a five-day isolation period for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is still recommended by Public Health.  We consider the church to be a vulnerable sector.

• We will continue to live stream worship as we gather in-person for worship.  And Zoom will be available for those who wish to participate in meetings virtually instead of gathering in-person.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak with me or an elder.

Blessings,

Rev. Wendy.