When I needed a neighbor…..
If you live rurally and you’ve looked out your window lately, or looked to the north and south of us, you’ve likely seen more water than field. Roads are washed out, ditches have become streams, and familiar landscapes have turned into lakes. Communities like Dauphin, Swan River, Deloriane and many surrounding municipalities are facing the reality of flooding after days of relentless rain, with neighbours helping neighbours through another difficult season.
In times like these, we’re reminded that while we cannot control the weather, but we can choose how we respond to one another.
Across our rural communities, that response is often immediate. Farmers check on neighbouring farms before their own work is finished. Volunteers fill sandbags, deliver meals, offer generators, or simply stop by to ask, “How are you doing?” Churches open their doors, communities organize, and strangers become friends. This is one of the beautiful things about living in Manitoba—we know that when one person hurts, we all feel it.
Scripture reminds us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Those words take on new meaning when boots are covered in mud and the burden is very real. Sometimes carrying one another’s burdens looks like lending a pump, sharing a meal, offering a spare room, or simply sitting quietly with someone who is exhausted and worried.
The floodwaters will eventually recede. The roads will be repaired. Fields will dry, and life will slowly return to normal. But long after the water is gone, people will remember who stood beside them.
As people of faith, we believe God’s presence is often found in ordinary acts of compassion. Every helping hand, every casserole dropped off, every prayer offered, every hug shared is a reminder that God’s love is still at work—even when the skies remain grey.
As we continue to pray for everyone affected by the flooding locally and across the Parkland region, may we also look for opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ. In times of rising waters, may our compassion rise even higher.
St. Paul’s Weekly Update
Vacation Bible School – The S.A.L.T. Shakers are having Vacation Bible School at St. Paul’s July 13-17 from 10am – 4pm. All children ages 4-12 are welcome. The theme is “Road Trip” On the Go with God! For information email saltshakers99@gmail.com. Registration is required. Scan the QR code to register!
Change for Change Campaign – The Outreach Committee is inviting everyone to collect their loose change over the summer and donate it to the Mission & Service Fund. Lovely decorated collection bags are available at the church, or you may use a bag of your own. Please return your collected change by the end of September. If you would like your donation included on your year-end tax receipt, please be sure to clearly label your bag with your name.
If you are not into collecting coins, our campaign is online also… help us turn change into change! Click here to help https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/119197150RR0001-st-pauls-united-church/p2p/change-for-change
Coffee Morning – Coffee morning join us on July 9 2026 for a time of coffee, chatter and catch up.
The church office will be closed for the month of July and will reopen on August 5. Should you need immediate assistance please contact Tanis Podobni at vrdnstp.minister@gmail.com or at 204-851-5505.
Worship returns to St. Paul’s on Sunday, August 23.
