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January 21, 2021 The Third Sunday after Epiphany and the 45th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

1/21/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
Greeters – So far I do not have any for this Sunday
For our pre-recorded YouTube services, we have had, thanks to Bonnie C., people from the congregation offering greetings at the beginning of the videos.  It is not possible for Bonnie to continue this.  So, if you really liked the greetings you saw at the beginning of the videos, it’s now up to you.  We would like at least one greeter for each video.  You can record a greeting on your phone (as some of our families did) and send it to Paul, our video editor, at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings can be sent in at any time, and we will include them in the worship videos, though if we get a number of greetings, you might have to wait a week or two to see yourself.   If you have a greeting which you would like to send out for a particular date, call the church.  Don’t wait for someone else to do it.
  
This Sunday – The Third Sunday after Epiphany -  Call and Response
 
For each Sunday in the Church Year, the Lectionary provides four readings.  There is a reading from the Hebrew Scriptures (often called the Old Testament), there is a reading from the Psalms, and a reading from the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) that is not from one of the Gospels.  And there is a Gospel reading.  Normally I pick just two of the readings to be read on a Sunday.  (If you are interested in checking out all the readings for any Sunday for the next three years go to Revised Common Lectionary .)  This Sunday we will hear three readings, the first from the book of Jonah, the second from Psalm 62, and the Gospel from Mark.  The Gospel reading usually sets the “tone” for the Sunday, and this week that seems to be about call and response. In the passage from Mark we have backtracked a little from last week as we hear Mark’s version of the start of Jesus’ ministry and the calling of the first disciples.  The reading from Jonah is not about “Jonah and the Whale.”  That seems to be the part of the story of Jonah that everybody knows.  But there is more to the story.  The reason Jonah was in the whale (or big fish) was that he had attempted to run away from God’s call to him.  Jonah had been called by God to go to the great city of Nineveh and call the people of that city to repentance for their wickedness.  Jonah did not want to go.  Then comes the incident with the big fish.  Eventually Jonah does get to Nineveh, and after being reminded of the reason for being there, does call the people of Nineveh to repentance.  His call worked, “… the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small put on sackcloth.”  Now the reading from Psalm 62 is a bit different.  The passage we will hear on Sunday contains two lines that I will focus on.  The first is “For God alone my soul waits in silence,” and the other, “Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balance they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.”  I am going to reflect on how our attitude toward God and to ourselves affects our response to Gods call.
 
The Scripture readings for this Sunday are Jonah 3: 1-5, 10, Psalm 62: 5-12 and Mark 1: 14-20.  In the Time for All Ages, I am going to say “Shhh.”  The title of my sermon is ““Of low and high estate.”
 
ZOOM COFFEE HOUR CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY
Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84188872465?pwd=UlhoYktNRFh6a054M01IMG1jbjFGQT09
 
Meeting ID: 841 8887 2465
Passcode: 864041
  
2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
 If you have been regularly using Offering Envelopes for your offering, either mailed in to the church or dropped off, your 2021 Envelopes are now available at the Church. We would prefer if you could pick them up.  Call Norma at the church, so that she can have your envelopes ready for you.  If you would rather that they be delivered to you, you will also have to let Norma know.
 
 SPIRIT WEST OUTREACH -  Jasper Place Wellness Bagged Meal
 
Our first date to provide lunches for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre is Saturday, January 23rd.    Due to Covid-19 restrictions they have asked for pre-packaged items to be provided (no sandwiches).   
 
The suggested items for this bagged meal is: individual commercially wrapped muffins or banana bread, granola bars, fruit cups, puddings, cup of soup or noodles in a cup, cheese sticks, crackers, juice boxes and “peelable” fruit like bananas and oranges.
 
Lori, Bill and Adam will shop,  put the bagged meals together and deliver them   We have been asked to create 25 bags.   Lori is budgeting approx. $ 125 to create these meals - $ 5.00 each.   If you are able to sponsor a lunch or lunches, please make a donation to the church and designate the funds as “Outreach.”
 
The next date for our church to provide the bagged lunches in March 6.

MORE ON OUR SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
  
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of the request will not be shared. The prayer requests are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
  
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
 
 SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


0 Comments

January 14, 2021 - Second Sunday after Epiphany and the 44th Sunday in COVID-19 Isolation

1/14/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
OUR WORSHIP VIRTUAL WORSHIP SERVICE
As I begin this eMessage I want to talk about our virtual services.  Last Sunday, we celebrated our first ZOOM Communion Service.  It seemed to go relatively well, although there were problems with lag in the pre-recorded music portions.  This is a problem with ZOOM.  Unfortunately, to overcome this problem requires upgrading the internet at the church.  The other problem we ran into was in recording the service so that it could be uploaded to YouTube.  We ran into an unforeseen technical glitch that prevented the recording.  Paul and I even did a trial last week, which of course worked fine.  We had a ZOOM connection set up between the church and my home, with Margery and Rebecca on separate computers being “the congregation.”  We checked and have a wonderful recording of twenty minutes or so of sound checks, camera angles, and hymn recordings (where we first noted the lag).  But on Sunday, well…. nothing.
The Worship Committee has agreed that we will only use ZOOM for worship on Communion Sundays, the first Sunday of each month.  And Paul and I will do our best to work out the technical challenges, though a lag in pre-recorded elements will be an ongoing problem.
 
The Service for this Sunday will be a “regular” YouTube video.  We have come quite a way in the past 10 months with regard to our “regular” video services.  Our first services were recorded using Margery’s cell phone propped up with a Bible on a music stand, and only the phone’s microphone for sound.  Now we are using a digital single lens reflex camera on a tripod with fluid mount with video input directly to Pauls’ computer and the sound is recorded on a separate track with the church’s sound system connected to Paul’s computer.  And we constantly try to improve.
 
Greeters – So far I do not have any for this Sunday
For our pre-recorded YouTube services, we have had, thanks to Bonnie C., people from the congregation offering greetings at the beginning of the videos.  It is not possible for Bonnie to continue this.  So, if you really liked the greetings you saw at the beginning of the videos, it’s now up to you.  We would like at least one greeter for each video.  You can record a greeting on your phone (as some of our families did) and send it to Paul, our video editor, at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings can be sent in at any time, and we will include them in the worship videos, though if we get a number of greetings, you might have to wait a week or two to see yourself.   If you have a greeting which you would like to send out for a particular date, call the church.  Don’t wait for someone else to do.
  
This Sunday – tHE SECOND AFTER ePIPHANY - The Call of God
 
Within the Lectionary of the Church Year, the end of December to the middle of January is a bit of a rush.  In less than a month we move from the stories of Jesus’ birth to the story of his Baptism by John when Jesus was thought to be about thirty years old.  And this Sunday we recognize the start of Jesus ministry as he calls his disciples, in this case two of the lesser known disciples, Philip and Nathanael.”  It turns out that Nathanael is a bit skeptical about this Jesus of Nazareth, about whom his friend Philip has talked enthusiastically. He is not quite ready to jump up and follow Jesus.  In fact Nathanael says, in a reflection of the attitude of the time, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”  He come round when he actually meets Jesus.  We are also reminded of God’s call in the reading from Samuel.  In that passage, the young Samuel hears the call of God in the night but does not understand what he is hearing, or how to respond,  until it is explained to him.  Do you think you have been called by God?  How do you know?  What does the call of God  “sound” like?
 
The Scripture readings for this Sunday are 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 and John 1: 43-51.  In the Time for All Ages, I am going to talk about “No Caller ID.”  The title of my sermon is “The Call of God.”
 
ZOOM COFFEE HOUR CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY
Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86546882689?pwd=S09pUnc5S3dib3RWRjllWDNKcXFMdz09
Meeting ID: 865 4688 2689
Passcode: 044259
  
2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
 If you have been regularly using Offering Envelopes for your offering, either mailed in or dropped off, your 2021 Envelopes are now available at the Church. We would prefer if you could pick them up.  Call Norma at the church, so that she can have your envelopes ready for you.  If you would rather that they be mailed to you, you will also have to let Norma know.
  
CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING – last day is tomorrow
In what my daughter calls the “before times,” when we gathered at the church for Christmas Eve, we took up a special offering.  For a number of years now this offering has been divided between the needs of Spirit West United Church and the No Room in the Inn program of the Edmonton and District Council of Churches. This year No Room in the Inn has chosen Catholic Social Services - La Salle Shelter and St Katharine Drexel Place for their 2020 campaign.
This campaign’s focus is domestic violence and the need for women’s shelters. We are appealing for support for two women’s shelters, LaSalle Shelter and St. Katharine Drexel Place, which are in need of backyard upgrades so that the children in care can safely play outside on the properties:
  • La Salle Shelter, a second-stage shelter, annually helps more than 30 women and their children escape domestic violence, and transition into stable housing. La Salle shelters those who are fleeing abusive relationships, where they can stay for six months to one year.
  • St. Katharine Drexel Place supports dozens of women each year to stabilize their lives by helping them pursue career and educational goals, focus on family, and find permanent residence in the community. This is subsidized, transitional housing for women in crisis and their children. Clients are homeless, vulnerably-housed, or at risk of homelessness.
Please consider, if you are able, making a special “Christmas Offering” to Spirit West.  These “Christmas Offerings” will again this year be divided equally between Spirit West and No Room in the Inn 2020.  Your offering can be made by mailing a cheque to the church, dropping it at the church during office hours, of by etransfer to spiritw@telus.net.  (this is a corrected email address for etransfers) Please make sure to specify that this is your “Christmas Offering.”  Christmas offerings will be accepted between until tomorrow, January 15, 2021.(Donations received in 2021 will appear on your 2021 Income Tax receipt)
 
SPIRIT WEST OUTREACH -  Jasper Place Wellness Bagged Meal
 
Our first date to provide lunches for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre is Saturday, January 23rd.    Due to Covid-19 restrictions they have asked for pre-packaged items to be provided (no sandwiches).   
 
The suggested items for this bagged meal is: individual commercially wrapped muffins or banana bread, granola bars, fruit cups, puddings, cup of soup or noodles in a cup, cheese sticks, crackers, juice boxes and “peelable” fruit like bananas and oranges.
 
Lori, Bill and Adam will shop,  put the bagged meals together and deliver them   We have been asked to create 25 bags.   Lori is budgeting approx. $ 125 to create these meals - $ 5.00 each.   If you are able, please make a donation to the church and designate the funds as “Outreach.”
 
The Centre will also take donations of warm winter clothing, re-fillable hot beverage containers, bus tickets, and coffee gift cards.  (Please no scarfs. Cowls or infinity/joined scarfs only) There will be a bin at the church where you can drop off these items between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.  It is best to call the church to let us know you will be bringing items in and please follow the Covid-19 restrictions when coming to the church - wear a mask, social distance, and complete the log.
 
Lori will come by the church on January, 21st to collect any items that have been dropped off at the church.   
 
MORE ON OUR SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of the request will not be shared. The prayer requests are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

​
0 Comments

January 7, 2021 - The Baptism of Jesus, the 42nd Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation and our 1st ZOOM Service

1/7/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Greetings!
Welcome to 2021.  As this is the first eMessage of 2021, there is some new information below.  Please take the time to read it!
 
This Sunday – BAPTISM OF JESUS – A ZOOM COMMUNION
 
Worship this Sunday will be a bit different.  It will be a live ZOOM Communion Service at 11:00 am.  The ZOOM Service is at 11:00 because our Spirit West ZOOM Sunday School has been meeting at 10:00 am since the end of September, and the 11:00 am Service time gives us time to switch ZOOMs
.
ZOOM has been used for Communion Services by the General Council and by Norther Spirit Regional Council, and is being encourage as the way for the church to gather for Communion as it brings people together at the same time.  Since it will be Communion, you are encouraged to have some bread and grape juice (or wine) available for each member of your household.  And because it is Baptism of Jesus Sunday, I would also suggest that you have a small bowl of water at hand.
 
Now in a ZOOM Service, what you see is what is happening at the church as you watch it.  Because we are using ZOOM there is a greater possibility for lags in the video or audio and other real time technical problems.  There will be no subtitles for the prayers and prayer responses. As usual, a bulletin will be provided in an email that will be sent out by Norma on Saturday, but rather than a YouTube link, you will be reminded of the ZOOM link.  Please be patient with us as we learn another way of worshiping together   
 
 Some Questions and Answers:
What if I am new to ZOOM, and a bit unsure about how it works?  Sign on early (around 10:45 am and receive a short tutorial about ZOOM)
I can’t use ZOOM, what do I do for worship?  The ZOOM Service will be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel later on Sunday afternoon.
Will all the Services be on ZOOM now?  No, for the present, we will only be using ZOOM for Communion Services, on the first Sunday of each month.  The remainder of the Service each month will be the pre-recorded YouTube videos that you have become used to.
 
To Join the Zoom Communion click on this link between 10:45 and 11:00 am on Sunday, January 10th.(Some computers may require you to press the CTRL key at the same time as you click on the link with your mouse)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83605398586?pwd=WTUzMm5ReDdhRjZYTzdUemhwQWNGUT09
 
It is unlikely, but you may be asked for the Meeting ID: which is 836 0539 8586.  If you need a Passcode it is:107079
 
The Scripture Readings for Sunday are Acts 19: 1-7, and Mark 1; 4-11.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be saying, “Let’s run some water on that.”   My sermon is titled, “God Camps Out”
 
 ZOOM Coffee Hour will follow the ZOOM Service on same link
 
CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING
In what my daughter calls the “before times,” when we gathered at the church for Christmas Eve, we took up a special offering.  For a number of years now this offering has been divided between the needs of Spirit West United Church and the No Room in the Inn program of the Edmonton and District Council of Churches. This year No Room in the Inn has chosen Catholic Social Services - La Salle Shelter and St Katharine Drexel Place for their 2020 campaign.
This campaign’s focus is domestic violence and the need for women’s shelters. We are appealing for support for two women’s shelters, LaSalle Shelter and St. Katharine Drexel Place, which are in need of backyard upgrades so that the children in care can safely play outside on the properties:
  • La Salle Shelter, a second-stage shelter, annually helps more than 30 women and their children escape domestic violence, and transition into stable housing. La Salle shelters those who are fleeing abusive relationships, where they can stay for six months to one year.
  • St. Katharine Drexel Place supports dozens of women each year to stabilize their lives by helping them pursue career and educational goals, focus on family, and find permanent residence in the community. This is subsidized, transitional housing for women in crisis and their children. Clients are homeless, vulnerably-housed, or at risk of homelessness.
Please consider, if you are able, making a special “Christmas Offering” to Spirit West.  These “Christmas Offerings” will again this year be divided equally between Spirit West and No Room in the Inn 2020.  Your offering can be made by mailing a cheque to the church, dropping it at the church during office hours, of by etransfer to spiritw@telus.net.  (this is a corrected email address for etransfers) Please make sure to specify that this is your “Christmas Offering.”  Christmas offerings will be accepted between until January 15, 2021.(Donations received in 2021 will appear on your 2021 Income Tax receipt)
 
SPIRIT WEST OUTREACH -  Jasper Place Wellness Bagged Meal
 
Our first date to provide lunches for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre is Saturday, January 23rd.    Due to Covid-19 restrictions they have asked for pre-packaged items to be provided (no sandwiches).   
 
The suggested items for this bagged meal is: individual commercially wrapped muffins or banana bread, granola bars, fruit cups, puddings, cup of soup or noodles in a cup, cheese sticks, crackers, juice boxes and “peelable” fruit like bananas and oranges.
 
Lori, Bill and Adam will shop,  put the bagged meals together and deliver them   We have been asked to create 25 bags.   Lori is budgeting approx. $ 125 to create these meals - $ 5.00 each.   If you are able, please make a donation to the church and designate the funds as “Outreach.”
 
The Centre will also take donations of warm winter clothing, re-fillable hot beverage containers, bus tickets, and coffee gift cards.  (Please no scarfs. Cowls or infinity/joined scarfs only) There will be a bin at the church where you can drop off these items between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.  It is best to call the church to let us know you will be bringing items in and please follow the Covid-19 restrictions when coming to the church - wear a mask, social distance, and complete the log.
 
Lori will come by the church on January, 21st to collect any items that have been dropped off at the church. 
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
For our pre-recorded YouTube services, we have had, thanks to Bonnie C., people from the congregation offering greetings at the beginning of the videos.  It is not possible for Bonnie to continue this.  So, if you really liked the greetings you saw at the beginning of the videos, it’s now up to you.  We would like at least one greeter for each video.  You can record a greeting on your phone (as some of our families did) and send it to Paul, our video editor, at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings can be sent in at any time, and we will include them in the worship videos, though if we get a number of greetings, you might have to wait a week or two to see yourself.   If you have a greeting which you would like to send out for a particular date, call the church.  Don’t wait for someone else to do.
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of the request will not be shared. The prayer requests are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
 
 SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
  Office hours 
    -  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
    -  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
0 Comments

December 17, 2020 - The Fourth Sunday of Advent and the 40th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

12/17/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Greetings!
This will be my last eMessage for 2020.  Next Thursday is Christmas Eve.  Watch for the notice of our Christmas Eve Worship Video.  Our first service in 2021 will be for Sunday, January 10.  (There will be no Worship Videos for December 27 or January 3) If we can get the technology working, we may be celebrating a ZOOM Communion.  You will get notice of what exactly is going to happen in the eMessage on January 7, 2020.  So as we come to the end of Advent 2020, I wish you a blessed if somewhat isolated Christmas, and a New Year filled with wonderful possibilities.
 
This Sunday –ADVENT 4
 This Sunday is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of love.  Although the traditional focus for the fourth Sunday of Advent in Love, the Lectionary readings for year B, which is the one we are in now, are more focused on how God is present to us in the world.  In the reading from Samuel, God has been “dwelling” among the people of Israel in the Tabernacle, a big tent.  David wants to build a house for God, a temple, something permanent. But that is not what God wants.  God has different plans. In fact when David approaches the prophet Nathan with his plans, God speaks through Nathan to tell David that in all the time since the time of Moses that God has been with Israel, God has moved with the people in the tent, and furthermore has never asked for anything permanent.   In the opening of John’s gospel (which is not one of Sunday’s readings) we read the “The Word became flesh and “lived” among us.  The Greek word for “lived” eskhnwsen (eskenosen) actually means “tented” or “camped” among us.  God is a God of no fixed address.  Even as the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is going to birth the Saviour, we know that the life of that child will be bound by the constraints of our human existence.  This is an important thing to understand. God is not bound to any one time or place.  God is with us everywhere, and at all times.  Even as we are confined to our own homes this Christmas, God is with us. Thanks be to God.
 
The Scripture Readings are 2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16, and Luke 1: 26-38.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be asking, “Where does God live?”   My sermon is titled, “God Camps Out”
  
ZOOM Coffee Hour  – Sundays in Advent
We had a very nice ZOOM coffee hour last Sunday.  We even had someone join us who is new to the area and has been worshipping with us through our YouTube videos.  So for the Sundays in Advent join the virtual coffee hour on ZOOM at 11:30 am on Sunday. Visit with others from the congregation over a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever…).  This is a trial, and if it is successful, we will continue it.  You do not need to register in advance, just click on the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85252850387?pwd=NmhhV0VvbjhEVERQajFDNm90cXpqdz09 for our coffee hour.
 
 CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING
Our Worship Team at Spirit West is creating a special Worship Video for Christmas Eve this year.  It will be available on December 24.  Part of the service will be by candlelight, so we would encourage you to have small candles available for each person in your household (maybe battery operated for young children).
In “normal” years when we gather at the church for Christmas Eve, we take up a special offering.  For a number of years now this offering has been divided between the needs of Spirit West United Church and the No Room in the Inn program of the Edmonton and District Council of Churches. This year No Room in the Inn has chosen Catholic Social Services - La Salle Shelter and St Katharine Drexel Place for their 2020 campaign.This campaign’s focus is domestic violence and the need for women’s shelters. We are appealing for support for two women’s shelters, LaSalle Shelter and St. Katharine Drexel Place, which are in need of backyard upgrades so that the children in care can safely play outside on the properties:
  • La Salle Shelter, a second-stage shelter, annually helps more than 30 women and their children escape domestic violence, and transition into stable housing. La Salle shelters those who are fleeing abusive relationships, where they can stay for six months to one year.
  • St. Katharine Drexel Place supports dozens of women each year to stabilize their lives by helping them pursue career and educational goals, focus on family, and find permanent residence in the community. This is subsidized, transitional housing for women in crisis and their children. Clients are homeless, vulnerably-housed, or at risk of homelessness.
Please consider, if you are able, making a special “Christmas Offering” to Spirit West.  These “Christmas Offerings” will again this year be divided equally between Spirit West and No Room in the Inn 2020.  Your offering can be made by mailing a cheque to the church, dropping it at the church during office hours, of by etransfer to spiritw@telus.net.  (this is a corrected email address for etransfers) Please make sure to specify that this is your “Christmas Offering.”  Christmas offerings will be accepted between now and January 15, 2021.
 
SPIRIT WEST OUTREACH
 It’s that time of year when we are usually collecting toys and putting together stockings for the Bissell Centre.    This year due to Covid-19, Bissell will not be having their annual Christmas Party.   

Winter warming meals are currently under discussion for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre.   If we are able to continue with the bagged lunches we made in the past, we will have approx. 3 dates January - March 2021 that our church will be responsible for.  (More details to follow as this program is confirmed).

Bissell Center and Jasper Place Wellness are still in need of warm accessories like mitts, hats, hand warmers, scarves, winter underwear, socks, etc.   Bill and Lori thought about organizing a drive and drop like they did for the Food Bank - but they didn’t want to stand out in the cold.   Also, with the increasing Covid numbers and the new restrictions it doesn’t feel right asking you to drop things off at the church let alone go out and shop.

So, those of you who wish to give something this Christmas to help others in need - please do so in a monetary way directly, by mail or online to one of the many organizations out there.  
If you have items at your house that you would like to donate - please don’t take them to the church at this time.  A date will be posted in January for when Lori will be picking up from the church.
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of request  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
 
 FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
                
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

0 Comments

December 10, 2020 - Third Sunday in Advent and the 39th Sunday in COVID-19 Isolation

12/10/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
Please read through this whole eMessage so that you don’t miss the information about our continuing Outreach at Spirit West.
 
This Sunday –Advent 3
 This Sunday is the Sunday of Joy in the Advent cycle.  It’s old Latin name was Gaudete Sunday.  This name came from the introit, or opening phrase that was said at the beginning of the Mass for the day. “Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, Gaudete.” “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice.”  The line comes from Philippians 4:4–6.  If you have been following our Worship Videos you may recognize this passage, as I have frequently used it to introduce the centring time and prayers of the people.  The colour that is associated with Gaudete Sunday is rose (which some people call pink), and you will notice that the third candle of our Advent Wreath is rose. And I am using a sort of rose coloured font for this part of the eMessage.  I hope it is not too hard to read.  The challenge with this Sunday of Joy is that our world usually confuses joy with happiness, so that the call to rejoice sounds a lot like “Be Happy!”  And we know that there are times, and right now may be one of them, when we just can’t be that happy. So the call to “Be Happy!” can actually be hurtful.  So what is the difference between joy and happiness?  Can we be joyful when we are not happy?  The theologian Henri Nouwen described the difference between joy and happiness this way. While happiness is dependent on external conditions, joy is "the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing – sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death - can take that love away." Thus joy can be present even in the midst of sadness.  One of the scripture passages often associated with this Sunday (but we’re not using this year) is the Song of Mary, or the Magnificat from Luke 1: 47-55.  This is a song of rejoicing sung by Mary as she meets her cousin Elizabeth.  The whole “song” reflects an overturning of all that is expected and accepted as the way things are in the world.  And this is being  sung by a young pregnant women, whose child was not conceived in the normal or socially approved way.  And we are told that Mary “went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country.”  Mary was going into hiding, she stayed with Elizabeth for three months. Perhaps this was how long it took to get things sorted out with Joseph.  Luke tells us later that when the couple went to register in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were still just engaged, not married.  Awkward.  And yet as she went into hiding, she was able to say, “my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”.  As we live through this strange Christmas of 2020, in separation and isolation, may we know divine joy.  Joy can be present even in the midst of …..
 
The Scripture Readings are Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24  and John 1:6-8, 19-28.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be looking at things “That makes me joyful”   My sermon is titled, “Divine Joy”
  
ADVENT AT SPIRIT WEST
ZOOM Coffee Hour  – Sundays in Advent
 We had a very nice ZOOM coffee hour last Sunday.  We even had someone join us who is new to the area and has been worshipping with us through our YouTube videos.  So for the Sundays in Advent join the virtual coffee hour on ZOOM at 11:30 am on Sunday. Visit with others from the congregation over a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever…).  This is a trial, and if it is successful, we will continue it.  You do not need to register in advance, just click on the link.So, starting on Sunday, November 29 at 11:30 am  ZOOM to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85252850387?pwd=NmhhV0VvbjhEVERQajFDNm90cXpqdz09 for our coffee hour.
 
 Advent Small Group Study – “Now is the time” and you can still sign up!
 Our virtual small group study on ZOOM continues this Wednesday at 1:30.  The Study, which will continue for the next two Wednesdays in Advent, is called “Now is the Time.”  In the third session we will looking at “signs of the times.”
Registration is required for the study, so that I can send out the resource material each week.  And it’s not too late to register.  Email or call the church to register.  Even if you can’t attend every session, you can register so that you will receive the study material
Just email me, swm@telus.net or call the church.
 
CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING
Our Worship Team at Spirit West will be creating a special Worship Video for Christmas Eve this year.  It will be available on December 24.  Part of the service will be by candlelight, so we would encourage you to have small candles available for each person in your household (maybe battery operated for young children).
In “normal” years when we gather at the church for Christmas Eve, we take up a special offering.  For a number of years now this offering has been divided between the needs of Spirit West United Church and the No Room in the Inn program of the Edmonton and District Council of Churches. This year No Room in the Inn has chosen Catholic Social Services - La Salle Shelter and St Katharine Drexel Place for their 2020 campaign.This campaign’s focus is domestic violence and the need for women’s shelters. We are appealing for support for two women’s shelters, LaSalle Shelter and St. Katharine Drexel Place, which are in need of backyard upgrades so that the children in care can safely play outside on the properties:
  • La Salle Shelter, a second-stage shelter, annually helps more than 30 women and their children escape domestic violence, and transition into stable housing. La Salle shelters those who are fleeing abusive relationships, where they can stay for six months to one year.
  • St. Katharine Drexel Place supports dozens of women each year to stabilize their lives by helping them pursue career and educational goals, focus on family, and find permanent residence in the community. This is subsidized, transitional housing for women in crisis and their children. Clients are homeless, vulnerably-housed, or at risk of homelessness.
Please consider, if you are able, making a special “Christmas Offering” to Spirit West.  These “Christmas Offerings” will again this year be divided equally between Spirit West and No Room in the Inn 2020.  Your offering can be made by mailing a cheque to the church, dropping it at the church during office hours, of by etransfer to spiritw@telus.net.  Please make sure to specify that this is your “Christmas Offering.”  Christmas offerings will be accepted between now and January 15, 2021.
 
SPIRIT WEST OUTREACH
 It’s that time of year when we are usually collecting toys and putting together stockings for the Bissell Centre.    This year due to Covid-19, Bissell will not be having their annual Christmas Party.   
Winter warming meals are currently under discussion for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre.   If we are able to continue with the bagged lunches we made in the past, we will have approx. 3 dates January - March 2021 that our church will be responsible for.  (More details to follow as this program is confirmed).
Bissell Center and Jasper Place Wellness are still in need of warm accessories like mitts, hats, hand warmers, scarves, winter underwear, socks, etc.   Bill and Lori thought about organizing a drive and drop like they did for the Food Bank - but they didn’t want to stand out in the cold.   Also, with the increasing Covid numbers and the new restrictions it doesn’t feel right asking you to drop things off at the church let alone go out and shop.
So, those of you who wish to give something this Christmas to help others in need - please do so in a monetary way directly, by mail or online to one of the many organizations out there.  
If you have items at your house that you would like to donate - please don’t take them to the church at this time.  A date will be posted in January for when Lori will be picking up from the church.
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of request  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


0 Comments

December 2, 2020 - 2nd Sunday in Advent and the 38th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

12/3/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
This Sunday –ADVENT 2
 
After the rather frightening start to Advent with the readings from last Sunday, with this Sunday’s readings we start to see signs of hope, and new ways of seeing God.  In the reading from the prophet Isaiah, the first words are “’Comfort, O comfort my people,’ says your God.” These are words that are to be spoken to a people who have been through a lot of suffering, they are words to be addressed to a people who have been in exile.  The message continues with a view of something new happening.  There is call to prepare the way of the Lord, by removing the obstacles on the path.  We see a vision of a straight road over terrain where the valleys have been filled in, the high places leveled, and all the uneven ground smoothed out.  Sounds almost like a call for accessibility.  We also see an important vision of God.  On the one hand, the prophet says, “See, the Lord God comes with might; and his arm rules for him,” and then a little later says, “He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.”  Mighty God, cuddles lambs.  Our Gospel reading this week is the opening of the oldest Gospel, Mark.  I know it comes second in the order of Gospels, but Mark is the oldest Gospel.  Mark’s Gospel does not start with a story of Jesus’ birth.  It starts with the proclamation of John the Baptist, a proclamation which echoes the part or the reading from Isaiah.  John is an odd individual.  He came from a “good family.”  His father was Zechariah, a priest at the temple in Jerusalem, his mother was Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary the mother of Jesus.  Did John follow in his father’s footsteps and become a priest?  No, not really.  In Mark’s Gospel, we find John appearing in the wilderness, clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt, eating locusts and wild honey.  In Mark’s gospel, John is seen as the messenger, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”  Such interesting images for the Divine:  mighty, gentle, seeking accessibility, and working through some rather unconventional people.  As we move through Advent 2020, perhaps we can find more signs of hope hidden in the unexpected
 
The Scripture Readings are Isaiah 40: 1-11  and Mark 1: 1-8.  In the Time for All Ages, because December 6 is also St. Nicholas Day in some parts of the world, I will be introducing St. Nicholas”   My sermon is titled, “Mighty and Gentle God”
 
Communion this Sunday
 
This Sunday, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  The celebration at the Church will involve only three people from the congregation and me, but I would like you to be able to participate as fully as you can.  So I would suggest that, if you can, watch the video at our usual church time of 10:30 on Sunday morning and that you have some bread and grape juice (or wine) for each member of your household.  Follow the service and share together at your table, be it the kitchen table, dining table, coffee table or the TV table you have put in front of your television.  And as you share the bread and cup in your home, know that others are sharing at the Table of Christ in their homes and around the world. 
  
ADVENT AT SPIRIT WEST
 
ZOOM Coffee Hour  – Sundays in Advent
 
We had a very nice ZOOM coffee hour last Sunday.  We even had someone join us who is new to the area and has been worshipping with us through our YouTube videos.  So for the Sundays in Advent join the virtual coffee hour on ZOOM at 11:30 am on Sunday. Visit with others from the congregation over a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever…).  This is a trial, and if it is successful, we will continue it.  You do not need to register in advance, just click on the link.So, starting on Sunday, November 29 at 11:30 am  ZOOM to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85252850387?pwd=NmhhV0VvbjhEVERQajFDNm90cXpqdz09 for our coffee hour.
 
Advent Small Group Study – “Now is the time” and you can still sign up!
We are having a virtual small group study on ZOOM on the four Wednesdays in December from 1:30 to 3:00 pm.  The Study is called “Now is the Time.”  The series begins by re-imagining the Advent and Christmas stories in the time of COVID-19 : 
  • When Mary Couldn’t Hug Elizabeth.
  • When all Joseph Could Do was Dream.
  • When Angels Couldn’t Sing.
  • When Shepherds Were Sheltering in Place
  • When Borders Where Closed.
Registration is required for the study, so that I can send out the resource material each week.  Just email me, swm@telus.net or call the church.

SPIRIT WEST WOMEN’S GROUP – December ZOOM Meeting
Spirit West Women’s Group will be having a Zoom meeting, Monday December 7@ 7:00P.M. It will be a fun filled night of icebreakers, a brief meeting and a craft (unfortunately we are out of prepared craft kits,) but please join in the Zoom meeting for fun and fellowship.
Please contact Cathy at 780-264-0327, or 780-651-3915 or email cathy.sutherland.work@gmail.com, to be sure to receive your ZOOM invite.
 
CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING
Our Worship Team at Spirit West will be creating a special Worship Video for Christmas Eve this year.  It will be available on December 24.  Part of the service will be by candlelight, so we would encourage you to have small candles available for each person in your household (maybe battery operated for young children).
In “normal” years when we gather at the church for Christmas Eve, we take up a special offering.  For a number of years now this offering has been divided between the needs of Spirit West United Church and the No Room in the Inn program of the Edmonton and District Council of Churches. This year No Room in the Inn has chosen Catholic Social Services - La Salle Shelter and St Katharine Drexel Place for their 2020 campaign.This campaign’s focus is domestic violence and the need for women’s shelters. We are appealing for support for two women’s shelters, LaSalle Shelter and St. Katharine Drexel Place, which are in need of backyard upgrades so that the children in care can safely play outside on the properties:
  • La Salle Shelter, a second-stage shelter, annually helps more than 30 women and their children escape domestic violence, and transition into stable housing. La Salle shelters those who are fleeing abusive relationships, where they can stay for six months to one year.
  • St. Katharine Drexel Place supports dozens of women each year to stabilize their lives by helping them pursue career and educational goals, focus on family, and find permanent residence in the community. This is subsidized, transitional housing for women in crisis and their children. Clients are homeless, vulnerably-housed, or at risk of homelessness.
Please consider, if you are able, making a special “Christmas Offering” to Spirit West.  These “Christmas Offerings” will again this year be divided equally between Spirit West and No Room in the Inn 2020.  Your offering can be made by mailing a cheque to the church, dropping it at the church during office hours, of by etransfer to spirit@telus.net.  Please make sure to specify that this is your “Christmas Offering.”  Christmas offerings will be accepted between December 1, 2020 and January 15, 2021.
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of request  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


0 Comments

November 26, 2020 - First Sunday in Advent and the 37th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

11/26/2020

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Picture
Happy New Year!
 
This Sunday –ADVENT 1
 
This Sunday is the first Sunday of the new Christian Year. We start the cycle of worship and witness again.  We go back to the beginning of our story as we wait again for the coming of the Saviour.  Now, this past year has been quite different than the one we expected when we began Advent in 2019.  But as we look to the readings for this Sunday, we are reminded that the whole of our Christian story is centred on an event and a life that was foretold, but not really expected. We can almost hear the voices saying, “Well, God never did it that way before!”  And yet, if we look closely at the stories of the Bible, we see that God often acted in unexpected ways.  So as we look towards the celebration of an unwed mother giving birth to a son in a stable, because a government edict forced her to leave family and friends to be registered in her fiancé’s hometown, a town not prepared for that many people all at once, we can see God at work doing amazing things in the most difficult circumstances.  And we can rejoice.
 
The Scripture Readings are Isaiah 64: 1-9  and Mark 13: 24-27.  In the Time for All Ages, I will look at the ways we need to “Get Ready!”   My sermon is titled, “It’ll be different this year”
 
ADVENT AT SPIRIT WEST
 
ZOOM Coffee Hour  – Sundays in Advent
One thing that people have said about church online, is that they miss the opportunity to chat with people over coffee after the service.  Well, for the Sundays in Advent we are going to try a virtual coffee hour on ZOOM.  At 11:30 am on each Sunday in Advent starting this Sunday, you can ZOOM in with others from the congregation for a visit over a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever…).  This is a trial, and if it is successful, we will continue it.  You do not need to register in advance, just click on the link.So, starting on Sunday, November 29 at 11:30 am  ZOOM to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85252850387?pwd=NmhhV0VvbjhEVERQajFDNm90cXpqdz09 for our coffee hour.
 
Advent Small Group Study – Now is the time
We will be having a virtual small group study on ZOOM on the four Wednesdays in December from 1:30 to 3:00 pm.  The Study is called “Now is the Time.”  The series begins by re-imagining the Advent and Christmas stories in the time of COVID-19 : 
  • When Mary Couldn’t Hug Elizabeth.
  • When all Joseph Could Do was Dream.
  • When Angels Couldn’t Sing.
  • When Shepherds Were Sheltering in Place
  • When Borders Where Closed.
Registration is required for the study, so that I can send out the resource material each week.  Just email me, swm@telus.net or call the church.

CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING
Our Worship Team at Spirit West will be creating a special Worship Video for Christmas Eve this year.  It will be available on December 24.  Part of the service will be by candlelight, so we would encourage you to have small candles available for each person in your household (maybe battery operated for young children).
In “normal” years when we gather at the church for Christmas Eve, we take up a special offering.  For a number of years now this offering has been divided between the needs of Spirit West United Church and the No Room in the Inn program of the Edmonton and District Council of Churches. This year No Room in the Inn has chosen Catholic Social Services - La Salle Shelter and St Katharine Drexel Place for their 2020 campaign.This campaign focus is domestic violence and the need for women’s shelters. We are appealing for support of two of our women’s shelters, LaSalle Shelter and St. Katharine Drexel Place, which are in need of backyard upgrades so that the children in care can safely play outside on the properties:
  • La Salle Shelter, a second-stage shelter, annually helps more than 30 women and their children escape domestic violence, and transition into stable housing. La Salle shelters those who are fleeing abusive relationships, where they can stay for six months to one year.
  • St. Katharine Drexel Place supports dozens of women each year to stabilize their lives by helping them pursue career and educational goals, focus on family, and find permanent residence in the community. This is subsidized, transitional housing for women in crisis and their children. Clients are homeless, vulnerably-housed, or at risk of homelessness.
Please consider, if you are able, making a special “Christmas Offering” to Spirit West.  These “Christmas Offerings” will again this year be divided equally between Spirit West and No Room in the Inn 2020.  Your offering can be made by mailing a cheque to the church, dropping it at the church during office hours, of by etransfer to spiritw@telus.net.  Please make sure to specify that this is your “Christmas Offering.”  Christmas offerings will be accepted between December 1, 2020 and January 15, 2021.
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of request  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
 
 FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
  
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
                     
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


0 Comments

November 19, 2020 - the 36th Sunday in COVID-19 Isolation - Reign of Christ Sunday

11/19/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
 
This Sunday is the last in the Christian Year.  We begin a New Year with the First Sunday of Advent on November 29.  See the announcements below about things that are happening in Advent.
 
This Sunday – Reign of Christ
The Scripture Readings are Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24 and Matthew 25: 31-46.  In the Time for All Ages, I will talking asking “Can we do it?”   My sermon is titled, “It’s Judgement Time!”
 
This Sunday, the last of the Christian Year, is a very special Sunday at Spirit West.  As part of this Sunday’s worship video, you will be part of the first virtual Confirmation and Welcoming of New members to the Congregation.  In this unique time we are constantly discovering new ways to continue to be the church and to grow individually and collectively.
So, Sunday, with its theme of Reign of Christ, or as it was once called Christ the King, is the culmination of the church year.  What have we learned and experienced through the past year about God, about Jesus, about our faith, and about our world?  And, what difference does it make?  The scripture readings for this Sunday speak of judgement, a final judgement, and depending on who you are, can be good news or not.  In the Gospel reading of Matthew, we see the “Son of Man” in glory pronouncing judgement on some confused people of all the nations.  One group, called the sheep, are told to “inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me”  The other group, the goats, are told to depart “into the eternal fire.”  “for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.”  Both groups are confused, no one can remember doing or not doing these things to the “Son of Man,” to Jesus the Christ.  The explanation is straightforward, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it (or did not do it) to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it (or did not do it) to me.”  As we come to the end of one year, we reflect on whether our knowledge and love of God has made a difference not only to us but to the world.
 
ADVENT AT SPIRIT WEST (it starts next Sunday)
 
ZOOM Coffee Hour  – Sundays in Advent
One thing that people have said about church online, is that they miss the opportunity to chat with people over coffee after the service.  Well, for the Sundays in Advent we are going to try a virtual coffee hour on ZOOM.  At 11:30 am on each Sunday in Advent, you can ZOOM in with others from the congregation for a visit over a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever…).  This is a trial, and if it is successful, we will continue it.  You do not need to register in advance, just click on the link.So, starting on Sunday, November 29 at 11:30 am  ZOOM to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85252850387?pwd=NmhhV0VvbjhEVERQajFDNm90cXpqdz09 for our coffee hour.
 
Advent Small Group Study – Now is the time
We will be having a virtual small group study on ZOOM on the four Wednesdays in December from 1:30 to 3:00 pm.  The Study is called “Now is the Time.”  The series begins by re-imagining the Advent and Christmas stories in the time of COVID-19 : 
  • When Mary Couldn’t Hug Elizabeth.
  • When all Joseph Could Do was Dream.
  • When Angels Couldn’t Sing.
  • When Shepherds Were Sheltering in Place
  • When Borders Where Closed.
Registration is required for the study, so that I can send out the resource material each week.  Just email me, swm@telus.net or call the church.
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of request  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
 
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

0 Comments

November 12, 2020 - the 24th Sunday after Pentecost and the 35th Sunday in COVID-1 Isolationy

11/19/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
 Just to let you know, Norma is on a bit of a break with her family, so this Thursday eMessage has been sent out by me unsupervised.
 Don’t miss the announcements below about the Spirit West Women’s Group, and about our Bottle returns..
  
This Sunday – the 24th Sunday after Pentecost
The Scripture Readings are 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11  and Matthew 5: 14-30.  In the Time for All Ages, I will talking asking “Can we do it?”   My sermon is titled, “Have you got the talent?”
 
Believe it or not, this Sunday is the second last Sunday in the Christian Year.  Our New Year begins with the First Sunday of Advent which is November 29 this year.  The story in the Gospel reading for this Sunday is the parable of the talents.  Now in Jesus day, talent had a very different meaning to what it is today.  For Jesus and his contemporaries, a talent was a coin, money.  So at the heart of the parable is a story about fiscal responsibility and return on investment.  But throughout the history of the church, this parable has been understood to be about more that finances.  It is part of the reason why for us, talent now means an innate or God given ability in a particular area. The message of the parable is clear, use your talents wisely.  The concept of “Use it or lose it,” is apparently Biblical.
 
Zoom into the Spirit West Women’s Group
 The Spirt West Women’s Group will be meeting  Monday, November 16, 2020 at 7:00 pm by ZOOM. Please contact Cathy Sutherland cathy.sutherland.work@gmail.com or Margery Wright at margery.j.wright@gmail.com, so we have an idea of numbers and availability to Zoom.
If you have questions about how to set up Zoom, we will find someone to help, just let Margery or Cathy know.
If numbers are good we will consider having a second craft night on the first Monday in December.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH – Update for Nov. 12
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  Don D. reports that the last Bottle run turned in $177.50 worth of bottles, bring the total for the year to $648.35
 
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of request  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
              
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


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November 5, 2020 - Remembrance Sunday and the 34th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

11/5/2020

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Picture
Greetings,
 
The first item in today’s Thursday eMessage concerns our response to the alarming rise of cases of Covid-19 in our area, and to a letter that the Church received from Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, requesting the assistance of faith communities in contact tracing and Covid-19 spread reduction.
 
And don’t miss the announcement further down about the Spirit West Ladies Group.
 
SPIRIT WEST AND COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
 As you are no doubt aware the number of Covid-19 cases in Alberta has been rising dramatically since Thanksgiving. You may have also heard that many of the recent cases have origins that are “unknown,”  The ability of our Health Services to follow-up on where an infection may have originated or to trace where someone with Covid-19 may have been while infectious is being stretched. 
In an effort to do our part, our Church instituted a sign-in sheet for those coming into the building.  This has been partially successful.  It has been far too easy to just walk past the register if there is no one there to remind you to sign in.  However, starting today:
  • The doors of the church will be locked.  If you want to come into the building ring the doorbell, and you will be let in.
  • You will be directed to the sign-in register and the hand sanitizer
  • If you have a key, let yourself in, sign the register, sanitize your hands, and let the office know that you are in the building. 
  • You are expected to be masked, it you don’t have a mask one will be provided.   
In order to be as effective as possible, these procedures will apply to everyone,  no matter the reason for your visit or how long you expect to be in the building.
These may seem somewhat drastic measures, but we have to do the best we can to protect ourselves and those in our community.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
 
This Sunday – Remembrance Sunday
 
The Scripture Readings are Deuteronomy 4: 9-14, Psalm 78: 1-7  and John 15: 9-13.  In the Time for All Ages, I will talking about “Stories”   My sermon is titled, “Called to remember.”
 
This Sunday is, in Canada and much of the Commonwealth, the Sunday before Remembrance Day.  As time has passed, fewer and fewer Canadians who were born in Canada have experienced the horror of war.  Remembrance Day has in many parts of our society, become less significant.  While Canadian soldiers were in Afghanistan, and we saw on television the Ramp Ceremonies and processions of hearses along the Highway of Heroes, some interest was rekindled.  But the war was still something far from our day to day experience.  But for many of our new Canadians, war is not distant or abstract, it has been a real part of their lives.  It is probably why they moved or fled to Canada.  I think one of the most important aspects of a day like Remembrance Day is the opportunity to tell the stories of why this day is set apart.  In some ways it is like the commemoration of Passover in the Jewish community, when at the Seder meal a child asks, “Why is this night different from all other nights?”  And then the story of Passover is told again.  We need our stories, good, bad and ugly to remind us of who we are and where we have come from, and to help us move into the future with greater understanding.  We are also starting to learn, that we have not heard all the stories of the people of our nation.  We have not heard the stories of the First Nations, and we are beginning to understand that the stories of the experiences of our “minorities” have also not been heard.  Have you ever had the experience of reading a book (a real book, no a kindle, kobo, or e-reader) and two pages are stuck together and at first you don’t notice.  But somehow, after you turned the page, the story makes less sense, you can’t figure out why John is in the picture and Mary seems to have disappeared.  And then you notice the stuck pages, peel them carefully apart, all becomes clear.  We can’t let the pages of our stories get stuck together.  This Remembrance Day, find a story to read and share about why “this day” is different from all others.
 
Zoom into the Spirit West Women’s Group
 The Executive have had an initial Zoom meeting to discuss moving forward with some General Meetings over Zoom. This would include a meeting portion (business/education) and then a craft; kits for the craft would be prepared in advance and available for pick up at the church or delivery.
The tentative date chosen is Monday, November 16, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Please contact Cathy Sutherland cathy.sutherland.work@gmail.com or Margery Wright at margery.j.wright@gmail.com, so we have an idea of numbers and availability to Zoom.
If you have questions about how to set up Zoom, we will find someone to help, just let Margery or Cathy know.
If numbers are good we will consider having a second craft night on the first Monday in December.
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations (note the submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of request  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
                     
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
​

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