Happy Easter!
We are now in the Easter Season, the season of resurrection and new life. For this Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter, I am following a suggestion in Gathering (the United Church worship resource magazine) and calling it Holy Humour Sunday. Throughout the Bible, we are constantly admonished/commanded to rejoice, be joyful, celebrate with joy. Christians are allowed to laugh. Laughter is a gift from God. According to the Bible, God laughs. (When the elderly Sarah heard that she was to bear a son she laughed. When her son was born, he was called Isaac which means “God laughs.” Genesis 18:9-15, 21:1-7). Sunday’s Gospel includes the story of “Doubting Thomas” and his encounter with the risen Jesus.
The readings for Sunday are Psalm 133, and John 20: 19-31
In the time for all ages, I will share the story of “The Child and the Starfish.” And the Sermon title is “The Joy of the Lord”
MESSY CHURCH (with the correct date!)
We will be having a Messy Church on Saturday, April 18 starting at 4:00 pm. The theme is Jonah and the Whale! For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK. The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible in a setting that is not like Sunday church. So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story. Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together. Everything is provided. It is expected that children will bring their parents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food. So, come bring your family and friends! If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.
A Spirit West Benevolent Fund
At the last Board Meeting, a discussion arose as to how we as a church would or could help any within our congregation who might find themselves in need, particularly short term financial need. It was thought that the establishment of a designated benevolent fund would be appropriate. Members of the congregation could contribute to this fund specifically. Small grants of money would be paid out to individuals or families based on recommendations to me from Community Care or members of the congregation. The decision to offer assistance would be made by the minister (me) in consultation with the Board Chair and the Treasurer. The details of any payments would, of course, not be made public, but the treasurer would keep a detailed record of disbursements. Your thoughts on this idea would be welcomed.
Spirit West Prayer Chain
We have a new Prayer Chain Co-ordinator, Shannon F. The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week. To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com . You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address. If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
NEW WEBSITE!
Check out our New Website at www.spiritwest.org . Thanks to our Webmaster: Bonnie S.
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Remember to check us our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
Let us celebrate the Triduum together!
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
We are now in the Easter Season, the season of resurrection and new life. For this Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter, I am following a suggestion in Gathering (the United Church worship resource magazine) and calling it Holy Humour Sunday. Throughout the Bible, we are constantly admonished/commanded to rejoice, be joyful, celebrate with joy. Christians are allowed to laugh. Laughter is a gift from God. According to the Bible, God laughs. (When the elderly Sarah heard that she was to bear a son she laughed. When her son was born, he was called Isaac which means “God laughs.” Genesis 18:9-15, 21:1-7). Sunday’s Gospel includes the story of “Doubting Thomas” and his encounter with the risen Jesus.
The readings for Sunday are Psalm 133, and John 20: 19-31
In the time for all ages, I will share the story of “The Child and the Starfish.” And the Sermon title is “The Joy of the Lord”
MESSY CHURCH (with the correct date!)
We will be having a Messy Church on Saturday, April 18 starting at 4:00 pm. The theme is Jonah and the Whale! For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK. The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible in a setting that is not like Sunday church. So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story. Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together. Everything is provided. It is expected that children will bring their parents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food. So, come bring your family and friends! If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.
A Spirit West Benevolent Fund
At the last Board Meeting, a discussion arose as to how we as a church would or could help any within our congregation who might find themselves in need, particularly short term financial need. It was thought that the establishment of a designated benevolent fund would be appropriate. Members of the congregation could contribute to this fund specifically. Small grants of money would be paid out to individuals or families based on recommendations to me from Community Care or members of the congregation. The decision to offer assistance would be made by the minister (me) in consultation with the Board Chair and the Treasurer. The details of any payments would, of course, not be made public, but the treasurer would keep a detailed record of disbursements. Your thoughts on this idea would be welcomed.
Spirit West Prayer Chain
We have a new Prayer Chain Co-ordinator, Shannon F. The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week. To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com . You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address. If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
NEW WEBSITE!
Check out our New Website at www.spiritwest.org . Thanks to our Webmaster: Bonnie S.
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Remember to check us our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
Let us celebrate the Triduum together!
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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