This Sunday
This Sunday’s readings focus on images of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The first reading is Psalm 23. For Christians, this psalm has been seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus. This is especially evident when the psalm is put alongside the reading from John, where Jesus identifies as a shepherd. In my sermon, I am going to focus on a couple of phrases from Psalm 23, “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.” These are images of safety and refreshment. Where do we find the green pastures and still waters where God can restore our souls? Apparently, we are not that good at finding these places on our own. “He makes lie down…, he leads me. Do we follow the Shepherd?
The Scripture readings are Psalm 23, which we will sing, and John 10: 11-18. In the Time for All Ages, I will talk about the “Good Shepherd.” The title of the sermon is “Green Pastures.”
Fill Your Bucket – Spirit West Spring Concert: TOMORROW, April 20 at 7:00 pm
The Spirit West choir and guest musicians are preparing the third annual spring concert. Always a concert of inspiration, Fill Your Bucket is full of promise on the topic of giving and supporting one another! The choir, and musicians on piano, guitar, violins, and harps as well as the narrators are working hard to give you a night of joy – word and music for thought! A freewill offering will be used to support the homeless and those in need in the west end of Edmonton. See you tomorrow!
the stations of the RESURRECTION Bible Study – Wednesdays at 2:00 pm
We are having an Easter Bible Study. Using the book the stations of the RESURRECTION, written by a Methodist minister from London, we will reflect on eight Gospel stories of encounters with the Risen Christ, from the empty tomb to the ascension. Our next session will be on Wednesday, April 18. The story for this session is the Emmaus Walk, Luke24: 13-35. If you have not signed up, but would like to participate, call the church office.
NEW PASTORAL CARE INITIATIVE – “CARE CALLS”
The Pastoral Care committee is looking for people who would be willing to make “Care Calls” on behalf of the congregation. Are you good on the phone? Are you willing to take a bit of training? Can you keep private conversations private? Would you like to be a “Care Caller?”
Outreach at Spirit West
We are still collecting mitts, hats, hand warmers, coffee cards, hot chocolate packages, coffee travel mugs, etc. for both Bissell Center and the Jasper Place Wellness Center. You can bring these items in and put them on the giving tree or leave them in the baskets on the table.
A NEW WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt. Now you can! Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. It was suggested at a Board Meeting that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
Security Access codes
The church access code for the alarm system has been changed. Each of our renters will have their own code. Members of the Spirit West congregation who have a key to the church (choir, Ladies’ Group, Men’s Breakfast etc.) need to see Norma or Larry to get the new code. You don’t want to set the alarm off, by using an outdated code.
PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle. We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray. There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need. If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
RIDE TO CHURCH?
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation. Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office. Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
Spirit West Prayer Chain
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 the church or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
Office hours
- Norma => 11 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 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