Greetings
In the two readings for this Sunday, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, we see people who’s plans were changed by God. In the reading from Acts, we see that Paul had a plan for his journey, he knew where he wanted to share the word, the Good News. Paul had intended to preach in Asia, then Bithynia, then Troas. But it turned out that where Paul wanted to be, and where he was needed were two different places. Paul was needed in Macedonia. In the Gospel we encounter a man, who had been ill for thirty-eight. He was sitting beside a local pool in Jerusalem. There are some scholars who associate this pool with an Asclepieion, or Greek healing centre. Healing was achieved by bathing in the pool, and it seems that the first in the pool had the best chance for healing. The man had a plan, he would bathe in the pool and be healed, except the plan never worked because he could not actually get in the pool because of his illness. However, the man was healed, not by the waters of the pool but by Jesus. Both Paul and the man at the pool had to follow what I have called “Plan G,” God’s plan. Their intentions were good, but they were challenged to see possibilities that they had not considered in order to accomplish things they
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at this Service.
The readings for Sunday are Acts 16: 9-15 and John 5: 1-9. In the Time for All Ages, I will taking about “healing the world.” I have called the Sermon, “Go to Plan G”
After Church on Sunday there will be a special dedication taking place on our deck. Teresa P. wanted to remember in special way her father Antonio’s passing fifty years ago this Sunday. So to honour Antonio’s memory Teresa has donated a beautiful wooden bench to provide seating on our deck. The bench will be dedicated as a memorial this Sunday, and then we can join in sharing a special cake that Teresa is bringing.
Farewell Luncheon for Anne Dingwell
On Sunday, May 15, we will be having a farewell pot-luck lunch after church for Anne Dingwell who is moving to Bonneville in May. There is a sign-up sheet on the cabinet by the church office to indicate if you will be attending and if you would like to bring something to contribute to the lunch. A card is there to sign as well. Please come to show your appreciation for all the Anne has contributed to Spirit West.
SPIRIT WEST PLANT SALE
The Spirit West Plant Sale is just around the corner. Come out on Friday, May 20 or Saturday, May 21 to get your spring plants. More information will follow shortly. Keep an eye on the Spirit West website or Facebook page for details
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? (after action report)
The numbers are in for the 2016 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. There were eight hosts who prepared dinners for over thirty five guests. People got to meet other people, enjoy good company and good food and in the process raised $1,115 (one thousand one hundred fifteen dollars) to go towards paying down the principal on our church mortgage.
A BIG THANK YOU TO BILL C., GLENNA W. AND ALL INVOLVED!
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFRIBRILATOR Spirit West is looking at installing an Automated External Defribrilator (AED, automatic jump-start for someone in cardiac arrest) However, one of the conditions of installing such a device is that there be people available who know how to use it. So the call is going out to identify those within the congregation who are currently certified in CPR/AED, or those who will commit to take the four hour annual training session. If you fall into either category please call the church office.
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.
Emergency Food Hampers The Jasper Place Wellness Centre supplies basic emergency food hampers. At the present time their stocks are very low. A bin will be by the front door where you can leave donations of dry pasta, rice, canned beans, canned meat or fish, soup, crackers, peanut butter, hot chocolate, and tea bags. Your donations will be taken by Doreen to JPWC on Mondays. Your support of the work of Spirit West at the JPWC is greatly appreciated.
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 Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
- 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
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