Greetings,
Please take note of the information about Messy Church, the Holy Week Schedule with slight change to Maundy Thursday, the Beatitudes Study, the Extreme Hunger Appeal, and the call to Truth and Reconciliation.
This Sunday – April 9th
The Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day that commemorates Jesus entry into Jerusalem for the last time. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week. In the story of Palm Sunday we see crowds who are enthusiastic about greeting this prophet Jesus. This is the same Jesus who was not welcome in Jerusalem not long before. In our society we are often told by politicians and others that we need to pay attention to what “the majority” of citizens, stakeholders, shareholders, consumers want. But crowds are fickle things, and can change their minds. The crowds of Jerusalem on Sunday seem very different from the crowds of Jerusalem on Friday.
The Readings for Sunday are Psalm 118 and Matthew 21:1-11. I have called my sermon, “We love a Parade” and we will be starting the Service with a Palm Sunday Procession around the Church.
MESSY CHURCH IS THIS SATURDAY!
Messy Easter is this Saturday, April 8, 4-6 pm. For those of you who have not experienced a Messy Church, it is a time for families to gather at the church to share a bible story, sing songs, make some fun crafts (one for Messy Easter involves chocolate) and have dinner together. There is no charge for this, but children are asked to bring parents, grandparents, or guardians with them. Come and enjoy the fun!
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Palm Sunday, April 9 – Sunday Service at 10:30am with Palm Procession.
Maundy Thursday, April 13 – A Maundy Thursday Service at 6:00pm. At this service we will remember the Last Supper, the beginning of our Sacrament of Holy Communion. (due to logistical problems, the soup and bread meal will not be part of the service) This is a service for the whole family.
Good Friday, April 14 – Service at 10:30am. At the Cross through John’s Gospel. This service of prayer and reflection will be guided by the words of John’s Gospel as we gather in the presence of the Cross.
Easter Sunday, April 16 – The Feast of the Resurrection 10:30am. This is the celebration of the central event of the Christian faith, the joy of new life.
SPIRIT WEST LADIES GROUP
The women of Spirit West will be gathering in the Sanctuary of the church on Monday, April 10th at 7:00 pm for a time of fellowship and fun. The evening will include a session of “Chair Yoga,” an exercise program designed for any fitness or mobility level. Refreshments will be served.
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
The early reports are in. The dinners are wonderful, the fellowship fantastic. Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs. This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of March, April and May. Check the display board at the back of the church, if you see a dinner opportunity that strikes your fancy, talk to Bill C. to make your reservation. Bon Appetit! (as a further note: Bill is still open to folks volunteering to host a dinner)
PRAYER CIRCLE
We have started our Prayer Circle. We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories, and pray. There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need. If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
BEATITUDES BIBLE STUDY in two Sessions
our Beatitudes Study will be on Wednesday, April 19 and Wednesday April 26. It will be repeated again Wednesday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 10. We will start at 2:00 pm each day. There is a sign-up sheet by the office.
EXTREME HUNGER APPEAL – United Church of Canda
The United Church of Canada is launching an Extreme Hunger Appeal as the humanitarian crisis in Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen reaches grave levels.
Starvation and extreme hunger are rapidly reaching a scale the world has not seen before in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. There is also extreme hunger, malnutrition, and starvation in Kenya. Vulnerable people are most impacted, including children.
Small-scale farmers supply the majority of food in Africa. But climate change has created a devastating and prolonged drought, resulting in both water and food shortages. Farmers are unable to grow crops and their livestock have died. Ongoing conflict is also contributing to the crisis as many families are forced to flee their homes, farms, and livelihoods.
The people of Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya urgently need your help. All donations raised for this appeal will go to our long-term Mission & Service partners, including ACT Alliance, which is saving lives in the region.
Donate Now
Online via the United Church of Canada’s secure donation page.
Phone 416-231-5931 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 2738 and use your Visa or MasterCard.
Send a cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information with donation amount to:
The United Church of Canada
Philanthropy Unit - Emergency Response
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Please be sure to note "Emergency Response—Extreme Hunger Appeal" on the face of your cheque.
Note: As part of the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund, 100% of your donation goes directly to emergency relief with 85% of your donation responding to this designated emergency and 15% responding to future emergencies that do not receive intense media coverage. Donations to Mission & Service enable the United Church to cover all of the costs of emergency response work without deducting any fees from your donation.
Pray for the millions of people in Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen facing extreme drought, food insecurity, malnutrition, and conflict, and for our Mission & Service partners working on the ground to meet the needs of those affected.
CALL FOR WITNESSES FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The Living Into Right Relations Committee of Alberta and Northwest Conference has invited each pastoral charge to appoint and support two people who will act as facilitators and witnesses for the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation in our local communities across Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The role of these facilitators is to help our congregations and other ministries to keep moving forward in right relations. Witnesses in the Bible and Indigenous culture play a key role in helping us to remember what happened and to share the truth as they heard it with succeeding generations.
On the weekend of May 5, 6 & 7, 2017 at Kasota East Camp near Red Deer, we will be inviting all appointed witnesses and our committee members to meet one another; and to support, educate and share resources for the right relations journey we are all on. Therefore we encourage you to consider this request and send names and contact information as soon as possible to Norma at the Church Office to be forwarded to the Conference Office.
SPRING EXPO – NW Community Recreation Gathering – Saturday, April 22, noon to 3:00 pm at the Edmonton Valley Zoo
This is a free, family-friendly event. Registered participants will receive admission to the zoo. Children are welcome as kids will have the opportunity to take free guided tours with hands-on opportunities to meet the animals (Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Noon – 1pm – A community Recreation Network Gathering where folks will be invited into round-table discussions regarding a range of topics including community gardens, engaging youth, special event supports and more.
1pm – 3pm – Community-focussed Recreation Exhibitors will share information and provide demonstrations to enrich your next community event or program.
Registration is necessary to receive admission to the zoo and access to the guided tours. Register at nwspringexpo.eventbrite.ca Password YEGRec .
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church. The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged. For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
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
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => April – 11 am to 4 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
Please take note of the information about Messy Church, the Holy Week Schedule with slight change to Maundy Thursday, the Beatitudes Study, the Extreme Hunger Appeal, and the call to Truth and Reconciliation.
This Sunday – April 9th
The Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day that commemorates Jesus entry into Jerusalem for the last time. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week. In the story of Palm Sunday we see crowds who are enthusiastic about greeting this prophet Jesus. This is the same Jesus who was not welcome in Jerusalem not long before. In our society we are often told by politicians and others that we need to pay attention to what “the majority” of citizens, stakeholders, shareholders, consumers want. But crowds are fickle things, and can change their minds. The crowds of Jerusalem on Sunday seem very different from the crowds of Jerusalem on Friday.
The Readings for Sunday are Psalm 118 and Matthew 21:1-11. I have called my sermon, “We love a Parade” and we will be starting the Service with a Palm Sunday Procession around the Church.
MESSY CHURCH IS THIS SATURDAY!
Messy Easter is this Saturday, April 8, 4-6 pm. For those of you who have not experienced a Messy Church, it is a time for families to gather at the church to share a bible story, sing songs, make some fun crafts (one for Messy Easter involves chocolate) and have dinner together. There is no charge for this, but children are asked to bring parents, grandparents, or guardians with them. Come and enjoy the fun!
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Palm Sunday, April 9 – Sunday Service at 10:30am with Palm Procession.
Maundy Thursday, April 13 – A Maundy Thursday Service at 6:00pm. At this service we will remember the Last Supper, the beginning of our Sacrament of Holy Communion. (due to logistical problems, the soup and bread meal will not be part of the service) This is a service for the whole family.
Good Friday, April 14 – Service at 10:30am. At the Cross through John’s Gospel. This service of prayer and reflection will be guided by the words of John’s Gospel as we gather in the presence of the Cross.
Easter Sunday, April 16 – The Feast of the Resurrection 10:30am. This is the celebration of the central event of the Christian faith, the joy of new life.
SPIRIT WEST LADIES GROUP
The women of Spirit West will be gathering in the Sanctuary of the church on Monday, April 10th at 7:00 pm for a time of fellowship and fun. The evening will include a session of “Chair Yoga,” an exercise program designed for any fitness or mobility level. Refreshments will be served.
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
The early reports are in. The dinners are wonderful, the fellowship fantastic. Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs. This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of March, April and May. Check the display board at the back of the church, if you see a dinner opportunity that strikes your fancy, talk to Bill C. to make your reservation. Bon Appetit! (as a further note: Bill is still open to folks volunteering to host a dinner)
PRAYER CIRCLE
We have started our Prayer Circle. We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories, and pray. There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need. If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
BEATITUDES BIBLE STUDY in two Sessions
our Beatitudes Study will be on Wednesday, April 19 and Wednesday April 26. It will be repeated again Wednesday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 10. We will start at 2:00 pm each day. There is a sign-up sheet by the office.
EXTREME HUNGER APPEAL – United Church of Canda
The United Church of Canada is launching an Extreme Hunger Appeal as the humanitarian crisis in Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen reaches grave levels.
Starvation and extreme hunger are rapidly reaching a scale the world has not seen before in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. There is also extreme hunger, malnutrition, and starvation in Kenya. Vulnerable people are most impacted, including children.
Small-scale farmers supply the majority of food in Africa. But climate change has created a devastating and prolonged drought, resulting in both water and food shortages. Farmers are unable to grow crops and their livestock have died. Ongoing conflict is also contributing to the crisis as many families are forced to flee their homes, farms, and livelihoods.
The people of Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya urgently need your help. All donations raised for this appeal will go to our long-term Mission & Service partners, including ACT Alliance, which is saving lives in the region.
Donate Now
Online via the United Church of Canada’s secure donation page.
Phone 416-231-5931 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 2738 and use your Visa or MasterCard.
Send a cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information with donation amount to:
The United Church of Canada
Philanthropy Unit - Emergency Response
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Please be sure to note "Emergency Response—Extreme Hunger Appeal" on the face of your cheque.
Note: As part of the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund, 100% of your donation goes directly to emergency relief with 85% of your donation responding to this designated emergency and 15% responding to future emergencies that do not receive intense media coverage. Donations to Mission & Service enable the United Church to cover all of the costs of emergency response work without deducting any fees from your donation.
Pray for the millions of people in Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen facing extreme drought, food insecurity, malnutrition, and conflict, and for our Mission & Service partners working on the ground to meet the needs of those affected.
CALL FOR WITNESSES FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The Living Into Right Relations Committee of Alberta and Northwest Conference has invited each pastoral charge to appoint and support two people who will act as facilitators and witnesses for the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation in our local communities across Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The role of these facilitators is to help our congregations and other ministries to keep moving forward in right relations. Witnesses in the Bible and Indigenous culture play a key role in helping us to remember what happened and to share the truth as they heard it with succeeding generations.
On the weekend of May 5, 6 & 7, 2017 at Kasota East Camp near Red Deer, we will be inviting all appointed witnesses and our committee members to meet one another; and to support, educate and share resources for the right relations journey we are all on. Therefore we encourage you to consider this request and send names and contact information as soon as possible to Norma at the Church Office to be forwarded to the Conference Office.
SPRING EXPO – NW Community Recreation Gathering – Saturday, April 22, noon to 3:00 pm at the Edmonton Valley Zoo
This is a free, family-friendly event. Registered participants will receive admission to the zoo. Children are welcome as kids will have the opportunity to take free guided tours with hands-on opportunities to meet the animals (Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Noon – 1pm – A community Recreation Network Gathering where folks will be invited into round-table discussions regarding a range of topics including community gardens, engaging youth, special event supports and more.
1pm – 3pm – Community-focussed Recreation Exhibitors will share information and provide demonstrations to enrich your next community event or program.
Registration is necessary to receive admission to the zoo and access to the guided tours. Register at nwspringexpo.eventbrite.ca Password YEGRec .
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church. The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged. For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
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
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => April – 11 am to 4 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
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