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January 31, 2016 - Epiphany 4

1/29/2016

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Picture
Picture
​Greetings
This Sunday we will share three of the four readings assigned for the day.  We will hear passages from the Prophets and the Gospels and we will sing together from the Psalms.  For both the Time for All Ages and the Sermon, I am going to look at how we name God. We often think in terms of Lord or Heavenly Father.  Jesus, speaking Aramaic, called God “Abba,” which is bit like calling God “Dad.” There are scholars who have studied the Hebrew scriptures and found 71 named for God.  In the Muslim tradition there are 99 names for God. (and some Muslims memorize all 99 as an act of faith) I am going to look at the reality that we cannot limit our names for God, but that this very challenge means that the ways in which we can approach God are unlimited.  God is not limited by our language or imagination.
 
The passages that will be read on Sunday are Jeremiah 1: 4-10 and Luke 4: 21-30.  We will sing part of Psalm 71.   In the Time for Ages we will look at writing a letter to God, “Dear ,,,,?”   The Sermon title is “What is God’s Name.”

LENT
Lent, the forty day period that leads us to Easter is coming up fast this year.  The first day of Lent in Ash Wednesday, February 10. There are a number of activities that will or could take place at Spirit West in connection with Lent.  If there is a “??” beside the activity, it indicates that your help/response is needed to make it happen.

PANCAKE LUNCH ??
 
The last day before Lent, Shrove Tuesday, is marked in many communities with a Pancake Supper.  A number of churches in Edmonton have them.  The eating of pancakes often with fried meats (bacon, sausage) was a way to use up the last remaining fat and meat in your pantry before the meatless days of Lent.  In our United Church tradition, the giving up of meat for Lent has never been a “requirement,” but pancakes still taste good.  However, Tuesday night is a busy time for many, so we would like to mark the beginning of Lent with a Pancake Lunch after church on Sunday, February 7 (that’s a week Sunday.)
But your help is needed to make this happen.  If you would be able to set up, or cook (pancakes, sausages, bacon), or help serve or clean up please let the church office know as soon as possible.
 
AFTERNOON LENTEN STUDY – The Trinity & Everyday Spirituality
This will be a six session Lenten Study beginning on Wednesday, February 17, at 1:30 pm in the Church Lounge.  The study will run weekly, with the last session  on March 23. This small group study has been created by The Prayer Bench and was recommended on the United Church of Canada Facebook page.  There is no book to buy this year.  The sessions include a short recorded talk by a professor at the Atlantic School of Theology and a guided discussion using a weekly participant sheet that will be given to all attending.  The sessions include: To Tell Ourselves about God; To Be Alone with God; To Share in Community; To Live in the World God Loves; To Celebrate Trinity in Art, Song and Poetry; and To Celebrate Trinity in a Celtic Liturgy.  It looks like an interesting study.  Sign up on the “Afternoon” sheet by the office, or send an email to the office.
EVENING LENTEN STUDY – The Trinity & Everyday Spirituality ??
Same study as the above, but in the evening based on interest.  Indicate your interest by signing up on the “Evening” sheet by the office, or send an email to the office with your available evenings.
 
MESSY LENT / EASTER ??
 I would like to celebrate a Messy Church – Lent/Easter in early March (Easter is March 27)  If you are interested in becoming involve or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible.  It’s work, but it is also so much fun.  For those of you who were involved with or attended Messy Advent in November, we will have not have the problems with the dinner timing.  Give me a call!
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Although at the moment we have a relatively small number of children in our Sunday School, it is important that we provide them with a positive experience of their time together.  We are looking for people who are willing to share some time with the children on Sunday.  We have a great curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit which is quite adaptable and easy to use (you do need a computer and internet access for the preparation).  If you are not sure, considering joining the class for a couple of weeks and learning with the children.  A signup sheet is on the cabinet by the office.
 
COMMUNITY DINNERS
On a regular basis a group of six churches in the West End including Spirit West cook and serve dinner to folks in need at the Jasper Place Wellness Centre.  Two churches work together on a dinner, one church cooks and the other church provides servers.  On the cabinet by the church office is a signup sheet with the dates for the dinners that Spirit West is helping with.  There are opportunities for cooks and servers.  If you want to know more about this, talk to Doreen O.
Hampers  The Jasper Place Wellness Centre also 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.
 
 
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
Join us in using  cunning stealth and covert organization to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell should the discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!!  This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of February and March!  It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship.  Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C. at 780-481-2662.  Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host.  If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine.  Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts)  Diners will be provided  ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church.  A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational dinners and generously supporting the ongoing work of Spirit West.  See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
 
 
 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 => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

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January 24, 2016 - Epiphany 3

1/22/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
​Greetings
Within the Lectionary there are four readings assigned for each Sunday.  The first is a reading from what is commonly called the Old Testament, the second  is a reading from a part of the New Testament other than the Gospels and the third reading is from one of the Gospels.  There is also a Psalm appointed for the day.  In some churches all the readings are shared with the congregation.  At Spirit West the practice has been to share two of the readings, and occasionally three.  These readings are intended as the foundation of the Time for All Ages and the Sermon.  I mention all this because on Sunday, I will be doing something a bit different.  The story in the Time for All Ages will be derived from 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a which is the second reading for the Third Sunday after Epiphany, but the passage itself will not be read in full.  This passage continues from the passage that was read last Sunday regarding spiritual gifts.  In this continuation Paul uses the image of the church as a body with many parts that work together.  For the Sermon, I will be looking at readings from the prophet Nehemiah and from the Gospel of Luke, the first and third readings for Sunday in the Lectionary.  These passages deal with the reading of Scripture in the presence of a group of people.  For both groups, the readings are given special but different significance.  I will be reflecting on the place of Scripture in our community.
 
The passages that will be read on Sunday are Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 (try reading verses 1-10 through, and you will see why verses 4 and 7 are not being read aloud) and Luke 4:14-21.   The Sermon title is “Hear what the Spirit is saying.”  Reflecting on the Corinthians passage in the Time for All Ages I will ask the question, “What’s the best part?” 
 
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Although at the moment we have a relatively small number of children in our Sunday School, it is important that we provide them with a positive experience of their time together.  We are looking for people who are willing to share some time with the children on Sunday.  We have a great curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit which is quite adaptable and easy to use (you do need a computer and internet access for the preparation).  If you are not sure, considering joining the class for a couple of weeks and learning with the children.  A signup sheet is on the cabinet by the office.
 
COMMUNITY LUNCHES
On a regular basis a group of churches in the West End including Spirit West cook and serve lunch to folks in need at the Jasper Place Wellness Centre.  Two churches work together on a lunch, one church cooks and the other church provides servers.  On the cabinet by the church office is a signup sheet with the dates for the lunches that Spirit West is helping with.  There are opportunities for cooks and servers.  If you want to know more about this, talk to Doreen O.
Hampers  The Jasper Place Wellness Centre also supplies basic 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.
 
 
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
Join us in using  cunning stealth and covert organization to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!!  This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of February and March!  It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship.  Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C. at 780-481-2662.  Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host.  If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine.  Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts)  Diners will be provided  ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church.  A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational dinners and generously supporting the ongoing work of Spirit West.  See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
 
MESSY LENT / EASTER
 
I would like to celebrate a Messy Church – Lent/Easter in early March (Lent starts on February 10 and Easter is March 27)  If you are interested in becoming involve or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible.  It’s work, but it is also so much fun.  For those of you who were involved with or attended Messy Advent in November, we will have not have the problems with the dinner timing.  Give me a call!
 
 
 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 => 9:30 am to 2:30 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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January 17, 2016 - Epiphany 2 with Baptisms

1/15/2016

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Picture
Picture
​Greetings
The cycle of Lectionary readings this year that follow Jesus’ life and earthly ministry is going to be about the shortest it can be for a while.  Easter Sunday this year is March 27 with Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, on February 10.  The earliest date that Easter has occurred in the past century was on March 23, 2008.  The very earliest that Easter can fall is on March 22.  The last time this happened was in 1818 and will not happen again until 2285.  As we get closer to the Lent/Easter cycle I will share some of the calculations involved in determining the date of Easter, and why Easter slides around the calendar while Christmas stays put. 
 
This Sunday we hear the story of Jesus’ first recorded miracle, and it’s a strange one.  No one is healed of a disease or raised from the dead, Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding reception at his mother’s suggestion.  But, sorry, I am not going to spend any time on that during the sermon.  Another reading from the lectionary for Sunday is from Paul’s first letter to the Christians at Corinth.  Apparently they were having a some trouble deciding whose gifts and abilities were most beneficial to the growing church.  Paul points out to them that the very discussion is wrong.  He goes on to say that all gifts are from God, Paul calls them spiritual gifts, and everyone has gifts.  But the gifts are not the same for every person, and all the gifts together are what is most beneficial to the growing church.  We’ll look at some of the gifts that Paul names by way of example and maybe come up with others for our church and time.
 
The readings for Sunday are 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 and John 2: 1-11.   For the Sermon, I am looking at, “Spiritual Gifts”  During the Service we will also welcome one infant and three children into the family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism.
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for Breakfast this Saturday, January 16 at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.  Breakfast is open to any man who wants to come out for a great breakfast.  As a note, each man usually put in $10 dollars, this covers the breakfast supplies and the surplus is put into a fund that offsets the cost of minor repairs around the church. 
 
 
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
Join us in using  cunning stealth and covert organization to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!!  This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of February and March!  It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship.  Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C. at 780-481-2662.  Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host.  If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine.  Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts)  Diners will be provided  ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church.  A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational dinners and generously supporting the ongoing work of Spirit West.  See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
 
MESSY LENT / EASTER
 
I would like to celebrate a Messy Church – Lent/Easter in early March (Lent starts on February 10 and Easter is March 27)  If you are interested in becoming involve or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible.  It’s work, but it is also so much fun.  For those of you who were involved with or attended Messy Advent in November, we will have not have the problems with the dinner timing.  Give me a call!
 
 
 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 => 9:30 am to 2:30 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


0 Comments

January 10, 2016 - Baptism of Jesus

1/8/2016

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Picture
Picture
Happy New Year (and Merry Christmas if anyone in your family follows the “old” calendar)
Well, 2016 has begun.  A couple of days ago I was reading the blog of a friend of mine who is a rabbi in Tokyo. (Rabbi David Kunin, who used to be at Beth Shalom in Edmonton).  He was reflecting on the various customs around Japan associated with the New Year.  Many of the practices involve rituals designed to ensure that anything negative from the previous year is not carried over to the new year, and that the new year starts in the most auspicious way possible.  David, of course, picked up on the idea of clearing away the bad to make way for the good.  In Judaism, as well as in Christianity, we know this process as repentance, turning from the bad/evil/negative towards the good/holy/positive.  New Year, as the start of a new calendar year gives the opportunity and perhaps the motivation to consider what else could start at this moment, hence the New Year’s Resolution.  But in his blog, David also pointed out that there are four “new years” in Judaism, the most widely know being Rosh Hashanah, the Head of the Year which marks the change in Jewish calendar years.  But there are others which mark the start of various cycles.  We have these as well in our society; the beginning of September is the start of the School Year; in November the first Sunday in Advent marks the start of the Christian Year.  Even the day you get back from a holiday can seem like the start of another cycle of your life.  All these opportunities point to something that our faith tells us, we can start of re-start at anytime. 
 
This Sunday we hear the story of the Baptism of Jesus, as it appears in the Gospel of Luke.  We’ve skipped about thirty years in a week.  The story of Jesus baptism is told by Matthew, Mark and Luke.  John’s gospel alludes to the event.  In Mark’s gospel, it is at the very start.  For Mark there are no nativity stories, the story of Jesus’ life and ministry starts with Jesus’ baptism.  All of the gospels see the story as both the start of Jesus’ ministry and confirmation of his unique identity as the “beloved Son of God.”   And so we are back to beginnings.
 
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 43: 1-7 and Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22.  With the children I am going to focus on the declaration of love by God for Jesus as his child, “You are...”  For the Sermon, I am asking the question, “Where do we begin?”  The Service will also include the Asperges, as a reminder of Baptism.
 
 
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
Join us in using  cunning stealth and covert organization to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell should the discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!!  This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of February and March!  It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship.  Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C. at 780-481-2662.  Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host.  If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine.  Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts)  Diners will be provided  ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church.  A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational dinners and generously supporting the ongoing work of Spirit West.  See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
 
MESSY LENT / EASTER
 
I would like to celebrate a Messy Church – Lent/Easter in early March (Lent starts on February 10 and Easter is March 27)  If you are interested in becoming involve or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible.  It’s work, but it is also so much fun.  For those of you who were involved with or attended Messy Advent in November, we will have not have the problems with the dinner timing.  Give me a call!
 
 
 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 => 9:30 am to 2:30 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
 


0 Comments

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