Blog Archives

January 29, 2017 - Epiphany 4

1/26/2017

Greetings,
This Sunday – January 29th
This Sunday we are going to be focussing on a reading from Micah. Micah is considered one of the minor prophets (Isaiah, for example, is a major prophet), and his book of only seven chapters is found almost at the end of what we have called the Old Testament in our Bible. Micah deals with the very rocky relationship between God and the people of Israel. It outlines many of the “sins” of the people, ways in which they have departed from the call of God. And in chapter six we find out God’s desire for the people expressed in this somewhat famous phrase, “and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” We will look at what that means for us.

The Readings for Sunday are Micah 6: 1-8 and Matthew 5: 1-12. In the Time for All Ages, I will be talking about “Words and actions.” I have called my sermon, “What does God require?”

You may remember that last fall we elected our Church Board for 2017. This Sunday we will recognize and covenant with our Board to support them through the coming year .

Court Whist Night
Sat, Feb 4, 7:00 pm; snacks, coffee, tea & punch provided to enjoy during the games. Although there are no advance ticket sales ($5.00 per person at the door,) Doreen O. would like some idea of the level of interest in advance (for cards, tables and snacks), so give her a call at 780-487-5372. No experience with whist necessary! Loads of fun! If you have a card table that could be used that night, please call Doreen.

Ladies Group Valentine Social and Meeting
Ladies, mark your calendars for our annual Valentine Luncheon at 11:30 am on Sat, Feb. 11th at the Homefire Grill Restaurant, 18210 – 100 Ave. Cost is $20.00 per person which includes food and gratuity. Reservations and payment can be made through Diane L. (780-444-0284) Good food and valentine surprises! All women welcome!

SPIRIT WEST UNITED CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting after Church on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and approve the 2017 Budget for Spirit West United Church. There will be a Congregational Meeting after Church on Sunday, February 26, 2017. The purpose of this meeting is to receive and discuss the Annual Report, to discuss and approve a Business Plan for Spirit West United Church (a proposed Business Plan will be sent out next week), and to discuss and confirm (or not) the recommendations of the Church Board on General Council Remits 1 and 2 (see below).

GENERAL COUNCIL REMITS
At the Church Board meeting last night, Remit 1- The Three Council Model from the General Council was discussed and voted on. Remit 2- Elimination of Transfer and Settlement will be dealt with at the February Board Meeting. It is however, the desire of the Board to allow for the fuller engagement of the congregation in the Remit Process. Therefore, Remits 1 and 2, along with the results of the vote by the Board will be presented at the Congregational Meeting on February 26 for discussion and confirmation. Remits 3 and 4 will be dealt with by the Board in March and April and the results will presented to the Congregation at a later date. Information about all the Remits can be found online at gc42.ca/remits.

Volunteers Needed for Jasper Place Wellness Centre
As has been our practice at Spirit West Outreach during the last few winters, we will again be cooking and serving a hot meal on Saturday evenings to those in need during January, February and March at Jasper Place Wellness on Stony Plain Road and 152 St. Our church, together with five other churches, will be sharing the preparation and serving of these meals. We need help cooking and serving on Jan. 21 and 28 and March 4 and 11. If you can help with this very worthy cause, please call Doreen Olynyk at 780-487-5372. For those who cannot participate on these dates but still want to be involved, a cash donation is always appreciated.

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 => 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 22, 2017 - Ephiphany 3

1/19/2017

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Greetings,
This Sunday – January 22nd
Yesterday marked the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. From the very earliest days of the movement that was to become the Christian church there have been problems with internal divisions. Paul, in his first letter to the Christians at Corinth, complains about the divisions that marked that community. Paul asks them, “Has Christ been divided?” Well, if we look at our church and our world today, we would probably have to say yes. But there are signs of hope. And one of those signs is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Unfortunately, this time does not get as much coverage as it might, but it is a positive sign none the less. So much of our disagreements centre on interpretation, authority and organization: What is the message we have been called to proclaim? Who decides? How do we organize our community to take into account the first two questions?

The Readings for Sunday are 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18 and Matthew 4: 12-23. In the Time for All Ages, I will be using a visual that can be interpreted different ways depending on the angle it is viewed from, calling it “I’m right?” I have called my sermon, “Perspective.”

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY SERVICE
To mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, there will be an ecumenical service at 7:00 P.M. , Jan 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church (10014 – 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton). Reception to follow.
This year’s liturgy for the Week of Prayer will have a particular reference to Ecumenism in Germany: The Land of the Lutheran Reformation. The theme for the week is Reconciliation: The Love of Christ Compels Us based on 2 Corinthians 5: 14-20.
“It was in the context of [the Reformation Anniversary in 2017] that the Council of Churches in Germany, invited by the World Council of Churches, took up the work of creating the resources for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”

GENERAL COUNCIL REMITS
Every three years, the General Council of the United Church of Canada (500 people from across Canada) gathers to enact policy and shape the direction of the church at a national level. From time to time the decisions of the General Council are such that the whole church, represented by the Presbyteries and sometimes the congregations/pastoral charges, has to agree with the decision. The will of the church is decided by Remit, a mail in vote. At General Council 42 held in August of 2015 there were a number of decisions made that require Remits. Five of these Remits require the approval of the pastoral charges/congregations, through their Church Boards. These Remits will be dealt with by the Spirit West Board over the next few months. At the Spirit West Board Meeting on January 24, we will be looking at Remit 1 – Three Council Mode. At the present time, the United Church of Canada has four levels of governance or councils. The first is the local congregation and their Board; the second is the Presbytery which for us is Edmonton Presbytery; the third is the Conference, which for us is Alberta and North West Conference; and the fourth is the General Council at the national level. Remit 1 asks if we are in favour of moving the United Church of Canada to a “three council model” of governance; Congregational, Regional and Denominational. For complete information and background on this and all the Remits please go to gc42.ca/remits. If you have thoughts you wish to share about Remit 1 please forward them to the church before January 24. If you wish to be part of the discussion, you may attend the board meeting. The covering letter from General Secretary of the United Church says in part:
It is vitally important that every pastoral charge cast a vote on all five remits, as an absolute majority is needed for them to pass, not just a majority of those who vote. If passed by an absolute majority of pastoral charges, plus an absolute majority of presbyteries, each remit will then go to General Council 43 for approval in 2018, to be held in Oshawa, Ontario.
Please note: If a pastoral charge does not vote, this is considered a vote AGAINST the remit question.

MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for Breakfast this Saturday, November 19 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.

Volunteers Needed for Jasper Place Wellness Centre
As has been our practise at Spirit West Outreach during the last few winters, we will again be cooking and serving a hot meal on Saturday evenings to those in need during January, February and March at Jasper Place Wellness on Stony Plain Road and 152 St.   Our church, together with five other churches, will be sharing the preparation and serving of these meals. We need help cooking and serving on Jan. 21 and 28 and March 4 and 11. If you can help with this very worthy cause, please call Doreen Olynyk at 780-487-5372. For those who cannot participate on these dates but still want to be involved, a cash donation is always appreciated.

Court Whist Night
Sat, Feb 4, 7:00 pm; snacks, coffee, tea & punch provided to enjoy during the games. Tickets are $5.00 per person, available from Doreen O. No experience with whist necessary! Loads of fun! If you have a card table that could be used that night, please contact the church office.

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 => 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 15, 2017 - Epiphany 2 - Rembering the Baptism of Christ with the Sacrament of Baptism

1/12/2017

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Greetings,
Please note the item dealing with General Council Remits.

This Sunday – January 15th – Baptism Sunday
Because of the way the calendar went with Christmas and New Year’s Day being on Sundays, the church calendar got somewhat compressed in the New Year. Two festivals that normally follow Christmas are Epiphany which falls on January 6th and Baptism of Christ Sunday which is the first Sunday after New Year’s Day. Now, Epiphany, or the Festival of the Three Kings is often celebrated on the Sunday after January 6th, which was January 8th this year. Baptism of Christ, the first Sunday after New Year’s Day was January 8th this year. And of course for Spirit West, the first Sunday back after Christmas is Cinnamon Bun Sunday which was January 8th this year. Now the remembrance of the story of Jesus’ baptism is important in our understanding of Jesus’ ministry and the ministry of the church. So, I am going to base this Sunday’s service on the readings for Baptism of Christ Sunday. And to make the use of these readings even more appropriate, we will be welcoming a child into the church and our congregation through baptism.

The Readings for Sunday are Isaiah 42: 1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17. I have called my sermon, “The Good News We Share.”

GENERAL COUNCIL REMITS
Every three years, the General Council of the United Church of Canada (500 people from across Canada) gathers to enact policy and shape the direction of the church at a national level. From time to time the decisions of the General Council are such that the whole church, represented by the Presbyteries and sometimes the congregations/pastoral charges, has to agree with the decision. The will of the church is decided by Remit, a mail in vote. At General Council 42 held in August of 2015 there were a number of decisions made that require Remits. Five of these Remits require the approval of the pastoral charges/congregations, through their Church Boards. These Remits will be dealt with by the Spirit West Board over the next few months. At the Spirit West Board Meeting on January 25, we will be looking at Remit 1 – Three Council Mode. At the present time, the United Church of Canada has four levels of governance or councils. The first is the local congregation and their Board; the second is the Presbytery which for us is Edmonton Presbytery; the third is the Conference, which for us is Alberta and North West Conference; and the fourth is the General Council at the national level. Remit 1 asks if we are in favour of moving the United Church of Canada to a “three council model” of governance; Congregational, Regional and Denominational. For complete information and background on this and all the Remits please go to gc42.ca/remits. If you have thoughts you wish to share about Remit 1 please forward them to the church before January 24. If you wish to be part of the discussion, you may attend the board meeting. The covering letter from General Secretary of the United Church says in part:
It is vitally important that every pastoral charge cast a vote on all five remits, as an absolute majority is needed for them to pass, not just a majority of those who vote. If passed by an absolute majority of pastoral charges, plus an absolute majority of presbyteries, each remit will then go to General Council 43 for approval in 2018, to be held in Oshawa, Ontario.
Please note: If a pastoral charge does not vote, this is considered a vote AGAINST the remit question.

Volunteers Needed for Jasper Place Wellness Centre
As has been our practise at Spirit West Outreach during the last few winters, we will again be cooking and serving a hot meal on Saturday evenings to those in need during January, February and March at Jasper Place Wellness on Stony Plain Road and 152 St. Our church, together with five other churches, will be sharing the preparation and serving of these meals. We need help cooking and serving on Jan. 21 and 28 and March 4 and 11. If you can help with this very worthy cause, please call Doreen O. For those who cannot participate on these dates but still want to be involved, a cash donation is always appreciated.

Court Whist Night
Sat, Feb 4, 7:00 pm; snacks, coffee, tea & punch provided to enjoy during the games. Tickets are $5.00 per person at the door. No experience with whist necessary! Loads of fun! If you have a card table that could be used that night, please contact the church office.

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 => 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 5, 2017

1/5/2017

0 Comments

Happy New Year,

This Sunday – January 8th – Epiphany Sunday and Cinnamon Bun Sunday
This Sunday is in Spirit West tradition, Cinnamon Bun Sunday. We will gathering in the Lower Hall around tables, and while we sing and pray and hear some stories, we will also be enjoying cinnamon buns and hot beverages. In the church calendar this Sunday is Epiphany Sunday, in fact tomorrow is Epiphany. This “feast day” was put in the church calendar centuries ago to commemorate the visit of the Magi (Wise Men, Three Kings) to the infant Jesus. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning appearance or manifestation. In the Orthodox churches this feast is called the Theophany, the appearance or manifestation of God. Jesus is shown to the whole world, represented by the foreign Magi, not just the local community represented by the shepherds. Now coming between Christmas and Epiphany are the Twelve Days of Christmas. We know these days mainly from a strange counting song involving a partridge in a pear tree, other assorted birds, and groups of people like dancers, drummers and pipers. For Cinnamon Sunday we are going to look at the Twelve Days of Christmas (the song) and its possible meaning as a mnemonic (remembering device) for a number of biblical and theological concepts. A partridge in a pear tree represents… (you have to come on Sunday to find out). We will also look at some of the special days that occur within the Twelve Days of Christmas (by the calendar,) many of which have been “lost,” like the Feast of St. Stephen or the Feast of the Holy Innocents. We will look at these, sing some hymns and carols, eat cinnamon buns, and praise God for the many ways in which the story of Christ’s coming is made known to us.

YOUR 2017 PLEDGE FORMS
So that we know what support we have for the work Spirit West in 2017, financial and talent, please remember that we would like to have your completed 2017 Pledge Forms by this Sunday (Jan 8th) Your forms can either be emailed to spiritw@telus.net or brought to the church and put in the labeled box by the door. Blank copies are available if you need one.

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 => 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 29, 2017 - Epiphany 4

January 22, 2017 - Ephiphany 3

January 15, 2017 - Epiphany 2 - Rembering the Baptism of Christ with the Sacrament of Baptism

January 5, 2017

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January 22, 2017 - Ephiphany 3

January 15, 2017 - Epiphany 2 - Rembering the Baptism of Christ with the Sacrament of Baptism

January 5, 2017

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January 29, 2017 - Epiphany 4