Greetings,
How did we get to the end of January so quickly? Included is important information about the Congregational Annual Meetings and a Youth Retreat.
This Sunday – Epiphany 4 “Blessed are the…”
In the gospel reading this Sunday we see the real start of Jesus ministry. He is not just gathering disciples, he is starting to share his particular message. The reading is often called “the Beatitudes” from the Latin (of course) beatus meaning blessed. The reason for the name is that the passage includes statements by Jesus that (in most translations) start with “Blessed are the… .” The trouble in our understanding of the beatitudes comes from our understanding of the word “blessed.” In everyday language we tend to use “blessed” the same way we use “lucky,” as in “She’s so blessed/lucky, she has such a good job and a great life.” But if we look at Jesus’ statements we are struck by an certain awkwardness. Jesus starts by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and then goes on to describe as blessed, “those who mourn,” “the meek,” “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” “the merciful,” “the pure in heart,” “the peacemakers,” and “the persecuted.” But how are they blessed? Is blessing a reward for being meek or merciful? Or is there something more complex going on? That is what we will be looking at on Sunday.
The readings for Sunday are Micah 6: 1-8, and Matthew 5: 1-12. In the Time for All Ages we will talk about, “Beatitudes and Be-Attitudes.” The title of the Sermon is “Blessed are the…”
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at this service.
Please remember that our church is a “scent-free” zone because of some severe allergies and sensitives. We would ask that you refrain from using scented beauty or grooming products such as perfume, after-shave, etc. when attending services and programs at Spirit West.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Seasonal items continue to be collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the giving tree for distribution.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
For as many or as few Sundays as you wish. We continue to use Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Right now we are looking for teachers for the Sundays from February 23 to the end of March. If you want to teach one or more Sundays, please add your name to the signup sheet by the church office. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a teacher, call Larry at 780-481-1406
BIBLE STUDY (2020)
Our Bible Study will conclude this Wednesday afternoon ( and Feb 5.) We will be looking “and Joseph,” and his role in bringing to us the news of a Saviour.
You don’t need to register or sign-up, just come.
Women’s Group Lunch and Annual Meeting
The Spirit West Women’s Lunch and Annual Meeting will be Saturday, February 8 at 11:30am at The Lewis Estates Golf Course. The address is 259 Lewis Estates Boulevard. Access is easy and there is plenty of parking. Cost is $20.00 payable to Carol Callas. We need to confirm our attendance numbers to them on, or before, February 1st, so please sign up on the sheet by the office or call the church office at 780-481-1406. For more information, contact Carol C. or Marj H.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 9 and Feb 23
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service on Sunday, February 9. At this time we will review and approve the 2020 budget for Spirit West United Church. There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sunday, February 23 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West United in 2019. We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2020. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired
Youth Retreat Coming in February
Four United Church congregations are jointly planning a youth retreat from February 7-9, 2020. It will be held at the River Lodge Retreat near Stony Plain, Alberta. The four sponsoring congregations, Salisbury (Sherwood Park), First (Wetaskiwin), Viking & St. Paul's (Edmonton), are happy to invite interested United Church Junior High and High School youth to join us for a retreat that will be fun, interactive and action-based. There will be team-building and ice-breaking exercise and activities. It will contain natural and outdoor elements as the mid-winter weather permits. We will explore spiritual practices, and talk about our spiritual journeys and social justice from a faith lens. This retreat will also provide an opportunity to look at the history of the United Church of Canada and prepare for spring confirmation. The cost is $100.
For more information, or to get registration information, please call Salisbury United Church at 780-467-7310 or email salisburyuc@telus.net
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
A 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.
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.
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
Office hours
- Norma => noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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
How did we get to the end of January so quickly? Included is important information about the Congregational Annual Meetings and a Youth Retreat.
This Sunday – Epiphany 4 “Blessed are the…”
In the gospel reading this Sunday we see the real start of Jesus ministry. He is not just gathering disciples, he is starting to share his particular message. The reading is often called “the Beatitudes” from the Latin (of course) beatus meaning blessed. The reason for the name is that the passage includes statements by Jesus that (in most translations) start with “Blessed are the… .” The trouble in our understanding of the beatitudes comes from our understanding of the word “blessed.” In everyday language we tend to use “blessed” the same way we use “lucky,” as in “She’s so blessed/lucky, she has such a good job and a great life.” But if we look at Jesus’ statements we are struck by an certain awkwardness. Jesus starts by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and then goes on to describe as blessed, “those who mourn,” “the meek,” “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” “the merciful,” “the pure in heart,” “the peacemakers,” and “the persecuted.” But how are they blessed? Is blessing a reward for being meek or merciful? Or is there something more complex going on? That is what we will be looking at on Sunday.
The readings for Sunday are Micah 6: 1-8, and Matthew 5: 1-12. In the Time for All Ages we will talk about, “Beatitudes and Be-Attitudes.” The title of the Sermon is “Blessed are the…”
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at this service.
Please remember that our church is a “scent-free” zone because of some severe allergies and sensitives. We would ask that you refrain from using scented beauty or grooming products such as perfume, after-shave, etc. when attending services and programs at Spirit West.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Seasonal items continue to be collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the giving tree for distribution.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
For as many or as few Sundays as you wish. We continue to use Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Right now we are looking for teachers for the Sundays from February 23 to the end of March. If you want to teach one or more Sundays, please add your name to the signup sheet by the church office. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a teacher, call Larry at 780-481-1406
BIBLE STUDY (2020)
Our Bible Study will conclude this Wednesday afternoon ( and Feb 5.) We will be looking “and Joseph,” and his role in bringing to us the news of a Saviour.
You don’t need to register or sign-up, just come.
Women’s Group Lunch and Annual Meeting
The Spirit West Women’s Lunch and Annual Meeting will be Saturday, February 8 at 11:30am at The Lewis Estates Golf Course. The address is 259 Lewis Estates Boulevard. Access is easy and there is plenty of parking. Cost is $20.00 payable to Carol Callas. We need to confirm our attendance numbers to them on, or before, February 1st, so please sign up on the sheet by the office or call the church office at 780-481-1406. For more information, contact Carol C. or Marj H.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 9 and Feb 23
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service on Sunday, February 9. At this time we will review and approve the 2020 budget for Spirit West United Church. There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sunday, February 23 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West United in 2019. We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2020. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired
Youth Retreat Coming in February
Four United Church congregations are jointly planning a youth retreat from February 7-9, 2020. It will be held at the River Lodge Retreat near Stony Plain, Alberta. The four sponsoring congregations, Salisbury (Sherwood Park), First (Wetaskiwin), Viking & St. Paul's (Edmonton), are happy to invite interested United Church Junior High and High School youth to join us for a retreat that will be fun, interactive and action-based. There will be team-building and ice-breaking exercise and activities. It will contain natural and outdoor elements as the mid-winter weather permits. We will explore spiritual practices, and talk about our spiritual journeys and social justice from a faith lens. This retreat will also provide an opportunity to look at the history of the United Church of Canada and prepare for spring confirmation. The cost is $100.
For more information, or to get registration information, please call Salisbury United Church at 780-467-7310 or email salisburyuc@telus.net
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
A 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.
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.
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
Office hours
- Norma => noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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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