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January 30, 2020 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany with communion

1/30/2020

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Picture
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



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January 16, 2019 - Second Sunday after Epiphany

1/16/2020

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Picture
Picture
Greetings,
There are new items again this week including information about Men’s Breakfast and about our Congregational Meetings.  Please take note that the Jasper Place Wellness Centre Bagged Lunch preparation is on Saturday (see Outreach activities)

 
This Sunday – The First Disciples of Jesus
The story of the life and ministry of Jesus moves along much more quickly in the Gospel of John.  The Gospel reading for this week is taken from the first chapter of John’s Gospel and concerns the calling of the first disciples.  In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is not even born until chapter two.  The story is sometimes known as the “call of Simon and Andrew.”  But Jesus’  first two disciples are actually disciples of John the Baptist.  As Jesus walks by, John says “Look, the Lamb of God,” and two of his disciples break off and follow Jesus.  Only one of the two is identified, he is “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.”  Up until recently, I always thought that the other follower must be Simon Peter.  But when I read the text carefully, Simon was not the other follower.  His brother Andrew went and got him and brought him to Jesus later in the day.  What I think is important in this short gospel narrative is that none of Jesus first followers were actually “called” by Jesus.  Andrew heard John the Baptist’s proclamation about Jesus, followed and then decided to get his brother Simon involved.  So what does it mean to be called by God?  Whose “voice” do we hear, and are we listening?
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 49: 1-7, and John 1: 29-42.   In the Time for All Ages we will talk about, “Someone’s calling” The title of the Sermon is “Vocation.”
 
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
  • Jasper Place Wellness Bagged Lunch - Our first lunch is scheduled this Saturday, Jan 18th. We need a team of about 5/6 people to help make the sandwiches and pack the lunches.  We will meet at the church at 5:00 pm to do this.  Just show up if you can help.
  • Seasonal items are being 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.
 
SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
Welcome to a new month, new year, and new decade and the first Men’s Breakfast of 2020. Brave the ( warming up ) weather Saturday morning and come for breakfast down stairs at 8 am. You can come help prepare for breakfast, stay after and help clean up, or join in around the coffee pot and enjoy the conversation. It'll still cost you $10.00 either way. There's enough food to get you off to a good start for Saturday activities.

  
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.
  
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
For as many or as few Sundays as you wish.  We continue to use Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. We need teachers for January to 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 has finally gotten off the ground!  It will continue at 1:30 on Wednesday afternoons for the next three weeks (Jan 22, Jan 29 and Feb 5.)  We will be looking at John the Baptist, Mary, and Joseph, and their roles in bringing to us the news of a Saviour.
You don’t need to register or sign-up, just come when you are able.
 
 
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

  
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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 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




0 Comments

January 12, 2020 - Baptism of Jesus

1/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Greetings,
Things are happening as Spirit West.  Of special note are the need for Sunday School Teachers, the Jasper Place Wellness Bag Lunch (Outreach), and the Women’s Group Lunch and AGM.  All the information is below.

 
This Sunday – The Baptism of Jesus
This Sunday, we will remember the story recorded in Matthew (and Mark and Luke) about the baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River.  This is really the first story about the life of Jesus that is in all three synoptic gospels.  Synoptic means “seeing altogether,” but that fount of knowledge “Wikipedia” points out that the meaning in English, when applied to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke means "giving an account of the events from the same point of view or under the same general aspect"   The Gospel of John is different.  However, to get back to the original point, for Matthew, Mark and Luke the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is proclaimed at Jesus Baptism.  On Sunday, we will look at what that baptism meant for John and Jesus, and we will look at how baptism has become one of the two sacraments of the United Church of Canada (the other is communion) We will recall our own baptisms with a brief ceremony called the Asperges.

The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 42: 1-9, and Matthew  3: 13-17.   In the Time for All Ages we will talk about, “Wash before you...” The title of the Sermon is “Make sure you wash.”
 
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.
  
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
For as many or as few Sundays as you wish.  We continue to use Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. We need teachers for January to 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, another update)
Because our session for Jan 8 was cancelled due to weather, we will be starting on Jan 15.   The study, will still be an expansion on the Advent biographies of Isaiah, John, Mary, and Joseph, and their roles in bringing to us the news of a Saviour. The Study will be held on four Wednesdays in January and February 2020 , Jan 15, Jan 22, Jan 29 and Feb 5. 

 
 OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
  • Jasper Place Wellness Bagged Lunch - Our first lunch is scheduled for Saturday, Jan 18th. We need a team of about 5/6 people to help make the sandwiches and pack the lunches.  We will meet at the church at 5:00 pm to do this.  There is a sign-up sheet!
  • Seasonal items are being 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.
 
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.

 
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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 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




0 Comments

January 2, 2020 - Epiphany

1/2/2020

0 Comments

 
​Happy New Year!
 
This Sunday – Epiphany Sunday
This Sunday, the first in 2020, we will remember the story recorded in Matthew about the magi, wise men or kings (the Greek word used is magoi, magoi) from the “east” who are seeking a new-born king, and are led by a star to Jesus.  Matthew is the only Gospel writer who includes this story.  Mark and John have no stories about Jesus’ birth and Luke has shepherds in fields.  Scholars and biblical commentators have made much of the differences between the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke.  One area of comment is “target audience.”  To whom were the Gospel writers speaking.  Luke’s shepherd story speaks to a revelation to the lowly, the local guys who work the night shift.  Matthew’s magi story speaks to a revelation to wise and educated foreigners.  For us, it is important to hear Matthew’s story.  Matthew places the birth of Jesus in the context of the prophetic voice to the children of Israel. The magi see in the stars the revelation of a significant birth among the Jewish people, but they need the help of Herod’s biblical scholars to obtain the detailed information about the birth to which the star is leading them.  This gives the birth of the Messiah a worldwide, even cosmic significance.  Matthew’s gospel brings us into the story, because the borders of God’s revelation are extended way beyond Bethlehem in Judea to all the world.

The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 60: 1-6, and Matthew  2: 1-12.  In the Time for All Ages we will talk about, “Gifts for a Baby.” The title of the Sermon is “Arise, Your Light Has Come.”
 
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.
 
BIBLE STUDY  (now 2020, an update)
Our “Advent” Bible Study has morphed into an Epiphany Study, as it moves  into the January 2020.   The study, will still be an expansion on the Advent biographies of Isaiah, John, Mary, and Joseph, and their roles in bringing to us the news of a Saviour. The Study will be held on four Wednesdays in January 2020 , Jan 8, Jan 15, Jan 22 and Jan 29.  There is an updated version of the sign-up sheet by the office.

 
 OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
  • Seasonal items are being 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.
  • Jasper Place Wellness Bagged Lunch - Our first lunch is scheduled for Saturday, Jan 18th. We need a team of about 5/6 people to help make the sandwiches and pack the lunches.  We will meet at the church at 5:00 pm to do this.  There will be a sign-up sheet available in the New Year; in the meantime, save the date!
 
 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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 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

0 Comments

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