Sunday Worship
This Sunday is the second Sunday in Lent. As I mentioned last Sunday, the forty days of Lent do not include the Sundays. Even in Lent, a time of introspection and reflection on the ways in which we and our world have wandered (or run) away from the Divine, Sunday is still a celebration of the Resurrection, a day of hope and promise.
This Sunday, I will continue to look at the biblical witness to covenant. This week the story is that of the covenant between Abram and Sarai, and God. Not familiar with Abram and Sarai, or you think I mean some other couple and I can’t spell. Well as part of the covenant with God these two were renamed by God. They became known as Abraham and Sarah. Now they sound familiar. Part of the focus for Sunday will be to look at the relationship between covenant and identity. In our lives we go by many names, and each says something about our relationship with others. Sometimes we change our names or are given new names. Sometimes we are given nicknames. God changes Abram and Sarai’s names for a reason, that has to do with the covenant with God, and also their future in relation to the world. What’s in a name?
The readings for Sunday are Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 and Mark 8: 31-38. During the Time for All Ages, I will share some ideas that start from the statement, “My name is... .” The Sermon title is “What’s in a Name.”
This Sunday’s Service will include the Celebration of Holy Communion.
Presbytery Representative (we now have one!)
Many thanks to Rhea O. who let her name stand, and was elected as our Presbytery Representative at the Congregational Meeting last Sunday.
Lenten Study
On Wednesdays at 1:30 in the Lounge we will continue our Lenten Study using as our resource a book called: "Give it UP!" This Lenten study reflects on all the things that hold our attention, occupy our minds and monopolize our time, yet still isolate us from God and the world around us. Things like social media, phones, the noise of life, and focus on the external. Imagine taking on the challenge of giving up each of these for a week. During this seven-week study, Dottie Escobedo Frank takes us on a journey of self discovery, where we learns that the power of release brings great gain. The biggest gain is a stronger relationship with Christ. In the release, each person is freed to "give it up" in applause and praise for a life deeply lived in Christ.
So far, the books have not arrived. I will send out the chapter for week 2 on Monday.
MESSY CHURCH PLANNING MEETING
There will be a planning meeting this Sunday, March 1 after church over lunch. Those attending can either share pizza (gluten free and vegetarian will be available) or brown bag it. The theme for the next Messy Church is Jonah, so bring your ideas. I also hope to look at establishing a regular schedule of Messy Churches so that both planners and attendees can mark their calendars.
Spirit West Prayer Chain
We have a new Prayer Chain Co-ordinator, Shannon F. 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.
NEW WEBSITE!
Check out our New Website at www.spiritwest.org . Thanks to our Webmaster: Bonnie S.
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
Remember to check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
See you on Sunday!
Larry