Greetings,
How many times have you heard stories about people getting lost or in serious trouble because the GPS/Navigation system in their car led them the wrong way. Have you ever been in a situation where you are sure that you know where you are going, but somehow you get lost because somehow things look different than you remember. Have you ever done something, perhaps with friends, because “someone” said that it would be okay, and it wasn’t. Our life is a journey. Sometimes on our journey, we seek direction. “Siri, how do I..?” Sometimes we receive direction. “I told you to..!” Sometimes we move in a particular direction because someone made us a promise. “If you….then I….” And sometimes we just seem lost. One of the constant themes throughout the Scripture is that God promises to be with us on our journey. In the reading from the Law on Sunday, God makes promises to Abram about his future. God makes a covenant with Abram and Sarai. God will be with them on a journey, but the outcome will be a complete change of direction for Abram and Sarai. You have heard of Abram and Sarai, but you probably know them better as Abraham and Sarah. On Sunday we will look at God’s promises and our journeys.
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16 and Mark 8: 31-38. In the Time for All Ages I ask, “Where are we going?” The Sermon is titled “Promises, promises”
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – Feb 25
There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service this Sunday, February 25 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West United in 2017. We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2018.
You attendance and input at this meeting is greatly desired.
MESSY CHURCH – This Saturday
Messy Church is this Saturday, Feb 24, We will be looking at “Messy Lent – Jesus in the Wilderness.” Edina T. is the coordinator. Come on out for the time of fellowship, fun and food. See the poster on the Spirit West website
If your family is coming to Messy Church send us an email to spiritw@telus.net or phone the church office.
NEW PASTORAL CARE INITIATIVE – “CARE CALLS”
In order for us to be current with the pastoral needs of members of the congregation, the Pastoral Care committee of Spirit West is planning on introducing “Care Calls.” What is a “Care Call” you ask. A “Care Call” is a call you receive from a member of the congregation appointed by the Pastoral Care committee to check in with you, particularly if we haven’t seen or heard from you for a while. We are not trying to be nosy, but we know of people who have been ill or confined at home and would like to know that the church is thinking of them. Sometimes they would have liked a visit, but that word never got to the minister. We want to make sure that no one is forgotten.
How can you help? The Pastoral Care committee is looking for people who would be willing to make “Care Calls” on behalf of the congregation. Are you good on the phone? Are you willing to take a bit of training? Can you keep private conversations private? Would you like to be a “Care Caller?” If your answers are yes, please contact Larry at the church office.
A NEW WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You are don’t have 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. At the last Board meeting, it was suggested that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
Security Access codes
The church access code for the alarm system has been changed. Each of our renters will have their own code. Members of the Spirit West congregation who have a key to the church (choir, Ladies’ Group, Men’s Breakfast etc.) need to see Norma or Larry to get the new code. You don’t want to set the alarm off, by using an outdated code.
Outreach Activities
We are still collecting mitts, hats, hand warmers, coffee cards, hot chocolate packages, coffee travel mugs, etc. for both Bissell Center and the Jasper Place Wellness Center. You can bring these items in and put them on the giving tree or leave them in the baskets on the table.
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 March, April and May! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill Callas at 780-481-2662. Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts). A free will offering, in envelopes, will be collected by the host. A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested. Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.
Pictorial Directory – it has been 5 years since we did our last pictorial directory. The directory itself is free – the company makes their money by selling family pictures to those who want them. The last directory is on the signup table. Please let me know if you are interested in having another directory done this year.
Sunday School Teachers Needed: We continue to look for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School. You can teach one Sunday or as many Sundays as you wish! If interested, please add your name to the signup sheet on the back table.
PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle. We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray. There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need. If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
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
- Norma => 11 am to 4:00 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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