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February 25, 2021 - 2nd Sunday in Lent - the 50th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation and our 42 Sunday video on YouTube

2/25/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
Again, there is a lot of new information in the eMessage this week.  There is an update on the way we will be celebrating Communion, and be sure to check out News from the Board. 
 
This Sunday – Second Sunday in Lent
 This Sunday is the second Sunday in Lent, and the focus is on Covenant.  We don’t use the word covenant much in our everyday conversations, and many of us may be unsure of its meaning.  A covenant is an agreement between two parties where both parties benefit in some way.  Covenant also carries the understanding that some work or effort may be required by both parties to maintain the terms of the covenant.  Marriage is considered a covenant.  The vows that the couple make in the church (or wherever) may outline the terms of the covenant, but they must continue to act as married people for the covenant to be maintained.  In the Bible, we find covenants between God and various people or nations.  In the passage from Genesis in this Sunday’s readings we see the start of a covenant between God and a man called Abram and his wife Sarai.   If you are thinking that Larry has made a couple of typos, and that their names were Abraham and Sarah, you would be partly right.  Not about the typos. But about the names, when God first encounters the couple, they are Abram and Sarai.  As part of the covenant with God they are given new names, Abraham and Sarah.  For God’s part, the childless couple will have a son (a bit of a miracle because Abram/Abraham is 100 and Sarai/Sarah is 99.) and God will be their God in an everlasting covenant. For their part Abraham and Sarah and their multitude of descendants are expected to live in complete faithfulness to God.  In the Gospel reading we find Jesus predicting his own suffering and death.  He also tells those that have been listening to him that if they want to be his followers there is a cost. They must “deny themselves and take up their cross.”  Even Peter has trouble with this aspect of discipleship. Living in a covenant relationship can be hard work, but also rewarding.
 
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16 and Mark 8: 31-38.  My story in Time for All Ages is called, “This gift is special.” I am calling my sermon, “But, I had other plans…”
  
ZOOM COFFEE HOUR CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85246931629?pwd=REVKMW1DeEk5M1ZRUHJxb0VOZzFyZz09
 Meeting ID: 852 4693 1629
Passcode: 630017

 
Lenten Group Study – Practices of Releasing
 Our ZOOM Lenten Study started on Wednesday, February 24 at 1:30 pm and continues each Wednesday in Lent. During the five remaining sessions, we will virtually join Janice MacLean, of the Prayer Bench, and wise friends as they explore original goodness and name the practices that release us from fear, grief, sense of scarcity, violence, and patterns that harden our heart and tarnish the goodness that is always staring back at us. Using metaphors from the Lent gospel readings, stories, poetry, art and music we rub away at all that limits the human spirit, and dulls our life, and suggest authentic spiritual practices to claim again original goodness.
Please let me know at swm@telus.net or by calling the church if you are interested in participating so that I can send you the ZOOM link as well as the participant resources for each week.  Remember, if you are interested but are not sure if you can attend all the sessions let me know.  You can still receive the weekly resource packages to study on your own
 

COMMUNION SERVICES (not on ZOOM)
 The Communion Services in January and February were conducted over ZOOM, and the results were less that hoped for.  Because of the current limitations of the Church internet, ZOOM services are fraught with technical difficulties that detract from the worship experience.  A work order has been created by Telus to improve our internet capacity, but this requires a site visit from a technician in the near future.  So for the Communion Services in March and April (Easter) we will return to recorded services on YouTube.  Once the capabilities of the improved internet are explored, we hope to be able to live-stream services.  We will let you know as progress in made.

“Congregation” needed for recorded Communion services
The Service to be recorded for Sunday, March 7, Lent 3 will be a Communion Service, and it has been the practice that there be three people in the church to make up a “congregation” to receive communion while the service is recorded. The service is conducted in such a way that physical distancing is observed, and the communion elements are prepared in strict sanitary conditions.  The service for March 7 will be recorded on Friday, March 5 at 11:00 am.  If you are interested in being part of the congregation of three please let me know. 


NEWS FROM THE BOARD
 Annual Congregational Meeting
There will be an Annual Congregational Meeting of Spirit West United Church on March 14, 2021 at 11:30, this will take place on ZOOM and the link will be included in the eMessages closer to the date.

 
Pastoral Relations –  (Finding a New Minister)
 Establishing a Search Committeee – Members sought
At its Meeting last night, Spirit West Board, passed the necessary motions to establish a Search Committee to find a new minister for this community.    The committee’s tasks include finding suitable candidates, interviewing the candidates, preparing a short list, interviewing those on the short list, and ultimately deciding on a candidate whose name will be presented at a congregational meeting for the congregation’s final decision.
Being on the committee will require a high level of commitment to see the process through for the benefit of the congregation.
Information received by the Board from the Region suggests a Committee of four to six people and membership on the Search Committee is not restricted to members of the Board.  If you would consider serving on the Search Committee please contact Colleen Fox, Board Chair at 780-487-5178 or thefox5@shaw.ca.
 
Reviewing the Minister’s Job Description
A important document in the search for a new minister is the Job Description.  What are the duties and responsibilities of the minister who serves Spirit West United Church?  The current job description needs to be reviewed, and will be by the board.  However, the input from members of the Spirit West community is also important.  If you would like to review the Minister’s Job Description and provide input to the Board, a copy of the document will be sent to you.  Just call or email Norma at the church.
 
 
OUTREACH – Jasper Place Wellness Centre Bagged Lunches
 Spirit West is again responsible for providing Bagged Lunches for the Jasper Place Wellness Center on Saturday, March 6.
As with our last bagged lunches Lori is estimating about $ 5.00 / bag - 25 bags needed.  Although this project is funded by our church as Outreach, you can sponsor a lunch or two by donating specifically to “Outreach.”  Lori and her family will do the shopping, bagging and delivery like last time.
If people would like to drop off other items (winter gear, etc.), these can be left by the “giving tree” just inside the front doors at Spirit West.  Lori will come by to pick these up from the Church on March 4.

 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
 You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our new “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required. Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 2:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of the request will not be shared. The prayer requests are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.

 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage
. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…

                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 

  
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
 
 SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 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


0 Comments

February 21, 2021 - !st Sunday in Lent and the 49th Sunday in COVID-19 Isolation and the 41st Sunday video on YouTube

2/18/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
There is a lot of new information in the eMessage this week.  Be sure to check out News from the Board from Colleen F., our Board Chair.  Also note the information from Lori W. regarding Outreach.
 
This Sunday – FIRST SUNDAY in LENT
 This Sunday is the first Sunday in Lent, although I must confess that with our church closing to in-person worship in the middle of Lent 2020, it feels a bit like we have been in Lent for a year now.  But we are really entering Lent 2021, that period of prayer, meditation, penitence and reflection that takes us to the Resurrection.  Traditionally, Lent has been a time for more rigorous spiritual discipline, and this often included fasting or abstaining from certain foods.  The whole concept of “giving up” something for Lent has its roots in this tradition.  We encounter the biblical model for Lent in today’s Gospel reading from Mark.  We are reminded again of Jesus baptism, but immediately after that Jesus goes into the wilderness where he is tempted by Satan and was with wild beasts.  The Gospels of Matthew and Luke include more details about the temptations Jesus faced.  So it is this time away, wrestling our demons that has become an image of Lent.
Included in the service on Sunday will be the Imposition of Ashes.  In biblical times and in many cultures, putting ashes on oneself is a sign of mourning or repentance.  When Jonah finally got to Nineveh and proclaimed God’s displeasure with the behavior of the citizens of Nineveh, we read that the king “removed his robe,, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.”  The Christian tradition is to be marked with ashes to start Lent, on Ash Wednesday.  We did not have an Ash Wednesday service, so we will observe this ancient custom on Sunday. I hope that those of you on our mailing list received your packet of ashes this week.
 
The Scripture readings for Sunday are 1 Peter: 18-22 and Mark 1: 9-15.  I am calling my sermon, “Put your whole self in!”

  
ZOOM COFFEE HOUR CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85746746882?pwd=bjZPZHE3VjBLYmxZRFQ3Ri8yeVFjdz09
 Meeting ID: 857 4674 6882
Passcode: 228650
  
LENT 2021 FOR SPIRIT WEST
 Lenten Group Study – Practices of Releasing
There will be a ZOOM Lenten Study starting on Wednesday, February 24 at 1:30 pm and continuing each Wednesday in Lent. During the six sessions, we will virtually join Janice MacLean, of the Prayer Bench, and wise friends as they explore original goodness and name the practices that release us from fear, grief, sense of scarcity, violence, and patterns that harden our heart and tarnish the goodness that is always staring back at us. Using metaphors from the Lent gospel readings, stories, poetry, art and music we rub away at all that limits the human spirit, and dulls our life, and suggest authentic spiritual practices to claim again original goodness.
Please let me know at swm@telus.net or by calling the church if you are interested in participating so that I can send you the ZOOM link as well as the participant resources for each week.  Remember, if you are interested but are not sure if you can attend all the sessions let me know.  You can still receive the weekly resource packages to study on your own

 
NEWS FROM THE BOARD
 A couple of years ago, I (Colleen Fox) was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Spirit West Board, with the expectation that at the Congregational Meeting in November 2020, I would be elected Chair for 2021.  Well, as you know, we did not have a Congregational Meeting in November so there were no elections to the Board.  Following the advice of the National and Regional Councils on what to do about church board positions during Covid, I was named Chair of the Board by the Spirit West Board at their meeting on January 27.  This is going to be a busy year, and I want to make sure that the members of the congregation know what the Board is doing.  Since we are not meeting in person yet, there are only two ways to get the word out: the Thursday eMessage and the Sunday Worship Video announcements.  So here are some things you need to know.

 
Annual Congregational Meeting
There will be an Annual Congregational Meeting of Spirit West United Church on March 14, 2021 at 11:30, this will take place on ZOOM and the link will be included in the eMessages closer to the date.

 
Daycare Rental
When our building was built, the lower hall was considered to be a “community hall” for fire regulations and was wired accordingly.  For the lower hall to be acceptable as a “daycare” additional fire sensors/smoke detectors need to be installed.  We are working with the Daycare operator to have this done. This is a requirement before the Daycare operators will get their final approval to move forward. After they have been installed and approved, the daycare lease will be signed.

 
Pastoral Relations
We have started the process to find a new minister as Larry will be retiring at end of June this year. The preliminary work has been done by John Punko. (Thank you John) The Rev. Hugh McGregor has been appointed as our Northern Spirit Region Pastoral Relations liaison. At our next board meeting on February 24 we are going to start to put a team together to work with Northern Spirit Region to continue the process. 

 
As more information becomes available we will share it with you. 
 
 OUTREACH – Jasper Place Wellness Centre Bagged Lunches
 Spirit West is again responsible for providing Bagged Lunches for the Jasper Place Wellness Center on Saturday, March 6.
As with our last bagged lunches Lori is estimating about $ 5.00 / bag - 25 bags needed.  Although this project is funded by our church as Outreach, you can sponsor a lunch or two by donating specifically to “Outreach.”  Lori and her family will do the shopping, bagging and delivery like last time.
If people would like to drop off other items (winter gear, etc.), these can be left by the “giving tree” just inside the front doors at Spirit West.  Lori will come by to pick these up from the Church on March 4.

 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
 You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our new “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required. Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 2:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of the request will not be shared. The prayer requests are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.

 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage
. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 

 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton

  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 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



0 Comments

February 11, 2014 - Transfiguration Sunday

2/12/2021

0 Comments

 
Greetings!
Please note the information below about Lent 2021 for Spirit West.  It contains information about our Lenten Group (ZOO) Study – Practices of Releasing.
 
This Sunday – TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY
 his Sunday is the last Sunday in the Season of Epiphany.  Next Wednesday is the start of Lent.  This Sunday focuses on an episode in the life of Jesus that was only witnessed by three of his disciples.  The event has come to be called the Transfiguration.  Jesus takes three of his followers, Peter, James and John “up a high mountain apart, by themselves.”   Jesus was “transfigured,” his clothing became dazzling white and Moses and Elijah appeared with him.  This Sunday we will also hear the story of the prophet Elijah being taken up to heaven. In both stories something spectacular happens that is meant to confirm to the witnesses of the event the divine origins of the messages proclaimed.  But there is a bit of a difference.  In the story of Elijah, his companion and follower Elisha is left alone to continue Elijah’s mission.  In the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus comes back down the mountain with the three to continue their mission together.  It’s all about bringing the message of God’s presence to the world, even after an experience that we would like to remain in.  But “we are not alone, we live in God’s world.”
 
Sunday is also Valentine’s Day, and I will be talking about St. Valentine in the Time for All Ages.
 
The Scripture readings for Sunday are 2 Kings 2: 1-12 and Mark 9: 2-9.  I am calling my sermon, “From the mountain top.”

 
 ZOOM COFFEE HOUR CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84707304114?pwd=WFUybStRVnJldWZiaG9XNHIwUkFPdz09
 Meeting ID: 847 0730 4114
Passcode: 798584
 

 LENT 2021 FOR SPIRIT WEST
Shrove Tuesday, February 16
Shrove Tuesday is that last day before the beginning of Lent.  In many places it is now known as Pancake Tuesday.  Perhaps pancakes could be a part of your menu on Tuesday.  For an extensive explanation of Shrove Tuesday go to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday
 
Ash Wednesday, February 17
Lent begins on Wednesday, February 17 and in years past we have observed the Imposition of Ashes associated with Ash Wednesday on the Sunday following, which this year will be Sunday, February 21.  I would like to continue this practice, recognizing the restrictions posed by Covid-19.  To this end, I will be mailing out packets of Palm Ashes tomorrow.  I am hoping that you receive them by Ash Wednesday, or at least by February 21.  The packets of ashes will come with an explanation and suggestions for use.

 
Lenten Group Study – Practices of Releasing
There will be a ZOOM Lenten Study starting on Wednesday, February 24 at 1:30 pm and continuing each Wednesday in Lent. During the six sessions, we will virtually join Janice MacLean, of the Prayer Bench, and wise friends as they explore original goodness and name the practices that release us from fear, grief, sense of scarcity, violence, and patterns that harden our heart and tarnish the goodness that is always staring back at us. Using metaphors from the Lent gospel readings, stories, poetry, art and music we rub away at all that limits the human spirit, and dulls our life, and suggest authentic spiritual practices to claim again original goodness.
Please let me know at swm@telus.net or by calling the church if you are interested in participating so that I can send you the ZOOM link as well as the participant resources for each week.  Remember, if you are interested but are not sure if you can attend all the sessions let me know.  You can still receive the weekly resource packages to study on your own.

 
 YOUR TAX RECEIPT FOR 2020
 The Charitable Tax receipts from Spirit West for 2020 were mailed last week.  You should have received your receipt by now.  If you have any questions about your receipt please call or email the church.

 
 2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
 If you have been regularly using Offering Envelopes for your offering, either mailed in to the church or dropped off, your 2021 Envelopes are now available at the Church. We would prefer if you could pick them up.  Call Norma at the church, so that she can have your envelopes ready for you.  If you would rather that they be delivered to you, you will also have to let Norma know.
 

SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
 You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our new “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required. Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 2:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of the request will not be shared. The prayer requests are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.

 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage
. 
 
 FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 

 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
  
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry


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February 4, 2021 The 5th Sunday after Epiphany and the 47th Sunday in Covid-19 isolation and our 39th Sunday video on YouTube

2/4/2021

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Picture
Greetings!
 
This Sunday – The fifth after epiphany – A ZOOM COMMUNION
 
Worship this Sunday will be our second live ZOOM Communion Service at 11:00 am.  The ZOOM Service is at 11:00 because our Spirit West ZOOM Sunday School has been meeting at 10:00 am since the end of September, and the 11:00 am Service time gives us time to switch ZOOMs
.
ZOOM has been used for Communion Services by the General Council and by Norther Spirit Regional Council, and is being encourage as the way for the church to gather for Communion as it brings people together at the same time.  Since it will be Communion, you are encouraged to have some bread and grape juice (or wine) available for each member of your household. 
  
Now in a ZOOM Service, what you see is what is happening at the church as you watch it, with the exception of the musical portions which are recorded in advance and shared by our ZOOM technician at the appropriate times in the service.  Because we are using ZOOM there is a greater possibility for lags in the video or audio and other real time technical problems.  There will be no subtitles for the prayers and prayer responses. But, a bulletin will be provided in the email that will be sent out by Norma on Saturday, but rather than a YouTube link, you will be reminded of the ZOOM link.  Please be patient with us as we learn another way of worshiping together.  We also hope that the recording of the service works this time, and we will be able to post a YouTube version of the service later on Sunday afternoon   
  
Some Questions and Answers:
Q; What if I am new to ZOOM, and a bit unsure about how it works?  
A: Sign on early (around 10:45 am and receive a short tutorial about ZOOM)
Q:I can’t use ZOOM, what do I do for worship? 
A: The ZOOM Service will be recorded (we hope) and posted to our YouTube channel later on Sunday afternoon.
Q: Will all the Services be on ZOOM now? 
A: No, for the present, we will only be using ZOOM for Communion Services, on the first Sunday of each month.  The remainder of the Service each month will be the pre-recorded YouTube videos that you have become used to.
 
To Join the Zoom Communion click on this link between 10:45 and 11:00 am on Sunday, February 7thh. (Some computers may require you to press the CTRL key at the same time as you click on the link with your mouse)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85002656536?pwd=Sm1McDVpT2YwOWdsOVdoa2kxYXF0dz09
 
It is unlikely, but you may be asked for the Meeting ID: which is 850 0265 6536.  If you need a Passcode it is: 814813
 
The Scripture Readings for Sunday are Acts 19: 1-7, and Mark 1; 4-11.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be saying, “I don’t feel well.”  My sermon is titled, “Healed to Serve.”
 
ZOOM Coffee Hour will follow the ZOOM Service on same link
  
YOUR TAX RECEIPT FOR 2020 IS IN THE MAIL
 The Charitable Tax receipts from Spirit West for 2020 were mailed today.  You should see your receipt in your mailbox early next week

 
 2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
 If you have been regularly using Offering Envelopes for your offering, either mailed in to the church or dropped off, your 2021 Envelopes are now available at the Church. We would prefer if you could pick them up.  Call Norma at the church, so that she can have your envelopes ready for you.  If you would rather that they be delivered to you, you will also have to let Norma know.

 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
Greeters (update)
You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our new “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.
 
Scripture Readers (update)
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required. Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 2:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of the request will not be shared. The prayer requests are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.

 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage
. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 

 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
  
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 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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