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March 29, 2015 = Palm Sunday

3/26/2015

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Greetings

Sunday Worship

This Sunday is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.  And Holy Week starts on a really high note as we remember Jesus arrival in Jerusalem for Passover.  His entrance was so significant that for centuries the Church has referred to the event as “Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem”  The crowds went wild, Jesus was cheered, palm branches were waved.  We will re-enact some of that enthusiasm with our own Palm procession around (inside) the church.  And in the sermon, I will look at the role the crowds played in the events of Holy Week, because a lot of what happened was based on popular opinion, or what “the people” wanted.

 The readings for Sunday are Psalm: 1-2, 19-29  and Mark 1: 1-11.   The Sermon title is “According to Popular Opinion.”

 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 week the participants are giving up cell phone usage as much as possible.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES

Maundy Thursday –  April 2  On this day we remember Jesus’ Last Supper and the start of what we know as The Lord’s Supper, Communion, or the Eucharist.  At Spirit West we remember this with the celebration of a Seder, the traditional meal that marks Passover.  Our Seder is a pot-luck supper surrounded by story, song and ritual.  The Seder starts at 5:00 pm.  In order to set the right number of places, please put your name and number of guests on the sign-up sheet, or call the church office.  There is also a place to indicate if your are able bring something for the meal.

Good Friday – April 3  “Draw the Circle Wide” is the theme of our service of quiet reflection and meditation where we will remember Christ’s crucifixion and it’s implications for our day.  The Good Friday service is at 10:30 am

Easter Sunday – April 5  The Celebration of the new life proclaimed in the Resurrection of Jesus.  The highest point in the Christian year, and the Sunday of Sundays.

Decorating for Easter Sunday – We are not selling Easter Hydrangeas this year.  We are asking that if you want, you can purchase an Easter plant or basket elsewhere and loan it to the church on Easter Sunday.  One warning, no lilies please, their scent is very strong and can trigger allergic reactions.

A Spirit West Benevolent Fund

At the Board Meeting on Tuesday night, a discussion arose as to how we as a church would or could help any within our congregation who might find themselves in need, particularly short term financial need.  It was thought that the establishment of a designated benevolent fund would be appropriate.  Members of the congregation could contribute to this fund specifically.  Small grants of money would be paid out to individuals or families based on recommendations to me from Community Care or members of the congregation.  The decision to offer assistance would be made by the minister (me) in consultation with the Board Chair and the Treasurer.  The details of any payments would, of course, not be made public, but the treasurer would keep a detailed record of disbursements.  Your thoughts on this idea would be welcomed.

MESSY CHURCH

We will be having a Messy Church on Saturday, April 20 starting at 4:00 pm.  The theme is Jonah and the Whale! For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK.  The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible in a setting that is not like Sunday church.  So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story.  Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together.  Everything is provided.  It is expected that children will bring their parents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food.  So, come bring your family and friends!  If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.

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 our Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch


See you on Sunday!


 

Larry


(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


0 Comments

MARCH 22, 2015 - Fifth Sunday in Lent

3/19/2015

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Greetings

Sunday Worship

This Sunday is the last Sunday in Lent.  A week Sunday is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.  But, back to this Sunday.  The “Covenant” reading this week is from the prophet Jeremiah.  God, through Jeremiah, introduces the concept of a “new covenant,” which is not just the “old” covenant reworked, it is something different.  This new covenant will not be marked with outward signs or symbols, no rainbow, no tablets of stone, no bronze snake.  This new covenant will be written in the hearts of God’s people.  God gives as a reason for the new covenant the fact that the previous covenant has been broken, and not by God.  What a unique response.  What great love is demonstrated in that even after a broken covenant, God chooses to forgive (and forget) sin and make a new covenant.  For the Christian, that new covenant is our relationship in faith with the risen Christ.

 The readings for Sunday are Jeremiah 31:  31-34  and John 12: 20-33.   During the Time for All Ages, we will be looking at, “Permanent Marker”  The Sermon title is “Written on your hearts”

 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 week the participants are giving up television,  Internet movie channels, Netflix etc.

A Bit of Fun in the midst of Lent

Court Whist Event – Tomorrow night, Friday, March 20 at 7  This is a night for the adults to come out and have a bit of fun at a Court Whist Event.  If you have never played Court Whist (a card game) this is your chance to learn. No skill or experience is necessary.  This is your last chance, if you want to have tickets put aside for you, call the church office right now!.

Community Family Fun Night – Saturday, March 21 from 7 – 9 pm.  This event has been postponed until May.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES

Palm Sunday – March 29  On this Sunday we remember the story  of Jesus entering Jerusalem for the last time and being welcomed with crowds waving palm branches.  We will be waving palm branches. The Service is at the usual time of 10:30 am

Maundy Thursday –  April 2  On this day we remember Jesus’ Last Supper and the start of what we know as The Lord’s Supper, Communion, or the Eucharist.  At Spirit West we remember this with the celebration of a Seder, the traditional meal that marks Passover.  Our Seder is a pot-luck supper surrounded by story, song and ritual.  The Seder starts at 5:00 pm.  More information will follow in future emails.

Good Friday – April 3  With a service of quite reflection and meditation we will remember Christ’s crucifixion.  The Good Friday service is at 10:30 am

Easter Sunday – April 5  The Celebration of the new life proclaimed in the Resurrection of Jesus.  The highest point in the Christian year, and the Sunday of Sundays.

Decorating for Easter Sunday – We are not selling Easter Hydrangeas this year.  We are asking that if you want, you can purchase an Easter plant or basket elsewhere and loan it to the church on Easter Sunday.  One warning, no lilies please, their scent is very strong and can trigger allergic reactions.

MESSY CHURCH

We will be having a Messy Church on Saturday, April 20 starting at 4:00 pm.  The theme is Jonah and the Whale! For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK.  The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible in a setting that is not like Sunday church.  So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story.  Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together.  Everything is provided.  It is expected that children will bring their parents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food.  So, come bring your family and friends!  If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.

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, Tuesday to Friday (week of March 23-27 only; the office will be closed on March 23)
-  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


(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

0 Comments

March 15, 2015 - Fourth Sunday in Lent - Celtic Sunday

3/12/2015

0 Comments

 
Greetings

Sunday Worship

This Sunday is a bit different from other Sundays in Lent, both locally and historically.  At Spirit West, because of the Sunday’s proximity to St. Patrick’s Day (and St. David’s Day) we have marked it as Celtic Sunday, with the music and many of the prayers coming from or influenced by Celtic tradition or the ancient Celtic church.  Historically, this Sunday is Laetare Sunday.  The term "Laetare Sunday" is used by most western rite liturgical traditions (including the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches), and by some Protestant denominations with western-rite origins. The word translates from the Latin laetare, singular imperative of laetari to rejoice; a word that opens the traditional mass introit of the day. The full Introit reads:

« Laetare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis,et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae. »

«Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. »

This Sunday is currently also known as Mothering Sunday in the UK, Refreshment Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday (in French mi-carême), and Rose Sunday  because the use of rose-colored vestments instead of violet ones was permitted.  The day is a day of relaxation from normal Lenten rigours; a day of hope with Easter being at last within sight. Traditionally, even weddings, otherwise banned during Lent, could be performed on this day,  and servants were released from service for the day to visit their mothers (hence 'Mothering Sunday').

With changes in the practices of reformed churches such as ours and in the lectionary, the observance of Laetare Sunday is a thing of the past.  The story focus for us this Sunday is the story of Moses and the bronze serpent from Book of Numbers.  We don’t hear much from the book of Numbers, it’s mostly a collection of censuses of the children of Israel.  However, this story relates to an ongoing problem with those journeying to the Promised Land, complaining, constant complaining.  The way the story tells it, God got really tired of the complaining and basically said, “If you think this is bad...”  The next thing the children of Israel know is that their camp is overrun with poisonous snakes with a fatal bite.  Moses pleads on behalf of the people and God has a change of heart and provides a remedy for snake bite,  a remedy that the Church has seen as a foreshadowing of the crucifixion.

 The readings for Sunday are Numbers 21: 4-9  and John 3: 14-21.   During the Time for All Ages, we will be looking at, “Snakes!”  The Sermon title is “I am so mad I could...”

 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!"  

A Bit of Fun in the midst of Lent
Court Whist Event – Friday, March 20 at 7  This is a night for the adults to come out and have a bit of fun at a Court Whist Event.  If you have never played Court Whist (a card game) this is your chance to learn. No skill or experience is necessary.  Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through Janice S. or Anne D.  If you want to have tickets put aside for you, call the church office.

Community Family Fun Night – Saturday, March 21 from 7 – 9 pm.  We want the neighbours around Spirit West to get to know us, so bring your friends, your family’s friends, your friends’ families, any one to a fun night of family games and snacks.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES
Palm Sunday – March 29  On this Sunday we remember the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem for the last time and being welcomed with crowds waving palm branches.  We will be waving palm branches. The Service is at the usual time of 10:30 am

Maundy Thursday –  April 2  On this day we remember Jesus’ Last Supper and the start of what we know as The Lord’s Supper, Communion, or the Eucharist.  At Spirit West we remember this with the celebration of a Seder, the traditional meal that marks Passover.  Our Seder is a pot-luck supper surrounded by story, song and ritual.  The Seder starts at 5:00 pm.  More information will follow in future emails.

Good Friday – April 3  With a service of quite reflection and meditation we will remember Christ’s crucifixion.  The Good Friday service is at 10:30 am

Easter Sunday – April 5  The Celebration of the new life proclaimed in the Resurrection of Jesus.  The highest point in the Christian year, and the Sunday of Sundays.

Decorating for Easter Sunday – We are not selling Easter Hydrangeas this year.  We are asking that if you want, you can purchase an Easter plant or basket elsewhere and loan it to the church on Easter Sunday.  One warning, no lilies please, their scent is very strong and can trigger allergic reactions.

MESSY CHURCH
We will be having a Messy Church on Saturday, April 20 starting at 4:00 pm.  The theme is Jonah and the Whale! For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK.  The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible in a setting that is not like Sunday church.  So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story.  Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together.  Everything is provided.  It is expected that children will bring their parents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food.  So, come bring your family and friends!  If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.

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


(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


0 Comments

March 8, 2015 - Third Sunday in Lent

3/5/2015

0 Comments

 

Greetings

Sunday Worship

So, we are coming up on the third Sunday in Lent.  This week the “covenant” story is the Ten Commandments, not the Charlton Heston movie, but the original list of ten rules recorded in Exodus (and also in Deuteronomy).  From time to time in non-church social situations I find myself in the following conversation: Other, “So, what do you do?” Me, “I’m a United Church minister.”  Other, “Oh... Well I don’t really go to church much, but I follow the ten commandments and try to live a good life, and that’s what’s important anyway isn’t it?”  Me: (feeling a bit awkward) “Well... yes that’s important...”  Other: “Nice meeting you.”  To be honest, I cringe every time people tell me they try to follow the ten commandments and live a good life.  What I suspect is, that they really don’t know the actual ten commandments, though may have seen the movie and may be able to name one or two.  They are probably pretty certain that they haven’t murdered anyone and have avoided committing adultery.  But what about the other eight?  The ten commandments are not a individual guide to good behaviour.  We are told in Exodus that God wanted to free the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage and create a “chosen people.”  The Lord (yhvh) would be their God and the children of Israel, brought out of Egypt, would be the chosen people and would relate to God and each other in prescribed ways as a sign of that covenant relationship.  The ten commandments, and they’re just the start, are rules about community living in the presence of God  As Christians these rules are part of our heritage.  In many places in the United States monuments of the ten commandments are on the grounds of court houses and capitol buildings.  The Judicial Building in Montgomery, Alabama and the State Capitol in Oklahoma City are two examples.  From what I have been able to research, the only public ten commandments monument  in Canada is in Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg.  So this Sunday, we are going to look at the ten commandments, in their original context and as they relate to us as Christians in the 21st century.

 The readings for Sunday are Exodus 20: 1-17 and John 2: 13-22.   During the Time for All Ages, we will be looking at, “Rules, rules, rules”  The Sermon title is “Thou shalt...”

World Day of Prayer

Friday, March 6, 2:00 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church (18345 – 62B Ave)  The Service was written by the women of the Bahamas.  Reception and fellowship will follow.

The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement which brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer each year. Through preparation and participation in the worship service, we can come to know how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the Biblical passages in their context. We can hear their concerns and needs and can feel ourselves in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them. In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression. 

On October 19, 1918, Presbyterian women in Canada called together representatives of five Women’s Missionary Boards – Anglican, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian – “to promote the spreading of Christ’s kingdom through united prayer and action.” That first inter-church meeting gave birth to the Interim Committee on the Federation of the Women’s Missionary Society Boards of Canada, which organized a national and inter denominational day of prayer on January 9, 1920.

In 1922, the Canadian committee agreed to use the same theme and day for the Day of Prayer as U.S. women. This annual event became the Women’s World Day of Prayer in 1927. The Canadian committee changed its name to become the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada and now includes representatives from 11 church partners. This council continues to coordinate the World Day of Prayer in Canada and to speak to issues that concern women of faith across the country.

For more information on the history of the World Day of Prayer go to http://www.wicc.org/world-day-of-prayer

 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!"  

MESSY CHURCH

We will be having a Messy Church on Saturday, April 20 starting at 4:00 pm.  The theme is Jonah and the Whale! For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK.  The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible in a setting that is not like Sunday church.  So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story.  Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together.  Everything is provided.  It is expected that children will bring their parents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food.  So, come bring your family and friends!  If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.

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

(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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