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March 24, 2016 - Holy Week

3/24/2016

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Picture
Greetings
Today, Maundy Thursday is the start of the Easter Triduum, a fancy way of saying the Easter Weekend.  Throughout the Christian Church, this weekend (or the May 1st weekend if you are Orthodox) marks the remembrance and reliving of three significant events in the Gospel story.  We start tonight as we remember that Jesus gathered his disciples for a meal to celebrate the Passover and during the course of the meal gave new meaning to the shared bread and wine.  We now celebrate that new meaning in the Sacrament we call Holy Communion which will be shared at the Service tonight.  Tomorrow morning we will remember the dark events of Good Friday, Jesus’ torture, crucifixion and death.  We will relive a time when those who followed Jesus thought all was lost, their hopes and dreams dashed, their lives in danger.  Then on Sunday morning we will proclaim the Resurrection.  We will listen and celebrate as hear the accounts of Jesus’ followers as they encounter their friend and teacher, whom the watched die, alive!
THE SERVICES OF THE TRIDUUM
Maundy Thursday (tonight), 6:00 pm - Remembering the Last Supper with the Washing of Feet (or hands, see John 3: 3-5) and the Sacrament of Holy Communion
Good Friday (tomorrow), 10:30 am – In a quiet service of prayers, readings and music we will reflect on the story of Jesus’ crucifixion using Symbols of Good Friday as objects of contemplation.
Easter Sunday, 10:30 am – We proclaim the Good News of the Resurrection. In the Time for All Ages we will think about times when we thought to ourselves, “I am looking for Something.”  The Sermon title is take from Jesus’ questions to Mary Magdalene outside the tomb, “Whom are you looking for?”
 
  SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Our Sunday School is GROWING and it is important that we provide the children with a positive experience in their time together.  We are looking for people who are willing to share some time with the children on Sunday.  We have a great curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit which is quite adaptable and easy to use (you do need a computer and internet access for the preparation).  If you are not sure, consider joining the class for a couple of weeks and learning with the children.  If you have any questions, call Margery W. At 780-419-3224.  A signup sheet is on the cabinet by the office.
 
 MESSY EASTER- Is postponed to a later date
 Due to challenges in getting organized, and because there is a big Messy Church Workshop for Edmonton on April 9, our Messy Church is postponed.  I would encourage anyone who is interested in Messy Church to attend the Workshop outlined below

MESSY CHURCH WORKSHOP
Holy Trinity Anglican Church is hosting a MESSY CHURCH WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 9 from 10:00 am to 3:00.  The workshop is advertised on the Alberta and Northwest Conference website http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/14057-messy-church-workshop-to-be-offered-in-edmonton/
 
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFRIBRILATOR  Spirit West is looking at installing an Automated External Defribrilator (AED, automatic jump-start for someone in cardiac arrest)  However, one of the conditions of installing such a device is that there be people available who know how to use it.  So the call is going out to identify those within the congregation who are currently certified in CPR/AED, or those who will commit to take the four hour annual training session.  If you fall into either category please call the church office.

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 wo​uld 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.
 
Emergency Food Hampers  The Jasper Place Wellness Centre supplies basic emergency food hampers.  At the present time their stocks are very low.  A bin will be by the front door where you can leave donations of dry pasta, rice, canned beans, canned meat or fish, soup, crackers, peanut butter, hot chocolate,  and tea bags.  Your donations will be taken by Doreen to JPWC on Mondays.  Your support of the work of Spirit West at the JPWC is greatly appreciated.
 
 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 Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
 
Office hours 
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Larry
 

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March 20, 2016 - Palm Sunday

3/17/2016

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Greetings

 
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Today is St. Patrick's Day. Patrick, who may have been born in Wales, was captured by Irish pirates at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland.  He eventually escaped and returned to his family.  After becoming a priest, Patrick voluntary returned to Ireland to bring the new faith to the people of his former captivity.  Among the legends that are associated with Patrick are his driving of the snakes from Ireland, and his explanation of the Trinity using the shamrock.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the Sunday that begins our journey through Holy Week.  On this Sunday we remember how the crowds in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus shouting “Hosanna,” and waving palm branches.  We will also be singing “Hosanna,” and waving palm branches.
 
The passages that will be read on Sunday are from Psalm 118 and  Luke 19: 28-40.     I have titled the Sermon “I love a parade!”
 
HOLY WEEK SERVICES
 
Maundy Thursday – This year we will not be having a Seder, but will be remembering the Jesus’ Last Supper with a special Communion Service on Thursday, March 24 at 6:00 pm.  The service will include the ancient practice of foot washing.  Those present who so wish may have their hands of feet washed.
 
Good Friday – On Friday, March 25 at 10:30 am, we will spend time in the presence of the Cross as we remember in prayer and hymn the Crucifixion.
 
EASTER –The Feast of the Resurrection -  On Sunday, March 27 at 10:30 am, we will celebrate the Feast of Feasts, The Sunday of Sundays, the Resurrection of Christ.  Join us for this celebration of joy.
 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Our Sunday School is GROWING and it is important that we provide the children with a positive experience in their time together.  We are looking for people who are willing to share some time with the children on Sunday.  We have a great curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit which is quite adaptable and easy to use (you do need a computer and internet access for the preparation).  If you are not sure, consider joining the class for a couple of weeks and learning with the children.  If you have any questions, call Margery W. At 780-419-3224.  A signup sheet is on the cabinet by the office.
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST – There will be a Men’s Breakfast this Saturday, March 19 in the Lower Hall at 8:00 am.
 
 AFTERNOON LENTEN STUDY – The Trinity & Everyday Spirituality – Session 6
The sixth and final session of our study will be Wednesday, March 23 at 1:30 in the Lounge.  This time we will be celebrating what we have learned and experienced of the Trinity in a special Celtic Liturgy.
 
HOPE SPRINGS FORTH – Join us for this special concert of sacred and secular music proclaiming the message of hope.  A free-will offering will be received to help provide hope for the homeless and helpless in Edmonton’s west end.
 
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER - The dinners have begun, and the word is out: They are great fun with great food!  Those who still wish to host a dinner but haven’t committed to a date can still contact Bill C. at 780-481-2662.  Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host.  If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine.  Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts)  Diners will be provided  ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church.  A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested.   See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
 
 MESSY EASTER- April 9 ??
 I have decided to pick a date for Messy Easter, Saturday April 9.  If you are interested in becoming involved or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible.  It’s work, but it is also so much fun.   Give me a call!
 
MESSY CHUCH WORKSHOP
Holy Trinity Anglican Church is hosting a MESSY CHURCH WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 9 (same day as our Messy Church) from 10:00 am to 3:00.  We could go right from the Workshop to our Messy Church all enthused!  The workshop is advertised on the Alberta and Northwest Conference website http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/14057-messy-church-workshop-to-be-offered-in-edmonton/
 
Emergency Food Hampers  The Jasper Place Wellness Centre supplies basic emergency food hampers.  At the present time their stocks are very low.  A bin will be by the front door where you can leave donations of dry pasta, rice, canned beans, canned meat or fish, soup, crackers, peanut butter, hot chocolate,  and tea bags.  Your donations will be taken by Doreen to JPWC on Mondays.  Your support of the work of Spirit West at the JPWC is greatly appreciated.
 
 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 Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
 
Office hours 
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
-  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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March 13, 2016 Fifth Sunday in Lent - Celtic Sunday

3/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
 Greetings
This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday in Lent, and the gospel story for this Sunday recounts the action of Mary of Bethany (the sister of Lazarus and Martha) while Jesus was at supper with them.  Mary took a “pound of costly perfume made of pure nard” and rubbed Jesus’ feet with it, and them dried his feet with her hair.  Now “nard” or “spikenard” is an aromatic oil from a plant that grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China and India and in Jesus’ day would have been considered very valuable,  in the story the perfume is valued at three hundred denarii, which would have been nearly a year’s wages for a labourer.  Judas objects to this extravagance, suggesting that it would have been better to have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor. John comments on this suggestion in his account of the incident.  John also records Jesus’ response to Judas.
The passages that will be read on Sunday are Isaiah 43: 16-21 and John 12: 1-8.  In the Time for All Ages we will share thoughts about how we show our love with “I Y U.”   I have titled the Sermon “Extravagant Love”

As this is the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day, it is also Celtic Sunday at Spirit West.  The prayers and music for the service all come from the Celtic Christian tradition (Ireland, Scotland and Wales.)  We will also be having a number of guest musicians to add to our worship.  You may if you wish enhance your Sunday wardrobe with something green.
 
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS THIS WEEKEND  Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour (spring forward) before you go to bed on Saturday night.  The official moment for change is 2:00 am on Sunday morning, but you will probably be asleep then.
​
​

  SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Our Sunday School is GROWING and it is important that we provide the children with a positive experience in their time together.  We are looking for people who are willing to share some time with the children on Sunday.  We have a great curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit which is quite adaptable and easy to use (you do need a computer and internet access for the preparation).  If you are not sure, consider joining the class for a couple of weeks and learning with the children.  If you have any questions, call Margery W. At 780-419-3224.  A signup sheet is on the cabinet by the office.
 
AFTERNOON LENTEN STUDY – The Trinity & Everyday Spirituality – Session 5
The fifth session of our study will be Wednesday, March 9 at 1:30 in the Lounge.  The topic for this session is “The Trinity in Art, Poetry and Song”  The opening question is “How do you play in everyday life?”   The scripture for reflection during the week is 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13.
 
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
The dinners have begun, and the word is out: They are great fun with great food!  Those who still wish to host a dinner but haven’t committed to a date can still contact Bill C. at 780-481-2662.  Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host.  If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine.  Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts)  Diners will be provided  ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church.  A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested.   See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
 
 MESSY EASTER- April 9 ??
 I have decided to pick a date for Messy Easter, Saturday April 9.  If you are interested in becoming involved or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible.  It’s work, but it is also so much fun.   Give me a call!
MESSY CHUCH WORKSHOP
Holy Trinity Anglican Church is hosting a MESSY CHURCH WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 9 (same day as our Messy Church) from 10:00 am to 3:00.  We could go right from the Workshop to our Messy Church all enthused!  The workshop is advertised on the Alberta and Northwest Conference website http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/14057-messy-church-workshop-to-be-offered-in-edmonton/
 
Emergency Food Hampers  The Jasper Place Wellness Centre supplies basic emergency food hampers.  At the present time their stocks are very low.  A bin will be by the front door where you can leave donations of dry pasta, rice, canned beans, canned meat or fish, soup, crackers, peanut butter, hot chocolate,  and tea bags.  Your donations will be taken by Doreen to JPWC on Mondays.  Your support of the work of Spirit West at the JPWC is greatly appreciated.
 
 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 Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
 
Office hours 
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
-  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
​

0 Comments

March 6, 2016 - Fourth Sunday in Lent with communion

3/4/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture


Greetings

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday in Lent, and to give you a bit of ecclesiastical trivia, it is in some parts of the Christian church Laetare Sunday.  In the days when the Mass in Latin was the universal form of worship in the west, each Mass began with a designated Introit or short opening hymn depending on the time of year. The introit for the fourth Sunday in Lent began Laetare Jerusalem  (Be joyful, Jerusalem  [Isaiah 66:10]).  Laetare Sunday has been considered 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 in some countries this is  'Mothering Sunday'). In some places the church actually “lightens up”  and the purple hangings of Lent are replaced with rose for the day. 
The passages that will be read on Sunday are Joshua 5: 9-12 and Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32.  We will also share in reading Psalm 32. The story from Luke is the one we have come to know as ”The Prodigal Son.” The operative words in all these passages are “forgiveness” and “mercy.” In the Time for All Ages we will share thoughts around the idea that “I don’t like...”   In a moment of great inspiration I have titled the Sermon “The Prodigal”
We will also be seeing another video response to our Moderator’s Lenten #NotAlone challenge. 
​
  SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Our Sunday School is GROWING and it is important that we provide the children with a positive experience in their time together.  We are looking for people who are willing to share some time with the children on Sunday.  We have a great curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit which is quite adaptable and easy to use (you do need a computer and internet access for the preparation).  If you are not sure, consider joining the class for a couple of weeks and learning with the children.  If you have any questions, call Margery W. At 780-419-3224.  A signup sheet is on the cabinet by the office.
 
AFTERNOON LENTEN STUDY – The Trinity & Everyday Spirituality – Session 4
The fourth session of our study will be Wednesday, March 9 at 1:30 in the Lounge.  The topic for this session is “To Live in the World God Loves”  The opening question is “Are you REVELLING in the Trinity, or are you WRESTLING with the Trinity?”   The scripture for reflection during the week is Matthew 28:16-20.
 
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
The dinners have begun, and the word is out: They are great fun with great food!  Those who still wish to host a dinner but haven’t committed to a date can still contact Bill C. at 780-481-2662.  Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host.  If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine.  Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts)  Diners will be provided  ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church.  A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested.  There are three different dinners on March 12, check your calendars.  See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
 
 MESSY EASTER- April 9 ??
 I have decided to pick a date for Messy Easter, Saturday April 9.  If you are interested in becoming involved or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible.  It’s work, but it is also so much fun.   Give me a call!

MESSY CHUCH WORKSHOP
Holy Trinity Anglican Church is hosting a MESSY CHURCH WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 9 (same day as our Messy Church) from 10:00 am to 3:00.  We could go right from the Workshop to our Messy Church all enthused!  The workshop is advertised on the Alberta and Northwest Conference website http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/14057-messy-church-workshop-to-be-offered-in-edmonton/
 
Emergency Food Hampers  The Jasper Place Wellness Centre supplies basic emergency food hampers.  At the present time their stocks are very low.  A bin will be by the front door where you can leave donations of dry pasta, rice, canned beans, canned meat or fish, soup, crackers, peanut butter, hot chocolate,  and tea bags.  Your donations will be taken by Doreen to JPWC on Mondays.  Your support of the work of Spirit West at the JPWC is greatly appreciated.
 
 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 Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
 
Office hours 
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
-  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

0 Comments

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