
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 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.
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