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March 26, 2020 - The Fifth Sunday in Lent and the Second in Isolation - “You are called”

3/26/2020

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Greetings,
Last week I recorded a “service” which I was eventually able to post on Facebook.  I will be doing the same this week, and hope to be able to post to our Facebook page in a more timely fashion so that the service is available to you for Sunday morning. This Sunday’s service video will also include a Time for All Ages story.  

SO, SUNDAY WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY CALLED HOME …
  • Option 1 - Set aside time on Sunday.  Follow the Spirit West Service on Facebook. 
  • Option 2 - Set aside time on Sunday. Light a candle, read the readings for THIS SUNDAY, read and discuss my reflection on the readings, and pray.
  • Option 3-  “Attend’ one of the live-streaming services from another United Church through the link at SUNDAY SERVICES LIVE-STREAMING… below.
  • Also remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can still contribute to Spirit West during this time.  See ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
THIS SUNDAY – The Fifth Sunday in Lent and the Second in Isolation - “You are called”
 
The readings for Sunday are  Ezekiel 37:1-14, and John 11: 1-45.
In both the readings something miraculous happens.  In the reading from Ezekiel, we here the story of the Valley of Dry Bones.  Ezekiel is taken to a valley full of bones, “there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry.”  And Ezekiel is asked, “Can these bones live?”  You can tell that Ezekiel is hedging his bets with his answer.  If he says, “No, they are dead and dry,” he could be accused of a lack of faith.  Ezekiel is talking to God after all.  However, if he says, “Yes, they can live,” he might get the reply from God that he is crazy, the bones are dead and dry.”  So Ezekiel replies, “O Lord God, you know.”  So God tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, which he does.  That’s when the truly miraculous happens as the bones reconnect and are covered by flesh and skin.  The Ezekiel is called to prophesy to the breath (breath, wind and spirit are the same word in Hebrew), and he does.  And as he says, “I prophesied as he commanded me,  and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.”  The God explains to Ezekiel that these bones represent “the whole house of Israel” which at that time was in exile.  This is the promise of new life for a people separated from land.  (Check out this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrzBsUtUdts) In the Gospel reading we have the story of the raising of Lazarus.  Lazarus is the brother of Mary and Martha, and is very ill.  The sisters sent word to Jesus that Lazarus is at the point of death.  Somehow Jesus is delayed and by the time he arrives Lazarus is dead and been in his tomb for four days.  Martha is angry. She goes out to meet him on the road and greets him with “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  There follows a rather theological discussion of the resurrection.  However, things get more practical when Jesus meets Mary, who is weeping and repeats Martha’s sentiment, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  (It is at this point that we have the shortest verse in the whole New Testament, John 11:35: εδακρυσεν ο ιησους, Jesus began to weep)  Ultimately, Jesus goes to the tomb, and calls to Lazarus, “Lazarus, come out!”  Lazarus come out of the tomb, still bound with the grave cloths. Jesus tells those gathered around to unbind Lazarus and let him go.  There is a verse in Paul’s letter to the Romans (Rom 8: 38-39) in which Paul says, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I think that both the passage from Ezekiel and that from John are examples of this power of God that can call us even from beyond the grave.  In this time when we are all in isolation, we need to hear that nothing, not even Covid-19 can separate us from the love of God.  Even if we would like to yell at God and say, “If you had been here, we would not have Covid-19,” we know that “In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.”
So in this troubling time, let’s wash our hands, move forward, and pray for the world.
 

SUNDAY SERVICES LIVE-STREAMING ACROSS CANADA
There are a number of United Churches (and some Presbyterian) across Canada who are able to live-stream their Sunday services.  At least three Edmonton churches are doing this: Millwoods, Robertson-Wesley and Southminster-Steinhauer.   Check out this interactive map for livestreaming services across Canada: https://arcg.is/1TaKqS (and remember to take into account time zones for churches outside of Alberta)

 
WHAT ABOUT HOLY WEEK AND EASTER?
A number of people have expressed concern about what we will do for Holy Week and Easter.  Easter is a date on the calendar, and changes from year to year anyway.  If worship services are still suspended over Easter, a highly probable situation, we will celebrate the Resurrection when we are able.

 
PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC (never thought I would be writing that!)
 
Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.

 
Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.

 
Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.

 
We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).
 
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.

 
                    
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 ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 
CHURCH OFFICE
At the present time, 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

March 19, 2020

3/19/2020

0 Comments

 
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Greetings,
Somehow I had not imagined a time when I would be sending out a message to a congregation to remind them not to come to worship on Sunday.  But here it is.  Services have be suspended officially for this Sunday and next (Mar 29).  However, since the decision was made last Sunday, the situation in our province has changed and the restrictions on gatherings have tightened.  So, in reality, you may not be coming to Sunday worship for a while.  Yesterday I watched the video message sent out by Archbishop Smith of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton in which he cancelled all masses within the Archdiocese until further notice.  The Pope is considering celebrating the masses and memorials of Holy Week and Easter without any congregation present.  This an “interesting” time in which to be the church.  But some of you may have seen a post on Facebook with a picture of a notice from a newspaper published in Kelowna in November, 1918.  In the notice, the mayor announced that: “All Schools, public and private, Churches, Theatres, Moving Picture Halls, Pool Rooms, and other places of amusement, and Lodge meetings, are to be closed until further notice.  All public gatherings of ten or more are prohibited.”  The reason was to prevent the spread of Spanish Influenza.  We have been down this road before.  We all need to be thoughtful and careful.  Some people have argued that this is all “over-reaction.”  However, if we “over-react” by being thoughtful and careful, and fewer people get sick or die, then we will probably realize it was worth it.
  So as a reminder of what is expected of us by our province:
 
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20-30 seconds regularly.  Hand sanitizer containing alcohol can be used if soap and water are not immediately available, but should not be used as a regular substitute for soap and water.
  • Know the symptoms of Covid-19 (Cough, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath)
  • If you have cough (Covid-19 related or not), cough into the crook of your elbow, and avoid touching your face.
  • From the Alberta government Corvid -19 information site: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
    • If you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing:
      • stay home – do not go to an ER or clinic
      • take the COVID-19 self-assessment test
      • call Health Link 811 for testing and instructions
  • and please self-isolate for 14 days
 
SO, WHAT ABOUT WORSHIP?
  • Worship at home.  Set aside time on Sunday. Light a candle, read the readings for THIS SUNDAY, read and discuss my reflection on the readings, and pray.
  • I may try to record a “sermon” that would be available by Sunday on our church Facebook page (details to follow, if I figure this one out)
  • “Attend’ one of the live-streaming services from another United Church through the link at SUNDAY SERVICES LIVE-STREAMING… below.
  • Also remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can still contribute to Spirit West during this time.  See ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
THIS SUNDAY – The Fourth Sunday in Lent - “The Valley of the Shadow of Death”
 
The readings for Sunday are  1 Samuel 16: 1-13, Psalm 23 and John 9:1-41.
I don’t think many of us realized at the beginning of Lent, way back on February 26, that we would be observing Lent in so much isolation.  That we would have to give up Sunday worship and distance ourselves from those around us.  Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, we may be there somewhat longer.  And many of us wonder when it will end.
One of the readings for Sunday is Psalm 23, the Shepherd Psalm.  Psalm 23 is full of images of rest and refreshment, green pastures and still waters.  But right in the middle is that “darkest valley” or “valley of the shadow of death.”  This Psalm took on a great deal of meaning for me while I was serving in Afghanistan.  You never really knew from one day to the next what might happen.  I was not in the thick of things on the battle-field, but the Kandahar Airfield where I lived and did most of my ministry came under rocket attack twenty-five times during my six months over there.  I had the opportunity on one occasion to join a supply convoy that was going out to one of our small FOB’s (Forward Operations Base).  I was riding in a LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) at the end of the convoy.  As we turned off the main highway to go more or less across country through a dried up river bed, I heard a voice in my head-set saying, “Padre, we’ve entered IED Alley,  I thought you should know.”  IED is Improvised Explosive Device, the biggest threat to Canadian troops in Afghanistan. That’s when Psalm 23 took on new meaning, “Even though I walk (drive) through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil.”  We were careful, and lucky, and I am here to tell this story.  There are times in our lives when we walk in that darkest valley, the valley of the shadow of death.  We might be in one now. So what do we do?  We keep moving forward, it is a valley.  It has a beginning and an end.  We may not be able to see the end, and that can be fearful.  We need courage, and as one of my military colleagues once said, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”  So in this troubling time, let’s wash our hands, move forward, and pray for the world.

 
SUNDAY SERVICES LIVE-STREAMING ACROSS CANADA
There are a number of United Churches (and some Presbyterian) across Canada who are able to live-stream their Sunday services.  Three Edmonton churches are doing this: Millwoods, Robertson-Wesley and Southminster-Steinhauer.   Check out this interactive map for livestreaming services across Canada: https://arcg.is/1TaKqS (and remember to take into account time zones for churches outside of Alberta)

 
WHAT ABOUT HOLY WEEK AND EASTER?
A number of people have expressed concern about what we will do for Holy Week and Easter.  Easter is a date on the calendar, and changes from year to year anyway.  If worship services are still suspended over Easter, a highly probable situation, we will celebrate the Resurrection when we are able.

                
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. 
 

CHURCH OFFICE
At the present time, the Spirit West Church office remains open.

 
PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC (never thought I would be writing that!)
 

Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.
 

Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.

 
Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.
 
We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).

 
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.

 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 
 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

March 12, 2020 - Third Sunday in Lent

3/12/2020

0 Comments

 
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Greetings,
COVID – 19 – As a church and therefore a gathering place for people, we need to be concerned (not panicked) by the current Covid-19 pandemic.  At present the number of cases in Alberta is 20, and according to Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, all are travel related.  The risk of contracting the virus is still quite low for us.  However, as a responsible community we would recommend that you consider the following:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20-30 seconds regularly.  Hand sanitizer containing alcohol can be used if soap and water are not immediately available, but should not be used as a regular substitute for soap and water.
  • Know the symptoms of Covid-19 (Cough, fever, shortness of breath)
  • If you have cough (Covid-19 related or not), cough into the crook of your elbow, and avoid touching your face.
  • If you suspect that you may have been exposed or are showing symptoms, call 811 (Health Link) for the testing protocols (don’t go to your doctor)
  • If you are returning from international travel, please self-isolate for 14 days (two Sundays).  It’s not that we don’t want to see you, but we don’t want to run the risk of exposing some of the more vulnerable members of our community to what you may have brought back unintentionally.
  • Pray, for those with the illness and for those in health care and others who are working to contain the spread of the virus.
We are also suggesting that when you are at church, you avoid handshakes or hugs when greeting your neighbour.  There are a number of gestures of greeting that do not involve personal contact (bow, hand on heart, hands together (your own), and should be accompanied by an appropriate verbal greeting.
(At the present time, the church has a sufficient stock of toilet paper)

 
Based on guidelines from Health Canada and the Centers for Disease Control regarding gatherings of less than 100 people, our Pub Night on Saturday is still on.   You might be asked to wash your hands when you arrive, and hygiene practices in the kitchen may be more obvious.  But we still want you to come and enjoy yourself.
 
This Sunday – The Third Sunday in Lent - “Give us water!”
During Lent this year we will continue to look at Lent as time on the edge, that place between the past and the future, where important decisions are made.  In both readings this week, we see demands for water to drink.  In the reading from Exodus, it is the Israelites in the wilderness who are thirsty and are demanding that Moses do something.  In the reading from the Gospel of John, it is a thirsty Jesus who is asking a Samaritan women for a drink of water.  In both cases thirst is creating or breaking boundaries.  In Exodus, the thirsty Israelites have drawn a line in the sand (possibly literally).  They are no going any further with Moses until the water shortage is sorted out.  Moses needs to prove that God is still with them.  In John, Jesus doesn’t create a boundary, he crosses one.  He asks a Samaritan women for a drink.  Even the woman is surprised.  As the gospel explains in an editorial aside, “Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.”  But for Jesus, the interaction with the Samaritan woman is an important opportunity to discuss the all-encompassing nature of God, that goes beyond our boundaries.  As we journey through Lent, are we creating boundaries or a we taking them down.
 
The readings for Sunday are  Exodus 17: 1-7, and John 4: 5-42, we will also sing together a metrical version of Psalm 121.   In the Time for All Ages we ask “Give us…” as we talk about water and God.  The title of the Sermon is “Give us water”

 
THIS SUNDAY IS CELTIC SUNDAY
As the Sunday closest to St. Patrick’s Day, this is our Celtic Sunday.  The prayers and music used in the service will be largely based on the traditions of Celtic Christianity.  Special music will be provided by the HarpBeat harp ensemble.  Green attire in not unwelcome.

 
Please remember that our church is a “scent-free” zone because of some severe allergies and sensitives. We would ask that you refrain from using scented beauty or grooming products such as perfume, after-shave, etc. when attending services and programs at Spirit West.
 
IRISH PUB NIGHT (still on) - Come Eat, Drink, Sing and Be Irish!
Join us for a wee little celebration of St. Patrick's Day and all things Irish (or Celtic) this Saturday, March 14th.  Wear your green, enjoy some stew and mash, sip on a pint, and join in the malarkey.  Doors and Cash bar open at 5:30; Dinner at 6; Music and singing to follow. Adults - $20;    Children 4-10 - $10; 3 and under free. Only 80 tickets will be sold! Tickets must be purchased in advance.  Email Lori at LWalkhouse@gmail.com (or call the church office) by tomorrow.

 
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP EXPLORATION – Our Family, Our Stories
If you are not a member of Spirit West United Church or a member of United Church of Canada, and are interesting in exploring the possibility of membership, this is for you.  The series is also open to those who are members of Spirit West and just want to learn more about what that means.  This series which will run after church through the first five Sundays in Lent will look at membership through stories;  God’s stories, Jesus’ stories, the Church’s stories, Spirit West’s stories, Our own stories.  The exploration will end on one of the Sunday’s around Easter with a celebration of Confirmation/Membership for those who desire it.  If you are interested talk to Larry.

 
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY 2020 – Embracing the Uncertain
This Lenten Bible study continues in the Lounge each Wednesday and 1:30”  The subtitle of the study is “A Lenten Study for Unsteady Times.  If you would like to join us next Wednesday, please read Luke 12: 1-34.
You do not have to attend every study.  Each study in the series can stand alone.

 
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?
Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of late March, April and May! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C or Colleen F.  Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided.  Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine and provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will discretely pass your information, but not your identity to the hosts).  A free will offering, in envelopes, will be collected by the host.  A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.

 
PASTORAL CARE – Casserole Ministry
Dave S. would like to start a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Those making visits to members of Spirit West recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members, would visit the family and bring a casserole to leave with them. We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please speak to Dave S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).

 
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
  • Seasonal items continue to be collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the Giving Tree (in the sancturary by the Lounge windows) for distribution.
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
For as many or as few Sundays as you wish.  We continue to use Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Right now we are looking for teachers for the March 22 and 29. If you want to teach on one of these Sundays, please add your name to the signup sheet by the church office. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a teacher, call Larry at 780-481-1406    
 
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
                     
A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt.  Now you can!  Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.   


 RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church.
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 
 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

March 5, 2020 - Second Sunday in Lent

3/5/2020

0 Comments

 
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Picture
Greetings,
Please be sure to note the information about the upcoming World Day of Prayer service, Lenten study, Membership exploration, and Pub Night.
 

This Sunday – The Second Sunday in Lent - “How am I  born again?”
During Lent this year we will continue to look at Lent as time on the edge, that place between the past and the future, where important decisions are made.  In the gospel lesson this week, we meet Nicodemus.  Nicodemus is a well-respected member of the Pharisees and a leader in the community. And Nicodemus has crossed a line.  He comes to see Jesus. But he does do by night, to avoid being seen by those who might criticize him for associating at all with Jesus.  But Nicodemus has questions, and he is not afraid to learn.  He is also willing to admit that God must be with Jesus in order for Jesus to “do these signs that you do.”  But Jesus confuses Nicodemus by saying that people must be “born again.”  At least that’s how Nicodemus understands it.  Of course for Nicodemus, birth is something in the past.  As living beings, we have already crossed that boundary.  Nicodemus thinks this is crazy talk, as he says, “Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” But the Greek word Jesus uses for again “𝛼𝜈𝜔𝜃𝜀𝜈” can also mean “from above.”  You must be born from above.

 
The readings for Sunday are  Genesis 12: 1-4a, and John 3: 1-17, we will also sing together a metrical version of Psalm 121.   In the Time for All Ages we ask questions about what God is like.  The title of the Sermon is “How am I born again?”
 

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2020 – Friday, March 6
This annual ecumenical worship service will be held tomorrow (Fri, March 6) at 2pm at St. Matthias Anglican Church (6210 – 188 St).  A reception will follow the service. The theme this year is “Rise! Take your Mat and Walk” with the worship resources prepared by the women of Zimbabwe. People from Spirit West will be participating in the service.  Please join us in this meaningful experience.

 
 Please remember that our church is a “scent-free” zone because of some severe allergies and sensitives. We would ask that you refrain from using scented beauty or grooming products such as perfume, after-shave, etc. when attending services and programs at Spirit West.
 

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP EXPLORATION – Our Family, Our Stories
If you are not a member of Spirit West United Church or a member of United Church of Canada, and are interesting in exploring the possibility of membership, this is for you.  The series is also open to those who are members of Spirit West and just want to learn more about what that means.  This series which will run after church through the first five Sundays in Lent will look at membership through stories;  God’s stories, Jesus’ stories, the Church’s stories, Spirit West’s stories, Our own stories.  The exploration will end on one of the Sunday’s around Easter with a celebration of Confirmation/Membership for those who desire it.  If you are interested talk to Larry.

 
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY 2020 – Embracing the Uncertain
This Lenten Bible study continues in the Lounge each Wednesday and 1:30”  The subtitle of the study is “A Lenten Study for Unsteady Times.
You do not have to attend every study.  Each study in the series can stand alone.

 
IRISH PUB NIGHT - Come Eat, Drink, Sing and Be Irish!
Join us for a wee little celebration of St. Patrick's Day and all things Irish (or Celtic) on Saturday the 14th of March.  Wear your green, enjoy some stew and mash, sip on a pint, and join in the malarkey.  Doors and Cash bar open at 5:30; Dinner at 6; Music and singing to follow. Adults - $20;    Children 4-10 - $10; 3 and under free. Only 80 tickets will be sold! Tickets must be purchased in advance.  See Lori at church or email her at LWalkhouse@gmail.com (or call the church office.)

 
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?
Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of late March, April and May! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C or Colleen F.  Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided.  Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine and provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will discretely pass your information, but not your identity to the hosts).  A free will offering, in envelopes, will be collected by the host.  A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.

 
PASTORAL CARE – Casserole Ministry
Dave S. would like to start a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Those making visits to members of Spirit West recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members, would visit the family and bring a casserole to leave with them. We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please speak to Dave S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).

  

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
  • Seasonal items continue to be collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the Giving Tree (in the sancturary by the Lounge windows) for distribution.
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
For as many or as few Sundays as you wish.  We continue to use Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Right now we are looking for teachers for the March 22 and 29. If you want to teach on one of these Sundays, please add your name to the signup sheet by the church office. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a teacher, call Larry at 780-481-1406    
  

Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
                      
A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt.  Now you can!  Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.   
 
 RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)

Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church.

​SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 
 Office hours 
-  Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 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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