Greetings
This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, I will be reflecting on those exercises or practices that keep us spiritually fit.  In the military there is a strong emphasis on physical fitness.  I remember it well!  And when I watch TV, there is always someone with a “toned body” telling me about the latest piece of equipment, exercise plan or diet that will give “the body that you have always dreamed of.”  Obviously they have not experienced my dreams.  Now the emphasis on fitness is not a bad thing, except that it always seems to be focussed on a particular body type that for most of us in not easily attainable.  The other shortcoming is that the emphasis is entirely on physical fitness.  But we are not just physical beings, we are spiritual beings.  What about spiritual fitness?  How many of us have flabby souls; spiritual weakness due to lack of exercise.  So let’s tone up our souls.
The readings for Sunday are Acts 9: 36-43 and John 10: 20-30.   I have called the Sermon, “Your Spiritual Workout.”
During the service on Sunday we will be welcoming into the Family of God through Baptism, Jackson, son of Debbie and Monty.
 
Hope Springs Forth – A Concert to lift your spirit.
Join us tomorrow evening at 7:00 pm for  Hope Springs Forth, on Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm.  This concert of sacred and secular music featuring vocals, piano, violin, harp and ensemble will celebrate signs of Hope in our world as expressed through music. A free-will offering will be received to support our church’s outreach in the West End of Edmonton as we help to feed and bring hope to those in need.
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for Breakfast this Saturday, April 16 at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.  Breakfast is open to any man who wants to come out for a great breakfast.  As a note,  each man usually put in $10 dollars, this covers the breakfast supplies and the surplus is put into a fund that offsets the cost of minor repairs around the church. 
  
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.
 
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 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  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

Greetings
This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Easter, and in the readings we continue to hear accounts of the disciples encountering the Risen Christ.  This Sunday we hear about an encounter with my favourite disciple, Peter.  We will observe his interesting and at times awkward responses to Jesus  We will also here about the encounter between Jesus and the other big name in the early church, Paul.  Peter and Paul are very different people, and we will see from the readings that each are touched by God in very different ways.  Experiences with God are not “One size fits all.”  Our encounters with God are individual, but we have to be open to them.  Both Peter and Paul put up barriers to the full experience of Christ’s presence and call.  But these barriers are overcome, as Christ reaches out in ways unique to each.
The readings for Sunday are Acts 9: 1-6 and John 21: 1-19.  In the Time for All Ages, I looking at a beach ball that needs something.  I have called the Sermon, “Touched by God.”
Members of Job’s Daughters, a youth program for girls, will be worshiping with us on Sunday.
 
  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.
 
 
Hope Springs Forth – A Concert to lift your spirit.
Join us for Hope Springs Forth, on Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm.  This concert of sacred and secular music featuring vocals, piano, violin, harp and ensemble will celebrate signs of Hope in our world as expressed through music. A free-will offering will be received to support our church’s outreach in the West End of Edmonton as we help to feed and bring hope to those in need.
 
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 => 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  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
​

​
Greetings
This Sunday is the Second Sunday of Easter, and in the Sunday readings we begin to hear accounts of the disciples encountering the Risen Christ.  This Sunday we hear about the disciple who is now known as “Doubting Thomas.”  We will look at Thomas and his doubts, and see what place doubt has in our journey of faith.  Normally, as the first Sunday of the month, we would be celebrating Communion on this Sunday.  However, it has been a practice at Spirit West to observe the Sunday after Easter as Holy Humour Sunday, where we revel in the joy of the Easter message.  We also celebrated Communion on Maundy Thursday and  at Easter.  So this Sunday is Holy Humour Sunday without Communion.
The readings for Sunday are Psalm 126 and John 20: 19-31.  In the Time for All Ages, I ask the question, “Does God laugh?”  I have called the Sermon, “Sorrow to 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.
 
 MESSY EASTER- Is postponed to a later date
 
 
MESSY CHUCH 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/
 
Hope Springs Forth – A Concert to lift your spirit.
Join us for Hope Springs Forth, on Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm.  This concert of sacred and secular music featuring vocals, piano, violin, harp and ensemble will celebrate signs of Hope in our world as expressed through music. A free-will offering will be received to support our church’s outreach in the West End of Edmonton as we help to feed and bring hope to those in need.
 
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
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org