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April 25, 2019 - Second Sunday of Easter - Humour Sunday

4/25/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Greetings,
Please read through this wonderful eMessage so that you do not miss the information about the Congregational Meeting or the Garden Clean-Up.

 
HOLY HUMOUR SUNDAY
This Sunday is Holy Humour Sunday.  The custom of celebrating the First Sunday after Easter, and in some places the whole week, with lots of humour and, at one time, partying is a very ancient one.  The idea was that the joy of the Good News of the Resurrection was so incredible that one day of celebration was not nearly enough.  So let the celebrations continue.  There is an echo of the cry in Psalm 51: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation!” (Psalm 51:12).  Unfortunately, the celebratory nature of the time after Easter was gradually suppressed by the Church.  People were just getting a bit too joyous, and the feasting and other activities were getting out of hand.  However, there has been a relatively recent move in some parts of the Church to restore Holy Humour Sunday.  So this Sunday, I will be introducing you to three perhaps less well known passages of the Bible that I think highlight the absurdity of some of our human responses to God, and also highlight the divine gift of laughter.  I am not going to tell you in advance which passages I will be sharing, because that would spoil the surprise.  Come out and have a laugh.

  
OFFERING IN SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have introduced a children’s offering in Sunday School.  This follows from a lesson suggestion in our Seasons of the Spirit curriculum.

 
 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, Sunday, May 5
At this VERY BRIEF meeting at the close of the Service on Sunday, May 5, we will be electing our Representative to Northern Spirit Region.  It was an oversight that we did not do this at the February Annual Meeting.   Rhea O. who has been our Presbytery Representative is willing to continue as our representative to the Northern Spirit Region, But this needs to be confirmed by a congregational vote.  (If there are others in the congregation who are interested in this position they may submit their names, and a ballot will be conducted at the meeting.)
 
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 to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information 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.

 
SPIRIT WEST WOMEN’S GROUP EVENT - SPRING is the season, plants are the THING!
Monday, May 6. Gather at Salisbury Greenhouse at 7pm to do a walkabout and see their facility and products.  (Check them out at salisburygreenhouse.com)  The address is: 52337 Range Road 232 Sherwood Park. CARPOOL for event? For those that would like to meet at Spirit West and carpool to the greenhouse please meet in the parking lot at 6:15pm AND sign up on the sheet on the counter by the office!  We ask for signup so that we can arrange drivers, and so that we don’t leave someone behind. If you have questions about the event please check with Margery Wright.

 
GARDEN CLEAN-UP DAY, Sunday, May 26 (rainout June 16)
Helen B., who very faithfully weeds our flower beds, reports that they have become very overgrown with grass and weeds and have become very difficult to maintain.  We are having a Garden Cleanup Day on May 26 after the service.  This will help get our property looking nice in time for our 10th anniversary celebration on June 2.  Please save the date and plan to help.  A sign-up sheet will be available next Sunday.

 
 SPIRIT WEST COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE – June 20 & 21
While you are spring cleaning, please save quality, lightly used  items such as household appliances, china, glassware, toys, books, tools, etc. for our annual garage sale.  Donations are now being accepted at the church. Please, no clothing! If you need assistance in getting your items to the church, please call the office (780-481-1406) and we will arrange for someone to help you.

 
 CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY – 2019 Edition is going to happen
We have decided that we will proceed with a Photo Directory for this our tenth year as Spirit West in our current building, and the fortieth anniversary of our constitution as a congregation.  Photos will be taken on Monday, June 10 and Tuesday, June 11.  Please watch this space for details on how to book your appointment for your photo session.  As a reminder, the only cost to you is if you decide to purchase copies of the photos.  Even if you do not purchase photos, your family photo will appear in the directory.

 
 SOCIAL MEDIA 101 (Social Media for Beginners)
Does the previous paragraph mean anything to you?  Are you among those people who hear words like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat and think you are hearing a foreign language.  When some of your friends ask you to “friend them” are you confused?  Do you think you might be missing out when someone you know asks you if you have seen the post on Instagram of a mutual friend’s darling new grandchild?  Is sharing what your church is doing beyond Sunday (with pictures), something you might like to do?  If this might be you, help and hope is at hand.  Aly L. would like to offer a session to introduce members of the Sprit West congregation to the possibilities of Social Media.  Watch this space for details.
 
 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 or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
On Instagram at spiritwestyeg

 Office hours 
-  Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 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

April 18, 2019 - Easter Sunday

4/18/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
​Greetings,
 
EASTER SERVICES (The Easter Triduum)
Maundy Thursday, April 18 (tonight) – 6:00 pm.  At this simple service we will remember the Last Supper.  This is the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples and is the beginning of what we know as Holy Communion.  Included in this commemoration will be the ancient practice of foot washing, see John 13: 3-17 (or hand washing for those who prefer to keep their shoes on)
 
Good Friday, April 19 – 10:30 am. “Were you there...?”  We will follow Jesus’ last hours through the eyes of those who were there.
 
Easter Sunday, April 21 – 10:30 am.  This is the Feast of the Resurrection, the promise of new life.  During the Time for All Ages we will think about what happens when people say, “That’s impossible,” as we share the story of the empty tomb.  In the Scriptures and the sermon, we will hear again the Good News of “Resurrection”

 
REMEMBERING LIL KOCH
This Saturday, April 20, we will be celebrating the Life of Lil Koch who passed away on January 2, and who was such an active part of the Spirit West congregation.
The service will be held at 2:30 pm at the church and a fellowship time will follow.

 
OFFERING IN SUNDAY SCHOOL
This Sunday, Edina T. will be introducing the idea of a children’s offering in Sunday School.  This follows from a lesson suggestion in our Seasons of the Spirit curriculum.

  
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 to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information 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.

 
SPIRIT WEST WOMEN’S GROUP EVENT - SPRING is the season, plants are the THING!
Monday, May 6. Gather at Salisbury Greenhouse at 7pm to do a walkabout and see their facility and products.  (Check them out at salisburygreenhouse.com)  The address is: 52337 Range Road 232 Sherwood Park. CARPOOL for event? For those that would like to meet at Spirit West and carpool to the greenhouse please meet in the parking lot at 6:15pm AND sign up on the sheet on the counter by the office!  We ask for signup so that we can arrange drivers, and so that we don’t leave someone behind. If you have questions about the event please check with Margery Wright.

 
SPIRIT WEST COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE – June 20 & 21 – While you are spring cleaning, please save quality. Slightly used household appliance, china, glassware, toys, books, tools, etc. for our annual garage sale.  Donations will be accepted at the church starting after Easter. Please, no clothing!

 
 CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY – 2019 Edition is going to happen
We have decided that we will proceed with a Photo Directory for this our tenth year as Spirit West in our current building, and the fortieth anniversary of our constitution as a congregation.  Photos will be taken on Monday, June 10 and Tuesday, June 11.  Please watch this space for details on how to book your appointment for your photo session.  As a reminder, the only cost to you is if you decide to purchase copies of the photos.  Even if you do not purchase photos, your family photo will appear in the directory.

 
 SOCIAL MEDIA 101 (Social Media for Beginners)
Does the previous paragraph mean anything to you?  Are you among those people who hear words like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat and think you are hearing a foreign language.  When some of your friends ask you to “friend them” are you confused?  Do you think you might be missing out when someone you know asks you if you have seen the post on Instagram of a mutual friend’s darling new grandchild?  Is sharing what your church is doing beyond Sunday (with pictures), something you might like to do?  If this might be you, help and hope is at hand.  Aly L. would like to offer a session to introduce members of the Sprit West congregation to the possibilities of Social Media.  Watch this space for details.

 
 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 or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

 Office hours 
-  Norma => 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Thursday (April hours)
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 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

April 11, 2019 - Palm Sunday

4/11/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
​Greetings,
Please take particular note of the information below on the Spring Concert, the ICPM Lunch, the change of date for the Men’s Breakfast, the Women’s event and the Garage Sale.

 
THIS SUNDAY – Palm Sunday
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, is the start of Holy Week.  We remember Jesus coming into Jerusalem and being greeted by palm waving crowds shouting “Hosanna.”  I always understood “Hosanna” to be a word or cry of praise.  A sort of cheer for someone important.  But, as someone fascinated by language, I could not just let “hosanna” go by without checking out its meaning.  We get the word “hosanna” from Latin, via Greek from Hebrew and Aramaic. Now when a word wanders through that many languages, it is sometimes tricky getting back to the original meaning.  It turns out that the meaning of the word as it is used in the Bible is something like “help” or “save, I pray.”  A form of the word appears in Psalm 118:25 where it is translated in the Jewish Publication Society version of the Psalms as “deliver us.”  So more than just a cry of praise, “hosanna”  is a cry for help.  In view of this, perhaps it is easier to see how crowds that were welcoming “one who comes in the name of the Lord,” could call for his crucifixion less than a week later.  Perhaps they felt that they did not get the help they wanted or needed.  What were they expecting?  What do we expect from God?
 
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 and Luke 19: 28-40.   We will start the service with a Procession of Palms.  The title of the Sermon is “Palms to a Cross.”

  
MUSIC MATTERS – Spring Concert tomorrow
Tomorrow, Friday, April 12, at 7:00 pm, Bonnie C. and friends will present Music Matters, celebrating all things musical. Featuring a bell choir, harp ensemble, violins, voice and a ukulele ensemble. It will be a wonderful evening of music and you will have the opportunity to make a donation to support the ongoing work and witness of Spirit West.

 
 SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Spirit West Men’s Breakfast will be this Saturday morning (April 13) as our usual 3rd Saturday falls on Easter weekend this month. We'll still cook up a fantastic pancake breakfast for you (only it'll be a week earlier this month.) We were going to have 2 or 3 jobs we could do. I think the weather is nice enough now that we can take down the snow fences, Posts might still be frozen in. 
I hope this doesn't disrupt your plans too much and we'll still see you this Saturday April 13th. downstairs at 8am.

  
Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) Bissell Lunch This Sunday
  • This Sunday. April 14, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • ICPM Lunch at the Bissell Centre, 10530-96th St (west side of street) to help feed the homeless and other folks in need. 
  • To do this we need:
    • loaves of sandwiches, pieces of finger desserts (cookies and squares), whole fruit (oranges, bananas, apples), veggie trays
    • 10-12 volunteers to help deliver the food and serve the lunch Sunday morning (a time commitment of approximately 8:30 am to 2 pm).
  • Sign-up sheets are available at the back. Please let us know what you can contribute. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted.
  • Food drop off will take place Sat. April 13 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at the Spirit West Church kitchen.
  • For more information, talk to Lori W. or call the church office at 780-481-1406 
 
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 to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information 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.

 
SPIRIT WEST WOMEN’S GROUP EVENT - SPRING is the season, plants are the THING!
Monday, May 6. Gather at Salisbury Greenhouse at 7pm to do a walkabout and see their facility and products.  (Check them out at salisburygreenhouse.com)  The address is: 52337 Range Road 232 Sherwood Park. CARPOOL for event? For those that would like to meet at Spirit West and carpool to the greenhouse please meet in the parking lot at 6:15pm AND sign up on the sheet on the counter by the office!  We ask for signup so that we can arrange drivers, and so that we don’t leave someone behind. If you have questions about the event please check with Margery Wright.

 
SPIRIT WEST COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE – June 20 & 21 – While you are spring cleaning, please save household goods, toys, books, tools, etc. for our annual garage sale.  Donations will be accepted at the church starting after Easter. Please, no clothing!
 
 CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY – 2019 Edition is going to happen
We have decided that we will proceed with a Photo Directory for this our tenth year as Spirit West in our current building, and the fortieth anniversary of our constitution as a congregation.  Photos will be taken on Monday, June 10.  Please watch this space for details on how to book your appointment for your photo session.  As a reminder, the only cost to you is if you decide to purchase copies of the photos.  Even if you do not purchase photos, your family photo will appear in the directory.
 

Lenten Study – “Living Faith – Invitations from the Cross”
Our Lenten study “Living Faith – Invitations from the Cross,” continues on Wednesday, April 17 at 1:30 pm in the Lounge Room.  Discover how the words spoken by Jesus as he was crucified are invitations to each of us – invitations to a dynamic, living faith.  Each of the six Bible study sessions will explore one of the sayings of Jesus from the cross, and look at how we can respond in ways that will not only transform our relationship with Christ, but potentially the world around us.  The sixth and final study is Invitation to Trust – “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”
Even if you have not signed up, please join us if you wish.

 
 SOCIAL MEDIA 101 (Social Media for Beginners)
Does the previous paragraph mean anything to you?  Are you among those people who hear words like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat and think you are hearing a foreign language.  When some of your friends ask you to “friend them” are you confused?  Do you think you might be missing out when someone you know asks you if you have seen the post on Instagram of a mutual friend’s darling new grandchild?  Is sharing what your church is doing beyond Sunday (with pictures), something you might like to do?  If this might be you, help and hope is at hand.  Aly L. would like to offer a session to introduce members of the Sprit West congregation to the possibilities of Social Media.  Watch this space for details.
 
 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 or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

 Office hours 
-  Norma => 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Thursday (April hours)
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 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

April 4, 2019 - the Fifth Sunday in Lent

4/4/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
​Greetings,
Please note the information below on the Church Photo Directory, and the change of date for the Men’s Breakfast.
 
THIS SUNDAY – The Fifth Sunday in Lent
In the Gospel reading for this Sunday, Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany) shows her great love for Jesus by taking “a pound of costly perfume mad of pure nard” and rubbing it on Jesus feet while he sits at dinner at their house, so that the whole house was filled with the fragrance.  She then dries his feet with her hair.  Now it is my impression that nard was not something you just had around the house, like hand lotion or air freshener.  Nard is made from the crushed roots of a plant that grows in the Himalayas.  According to Wikipedia it is “an intensely aromatic amber-colored essential oil with thick consistency.”  Nard was an ingredient in the incense burned in the Temple in Jerusalem.  Mary’s action was very extravagant.  Judas, of betrayal fame, is also present and complains.  He says the nard should have been sold for three hundred denarii (a labourer’s yearly wage) and the money given to the poor.  John comments that Judas had no real concern for the poor, but was skimming from “the common purse,” the funds that Jesus’ followers shared and into which the three hundred denarii would go.  In many ways this reminds me of some of the posts I have seen on Facebook, the ones that make a statement something like “Our government gives billions to foreigners/refugees when it should spend it on our veterans/homeless.”  I know that these sentiments often originate from people who have shown no previous concern for the homeless or veterans, they just despise foreigners and refugees even more.  They are incensed with a particular expenditure, but couch their concern in a false “either/or” equation.  You can only help one group or the other, not both.  Jesus points out that Mary is responding  to a very specific and unique occasion.  This is her only opportunity to act as she does.  But, Jesus continues “you will always have the poor with you.”  If Judas is concerned, if we are concerned for the poor (or the homeless or veterans, or any others in need), there will be plenty of opportunities to demonstrate our care and concern.
 
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Isaiah 43: 16-21 and John 12: 1-8.   The story in the Time for Ages is “It smells like….” The Sermon is titled “Costly Perfume.”
 
As this is the first Sunday of the month, we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

  
MUSIC MATTERS – A Spring Concert
Save the date, Friday, April 12, 7:00 pm, when Bonnie C. and friends present Music Matters, celebrating all things musical. Featuring bell choir, harp ensemble, violins, voice and ukulele ensemble. It will be a wonderful evening of music and you will have the opportunity to make a donation to support the ongoing work and witness of Spirit West. Pick up a poster at the church to put up where you live and move and have your being.

 
Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) Bissell Lunch
  • Sun. April 14, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • ICPM Lunch at the Bissell Centre, 10530-96th St (west side of street) to help feed the homeless and other folks in need. 
  • To do this we need:
    • loaves of sandwiches, pieces of finger desserts (cookies and squares), whole fruit (oranges, bananas, apples), veggie trays
    • 10-12 volunteers to help deliver the food and serve the lunch Sunday morning (a time commitment of approximately 8:30 am to 2 pm).
  • Sign-up sheets are available at the back. Please let us know what you can contribute. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted.
  • Food drop off will take place Sat. April 13 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at the Spirit West Church kitchen.
  • For more information, talk to Lori W. or call the church office at 780-481-1406 
 
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 to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information 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.

 
CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY – 2019 Edition is going to happen
We have decided that we will proceed with a Photo Directory for this our tenth year as Spirit West in our current building, and the fortieth anniversary of our constitution as a congregation.  Photos will be taken on Monday, June 10.  Please watch this space for details on how to book your appointment for your photo session.  As a reminder, the only cost to you is if you decide to purchase copies of the photos.  Even if you do not purchase photos, your family photo will appear in the directory.

 
Lenten Study – “Living Faith – Invitations from the Cross”
Our Lenten study “Living Faith – Invitations from the Cross,” continues on Wednesday, April 10 at 1:30 pm in the Sunday School Room.  Discover how the words spoken by Jesus as he was crucified are invitations to each of us – invitations to a dynamic, living faith.  Each of the six Bible study sessions will explore one of the sayings of Jesus from the cross, and look at how we can respond in ways that will not only transform our relationship with Christ, but potentially the world around us.  The fifth study is Invitation to Empathy – “My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Even if you have not signed up, please join us if you wish.

 
 SOCIAL MEDIA 101 (Social Media for Beginners)
Does the previous paragraph mean anything to you?  Are you among those people who hear words like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat and think you are hearing a foreign language.  When some of your friends ask you to “friend them” are you confused?  Do you think you might be missing out when someone you know asks you if you have seen the post on Instagram of a mutual friend’s darling new grandchild?  Is sharing what your church is doing beyond Sunday (with pictures), something you might like to do?  If this might be you, help and hope is at hand.  Aly L. would like to offer a session to introduce members of the Spirit West congregation to the possibilities of Social Media.  Watch this space for details.

  
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 or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
 
Office hours 
-  Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 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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