Sunday, April 30, 2023 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Greetings in Christ, our hope and our strength,
I am holding all of you in prayer as I walk these next two months with you. I hope to see you catch a glimpse of where God is calling you as a church together through whatever changes may come.
I am with you as the pain and shock of my departure ripples through the community. I know that this is a difficult time.
These next few weeks are busy for me with a lot of in and out of the office. Next week I’ll be at the regional gathering (Conference Meeting) in Camrose for 5 days. The week after, I’m back in the office, then on study leave from May 15-21. If you are wanting to talk with me one on one while I am still with you, please take a moment to contact me and set up a time. I will also make sure to have some time back on the church porch now that it is getting warmer.
During the season of Easter, we read from the book of Acts in the Christian scriptures rather than from the Hebrew scriptures, and we learn a bit about the early church. There was a short time, a Camelot moment, when everyone in the early church shared everything in common. (Acts 2:42-47) The wealthy sold their possessions to give money to the poor. That moment didn’t last terribly long, but it does help us to imagine what is possible, and challenges us to reconsider how we share what we have. It will also be the topic of children’s time.
Spirit West is going to benefit from all of you being willing to both share what you have and receive what others offer. The need for material resources is real, but I am actually thinking more about ideas, wisdom and energy. The way things have been will no longer be possible, but a new future awaits. What will that future be? It’s up to you to decide. Bring your ideas and your openness to the ideas of others. Listen to the voices from the edges, they often hold much wisdom.
The other scripture for this week is Psalm 23. These often memorized words offer comfort in times of transition. God cares for us with love, and leads us to what we most need.
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
ADVENTURING WORSHIP – SUNDAY, MAY 7 - Have you ever wondered how other worship services in other churches are conducted? This is your chance to choose another church that you would like to visit. On May 7th, Eli will be away at the Northern Spirit Regional Council Conference along with all the other United Church ministers in the Region. Coincidently, it also happens that our music leaders are away that Sunday as well so there will be NO service at Spirit West. Instead, you are encouraged to worship anywhere else and then we hope that you will report back on what you observed and experienced. Perhaps you’ll see and experience other ways of greeting people when they arrive, different ways of extending hospitality, different order in the service, interesting decorations, different musical presentations / participation, interesting ways of praying, Sunday School observations, ideas for fund-raising, interesting ways of using technology, etc.
There is a “cheat sheet” available at the back or by email from the office on which you can record observations. These sheets can be dropped off at the church or you can attend the “Reflection Conversation” at 2:30pm, May 9th in the lounge.
There is a sheet on the credenza by the office for signing up to be a driver and a sheet for those who need a ride or would like to car pool. Safe driving and Happy Adventuring.
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 in the next few months! 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 780-481-2662 or Sheila H at 780-960-3878 or signup at the church. 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.
LADIES’ GROUP POTLUCK SUPPER – 5:30pm, June 6 at Marg H’s house. A signup sheet is available at the back
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH – May 1-13
LEADERS for April 30
LEADERS for May 14
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Adventuring Sunday – May 7 – no service at Spirit West; enjoy a service elsewhere
Board Meeting, Wed, May 10, 7pm – via ZOOM
Ladies Group Potluck Supper – June 6
Church School Picnic – June 11
OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
YouTube Videos Worship Services – April 30 – also, in person worship service
To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.
This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them. Our Prayer Chain continues to be active. If you have a prayer request, please send it to [email protected]. These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed.
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling. You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up). If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you. All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
YouTube: Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
Thank you,
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone: (780) 481-1406
email: [email protected]
website: www.spiritwest.org
Greetings in Christ, our hope and our strength,
I am holding all of you in prayer as I walk these next two months with you. I hope to see you catch a glimpse of where God is calling you as a church together through whatever changes may come.
I am with you as the pain and shock of my departure ripples through the community. I know that this is a difficult time.
These next few weeks are busy for me with a lot of in and out of the office. Next week I’ll be at the regional gathering (Conference Meeting) in Camrose for 5 days. The week after, I’m back in the office, then on study leave from May 15-21. If you are wanting to talk with me one on one while I am still with you, please take a moment to contact me and set up a time. I will also make sure to have some time back on the church porch now that it is getting warmer.
During the season of Easter, we read from the book of Acts in the Christian scriptures rather than from the Hebrew scriptures, and we learn a bit about the early church. There was a short time, a Camelot moment, when everyone in the early church shared everything in common. (Acts 2:42-47) The wealthy sold their possessions to give money to the poor. That moment didn’t last terribly long, but it does help us to imagine what is possible, and challenges us to reconsider how we share what we have. It will also be the topic of children’s time.
Spirit West is going to benefit from all of you being willing to both share what you have and receive what others offer. The need for material resources is real, but I am actually thinking more about ideas, wisdom and energy. The way things have been will no longer be possible, but a new future awaits. What will that future be? It’s up to you to decide. Bring your ideas and your openness to the ideas of others. Listen to the voices from the edges, they often hold much wisdom.
The other scripture for this week is Psalm 23. These often memorized words offer comfort in times of transition. God cares for us with love, and leads us to what we most need.
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
ADVENTURING WORSHIP – SUNDAY, MAY 7 - Have you ever wondered how other worship services in other churches are conducted? This is your chance to choose another church that you would like to visit. On May 7th, Eli will be away at the Northern Spirit Regional Council Conference along with all the other United Church ministers in the Region. Coincidently, it also happens that our music leaders are away that Sunday as well so there will be NO service at Spirit West. Instead, you are encouraged to worship anywhere else and then we hope that you will report back on what you observed and experienced. Perhaps you’ll see and experience other ways of greeting people when they arrive, different ways of extending hospitality, different order in the service, interesting decorations, different musical presentations / participation, interesting ways of praying, Sunday School observations, ideas for fund-raising, interesting ways of using technology, etc.
There is a “cheat sheet” available at the back or by email from the office on which you can record observations. These sheets can be dropped off at the church or you can attend the “Reflection Conversation” at 2:30pm, May 9th in the lounge.
There is a sheet on the credenza by the office for signing up to be a driver and a sheet for those who need a ride or would like to car pool. Safe driving and Happy Adventuring.
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 in the next few months! 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 780-481-2662 or Sheila H at 780-960-3878 or signup at the church. 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.
LADIES’ GROUP POTLUCK SUPPER – 5:30pm, June 6 at Marg H’s house. A signup sheet is available at the back
- with suggestions for the potluck
- with the address
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH – May 1-13
- Mon, May 1 & 8, 6-8:30pm – Embers
- Tues, May 2 & 9, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
- Wed, May 3 & 10, 6-9pm – Church of Christ service
- Wed, May 10, 7-9pm – Board Meeting via ZOOM
- Thurs, May 4 & 11, 7-8:30pm – choir practice
- Fri, May 5 & 12, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
- Sat, May 6 & 13, 7am - noon – Church of Christ service
LEADERS for April 30
- Hospitality Team – Sather – Ramona, Isobel, Colleen, Diane H
- Scripture Reader – Bill C
- Projectionist – Terri-Lynn / Sara
LEADERS for May 14
- Hospitality Team – Ludlow – Diane L, Norma, Bruce & Carol
- Scripture Reader – Diane L
- Projectionist – Bruce C
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Adventuring Sunday – May 7 – no service at Spirit West; enjoy a service elsewhere
Board Meeting, Wed, May 10, 7pm – via ZOOM
Ladies Group Potluck Supper – June 6
Church School Picnic – June 11
OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
- Chalmers-Castledowns UC SPRING CRAFT MARKET. Sat, May 13, 10am-3pm. This fundraiser supports the life & work on the church in North West Edmonton
- An invitation to Edmonton and Area UCs (clergy and lay) to gather, to share, around the health and viability of their Community of Faith. May 27th at McDougall UC, 10 am-2pm. Come have conversation about resources, both people and money, leadership, administration and… What consumes your energy now? What is happening with leadership both clergy and lay? Are there ways we can share resources, both human and otherwise around the tasks of work we all need to do? and then “What’s Next?” Bring your own lunch. Coffee, tea, snacks and parking will be provided. RSVP to McDougall UC 780-428-1818 or [email protected] by May 19th.
- Older, Bolder, BetterTM Seniors Exhibition & Symposium, Thursday, June 8, Westend Seniors Activity Centre, 9629 176 st, Edmonton. Entertainment by Bob Layton
- ST. STEPHEN'S COLLEGE FUNDRAISING GALA - Friday, June 16, 5-10pm, JW Marriott Ice District - 10344 102 St NW, Edmonton. Featuring live painting by Giselle Denis, live entertainment, guest speakers & silent auction - $250 per person, or $2000 per table of 8. A deductible charitable tax receipt will be issued for a portion of the ticket price after the event
- PROVIDENCE RENEWAL CENTRE upcoming programs:
- Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
- Centering Prayer
- Spring Retreat
- Self-care day
- More information at www.providencerenewal.ca
- COMMUNITY & CONNECTION – 2SLGBTQ1A+ and Advocacy Conference, June 22-24, Robertson-Wesley UC, 10209-123 St. Bringing together those who do work in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to share their challenges and experiences with each other and the greater community. More information at www.communityandconnection.com
YouTube Videos Worship Services – April 30 – also, in person worship service
To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.
This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them. Our Prayer Chain continues to be active. If you have a prayer request, please send it to [email protected]. These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed.
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling. You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up). If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you. All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- PAR - Pre-Authorized Remittance is a direct debit program run by the United Church of Canada. It allows people to support their church through an automatic monthly withdrawal from their bank account. It follows the giver's wishes (give to local, M&S, etc.). If you wish to go on PAR, please the fill out the form on the literature carousel and give the form and a cheque marked “void” to the church office. We will do the rest! If you wish to change your PAR amount, contact the office and we will make the change for you.
- We can accept donations by eTransfer. The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is [email protected] . If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
- And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
- You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
- You can also donate online by checking 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 and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
YouTube: Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
Thank you,
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone: (780) 481-1406
email: [email protected]
website: www.spiritwest.org
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