Spirit West United Church
  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Welcome Message
      • What to Expect
      • Our Core Values
      • Minister
      • People
      • Children and Youth
      • Our Beliefs
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Prayers
  • Calendar
  • Activities
    • Announcements >
      • Wider Church
    • Activities for Adults
    • Music
    • Education and Faith Formation
  • Outreach
  • Pictures
  • Rentals
  • Map
  • Links
  • Donate
  • Day Care

May 27, 2021 - Trinity Sunday - the 63rd Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation and our 53rd Sunday Video on YouTube

5/27/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Greetings
 
This Sunday – TRINITY SUNDAY
 This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, the only celebration in the church year that is about a doctrine rather than an event in the life of Jesus or the early church.  The doctrine of the Trinity is unique to Christianity, and has been the source of much discussion, debate and division throughout the history of the church.  So why keep it?  The Trinity is the uniquely Christian way of understanding One God who has been made know to humanity in three distinct ways.  There is God the Father, Creator, Source of Life.  There is God the Son, Christ, Redeemer. There is God the Holy Spirit, Advocate, Wisdom.  One God in Three.  It is a mystery in the original sense of the word.  (Mystery stories and not really mysteries, they are puzzles to be solved)  Holy mysteries are ways of understanding the world and our relationship with God and with each other that is not explainable in rational terms alone.  The mystery embodies a concept, belief or doctrine that describes what we in our human limitations cannot fully understand.  A mystery requires faith.
However, the readings for Sunday focus more on a particular experience with God, the chance for a new beginning.  From the prophets we here about God’s call to Isaiah, and his response.  In the Gospel reading from John, we here about Nicodemus who becomes confused by Jesus’ statement that we must be born ανωθεν (anōthen). Does Jesus mean “again,” or “from above?”  He could mean either.  What is Nicodemus’ response?  What is ours?

 
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Isaiah 6:1-8 and John 3:1-17.  In the Time for All Ages I will talk about “I need a do-over.” and my sermon is titled, “Aνωθεν – Again and from above.”
 

THERE WILL BE A ZOOM COFFEE HOUR (this is the Link for May and June!)
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877953866?pwd=REZSamRsRU0ybENRREdEaGR4bVFGUT09
 Meeting ID: 828 7795 3866   Passcode: 738328
 
 
PLANT WATER-ERS NEEDED
There now are four beautiful hanging baskets at church, heralding summer and generally cheering up the look of our lonely building.
We are looking for people who could water them and the three pots on the deck that will be planted in the next few weeks.
 
If there are two or three volunteers, then the job could be shared.  The plants need to be checked at least once a week and then depending on the weather may require a second watering.  There are lots of watering cans at the church.  Thanks so much for your consideration.

   
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
 You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.

 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required. 
Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 3:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.

 
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 and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship videos.

 
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
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…

                    
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 and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton

 
 CHURCH OFFICE
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

May 20, 2021 - Pentecost - the 62nd Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

5/20/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings  
This Sunday – PENTECOST
 This Sunday is Pentecost, often considered the Birthday of the Church.  And this Sunday, worship will be a bit different.  As I said last week, Northern Spirit Region has prepared a Worship Video for Pentecost.  The service includes the participation of ministers and lay people from all over Northern Spirit Region including yours truly.  Some of you may scratching your heads and saying “What is Northern Spirit Region?”  Northern Spirit Region is the administrative area of the United Church to which Spirit West belongs.  The Region covers Alberta north of Highway 13, the Northwest Territories, and a little bit of northern British Columbia.  The Region comprises about 100 congregations or pastoral charges.
So it was decided that rather than create a Worship Video for Spirit West, we would join with the wider United Church to celebrate the birthday of the whole church.  The link for the Region Worship Video will be sent out in an email on Saturday as usual.
Now, normally I would give you the scripture readings for Sunday as well as the topics for the Time for All Ages and the sermon. However, I am not sure what readings are being used.  That’s not my part of the service.  But join the Region for this unique worship experience.
 

CELEBRATIONS FOR SUNDAY
Because there will not be a Spirit West Worship Video, I will not be announcing our Celebrations on Sunday. 
However, we do have a couple that I would have mention.
Bonnie C. has reported to us that Athena is cancer free at the end of two years, and does not need to go to the Cross anymore.
We are also celebrating two birthdays, which are actually happening today, Sheila Hoy and Marian Tannahill.  Happy Birthday Sheila and Marian.

 
THERE WILL BE A ZOOM COFFEE HOUR (this is the Link for May and June!)
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877953866?pwd=REZSamRsRU0ybENRREdEaGR4bVFGUT09
 Meeting ID: 828 7795 3866   Passcode: 738328

 
WORSHIP VIDEO FOR SUNDAY, MAY 23 – PENTECOST
For Pentecost Sunday, a Worship Video is being created on behalf of the Northern Spirit Regional Council.  This Worship Video involves the participation of people from all over Northern Spirit Region, including me.  So, for Sunday, May 23, the Worship Video link that will be sent to you will be for this Service.  We are not recording a separate video for Spirit West for that Sunday.

 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
 You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.

 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 3:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.

 
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 and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship videos.

 
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
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
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 and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton

  
CHURCH OFFICE
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

May 13, 2021 - The Seventh Sunday of Easter - Ascension Sunday - the 61st Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation and our 52nd Sunday Video on YouTube

5/13/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Greetings and Happy Feast of the Ascension,
 

Today, Thursday, is the Feast of the Ascension.  Today is the fortieth day after Easter, and the Feast commemorates the final encounter that Jesus has with his disciples before ascending to heaven.  Because this important Feast always falls on a Thursday, many churches have moved the commemoration to the following Sunday.  This is what will happen at Spirit West
 
This Sunday – THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – ASCENSION SUNDAY
 

As I indicated above, this Sunday will be for us Ascension Sunday.  This celebration or commemoration is important because it marks the transition of Jesus’ ministry from that of physical presence with his followers, to a presence with the Church that is beyond time or space.  But the event of the Ascension as recorded by Luke in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, leaves Jesus in a difficult space.  Jesus has gone from them, for the second time now.  And all indications are that this departure will be permanent.  And the instructions the followers are given it to wait.  In a book study earlier this year, some of us encountered the concept of “liminal time.”  This is a time of waiting between what was, and what is to come. The disciples are in a liminal time after the Ascension.  Liminal times can be challenging.   The past is behind us, and the future is still uncertain.  As we experience the Covid-19 pandemic, we are in a way living in a liminal time.  We are waiting for a future that is not yet clear.    But the one thing the church can be certain of, is that Christ is present with us even in liminal time.  In the Wikipedia article ( a completely reliable source, I know) on the Feast of the Ascension, a prayer from the Methodist church is quoted.  The language is old fashioned, but the prayer captures the essence of the Ascension. “Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that according to his promise he abideth with his Church on earth, even unto the end of the world; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
 
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Acts 1:1-11 and Luke 24:44-53.  In the Time for All Ages I will talk about “Waiting.” and my sermon is titled, “Living in liminal time.”
 

THERE WILL BE A ZOOM COFFEE HOUR (this is the Link for May and June!)
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877953866?pwd=REZSamRsRU0ybENRREdEaGR4bVFGUT09
 Meeting ID: 828 7795 3866   Passcode: 738328

  
WORSHIP VIDEO FOR SUNDAY, MAY 23 – PENTECOST
For Pentecost Sunday, a Worship Video is being created on behalf of the Northern Spirit Regional Council.  This Worship Video involves the participation of people from all over Northern Spirit Region, including me.  So, for Sunday, May 23, the Worship Video link that will be sent to you will be for this Service.  We are not recording a separate video for Spirit West for that Sunday.

  
SPAM EMAIL FROM SPIRIT WEST
It has been reported to Norma, that some of you have gotten email appearing to come Spirit West.  They follow a similar pattern to many spam emails, usually with a vague introduction such “I thought you should see this” and then a link. These did not come from us.  Any email from Norma or me will clearly indicate the purpose of the email.  Any links will be explained clearly, such as in the email for the Sunday Worship Video and ZOOM Coffee hour.  The emails will also be ”signed” by Norma or me by name.  If there is anything vague or uncertain in an email from Spirit West, it’s not from us, so don’t open it or click on any embedded link.

 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Greeters
 You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.

 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 3:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 

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 and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship videos.

 
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
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
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 and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 

 CHURCH OFFICE
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

May 6 - The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Christian Family Sunday or Mothers' Day - the 60th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation and or 51st Sunday Video on YouTube

5/6/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
 
This Sunday – THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – Christian Family Sunday or Mothers’ Day

 
In the United Church calendar, this Sunday is called Christian Family Sunday.  In the “Old Days” and in secular society it is called Mothers’ Day.  Part of the United Church’s choice to call this Christian Family Sunday was the fact that in our current society the understanding of motherhood and mothering has become a bit complex.  Family dynamics have changed.  In some families there is no “mother” and some have two.  Some people have fantastic relationships with their mothers, others do not.  But the concept of nurturing, often associated with mothers, still exists and is required for our growth and development as people.  The Bible even has images of God as the nurturing female.  I hope we will see some of these during our Worship Video. And underlying all this is love.  As human beings we need to love and be loved.  That is at the heart of it all, and the readings for Sunday call us, as followers of Jesus to love.

  
The Scripture readings for Sunday are 1 John 5: 1-6 and John 15:9-17.  In the Time for All Ages I will ask “Who is your mother?, and my sermon is titled, “Live Love.”
 

THERE WILL BE A ZOOM COFFEE HOUR (this is the Link for May and June!)
 
Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877953866?pwd=REZSamRsRU0ybENRREdEaGR4bVFGUT09
 
Meeting ID: 828 7795 3866   Passcode: 738328

 
ARE YOU CALLED TO OVEN CLEANING
We are looking for someone, or a couple of people who have a passion for cleaning, and would like to have a go at the two stoves in the church kitchen.  We would like to have them cleaned before the Day Care moves in.  Call the church if you feel called to oven cleaning.

 
FROM THE BOARD
Although this is not much of an update, the Board wants you to know that the two Committees, the Pastoral Search Committee and the Supply Search Committee are hard at work and meeting regularly.  The Pastoral Search Committee is tasked with finding a permanent minister for Spirit West.  The Supply Search Committee is tasked with finding people who will offer supply ministry until the Pastoral Search Committee has successfully completed their search.
  

SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Greeters
 You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.

 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 2:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.

 
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 and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship videos.

 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.

 
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 our mortgage
. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
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 and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton

  
CHURCH OFFICE
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

April 30, 2021 - The Fifth Sunday of Easter with communion - the 59th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation and our 50th Sunday video on YouTube

5/3/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
Thursday was really busy, so the Thursday eMessage is coming out on Friday (and it hasn’t been proof-read by Norma).

 
This Sunday – THE FifTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
 This Sunday’s readings include two beautiful images, Jesus is the true vine and God is love.  These two images are related and important.  In the image of Jesus as the true vine, we have a picture of the follower of Christ as a branch growing from a strong root.  And as we move towards spring this image of growth and life becomes more real.  And being “rooted” in Christ, we are ‘rooted” in love.  Recently someone I know was lamenting that “the Church” had lost its voice in society.  In some ways I agree with him.  But I suspect that the reason “the Church” has lost its voice is that much of what has been claimed as the voice of “the Church,” has been rooted in hatred and judgment.  We need to be the followers of Christ who are rooted and growing in love.  The reading from the 1st Letter of John clearly says “God is love.”  We must bear fruit, that each of and all whom we encounter might know the sweetness of the depth of God’s love.
 
The Scripture readings for Sunday are 1 John 4:7-21 and John 15:1-8.  In the Time for All Ages I will ask “How do you know it’s spring?, and my sermon is titled, “The True Vine.”
  
Communion this Sunday
 This Sunday, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The celebration at the Church will involve only three people from the congregation and me, but I would like you to be able to participate as fully as you can.  So I would suggest that, if you can, watch the video at our usual church time of 10:30 on Sunday morning and that you have some bread and grape juice (or wine) for each member of your household.  Follow the service and share together at your table, be it the kitchen table, dining table, coffee table or the TV table you have put in front of your television.  And as you share the bread and cup in your home, know that others are sharing at the Table of Christ in their homes and around the world. 

  
THERE WILL BE A ZOOM COFFEE HOUR (this is a NEW Link!)
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877953866?pwd=REZSamRsRU0ybENRREdEaGR4bVFGUT09
 
Meeting ID: 828 7795 3866   Passcode: 738328

 
ARE YOU CALLED TO OVEN CLEANING
We are looking for someone, or a couple of people who have a passion for cleaning, and would like to have a go at the two stoves in the church kitchen.  We would like to have them cleaned before the Day Care moves in.  Call the church if you feel called to oven cleaning.

  
FROM THE BOARD
Although this is not much of an update, the Board wants you to know that the two Committees, the Pastoral Search Committee and the Supply Search Committee are hard at work and meeting regularly.  The Pastoral Search Committee is tasked with finding a permanent minister for Spirit West.  The Supply Search Committee is tasked with finding people who will offer supply ministry until the Pastoral Search Committee has successfully completed their search.

  
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
 You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.

 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 2:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.

 
Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com. During the Prayers of the People, only the first name of individuals will be mentioned, and the specifics of the request will not be shared. The prayer requests are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.

 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
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 our mortgage
. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
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 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 and will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship.

  
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

 
 CHURCH OFFICE
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

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.