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June 28, 2015 - Pentecost 5

6/25/2015

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Greetings

In the Gospel reading for this Sunday we hear the story of two healings. One healing was of the daughter of a prominent public official.  The official had come forward openly to Jesus to beg for the healing of his daughter.  On the way to the official’s house, a woman who had been suffering for years and had spent all she had on ineffective treatments, also sought Jesus help.  The woman, however, did not think that she was in a position to interrupt Jesus on his way to attend the official’s daughter.  She believed that if she just manage to touch Jesus clothing she would be healed.  We have all met people like this women, and we can almost hear her saying, “ I don’t want to bother him when he’s busy.”  But she has been suffering for years.  As I reflect on this passage, I think about how we approach God.  Are we the official who approaches Jesus (God) openly and directly with our need, or are we the one who doesn’t really want to bother God with our problems, even if they are quite serious, but who knows that God’s help is needed.

 

The readings for Sunday are Psalm 130 and Mark 4:21-34.  I am calling the Time for All Ages, “Reach Out” and the Sermon is “Who touched me?”

 

Again, as a heads up for the summer.  I will be taking holidays in July.  I will celebrate Communion with you on July 5, and then see you again on Aug 2.

 

Truth and Reconciliation – A Follow-up

 

Last Sunday, Harold Robinson spoke to us quite eloquently about what reconciliation with First Nations can mean for the non-aboriginal communities.  As a follow-up to what Harold shared with us, I have attached two documents to this email. One is a briefing note prepared by Harold for the Indian Residential Schools Alberta Secretariat for Reconciliation.  This document in some ways formed the basis of Harold’s message.  The other document is the Call to Action from the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.  The document contains the 95 recommendations. Harold pointed out that for any community or individual to face 95 challenges is overwhelming.  His suggestion is to seriously commit to the actions called for in a few of the recommendation.

 

Church Membership

I would like to start a membership program for those who wish to join the United Church, and this congregation in particular.  If you are already a member of the United Church (or Presbyterian or similar), but your membership is with another congregation, your membership can be transferred by certificate.  In other circumstances you become a member by profession of faith or confirmation.   If you are interested, or just have questions, please give me a call.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Our Prayer Shawl Supply coordinator is Bonnie C.  So now, what is needed is knitters/crocheters who will make the prayer shawls. Basic knitting skills are all that is required  We have some wool, knitting needles and a basic pattern available.  If you are interested contact me or Bonnie C.  For those of you unfamiliar with Prayer Shawl Ministries, it is a program where hand knit shawls, are given to people in hospital with the prayers of our church.  The shawl provides a tangible reminder of the church’s and God’s presence with the person in hospital. 

 

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 .  Thanks to our Webmaster: Bonnie S.

Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

 

Office hours

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday



See you Sunday,

 Larry

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June 21, 2015 - National Aboriginal Day

6/18/2015

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Picture
Harold Robinson
Greetings

This Sunday is National Aboriginal Day.  In light of the recent release of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, I believe that we as a church should look at what reconciliation with the First Nations communities means for us.  For many of us the truth of the Residential School experience was completely unknown until recently.  Our engagement with people of First Nations has probably been minimal.  So, what now?  I do not feel qualified to answer that question, so I have sought help.  Our speaker on Sunday will be Mr. Harold Robinson, a Metis lawyer and an Adjudicator for the Indian Residential Schools Independent Assessment Process.  Harold is also the Tribunal Secretary/Director for the Metis Settlements Appeal Tribunal.

 The first reading for Sunday are Genesis 32: 22-31, Jacob wrestles with a “man”, and through the struggle becomes Israel.  The second reading is Luke 19: 28-40.  In the course of this passage we hear that the truth cannot be kept quiet, for even the rocks will cry out.  The title of the Children’s time is “Sacred Stones” and Harold’s message is “Reconciliation starts here.”

 Again, as a heads up for the summer.  I will be taking holidays in July.  I will celebrate Communion with you on July 5, and then see you again on Aug 2.

 
MESSY CHURCH
This Saturday, June 20 from 4:00 pm to approx 6:00.  The theme for this Messy Church is “The Sower and the Seed.”  This is an experience for the whole family.  Please come and join us for a story, songs, crafts and dinner.  So that we have a better idea of how many to plan for, could you send a “reply” to this message with the number of adults and children in your group who will be attending.

Men’s Breakfast
The men of Spirit West (and any friends you want to bring along) will meet for Breakfast on Saturday morning at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.

Church Membership
I would like to start a membership program for those who wish to join the United Church, and this congregation in particular.  If you are already a member of the United Church (or Presbyterian or similar), but your membership is with another congregation, your membership can be transferred by certificate.  In other circumstances you become a member by profession of faith or confirmation.   If you are interested, or just have questions, please give me a call.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Our Prayer Shawl Supply coordinator is Bonnie C.  So now, what is needed is knitters/crocheters who will make the prayer shawls. Basic knitting skills are all that is required  We have some wool, knitting needles and a basic pattern available.  If you are interested contact me or Bonnie C.  For those of you unfamiliar with Prayer Shawl Ministries, it is a program where hand knit shawls, are given to people in hospital with the prayers of our church.  The shawl provides a tangible reminder of the church’s and God’s presence with the person in hospital. 


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.

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

There has been another devastating earthquake with after shocks in Nepal.  In response to this tragedy, the United Church of Canada has established a Nepal Earthquake Relief fund. Your donation to Nepal Earthquake Relief will be applied directly to support relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts in the country. Here’s how you can donate:
·        Online via the United Church of Canada’s  secure donation page.
·        Phone 416-231-5931 ext. 3050 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 3050 and use your Visa or MasterCard.
·        Send a cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information with donation amount to:

o   The United Church of Canada
Philanthropy Unit—Emergency Response
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Please be sure to note “Emergency Response—Nepal Earthquake Relief” on the face of your cheque.


For more information on the United Church’s response go to http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/150427

And please keep the people of Nepal and the relief workers in your prayers.

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!

Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .  Thanks to our Webmaster: Bonnie S.

Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

 
Office hours

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday



See you Sunday,

 Larry

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June 14, 2015 - Third Sunday after Pentecost

6/11/2015

0 Comments

 
Greetings

Larry is away attending his daughter’s wedding in Calgary on Friday.  Pray for nice weather for Sarah and Alistair.

Edina will be leading us in worship this Sunday.  The emphasis will be is on children.

 The readings for Sunday are Genesis 1:24-31 and Mark 10:13-16. In the Sermon Edina will be “celebrating children”.

 
Church School Picnic

The Church School Picnic will be held this Sunday immediately after the worship service.  Come enjoy good food, fellowship and games.  The picnic will be held outside, weather permitting so please bring a lawn chair.  Everything will be provided.  We suggest a donation to recover costs of $5 per person, $15 per family.  Hope you can attend!

 
MESSY CHURCH

We have another Messy Church coming up on Saturday, June 20.  The theme for this Messy Church is “The Sower and the Seed.”  We have a couple of kitchen volunteers and one craft already, but we need more people and ideas. We will have a meeting after church this Sunday in the lounge. (No experience necessary)

Church Membership

I would like to start a membership program for those who wish to join the United Church, and this congregation in particular.  If you are already a member of the United Church (or Presbyterian or similar), but your membership is with another congregation, your membership can be transferred by certificate.  In other circumstances you become a member by profession of faith or confirmation.   If you are interested, or just have questions, please give me a call.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Our Prayer Shawl Supply coordinator is Bonnie C.  So now, what is needed is knitters/crocheters who will make the prayer shawls. Basic knitting skills are all that is required  We have some wool, knitting needles and a basic pattern available.  If you are interested contact me or Bonnie C.  For those of you unfamiliar with Prayer Shawl Ministries, it is a program where hand knit shawls, are given to people in hospital with the prayers of our church.  The shawl provides a tangible reminder of the church’s and God’s presence with the person in hospital. 

 

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.

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

 

There has been another devastating earthquake with aftershocks in Nepal.  In response to this tragedy, the United Church of Canada has established a Nepal Earthquake Relief fund. Your donation to Nepal Earthquake Relief will be applied directly to support relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts in the country. Here’s how you can donate:

·        Online via the United Church of Canada’s  secure donation page.

·        Phone 416-231-5931 ext. 3050 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 3050 and use your Visa or MasterCard.

·        Send a cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information with donation amount to:

o   The United Church of Canada
Philanthropy Unit—Emergency Response
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Please be sure to note “Emergency Response—Nepal Earthquake Relief” on the face of your cheque.


For more information on the United Church’s response go to http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/150427

And please keep the people of Nepal and the relief workers in your prayers.

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!

Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .  Thanks to our Webmaster: Bonnie S.

Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

 

Office hours

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday



See you Sunday,

 Norma for 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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June 7, 2015 - Second Sunday after Pentecost with communion

6/4/2015

0 Comments

 
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