Blog Archives

July 2, 2023 - the Fifth Sunday of Pentecost

6/29/2023

Sunday, July 2nd – Fifth Sunday of Pentecost

This Sunday, our worship service will be led by Jo-Anne Kobylka. The sermon is titled “Where have all our prophets gone?” The scriptures are a poem by Kathy Galloway from the Iona Community and then Matthew 10:40-42.

Congregational Meeting re FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES- Sunday, June 25 – The congregation was updated on the work that has been done to present. The minutes of the meeting will be sent out soon.

FLOWER BASKETS – we have blossoms beautifying the front porch of the church again this summer. This is a wonderful place for plants to grow. However, they do need to be watered. We are hoping that someone will consider giving them a good drink once or twice a week in JULY or AUGUST depending on the weather. If you could do this, please sign up on the sheet at the back or call or email Norma at the church office.

LEADERS for July 2
         Hospitality Team – Hemmerling – Georgina, Doreen, Rhea, Glenna
         Scripture Reader – Paul F
         Projectionist – Rebecca W

LEADERS for July 9

Hospitality Team – Sather – Ramona, Isobel, Colleen, Diane H
Scripture Reader – Bob H
Projectionist – Rebecca W

EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH – July 3-8

Tues, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
Wed, 6-9pm – Church of Christ service
Fri, 6-7pm - set up for Church of Christ service
Sat, 7am - noon – Church of Christ service

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

0 Comments

June 18, 2023 - Third Sunday after Pentecost - Eli's last service with us

6/15/2023

0 Comments

Sunday, JUNE 18th – Third Sunday of Pentecost – Eli’s last service with us

Farewell Blessings
Sadly, this is the last weekly message I will write to Spirit West United Church. I am in the process of handing responsibilities back to you, the people of Spirit West. I am returning control of social media accounts this afternoon. At children’s time on Sunday I will ask the children to help me return the symbols of the covenant that we have shared.

You are facing a difficult time and I regret that I cannot face it with you, but I do want to remind you that you have what you need to face these challenges. Spirit West United Church has been blessed by God with many talented people with a vast array of skills. By working together and listening to each other and the Spirit you can figure out a good path for this community of faith to follow.

It is an exciting time for Spirit West when many options will come before you, and choices made in the next few months can influence ministry in the West end of Edmonton for years to come. Although you may get some support from the Northern Spirit Region of the United Church, the choices are yours to make. You will have the opportunity to choose a direction, make a plan and achieve the goals that emerge from your midst by the power of the Holy Spirit working in all of you, who can do infinitely more than you can ask or imagine.

This Sunday’s scriptures include Jesus empowering twelve disciples to do the same sorts of things he was doing – proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is at hand, healing, feeding and helping. So too is Spirit West empowered to do your work by the very same Spirit. (Matthew 9:25-10:8)

St. Paul wrote to the church at Rome about how sometimes God can transform our suffering that comes from following the way of Jesus can lead us into hope. We are also reminded that God’s love and support of us is not based on what we have done, or what we possess, but comes as a free gift. Jesus was put to death for standing up for us before we understood or accepted his realm in our midst. (Romans 5:1-8)

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, confident in the love of God for us all.

(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

Congregational Meeting re FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES- Sunday, June 25 – At the Congregational Meeting on June 14, we received an update on the additional information that we are pursuing. Therefore the meeting on June 25th will used to update the congregation. The vote on the direction of Spirit West will be held at a later date.

FLOWER BASKETS – we are going to have blossoms beautifying the front porch of the church again this summer. This is a wonderful place for plants to grow. However, they do need to be watered. We are hoping that someone will consider giving them a good drink once or twice a week in JULY or AUGUST depending on the weather. If you could do this, please sign up on the sheet at the back or call or email Norma at the church office.

LEADERS for June 18

Hospitality Team – Ludlow – Diane L, Norma B, Carol & Bruce S
Scripture Reader – Sheila H
Projectionist – Norma B

LEADERS for June 25

Hospitality Team – Doyle – Don & Daphne, Dave & Cathy, Tony
Scripture Reader – Bob H
Projectionist – Terri-Lynn & Sara

DATES TO REMEMBER

Congregational Meeting – Sun, June 25

EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH – June 19-24

Mon, 6:15-8:00pm - Embers
Tues, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
Wed, 6-9pm – Church of Christ service
Fri, 6-9pm - set up for Church of Christ service
Sat, 7am - noon – Church of Christ service
Sat, noon - 4pm – Celebration of Life of Adele Wilde

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

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

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

0 Comments

June 11, 2023 - Second Sunday after Pentecost; Church School Celebration and Picnic

6/12/2023

0 Comments

Good Afternoon!
I hope that you are enjoying the warmth in the air today. My life outside of work is buzzing in many different directions as I prepare to move houses and go on vacation. In the office, things are actually pretty quiet right now over my last working days, so if there is something you have been hoping to talk with me about, please contact me to set up a good time. I have some time available for you.
My remaining working days are
Sunday June 11,
Tuesday June 13,
Wednesday June 14,
Friday June 16,
Saturday June 17,
Sunday June 18.

As you may remember from Larry’s leave taking, there are some rules I will have to follow in my departure in order to support the congregation’s leadership here and to be fully present in my new position. I should not be in contact with you for one year. I will adjust my Facebook settings so that you will see little of me.

I know that this feels like a time of endings. It is my hope that it is also a time of new beginning for Spirit West as you find a sustainable way to be the church going forward. Sometimes I have heard some of you say that you are old.   This week’s scripture (Genesis 12:1-9) is the first time we hear about Abram, and he is 75 already. He and his family and their staff and their livestock take off for a new country. If I’m feeling scattered trying to move 130 blocks within Edmonton and I’m only 45, what must Sarai have thought?

God was doing something new – brand new, and decided to use an elder couple to do it.

Speaking of new things, our lesson from the life and teachings of Jesus (Matthew 9:9-26) also talks about new things – and about how we do not put new wine in old wineskins or use new fabric to repair old fabric. Perhaps consider what that passage could mean about Spirit West entering a new time of being the church together while you are facing the current challenges.   In our 17 verses from Matthew’s gospel we call a new disciple, debate about fasting and feasting, heal a person with a hemorrhage and raise a child from the dead.   It stands in strange contrast to the Hebrew scriptures this week where we hear but one example of several of God making this promise to Abram and Sarai. It is not finally fulfilled until he is 99 years old.

God isn’t finished with you yet.

The children’s time this week will celebrate our amazing children’s ministry and their talented leadership.

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom as the children drew pictures. The teacher would occasionally walk around and see each child’s artwork. As she approached one little girl who was working especially hard, she asked what the drawing was.  The little girl told her: “I’m drawing God!”
“But sweety,” the teacher replied, “no one actually knows what God looks like.”
Automatically, the little girl continued drawing and said: “well, they certainly will in a minute!”

(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

CHURCH PICNIC this SUNDAY, June 11 after the worship service. Outside weather permitting, otherwise, in the sanctuary.
Come for Food, Games, Fellowship, Fun! Everyone welcome! Please bring a lawn chair, if possible.
Free will donations will be gratefully accepted to help cover the cost.

Congregational Meeting re FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES- Sunday, June 25 – At the Congregational Meeting on May 28, we received additional information that we are now pursuing. Therefore the vote on the direction of Spirit West will be held on June 25 after the worship service.

FLOWER BASKETS – we are going to have blossoms beautifying the front porch of the church again this summer. This is a wonderful place for plants to grow. However, they do need to be watered. We are hoping that someone will consider giving them a good drink once or twice a week in JULY or AUGUST depending on the weather. If you could do this, please sign up on the sheet at the back or call or email Norma at the church office.

LEADERS for June 11

Hospitality Team – Callas – Carol & Bill C, Sue & Gerry M
Scripture Reader – Peter K
Projectionist – Bruce C

LEADERS for June 18

Hospitality Team – Ludlow – Diane L, Norma B, Carol & Bruce S
Scripture Reader – Sheila H
Projectionist – Norma B

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday School Picnic – Sun, June 11
Eli’s last Sunday preaching – June 18
Congregational Meeting – Sun, June 25

EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH – June 12-17

Mon, June 12, 6:15-8:00pm - Embers
Tues, June 13, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
Wed, June 14, 6-9pm – Church of Christ service
Wed, June 14, 7pm via zoom – Board Meeting
Thurs, June 15, 7-8:30pm – choir practice
Fri, June 16, 6-9pm - set up for Church of Christ service
Sat, June 17, 7am - noon – Church of Christ service

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

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
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

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

0 Comments

July 2, 2023 - the Fifth Sunday of Pentecost

June 18, 2023 - Third Sunday after Pentecost - Eli's last service with us

June 11, 2023 - Second Sunday after Pentecost; Church School Celebration and Picnic

Author

Archives

Categories