
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday we encounter two well know pericopes (maybe a new word for you, pear-i-coe-peas, meaning short passages or extracts) in John’s Gospel, the stories of the Loaves and Fishes, and Jesus walking on water. These events, as recorded by the gospel writers, are signs for the people around Jesus and for us that Jesus of Nazareth is more than just a wandering preacher. There is something special going on here. People who need physical proof of Jesus’ uniqueness can say, “Wow, that’s a miracle!” But everyone encounters the divine in a different way. Some require “proof.” Some accept intuition or experience. Why do you believe in God?
The readings for Sunday are 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 and John 6: 1-21. We will also be sharing in the reading of Psalm 14. In the Time for All Ages I will talk about a “A Loaves and Fishes Thing?” The title of the Sermon is “Loaves and Fishes”
CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
Although there is no Sunday School during the summer, children are still welcome to be present for worship. To make things a bit easier, activity packs are available each Sunday at the Welcome Table.
THE NAIN CONNECT 2018 – Volunteers needed
Starting next Tuesday (July 31), around 125 people will be coming to Edmonton to the North American Interfaith Network Connect 2018. They come representing Inter-faith organizations in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. They will hear keynote speakers like Romeo Dallaire, and participate in workshops, panels and presentations on issues relevant to interfaith dialogue and action. The theme of Connect 2018 is Pilgrimage: Journeys of Discovery.
Some volunteers are still needed to help welcome our guests to Edmonton and make their experience of Connect 2018 all that it can be. If you have some time available next week, please email Lothar at nainvolunteers@gmail.com to see how you can help.
POVERTY DOESN’T TAKE SUMMER VACATION.
The Mustard Seed’s Evening Meal Program feeds 300-350 people each night, Monday through Saturday. However, with summer being so busy, we are short on volunteers. We are in urgent need of groups who are willing to prepare and serve dinner to those facing poverty in downtown Edmonton.
Consider getting a group of friends, family members, or coworkers together and volunteering with us on any of the following dates: July 30 and most of August.
For more information, please contact Volunteer Services at 780-426-5600 or VolunteerEdmonton@theseed.ca.
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre. We are looking for hats, sun glasses, refillable water bottles and bug spray. These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows
THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY coming soon!
In 1925, representatives of the churches that came together to form the United Church of Canada signed “The Basis of Union.” This document outlines the beliefs that would be the basis of the understanding of God and the church in the “new” United Church of Canada. There are 20 articles of faith in the Basis of Union. Starting this fall these articles will form the focus around which our worship services will be built. On Sunday, September 9 we will start with Article I – Of God. I will continue through the articles Sunday by Sunday, with breaks for major seasons like Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter.
SECURITY ACCESS CODES
For those of you who regularly access the church after office hours, (choir, ladies’ group, men’s breakfast, hospitality etc.) please ensure that you are using an access code for the alarm system that you have been given by Norma since April. The old access code (1234) is no longer a valid code. If you use it the system will flag you as an intruder, our security service will be notified, people will be called to investigate, and the police may come. Make sure you are using a current code!
A NEW 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. It was suggested at a Board Meeting that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
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
- 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