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August 25, 2022 - the 12th Sunday after Pentecost

8/25/2022

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Picture
Greetings
 
Sunday, August 28, 2022 – the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
We Take Anybody
(All are Welcome)

 
What does it mean to invite everyone to be a part of our church?  What do we really mean when we say “all are welcome”.  I have heard people snidely comment that the United Church will take anyone, as if that is a bad thing, when actually it is our strength.  We celebrate the gifts diversity brings.  We can be a band of misfits.  We want to create space where we are all safe to really be ourselves, not space where we all pretend to be what someone else expects us to be.  Jesus says when we host a banquet we are supposed to invite the poor and people with disabilities.  (Luke 14:13) from this week’s reading Luke 14:1, 7-14
 
Sometimes, we might worry what people will think of us when we are a part of such a group of outsiders, but if we let go of that type of worry and allow ourselves to be humbled, to give up trying to be seen as important, we gain something much richer – a life in genuine community. 
 
I played trombone in high school, including in the stage band.  In stage band, the highest, most important brass instrument is the first trumpet.  The first trombone strove to get half as many good solos as the first trumpet.  Second and third trumpet and trombone were waiting their turn for these important parts.  There were musicians more gifted than I in the year ahead and behind me, so I quickly decided to get off that bus of trying for something I may never get, and chose to be bass trombone.  I never got solos, but I got to hold up the base line along with the baritone sax and the electric bass.  I got to keep the feeling of belonging without the endless competition.
 
When God called the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt, they were called to build a community based on justice and equity, to use today’s language, and not a hierarchical society like the Egyptians and the Assyrians had, but the temptation to build that sort of hierarchy pulls at us constantly, trying to get us to decide who is most important and who we should ignore.  The prophet Jeremiah compared this choice to giving up having a good cistern full of fresh water from God, but choosing instead to build our own cracked cistern made of the idols around us.  Our Hebrew scripture text this week is Jeremiah 2:4-13.  With the kids, I will be looking at the difference between a leaky container and a good one.
 
As a church community we have people from many stages of life.  Some of us are “at the top of our careers” respected within our professional workspaces.   Some are mistreated regularly at work.  When we are in this Spirit West United Church space, we strive to be a community where we work side by side with those we might have to look up to, or be expected to look down on, in the so called ‘real world’.  We are stronger for it.  Thanks be to God.
 
Minister on the Porch
I’m going to be sitting on the porch on Saturday from 10-2.  I hope to see you there.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 

Eli’s office hours – Wednesday to Sunday – hours vary so please first call Eli directly or the church (780-481-1408)
 
GARAGE SALE – September 24 – We need volunteers and donations!
We will be holding our first garage sale, since the pandemic, on September 24! Start saving your items now and bring them to the church during the week before the sale.  Items to donate include:
  • Household items such as Dishes, glasses, pots & pans, small appliances
  • Furniture
  • Memorabilia
  • Books, games, CDs
  • Linens
  • Jewellery
  • Tools
  • Toys
Please save plastic and paper bags too.  We will be looking for volunteers to help:
  • Pick up larger items (probably need a truck)
  • Set up
  • Price items
  • Floor salespeople
  • Cashiers
  • takedown
Please call the office or Carol C  if you can help!
 
DRIVERS NEEDED
 We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office (noon to 5pm, Monday to Thursday).
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – August 28 – 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 spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  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
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 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

  
CHURCH OFFICE
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
 
Thank you,
 
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org


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August 18, 2022 - the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

8/18/2022

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Picture
Greetings
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – August 21 – 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.   

 
Sunday, August 21, 2022 – the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Grace and peace be with you
Some of the first news stories I remember as a teen were the Berlin Wall coming down and the end of apartheid.  To put a musical spin on it, the first song I ever danced to at a high school dance was ‘November Rain’ by Guns and Roses with the chorus lyrics – Nothing lasts forever, even cold November Rain.   You can see a video with just lyrics above, or the official music video here – with a content warning for drug use mixed with Christian religious symbols – may be powerful, but not everyone’s cup of tea. 
 
We have all lived through times of great change, especially in the past two and a half years.  Many things we love have been put on hold, and we haven’t been able to grieve in the usual ways as we face all these changes.   Many of us have found a mix of healthy and less than healthy ways to cope with these challenges. 
 
This week’s scriptures also address facing times of great change – when the very rock we as people of faith often cling to – religious practice crumbled.  
 
(Jeremiah 1: 4-10) Jeremiah predicted and then watched the fall of his civilization including its rich temple worship as an enemy army flattened the capitol and exiled the leadership and landholding classes far away, hoping they would blend into their empire.  Jeremiah began as a prophet of doom, telling nobody what they wanted to hear, but his voice has also been a source of strength as his people rebuilt generations later.   They rebuilt their religion on the written word, which included rich practices that continue to this day of laying aside one day of the week when they refuse to work and insist on celebrating the blessings of God in their lives.  I follow a few rabbis on twitter, (Rabbi Danya is my favourite) and their weekly reminders on Friday afternoon to remember our blessings and take time to honour the sacred are a gift to all of us.
 
Jesus taught in the time just before the temple was again destroyed, and Luke wrote his gospel after that great upheaval.  Our story from Luke this week(13:10-17) is the last time Jesus teaches in a synagogue in Luke because he challenges the cornerstone of his own religion- the Sabbath.  Luke remembers this story for his people as the conflict between those Jews who followed Jesus and those who did not was driving them from the synagogues.  They are trying to understand how Jesus can bring healing to their lives- help them stand up straight – even when their normal religious practice just isn’t working the same as it always has.
 
The world has changed before, and it will change again.  The Christianity that many of us grew up with has been changing for a long time, and the pandemic sped up that change.  We are in the time of new birth and new growth, and we don’t know what it looks like, but we do know that God is constant in love and will continue to support us as we embrace new realities.
 
With the kids this week, we are looking at the importance of building our faith on a firm foundation, so we will read the story of the three little pigs. 
 
Minister on the Porch
I’m going to be sitting on the porch
Friday from 1-4 PM
Saturday from 10-2. 
I hope to see you there.
 
Visits
I can visit in hospitals, care facilities and other institutions by invitation only, so if you or a friend or loved one would like a visit, please invite me.  I’m also glad to visit you in your home or on your porch or balcony or meet you at your favourite coffee shop, on the phone, or on your video conferencing platform.  I have time set aside to see you Wednesday-Sunday, 9-9, and am always on call for emergencies. 
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

  
GARAGE SALE – September 24 – We need volunteers and donations!
We will be holding our first garage sale, since the pandemic, on September 24! Start saving your items now and bring them to the church during the week before the sale.  Items to donate include:
  • Household items such as Dishes, glasses, pots & pans, small appliances
  • Furniture
  • Memorabilia
  • Books, games, CDs
  • Linens
  • Jewellery
  • Tools
  • Toys
Please save plastic and paper bags too.  We will be looking for volunteers to help:
  • Set up
  • Price items
  • Floor salespeople
  • Cashiers
  • takedown
Please call the office or Carol C at 780-481-2662 if you can help!
 
DRIVERS NEEDED
 We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office (noon to 5pm, Monday to Thursday).
  
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 spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  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
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 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

  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office is open. 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday

  
Thank you,
 
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
 
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August 11, 2022 - the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

8/11/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – August 14 – 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.   

 
Sunday, August 14, 2022 – the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
What values are most important to you?
When does standing up for what is right become more important than keeping the peace?
This week’s scripture addresses the situation when families become divided.
 
The way of Jesus can and does lead to tensions in our relationships.
Jesus knew that standing up for the oppressed would upset the powerful. 
 
We have been taught that good Christians keep the peace, but sometimes, like Jesus, it is time to take a stand, even at personal risk.
 
Last Saturday, a drag queen named Felicia Bonée read the books “Sparkle Boy” and “The Hips on the Drag Queens Go Swish, Swish, Swish” at the downtown library branch.  My children have enjoyed “Story Time with a Drag Queen” since they  were very young.  These drag artists are like princesses to the children, and teach them that it is OK to be yourself. For some people this is their ‘line in the sand’, and they believe libraries should not host these events. 
 
Lines are drawn, and protesters and counter protesters arrived at the scene.  The counter protestors supporting diversity and inclusion far outnumbered the protestors, and between them and the parents, the children were protected from their hateful speech.
 
This Saturday, Felicia is coming to our Callingwood Lois Hole library branch.  I hope that she is met with a warm welcome.  I intend to be there to shield our community’s children from any hatred that might appear.
 
This Sunday I’ll be reading ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance” for everyone to enjoy – even though I am no where near as gorgeous as a drag queen, I’ll try to make it enjoyable for all.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/765148.Giraffes_Can_t_Dance
Our scriptures are Hebrews 12:1-2 and Luke 12:49-56.
 
Minister on the Porch
I’m going to continue with Ministry from the porch, this week, Friday from 10—1 and Saturday, 1-4
I’m also hoping to meet more of you for get to know you chats and pastoral visits.  
I’m available anytime for emergencies, and
9AM – 9 PM, Wednesday- Sunday otherwise.
I am not always in the church building, so please call or text 780-298-4363 to set up a good time and place for you.
If you want me to visit in a hospital or nursing home,  I need to be specifically invited, and I am happy to come.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

 
DRIVERS NEEDED
We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office (noon to 5pm, Monday to Thursday).
 
GARAGE SALE – Save the Date – September 24

We will be holding our first garage sale, since the pandemic, on September 24! Start saving your items now and bring them to the church during the week before the sale.  Please save plastic and paper bags too.  We will be looking for volunteers to help run the sale soon.  More information will be available soon.
 
 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 spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  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
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 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

  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office is open. 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org

 

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August 4, 2022 - the ninth Sunday after Pentecost

8/4/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – August 7 – 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.   
 

Sunday, August 7, 2022 – the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost with the sacrament of Communion
In this week’s reading from Isaiah 1, God doesn’t like the people’s worship because they are not caring for orphans and widows.  If God might not like our worship, why do we do it?
 
Why do you take your car to the garage? 
Why change the oil, wash the windshield, inflate the tires?
Is it to please the mechanic?
To collect the Airmiles?
 
You do it so you can use your car as it was intended – to drive.
 
Why do we worship?
Why sing hymns, listen to sermons and pray?
Does God’s ego need a boost from us?
Are we hoping for Divine bonus points?
 
I worship to prepare myself to be the best Christian I can be,
To live as God intends us to live – caring for each other.
 
In Luke 12:32-40, Jesus warns his disciples to be ready, and stay awake.
What do we need to be ready for?
Perhaps we need to be ready to live into our mission.
Spirit West’s mission calls us to build community across lines that divide.
How do we prepare to invite strangers to come in and transform this church
– our Church, God’s Church in this place?
 
Our Story Time will begin with Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
Our scriptures are Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 and Luke 12:32-40.
 
Join our national United Church on zoom in welcoming our new moderator Sunday afternoon
 Event Date: August 7, 2022 from 4:00 pm EDT to 6:00 pm EDT
General Council 44 and Canadian Memorial United Church invite you to the installation of the 44th Moderator of The United Church of Canada: 
Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 2: 00 p.m. MDT
Attend in person: Canadian Memorial United Church, Corner of Burrard St. &, W 15th Ave, Vancouver, BC
Watch online: YouTube Livestream
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 

GARAGE SALE – Save the Date – September 24
We will be holding our first garage sale, since the pandemic, on September 24! Start saving your items now and bring them to the church during the week before the sale.  Please save plastic and paper bags too.  We will be looking for volunteers to help run the sale soon.  More information will be available soon.
  
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 spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  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
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 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

  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office is open. 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org

 
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