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September 27, 2015 - Creation 3 in the Season of Pentecost - Blessing of the Animals

9/25/2015

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Greetings

There is still a lot going on at Spirit West.  Make sure to check out all the information below.

This Sunday

 

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS SERVICE – Sunday, September 27

Following a now fairly long standing tradition, the Service this Sunday will include the  Blessing of the Animals.  You are invited to bring your pet to church with you on Sunday, as we remember the many gifts God has given us, including our pets and companion animals.  If your pet does not travel well, is apt to bite strangers or is uncomfortable in crowds, please bring a photo of your pet or pets.

For those of you who remember that the timing of the Service is related to the Feast of St. Francis which is October 4, we have been choosing the last Sunday in September, because the first Sunday in October (this year October 4) is World Communion Sunday.  The combination of Communion and animals appeared to us as potentially very awkward. 

The readings for this Sunday are taken from the Lectionary for the Feast of St. Francis, and include Genesis 1:26 – 2:3 and Matthew 6: 25-29.  For the Sermon title, I am using a line from Genesis, “It was very good.”

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

We have resumed Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.

We could still use a few people who are willing to give some time as teachers or helpers.  If you are interested call the office or sign your name on the Sunday School sign-up sheet by the church office.

 

 Journeys in Faith (Church Membership Program) continues This Sunday

The  Journeys in Faith Membership Program continues this Sunday after church. 

 

UNITED CHURCH RESPONSE TO THE REFUGEE CRISIS IN SYRIA

As you know, the conflict in Syria has led hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in search of a better and safer life.  This massive migration of people has created huge challenges in Europe and around the world.  As Canadians and as people of the United Church we have a wonderful history of welcoming the stranger and refugee to our country even when the government was not as eager in its welcome.  Some weeks ago the Globe and Mail did a editorial piece that looked at Canada’s official response to refugee crises.  At the government level, and the party in power seems to make little difference, the Canadian response has been mixed at best.  A Brief History of Canada’s Response to Refugees can be found at http://ccrweb.ca/en/brief-history-canadas-responses-refugees  .  It appears that the welcoming of the dispossessed to Canada has been, in large measure, the result of public pressure and action.

There is opportunity for us to act in the current situation.  Both our Moderator, the Rt. Rev. Jordan Cantwell, and the Alberta and Northwest Conference, the Rev. Paul Walfall, has written open letters to churches calling on us to act in the current crisis.

From the Moderator: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/moderator/150911

From the ANW Conference President: http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/13921-welcoming-our-neighbours/

The Conference President has asked that each Presbytery in the Conference sponsor two Syrian families.  He recognized that there are Congregations which, while willing, would not have the resources to raise the $30,000 - $35,000 required for the sponsorship of one family.  Edmonton Presbytery at their most recent meeting, agreed in principle to this request.  However, the details of how this will be done is still being worked on. 

At the meeting last night, your church board agreed in principle to participate in the Presbytery’s plan once finalized, and that members and adherents of Spirit West would be given the opportunity to support this project through a onetime special offering at some point in the near future.

If you are moved to a more immediate response, please check out the this page at the United Church of Canada website: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/150911  This page offers a link so that you may donate directly to the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund and designate your gift for “Syrian refugees”  And as noted on the page “As part of the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund, 85 percent of your donation will go directly to Syria relief, while 15 percent will be used to support emergencies that do not receive intense media coverage and response. No administration fees will be deducted from your donation. Regular donations to the Mission and Service Fund enable the United Church to absorb staffing and administration costs of emergency response work.”

FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION on October 18th

Mark Sunday, October 18th on your calendars as the date for the Spirit West Fall Supper and Silent Auction.  At the Welcome Table by the church door you will find letters of introduction that you may take to businesses you think might wish to donate an item or items to the silent auction.  There are two versions of the letter, one to give to businesses in the West End and the other for business in other parts of Edmonton or the surrounding area.  More details about the event will follow.  Watch this space!

WHAT IS INTERCULTUAL MINISTRY IN THE UNITED CHURCH?

 

The Intercultural Ministry Committee under the Ministry and Congregational Support Team of Edmonton Presbytery invites you to an exciting opportunity to learn and understand about Intercultural Ministry within the United Church of Canada.

The United Church of Canada endorsed becoming an Intercultural Church in 2006. Almost a decade later there are exciting initiatives happening.  There is  an incredible opportunity to learn from our General Council Staff member for Intercultural Engagement, Adele Halliday, how our churches can become truly transformed through Intercultural Ministry.

The Intercultural Ministry Committee is looking for four people from each congregation to attend this exciting event. An attempt has been made to accommodate as many schedules as possible, and therefore the new Intercultural Ministry Facilitator, Yoon Ok Shin, has planned for both an afternoon and evening session of identical material.

Wednesday, October 28th, 2015 at Avonmore United Church at either 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Contact the Church office if you are interested, so that we can register you with the Presbytery.

 

 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 .

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

 

Office hours 

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday



See you Sunday,


 Larry

 (Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDivMinister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


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September 20, 2015 - Creation 2 in the Season of Pentecost with Baptism

9/18/2015

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Greetings

There is still a lot going on at Spirit West.  Make sure to check out all the information below.

This Sunday

This Sunday we continue in Creation Time.  There are people out there who don’t come to church, because as they say, “I can have a spiritual experience on the golf course or going for a walk.”  I have sometimes met these people on airplanes.  They share these thoughts with me when it comes out that I am a minister.  It is probably true that golf and walks can be spiritual experiences, though for me, the only lesson I have learned in the few times I have golfed is abject humility.  With the readings this Sunday we are called to look at the world around us for signs of God’s presence.  Now, you will have to be here for that.  Then the walks or golf game may have even more significance.  The first reading is from the Book of Job, probably one of the most depressing narratives in the Bible.  But the passage we will hear is a bright spot, “ask the animals and they will teach you;  the birds of the air and they will tell you.”  And the reading from the Gospels is the opening of Johns gospel, “In the beginning was the word...”  My sermon is call, “Listen to my Wisdom.

The readings for Sunday are Job 12: 7-12 and John 1: 1-5. 

 

We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism this Sunday.

 

MESSY CHURCH is this Saturday, September 19th

Messy Church is this Saturday, September 19th, The Good Shepherd.  A number of people have stepped forward with some great ideas for a fun time.  The is a family event, so kids bring your parents or grandparents or aunts or uncles with you. Come and learn why Jesus is the Good Shepherd and have a good time!  You get dinner too!

If you are coming to Messy Church, could you let us know either by return email or a call to the Church office.

And remember Saturday, November 28th,  Messy Advent. . 

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

We have resumed Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.

We could still use a few people who are willing to give some time as teachers or helpers.  If you are interested call the office or sign your name on the Sunday School sign-up sheet by the church office.

 

 Journeys in Faith (Church Membership Program) continues This Sunday

The  Journeys in Faith Membership Program continues this Sunday after church.  Homework: Because so many were away last Sunday, the session was cancelled, so the home from the previous week is still on.  You are asked to be prepared to share one story from the New Testament (Matthew – Revelation) which has some significance for you, either inspirational or confusing.

 

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS SERVICE – Sunday, September 27

Following a now fairly long standing tradition, the Service on September 27 will include the  Blessing of the Animals.  You are invited to bring your pet to church with you on that Sunday, as we remember the many gifts God has given us, including our pets and companion animals.  If your pet does not travel well, is apt to bite strangers or is uncomfortable in crowds, please bring a photo of your pet or pets.

For those of you who remember that the timing of the Service is related to the Feast of St. Francis which is October 4, we have been choosing the last Sunday in September, because the first Sunday in October (this year October 4) is a World Communion Sunday.  The combination of Communion and animals appeared to us as potentially very awkward.

 

FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION on October 18th

Mark Sunday, October 18th on your calendars as the date for the Spirit West Fall Supper and Silent Auction.  More details to follow.

 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 .

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

 (Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDivMinister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


0 Comments

September 6, 2015 - Pentecost 15 with communion

9/4/2015

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Greetings

It’s September already, many kids are back in school already or will be very shortly.  And here at Spirit West, we are gearing up for our fall activities.  Stay tuned to the space below for all the details of coming events and programmes at SW.

This Sunday
This Sunday I am going to continue looking at the letter of James, and in particular at the tension that often seems to exist in the Church between what is to be considered more important in the Christian life, what we believe or how we act.  Is what we believe more important that what we do, or is it the other way around.  Or is this whole conversation about a false dichotomy, in other words, it is not one or the other it’s both together.  In the time for all ages, I ask the question “Do you believe in Bosnia?”  We all believe in things we have not seen, such as a country we have not ever visited.  Our belief that Bosnia exists has very little effect on our lives until we act upon that belief and decide to visit.  What are some of the things we believe in that do affect our lives and the way we live them.  

The readings for Sunday are James 2: 1-10,14-17 and Mark 7: 24-37.  

Journeys in Faith (Church Membership Program) starts This Sunday
I will be starting the Journeys in Faith Membership Program on this Sunday right after church.  The program will continue for 5 Sundays, with Confirmation or Reception on Thanksgiving Sunday.   This is open to anyone, youth or adult seeking to confirm their faith, those wishing to join the United Church from another faith community, or anyone else looking for an opportunity for some faith exploration.  If you are interested, or just have questions, please give me a call or just meet me in the Lounge on Sunday. 

I was recently asked: Do I have to be a member to be part of worshiping community at Spirit West?  The answer is: No, everyone is invited to participate in the life and work of Spirit West.

SPIRIT WEST CHOIR resumes practices on Thursday, September 10th
Choir Practice resumes on Thursday, September 10th at 7:00 pm at the church.  Newcomers are always welcome.  If you are interested or have questions contact Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230

 FALL START-UP BBQ AND CORN ROAST on September 13th
To mark the resumption of activities and programmes at Spirit West, we would like to kick things off with a BBQ and Corn Roast on Sunday, September 13th after Church. If you are interested in helping with this event please let me know soonest or sign the Corn Roast sheet by the church office.

SUNDAY SCHOOL START UP on September 13th
We will be starting Sunday School on Sunday, September 13. We still need people who are willing to give some time as teachers or helpers.  If you are interested call the office or sign your name on the Sunday School sign-up sheet by the church office.

VISIT BY REV. GARTH BOGART
A number of you will remember Garth Bogart, who was the minister at Gilchrist/Spirit West until 2011.  Garth and Orilla will be coming to visit from the home in Ecuador.  Garth will be here at Spirit West on Sunday, September 13th.

MESSY CHURCH on September 19th
Mark your calendars for Messy Church!  Saturday, September 19th, The Good Shepherd.  A number of people have stepped forward with some great ideas for a fun time.  Come and learn why Jesus is the Good Shepherd and have a good time!  We could use a few more volunteers who want to help.

And remember Saturday, November 28th,  Messy Advent. . 

 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 .
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
(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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