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September 23, 2018 - Pentecost 18 (Third Sunday in Creation Time)

9/20/2018

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Picture
Picture
Greetings,
There is more new stuff happening at Spirit West, read on!
 
THIS SUNDAY - THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY
 
Article III – Of the Divine Purpose.
Article III of the Basis of Union deals with how we understand God to be working in the world.  Although it is one of the shortest articles of the “20,” it touches on some important questions.  Why are we here?  Does God cause bad things to happen?  Is there some meaning to our lives?  We will be looking at some of these questions.  We look at the answer that the United Church had in 1925 and we will also look at how we might answer these questions today.
 
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Romans 8: 28-30 and Matthew 11:  25-30.  Both readings touch on how God is understood to be at work in the world.

 
SUNDAY SCHOOL – Something New!
Sunday School is in full swing!  This year we hope to offer a variety of experiences for different age groups.  We want to have separate classes for the younger and older children.  There is a big difference between and 5 year old and a 10 year old.  Paul W. would also like to have a monthly group for teens.  In order for all this to happen we do need children and youth participating and adults willing to teach and help.  Call Edina (780-481-3508) if you have any questions about Sunday School.  Those interested in a teen program should call Paul at  780-710-3224.  See you Sunday!

 
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
  

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, September 30
As has been the custom at Spirit West for a few years, the Service on the last Sunday of September includes the Blessing of Animals.  This date was chosen because of its relative proximity to the Feast of St. Francis.  St. Francis was a great advocate of seeing and celebrating the presence of God in all of creation.  So, you are invited to bring your pet(s) to church on Sunday, September 30.  Please remember that your pet(s) must be under positive control, either on a lead or in a carrier.  If your pet does not play well with others, tends to fight or bite, or does not travel well, just bring a picture.

 

Fall Supper and Silent Auction – Oct 21
Our Fall Supper and Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, Oct 21 in the Lower Hall of the church.  This is an annual fund-raiser for the church.  More information will be available soon.  There is a sign-up sheet at the church for volunteers.  There will also be letters of introduction available for those who are going to local businesses for silent auction items

 
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS and a Contest to “Name That Region”
 As you might know, at the recent General Council of the United Church of Canada, the plans were approved to restructure our denomination.  As of January 1, 2019 we move from four levels of governance (Pastoral Charge, Presbytery, Conference, and General Council) to three levels (Faith Community, Region, and Denominational Council)   Spirit West changes from being a Pastoral Charge in Edmonton Presbytery, Alberta and Northwest Conference to being a Faith Community in Region 2.  “Region 2” is a place holder name for the region.  We want a “real” name.  Please see the newsletter on the literature carousel for information on our new Regions, and on the contest to “Name That Region”.

  
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre.  As we move into the fall, underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. would be helpful.  These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows.
                      
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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 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





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September 16, 2018 - Pentecost 17 (Second Sunday in Creation Time)

9/13/2018

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Picture
Picture
Greetings,
Please take note of the updated information regarding Sunday School, Choir and Men’s Breakfast.
 
THIS SUNDAY - THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY
 
Article II – Of Revelation.
Article II of the Basis of Union deals with how we come to know God.  While the article points out the importance of the Scriptures in our Christian life, it also reminds us that “God has revealed Himself in nature, in history and in the heart of man.”  The language of 1925 is dated and we could say that “God is revealed in nature, in history and in the human heart.”  But that phrasing makes revelation passive. It is important to realize that revelation is a Divine action.
 
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8 and Mark 4: 1-20.  In the first reading, In the reading from the prophet Nehemiah, the Jewish people have returned to Jerusalem from their Babylonian captivity.  Now that they are “home” they must reestablish their identity.  So the Scriptures are brought before the people and read and interpreted for them.  In the Gospel reading, Jesus is tells the parable of the sower.  In both readings not only is the revelation important, but the response to that revelation is crucial.

 
SUNDAY SCHOOL – Something New!
Sunday School starts this Sunday!  This year we hope to offer a variety of experiences for different age groups.  We want to have separate classes for the younger and older children.  There is a big difference between a 5 year old and a 10 year old.  Paul W. would also like to have a monthly group for teens.  In order for all this to happen we do need children and youth participating and adults willing to teach and help.  Call Edina (780-481-3508) if you have any questions about Sunday School.  Those interested in a teen program should call Paul at  780-710-3224.  See you Sunday!
 

Choir begins tonight! - Newcomers are welcome.  Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.
 

MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for Breakfast on Saturday, September 15 at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.  Breakfast is open to any man who wants to come out for a great breakfast.  As a note,  each man usually put in $10 dollars, this covers the breakfast supplies and the surplus is put into a fund that offsets the cost of minor repairs around the church.

  
Ladies Group Welcome Back Social and Meeting - Sept 17 at 7pm, in the sanctuary.  Mexican theme! Food provided by the executive. All women welcome! A sign-up sheet is on the table by the office.
 
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS and a Contest to “Name That Region”
 As you might know, at the recent General Council of the United Church of Canada, the plans were approved to restructure our denomination.  As of January 1, 2019 we move from four levels of governance (Pastoral Charge, Presbytery, Conference, and General Council) to three levels (Faith Community, Region, and Denominational Council)   Spirit West changes from being a Pastoral Charge in Edmonton Presbytery, Alberta and Northwest Conference to being a Faith Community in Region 2.  “Region 2” is a place holder name for the region.  We want a “real” name.  Please see the newsletter on the literature carousel for information on our new Regions, and on the contest to “Name That Region”.

  
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre.  As we move into the fall, socks and underwear would be helpful.  These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows

                  
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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 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




0 Comments

September 9, 2018 - Pentecost 16 (Creation 1)

9/6/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
​Greetings,
It’s September already, so things are ramping up again at Spirit West!  Please take note of the information regarding Sunday School, the Choir, the Ladies’ Group, and the Spirit West Apples.
 
THIS SUNDAY - THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY
 In 1925, representatives of the Canadian churches (Methodist, Congregational, Local Union and most of the Presbyterians) that came together to form the United Church of Canada signed “The Basis of Union.”  This document expresses the beliefs that would be the basis of the understanding of the Christian faith in the “new” United Church of Canada.  There are 20 articles of faith in the Basis of Union.  Starting this Sunday these articles will form the focus around which our worship services will be built.  This Sunday I 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.
 
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Exodus 3: 1-15 and Matthew 22: 34-40.  In the first reading, Moses encounters God in the burning bush and hears of the promise of a new land for the children of Israel.  Aside from wondering why he has been chosen, Moses also asks for a more specific identity for God.  What is your name?  In the Gospel reading, Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees to name the greatest commandment in the Law.  Jesus names two. The first deals specifically with our relationship with God.

 
SUNDAY SCHOOL WELCOME BACK SUNDAY
This Sunday will also be our Welcome Back Sunday.  There will be a program for the children, and there will be an opportunity to register your children for Sunday School.  Sunday School “classes” will start on Sunday, Sep 16.  We continue to look for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School.  Look for a signup sheet at church.

 
Choir begins Sept. 13 - Newcomers are welcome.  Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.

  
Ladies Group Welcome Back Social and Meeting - Sept 17 at 7pm, in the sanctuary.  Mexican theme! Food provided by the executive. All women welcome! A sign-up sheet is on the table by the office.
  
SPIRIT WEST APPLES
 The Apple trees around the Spirit West Property are ready for picking (some are unfortunately a bit past already).  There are at least four varieties planted (see illustration).  Please help yourself as soon as possible.  What we don’t use, we hope to have collected by an agency that rescues fruit.  To assist you in your picking we have produced a guide to the Spirit West Apples, which is available at the church.
This Sunday jars of Crabapple Jelly made from Spirit West Crabapples will be available after church for $5 a jar, with the proceeds going to the church.

  
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS and a Contest to “Name That Region”
 As you might know, at the recent General Council of the United Church of Canada, the plans were approved to restructure our denomination.  As of January 1, 2019 we move from four levels of governance (Pastoral Charge, Presbytery, Conference, and General Council) to three levels (Faith Community, Region, and Denominational Council)   Spirit West changes from being a Pastoral Charge in Edmonton Presbytery, Alberta and Northwest Conference to being a Faith Community in Region 2.  “Region 2” is a place holder name for the region.  We want a “real” name.  Please see the newsletter on the literature carousel for information on our new Regions, and on the contest to “Name That Region”.

  
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre.  As we move into the fall, socks and underwear would be helpful.  These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows
                      
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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 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
​

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