Blog Archives

September 27, 2019 - Blessing of the Animals - Creation 4

9/26/2019

Greetings,
So, I will finish out September’s eMessages with our social media contacts at the beginning.!

Through the wonders of computers and the internet, and Norma’s cooperation, this eMessage is coming to you while I am away from the office. I will be with other United Church ministers and lay people at the reVitalize event at St. Paul’s United Church. The invitation to it says: “There are 12 amazing speakers, words from our United Church Foundation, delicious lunches, and time to chat. The event runs 9:00 to 5:00, Thursday & Friday September 26 & 27”

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg

This Sunday – the Third Sunday in Creation Time: Pray for Everyone
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. So, you are invited to bring your pet(s) to church this Sunday. 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. He also had a particular dedication to those whom he saw as the outcast, the forgotten the ignored. For him this included the animals with whom we share this world. St. Francis is reported to have said, “If you have people who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have people who will deal likewise with their fellow human beings.”
The Scripture readings are Genesis 1:26 – 2:3 and Matthew 6: 25-29. The title of the sermon is “All Creatures of our God”
Please remember that your pet(s) must be under positive control, either on a leash or in a carrier. If your pet does not travel well, does not play well with others, or tends to fight or bite, you can bring a picture. Encourage family and friends to attend this unique worship service.

FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION
The date has been chosen - Sunday, October 27. We need volunteers who will be ready to help make the event happen. Please contact Larry at the church office. For those who wish to solicit local businesses for items for the Silent Auction, letters of introduction are available. There are two versions of the letter, one for businesses in the west end, and one for businesses in the wider Edmonton area.

TEACHERS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL 2019-2020 (some dates, and I missed on last week)
We are looking for adults who would teach Sunday School on one or more of the following dates: Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17and Nov 24. When these four dates are looked after, we will have a Sunday School program every Sunday until the Christmas. The signup sheet is available at the back of the church.

COMMUNION SERVERS
At Spirit West we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, (or the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) once a month, normally on the first Sunday. Serving communion involves the minister and at least three people from the congregation who assist. We are seeking out those who would like to be Communion Servers. This is not a perpetual commitment. Glenna W. has made up a schedule for the next twelve months (i.e twelve services). You will find it with the other sign-up sheets by the office. You can pick which date(s) you would like to be part of serving team. If you have any questions about the role of a Communion Server, speak to Larry or Glenna.

SPIRIT WEST CHOIR
“Make a joyful noise all the earth. Come to this place with a song!” (VU 820) The Choir rehearse every Thursday at 7:00 pm. Newcomers are welcome. Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.

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.

A 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.

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

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 19, 2018 - Creation 3 with 2 Baptisms

9/19/2019

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Greetings,
So, for the second week in a row I put our social media contacts at the beginning of the eMessage. We are out there!

So, in the following eMessage please read the calls for volunteers for Sunday School, Fall Supper and Silent Auction, and Communion Servers. Please note that none of these opportunities is a life time commitment, they all have very specific and defined timelines (which are outlined below).

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg

This Sunday – the Third Sunday in Creation Time: Pray for Everyone
Paul’s letters to Timothy, whom he calls “my loyal child in the faith,” are letters of instruction and guidance to a relatively new follower of the Way (Christian), and to the community to which he belongs. Paul’s first instruction concerns prayer. He says “First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.” Now that is pretty inclusive, in fact you really cannot get any more inclusive than “for everyone.” But Paul adds a rather specific expansion or qualifier to this, he continues, “for all kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.” You have to remember, that in Paul’s time there were no kings and no one who was in a high position who supported this new faith movement. Paul is suggesting prayer for those who were, in most cases, actively working to destroy this new movement, and were certainly not working to promote a quiet, peaceable life for the followers of Jesus. So, as we move through our current federal election campaign, I would ask you to think of the candidates or party leaders that you know you will not vote for; now figure out how you will pray for them, keeping in mind Paul’s instruction to Timothy and his reasoning behind it. (p.s.: I don’t think that praying that God will smite them is in keeping with Paul’s intention)
The Scripture readings are 1 Timothy 2:1-7 and Luke 16: 1-13. The title of the sermon is “Pray for everyone”
At this service we will be welcoming two infants into the Family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism.

MEN’S BREAKFAST – This Saturday, September 21
It seems fall is upon us so that means the weather is going to get colder. When the weather gets cold our bodies need more fuel to stay warm. Therefore this Saturday, at 8:00 am there will be a nice big breakfast of pancakes, sausages, eggs, coffee, tea, or juice, and a few extras to help fill up any man who wants to be there. We don't usually ask you to work for your breakfast so you probably won't wear off breakfast too soon. We do usually ask you to give us $10.00 for the meal. Any surplus funds go towards helping with minor repairs and maintenance around the church. Breakfast is down stairs, just follow the aroma. Hope you are hungry Saturday morning.

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, September 29
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 29th. Please remember that your pet(s) must be under positive control, either on a leash or in a carrier. If your pet does not travel well, does not play well with others, or tends to fight or bite, you can bring a picture. Encourage family and friends to attend this unique worship service.

FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION – Coordinators needed!
The date has been chosen - Sunday, October 27. We need people to help plan the supper and the silent auction. We also need volunteers who will be ready to help make the event happen. Please contact Larry at the church office. For those who wish to solicit local businesses for items for the Silent Auction, letters of introduction are available. There are two versions of the letter, one for businesses in the west end, and one for businesses in the wider Edmonton area.

TEACHERS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL 2019-2020 (some dates)
We are looking for adults who would teach Sunday School on one or more of the following dates: Oct 20, Nov 3, and Nov 17. If these three dates are looked after, we will have a Sunday School program every Sunday until the Christmas. The signup sheet is available at the back of the church.

COMMUNION SERVERS
At Spirit West we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, (or the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) once a month, normally on the first Sunday. Serving communion involves the minister and at least three people from the congregation who assist. We are seeking out those who would like to be Communion Servers. This is not a perpetual commitment. Glenna W. has made up a schedule for the next twelve months (i.e twelve services). You will find it with the other sign-up sheets by the office. You can pick which date(s) you would like to be part of serving team. If you have any questions about the role of a Communion Server, speak to Larry or Glenna.

SPIRIT WEST CHOIR
“Make a joyful noise all the earth. Come to this place with a song!” (VU 820) The Choir rehearse every Thursday at 7:00 pm. Newcomers are welcome. Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.

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.

A 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.

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

  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 12, 2019 - Pentecost 14 - Second Sunday in Creation Time

9/12/2019

0 Comments

Greetings,
Just to change things up a bit, I decided that I would put our social media contacts at the beginning of the eMessage. We are out there!
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg

This Sunday – the Second Sunday in Creation Time: Lost and Found
The Gospel reading this Sunday speaks to us about the care we are encouraged to have for the things that are entrusted to us. The reading contains two parables, one about a woman who has lost a coin and the other about a shepherd who has had one of his sheep go astray. Both the woman and the shepherd go to great lengths to find that which has been lost, and ultimately they succeed in finding the lost. There would probably have been those around who might have thought that woman or the shepherd had expended too much time and effort. “It’s only one coin.” “It’s only one sheep, and you have a lot left anyway.” In some military writings this latter view is called the Doctrine of Acceptable Losses. You can have a certain percentage of casualties in a battle, and still call it a win. When you talk about coins and sheep, this doesn’t seem so bad. But with all the parables, Jesus is actually talking about our relationships with people. In “real life” there was always the possibility that the woman wouldn’t find the coin, or the shepherd the sheep. But the effort was made.   We need to watch out for the people in our world who “fall through the cracks” (our expression even reflects the lost coin) or who seem to have wandered away.
And if you are reading this and you feel like you are the one who has fallen through the cracks, please know that part of the reason for these eMessages is to let you know that we still think of you as a part of the Spirit West community.
The Scripture readings are 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and Luke 15:1-10. In the Time for All Ages, I will be reading the story by Magaret Wise Brown , “The Runaway Bunny” The title of the sermon is “Seeking the Lost”

SPIRIT WEST CHOIR
“Make a joyful noise all the earth. Come to this place with a song!” (VU 820) Choir rehearsals begin tonight (Thursday, Sept. 12) at 7:00 pm. Newcomers are welcome. Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.

SUNDAY SCHOOL 2019-2020
We are still looking for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School. A Sunday by Sunday signup sheet is available at the back of the church.

MEN’S BREAKFAST – Saturday, September 21
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for the first Breakfast after the summer break on Saturday, September 21st, (our usual 3rd Saturday) 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 any surplus is put into a fund that offsets the cost of minor repairs around the church.

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, September 29
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 29th. Please remember that your pet(s) must be under positive control, either on a leash or in a carrier. If your pet does not travel well, does not play well with others, or tends to fight or bite, you can bring a picture. Encourage family and friends to attend this unique worship service.

FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION
The date has been chosen - Sunday, October 27. If you are interested in volunteering to help plan the supper, please contact Margery W. at wrightlk@telus.net or 780 419 3224. For those who wish to solicit local businesses for items for the Silent Auction, letters of introduction are available. There are two versions of the letter, one for businesses in the west end, and one for businesses in the wider Edmonton area.

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.

A 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.

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

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 5, 2019 - The First Sunday in Creation time in the season of Pentecost

9/5/2019

0 Comments

Greetings,
September is here (already) Programs and activities (Sunday School, Choir, Ladies Group) are starting up again at Spirit West, and you will find information about them in this eMessage.

This Sunday – the First Sunday in Creation Time: Wonderfully Made
This Sunday is the start of a sort of mini-season in the Church year. It is called Creation Time and runs from this Sunday until Thanksgiving (it’s colour is orange). The focus of Creation Time is as the name suggests creation, all that God has made and is making. This Sunday we look at our own creation. For “my” reflection for this eMessage, I am turning to the commentary for this Sunday called “Sermon Starters” in Gathering (the United Church worship resource periodical). The following was written by Vicki McPhee, of Symons Valley United Church in Calgary. Vicki writes:
In an era when investment in social capital has diminished to such an extent that people are finding themselves unwillingly alone and lonely, Psalm 139 offers a welcome reassurance that we are not alone. Not only are we not alone, we are not unknown. God has known and loved us since before we were formed and will know and love us long after our time on earth is complete. Each one of us in fearfully and wonderfully made. By understanding and believing this about ourselves, might we have the courage to reach out and make ourselves known. … God loves us without measure. Can we extend that love out into the community by participating in the world around us beyond simply posting on social media? In our reaching out, maybe we can be a blessing to others who themselves feel lonely and unknown.
The Scripture readings are Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Luke 14:25-35, we will also be sharing parts of Psalm 139 responsively. In the Time for All Ages, I will look at , “The Potter and the Clay” The title of the sermon is “Wonderfully Made”

WELCOME (BACK) SUNDAY – This Sunday
September is approaching much faster than I realized. We will soon be gearing up for our fall programs. Sunday, September 8 is our WELCOME (BACK) SUNDAY. Our Sunday School Program (see next item) starts and our Service will be followed by a BBQ!

SUNDAY SCHOOL 2019-2020
There will be a program for the children this Sunday, and there will be an opportunity to register your children for Sunday School.
We are using the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum.

We are looking for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School. A Sunday by Sunday signup sheet is available at the back of the church.

LADIES GROUP WELCOME BACK SOCIAL
On Monday, September 9 at 7 p.m., the Ladies' Group is holding our annual Welcome Back night. They will be celebrating the end of summer and the beginning of fall with a classic campfire program. The program will be in the Lower Hall, so there is no worry about the weather and there will be chairs to sit on. There will be cocoa, chips and dip, popcorn, and s'mores squares. To make this program a success, we need your participation. Could you tell a (short) story, or do a skit? Do you have a favourite camp song you could lead (remember, camp singing is all about fun and enthusiasm, not choral skill or excellence). “Location appropriate” jokes also welcome! So that the order of the program can be planned, please contact Margery W. with your contributions, wrightlk@telus.net or 780 419 3224.
Please sign the sheet on the back table if you plan to attend.

SPIRIT WEST CHOIR
“Make a joyful noise all the earth. Come to this place with a song!” (VU 820) Choir rehearsals begin on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7:00 pm. Newcomers are welcome. Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.

FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION
The date has been chosen - Sunday, October 27. If you are interested in volunteering to help plan the supper, please contact Margery W. at wrightlk@telus.net or 780 419 3224. For those who wish to solicit local businesses for items for the Silent Auction, letters of introduction will be available.

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.

A 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.

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!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg

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 27, 2019 - Blessing of the Animals - Creation 4

September 19, 2018 - Creation 3 with 2 Baptisms

September 12, 2019 - Pentecost 14 - Second Sunday in Creation Time

September 5, 2019 - The First Sunday in Creation time in the season of Pentecost

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