
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther is said to have posted 95 Theses (propositions) on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church as an invitation to debate the Church’s practice of selling of Indulgences for forgiveness. He also sent a copy of his 95 Theses and invitation to the Bishop of Mainz. That event sparked a reform movement that eventually led to a Lutheran church and separate denominations. While there is much sorrow in the disunity which the Reformation caused, Luther did establish the idea that the Church is always in need of reform in the light of the gospel. Luther's primary principal that Christians are justified by God's grace through faith in Christ has also found universal acceptance among denominations. On Sunday I will speak about the Reformation and its implications for the Church today, and we will pray for church unity, for the purity of God's word, and for a church that is always open to reform and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The readings for Sunday are Jeremiah 31: 27-35 and John 8: 31-36. In the Time for All Ages, we will look at the question, “Do I have to change?” I have titled the sermon, “The Reformation.”
MESSY CHURCH – Saturday, November 4
We are having a Messy Church on Saturday, November 4 from 4-6 pm. The theme for this Messy Church will be Remembrance and Peace. We will learn about our symbols of Remembrance, and we will be reminded of the Christian call to be peace makers in our world. There will be stories, and crafts and dinner. It’s for the whole family. Children should bring their parents or grandparents. Bring friends as well! See you then!
LADIES GROUP CRAFT NIGHT – Monday, November 6
The ladies of Spirit West will be gathering for a Craft Night on Monday, November 6 at 7:00 pm. We will be making a craft for each person to take home from our Christmas dinner (even if you don’t come to the Craft Night. The crafts will be suitable for all ages and abilities. Each lady is asked to bring a pair of tweezers (not you best ones, the may get glue on them!) The cost is $3 per person and will be collected at the Craft Night. There is a sign-up sheet on the credenza by the office. You are also asked to bring a favourite recipe for Christmas baking.
PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle. We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray. There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need. If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church. The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged. For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
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 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 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