Blog Archives

October 25, 2018 - Pentecost 23 - Reformation Sunday

10/25/2018

Greetings,
Please make sure to read the information about our Stewardship Campaign and about Cinnamon Buns and Croissants. Actually, just read everything.

THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
You would think, in a new Christian denomination, that Jesus would place higher than seventh out of twenty in a statement of doctrine. But in the Basis in Union it is Article VII that is titled “Of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus is referred to earlier in articles I, II and VI. But it is in Article VII that explicitly outlines what the United Church says about Jesus. As I see it, the first six articles lead us to an understanding of the human condition in the world. We are a creation of God, we have been given free will, we can and have chosen unwisely, we have lost an intimate connection with the divine, but God will not abandon us. God will offer a unique way to reestablish that connection with the divine, Jesus. In very theological language Article VII describes how Jesus can bring us back to God. Some of the language around sacrifice, divine justice and propitiation (the action of appeasing a god, spirit, or person.) is no longer part of our everyday vocabulary, and the concepts seem very foreign. But part of this comes, I believe, from a desire by the writers of the Basis of Union to use language that would be recognizable to other parts of the Christian Church. The United Church of Canada was not to be some crazy break-away community with weird beliefs, it was to be a recognizably (Protestant) Christian church that was uniting communities for a stronger witness in a new country. We will also look at the ways our language, imagery, and perhaps our understanding of Jesus has changed or developed in the United Church of Canada since 1925. This Sunday is also Reformation Sunday, and parts of the Service will mark our Protestant heritage.

The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Isaiah 9: 1-6 and John 1: 1-5, 14-18. The Time for All Ages story is called “Something New” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article VI: “Of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Fall Supper and Silent Auction – Thank You!
A big THANK YOU to the organizers of the Fall Supper and Silent Auction! I cannot name everybody, but I hope you do not mind if I single out Jim T. and Colleen F. for their efforts in making the event a great success. And thank you to all of you who pitched in and helped. And thank you to those of you who attended (and bought the amazing silent auction items), and the family, friends and neighbours you brought along. We should have a report on Sunday about the money raised.

Stewardship Drive 2019
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” campaign is underway. Please pickup your stewardship envelope from the Welcome table and take a neighbours, if possible, to cut down on mailing costs. Unaddressed forms are also available. Forms are to be returned to the church by Nov 25. Please join us on Nov 18 to mark the completion of our campaign to build for the future.

Croissants and Cinnamon Buns
Once again, it is time for the annual Spirit West Ladies Group fund-raiser. Buy and enjoy delicious cinnamon buns and croissants. Frozen Unbaked Croissants are $8.00 per dozen; frozen Unbaked Cinnamon Buns are $8.00 for a ½ dozen. Last date to order is Sunday. Nov 18. Return your orders to Diane L. (780 444-0284) or Carol C. (780-481-2662). Orders will be available for pick up at church on Tues, Nov 27 between 3-5pm. If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us when placing your order. Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.

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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL – Something New!
Our newest project for Sunday School is to start a Junior Youth Christian Group. We need help from you to identify what this age group (ages 9 and up) would like to do for Youth Group and when they would like to have it and how often. We know the kids are busy with after school activities and out of school activities so their time is short. We can still have it Sunday mornings once a month or every other Sunday. Also we need to know what the kids would like to do with this class. Of course it will be Christian based but there are many activities we can do. So we are asking for your cooperation to tell us what, when and how often. If we have enough participation we will start as soon as possible. So please talk to Edina or any of the other teachers or Larry. Edina is available at 780-481-3508 or brepairs@shaw.ca. You can also contact the church. We are also very excited to start this. I look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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”.

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.

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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October 18, 2018 - Pentecost 22

10/18/2018

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Greetings,
In the announcements below please note the information about Men’s Breakfast and the Preparatory Potato Peeling Party!

THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: GRACE
Article VI of the Basis of Union is entitled “Of the Grace of God.” Last Sunday we touched on the topic of sin. In our journey of faith to reconnect more fully with the Divine, we all “miss the mark.” In Article VI we begin to see how the church understands God’s response to the reality that we get “lost” rather easily sometimes. In a sense God reaches out to us in the way a caring parent reaches out to a child who is in trouble. The child may not “deserve” the help, and may be in trouble because of poor choices or deliberate rebellion. But the parent reaches out because the child needs help. We sometimes call this response, an act of unconditional love. In our understanding of God we see this unconditional love at work.

The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Ephesians 2: 4-10 and John 3: 11-17. In the Time for All Ages I will be telling the story of John Newton, the ex-slave trader and self-declared “bad boy” who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article VI: “Of the Grace of God.”

SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
Would you like a "Hearty Man's" breakfast this Saturday morning (Oct 20)? Join us in the lower hall at 8 AM for some eggs and potatoes along with sausages, bacon, toast, coffee and juice, and some friendly conversation. All that for $10.00.
This month we need to put up the snow fence on the front lawn and between the church and garage. If able, there's a couple outside light bulbs that need replacing.
Hope to see you Saturday morning.

Fall Supper and Silent Auction – Oct 21
Our Fall Supper, a Roast Beef Dinner, and Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, Oct 21 in the Lower Hall of the church starting a 5:00 pm for Beverages and Silent Auction and 5: 30 pm for Dinner. This is an annual fund-raiser for the church. Tickets are sold out!

Volunteers are still need, call the church office for details and to sign up! There are also letters of introduction available for those who are going to local businesses for silent auction items. Silent Auction items should be dropped off at the church by Saturday afternoon.

Preparatory Potato Peeling Party – October 21
In preparation for the wonderful Roast Beef Dinner at our Fall Supper and Silent Auction, members of the congregation are invited to bring their favourite potato peeler (either the kitchen gadget or family member) with them to church on Sunday, Oct 21. (My mother often had a potato peeler in her purse, because you just never know…) After church, those with peelers, and those who would like to join in with a borrowed peeler can gather for a fun and fast time of fellowship and potato peeling. Because you can’t have a roast beef dinner without potatoes!

SUNDAY SCHOOL – Something New!
Our newest project for Sunday School is to start a Junior Youth Christian Group. We need help from you to identify what this age group (ages 9 and up) would like to do for Youth Group and when they would like to have it and how often. We know the kids are busy with after school activities and out of school activities so their time is short. We can still have it Sunday mornings once a month or every other Sunday. Also we need to know what the kids would like to do with this class. Of course it will be Christian based but there are many activities we can do. So we are asking for your cooperation to tell us what, when and how often. If we have enough participation we will start as soon as possible. So please talk to Edina or any of the other teachers or Larry. Edina is available at 780-481-3508 or brepairs@shaw.ca. You can also contact the church. We are also very excited to start this. I look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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

October 14, 2018 - Pentecost 11 - Last Sunday of Creation Time

10/11/2018

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Greetings,
Today Margery and I mark 32 years of marriage. We are not celebrating today because Margery is driving to a UCW event in Vermilion. We plan to celebrate on Saturday.
In the announcements below please note the information about the Preparatory Potato Peeling Party!

THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: SIN
Article V of the Basis of Union is entitled “Of the Sin of Man.” So this Sunday we will be looking at sin. Now, this may not seem like a riveting topic. After all, sinning is what other people do. We don’t talk about sin much in the United Church. To suggest that the people in the pews (or chairs) are sinners seems counter-productive. But we need to have a better understanding of sin, particularly as it is seen in the Christian scriptures. In the New Testament, the usual word for sin is ἁμαρτία (hamartia). It is, of course, a Greek word. It actually means “to miss the mark.” Since Christian faith is often seen as a journey or perhaps a race toward the Divine, sin is then anything that takes us off course or gets us lost along the way.   Sin is not just about doing bad things, though this is certainly part of it, because committing an act that is hurtful or destructive certainly “misses the mark.” Sin is more about losing our focus or direction, and this happens to all of us. We are all sinners. We will hear more about the corrective for this situation, and there is one, in future Sundays. But this Sunday we will focus on sin.

The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Genesis 3: 1-7, 22-24 and Romans 7: 14-25.. In the Time for All Ages I call “Squirrel.” I hope you have seen the movie “Up.” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article V: “Of the Sin of Man.”

Fall Supper and Silent Auction – Oct 21
Our Fall Supper, a Roast Beef Dinner, and Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, Oct 21 in the Lower Hall of the church starting a 5:00 pm for Beverages and Silent Auction and 5: 30 pm for Dinner. This is an annual fund-raiser for the church. Tickets are now available at $20/adult, $10/ age 6-12, and free for 5 and under. Bring your family, bring your friends! Call the church office and have a table of eight set aside for you group.
There is a sign-up sheet at the church for volunteers. There are also letters of introduction available for those who are going to local businesses for silent auction items

Preparatory Potato Peeling Party – October 21
In preparation for the wonderful Roast Beef Dinner at our Fall Supper and Silent Auction, members of the congregation are invited to bring their favourite potato peeler (either the kitchen gadget or family member) with them to church on Sunday, Oct 21. (My mother often had a potato peeler in her purse, because you just never know…) After church, those with peelers, and those who would like to join in with a borrowed peeler can gather for a fun and fast time of fellowship and potato peeling. Because you can’t have a roast beef dinner without potatoes!

SUNDAY SCHOOL – Something New!
Our newest project for Sunday School is to start a Junior Youth Christian Group. We need help from you to identify what this age group (ages 9 and up) would like to do for Youth Group and when they would like to have it and how often. We know the kids are busy with after school activities and out of school activities so their time is short. We can still have it Sunday mornings once a month or every other Sunday. Also we need to know what the kids would like to do with this class. Of course it will be Christian based but there are many activities we can do. So we are asking for your cooperation to tell us what, when and how often. If we have enough participation we will start as soon as possible. So please talk to Edina or any of the other teachers or Larry. Edina is available at 780-481-3508 or brepairs@shaw.ca. You can also contact the church. We are also very excited to start this. I look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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.

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”.

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

October 7, 2018 - World Wide Communion and Thanksgiving Sunday

10/4/2018

0 Comments

reetings,
Today is actually the Feast of St. Francis. Give your pet(s) a hug. There is more new stuff happening at Spirit West, read on!

THIS SUNDAY – THANKSGIVING, WORLD COMMUNION AND THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY
This Sunday, is Thanksgiving Sunday because this year the second Monday in October falls immediately after the first Sunday. It is also World Communion Sunday which is marked on the first Sunday of October, and in my “Basis of Union Lectionary” we have come to Article IV – Of Creation and Providence. And fortuitously, these fit together rather well. So let’s start in reverse. We are looking at Article IV of the Basis of Union, which talks about Creation, the existence of all that we know, and Providence which included God’s presence in and through all Creation. This is something for which we are called to be thankful. One of the many names given to the Sacrament we will be celebrating is the “Eucharist.” This name comes from a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving. And as we gather this Sunday for the “Eucharist” or Holy Communion we will be doing so in the context of World Communion Sunday. This is the Sunday when Christian Churches who do not celebrate Communion daily or weekly, can gather together on one Sunday in Thanksgiving at the Lord’s Table all around the world. And finally we do this on what is for us in Canada Thanksgiving Sunday, a day when all of Canadian society, of whatever faith or culture, is encouraged to remember our many blessings.

The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Joel 2: 21-27 and Matthew 6: 25-33. In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at what have been called “Magic Words,” and why they might be “magic.” The Sermon will have the somewhat unoriginal title, “Of Providence and Creation.”

SUNDAY SCHOOL – Something New!
Our newest project for Sunday School is to start a Junior Youth Christian Group. We need help from you to identify what this age group (ages 9 and up) would like to do for Youth Group and when they would like to have it and how often. We know the kids are busy with after school activities and out of school activities so their time is short. We can still have it Sunday mornings once a month or every other Sunday. Also we need to know what the kids would like to do with this class. Of course it will be Christian based but there are many activities we can do. So we are asking for your cooperation to tell us what, when and how often. If we have enough participation we will start as soon as possible. So please talk to Edina or any of the other teachers or Larry. Edina is available at 780-481-3508 or brepairs@shaw.ca. You can also contact the church. We are also very excited to start this. I look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Fall Supper and Silent Auction – Oct 21
Our Fall Supper, a Roast Beef Dinner, and Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, Oct 21 in the Lower Hall of the church starting a 5:00 pm for Beverages and Silent Auction and 5: 30 pm for Dinner. This is an annual fund-raiser for the church. Tickets are now available at $20/adult, $10/ age 6-12, and free for 5 and under. There is a sign-up sheet at the church for volunteers. There are also letters of introduction available for those who are going to local businesses for silent auction items

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.

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”.

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

October 25, 2018 - Pentecost 23 - Reformation Sunday

October 18, 2018 - Pentecost 22

October 14, 2018 - Pentecost 11 - Last Sunday of Creation Time

October 7, 2018 - World Wide Communion and Thanksgiving Sunday

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