Happy New Year
Yes, this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, the start of the new Christian Year.  We begin again the cycle of telling the stories of Jesus and of our faith.  This Sunday’s readings are about preparedness – being prepared for the coming of the Messiah.  This is of course quite a different thing from preparing for the coming of Christmas.  It’s not so much about preparing, as being prepared.  We know that festivals like Christmas will in fact come whether or not we are “prepared.”  Advent is often filled with the guilt of old memories and unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others.  We understand what the prophet Jeremiah means when we hear, “The days are surely coming...”  We may feel the pressure.  But for Advent, we are invited, not to guilt, but to mindfulness.  The preparedness for the coming of the Messiah is not about having the tree up, the house clean and gifts bought, it is about an inward attitude of openness to the experience of the divine in our lives
 
The Readings for Sunday are Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21: 25-36.   With the children I will talking about looking for Jesus in our lives with the title “People look east?” and the title of the sermon is “The days are surely coming”
 
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.
We could always use a few more 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.
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 22 (follow-up)
Last Sunday, we held a Congregational Meeting after church.  One of the primary purposes of the meeting was to fill vacancies in our Church Board so that we could start 2016 with a full slate.  You may remember the table below from last Thursday, but with a difference.  Last week there were a number of red spaces indicating the vacancies.  You will note that most of these are now blue indicating that we have had someone come forward to fill the position.  I would like to offer a special word of thanks to those named in blue.  However, they cannot work alone, those whom we have elected and appointed to serve as our board coordinate and envision the ways we as a congregation live out our ministry and witness, but it is the whole congregation that is the church.  By the way, please note we still have an important red space open.
Committee/Position
Person

Board Chair
Gerry Maciejko

Communications
Janice Roy

Community/Pastoral Care
Shannon Focht

Education & Faith Formation
Olivier Roy

Membership
Bill Callas

Ministry & Personnel
John Punko

Operations Co-Chair
 Bob Hoy

Operations Co-Chair
Paul Fujishige

Outreach Co-Chair
Doreen Olynyk

Outreach Co-Chair
Lori Walkhouse

Presbytery Representative
Rhea Olson

Secretary
Norma Balcombe

Stewardship
vacant

Treasurer
Marj Hewitt

Vice Chair
Bill Callas

Worship
Margaret Benson

 
 
MESSY CHURCH
 
Messy Advent  is this Saturday, Nov. 28 from 4-6 pm.  It’s going to be a fun time, we have some interesting crafts planned.  A big thank you to those who have volunteered.  Kids, bring your parents or grandparents, aunts or uncles and have fun getting messy for Advent
 
 
Decorating the Sanctuary for advent/Christmas
The annual decorating of our church will take place following worship this Sunday, Nov. 29.
If you are able to stay to help out, it would be appreciated!
We especially need folks who are willing to finish the tree, put out nativity scenes, get up on ladders to do high decorating and put out lights on our deck.
 
 
Bissell Centre Winter Wish (formerly “White Gift Sunday”)
 
This year, Bissell is asking that we share the warmth of our lives by filling a stocking for a man or women in need, or providing a gift for a child.  The list of items to go in each stocking, and info regarding gifts for children is available on the back table (BISSELL CENTRE WINTER WISHLIST).  You can either pack your gifts in a stocking (available for a dollar at Dollarama stores all throughout the city) or drop them off in white plastic bags. The gifts must be at the church on Dec. 6 or 13 to then be delivered to Bissell.
 
 
GLENDALE HOT DOG LUNCH
Each year near Christmas, folks from Spirit West have provided a Hot Dog Lunch to the students at Glendale School.  This year the lunch is on Wednesday, December 16.  We prepare the food at the school and then deliver it to each classroom.  It’s a fun time for both the students and the folks from Spirit West.  If are available on December 16, and would like to help out, please call the church office for details and we will pass your name on to Doreen O.
 
 
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
Again this year, Spirit West will be providing Christmas Hampers to struggling families in the city.  This year the Hamper Drive is being coordinated by Lori and Bill W.  In response to concerns brought forward last year, the size and cost of the hampers has been reduced, though our hampers will be in keeping with those provided by other organizations. There are a number of ways to support this project.    The full cost to sponsor a hamper is $150, but this cost can be shared with others (ie. 2 x $75 or 3 x $50).  We are hoping to purchase frozen turkeys in advance, and are asking people to adopt a turkey by offering room in your freezer to store a turkey until the hampers are packed.  You can also help with the Christmas Hamper Shopping Trip on December 19, starting a 6:00 pm at the church.  When we have the family details of those to receive hampers, you can purchase a gift for a child in the family.  Information and sign-up sheets are at the church.
 
 
Spirit West Women’s Group Christmas Party
The Spirit West Women’s Group Christmas Party will be held on Monday, December 7th at 6:00 PM in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church.  Tickets are $20 per person and include a full  Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. All women are welcome – feel free to bring a friend! Please see Terri-Lynn H. or Liz O. for tickets.  We will have laughs, games and a wacky gift exchange.  For those who want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift with a value between $15 to $20 maximum (or something homemade!).  If you are able to help out with the food or drinks,  please see Colleen F. 
 
 
SPIRIT WEST CHOIR – “JOY TO THE WORLD” CHRISTMAS CONCERT
 
Sunday, December 13th at 6:30.  Join us, as in music and word we celebrate with joy God’s promise and gift of our Messiah.
 
 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

Larry

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

Greetings
In terms of the lectionary and the Christian church year, this Sunday is the last Sunday of the year.  Believe it or not, Advent starts on Nov. 29.  The name given to this Sunday is “Christ the King,” or in its more gender neutral appellation “The Reign of Christ.”  The point of the Sunday, as we reach the end of the lectionary is to contemplate the place of Christ, the one known in his earthly life as Jesus of Nazareth,  in the church and in the world. But even in Jesus’ day there was a variety of opinion as to who Jesus was: rebel leader, king, messiah, carpenter from down the street, prophet, healer, heretic.  That variety continues in the church and in the world today.  So, who is Jesus?
 
The Readings for Sunday are Revelation 1: 4b-8 and John 18: 33-37.   With the children I will talking about the “Cross and Crown” and the title of the sermon is “Who is Jesus?”
 
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.
We could always use a few more 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.
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 22
November 22nd is the last Sunday of the Christian liturgical year, it is also the date when we will be having a Congregational Meeting.  At this congregational meeting will be looking at the coming year for Spirit West United Church.  We will have a preliminary look at the 2016 budget (There will be a Congregational Budget meeting in the new year)  We will also be looking at those who administer the work of our church, the Church Board. A church congregation does not operate by divine intervention alone.  It requires the work and commitment of a number of people.  As you can see from the table below, we have a number of individuals who have committed themselves to the role of chair or coordinator of the various committees that support the full ministry of our church inside and outside our congregation.  You will also see vacancies.  We need you.  Please consider offering your gifts and talents to your church as part of the Board.  If the work of a particular committee interests you, but you are not sure, or if you would like to know more about what a particular committee does, please ask questions.  Talk to me or to Gerry.

Committee/Position
Person
Board Chair
Gerry Maciejko
Communications
vacant
Community/Pastoral Care
Shannon Focht
Education & Faith Formation
vacant
Membership
Bill Callas
Ministry & Personnel
John Punko
Operations Co-Chair
 Bob Hoy
Operations Co-Chair
vacant
Outreach Co-Chair
Doreen Olynyk
Outreach Co-Chair
Lori Walkhouse
Presbytery Representative
Rhea Olson
Secretary
Norma Balcombe
Stewardship
vacant
Treasurer
Marj Hewitt
Vice Chair
Bill Callas
Worship
Margaret Benson
Trustee
Bill Callas
Trustee
Dev Chankasingh

 MEN’S BREAKFAST
This Saturday at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall is Men’s Breakfast.  Any man associated with Spirit West (and his friends) are welcome.  The food is always great, and so is the fellowship.  For those who might join us for the first time, we normally contribute $10 each, it covers the cost of the food and adds to the Men’s Breakfast Maintenance Fund.  This fund is used to pay for small maintenance projects around the church.
 
MESSY CHURCH
 
The next Messy Church – Messy Advent – is being held on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 4-6 pm.  It’s going to be a fun time, we have some interesting crafts planned.  A big thank you to those who have volunteered.  There are still a couple of Volunteer opportunities available:  crafts, kitchen, set up!  Please see Larry if you are able to volunteer!
 
 
Decorating the Sanctuary for advent/Christmas
The annual decorating of our church will take place following worship on Sunday, Nov. 29.
If you are able to stay to help out, it would be appreciated!
We especially need folks who are willing to finish the tree, put out nativity scenes, get up on ladders to do high decorating and to put out lights on our deck.
 
 
Bissell Centre Winter Wish
 
This year, Bissell is asking that we share the warmth of our lives by filling a stocking for a man or women in need, or providing a gift for a child.  The list of items to go in each stocking is available on the back table (BISSELL CENTRE WINTER WISHLIST).  You can either pack your gifts in a stocking (available for a dollar at Dollarama stores all throughout the city) or drop them off in white plastic bags. The gifts must be at the church on Dec. 6 or 13 to then be delivered to Bissell.
 
 
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
Again this year, Spirit West will be providing Christmas Hampers to struggling families in the city.  This year the Hamper Drive is being coordinated by Lori and Bill W.  In response to concerns brought forward last year, the size and cost of the hampers has been reduced, though our hampers will be in keeping with those provided by other organizations. There are a number of ways to support this project.    The full cost to sponsor a hamper is $150, but this cost can be shared with others (ie. 2 x $75 or 3 x $50).  We are hoping to purchase frozen turkeys in advance, and are asking people to adopt a turkey by offering room in your freezer to store a turkey until the hampers are packed.  You can also help with the Christmas Hamper Shopping Trip on December 19, starting a 6:00 pm at the church.  When we have the family details of those to receive hampers, you can purchase a gift for a child in the family.  Information and sign-up sheets are at the church.
 
 
Spirit West Women’s Group Christmas Party
The Spirit West Women’s Group Christmas Party will be held on Monday, December 7th at 6:00 PM in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church.  Tickets are $20 per person and include a full  Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. All women are welcome – feel free to bring a friend! Please see Terri-Lynn H. or Liz O. for tickets.  We will have laughs, games and a wacky gift exchange.  For those who want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift with a value between $15 to $20 maximum (or something homemade!).  If you are able to help out with the food or drinks,  please see Colleen F. 
 
 
SPIRIT WEST CHOIR – “JOY TO THE WORLD” CHRISTMAS CONCERT
 
Sunday, December 13th at 6:30.  Join us, as in music and word we celebrate with joy God’s promise and gift of our Messiah.
 
 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 9:00 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
-  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
​

Greetings
The lectionary readings for this Sunday point us to the consideration of a life of growing faith.  The reading from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews speaks of a “new and living way” and invites people to “draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.”  In the reading from the prophet Samuel, Hannah has asked God for a child.  She promises to give the child into God’s care and keeping, which she does.  We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism this Sunday, as welcome into the family of God three new lives.  In baptism we pray that these new persons will grow to live following God’s way.  The congregations promises to help the parents and children grow in their knowledge and love of God.  When Hannah gives Samuel over to God, she does not know what he will achieve, but she trusts God to use her child for goodness just as we trust God to work in and through each one of us.
The Readings for Sunday are 1 Samuel 1: 4-20 and Hebrews 10: 11-25.   The title of the sermon is “Unpacking a Precious Gift.”
 
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.
We could always use a few more 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.
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 22
November 22nd is the last Sunday of the Christian liturgical year, it is also the date when we will be having a Congregational Meeting.  At this congregational meeting will be looking at the coming year for Spirit West United Church.  We will have a preliminary look at the 2016 budget (There will be a Congregational Budget meeting in the new year)  We will also be looking at those who administer the work of our church, the Church Board. A church congregation does not operate by divine intervention alone.  It requires the work and commitment of a number of people.  As you can see from the table below, we have a number of individuals who have committed themselves to the role of chair or coordinator of the various committees that support the full ministry of our church inside and outside our congregation.  You will also see vacancies.  We need you.  Please consider offering your gifts and talents to your church as part of the Board.  If the work of a particular committee interests you, but you are not sure, or if you would like to know more about what a particular committee does, please ask questions.  Talk to me or to Gerry.
Committee/Position
Person

Board Chair
Gerry Maciejko

Communications
vacant

Community/Pastoral Care
Shannon Focht

Education & Faith Formation
vacant

Membership
Bill Callas

Ministry & Personnel
John Punko

Operations Co-Chair
 Bob Hoy

Operations Co-Chair
vacant

Outreach Co-Chair
Doreen Olynyk

Outreach Co-Chair
vacant

Presbytery Representative
Rhea Olson

Secretary
Norma Balcombe

Stewardship
vacant

Treasurer
Marj Hewitt

Vice Chair
Bill Callas

Worship
Margaret Benson

 
Bissell Centre Winter Wish
 
This year, Bissell is asking that we share the warmth of our lives by filling a stocking for a man or women in need, or providing a gift for a child.  The list of items to go in each stocking is available on the back table (BISSELL CENTRE WINTER WISHLIST).  You can either pack your gifts in a stocking (available for a dollar at Dollarama stores all throughout the city) or drop them off in white plastic bags. The gifts must be at the church on Dec. 6 or 13 to then be delivered to Bissell.
 
 
Poinsettias To Decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas
Advent is just around the corner and it is time once again to order poinsettias to adorn our sanctuary for Advent and Christmas.  If you are interested in ordering a plant to support the Worship Committee, please see Margery or Rebecca Wright. Various sizes, colours and prices are available. 
 
MESSY CHURCH
 
The next Messy Church – Messy Advent – is being held on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 4-6 pm.  It’s going to be a fun time, we have some interesting crafts planned.  A big thank you to those who have volunteered.  There are still a couple of Volunteer opportunities available:  crafts, kitchen, set up!  Please see Larry if you are able to volunteer!
 
 
SPIRIT WEST CHOIR – “JOY TO THE WORLD” CHRISTMAS CONCERT
 
Sunday, December 13th at 6:30.  Join us, as in music and word we celebrate with joy God’s promise and gift of our Messiah.
 
 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

Larry

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

Greetings
This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday before Remembrance Day.  As you might imagine, this Sunday  and Remembrance Day are particularly significant for me because of my history.  But I am also aware of that many of our Remembrance Day ceremonies and rituals fall short of what is truly needed.  In the Gospel reading for Sunday, Jesus commends the sacrifice of a widow who gives two copper coins, worth a penny, into the Temple treasury.  Jesus says, “...she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”  What inspires people to make such sacrifice?  What vision is compelling the widow to put her life in jeopardy for the sake of the Temple?  What inspires people to serve in an army or similar armed force?  What vision compels them to put their life in jeopardy for the sake of....?   Recently I was reading a calendar announcement in the albertaviews magazine about an exhibition at The Military Museums in Calgary.  As the description states, the Museum “...is showing a collection of landscape silkscreens by famous Canadian artists that played a vital role in shaping our national identity.  During the Second World War, the prints were hung in soldiers’ quarters to remind them what they were fighting for.”  This Sunday we will look at some of those images, and images created during and after the war to see what they might tell us about the vision the soldiers’ had, and that we might have for our country and the world.  The art of war.  Remembrance Day is not just about remembering the dead, it is about remembering the vision that inspired their sacrifice.  There is one line in the poem “In Flanders’ Fields,” that says to us, “to you from failing hands we throw the torch.”   Their work is not done.
 
The Readings for Sunday are Psalm 127 and Mark 12: 38-44.   In the Time for All Ages I will share the story (I hope), “Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion” and the title of the sermon is “The Art of War.”
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (in church)
The Worship Committee is asking that in order to facilitate an effective and efficient process, please  have your announcements in to the church office by Wednesday at noon so that they can be included in the Sunday announcements sheet and in the Thursday eMessage.
 
 
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.
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 22
November 22nd is the last Sunday of the Christian liturgical year, it is also the date when we will be having a Congregational Meeting.  At this congregational meeting will be looking at the coming year for Spirit West United Church.  We will have a preliminary look at the 2016 budget (There will be a Congregational Budget meeting in the new year)  We will also be looking at those who administer the work of our church, the Church Board. A church congregation does not operate by divine intervention alone.  It requires the work and commitment of a number of people.  As you can see from the table below, we have a number of individuals who have committed themselves to the role of chair or coordinator of the various committees that support the full ministry of our church inside and outside our congregation.  You will also see vacancies.  We need you.  Please consider offering your gifts and talents to your church as part of the Board.  If the work of a particular committee interests you, but you are not sure, or if you would like to know more about what a particular committee does, please ask questions.  Talk to me or to Gerry.
Committee                                    Person

Board Chair                                   Gerry Maciejko
Communications                         vacant
Community/Pastoral Care         Shannon Focht
Education & Faith Formation   vacant
Membership                                  Bill Callas
Ministry & Personnel                  John Punko
Operations Co-Chair                    Bob Hoy
Operations Co-Chair                   vacant
Outreach Co-Chair                      Doreen Olynyk
Outreach Co-Chair                      vacant
Presbytery Representative        Rhea Olson
Stewardship                                 vacant
Vice Chair                                     Bill Callas
Worship                                        Margaret Benson

  
Poinsettias To Decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas
Advent is just around the corner and it is time once again to order poinsettias to adorn our sanctuary for Advent and Christmas.  If you are interested in ordering a plant to support the Worship Committee, please see Margery or Rebecca Wright. Various sizes, colours and prices are available. 
 
Messy Church
 
The next Messy Church – Messy Advent – is being held on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 4-6 pm.  Volunteer opportunities available:  crafts, kitchen, set up!  Please see Larry if you are able to volunteer!
 
 
SPIRIT WEST CHOIR – CHRISTMAS CONCERT
 
Sunday, December 13th at 6:30.  Watch this space for more details in the coming weeks.
 
 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


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