Blog Archives

November 29, 2018 - First Sunday in Advent

11/29/2018

Greetings and Happy New Year,

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
This Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent, the beginning of a new Christian Year. We reset the calendar and begin again to tell the stories of Jesus and of our relationship with God. Words often associated with Advent are waiting, hope and light. We start the retelling of our stories by recognizing the darkness. The world is not the paradise that God created, and the light of God’s presence has been dimmed by the choices and actions of humanity. But we also proclaim that there is light in the darkness, that there is hope for us.

The Scripture readings for Sunday are Jeremiah 33: 14-16 and Luke 21: 25-36. My story in the Time for All Ages is called “It has started…,” and the title of my sermon is “A light in the darkness.”

At this service we will be gathering at the Table in the celebration of Holy Communion, and this will be the first of our two giving Sundays (see next item)

GIVING SUNDAYS at Spirit West - Dec 2 and 9
If you have been around the United Church for a while, you will remember White Gift Sundays in December. I remember as a child bringing my “white gift” to church, sometimes it was boxes of Kraft Dinner® wrapped in white tissue paper. I knew it was to help people called “those in need,” or “those less fortunate.” I hope that whomever got it, enjoyed the KD. But since that time, the church has become more intentional about identifying needs in the wider community and responding to those needs in a more targeted, less random way. In December, Spirit West will be working with the Bissell Centre to respond to identified needs in our community. On the Outreach Table (look for the tree by the lounge windows) you will find copies of the Bissell Centre’s Festive Wishlist. Take a copy, and on our two GIVING SUNDAYS (Dec 2 and Dec 9) we will collect your gifts or stockings during the Time for All Ages. If you have any questions talk to Lori W.

The Spirit West Women's Group Christmas Party
The Spirit West Women's Group Christmas Party will be held on Monday, Dec 3rd at 5:30 pm in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church. The dinner will cost $10 per person. All women are welcome - feel free to bring a friend! There is a sign- up sheet for the evening and money can be paid to Margery Wright or Carol Callas. 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 an approximate value of $15.00 (or something homemade, including Christmas baking!).

Living Nativity – A Study for Advent,
Living Nativity is a four session study for Advent which uses as its focus a crèche or nativity scene and the characters found there. The study will take place on Wednesdays. It started on Nov 28 and will be continuing through Dec 5, 12 &19 at 1:30 pm in the lounge. You may still join in if you want too.

Christmas Choir Concert - Dec 9th
The Spirit West Choir celebrates the 15th year of Christmas concert making! Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 for Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata by Pepper Choplin that reflects the awe and mystery of “God with Us” in word and song. Our guest musicians include Donna Dawson, Jessie Ching and HarpBeat! Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion. Donations will be used for the upgrading of our church sound system.

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 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

November 22, 2018 - Reign of Christ Sunday

11/22/2018

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Greetings,

THIS SUNDAY – REIGN OF CHRIST SUNDAY
This Sunday is “Reign of Christ Sunday.” It is the last Sunday of the Christian Year; yes Advent is just around the corner. (In fact you may have heard Christmas carols in the malls already.) This Sunday marks the end of another year of the retelling of the stories of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, along with stories of the children of Israel and the early Church. Now this past year I have ventured away from the traditional cycle of readings found in the Common Lectionary, and instead have focused on our United Church’s understanding of its theology by looking at our original statement of doctrine. But for the “high days and holy days” I am returning to the Lectionary. So the focus of Reign of Christ Sunday, or as it still called in some parts of the Church, “Christ the King Sunday,” is to move the story and influence of Christ beyond the confines of space and time. It is to place Christ in a global or universal perspective. Although the concept of “King” is not one we think about much, even in a Constitutional Monarch like Canada, the image was important to the early church. On Sunday, we will look at that importance, and see if it resonates in any way with us today.

The readings for this Sunday are Revelation 1: 4b-8 and John 18: 33-37. The Time for All Ages story is called “A different King” And the Sermon title is “Christ, the King?”

Stewardship Drive 2019 – Celebrate a “Giver”
Although our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” campaign wound up last Sunday, there were a number of people who wanted to celebrate a “Giver.” So, on this Sunday you will have the opportunity to celebrate a “Giver,” someone in the congregation who for you has been a significant part of Spirit West and has contributed to it being Church that you want to call your own.

Living Nativity – A Study for Advent,
Living Nativity is a four session study for Advent which uses as its focus a crèche or nativity scene and the characters found there. The study will take place on Wednesdays starting on Nov 28 and continuing through Dec 5, 12 &19 at 1:30 pm in the lounge. Please sign up on the sheet at the back and please talk to Larry if you would like to do this study but cannot come on these dates.

Christmas Choir Concert - Dec 9th
The Spirit West Choir celebrates the 15th year of Christmas concert making! Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 for Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata by Pepper Choplin that reflects the awe and mystery of “God with Us” in word and song. Our guest musicians include Donna Dawson, Jessie Ching and HarpBeat! Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion. Donations will be used for the upgrading of our church sound system.

GIVING SUNDAYS at Spirit West - Dec 2 and 9
If you have been around the United Church for a while, you will remember White Gift Sundays in December. I remember as a child bringing my “white gift” to church, sometimes it was boxes of Kraft Dinner® wrapped in white tissue paper. I knew it was to help people called “those in need,” or “those less fortunate.” I hope that whomever got it, enjoyed the KD. But since that time, the church has become more intentional about identifying needs in the wider community and responding to those needs in a more targeted, less random way. In December, Spirit West will be working with the Bissell Centre to respond to identified needs in our community. On the Outreach Table (look for the tree by the lounge windows) you will find copies of the Bissell Centre’s Festive Wishlist. Take a copy, and on our two GIVING SUNDAYS (Dec 2 and Dec 9) we will collect your gifts or stockings during the Time for All Ages. If you have any questions talk to Lori W.

The Spirit West Women's Group Christmas Party will be held Mon, Dec 3rd at 5:30 pm in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church. The dinner will cost $10 per person. All women are welcome - feel free to bring a friend! There is a sign- up sheet for the evening and money can be paid to Margery W or Carol C. 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 an approximate value of $15.00(or something homemade, including Christmas baking!).

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.

THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS
When our Region comes into being on January 1, 2019 it will be known as “Northern Spirit 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

November 15, 2018 - Pentecost 26

11/15/2018

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Greetings
Please note the information about the Congregational Meeting this Sunday after Church.

THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: OF REGENERATION
When I mention the word regeneration around my kids, they think I am talking about Dr. Who. Did you know that “the Doctor” has regenerated on a fairly regular basis since the television series first aired in 1963. The current Doctor, and first woman, is the thirteenth regeneration. But, surprise, that is not the regeneration referred to in the Basis of Union. That document talks about the concept of regeneration in Christ, the concept that Paul talks about in his second letter to the church at Corinth ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.” What does this “new creation” or regeneration look like. It’s complicated. Some of you may have met a “new Christian,” someone who has recently “found Jesus” or been “born again,” and found them to be irritatingly self-righteous. That is not Christian regeneration. If we look at the people of the New Testament, we see people whom we can recognize as the same people before and after their encounters with Christ, but their perspective has changed. Those things of their past that separated them from God have been set aside. Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) hears Jesus say “You must be born again,” but the Greek can easily mean, “you must be born from above.” We are called to a spiritual re-birth or regeneration, a fresh start in Christ.

The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are 2 Corinthians 5: 16-17 and John 3: 1- 8. The Time for All Ages story is called “Something New” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article IX: “Of Regeneration.”

Stewardship Drive 2019 – Celebrate a “Giver”
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” campaign winds up this Sunday. And on this Sunday you will have the opportunity to celebrate a “Giver,” someone in the congregation who for you has been a significant part of Spirit West and has contributed to it being Church that you want to call your own. And for those who haven’t done so, 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.

FALL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – this Sunday after Church
We will be holding our Fall Congregational Meeting on Sunday after church, at which time we will be looking at the coming year for Spirit West United Church, including a preliminary look at the 2019 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. 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. However, we still 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 Larry or to Bill C.

SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
Would you like a "Hearty Man's" breakfast this Saturday morning (Nov 17)? 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.  Hope to see you Saturday morning.

GIVING SUNDAYS at Spirit West - Dec 2 and 9
If you have been around the United Church for a while, you will remember White Gift Sundays in December. I remember as a child bringing my “white gift” to church, sometimes it was boxes of Kraft Dinner® wrapped in white tissue paper. I knew it was to help people called “those in need,” or “those less fortunate.” I hope that whomever got it, enjoyed the KD. But since that time, the church has become more intentional about identifying needs in the wider community and responding to those needs in a more targeted, less random way. In December, Spirit West will be working with the Bissell Centre to respond to identified needs in our community. On the Outreach Table (look for the tree by the lounge windows) you will find copies of the Bissell Centre’s Festive Wishlist. Take a copy, and on our two GIVING SUNDAYS (Dec 2 and Dec 9) we will collect your gifts or stockings during the Time for All Ages. If you have any questions talk to Lori W.

Croissants and Cinnamon Buns
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.

Living Nativity – A Study for Advent,
Living Nativity is a four session study for Advent which uses as its focus a crèche or nativity scene and the characters found there. The study will take place on Wednesdays starting on Nov 28 and continuing through Dec 5, 12 &19 at 1:30 pm in the lounge. Please sign up on the sheet at the back and please talk to Larry if you would like to do this study but cannot come on these dates.

Christmas Choir Concert - Dec 9th
The Spirit West choir celebrates the 15th year of Christmas concert making! Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 for Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that tells the story of the Nativity in word and song. Our guest musicians include Donna Dawson, Jessie Ching and HarpBeat! Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion. Donations will be used for the upgrading of our church sound system.

Poinsettias - Once again, Spirit West will be taking orders for poinsettias. They will beautify the church in the week prior to Christmas, and then can be taken home to beautify your house or to give to a friend. Our supplier this year will be Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park (Central Greenhouses is no longer selling poinsettias). We will be offering poinsettias in five different colours in a 6.5 inch pot for $14, or in an 8 inch pot for $28. You can also order a 10 inch Christmas garden if you like. This consists of a single poinsettia (your choice of colour) with tropical plants, foil pot cover, and bow. It is in a low rectangular container, suitable for a centerpiece and is $28. You can order at church on November 4, 11 and 18. Plants will be brought to the church in time for the Advent 4 (December 23) and Christmas Eve.

WOMEN’S INTER CHURCH COUNCIL
The next meeting of the Women's Inter Church Council will be held on Wednesday, November 21st at 1:00 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, 10035 103 St., Edmonton. The WICC is known for organizing World Day of Prayer services in March, in which people from many Christian churches in 170 countries participate, and for being the Canadian partner for the Fellowship of the Least Coin. From the WICC website: "At our core, we are a grassroots Christian prayer movement providing people with small grants to do great things." If you are a woman interested in being involved or learning more, join us on November 21st.

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.

THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS
When our Region comes into being on January 1, 2019 it will be known as “Northern Spirit 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

November 7, 2018 - Remembrance Sunday with holy communion

11/8/2018

0 Comments

Greetings
There is quite a bit of new information in this eMessage outlining a variety of Opportunities at Spirit West to work, study, pray or give.

THIS SUNDAY – REMEMBRANCE DAY

This Sunday is significant in a couple of respects. One, this Sunday is Remembrance Day, and the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month falls in the middle of our service. We will pause at 11:00 to mark the traditional silence. Two, this Remembrance Day marks the 100th anniversary of the day, November 11th, 1918, when the guns fell silent to end the Great War, or what we have come to know as World War I. That war was also described as “the war to end all wars.” It was hoped that the end of this global conflict would mark the beginning of a lasting peace. It was believed that the sacrifice of around 40 million people (The total number of deaths includes from 9 to 11 million military personnel. The civilian death toll was about 8 million, including about 6 million due to war-related famine and disease. The Triple Entente [also known as the Allies] lost about 6 million military personnel while the Central Powers lost about 4 million. At least 2 million died from diseases and 6 million went missing, presumed dead), a number which is more than the current population of Canada, would be enough to demonstrate the need for peace in the world. It was not. What has happened in the century since 1918? What needs to happen to achieve that dream of lasting peace.
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Deuteronomy 4: 9-14 and John 15: 9-13. The Time for All Ages story is called “100 Years Ago” And the Sermon is titled: “A Century of Peace?”

This Sunday we will also gather to fulfill Jesus commandment to “Remember Me” as we celebrate Holy Communion.

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.

FALL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – Nov 18th after Church
We will be holding our Fall Congregational Meeting on Nov. 18th after church, at which time we will be looking at the coming year for Spirit West United Church, including a preliminary look at the 2019 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. 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. However, we still 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 Larry or to Bill C.

GIVING SUNDAYS at Spirit West
If you have been around the United Church for a while, you will remember White Gift Sundays in December. I remember as a child bringing my “white gift” to church, sometimes it was boxes of Kraft Dinner® wrapped in white tissue paper. I knew it was to help people called “those in need,” or “those less fortunate.” I hope that whomever got it, enjoyed the KD. But since that time, the church has become more intentional about identifying needs in the wider community and responding to those needs in a more targeted, less random way. In December, Spirit West will be working with the Bissell Centre to respond to identified needs in our community. On the Outreach Table (look for the tree by the lounge windows) you will find copies of the Bissell Centre’s Festive Wishlist. Take a copy, and on our two GIVING SUNDAYS (Dec 2 and Dec 9) we will collect your gifts or stockings during the Time for All Ages. If you have any questions talk to Lori W.

Croissants and Cinnamon Buns
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.

Living Nativity – A Study for Advent,
Living Nativity is a four session study for Advent which uses as its focus a crèche or nativity scene and the characters found there. The study will take place on Wednesdays starting on Nov 28 and continuing through Dec 5, 12 &19 at 1:30 pm in the lounge. Please sign up on the sheet at the back and please talk to Larry if you would like to do this study but cannot come on these dates.

Christmas Choir Concert - Dec 9th
The Spirit West choir celebrates the 15th year of Christmas concert making! Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 for Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that tells the story of the Nativity in word and song. Our guest musicians include Donna Dawson, Jessie Ching and HarpBeat! Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion. Donations will be used for the upgrading of our church sound system.

Poinsettias - Once again, Spirit West will be taking orders for poinsettias. They will beautify the church in the week prior to Christmas, and then can be taken home to beautify your house or to give to a friend. Our supplier this year will be Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park (Central Greenhouses is no longer selling poinsettias). We will be offering poinsettias in five different colours in a 6.5 inch pot for $14, or in an 8 inch pot for $28. You can also order a 10 inch Christmas garden if you like. This consists of a single poinsettia (your choice of colour) with tropical plants, foil pot cover, and bow. It is in a low rectangular container, suitable for a centerpiece and is $28. You can order at church on November 4, 11 and 18. Plants will be brought to the church in time for the Advent 4 (December 23) and Christmas Eve.

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.

THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS – Time to vote for the name for “Region 2”
The submissions are in and the selection has been narrowed down to the top five. Now it is your chance to vote. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QTS7HY9 by noon tomorrow (Friday, Nov 9) and vote for your choice for the name for Region 2.

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

November 1, 2018 - Pentecost 24 - Rodeo Sunday

11/1/2018

0 Comments

Greetings on this All Saints Day,
Please make sure to read the information about our Stewardship Campaign, our Cinnamon Buns and Croissants and our Poinsettias.

THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

So this Sunday, we talk about the third “person” of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit. In the Hebrew scriptures, the word for the spirit of God (ר֣וּחַ ruach) can also mean the breath of God. This spirit/breath connection continues throughout the Bible. The Greek word for the Spirit is πνεῦμα (pneuma). You will find many words in English that start with pneuma and they are words that deal with things that use air “pneumatic piston,” involve diseases of the lungs “pneumonia,” or are theological words such as “pneumatology” which it the theology of the Holy Spirit. Even our English word spirit has breath in its history, coming from the Latin spiritus, which itself is related to spirare which means “to breath.” Like our breath, the Holy Spirit cannot be seen (true the water vapour in our breath is visible in the winter, but not the point.) But we are aware of the effects of our breath and of the Holy Spirit. Is the absence of one as serious as the absence of the other. This is one of the questions we will look at on Sunday

The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Proverbs 8: 22-31 and John 14: 25-29. The Time for All Ages story is called “It is like the wind” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article VIII: “Of the Holy Spirit.”

This is also COWBOY SUNDAY
Though the CFRA has moved to Red Dear this year, we will continue to observe Cowboy Sunday at Spirit West. So, this Sunday, if you want to don your cowboy hat, cowboy boots, and any other cowboy/cowgirl accessories (except spurs, please don’t wear spurs) feel free to do so.

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.

Ladies Group Craft Night
The Spirit West Ladies Group are holding a Craft Night on Mon, Nov 5 at 7 pm at the Church. We will be making a craft (suitable for all ages and abilities) for each person to take home from our Christmas dinner (even if they don't come to Craft Night). The cost is $3.00 minimum but we will accept up to $5.00 to cover all costs. Scissors for cutting fabric would be appreciated. Everything else will be provided. Please sign-up on the sheet at the church or call the church office so we have an idea on how many will attend.

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.

Poinsettias - Once again, Spirit West will be taking orders for poinsettias. They will beautify the church in the week prior to Christmas, and then can be taken home to beautify your house or to give to a friend. Our supplier this year will be Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park (Central Greenhouses is no longer selling poinsettias). We will be offering poinsettias in five different colours in a 6.5 inch pot for $14, or in an 8 inch pot for $28. You can also order a 10 inch Christmas garden if you like. This consists of a single poinsettia (your choice of colour) with tropical plants, foil pot cover, and bow. It is in a low rectangular container, suitable for a centerpiece and is $28. You can order at church on November 4, 11 and 18. Plants will be brought to the church in time for the Advent 4 (December 23) and Christmas Eve.

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” It’s time to vote!
So the names are in, and the top five suggestions for the Region 2 have been announced. Now you get to vote on which one of the five you would like to see for the new name of our region. Please vote once, and by November 9th at Noon, using the following link.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QTS7HY9

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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