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November 28, 2019 - First Sunday of Advent - Hope

11/28/2019

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Picture
Picture
​Greetings,
A new church year is starting and lots of things are happening at Spirit West!
  
This Sunday – The First Sunday of Advent
This is the first Sunday of the new Christian year, the first Sunday of Advent.  As many of you know I use the United Church periodical Gathering – Resources for Worship Planners as a source for ideas for worship.  In the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany 2019-2020 edition, there is a suggestion for a slightly different sermon series for Advent this year.  The suggestion is for four “biographical” sermons that highlight the lives of four people who are important in the Advent story.  The four are the prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary and finally Joseph.  This Sunday we will look at Isaiah, whose prophecies the church has connected with the coming of Christ since the early days of Christianity.  Who was Isaiah, when did he live?  Why have his prophesies been connected with Christ’s coming?

The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14 and Matthew 24:36-44.   In the Time for All Ages we will ask, “How many sleeps?” The title of the Sermon is “Isaiah”
At this Service we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
 
Please remember that our church is a “scent-free” zone because of some severe allergies and sensitives. We would ask that you refrain from using scented beauty or grooming products such as perfume, after-shave, etc. when attending services and programs at Spirit West.
 
LADIES’ GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Spirit West Ladies’ Group Christmas Party will be held Mon, Dec 2nd at 5:30 pm in the Lower Hall of the Church.  There will be dinner priced at $20.00 per person. And there will be laughs, games and a wacky gift exchange.  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.  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!).

 
POINSETTIAS
Spirit West is selling poinsettias again this year to beautify the church at Christmas, and as a small fundraiser.  The plants are being purchased from Salisbury Greenhouse in Sherwood Park, which provided us excellent plants last year. The poinsettias will be placed in the church for the service on Sunday, Dec. 15.  We hope you will leave your poinsettia on display and pick it up after the Christmas Eve service, but you can take it home sooner if that doesn't work out for you. 
Prices:  6.5" pot: $14; 8" pot: $28; 10" Christmas garden:  $28. (The Christmas garden is a low, rectangular container with one poinsettia and tropical plants.  It would make a lovely centerpiece.) This Sunday is the last Sunday to order your Poinsettia!  You can contact Margery W. at 780 419 3224, or wrightlk@telus.net before Sunday to place an order.

 
CHOIR CONCERT – GREAT JOY!
Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 8th at 6:30 for our annual Christmas concert entitled GREAT JOY!  This year’s concert is about God’s many gifts, particularly the one of joy.  By receiving God’s love and sharing it with those around us we can spread the joy and make this world a better place.  There will be song, piano, drums, flute and harps!  Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion.  Donations gratefully accepted for our sound system.  We remind you that we are a scent-free zone!

 
ADVENT BIBLE STUDY 2019
There will be an Advent Bible Study at Spirit West on the Wednesday afternoons before Christmas (Dec 4, 11, and 18) and probably one Wednesday ( Jan 8 ) in the New Year.  I had ordered an Advent study from the United Church, but it has not arrived yet.  If it arrives we will use it, if not we will follow the lead of Gathering and take a more in depth look at Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary, and Joseph.  The studies will take place from 1:30 to 3:00 pm on Wednesdays.  A sign-up sheet is by the office, or call Larry at the church if you are interested.

 
Stewardship Drive for 2020
Although last Sunday was the “official” end of our Stewardship Campaign for 2020, we will still accept your pledge forms.  They can be scanned and emailed to spirit@telus.net if you are not able bring them in

  
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
•        Seasonal items are now being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the “Giving Tree” (in the sanctuary by the lounge windows) for distribution.
•        Bissell Festive Wishlist – Pick up a Bissell Festive Wishlist from the back table or from under the “Giving Tree”, fill a stocking with items from the list or purchase a gift for a child; bring them to church on Dec 15. They will then be delivered to Bissell.

  
COMMUNION SERVERS
At Spirit West we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, (or the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) once a month, normally on the first Sunday.  Serving communion involves the minister and at least three people from the congregation who assist.  We are seeking out those who would like to be Communion Servers.  This is not a perpetual commitment.  Glenna W. has made up a schedule for the next twelve months (i.e twelve services). You will find it with the other sign-up sheets by the office. You can pick which date(s) you would like to be part of serving team.  If you have any questions about the role of a Communion Server, speak to Larry or Glenna.
  
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
                      
A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt.  Now you can!  Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.   
 
 RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)

Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church.

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 
 Office hours 
-  Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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 14, 2019 - Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost - Baptisms

11/14/2019

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Picture
Picture
Greetings,
Information below about Congregational Meeting, Men’s Breakfast, Stewardship, Poinsettias, Ladies’ Group, Choir Concert and more.
 
 
This Sunday – the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
As we move closer to the end of the “church” year, (November 24 is the last Sunday of the year) the scriptures direct us to a reflection on the divine vision for our world.  The reading from Isaiah speaks of a new heaven and a new earth.  It also speaks of peace and harmony throughout creation.  The reading from Luke creates a different picture. In Luke we see images of violence, destruction, persecution and betrayal.  To me, it seems that Luke might be describing our current world.  But Luke’s images could apply to much of human history. How do we get from the world of Luke to the world of Isaiah?  Luke gives us a hint, “by your endurance you will gain your souls.”  Keep the vision of Isaiah before you, recognize the truth of the line in the United Church creed, “We are not alone, we live in God’s world.”

The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 65: 17-25 and Luke 21: 5-19.   The title of the Sermon is “A new heaven and a new earth.”
During our service we will be welcoming a number of children and infants in the family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism.

 
FALL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
There will be a Congregational Meeting after worship this Sunday, (Nov. 17).  At this meeting, we will present the 2020 Narrative Budget and ask for volunteers to serve on the Board. At this time, the following positions need to be filled: Chair, Vice-Chair, Communications, Membership & Hospitality. Please prayerfully consider volunteering for one of these positions; speak to Bill C or Larry if you are interested in serving our church on the Board.

  
SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
This Saturday is Men’s Breakfast morning. No pancakes this month. Instead we'll serve you tater tots, eggs, sausages, toast, and the other little bits that go along with it. No heavy activities that we can think of to do. Just come and fill yourself up and enjoy a little conversation.  Bring a friend.
Hope to see you Saturday downstairs at 8am.

  
Stewardship Drive 2019
This Sunday will be the third in our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure”.  There are still a few envelopes to be picked up from the Welcome table. Unaddressed forms are also available.  You may also have received your Stewardship envelope in the mail.    Forms are to be returned to the church by Sunday, Nov 24.  Please join us on Nov 24 to mark the completion of our campaign to build for the future of Spirit West United Church.

  
POINSETTIAS
Spirit West will be selling poinsettias again this year to beautify the church at Christmas, and as a small fundraiser.  The plants are being purchased from Salisbury Greenhouse in Sherwood Park, which provided us excellent plants last year. The poinsettias will be placed in the church for the service on Sunday, Dec. 15.  We hope you will leave your poinsettia on display and pick it up after the Christmas Eve service, but you can take it home sooner if that doesn't work out for you. 
Prices:  6.5" pot: $14; 8" pot: $28; 10" Christmas garden:  $28. (The Christmas garden is a low, rectangular container with one poinsettia and tropical plants.  It would make a lovely centerpiece.) Orders for poinsettias will be taken after church on Nov 10, 17 and 24, and Dec 1, or you can contact Margery W. at 780 419 3224, or wrightlk@telus.net

 
LADIES’ GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Spirit West Ladies’ Group Christmas Party will be held Mon, Dec 2nd at 5:30 pm in the Lower Hall of the Church.  There will be dinner priced at $20.00 per person. And there will be laughs, games and a wacky gift exchange.  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.  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!).

  
CHOIR CONCERT
Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 8th at 6:30 for GREAT JOY, a cantata that tells a Christmas story in word and music.  In addition to the Spirit West Choir, we will also hear the HarpBeat harp choir and other instrumentalists.  Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion. Donations to will be gratefully accepted.

 
 OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
•        Seasonal items are now being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the “Giving Tree” (in the sanctuary by the lounge windows) for distribution.
•        Bissell Festive Wishlist – Pick up a Bissell Festive Wishlist from the back table or from under the “Giving Tree”, fill a stocking with items from the list or purchase a gift for a child; bring them to church on Dec 15. They will then be delivered to Bissell.
 


Anne Frank–A History For TodayEdmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum is hosting an exhibition focused on the life of Anne Frank from October 28, 2019 to January 31, 2020. The exhibit also explores the history of the Holocaust and the experience of Canadian Soldiers during the Second World War. The international travelling exhibition from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam consists of 34 bilingual panels in English and French that focus on the life of Anne Frank, as well as the history of the Holocaust and the Second World War in Europe. Additional displays are dedicated to the experience of Canadian soldiers. The content of the exhibition targets Grades 5-12, but appeals to all.
The exhibit will be open to the general public:
  • Thursdays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2020 from 3-7 p.m.
Edmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum is located in the Historic McKay Avenue School, 10425 99 Ave NW.
 
COMMUNION SERVERS
At Spirit West we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, (or the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) once a month, normally on the first Sunday.  Serving communion involves the minister and at least three people from the congregation who assist.  We are seeking out those who would like to be Communion Servers.  This is not a perpetual commitment.  Glenna W. has made up a schedule for the next twelve months (i.e twelve services). You will find it with the other sign-up sheets by the office. You can pick which date(s) you would like to be part of serving team.  If you have any questions about the role of a Communion Server, speak to Larry or Glenna.
  
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
                      
A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt.  Now you can!  Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.   
 
 RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)

Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church.

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 
 Office hours 
-  Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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 07th, 2019 - Remembrance Sunday

11/7/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Greetings,
Please note the announcement about the Congregational Meeting.
  

This Sunday – the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost – Remembrance Sunday
This Sunday we will be observing Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday preceding Remembrance Day.  In the passage from Deuteronomy that will be read on Sunday, the children of Israel are told of the necessity of remembering and telling the stories of their encounters with God.  “…take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children…”  Our whole faith is in large part dependent on telling stories.  There is the old hymn, “Tell me the stories of Jesus.”  Stories help shape our identity.  And to be honest about our identity we have to be honest in the stories we pass on.  We have both stories of great joy and achievement as both people and communities, and we have stories of sadness, loss and failure.  On Sunday we will be sharing a number of our stories, stories about war and peace and sacrifice including the story when Jesus says to his followers as they gathered for a meal, “Take eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The readings for Sunday are Deuteronomy 4:9-14 and John 15: 9-13.  In the Time for All Ages “It’s story time.”  The title of the Sermon is “To your children.”
 
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. Order forms are available at the church or on our Facebook page. Return your orders to Diane L. (780 444-0284) or Carol C. (780-481-2662).  Last date to order is this Sunday. Nov 10. Orders will be available for pick up at church on Tues, Nov 26 between 2-5pm.  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.

  
FALL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
There will be a Congregational Meeting after worship on Sunday, Nov. 17.  At this meeting, we will present the 2020 Narrative Budget and ask for volunteers to serve on the Board. At this time, the following positions need to be filled: Chair, Vice-Chair, Communications, Membership & Hospitality. Please prayerfully consider volunteering for one of these positions; speak to Bill C or Larry if you are interested in serving our church on the Board.

  
Stewardship Drive 2019
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” started last Sunday.  After church you will be able to pick up your stewardship envelope from the Welcome table. You could also pick up and deliver a neighbour’s, if possible, to cut down on mailing costs. Unaddressed forms are also available.  Forms are to be returned to the church by Sunday, Nov 24.  Please join us on Nov 24 to mark the completion of our campaign to build for the future of Spirit West United Church.
  

POINSETTIAS
Spirit West will be selling poinsettias again this year, to beautify the church at Christmas and as a small fundraiser.  The plants are being purchased from Salisbury Greenhouse in Sherwood Park, which provided us excellent plants last year. The poinsettias will be placed in the church for the service on Sunday, Dec. 15.  We hope you will leave your poinsettia on display and pick it up after the Christmas Eve service, but you can take it home sooner if that doesn't work out for you. 
Prices:  6.5" pot: $14; 8" pot: $28; 10" Christmas garden:  $28. (The Christmas garden is a low, rectangular container with one poinsettia and tropical plants.  It would make a lovely centerpiece.) Orders for poinsettias will be taken after church on Nov 10, 17 and 24, and Dec 1, or you can contact Margery W. at 780 419 3224, or wrightlk@telus.net

  
LADIES’ GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Spirit Ladies’ Group Christmas Party will be held Mon, Dec 2nd at 5:30 pm in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church.  Save the date!  More details will follow soon! All women are welcome - feel free to bring a friend! 
  

CHOIR CONCERT
Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 8th at 6:30 for GREAT JOY, a cantata that tells a Christmas story in word and music.  In addition to the Spirit West Choir, we will also hear the HarpBeat harp choir and other instrumentalists.  Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion. Donations to will be gratefully accepted.
  

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
•        Seasonal items are now being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the “Giving Tree” (in the sanctuary by the lounge windows) for distribution.
•        Bissell Festive Wishlist – Pick up a Bissell Festive Wishlist from the back table or from under the “Giving Tree”, fill a stocking with items from the list or purchase a gift for a child; bring them to church on Dec 15. They will then be delivered to Bissell.
 
Anne Frank–A History For TodayEdmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum is hosting an exhibition focused on the life of Anne Frank from October 28, 2019 to January 31, 2020. The exhibit also explores the history of the Holocaust and the experience of Canadian Soldiers during the Second World War. The international travelling exhibition from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam consists of 34 bilingual panels in English and French that focus on the life of Anne Frank, as well as the history of the Holocaust and the Second World War in Europe. Additional displays are dedicated to the experience of Canadian soldiers. The content of the exhibition targets Grades 5-12, but appeals to all.
The exhibit will be open to the general public:
  • Thursdays, November 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2019 from 3-7 p.m.
  • Monday, November 11, 2019 from 12-4 p.m.
  • Thursdays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2020 from 3-7 p.m.
Edmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum is located in the Historic McKay Avenue School, 10425 99 Ave NW.
 
COMMUNION SERVERS
At Spirit West we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, (or the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) once a month, normally on the first Sunday.  Serving communion involves the minister and at least three people from the congregation who assist.  We are seeking out those who would like to be Communion Servers.  This is not a perpetual commitment.  Glenna W. has made up a schedule for the next twelve months (i.e twelve services). You will find it with the other sign-up sheets by the office. You can pick which date(s) you would like to be part of serving team.  If you have any questions about the role of a Communion Server, speak to Larry or Glenna.
  
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.

                      
A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt.  Now you can!  Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.   
 
 RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)

Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church.

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 
 Office hours 
-  Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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

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