Merry Christmas
It is Christmas Eve.  It has come again as it always does, whether we are ready or not.  Tonight we will gather at the Church at 6:30 to celebrate the coming of Jesus whom we call the Messiah.  We will share together the readings, hymns, carols and prayers that take us to Bethlehem.  We will ask the question, posed by the old English carol, “What Child is This?” And we will end the night by candle light.
 
For the Children tonight:  During the telling of the Christmas stories tonight, the children present will have the opportunity to take part in a “live” nativity scene.  No acting ability is required, no lines need be learned.  We will need angels, shepherds and three wise men (wise people?).  If you have children in your family who would like to take part, come a bit early and we will have a costume ready.  If your child has a costume from another Christmas pageant that they want to wear that’s fine too. 
 
I look forward to seeing you tonight.
 
SERVICES IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Sunday, December 27 – Cinnamon Bun Sunday, 10:30 am, “The Star over Bethlehem”  A relaxed service of story, song and prayer with cinnamon buns and warm drinks.
Sunday, January 3, 2016 – Epiphany Sunday, 10:30 am, “Arise, Your Light has Come!” The first service of 2016 with the Celebration of Holy Communion.
 
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
A big THANK YOU to our congregation for all your help sponsoring hampers, buying gifts, joining the shopping trip or delivering the hampers.  Twenty-four families will be having a better Christmas this year because of you.  A special thank you goes out to Bill and Lori W., this year’s Hamper Coordinators for all their work in making this happen!
 
Because this was Lori and Bill’s first year as Hamper Coordinators, (and they are willing to do it again) they would like your feedback.  If you have thoughts, concerns, suggestions about any aspect of our Hamper program or just want to tell Bill and Lori what an awesome job they did, send an email to the church and we will pass the message along.
 
 
 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 => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
The office will be closed from noon, Dec. 24th 2015 to 9:00 am, January 4, 2016.

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

Greetings
We have come to the fourth Sunday of Advent.  Christmas is just a week away..  The reading for Sunday reminds us of an encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth.  Both women are pregnant.  Elizabeth’s child will be John the Baptist and of course we know who Mary’s son will be.  The meeting is special for both women. Elizabeth is very happy for Mary and for herself, as Elizabeth exclaims to Mary, “blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  Some of you may recognize this as a line that was later incorporated into the “Hail, Mary.”  Mary’s response to all this is a song/poem which has come to be known as the Magnificat, from the Latin translation of the first line: “My soul magnifies the Lord.”  It is a remarkable expression of praise for God, especially as it uses some rather revolutionary language.  I am sure the Roman authorities would not be too pleased with, “He has brought the mighty down from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.”  Is the coming of Christ a revolution, a turning of the world?
 
The Readings for Sunday are Micah 5: 2-5a, and Luke 1: 39-45.    We will sing Mary’s song from Luke 1: 47-55. With the children I will talking about looking for Jesus in our lives with the title “People look north?” and the title of the sermon is “A world turned upside down.”
 
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Thursday, December 24 – Christmas Eve, 6:30 pm,  “What Child is This?”  A service for the whole family!
Sunday, December 27 – Cinnamon Bun Sunday, 10:30 am, “The Star over Bethlehem”  A relaxed service of story, song and prayer with cinnamon buns and warm drinks.
Sunday, January 3, 2016 – Epiphany Sunday, 10:30 am, “Arise, Your Light has Come!” The first service of 2016 with the Celebration of Holy Communion.
 
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
A big THANK YOU to our congregation - ALL hampers have been sponsored, and there are gifts for all the children.  Volunteers are needed for the Hamper Shopping trip on December 19th . We meet at the church at 6:00 pm for pizza, we then head off to shop! On Sunday, Dec. 20th we will need volunteers to deliver the hampers following service.  Please contact Lori or Bill W. 780-483-6542 for more information.
 
 
 
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST
There will be a Men’s Christmas Breakfast on Saturday, December 19th at 8:00 in the Lower Hall. Since the breakfast will be made up ahead of time ( the night before ) Don need to know if you plan to be there. Please let him know (780-455-5537) before today at 6 pm.
 
AN INVITATION FROM ROBERSTON-WESLEY
Robertson-Wesley United Church invites the whole community to our Live Nativity Scene this Christmas. Young and old alike will have an opportunity to interact with the nativity characters and even become some of the characters if desired (bring along your cameras for photos) and sing along with carollers. There will be a fire to cozy up to while listening to stories and roasting marshmallows.
This all-age event is on Saturday December 19th from 4-5:30 pm (leave time to get to Spirit West for hamper shopping) on the front lawn of the church (10209-123 Street). Stop by with your family, friends and neighbours for an evening of festivities, treats, and hot chocolate!
There is no admission charge, but the church will be accepting donations of mittens, gloves, socks, toiletries or non-perishable food for the Bissell Centre.
 
 

spirit west Christmas Caroling
 We will be Christmas caroling in the church neighbourhood on Dec. 22 starting at the church at 6:30 pm.  Please sign-up on the sheet at the back table if you are interested in this fun experience.
 
 
 
 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 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
This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent.  This Sunday we look at joy.  In some Christian churches this Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday. The day takes its name from the Latin word Gaudete ("Rejoice"), the first word of the introit or opening verse that was appointed to be sung at the start of this day's Mass: “Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. …” This comes from Philippians 4, our second of three readings on Sunday.  When Advent had a much more penitential character,  a lot of doom and gloom, Gaudete or Joy Sunday, whose colour was rose, gave the faithful a bit of a break.  The Sunday pointed out that in spite of the darkness, we are called to move toward the joy of the Lord.
 
The Readings for Sunday are Zephaniah 3: 14-20, Philippians 4: 4-7 and Luke 3: 7-18.   With the children I will talking about looking for Jesus in our lives with the title “People look west?” and the title of the sermon is “God, may I rejoice in you.”
 
As you read through the following, please note the schedule of Christmas Services at the end of the email.
 
 
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.
 
Bissell Centre Winter Wish (formerly “White Gift Sunday”)
 
This is the last Sunday to participate in the Bissell Centre Christmas Wish at Spirit West.  This year, Bissell has asked 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 this Sunday so that Doreen can deliver them to Bissell.
 
 
 

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. (see the poster on our website or Facebook page)
 
 
 
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
A big THANK YOU to our congregation - 14 out of the 24 hampers have been sponsored so far.  Only 10 more to go!  If you haven't already please consider a donation towards the purchase of a hamper for families struggling in our community.  The total cost for the food portion of the hamper is $ 150.00, but this can be shared (ie: 2 x $ 75.00 or 3 x $ 50.00).  You can also help by purchasing a gift for one of the children in these families.  Sign up posters are available at the church.   Lastly, volunteers will be needed for the Hamper Shopping trip on December 19th at 6:00 pm, and to deliver the Hampers December 20th following service.  Please contact Lori or Bill W. 780-483-6542 for more information.
 

Christmas Caroling
 We will be Christmas caroling in the church neighbourhood on Dec. 22 starting at the church at 6:30 pm.  Please sign-up on the sheet at the back table if you are interested in this fun experience.
 
 
 
 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.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Thursday, December 24 – Christmas Eve, 6:30 pm,  “What Child is This?”  A service for the whole family!
Sunday, December 27 – Cinnamon Bun Sunday, 10:30 am, “The Star over Bethlehem”  A relaxed service of story, song and prayer with cinnamon buns and warm drinks.
Sunday, January 3, 2016 – Epiphany Sunday, 10:30 am, “Arise, Your Light has Come!” The first service of 2016 with the Celebration of Holy Communion.
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 => 9:00 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
This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent.  This Sunday we look at messengers.  In the passage from the prophets, Malachi (his is the last book in the “Old Testament”) we hear that God will send a messenger.  The initial reaction that seems to be expected is one of joy. “The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight – indeed, he is coming says the Lord of hosts.”  That’s a good thing, right.  But the text continues with the question, “But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?”  In Luke’s Gospel we hear of another messenger of God, John.  John’s message is a call to repentance.  As you make your way through Advent, who are the messengers in your life?  How do they help to direct you to the stable?  What messengers and messages help you to “find” Jesus and to understand this season more deeply.
 
The Readings for Sunday are Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3: 1-6.   With the children I will talking about looking for Jesus in our lives with the title “People look south?” and the title of the sermon is “I am sending my messenger.”  We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at this service.
 
 
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.
 
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
A big THANK YOU to our congregation - 14 out of the 24 hampers have been sponsored so far.  Only 10 more to go!  If you haven't already please consider a donation towards the purchase of a hamper for families struggling in our community.  The total cost for the food portion of the hamper is $ 150.00, but this can be shared (ie: 2 x $ 75.00 or 3 x $ 50.00).  You can also help by purchasing a gift for one of the children in these families.  Sign up posters are available at the church.   Lastly, volunteers will be needed for the Hamper Shopping trip on December 19th at 6:00 pm, and to deliver the Hampers December 20th following service.  Please contact Lori or Bill W. 780-483-6542 for more information.
 
 
 
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.  There will be 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. (see the poster on our website or Facebook page)
 
 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 => 9:00 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
​