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December 21, 2017 - Advent 4 and Christmas Eve

12/21/2017

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Picture
Picture
Greetings,
This will be the last eMessage of 2017.  The church office will be closed from Dec 24- Jan 1.
 
This Sunday is unique.  There are two services, one in the morning (Advent 4) and one in the evening (Christmas Eve), because December 24 falls on a Sunday this year.  This will not happen again until December 2023 (then in 2028, 2034...) The last time December 24 was on a Sunday was in 2006. December 24 is slightly more likely to fall on a Monday, Thursday or Saturday (58 in 400 years each) than on Tuesday or Wednesday (57), and slightly less likely to occur on a Friday or Sunday (56).
 

CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT SPIRIT WEST
Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 am – Celebrating the 4th Sunday of Advent
The readings for Sunday are 2 Samuel 7: 1-11,16 and Luke 1 26-38.  In the Orthodox tradition, Mary is called Theotokos. This is often translated into English as “Mother of God.”  But this is inaccurate, it actually means “God Bearer.”  Mary bears or carries the Word of God into the world in Jesus. Although we do not do it in as literal or physical way as Mary, we too bring the Word of God into the world. The story in the Time for All Ages is “Telling the Story,” and I have titled the sermon, “Christ Bearers”
Sunday, December 24 at 6:30 pm – Family Christmas Eve Service.
The Christmas Ever service will centre around the re-telling of the story of Jesus birth.  This year I will be using a version of the story as it has been written by Lois Rock, with illustrations by Alison Jay.  It is called “On That Christmas Night.”  Children attending will have the opportunity to be part of the Nativity Tableau if they wish (no lines to learn, costumes will be provided.)
Sunday, December 31 at 10:00 am – Cinnamon Bun Sunday.     
Over cinnamon buns and warm drinks we’ll share how other people in other places celebrate the birth of Jesus.
 

 Sunday School Teachers Needed: We continue to look for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School. You can teach one Sunday or as many Sundays as you wish!  If interested, please add your name to the signup sheet on the back table. (Those who wish to teach must have a police record check with vulnerable sector screening done. Forms are available from the office.  This is free if you use our form, and have the screening done by the Edmonton Police Service)
 

PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle.  We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray.   There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need.  If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
 
 CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church.  The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged.  For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
 
  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 am to 4:00 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

 



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December 17, 2017 - Advent 3

12/14/2017

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Picture
Picture
Greetings,
This eMessage contains information about the Christmas Services at Spirit West, keep reading…

 
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday we hear more from John the Baptist and we also hear from Mary.  John’s Gospel does not have a “Christmas” story in it.  The first time we encounter Jesus in John’s Gospel is when Jesus approaches John to be baptized.  Matthew and Luke are the two Gospel which speak of Jesus’ birth.  It is in Luke’s Gospel that we have what most of us know as the Christmas story, “In those days a decree went out…”  It is Luke who pays the most attention to the role of Mary in the story.  Matthew simply states that, “before [Mary and Joseph] lived together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit.”  Luke gives a more detailed account of how this happened.  And it is from Luke that we get the Magnificat or Song of Mary, the poetic proclamation of joy.  We will sing a version of this Song on Sunday, and while we do, think of these words coming from the mouth of a young woman, not yet married, who has just found out she is pregnant “by the Holy Spirit.”
 
The reason for the rose font colour is that the third Sunday of Advent has traditionally been associated with joy.  Traditionally the church hangings and vestments, as well third Advent candle are rose, as a joyous relief from the purple (or blue) of the rest of Advent.  At Spirit West, we have not gone as far as rose hangings, but the third candle of our wreath is pink.
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11and John 1:6-8, 19-28.  We will be the Song of Mary (Luke 1: 47-55). The story in the Time for All Ages is “Mary,” and I have titled the sermon, “My Soul Rejoices”


CAROLLING AT SPIRIT WEST – Sunday, Dec. 17
Come out for an evening of carolling at the Church, on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.  There will be a bonfire, hot chocolate and hay rides!  And of course there will be singing.  Something for the Edmonton Food Bank would be a great thing to bring with you when you come.
 
MEN’S CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST – Saturday, Dec. 16
This is an invitation to the men of Spirit West to the special Men’s Christmas Breakfast this Saturday, December 16th. It'll be downstairs as usual at 8:00 am. No extra cost just the usual $10.00. Don D. plans to be over to the church for 7:00, to turn on the ovens, so if those who have volunteered to bring something wish to cook it at the church can do so.
Hope you're able to join us.

  
CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT SPIRIT WEST
Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 am – Celebrating the 4th Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 24 at 6:30 pm – Family Christmas Eve Service.
Come hear again the Christmas story in word and song.  Children attending will have the opportunity to be part of the Nativity Tableau if they wish (no lines to learn, costumes will be provided.)
Sunday, December 31 at 10:00 am – Cinnamon Bun Sunday.
Over cinnamon buns and warm drinks we’ll share how other people in other places celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Sunday, January 7 at 10:00 am – Epiphany Sunday – the arrival of the Magi

 
GIFT GIVING WITH A DIFFERENCE – Spirit West Outreach
A big THANK YOU to the people of Spirit West for your support of Gift Giving With A Difference.  Lori and Bill were able to deliver:
35 gifts for the children’s party at Bissell;
29 stockings for Bissell;
18 bags of useful items for the Women’s Emergency Accommodation Center; and
dozens of mitts, hats and socks for Bissell and the Jasper Place Wellness Center. 

 
PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle.  We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray.   There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need.  If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
 
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church.  The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged.  For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
 
 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 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
the office will be closed from December 25, 2017 to Jan 1, 2018 inclusive

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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December 7, 2017 - Advent 2 - PEACE

12/7/2017

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Picture
Picture
Greetings,
Our Concert – MORNING STAR is this Sunday, Dec. 10., and we have a new item below regarding an evening of carolling at Spirit West.  See details below!
 
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday we meet John the Baptist.  He’s a strange one, living in the wilderness, dressing badly and eating weird food (locusts and wild honey).  But in Mark’s Gospel, John is the one who points to the Messiah.  John has been “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”.  But what is repentance?  We often think of it as saying “sorry.”  But in the Bible, it is much more than that.  There was much to-do a few months ago regarding commemorations of Canada’s first prime minister, John A. Macdonald.  He was an alcoholic and a racist.  For some this means that whatever good he did, is overshadowed by his faults.  Emily Murphy, the first female magistrate in the British Empire, was a racist and promoted the sterilization of “feeble minded” Albertans.  For some this means that whatever good she did, is overshadowed by her faults.  And yet as part of the Famous Five she was instrumental in advancing the cause of women’s rights in Canada.  Can we recognize that in every human being there exists the potential for both great good and great wrong (evil, sin) at the same time.  This also means that this potential exists within each of us.  John’s call to repentance is a call to recognize the wrong (evil, sin) we have done and are capable of doing, and to intentionally move toward the good that we can do.  This is part of the Good News, that repentance and new life are possible for everyone.
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8.  The story in the Time for All Ages is “John,” and I have titled the sermon, “You’ve made mistakes”

GIFT GIVING WITH A DIFFERENCE – Spirit West Outreach
This weekend there will be a new table at church for you to stop by and visit -  The Gift of Giving Table.   We invite you to:
  •        Giving Sundays (formerly White Gift) Purchase mitts, hats, scarves, hand warmers, etc., fill a stocking or buy a gift for a child using the Bissell Centre Festive Wishlist so you can place them under our Giving Tree  10th  (these items are for those who frequent the Jasper Place Wellness Centre & the Bissell Centre) -       Pick up a Bissell Wishlist flyer at the Gift of Giving Table
  •        Pick up a Gifts of Vision book, the United Church’s Mission and Service Gift Catalogue
  •        Pick up information regarding volunteering opportunities - like being a Bissell Elf and gift wrapping at Southgate Mall, or preparing sandwiches for the Jasper Place, or helping with the   Wellness Winter Warming meals
 
MORNING STAR CANTATA – Sunday, Dec. 10
The choir and musicians from Spirit West, as well as guest instrumentalists, will present MORNING STAR, the Christmas story of hope and promise.  This musical and narrated message is appropriate for each of us at any stage of life’s journey, reminding us that in our own dark nights, Christ, the Light of the World, has come.  An event you won’t want to miss!  All donations will go toward upgrading our sound system.  Come one; come all on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 6:30.

 
 The Spirit West Women's Group Christmas Party
The Spirit West Women’s Group Christmas Party will be held Mon, Dec 11th at 6:00 pm in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church.  The dinner will cost dinner is $20 per person. All women are welcome - feel free to bring a friend!  The caterer must have the numbers by tomorrow, Dec. 8.  Please call the church today if you wish to attend and have not signed up.  For those who want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped but unlabeled gift with a value between $15 to $20 maximum (or something homemade!) and a recipe for a Christmas dinner side dish.
 
 
CAROLLING AT SPIRIT WEST – Sunday, Dec. 17
Come out for an evening of carolling at the Church, on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.  There will be a bonfire, hot chocolate and hay rides!  And of course there will be singing.  Something for the Edmonton Food Bank would be a great thing to bring with you when you come.
 

 PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle.  We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray.   There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need.  If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
 
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church.  The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged.  For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
 
 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 am to 4:00 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
​



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