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
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
RSS Feed
