
I’m back. My family had a good time in both Mexico and Saskatchewan. We all managed to get summer colds, but we are better now.
The lectionary reading from the gospel for Sunday recounts one of the most difficult statements Jesus makes, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luke 12: 51) What kind of a statement is this? We are a religion of peace, right! So where does this statement come from? I will explore the context and meaning of this statement, and see if we can understand what Jesus means for us. Come out and see if I succeed.
The readings for Sunday are Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2 and Luke 12 :49-56. In the Time for All Ages (please bring children on Sunday) I will be telling a version of the Blind Men and the Elephant. The sermon title is “A Family Divided.”
CHILDREN AT CHURCH DURING THE SUMMER
Although the Sunday School has ended for the season, children are still welcome at church! We will have Activity Packs (look for the maroon nylon cases at the welcome table) which children can explore either in the sanctuary or in the lounge
SPIRIT WEST COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE – THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 – 10:00 AM TO 8:00 PM each day. Great Bargains on a wide variety of items!
HELP NEEDED! We really need people to look after sales and cash on the Friday, and we need people to help clean up on Friday evening after the sale. Even if you can only drop by for an hour or two your help will be greatly appreciated. Call the church office to volunteer or sign up on the list on Sunday.
FAITH FORMATION AND EDUCATION Fall Programs Planning Meeting
On Sunday Aug 21 after church there will be a lunch meeting of everyone who is interested in any aspect of Faith Formation and Education at Spirit West. Among the programs that come under Faith Formation and Education are:
- Sunday School: We are looking for people interested in teaching or helping in the Sunday School using the Seasons of the Spirit Curriculum.
- Messy Church: We hope to be able to offer this family centred church experience once every two or three months starting in the fall.
- Adult Study: I have found an interesting eight session video study called The Good Shepherd – A Theological Journey of 1,000 years which I would like to offer as an Autumn/Advent Study.
- Something We Haven’t Done Before... Bring you ideas for new ways to engage in Faith Formation and Education at Spirit West
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.
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 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
=> on vacation from Sept. 15 to Oct. 13
- 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