
THIS SUNDAY
I’m back! Somehow the lectionary must have known that I was away at an Inter-faith Conference. The readings for this Sunday point to the challenges of including those who are different. The story from the Law is about Joseph, the one sold into foreign slavery by his brothers. He eventually rises to become an important official in the Egyptian government. Joseph’s family back in Israel are facing starvation in a famine. They must appeal to the Egyptian government for assistance. And who’s in charge of distributing such assistance? In the reading from the Gospel, Jesus is asked for help by a Canaanite mother, a foreigner. He refuses her on the basis of her nationality and religion. She calls Jesus on it.
The scripture readings are Genesis 45: 1-15 and Matthew 15: 21-28. We will also be singing Psalm 133. In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at “Family Reunions” and the title of the sermon is “Canaanite Lives Matter.”
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KIDS IN CHURCH (yes please)
Although the Sunday School Program is over until the fall, kids are still part of the church. Now some kids (and some adults) find sitting for a hour a challenge. I hope that the Sunday Services during the summer will be varied enough to keep everyone interested. However, we will also have available Activity Packs at the welcome table. These maroon cases contain paper, pencils, stickers, puzzles and colouring pages which can be explored either in the sanctuary or the lounge.
(Remember Matthew 19:14, Mark 10: 14 and Luke 18:16)
INNER-CITY PASTORAL MINISTRY LUNCH – SUNDAY, OCT 1 Save the date! Spirit West will be co-sponsoring the ICPM Lunch at the Bissell Centre on Sunday, October 1.
We will be looking for:
- Donations of time, food, and/or money if you are unable to help volunteer your time cooking or working;
- Various food donations (loaves of sandwiches, cut raw vegetables, desserts, whole fruit, etc.);
- 10 - 12 volunteers to deliver the food to Bissell, help prepare it for the people who come to the lunch, and to serve. (A time commitment of approx. 830am - 2pm)
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/SpirtWestUnitedChurc
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Vacation
- Norma => August 30 to Sept. 5
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org