
Each time I send out the Thursday eMessage, I hope it is read. There are some new items in today’s eMessage and changes to some you may have read before. I also have noticed that each time I re-read a previous eMessage I notice typos that I have made, see if you can spot any.
In the reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we are reminded that God knows us from before our birth and can call us each by name. In the gospel reading we have an account of Jesus healing a women in distress. In many of the stories of Jesus healing, the story starts with someone asking, begging or somehow taking the initiative to obtain Jesus’ help. In this Sunday’s gospel reading, it is Jesus who takes the initiative. He sees a women bent over in pain, an affliction she has endured for eighteen years, and calls her over and heals her. Sometimes we need to do what needs to be done without being asked.
The readings for Sunday are Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Luke 13:10-17. In the Time for All Ages (please bring children on Sunday) I will asking the question, “what does your name mean?” The sermon title is “Help Without Being Asked.”
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
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR INFORMATION ON THE START OF OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER. SEE ALSO THE ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW ABOUT THE FAITH FORMATION AND EDUCATION MEETING ON SUNDAY.
SPIRIT WEST COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE – IS ON NOW! AND CONTINUES FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 – 10:00 AM TO 8:00 PM each day. Great Bargains on a wide variety of items!
If you can only drop by for an hour or two on Friday after 8:00 pm to help restore the church to its worship configuration your help would be greatly appreciated.
FAITH FORMATION AND EDUCATION Fall Programs Planning Meeting
This Sunday (Aug 21) after church there will be a lunch meeting with pizza for anyone 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 your ideas for new ways to engage in Faith Formation and Education at Spirit West
EDMONTON PRESBYTERY ENGLISH AS A NEW LANGUAGE CLASSES – TEACHERS NEEDED.
One of the biggest challenges facing new Canadians is language. If you are coming to Canada as a refugee, you may not have had the opportunity to learn English prior to fleeing your homeland. This fall Edmonton Presbytery is continuing a pilot project of offering Conversational English Instruction to new Canadians. The project is looking for people with a good knowledge of English, an openness to new people and their struggles, and a willingness to commit to one or two mornings or evenings a week for eleven weeks starting on September 19. The curriculum is provided. Please contact Larry at the church for more information or to volunteer.
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 (vacation: Sept. 15 – 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