Greetings
I’m back. Had a good time on vacation. And at Spirit West we are starting to gear up for our fall programs!
This Sunday
The two readings that we will sharing from the Lectionary this Sunday are very different. One reading concerns the death of King David’s son Absalom. The other reading is about Jesus as the “Bread of Life.” But in a way, they are connected. We live in a broken world. Not everything is wonderful all the time. There are those who would have us believe that if we have enough faith or belong to the right church, then our lives will be “blessed” by God and worry free. Of course with such views, the opposite is true as well, go to the wrong church or believe the wrong things and you will be punished by God. This Sunday’s readings if taken out of context would seem to support this view. But, we see, even in the Bible, that life is much more complicated than that. Yes, bad people are punished, and good people are rewarded, but we also see bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. So what’s the point. I think the start of the United Church creed, sums it up. “ We are not alone, we live in God’s world. On Sunday, I will explore what that means for us in the world.
The readings for Sunday are 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 and John 6: 35, 41-51. With the children in the Time for all ages, I will look at why casseroles are a valid response to crises, and my sermon is titled, “Support for the journey.”
Community Garage Sale – to be held in the sanctuary on Fri, Aug. 21, noon to 7pm and Sat, Aug. 22 from 9am to 3pm. Tables can now be booked for $30.00 for two days or you can donate items to the church table. Donations for the church table will be accepted starting Aug. 4th. All items except clothing are very welcome. All proceeds to go to paying down the mortgage.
Church Membership Program starts September 6
I will be starting a Membership Program on Sunday, September 6 right after church. The program will continue for 5 Sundays, with Confirmation or Reception on Thanksgiving Sunday. This is open to anyone, youth or adult seeking to confirm their faith, those wishing to join the United Church from another faith community, or anyone else looking for an opportunity for some faith exploration. If you are interested, or just have questions, please give me a call.
MESSY CHURCH
Mark your calendars for Messy Church! Saturday, September 19th, (theme to be determined) and Saturday, November 28th, Messy Advent. I am looking for volunteers who want to help make these two Messy Churches happen. We need people who will set up and guide the participants through the crafts, and we need people working in the kitchen preparing our dinner. If you are able to help, please call me.
For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK. The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible and of the Christian faith in a setting that is not like Sunday church. So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story. Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together. Everything is provided. It is expected that children will bring their parents or grandparents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food. So, come bring your family and friends! If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Our Prayer Shawl Supply coordinator is Bonnie C. So now, what is needed is knitters/crocheters who will make the prayer shawls. Basic knitting skills are all that is required We have some wool, knitting needles and a basic pattern available. If you are interested contact me or Bonnie C. For those of you unfamiliar with Prayer Shawl Ministries, it is a program where hand knit shawls, are given to people in hospital with the prayers of our church. The shawl provides a tangible reminder of the church’s and God’s presence with the person in hospital.
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
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
See you Sunday,
Larry
I’m back. Had a good time on vacation. And at Spirit West we are starting to gear up for our fall programs!
This Sunday
The two readings that we will sharing from the Lectionary this Sunday are very different. One reading concerns the death of King David’s son Absalom. The other reading is about Jesus as the “Bread of Life.” But in a way, they are connected. We live in a broken world. Not everything is wonderful all the time. There are those who would have us believe that if we have enough faith or belong to the right church, then our lives will be “blessed” by God and worry free. Of course with such views, the opposite is true as well, go to the wrong church or believe the wrong things and you will be punished by God. This Sunday’s readings if taken out of context would seem to support this view. But, we see, even in the Bible, that life is much more complicated than that. Yes, bad people are punished, and good people are rewarded, but we also see bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. So what’s the point. I think the start of the United Church creed, sums it up. “ We are not alone, we live in God’s world. On Sunday, I will explore what that means for us in the world.
The readings for Sunday are 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 and John 6: 35, 41-51. With the children in the Time for all ages, I will look at why casseroles are a valid response to crises, and my sermon is titled, “Support for the journey.”
Community Garage Sale – to be held in the sanctuary on Fri, Aug. 21, noon to 7pm and Sat, Aug. 22 from 9am to 3pm. Tables can now be booked for $30.00 for two days or you can donate items to the church table. Donations for the church table will be accepted starting Aug. 4th. All items except clothing are very welcome. All proceeds to go to paying down the mortgage.
Church Membership Program starts September 6
I will be starting a Membership Program on Sunday, September 6 right after church. The program will continue for 5 Sundays, with Confirmation or Reception on Thanksgiving Sunday. This is open to anyone, youth or adult seeking to confirm their faith, those wishing to join the United Church from another faith community, or anyone else looking for an opportunity for some faith exploration. If you are interested, or just have questions, please give me a call.
MESSY CHURCH
Mark your calendars for Messy Church! Saturday, September 19th, (theme to be determined) and Saturday, November 28th, Messy Advent. I am looking for volunteers who want to help make these two Messy Churches happen. We need people who will set up and guide the participants through the crafts, and we need people working in the kitchen preparing our dinner. If you are able to help, please call me.
For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK. The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible and of the Christian faith in a setting that is not like Sunday church. So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story. Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together. Everything is provided. It is expected that children will bring their parents or grandparents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food. So, come bring your family and friends! If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Our Prayer Shawl Supply coordinator is Bonnie C. So now, what is needed is knitters/crocheters who will make the prayer shawls. Basic knitting skills are all that is required We have some wool, knitting needles and a basic pattern available. If you are interested contact me or Bonnie C. For those of you unfamiliar with Prayer Shawl Ministries, it is a program where hand knit shawls, are given to people in hospital with the prayers of our church. The shawl provides a tangible reminder of the church’s and God’s presence with the person in hospital.
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
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
See you Sunday,
Larry
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