Spirit West United Church
  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Welcome Message
      • What to Expect
      • Our Core Values
      • Minister
      • People
      • Children and Youth
      • Our Beliefs
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Prayers
  • Calendar
  • Activities
    • Announcements >
      • Wider Church
    • Activities for Adults
    • Music
    • Education and Faith Formation
  • Outreach
  • Pictures
  • Rentals
  • Map
  • Links
  • Donate
  • Day Care

March 19, 2023 - Fourth Sunday in Lent

3/16/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sunday, March 19, 2023 – Lent Sunday in Lent
Blessings in the name of God who was, who is and who is to come.
 
I have a busy weekend ahead with both the men’s and the women’s groups eating on Saturday.  I’m sure looking forward to seeing so many of you at these events.
 
This week we are focussing on how David was chosen to be King.  1 Samuel 16:1-13.  This will also be the children’s story, including some oil for anointing.  He was the youngest brother, not even brought along for the sacrifice (read party) but left at home with the sheep.  He is God’s choice to be Israel’s next king.  He will be far from perfect, especially in his private life, but he will be a better King than Saul, and will bring in the Golden Age of Israel. 
 
Samuel is told to give up on King Saul and move on to something new, to literally take his anointing oil and go anoint a new king.   Even though it looked at one time like Saul would be the best king, God and Samuel both now know that isn’t true.
 
Sometimes we have to take up the anointing oil of our own life and put it somewhere new – a new job or relationship, a new home, a new city or country.  Can we take courage from Samuel and David’s story?  Is there fresh hope in some new beginning for us to bless?  Have you given it your best shot and now it’s time to move on?  If God can do it, so can you.
 
King David would be the writer of great psalms.  Psalm 23 is probably the best known.  David was a shepherd, and he wrote about how God was his shepherd.  What about you? If you imagine God  having your career or life’s work, how would your psalm go?  The Lord is my teacher . . . my nurse . . . my parent . . .I shall not  . . . . .
 
Maybe you can write your own psalm about God.
  (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith.  Please Let Eli know if you are interested. 
Schedule - after Church/Lunch on Sunday and on Wednesday afternoons at 2pm
  • March 22, 26 – The Spirit and the Church
  • March 29, April 2 – Live with respect in Creation
  • April 12, 16 – Seek Justice, Resist Evil
  • April 19, 23 – Life, Death, Life beyond Death
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 AM. Sat, March 18
Gather with other men of the congregation in the Lower Hall for fellowship and a breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs.  Come a few minutes early and help cook if you would like. All men welcome!
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH and ANNUAL MEETING
The Spirit West Women’s lunch and annual meeting will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 11:30am at the Boston Pizza at 17002 – 90 ave.  Access is easy and there is plenty of parking.  Please sign up on the sheet by the office or call the church office at 780-481-1406.
 
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER? – Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place in the next few months! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C 780-481-2662 or Sheila H at 780-960-3878 or  signup at the church. Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided.  Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts).  A free will offering, in envelopes, will be collected by the host.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Men’s Breakfast – 8:30am, Sat, March 18
  • Women’s Group Lunch and AGM – 11:30 am, Sat, March 18
  • Board Meeting – 7pm, Wed, Mar 22 via ZOOM
  • Good Friday Service – 10:30 am, Fri, Apr 7
  • Easter Sunday Service – 10:30am, Sun, Apr 9
 
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH BUILDING March 19 to 26, 2023
  • Mon, March 20, 6-8 pm – Embers (Brownies)
  • Tues, March 21, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
  • Wed, March 21, 4:30-7:30am – Church of Christ service
  • Wed, March 22, 2pm – Faith Exploration – The Spirit & the Church
  • Wed, March 22, 7-11pm – Church of Christ service
  • Thurs, March 23, 7-8:30pm  – choir practice
  • Fri, March 24, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
  • Sat, March 25, 4am - 4pm – Church of Christ service
  • Sun, March 26 – 10:30am to noon – our service
  • Sun, March 26  – after worship - Faith Exploration – The Spirit & the Church
 
LEADERS for March 19
  • Hospitality Team – Hemmerling – Georgina, Doreen, Rhea, Glenna
  • Scripture Reader – Bill C
  • Projectionist – Norma B
 
LEADERS for March 26
  • Hospitality Team – Sather – Ramona, Isobel, Colleen
  • Scripture Reader – Bob H
  • Projectionist – Terri-Lynn / Sara
 
OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
  • UNITED CHURCH EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE - Sun, April 9 (7:00am), Fire Pit at Emily Murphy Park, Edmonton (11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW). Warm yourself around a shared fire as the sun’s new light creeps through the trees and sing the first Hallelujahs of a new Easter morning. Bring your favorite morning beverage to enjoy. Organized by United Churches in Edmonton. For more information, contact Blaine Gregg at minister@spiritofhope.ca.
  • ST. STEPHEN'S COLLEGE FUNDRAISING GALA - Friday, June 16, 5-10pm, JW Marriott Ice District - 10344 102 St NW, Edmonton. Featuring live painting by Giselle Denis, live entertainment, guest speakers & silent auction - $250 per person, or $2000 per table of 8. A deductible charitable tax receipt will be issued for a portion of the ticket price after the event
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – March 19 – also, in person worship service
To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.
This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  • We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 

Office Hours for March 19-25
Norma =>      Mon & Wed => noon to 5pm
Tues & Thurs – 9:30am to 2:30pm
Eli =>              Sun to Thurs this week.  Please let Eli know if there is anyone you think they should call or visit.
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org

0 Comments

March 12, 2023 - Third Sunday in Lent

3/9/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sunday, March 12, 2023 – Third Sunday in Lent
Greetings and Blessings in Christ who is our living water.
 
I, Eli, am not in a meeting and do not need your help with something right away. Someone is pretending to be me.    Please ignore, block and or report this scam if it comes to you, at least two people have been targeted.  If you are a victim of this crime, contact the police.
 
This week we are looking at two stories about thirstiness. Our Hebrew Scriptures are a story of the people who have escaped slavery travelling across the desert.   They have no water and start complaining. Moses gets irritated, but God provides miraculous water from a rock. (Exodus 17)
 
With the children we will talk about Jesus in John 4. Jesus has travelled a long way in a hot arid climate and meets a forbidden outcast stranger.  She gives him water, he elevates her as  an apostle to the Samaritans, giving her the living water of new perspectives.
 
What is the sustaining living water that we need, so that we, like the woman at the well don’t need to keep coming back for more, but the Spirit of Christ rises up within us.
 
We are looking for what rocks to hit with which stick for living water to flow.
 
Jesus understands our struggles and our thirst. May we reach deep within and find the living water of the Spirit of  Christ rising up within and between us.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith.  Please Let Eli know if you are interested. 
Schedule - after Church/Lunch on Sunday and on Wednesday afternoons at 2pm
  • March 15, 19 – Jesus
  • March 22, 26 – The Spirit and the Church
  • March 29, April 2 – Live with respect in Creation
  • April 12, 16 – Seek Justice, Resist Evil
  • April 19, 23 – Life, Death, Life beyond Death
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 AM. Sat, March 18
Gather with other men of the congregation in the Lower Hall for fellowship and a breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs.  Come a few minutes early and help cook if you would like. All men welcome!
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH and ANNUAL MEETING
The Spirit West Women’s lunch and annual meeting will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 11:30am at the Boston Pizza at 17002 – 90 ave.  Access is easy and there is plenty of parking.  Please sign up on the sheet by the office or call the church office at 780-481-1406.
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – Mar 12
There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sun, Mar 12 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West in 2022.  We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2023. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Daylight Savings Time begins – spring ahead 1 hour – 2am, Sun, March 12
  • Congregational Meeting – Sun, Mar 12 after the worship service
  • Women’s Group Lunch and AGM – 11:30 am, Sat, March 18
  • Men’s Breakfast – 8:30am, Sat, March 18
  • Board Meeting – 7pm, Wed, Mar 22 via ZOOM
 
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH BUILDING March 13 to 18, 2023
  • Mon, March 13 – 6-8pm – Embers (Brownies)
  • Tues, March 14, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service (assuming the church is not rented to another group)
  • Wed, March 15, 2pm – Faith Exploration - Jesus
  • Wed, March 15, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
  • Thurs, March 16, 7-8:30pm  – choir practice 7-8:30pm
  • Fri, March 17, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service (assuming the church is not rented to another group)
  • Sat, March 18, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
  • Sat, March 18, 8:30 am - Men’s Breakfast
 
LEADERS for March 12
  • Hospitality Team – Ludlow – Diane, Norma, Carol & Bruce
  • Scripture Reader – Sheila Hoy
  • Projectionist – Rebecca W
 
LEADERS for March 19
  • Hospitality Team – Hemmerling – Georgina, Doreen, Rhea, Glenna
  • Scripture Reader – Bill C
  • Projectionist – Norma B
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – March 12 – also, in person worship service
To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.
This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  • We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
 

0 Comments

March 5, 2023 - Second Sunday in Lent

3/2/2023

0 Comments

 
Sunday, March 5, 2023 – Second Sunday in Lent
May the abundance of God’s blessings surround you all.
 
I’m starting to notice the nights getting shorter, so perhaps it’s time we talk about the blessings of night time.
 
At night, Nicodemus sneaks out to meet Jesus.  (John 3:1-7) He’s curious, even excited about the possibility of Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom of God, but he may be a bit afraid of what he has to loose. He is a religious leader and needs to seem respectable, and Jesus already has a reputation for upsetting the status quo. 
 
Please note, Nicodemus and Jesus are the same religion. This might look like me sneaking out at night to hear what Paul Walfal or Helen Reed have to say. 
 
Jesus says that you have to hold loosely to all your power and privilege, in fact, become like a child, reborn to understand God’s vision.
 
We have the privilege of hosting the Church of Jesus Christ for two worship services a week.  If you come in while they are set up, there are chairs for over 200 people.  Members of our congregation ask how we could grow to be that big.
 
If I knew the answer and had the ability to make it so I would, but I would suggest that perhaps we need to be reborn as well. Christianity is growing in the global South and East.  What is God doing there? How can we learn from them about what it means to be the church?
 
The promise of God to continue to bless the earth for generations stretching far into the future comes from deep in the past, and with the children we'll be talking about God's promise to Abraham and Sarah.
 
Our study group examining big faith questions starts this Sunday after church and enough time to run out and grab a bag lunch(12:30 ish) looking at the question "What do we mean when we say God?"  Repeat experience on Wednesday afternoon at 2.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith.  Please Let Eli know if you are interested. 
Tentative Schedule - after Church/Lunch on Sunday and on Wednesday afternoons at 2pm
  • March 5, 8 – God
  • March 15, 19 – Jesus
  • March 22, 26 – The Spirit and the Church
  • March 29, April 2 – Live with respect in Creation
  • April 12, 16 – Seek Justice, Resist Evil
  • April 19, 23 – Life, Death, Life beyond Death
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 AM. Sat, March 18
Gather with other men of the congregation in the Lower Hall for fellowship and a breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs.  Come a few minutes early and help cook if you would like. All men welcome!
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH and ANNUAL MEETING
The Spirit West Women’s lunch and annual meeting will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 11:30am at the Boston Pizza at 17002 – 90 ave. This is just north of West Edmonton Mall. Access is easy and there is plenty of parking.  Please sign up on the sheet by the office or call the church office at 780-481-1406.
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – Mar 12
There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sun, Mar 12 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West in 2022.  We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2023. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Daylight Savings Time begins – spring ahead 1 hour – 2am, Sun, March 12
  • Congregational Meeting – Sun, Mar 12 after the worship service
  • Women’s Group Lunch and AGM – 11:30 am, Sat, March 18
  • Men’s Breakfast – 8:30am, Sat, March 18
 
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH BUILDING March 6 to 11, 2023
  • Mon, March 6 – 6-8pm - Brownies
  • Tues, March 7, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service (assuming the church is not rented to another group)
  • Wed, March 8, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
  • Thurs, March 9, 7-8:30pm  – choir practice 7-8:30pm
  • Fri, March 10, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service (assuming the church is not rented to another group)
  • Sat, March 11, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
 
LEADERS for March 5
  • Hospitality Team – Doyle – Don & Daphne, Tony, Dave & Cathy
  • Scripture Reader – Peter K
  • Projectionist – Bruce C
 
LEADERS for March 12
  • Hospitality Team – Ludlow – Diane, Norma, Carol & Bruce
  • Scripture Reader – Sheila Hoy
  • Projectionist – Rebecca W
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – February 26 – also, in person worship service
To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.
This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  • We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton

Office Hours for March 6 to 11, 2023
Norma =>   Wed => noon to 5pm
                        Tues & Thurs – 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Eli =>         Eli will be working Sunday to Thursday this week.  They will be taking some Fridays off as Study leave this winter to do an online course on adaptive leadership.  They are happy to discuss both the course itself and the impact on working days. 
  • Please let Eli know if there is anyone you think they should call or visit.
  • Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few people each week.
Thank you,
 
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
 


0 Comments

February 26, 2023 - First Sunday in Lent

2/23/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sunday, February 26, 2023 – First Sunday in Lent
 
Greetings in the name of Christ who was and is and is to come.
 
It’s the second day of Lent – are you tempted yet?  When I was looking for images for the slides on Sunday, I noticed that most of pictures for temptation involved things that were not actually “sin”. Either they showed special food treats like cakes and cookies, sometimes compared with solid everyday foods like green vegetables, or they showed someone who appeared to be offering their enthusiastic consent to . . . close body contact. 
 
Neither chocolate nor sex are in and of themselves sin, despite the fact that there can be exploitation with either one.  Too often our society puts the focus on individual piety – whether in food, or recycling habits or relationships, and looks away from the way we do harm together.  Too often we are silenced into thinking we can’t change the way the world is even though we carry the biggest vote of them all – our wallets.  Perhaps for a Lenten ‘fast’ we can pay attention to some of the ways we spend our money, which companies we support, and how our spending reflects what is most important to us. 
 
Please stop for a minute and think about what you value most about Spirit West United Church.
Why do you give money, or time to our church?  Why did you bother to open this email?
 
Please hold those values close to your hearts as we consider the realities ahead of us.
 
As a congregation, we are facing our own difficult truths.  We have the opportunity to  face down the temptation to look away and stay comfortable, and move instead  into uncomfortable spaces and difficult conversations.   The future cannot continue in the same way as the past.  With hope, we can carry the hard choices together, resisting the urge to let it be someone else’s responsibility.
 
It is an exciting time to be a part of Spirit West United Church because this is a time of choosing a direction and making plans to live into the future God is calling us towards.  Yes we can have the coffee and the chocolate if we choose.  Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Parent of heavenly lights after all.
 
Our scripture this week is the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness from Matthew 4:1-11.  With the children, we will talk with the snake (a large toy stuffed snake) about the garden of Eden,  and I will try (in a minute or two) to open the conversation about “the satan” (devil in Greek), and help them understand about being wary of – not terrified of - the voice that tempts and accuses.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith.  Please Let Eli know if you are interested. 
Tentative Schedule - after Church/Lunch on Sunday and on Wednesday afternoons at 2pm
  • March 5, 8 – God
  • March 15, 19 – Jesus
  • March 22, 26 – The Spirit and the Church
  • March 29, April 2 – Live with respect in Creation
  • April 12, 16 – Seek Justice, Resist Evil
  • April 19, 23 – Life, Death, Life beyond Death
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – HOSPITALITY - Currently there are 5 teams.  We are looking for a few people to join our current teams. Duties at this time will focus on bringing squares or cookies and helping out with beverages as well as cleanup. If you could help, please sign the sheet at the back of the church or call Carol C at 780-481-2662.  Thank you!
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING TBD
The annual Women’s Group Lunch and AGM is being planned now.  It will be held near the end of March, either March 18 or March 25. More information will be coming soon!
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – Mar 12
There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sun, Mar 12 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West in 2022.  We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2023. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Annual Congregational Meeting – Mar 12 after the worship service
 
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH BUILDING Feb 27 to March 4, 2023
  • Mon, Feb 27 – 6-8pm - Brownies
  • Tues, Feb 28, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
  • Wed, March 1, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
  • Thurs, March 2, 7-8:30pm  – choir practice 7-8:30pm
  • Fri, March 3, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
  • Sat, March 4, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
 
LEADERS FOR Feb 26
  • Hospitality Team – Callas – Bill & Carol, Gerry & Sue
  • Scripture Reader – Rhea Olson
  • Projectionist – Terri-Lynn Hyland
 
LEADERS FOR March 5
  • Hospitality Team – Doyle – Don & Daphne, Tony
  • Scripture Reader – Peter K
  • Projectionist – Bruce C
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – February 26 – also, in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.  This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  •  We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton

Office Hours for February 17 to March 4, 2023
Norma => Wed => noon to 5pm
                      Tues & Thurs – 9am to 2pm
Eli =>         Eli will be working Sunday to Thursday this week.  They will be taking some Fridays off as Study leave this winter to do an online course on adaptive leadership.  They are happy to discuss both the course itself and the impact on working days. 
  • Please let Eli know if there is anyone you think they should call or visit.
  • Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few people each week.
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org

 

0 Comments

February 16, 2023 - Transfiguartion Sunday

2/18/2023

0 Comments

 
Greetings
 
Sunday, February 19, 2023 – Transfiguration Sunday
Blessings to you from Spirit West United Church
 Today I want to talk about the in-between places.  God made the dry land and God made the sea.  God made day and God made night, yet one of the most holy places and times seems to be the beach at sunset. 
 
Our scripture this week is the story of Jesus Peter, James and John going up the mountain, where Jesus shines brilliantly, they have a vision of Elijah and Moses, the disciples offer to build tents for them all (an in-tents experience). And they hear God’s voice.  Matthew 17:1-9  You could also read Exodus 24:12-18 for another holy encounter, but it won’t be in the service.
 
Jesus straddles the two parts of his holy scriptures, the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah).  Jesus expresses humanity and divinity.  Transfiguration is a time of both/and, not either/or thinking.  This Sunday marks the turning point after the season of Epiphany – the time of hearing and answering the call of Christ, and Lent, when we follow him into ever more dangerous territory towards the cross.  The season of Lent helps us to prepare for the mystery of Easter – that Jesus died yet lives amongst us today.  It’s a big mystery and it takes a lot of time to prepare for it.
 
Sometimes the in-between places are amazing and holy and we want to stay there.  Sometimes they are like the stretch between Lloydminster and Edmonton when you just want to get home.  (No offence to Vegreville and Vermillion intended)  Right now our congregation is in a tough in-between place, and the temptation can be to try to get through it as fast as possible, but I believe we are called to wait for God and the holy moments that may arise to make clear what the path before us could possibly be.  Heck, maybe there’s even a giant Easter Egg.
 
Upcoming – I will be offering faith exploration classes both Sunday after church and Wednesday at 2, so please consider if you are ready to ask hard questions about your faith and explore responses together.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith.  Please Let Eli know if you are interested. 
Tentative Schedule - after Church/Lunch on Sunday and on Wednesday afternoons at 2pm
  • March 5, 8 – God
  • March 15, 19 – Jesus
  • March 22, 26 – The Spirit and the Church
  • March 29, April 2 – Live with respect in Creation
  • April 12, 16 – Seek Justice, Resist Evil
  • April 19, 23 – Life, Death, Life beyond Death
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Board Meeting – Feb 22, 7pm via ZOOM
  • Annual Congregational Budget Meeting – Feb 26 after the worship service
  • Annual Congregational Meeting – Mar 12 after the worship service
 
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH BUILDING Feb 20 to 25, 2023
  • Mon, Feb 20 – office closed for Family Day
  • Tues, Feb 21, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
  • Wed, Feb 22, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
  • Thurs, Feb 23, 7-8:30pm  – choir practice 7-8:30pm
  • Fri, Feb 241, 6-7pm – set up for Church of Christ service
  • Sat, Feb 25, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
 
LEADERS FOR Feb 19
  • Hospitality Team – Sather – Ramona, Colleen, Isobel
  • Scripture Reader – Bill C
  • Projectionist – Bruce C
 
LEADERS FOR Feb 26
  • Hospitality Team – Callas – Bill & Carol, Gerry & Sue
  • Scripture Reader – Rhea Olson
  • Projectionist – Terri-Lynn Hyland
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING
The annual Women’s Group Lunch and AGM is being planned now.  It will be held near the end of March, either March 18 or March 25. More information will be coming soon!
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 26 and Mar 12
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service on Sun, Feb 26.  At this time we will review and approve the 2023 budget for Spirit West. Then there will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sun, Mar 12 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West in 2022.  We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2023. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired.
 
I NEED A GOOD HOME
The ficus (weeping fig) tree in our lounge is not doing well.  It doesn’t get enough sunlight there.  The tree is over 5” tall. If you are able to give it a good home, please feel free to come and take it.
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – February 26 – also, in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  • We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
​Office Hours for February 13 to 25, 2023
Norma => office closed Mon, Feb 20 for Family Day
                    Wed => noon to 5pm
                    Tues & Thurs – 9am to 2pm
Eli =>         Eli will be working Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday this week.  They will be taking some Fridays off as Study leave this winter to do an online course on adaptive leadership.  They are happy to discuss both the course itself and the impact on working days. 
  • Please let Eli know if there is anyone you think they should call or visit.
  • Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few people each week.

Thank you,
 
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
 

0 Comments

February 9, 2023 - Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

2/10/2023

0 Comments

 
Greetings friends in Christ
 Today is not an easy day for our congregation.  If you have not read it already, our budget document has been circulated, and we seem to be approaching a time of hard decisions in the face of a substantial budget deficit.
 
It is my task to call you from fear to faith, so please hear me out.  I don’t have the answer, but I know that God is close at hand during difficult times.  I am not trying to advocate any particular path forward, but I want, I hope, I dream that you will see that there are more possibilities before us than we have ever imagined before.
 
Our scripture this week relates directly to times of change.  You have heard it said . . . but I say to you. . .
 
You have heard it said “If you build it they will come” but I say to you “go into the world and make disciples”
 
You have heard it said “a few wealthy donors would really help our budget” but I say to you “money follows mission.
 
It is time for us to consider what are the most important things.  Perhaps it’s time for a game of “would you rather”.  You might know the tabletop/party game – would rather have all traffic lights you approach be green or never have to stand in line again?”  - for me an easy one green lights!!  I’m British, I love to queue.
 
Would you rather keep church always at 10:30, or always have a minister live in person with you?
 
Would you rather be a congregation of 50 people who know each other well with little programing,  or 200 people who get to know each other as you participate in programs together
 
It’s in the air – people are whispering about it so let’s talk about the elephants in the room.
 
Would you rather sell the building and have money in the bank or keep the building and give more of your time energy and resources to meet the budget?
 
Jesus opens up new possibilities.  Matthew 5:21-37 Jesus offers new ways to think about old questions with extreme options offered to open people’s minds to possibilities.  These teachings about divorce in particular have been used and abused to keep people in horrible situations, where that was never Jesus’ intent any more than that we gouge out our eyes.
 
In Deuteronomy 30:15-20 we are offered the choice of life.  What does choosing life mean for you today?
 
With kids we’ll talk about rules and when they are good, and when they are harmful.
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith.  Please Let Eli know if you are interested. 
Tentative Schedule - after Church/Lunch on Sunday
  • March 5 – God
  • March 12 – Jesus
  • March 19 – The Spirit and the Church
  • March 26 – Live with respect in Creation
  • April 2 – Seek Justice, Resist Evil
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Family Day – Mon, Feb 20 – office closed for the holiday
  • Annual Congregational Budget Meeting – Feb 26 after the worship service
  • Annual Congregational Meeting – Mar 12 after the worship service
 
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH BUILDING Feb 2 to 8, 2023
  • Mon, Feb 13, 6-8pm – Brownies
  • Wed, Feb 15, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
  • Thurs, Feb 16, 7-8:30pm  – choir practice
  • Sat, Feb 18, 7am-12 noon – Church of Christ service
 
LEADERS FOR Feb 12
  • Hospitality Team – Hemmerling – Georgina, Doreen, Rhea, Glenna
  • Scripture Reader – Paul F
  • Projectionist – Rebecca W
 
LEADERS FOR FEB 19
  • Hospitality Team – Sather – Ramona, Isobel, Colleen
  • Scripture Reader – Bill Callas
  • Projectionist – Bruce Corbett
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING TBD
The annual Women’s Group Lunch and AGM is being planned now.  More information will be coming soon!
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 26 and Mar 12
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service on Sun, Feb 26.  At this time we will review and approve the 2023 budget for Spirit West. Then there will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sun, Mar 12 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West in 2022.  We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2023. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired.
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – February 12 – also, in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.  This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT 
  • We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
  YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
Office Hours for February 13 to 19, 2023
  • Norma => Mon & Wed => noon to 5pm
                             Tues & Thurs – 9am to 2pm
                            Office closed – Mon, Feb 20
  • Eli will be working Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday this week this week.   They will be taking some Fridays off as Study leave this winter to do an online course on adaptive leadership.  They are happy to discuss both the course itself and the impact on working days. 
  • Please let Eli know if there is anyone you think they should call or visit.
  • Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few people each week.
0 Comments

February 5, 2023 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

2/2/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Office Hours for February 6 to 12, 2023
Norma => Mon & Wed => noon to 5pm
                     Tues & Thurs – 9am to 2pm
Eli =>         Eli will be working Sunday to Thursday this week.  They will be taking some Fridays off as Study leave this winter to do an online course on adaptive leadership.  They are happy to discuss both the course itself and the impact on working days. 
  • Please let Eli know if there is anyone you think they should call or visit.
  • Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few people each week.

Greetings
 Sunday, February 5, 2023 – Fifth after Epiphany with communion
 Happy Groundhog Day everyone. I gather we can expect an early Spring, but I’m sort of worried about Quebec - their Groundhog died last night. I don’t know what that means. 
 
We continue with the Sermon on the Mount this week.   Jesus presents his ‘platform’.  He has just challenged conventional wisdom with the Beatitudes, and then tells his followers that we are supposed to stand out and make wherever we are better. Matthew 5:13-16
 
We are supposed to be the light of the world and a city on a hill and the salt of the world.   Salt brings out the natural flavour of food.  How do we help the people around us be the best version of themselves? 
 
If we really live by the beatitudes, we will stand out as we support the spiritually poor, the meek, and the persecuted. Our Hebrew prophet for the day (Isaiah 58:1-9a) addresses people who think that by being religious they will earn God’s favour, but the prophet tells them they need to treat their workers well, feed the hungry and stand up for the oppressed - the same beatitude values Jesus was talking about.
 
With the kids we will talk about how salt makes things taste more like themselves.  If kids are coming who have any allergies, please let me know.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith.  Please Let Eli know if you are interested. 
Tentative Schedule - after Church/Lunch on Sunday
  • March 5 – God
  • March 12 – Jesus
  • March 19 – The Spirit and the Church
  • March 26 – Live with respect in Creation
  • April 2 – Seek Justice, Resist Evil
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Annual Congregational Budget Meeting – Feb 26 after the worship service
  • Annual Congregational Meeting – Mar 12 after the worship service
 
EVENTS Happening in the CHURCH BUILDING Feb 2 to 8, 2023
  • Thurs, Feb 3, 7-8:30pm  – choir practice 7-8:30pm
  • Fri, Feb 4, 6-7pm – Church of Christ technical training
  • Mon, Feb 6, 2-3pm - Membership Committee meeting
  • Mon, Feb 6, 6-8pm – Brownies
  • Tues, Feb 7, 6-9pm – Church of Christ setup
  • Wed, Feb 8, 7-10pm – Church of Christ service
 
LEADERS FOR Feb 5
  • Hospitality Team – Doyle – Daphne & Don, Tony
  • Scripture Reader – Diane L
  • Projectionist – Norma B
 
LEADERS FOR Feb 12
  • Hospitality Team – Hemmerling – Georgina, Doreen, Rhea, Glenna
  • Scripture Reader – Paul F
  • Projectionist – Rebecca W
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING TBD
The annual Women’s Group Lunch and AGM is being planned now.  More information will be coming soon!
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 26 and Mar 12
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service on Sun, Feb 26.  At this time we will review and approve the 2023 budget for Spirit West. Then there will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sun, Mar 12 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West in 2022.  We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2023. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired.
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – February 5 – also, in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  • We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org

0 Comments

January 29 , 2023 - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

1/27/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Office Hours for January 30 to February 5, 2023
Norma => Mon & Wed => noon to 5pm
                   Tues & Thurs – 9am to 2pm
Eli =>         Eli will be working Sunday to Thursday this week.  They will be taking some Fridays off as Study leave this winter to do an online course on adaptive leadership.  They are happy to discuss both the course itself and the impact on working days. 
  • Please let Eli know if there is anyone you think they should call or visit.
  • Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few people each week.
  • Are you interested in exploring faith questions? Sign-up sheet available on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Sessions will be some time after church on Sundays  
 
Greetings
 Sunday, January 29, 2023 – Fourth after Epiphany
 Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts folks – winter is coming back.
 This week we get to have a lot of fun looking at Jesus’ teachings together with the wisdom of our children as we examine the beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-12.  Maybe you memorized these sayings as a child, maybe you had to go look up the funny churchy word I just used – hey, maybe both.
 
The Sermon on the Mount is where Jesus lays out his vision, his platform if you will for his challenging and renewing way to see the world.  The nine beatitudes (blessing statements) start off this message – and they go against conventional wisdom in his day and ours.
 
Jesus says we are blessed when we spiritually poor – in fact, two groups of people in these blessing statements – spiritually poor and the persecuted  - belong to the kingdom of heaven (or the kingdom of heaven belongs to them).
 
The meek will inherit the earth – not the mighty, not the highest bidder from the most powerful corporation, but the meek. 
 
Not only does God’s vision of the world challenge ideas like “might makes right” but also ideas about being religious enough.  God blesses us when we feel the least holy, when we are at the end of our ropes (as the Message version of the Bible says.
 
Jesus’ teachings are not created newly by him for this sermon.  We can see the same spirit in the passage from Micah – What does God require of us but to hunger and thirst for justice (righteousness), to love mercy, and to walk humbly.
 
Our intergenerational exercise will give you the opportunity to choose up to three of the beatitudes and talk about it with some guiding questions with whoever comes to your table – kids, teens, adults, or elders.
You will get a ‘Passport’ where you can add your beatitudes and your responses to them.   This exercise will replace the children’s time and the sermon.  The church will be set up with nine tables, one for each beatitude.
 
Most of all, have fun and connect deeply.  That is what we are about as a church – deeper connections.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith. Sign-up sheets are available at the back of the sanctuary or contact the office (spiritw@telus.net, 780-481-1406),
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Annual Congregational Budget Meeting – Feb 26 after the worship service
  • Annual Congregational Meeting – Mar 12 after the worship service
 
LEADERS FOR Jan 29
  • Hospitality Team – Ludlow – Diane, Norma, Bruce & Carol
  • Scripture Reader – Colleen F
  • Projectionist – Norma B
 
LEADERS FOR Feb 5
  • Hospitality Team – Doyle – Daphne & Don, Tony
  • Scripture Reader – Diane L
  • Projectionist – Norma B
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING TBD
The annual Women’s Group Valentine Lunch and AGM is being planned now.  More information will be coming soon!
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 26 and Mar 12
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service on Sun, Feb 26.  At this time we will review and approve the 2023 budget for Spirit West. Then there will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sun, Mar 12 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West in 2022.  We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2023. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired.
 
BOTTLES FOR THE MORTGAGE - The bottle collection has been ongoing through the pandemic. Since 2019 to date you have contributed a total of $1,946.85 towards paying down the mortgage. Thanks for your continued support.
 
I NEED A GOOD HOME
The ficus (weeping fig) tree in our lounge is not doing well.  It doesn’t get enough sunlight there.  The tree is over 5” tall. If you are able to give it a good home, please feel free to come and take it.
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – January 29 – also, in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  •  We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
​Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
 
lick here to edit.
0 Comments

January 22, 2023 Third Sunday after Epiphany

1/19/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Office Hours for January 22 to 29, 2023
Norma => Mon & Wed => noon to 5pm (on vacation Mon, Jan 23)
                   Tues & Thurs – 9am to 2pm
Eli =>         Eli will be working Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday this week.  They will be taking some Fridays off as Study leave this winter to do an online course on adaptive leadership.  They are happy to discuss both the course itself and the impact on working days. 
  • Please let Eli know if there is anyone you think they should call or visit.
  • Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few people each week.
  • Are you interested in exploring faith questions? Sign-up sheet available on the table at the back of the sanctuary.   
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, January 22, 2023 – Third after Epiphany
 Happy Thursday everyone!
 
Bonnie and I had a great time taking part in a Zoom call out of Toronto with people in churches across Canada talking about how to bring our congregations back to the place of being vital parts of our neighbourhoods.   Some questions that arose for me include:
 
What role can we play in the communities of West Edmonton?
Who might our partners be? 
              Some I thought of include –   YMCA,
Lois Hole Library,
West Henday Promenade Library
Community Associations
West Edmonton Mall
              Who else can you think of?
 
For the first time since I started here last summer, I’ve included a psalm as they are presented at the back of Voices United.  Psalm 27 with a repeating chorus about God being our saving help, we shall not be afraid.
 
The gospel lesson this week is where Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James and John to be “fishers of people”.  They will stop fishing for the benefit of the occupying Roman army, and start fishing for God’s Kin-dom. 
 
Stories written in the Bible are often more like reading a play than reading a novel.  We are given only the barest bones of information with a few lines of dialogue and are left to imagine the rest.  Matthew 4: 12-23
 
1)Jesus returns from the wilderness where he was tempted by the accuser.
2)Jesus hears that John the Baptist is in prison by the Romans.
3)Jesus withdraws to the northern rural area of Galilea, and moves from his hometown of Nazareth to the fishing village of Capernaum.
4) Jesus starts teaching (as John the Baptist had taught) that the Kingdom of God is at hand (within you all , amongst you, between you)
5) Jesus walks up along the beach, calls for the disciples to fish for people, they leave their nets and follow.
 
Reading this passage of scripture certainly leaves me with more questions than answers, and I hope it does the same for you.
 
Right now, I am thinking about the water out of which we, as Jesus’ followers, are fishing people from.  I think that water could be a story.  We are told the story, from the first ads we heard on the radio, TV, or on our parent’s cell phones that it is our purpose in life to buy stuff.  Not that we buy stuff to achieve a purpose, but we exist to acquire more things.  In order to achieve this goal, we need to do well in school, extra-curricular activities, etc. 
 
What if God has a better story for us?  What if we are being pulled, terrified, from the waters we’ve always known to a purpose that has nothing to do with what we can buy, and the comfort and security that comes from having the resources to choose to isolate ourselves from people who are different into a world where our purpose is to build a community where everyone feels wanted and surrounded by enough resources that we are able to be bold and face our fears?   What if we have been afraid of all the wrong things all along?
 
Following Jesus is far from safe – Jesus was executed by the state, and so were Andrew and Simon (Peter) – both crucified upside-down according to tradition, James and John both beheaded.  Why are we following these gentlemen?   Because God’s dream is worth it.  They could have died in fishing accidents because Rome kept their profit margins were so tight they couldn’t focus on safety.  They could have died of diseases made worse by the poverty that came from their resources being extracted to support the great Roman ‘Peace’ that came at the end of the sword.  Instead, they lived fully following Jesus, and died because they threatened the status quo that suggested the ordinary way people were living wasn’t God’s dream for us. – The Kin-dom of Heaven in amongst us.  We can live a better way.  Thanks be to God.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Faith Exploration - Explore big questions – What do we mean when we say God, Who was/is Jesus and how does he matter? What is the Bible and how should it influence us? What are your big questions? The Study Group open to anyone wherever you are on your faith journey. This can lead to Confirmation or Re-Affirmation of faith. Sign-up sheets are available at the back of the sanctuary or contact the office (spiritw@telus.net, 780-481-1406),
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Men’s Breakfast – Sat, Jan 21
  • Board Meeting - &pm, Wed, Jan 25 via ZOOM
  • Annual Congregational Budget Meeting – Feb 12 after the worship service
  • Annual Congregational Meeting – Feb 26 after the worship service
 
LEADERS FOR JAN 22
  • Hospitality Team – Hemmerling – Georgina, Doreen, Rhea, Glenna
  • Scripture Reader – Bob Hoy
  • Projectionist – Bruce Corbett
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 am, Sat, Jan 21
 Gather with other men of the congregation in the Lower Hall for fellowship and a breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs.  Come a few minutes early and help cook if you would like. All men welcome!
 
WOMEN’S GROUP LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING TBD
The annual Women’s Group Valentine Lunch and AGM is being planned now.  More information will be coming soon!
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 12 and Feb 26
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service on Sun, Feb 12.  At this time we will review and approve the 2023 budget for Spirit West. Then there will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sun, Feb 26 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West in 2022.  We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2023. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired
 
I NEED A GOOD HOME
The ficus (weeping fig) tree in our lounge is not doing well.  It doesn’t get enough sunlight there.  The tree is over 5” tall. If you are able to give it a good home, please feel free to come and take it.
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – January 22 – also, in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  •  We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
 
0 Comments

January 8, 2023 - Epiphany

1/5/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
 Office Hours for January 8 to 14, 2023
  • Norma => Mon & Wed => noon to 5pm
                      Tues & Thurs – 9am to 2pm
  • Eli will be working Wednesday to Sunday this week
  • Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few people each week
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, January 8, 2023 - Epiphany
 
Blessed Epiphany!
 
What are your great ideas for the New Year?  Tomorrow is the feast of Epiphany, when we celebrate the visit of the Magi, and imagine Jesus as the light of the world from whom all light gets its beginning.  Are there places in your life where you need the light to shine more brightly? 
 
This Sunday, we remember Jesus’ baptism, in whom all our baptisms have their beginning.  Part of this service can include splashing us with water while encouraging us to “remember our baptism”. (For the unbaptised, anticipate your baptism).  Like many of you, I cannot remember my baptism because I was 3 months old at the time, but remembering our baptism is really about reclaiming our baptism.
 
For those of us who were baptised when we were too young to make our own choices, we follow in the tradition of people in the Bible who were baptised “with their whole household”.  Following Jesus isn’t only an individual choice, it’s a choice we make for our families to raise them as we follow in Jesus’ way together. 
 
When we become old enough to make our own decisions (at least 12 in our tradition – I want participants in confirmation class to be able to really argue and disagree, and debate), we can choose to claim the faith as our own.  If we were not baptised, we are baptised at this time.  If we were baptised, we re-affirm the faith of our baptism. 
 
When we are baptised as ‘adults’ (12 or older) or confirmed, we become “full members” of the church – allowing us to vote at all meetings on all matters, serve on the board and take on other responsibilities. 
 
What does profession of faith mean to you?  Surely it is more than being ‘allowed to vote’ about hiring a new minister, or adopting a mission statement.
 
This Sunday, we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3: 13-17) , and how Jesus and John have a debate about whether or not Jesus even SHOULD be baptised.  We also hear some words of the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 42:1-9)  This servant of the Lord would represent not only the one who came in Isaiah’s own day, and would come to modern Jews to mean the whole nation of Israel.  Since New Testament times, Christians have seen Jesus reflected in this text.  I believe it also describes who Christians, as a community are called to be. 
 
We are called to bring equity to the nations, to protect the bent reed, bring fresh insight to the complacent, freedom to the captives.  To me, that is the duty of our baptism – the task we claimed when we were confirmed, or when we had our own children baptised.  Blessed Be.
 
We will also have communion on Sunday, so if you will be joining us via YouTube, please have your own communion elements (bread and some fruit of the vine as you prefer it).  We continue with rice crackers and grapes in the sanctuary.
 
If you are interested in re-examining the big questions of faith either for interest’s sake or to be confirmed or to publicly re-affirm your faith, please let Eli know.   I am intending to run a class/group study at a time that is suitable for people who work or go to school, so please let me know what evening or weekend times would work for you.    The class is open to anyone who wants to examine these questions, again or for the first time.  
 
If there is enough interest for a separate teen confirmation class, I will offer the opportunity for separate and together time.  A quick look at our baptism book does suggest that we have quite a few people who were baptised as children and are now at an age to make this decision for themselves.  If you know some of them, they may be your grandchildren, you can plant the seed and tell them more information is coming.  I will attempt to reach out to those born 2005-2010.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Men’s Breakfast – Sat, Jan 21
 
LEADERS for January 8, 2023
  • Scripture Reader – Sheila Hoy
  • Projectionist – Norma Balcombe
  • Hospitality Team – Callas – Bill & Carol, Gerry & Sue
 
TAX RECEIPTS – the 2022 tax receipts will be prepared soon.  If you have any receipts from 2022 for which you want a “gift in kind” donation to be reflected on your tax receipts, please get them  to us asap.
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 am, Sat, Jan 21
Gather with other men of the congregation in the Lower Hall for fellowship and a breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs.  Come a few minutes early and help cook if you would like. All men welcome!
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – January 8 – also, in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  •  We can accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 ​ 
Thank you,
 
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.