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

January 16, 2022 - the Second Sunday after Epiphany

1/13/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – January 16 (no in-person service)
To watch online, you will need to:
  • click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
  • go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that have been posted to YouTube. 
The service for January 16th will be available early on the morning of January 16th.
 
Sunday, January 16, 2022 – The Second Sunday after Epiphany
How have you experienced the extravagance of God’s love for you and all creation? How can we share our delight in the abundance of God’s never-ending love?
 
These are the readings we will hear in this week’s worship service, for the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The word “epiphany” means “revelation” or “manifestation.” The scripture readings for this Season after Epiphany focus on how God is being revealed in the world.
 
•        First Corinthians 12:4-11 (The gifts of the Spirit)
Paul’s First Letter to the Church at Corinth addresses some divisions facing the early church. In this passage, Paul responds to news that people had been arguing about whose gifts were more important.
 
•        From the Gospels: John 2:1-11 (A wedding at Cana in Galilee)
John’s Gospel is significantly different from the other three Gospels, both in the time line and in how Jesus is presented. The author focuses on a series of signs which point to the truth about Jesus. 
 
Today’s passage takes place just after the call of the first disciples, and marks the start of the public ministry of Jesus. The village of Cana was about 14 kilometres north of Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus.
 
Belief is a crucial theme in this passage and in the gospel of John. The Greek word translated as “believe” occurs three times more often in John than in all the other gospels combined. This story of the wedding at Cana is preceded by Jesus’ calling of the disciples, and ends with the disciples believing. The sign from Jesus has borne fruit.
 
Stuart
 
2021 RECEIPTS
If you have any 2021 receipts that still must be submitted to the church as donations, please do so as quickly as possible so that we can produce the 2021 tax receipts.
 
2022 OFFERING ENVELOPES
For those of you who use the offering envelopes, they are now available at the church.  You can come pick them up during office hours.  Or, if you prefer, we can have yours delivered or mailed to you.  Just let me know!
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, 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 will 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 now 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. 
- And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also 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.)
- The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors. 
- 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
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open. 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
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 6, 2022 - the First Sunday after Epiphany

1/6/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – January 9 and 16 (no in-person services)
To watch online, you will need to:
  • click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
  • go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that have been posted to YouTube. 
The service for January 9th will be available early on the morning of January 9th.
 
Sunday, January 9, 2022
How do we experience and honour God’s affirmation of all God’s children as beloved and favoured?
 
This is the reading we will hear in this week’s worship service, for the First Sunday after Epiphany.
 
•        The Gospel of Luke 3:2-22 (The Baptism of Jesus)
 The opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke weaves together the birth stories of Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist, who is portrayed as the one preparing the way for the Messiah. Then, as adults, the two men meet in the wilderness.
 
In biblical times, water played an important role in Jewish purification rituals. Gentiles who chose to become Jews were immersed in running water, to symbolize the washing away of heathen impurities. This is probably what John the Baptist was doing at the Jordan River.
 
Stuart
 
2021 Receipts
If you have any receipts that still must be submitted to the church as donations, please do so as quickly as possible so that we can produce the 2021 tax receipts.
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, 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 will 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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also 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.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay.   Check 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
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open. 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
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

December 23, 2021 - Christmas Eve

12/23/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Greetings!
 
YouTube Videos and Live-streaming Worship Services
Now that we are live-streaming our services and you wish to watch online, you will need to:
  • click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
  • go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that have been posted to YouTube.  The live-stream will also show there. 
 
CHRISTMAS EVE – 6:30 PM
 At the Christmas Eve service, we will be hearing the Nativity Story (Luke 2:1-20). This may be a good time to read a little more of the story. The first chapter of the Gospel provides some historical and spiritual context for the birth of Jesus. The author weaves together the birth stories of Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist.
 
January 6 is observed as Epiphany, with the reading of the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). This Gospel offers a very different view of the Nativity Story, although we usually try to blend the two together. Again, you might want to read the context for this passage.
 
Our next worship service will be on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Perhaps you can use this time for personal reflection as we begin a new year together.
 
Stuart
 
“The CPR Santa” by Jim Taylor (Wood Lake Books)
This really happened. It was in the mid-1960s, says Gord Rutherford, who was a warden in Yoho National Park at the time. Back in those days, the CPR housed most of its workers in Field, but a few lived in isolated “section houses” where they tended their particular sections of track.
          Every year, two of the residents of Field became Santa for the surrounding areas. Art Davis put on the full Santa suit, complete with beard and large round belly, “that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.” Glen Brooks was always Santa’s helper, complete with a little green elf’s hat.
          They distributed gifts to each of the children in Field, at a special party. But during the evenings before, they drove over often dangerous roads through the park system to drop in on isolated families, so that no one missed a visit from Santa.
          This particular evening, Art and Glen were going to the section house at the east end of Wapta Lake. To get from the Trans-Canada Highway to the section house, they had to cross the main CPR line. And at that moment, the passenger train came through.
          Art and Glen waited, thinking they might wave at the passengers as the train roared by. But the engineer saw them. And he did the unthinkable,– he stopped the train. And for half an hour, the passengers enjoyed a visit with Santa…
          So here’s to spontaneity. Especially at Christmas.
 
 IN-PERSON WORSHIP - SUNDAY 10:30am
 Remember that the following conditions will apply:
1.      Worship will be on a first come first served basis in order to keep to the physical distancing required under government regulation.
2.      You will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the worship service; you will be given a “vaccine registry number” card which you can then use for subsequent Sundays instead of having to show your proof of vaccination   
3.      Masks are to be worn at all times
4.      Not attending when feeling unwell
5.      Answering the Covid questions and signing in upon entry;
6.      Following the patterns of movement within the church
7.      Maintaining physical distance at all times from others who are not members of your household or cohort
8.      Bringing your own food or beverage
9.      Listening to the music presented but not singing
10.    Leaving immediately after the service ends
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, 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 will 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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also 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.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay.   Check 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
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.  However, we will close today and reopen on January 4, 2022 at 10:00 am.
 Office hours 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
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

December 16, 2021 - The Fourth Sunday in Advent - Love

12/16/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
YouTube Videos and Live-streaming Worship Services
Now that we are live-streaming our services and you wish to watch online, you will need to:
  • click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
  • go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that have been posted to YouTube.  The live-stream will also show there. 
 
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
 Plans are being made for the in-person service on Christmas Eve.  Due to the physical distancing restrictions we have to follow, we only have a limited number of people who can attend in-person worship.  In order to facilitate that, a registration process will be required for the in-person Christmas Eve service.
There are 2 ways that people can do that beginning the week of December 5.
1.  Sign up on the Christmas Eve signup sheet available at church on Sunday morning  OR
2. Call in to the church office and leave your name and phone number.
Please indicate the number of people that wish to attend
It may be that we cannot accommodate everyone at the in-person service, but there will also be a virtual service for Christmas Eve.
Thank you, Margaret Benson on behalf of worship and re-opening committees
 
THIS SUNDAY – FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT - LOVE
 How can we encourage each other as we proclaim the reign of God in word and deed?
 These are the readings we will hear in this week’s worship service, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
•        The Book of the Prophet Micah 5:2-5
David, the shepherd boy who became king of Israel and Judah about 1000 years before Christ, was a revered national hero. When the Assyrians were threatening Jerusalem in the 8th Century BC, people began to hope that God would send a new king like David. The prophet Micah expresses this hope.
 
•        The Gospel of Luke 1:39-45
The first chapter of the Gospel of Luke weaves together the birth stories of Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist. After the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will give birth to Jesus, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is expecting the birth of John.
 
•        The Gospel of Luke 1:46-55, sung, More Voices No. 120 (Canticle of the Turning)
Mary responds to Elizabeth’s greeting with a song we know as “The Magnificat”. This may be based on the song Hannah sang when she learned she would give birth to the prophet Samuel about 1000 years earlier (see First Samuel 2:1-10).
 
Advent preparations draw to a close on this last Sunday in the season. Or do they only now begin? The child whose birth we prepare to celebrate comes to change everything,– and us,– for the good.
 
In what ways might Mary’s song move us to trust, to go, and to do? What words or activities, what rituals or projects, help Mary’s ancient song take on new life for you in this season? How will we live out the message of Mary’s song?
 
Stuart
 
IN-PERSON WORSHIP - SUNDAY 10:30am
 Remember that the following conditions will apply:
1.      Worship will be on a first come first served basis in order to keep to the physical distancing required under government regulation.
2.      You will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the worship service; you will be given a “vaccine registry number” card which you can then use for subsequent Sundays instead of having to show your proof of vaccination   
3.      Masks are to be worn at all times
4.      Not attending when feeling unwell
5.      Answering the Covid questions and signing in upon entry;
6.      Following the patterns of movement within the church
7.      Maintaining physical distance at all times from others who are not members of your household or cohort
8.      Bringing your own food or beverage
9.      Listening to the music presented but not singing
10.    Leaving immediately after the service ends
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, 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 will 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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also 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.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay.   Check 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
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.  However, we will close on  December 24 and reopen on January 4, 2022 at 10:00 am.
 Office hours 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
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

December 09th, 2021 - The Third Sunday of Advent - Joy

12/9/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
YouTube Videos and Live-streaming Worship Services
Now that we are live-streaming our services and you wish to watch online, you will need to:
  • click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
  • go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that have been posted to YouTube.  The live-stream will also show there. 
 
THIS SUNDAY – THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT - JOY
 David Faber will be leading us in worship on Sunday, December 12.  In the Theme conversation, David will be discussing “walk the walk”. David’s sermon is entitled “Mentorship – Leading by Example”.
 These are the readings we will hear in this week’s worship service, for the Third Sunday of Advent.
  •  From the Epistles: Philippians 4:4-7
  • From the Gospels:  Luke 3: 7-18
 
IN-PERSON WORSHIP - SUNDAY 10:30am
 Remember that the following conditions will apply:
1.      Worship will be on a first come first served basis in order to keep to the physical distancing required under government regulation.
2.      You will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the worship service; you will be given a “vaccine registry number” card which you can then use for subsequent Sundays instead of having to show your proof of vaccination   
3.      Masks are to be worn at all times
4.      Not attending when feeling unwell
5.      Answering the Covid questions and signing in upon entry;
6.      Following the patterns of movement within the church
7.      Maintaining physical distance at all times from others who are not members of your household or cohort
8.      Bringing your own food or beverage
9.      Listening to the music presented but not singing
10.    Leaving immediately after the service ends
 
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
 Plans are being made for the in-person service on Christmas Eve.  Due to the physical distancing restrictions we have to follow, we only have a limited number of people who can attend in-person worship.  In order to facilitate that, a registration process will be required for the in-person Christmas Eve service.
There are 2 ways that people can do that beginning the week of December 5.
1.  Sign up on the Christmas Eve signup sheet available at church on Sunday morning  OR
2. Call in to the church office and leave your name and phone number
         Please indicate the number of people that wish to attend
It may be that we cannot accommodate everyone at the in-person service, but there will also be a virtual service for Christmas Eve.
Thank you, Margaret Benson on behalf of worship and re-opening committees
 
FROM THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
 We are continuing our second two round of interviews and discussing the results of the interviews.
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, 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 will 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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also 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.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck at home, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay.   Check 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
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
 
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

December 5, 2021 - Rhe Second Sunday of Advent - Peace

12/2/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
YouTube Videos and Live-streaming Worship Services
Now that we are live-streaming our services and you wish to watch online, you will need to:
  • click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
  • go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that has been posted to YouTube.  The live-stream will also show there. 
 
THIS SUNDAY – SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT - PEACE
How do people of faith help prepare the way for God’s saving love? What barriers need to be removed?
 
These are the readings we will hear in this week’s worship service, for the Second Sunday of Advent.
 
•        The Book of the Prophet Malachi 3:1-4
The Book of Malachi is the last book of our Old Testament, and probably dates from the time at the end of the Exile in Babylon, about 5 centuries BC. The name Malachi means, “My Messenger.”
 
•        The Gospel of Luke 3:1-6
All of the Gospels portray John the Baptist as the one sent by God to prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus. But the Gospel of Luke takes great care to provide the historical framework in which John appeared.
 
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming bits of Handel’s Messiah. The text of the oratorio (composed in 1741) was compiled from the King James Version of The Bible by Charles Jennens, using many phrases from our readings during this Season of Advent.
 
But that kind of familiarity may distract us from truly hearing what the biblical messengers are saying to us. As a rule, biblical prophets aren’t so much about predicting the future as they are about calling the people back to faithful living. Hence the question for this week: How do we prepare the way for God’s saving love?
 
Stuart
 
IN-PERSON WORSHIP - SUNDAY 10:30am
 Remember that the following conditions will apply:
1.      Worship will be on a first come first served basis in order to keep to the physical distancing required under government regulation.
2.      You will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the worship service; you will be given a “vaccine registry number” card which you can then use for subsequent Sundays instead of having to show your proof of vaccination   
3.      Masks are to be worn at all times
4.      Not attending when feeling unwell
5.      Answering the Covid questions and signing in upon entry;
6.      Following the patterns of movement within the church
7.      Maintaining physical distance at all times from others who are not members of your household or cohort
8.      Bringing your own food or beverage
9.      Listening to the music presented but not singing
10.    Leaving immediately after the service ends
 
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
 Plans are being made for the in-person service on Christmas Eve.  Due to the physical distancing restrictions we have to follow, we only have a limited number of people who can attend in-person worship.  In order to facilitate that, a registration process will be required for the in-person Christmas Eve service.
There are 2 ways that people can do that beginning the week of December 5.
1.  Sign up on the Christmas Eve signup sheet available at church on Sunday morning  OR
2. Call in to the church office and leave your name and phone number
         Please indicate the number of people that wish to attend
It may be that we cannot accommodate everyone at the in-person service, but there will also be a virtual service for Christmas Eve.
Thank you
Margaret Benson on behalf of worship and re-opening committees
 
FROM THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
 We are continuing our second two round of interviews and discussing the results of the interviews.
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, 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 will 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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also 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.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay.   Check 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
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
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

November 25, 2018 - First Sunday in Advent

11/25/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

Greetings!

YouTube Videos and Live-streaming Worship Services
When we begin live-streaming our services on November 28th, you will need to:
·        click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
·        go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
 Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that has been posted to YouTube.  The live-stream will also show there. 

THIS SUNDAY – FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT - HOPE
In this Season of Advent, how do we wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled? How do we prepare for God’s justice in the world?
 
This Sunday marks the beginning of the Season of Advent, a time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Each week we will add the light of a candle to our Advent Wreath. Consider creating a wreath for home use as well. See below for prayers to use at home (a pdf booklet version will be sent as an attachment as well).
 These are the readings we will hear in this week’s worship service.
 
•        The Book of Jeremiah 33:14-16
The prophet Jeremiah lived in the 6th Century BC, during the time when the people of Judah were in Exile in Babylon. He encouraged the people to return to their faith, so that God would bring them back home.
 
•        The Gospel of Luke 21:25-36
This passage is set in Jerusalem during the week before the crucifixion of Jesus. Using apocalyptic imagery (see last week’s notes on the Book of Revelation) Jesus teaches his followers about “signs and portents”.
 
Do the “signs and portents” we perceive around us lead us to despair, or to hope? How does that affect our preparations?
 
Stuart
 
RE-OPENING FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP – Nov. 28, 10:30am
 Remember that the following conditions will apply:
 1.      Worship will be on a first come first served basis in order to keep to the physical distancing required under government regulation.
2.      You will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the worship service; you will be given a “vaccine registry number” card which you can then use for subsequent Sundays instead of having to show your proof of vaccination   
3.      Masks are to be worn at all times
4.      Not attending when feeling unwell
5.      Answering the Covid questions and signing in upon entry;
6.      Following the patterns of movement within the church
7.      Maintaining physical distance at all times from others who are not members of your household or cohort
8.      Bringing your own food or beverage
9.      Listening to the music presented but not singing
10.    Leaving immediately after the service ends
 
FROM THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE *** UPDATE ***
 We are continuing our second two round of interviews and discussing the results of the interviews.
 
 SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, 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 will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship videos. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed.  Our chain is quite lengthy at present so we will cleanse the list in a month’s time and start to repopulate it from scratch
 
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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check 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
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday

​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
 
Advent Prayers for Use at Home 
This is designed for home use as a pattern for grace before a meal during the Seasons of Advent and Christmas. You may choose to take turns reading.
 
ADVENT WREATH
Prepare a wreath with 5 candles, lighting one more each Sunday, with the fifth in the centre for Christmas Eve or Day.
 •                     For the Four Sundays of Advent
May this flame of [hope/peace/joy/love] warm our hearts, and guide our living.
May the light of [hope/peace/joy/love] shine as we prepare to welcome Jesus.
 •                     for Christmas Eve or Day
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:3-5)
 
CANDLE LIGHTING
[Light the candle(s), and invite others to respond.]
One:  Jesus is the light of the world!
All:    Shine in our hearts!
[You could sing a Christmas Carol at this time.]
 
Family Communion 
We gather around tables to share food, stories, and love.  As we hear the stories of Advent and Christmas, we remember God’s great gift to us: Jesus.
One:  We remember!
All:    We thank you, God.
We remember the Last Supper, when Jesus and his friends gathered around a table in an upper room. Jesus took bread and cup, the simplest of foods. He blessed them, and shared them with ordinary people like us.
One:  We remember!
All:    We thank you, God.
As we share in this meal, we give thanks for God’s love.
[Hold bread] Bread for our hunger. We remember!
All:    We thank you, God.
[Everyone eats a piece of bread]
[Hold cup] Drink for our thirst. We remember!
All:    We thank you, God.
[Everyone takes a drink.]
For the gifts of bread and drink, we thank you, God. For your Advent gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, we thank you, God. Bless us, and all your people. Amen.
(Share the rest of the meal together.)
 
Additional Prayers 
God of many blessings, as we gather around this table, may we feel the strength of your love for us. Fill our hearts with delight, and our moments with wonder, as we celebrate your blessings. Amen.
 
BLESSING OF THE BREAD
Jesus taught us that bread was meant to be shared, and that all are welcome at God’s table. Jesus asked us to remember him in the breaking and sharing of bread.
Let’s pray. In this sharing, in this welcoming, in this remembering, we celebrate God’s gift of life. Amen.
 
BLESSING OF THE CUP
Jesus taught us that all of life is woven together, and that we are here to share God’s love. Jesus asked us to remember him in the sharing of the cup.
Let’s pray. In this weaving together, in this loving, in this remembering, we celebrate God’s gift of life. Amen.
 
BLESSING OF THE GATHERING
May there be bread for the journey. May there be friends along the way. May we dare to dream and laugh and love. May we seek justice and peace every day.
 
May God’s presence give us wisdom. May God’s love grant us peace. May God’s hand give us strength. May we share this food in thankfulness. Amen.
0 Comments

November 18, 2021 - Reign of  Christ Sunday

11/19/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
YouTube Videos and Live-streaming Worship Services
When we begin live-streaming our services on November 28th, you will need to:
  • click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
  • go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that has been posted to YouTube.  The live-stream will also show there.  This week, you will find the November 21, 2021 service posted there by early Sunday morning.
 
This Sunday – Reign of Christ Sunday
 What do we celebrate as gifts from God? What shapes our daily living? How do we express our hope in God’s eternal truth?
 
This Sunday is known as “The Reign of Christ Sunday”. It marks the end of the Christian Calendar, which means that the Season of Advent starts next week. These are the readings we will hear in this week’s worship service.
 
•        The Book of Revelation 1:4-8
Scholars believe that the Revelation to John was written in a time of terrible persecution, close to the end of the First Century AD. It is apocalyptic literature, similar to the Book of Daniel, which means it uses strong “end times” imagery and biblical quotes to offer hope and encouragement to the faithful.
 
If your edition of The Bible includes footnotes, do a quick comparison of how many scripture references Revelation and Daniel use, compared to other books. The authors and editors of the two apocalyptic books relied heavily on scriptural quotes.
 
•        The Gospel of John 18:33-37
The Gospel Lesson is set on Good Friday. After being arrested and tried by the Jewish Council, Jesus is taken to the headquarters of Pilate, the most powerful Roman ruler in the region. Since this reading is just a small part of the story, you may want to read all of Chapters 18 and 19.
 
Our service will include the Sacrament of Communion, so please be prepared.
 
Stuart.
 
THERE WILL BE A ZOOM COFFEE HOUR (this is the link for November and will be our last coffee hour!)
Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88292803777?pwd=b3JDT2pMRWd2VkgxSFFiVC8zQmdaQT09
Meeting ID: 882 9280 3777
Passcode: 723567
The plan is that this is a no-host gathering.  Anyone with the meeting ID and Passcode can join. 
 
RE-OPENING FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP – Nov. 28, 10:30am
Remember that the following conditions will apply:
1.      Worship will be on a first come first served basis in order to keep to the physical distancing required under government regulation.
2.      You will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the worship service; you will be given a “vaccine registry number” card which you can then use for subsequent Sundays instead of having to show your proof of vaccination   
3.      Masks are to be worn at all times
4.      Not attending when feeling unwell
5.      Answering the Covid questions and signing in upon entry;
6.      Following the patterns of movement within the church
7.      Maintaining physical distance at all times from others who are not members of your household or cohort
8.      Bringing your own food or beverage
9.      Listening to the music presented but not singing
10.    Leaving immediately after the service ends
 
FROM THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE *** UPDATE ***
 We have completed two rounds of interviews and discussing the results of the interviews.
 
ZOOM SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Sunday School lessons for the next session can be picked up at the church today until 5pm. Please be careful when entering due to recording for the Church service.  If another time is needed, call the office at 780-481-1406.
Thanks so much,
Sheila Hoy (for all the teachers)
Cathy Sutherland
Sarah McKillop
 
 SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  Dave S will send out the request for prayers to the Prayer Chain group, as his schedule permits which may not be every Tuesday as in the past.
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 will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship videos. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed.  Our chain is quite lengthy at present so we will cleanse the list in a month’s time and start to repopulate it from scratch
 
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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check 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
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
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

November 10, 2021 - the 25th Sunday after Pentecost

11/10/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
This message is coming out a day early because the church office is closed tomorrow to commemorate Remembrance Day.
 
YouTube Videos and Live-streaming Worship Services
When we begin live-streaming our services on November 28th, you will need to:
  • click on this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJQ5ljHCSPBV3F8TmIhvVA OR
  • go to YouTube and google Spirit West United Church.
 
Either action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.  There you will see all of our services that has been posted to YouTube.  The live-stream will also show there.
 This week, you will find the November 14, 2021 service posted there by early Sunday morning.
 The normal video email will be send out late Sunday afternoon (I am on vacation and will have limited access to email until I get home on Sunday).
 
This Sunday – 25th Sunday after Pentecost
 David Faber will be leading worship this Sunday. In his Theme Conversation, he will be talking about “Meeting one another”.
His sermon is entitled “Forgiveness through Dialogue”.
The scripture readings are Hebrews 10: 11-25 and Mark 13:1-8.
 
THERE WILL BE A ZOOM COFFEE HOUR (this is the link for November)
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88292803777?pwd=b3JDT2pMRWd2VkgxSFFiVC8zQmdaQT09
 Meeting ID: 882 9280 3777
Passcode: 723567
 
The plan is that this is a no-host gathering.  Anyone with the meeting ID and Passcode can join.  If there are any problems, please let Norma know on Monday.
 
FROM THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE *** UPDATE ***
 We have completed two rounds of interviews and discussing the results of the interviews.
 
ZOOM SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Spirit West Sunday School is looking forward to welcoming children and teachers to another session of ZOOM Sunday School classes. The time is 10:00am and after registration (confirmation of attendance) an email will be sent to each home with a link to connect to the classes on Sunday mornings.
 
If you have children that would like to enroll in these classes, please email:
          Cathy Sutherland cathysutherland@shaw.ca OR Norma Balcombe at the office spiritw@telus.net
 
If you are interested in teaching Sunday School, we have a wonderful curriculum that is online that we use and an easy to follow format.  Please email Cathy at cathysutherland@shaw.ca OR Sheila Hoy at sheilajh20@gmail.com for more information.
 
Thank you so much for your attention.  The experience last year was so good, that we’re excited to get going again
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our new “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, I have sent out a schedule of readers for July 18 to September 26. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Readings can be done during the worship service on Sundays, once we are back to in-person worship. Readings can also be recorded well in advance of the date required. Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 3:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc.) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email spiritw@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before  noon on Wednesday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, we will announce celebrations that have been shared with us.
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  Dave S will send out the request for prayers to the Prayer Chain group, as his schedule permits which may not be every Tuesday as in the past.
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 will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship videos. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed.  Our chain is quite lengthy at present so we will cleanse the list in a month’s time and start to repopulate it from scratch
 
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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check 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
 
 CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday (on vacation Nov 11-15 inclusive)
 
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

November 4, 2021 - the 24th Sunday after Pentecost - Remembrance Sunday

11/4/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings!
 
This Sunday – 24th Sunday after Pentecost
 For Remembrance Sunday, our readings depart from the Lectionary.
 •        The Book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
The Book of Ecclesiastes is presented as the words of the “Teacher”, who reflects on God’s ways in the face of day-to-day living. Although the book suggests that the Teacher is King Solomon, it most likely was written much later, after the Exile in Babylon (which ended around 530 BCE). The passage was turned into a popular folk song by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s.
 •        The Gospel of Matthew 5:1-9
In Matthew’s Gospel, several important teachings of Jesus are gathered into “The Sermon on the Mount”. In a scene reminding us of Moses going up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, Jesus teaches his followers with the words we know as The Beatitudes.
 
On Thursday, November 11, starting at 10:30 AM, watch the Remembrance Day Service from the National Cenotaph. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the remembrance poppy in Canada. Also, the ETS Pipes and Drums posted a video last year, including the reading of “In Flanders Fields”, which can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxJyJZcXQhE
 
Time Change: Don’t forget to set your clocks back on Saturday night. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
 
Stuart
 
Drive & Drop for the Food Bank. 
We had about 6 people show up at the church, and I had several others who came by my house with donations.    We didn’t get the truckfull that we did last year, but what we did collect in food and monetary donations was appreciated very much. 
 
It is different and difficult times we are living in right now and as always the generosity of our congregation warms my soul.   We DO make a difference to others.   My thanks again. Lori Walkhouse
 
THERE WILL BE A ZOOM COFFEE HOUR (this is the link for November)
 Join Zoom Coffee on Sunday at 11:30
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88292803777?pwd=b3JDT2pMRWd2VkgxSFFiVC8zQmdaQT09
 Meeting ID: 882 9280 3777
Passcode: 723567
 
The plan is that this is a no-host gathering.  Anyone with the meeting ID and Passcode can join.  If there are any problems, please let Norma know on Monday.
 
FROM THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE *** UPDATE ***
 We have completed the first round of interviews and will be holding second interviews with specific candidates this week.
 
ZOOM SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Spirit West Sunday School is looking forward to welcoming children and teachers to another session of ZOOM Sunday School classes. The time is 10:00am and after registration (confirmation of attendance) an email will be sent to each home with a link to connect to the classes on Sunday mornings.
 
If you have children that would like to enroll in these classes, please email:
          Cathy Sutherland cathysutherland@shaw.ca OR Norma Balcombe at the office spiritw@telus.net
 
If you are interested in teaching Sunday School, we have a wonderful curriculum that is online that we use and an easy to follow format.  Please email Cathy at cathysutherland@shaw.ca OR Sheila Hoy at sheilajh20@gmail.com for more information.
 
Thank you so much for your attention.  The experience last year was so good, that we’re excited to get going again
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Greeters
You may have gotten (or will get) a call from Diane H. our new “Greeter Co-ordinator,” asking you if you would record a greeting for our Sunday Worship videos.  If at all possible, please say yes. Recorded greetings should be sent to our “Recording technician” (Paul W.) at paulwright38d@gmail.com or you can come into the church and we will record your greeting. Video greetings need to be sent in or recorded by the Friday before “your” Sunday.
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, I have sent out a schedule of readers for July 18 to September 26. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Readings can be done during the worship service on Sundays, once we are back to in-person worship. Readings can also be recorded well in advance of the date required. Your reading can also be recorded at the church between 3:30 and 4:30 on Thursday afternoons.
 
Sharing our Celebrations 
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc.) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email spiritw@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before  noon on Wednesday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, we will announce celebrations that have been shared with us.
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues to be active.  Dave S will send out the request for prayers to the Prayer Chain group, as his schedule permits which may not be every Tuesday as in the past.
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 will form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship videos. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed.  Our chain is quite lengthy at present so we will cleanse the list in a month’s time and start to repopulate it from scratch
 
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 now 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.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see below…
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check 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
 
 CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Stuart => 9:30am to 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
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

    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.