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January 29 , 2023 - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

1/27/2023

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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
 
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January 22, 2023 Third Sunday after Epiphany

1/19/2023

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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
 
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January 8, 2023 - Epiphany

1/5/2023

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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

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December 22nd, 2022

12/22/2022

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Picture
Office Hours
  • Norma => office closed at 5pm, Dec 22, reopening Jan 3, 2023 at 9am.
  • Eli =>  Eli will be with their family until January 5, but is available by phone or text if an urgent matter arises. 780-298-4363
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, December 22, 2022 – Christmas
 
Merry Christmas everyone!  We have made it through the longest night, and the light of the world is being born in our midst in this mystical, magical season.
 
What is it about this story that has so captured our imaginations that we can’t help but pile on layers of meaning and mystery? In ancient legends, animals talked. Later, reindeer flew, and now elves move about our homes. We know the season is special, we can feel it and so we try to find ways to maintain the sense of awe.
 
Many of us have worn a bathrobe or a tinsel halo to be a shepherd or an angel in a Christmas play.  In fact I would guess it’s the most acted out story of the Bible. Sure, there are Easter plays, and Noah’s ark play sets, but there are crèches, manger scenes, from the smallest tree ornaments to giant displays in public view all around the world.
 
I think perhaps we get so into Christmas because this is the story about how God becomes one of us. The story is so accessible  anyone can find a character that feels a bit like themselves.  God becomes one of us so we can learn how to be like God - not striving for power, but coming alongside us, breaking down, if only for one night, the barriers that keep us apart.
 
I’m really excited for our Christmas Eve service.  There are lots of carols and three special musical offerings. The heart of the service is Jean Little’s Pippen the Christmas Pig. We will all have the opportunity to wear a headdress and play a part in creating a living crèche.   We will light candles and sing Silent Night. 
 
The church will be sent out to be the body of Christ in the world, and we will reconvene for worship January 8.
 
I will be available by call or text to 780-298-4363, and back in the office by January 5.
 
Merry Christmas!!
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Christmas Eve Service – 6:30 pm, Sat, Dec. 24
  • No service Dec 25, 2022 and Jan 1, 2023
  • First service of 2023 – Jan. 8th at 10:30 am
 
LEADERS for January 8, 2023
  • Scripture Reader – Sheila Hoy
  • Projectionist – Norma Balcombe
  • Hospitality Team – Hemmerling – Georgina, Doreen, Rhea, Glenna
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – December 24 – 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
  
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
 
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
 
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December 15, 2022 - Advent 4 - Love

12/15/2022

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Picture
Greetings
 
Sunday, December 18, 2022 – Advent 4 - Love
Joseph takes centre stage this week as we light the candle of love.  In Joseph we learn a lot about love, what it means to be a family, and maybe some hints about who Jesus is expected to be.
 
Joseph was stuck in a dilemma.  He was expected to divorce Mary because she was pregnant but they were not yet married.  He had to decide whether to do it publicly to make sure he saved his own reputation so no one suspected he had broken his society’s expectations of marriage, or privately, to save Mary any further public disgrace.  He had decided to do the most loving thing he could imagine in that moment, and divorce her privately.
 
In a dream an angel opened his heart and mind to a new possibility he had never imagined before.  Maybe there was an even more loving option available to him.  He could marry her- and he did. 
 
Do you ever feel caught between two choices and neither one feels right?  Of course you do – that is life.  Of course you pray about them too, just as Joseph must have.  Maybe an angel will come to you with a whole new possibility.  Maybe your eyes will open to a different way, a more loving way than you had ever even dreamed before?
 
We are coming into the season of lots of family gatherings for many of us, and we often face difficult moments and choices.  May your hearts and minds be filled with peace that your lips may bring forth good news for those around you.  As our moderator said in her Christmas message – May you see and hear the good news of Christmas, may you be the good news of Christmas.  You can see Carmen (The Right Reverend Doctor Landsdown)’s whole message here https://youtu.be/EJk922g8JPA
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
LIVING NATIVITY - Final session of our four week Advent small group study. Take a closer look at the figures in your Nativity Set and draw closer to the Mystery of the Incarnation. Join us this Sat at 10am or next Wed, Dec 17 at 2pm even if you have not come before. Coffee and snack provided.  Please allow 90 minutes so we can enjoy our time together.
Session 4 – Is Everybody Here?        
 
BISSELL CENTRE APPEAL - CHRISTMAS GIVINGS – in previous years the churches of Edmonton have supported the Bissell Center with White Gift Sunday offerings during Advent.  This year the Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) has sent us an letter appealing for our help in other ways.   Edmonton’s most vulnerable are growing in numbers and more are being forced to live in make shift tents on our snowy streets and many are dealing with the current painful shingella outbreak. As we all know the rising cost of food and utilities is difficult to manage and some of these folks are having to make decisions regarding a warm place to live or food on the table.
I will be collecting the following needed items this Sunday from those of you that are able to give, and I will deliver them to the Bissell Center on Dec 20th:
  • Urgent need: Gift Cards for Grocery Stores (Sobeys/Safeway/Superstore/Fresh Co/Walmart, etc.), Bus tickets
  • Warm items: Gloves, thick socks, toques, thermal underwear, hand/foot warmers, blankets
  • Basic items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, razors, men’s and ladies underwear
 As we have in the past because of your generosity with Outreach donations, Spirit West will also be making a monetary donation to the Bissell Centre and the Food Bank to help where they see fit during this difficult time.
 Lori Walkhouse, Outreach Chair
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 am, Sat, Dec 17
 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!
  
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Men’s Breakfast – 8:30 am, Sat, Dec 17
  • Christmas Eve Service – 6:30 pm, Sat, Dec. 24
  • No service Dec 25, 2022 and Jan 1, 2023
 
LEADERS for Dec 18
  • Scripture Reader – Rhea Olson
  • Projectionist – Norma Balcombe
  • Hospitality Team – Ludlow – Diane, Norma, Bruce & Carol
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – December 18 – 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
  • Norma => Mon, Dec 19 – vacation; Tues, Wed, Thurs – noon to 5pm, office closed Dec 24, 2022 to Jan 2, 2023 inclusive.
  • Eli =>  Eli working Hours (subject to change) – Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 1-9, Friday, 9-5. If there is anyone Eli should visit before Christmas, please let them know.  They will be available by phone or text for emergencies over the holidays and back in the building January 5. – 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 each week.
 
Office will be closed from Friday, Dec 23, 2022 to Jan 2, 2023, reopening at noon on Tuesday, Jan 3, 2023

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

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December 8, 2022 - Advent 3 - Joy

12/8/2022

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Picture
Office Hours
  • Norma => Mon & Wed – noon to 5pm, Tues – 9 to 11 am (I will be attending the Northern Spirit Region Church Administrator’s lunch)  and Thurs 7:30am to 12:30pm
  • Eli =>  working Hours (subject to change) Wed-Thurs. 11-9, Saturday-Sunday 9-4  (Off Friday in Lieu for working a Monday earlier in the month) – 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 each week.
 
New item – Men’s Breakfast
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, December 11, 2022 – Advent 3 - Joy
 Where do we find our joy?
 Mary of Nazareth proclaims her joy this week after her encounter with the angel and the greeting of her supportive relative Elizabeth.  My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour the song begins.  Why is she so happy?  What is it that God has done that is so wonderful?
 o you remember how her song goes?
 God lifts up the lowly and feeds the hungry, confuses the powerful, and brings about a whole new (renewed) way of being.  (Luke 1 26-56 – though we only have her song as our reading)
 
Our other reading comes from the Gospel of Matthew and is a question from the disciples of John the Baptist wondering if Jesus really is the  chosen one?  (Matthew 11: 2-11)  With what proof are they sent back?  Jesus caring for those who need it most.  The choir will also sing about the question “When will Messiah Come?”.
 
Where do we look for God?  In our scriptures today we see the place to find God is amongst the lowly, the forgotten, the sick and the poor.  How do we train our eyes to see God in these unexpected places?  How do we find God’s joy?  With the children I am going to read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” because I think that it tells a wonderful story about joy.
 
It can feel like we are all chasing some kind of Christmas high – the feeling that God really has come near to us this year.  I think over the past two “pandemic Christmases” we have missed so many of the experiences of where we are used to feeling those moments when heaven and earth seem closer than ever, that God is with us, Emanuel – is present amongst us.  Have you felt God’s presence in unexpected places? 
 
Have your past two Christmases given you new experiences of where to look for those holy moments where you can see the potential of heaven and nature singing?  Are there old traditions that might feel new again?
 
Remember that your Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect – the first one certainly wasn’t – a borrowed feed trough, shepherds, strangers from a far off land who unwittingly bring the rage of an insecure despot.  But God was with us, in flesh with us that first Christmas and will be with us now, may we be blessed with the eyes enough to see. As you do whatever it is you do to prepare, may God show up in unexpected ways to bring you comfort and cheer.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
LIVING NATIVITY - A four week Advent small group study. Take a closer look at the figures in your Nativity Set and draw closer to the Mystery of the Incarnation. Join just once or for all four sessions.  Each will be offered twice – Wednesday afternoon at 2 and Saturday Morning at 10.  Coffee and snack provided.  Please allow 90 minutes so we can enjoy our time together.
Session 3 - At the Edge of the Creche Sat Dec 10 and Wed Dec 14
Session 4 – Is Everybody Here?          Sat Dec 17 and Wed Dec 21
 
 BISSELL CENTRE APPEAL - CHRISTMAS GIVINGS – in previous years the churches of Edmonton have supported the Bissell Center with White Gift Sunday offerings during Advent.  This year the Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) has sent us an letter appealing for our help in other ways.   Edmonton’s most vulnerable are growing in numbers and more are being forced to live in make shift tents on our snowy streets and many are dealing with the current painful shingella outbreak. As we all know the rising cost of food and utilities is difficult to manage and some of these folks are having to make decisions regarding a warm place to live or food on the table.
On the Advent Sundays of the 11th and 18th of December I will be collecting the following needed items from those of you that are able to give, and I will deliver them to the Bissell Center on the 20th of December.
  • Urgent need: Gift Cards for Grocery Stores (Sobeys/Safeway/Superstore/Fresh Co/Walmart, etc.), Bus tickets
  • Warm items: Gloves, thick socks, toques, thermal underwear, hand/foot warmers, blankets
  • Basic items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, razors, men’s and ladies underwear
 
As we have in the past because of your generosity with Outreach donations, Spirit West will also be making a monetary donation to the Bissell Centre and the Food Bank to help where they see fit during this difficult time.
 Lori Walkhouse, Outreach Chair
 
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 am, Sat, Dec 17
 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!
   
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Men’s Breakfast – 8:30 am, Sat, Dec 17
  • Christmas Eve Service – 6:30 pm, Sat, Dec. 24
  • No service Dec 25, 2022 and Jan 1, 2023
 
LEADERS for Dec 11
  • Scripture Reader – Bill Callas
  • Projectionist – Bruce Corbett
  • Hospitality Team – Callas – Carol & Bill, Sue & Gerry
 
LEADERS for Dec 18
  • Scripture Reader – Rhea Olson
  • Projectionist – Tiegan Benson
  • Hospitality Team – Ludlow – Diane, Norma, Bruce & Carol
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – December 11 – 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
 
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December 4, 2022 - Advent 2 - Peace

12/1/2022

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Picture
​Office Hours
  • Norma => Mon – 10:30am – 5pm, Tues & Wed – noon to 5pm; Thurs 7:30am to 12:30pm
  • Eli =>  working Hours (subject to change) – Wed-Thurs. 11-9, Friday-Sunday 9-4 – 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 each week.
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, December 4, 2022 – Advent 2 - Peace 
 The snow is flying and it definitely feels to me like advent is actually here.  Maybe it’s the new page on the calendar, or the advent calendars that start on December 1st.  While we are trying to shovel a straight path on our sidewalk, we are being called to prepare the way of the Lord and make a straight path through the desert.  John the Baptist has separated himself from society and preaches that we need to change our direction and refocus on the way of God.  In what ways are each of us caught up in the values of the society around us where we lose sight of God’s dream? Isaiah the prophet imagines a world where the poor and meek are judged with equity and the powerful no longer have the ability to harm them. 
 
When I look at my calendar for the week ahead, I see a reference to a day for people with disabilities and a day to stop violence against women.  Both of these acknowledged days tie right in to this week’s scripture.  For people with mobility concerns, a literal straight, or easy path is important to be able to get to where they are going.  Making things easier for everyone who has to overcome extra barriers is a part of the way we prepare the way for God among us.  After all, God’s voice may come to us through those who live with many types of disabilities – if we can open our hearts to understand their message.
 
John the Baptist isn’t afraid to confront people who use their positions of power to harm the vulnerable.  Religious leaders are watched especially closely both by John the Baptist and by our culture today, and both for good reason.  Those of us who hold power must use and share it responsibly.   As a trans-masculine person (I was assigned female at birth, but I identify as non-binary), I readily see the privilege society automatically gives to those perceived as male.    Women, especially older women and/or women of colour step out of my way quickly to give me a straight path.  That is the way of the world, we automatically make extra space for some people, without even thinking about it.  Although we condemn violence against women with our words, we have a long way to go to change the way our society tolerates misogyny in various forms, so we continue to remember what happened years ago in Montreal.  Like John the Baptist speaking out against abuses in his time, we listen for and challenge the lies brought forward to promote violence against women.  We learn to make spaces safer for all people.
             
Over the years, how has our church helped to build up that dream of God’s vision for humanity?  As a congregation we are grieving because one of our founding members has died.  We will celebrate Janice Shield’s life on Monday at 2.   Her dream for her church outlived her as we continue to imagine that a better world is possible, and we can be a part of making it come true. 
 
Our scriptures are Isaiah 11:1-9 and Matthew 3: 1-12.
With the children we will talk about John the Baptist.  I promise not to feed them grasshoppers and wild honey.
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
Janice Shields – it is with great sadness that we announce that Janice passed away early in the morning on Monday, Nov. 28.  Janice was one of the founding members of our congregation and very active in the church. Her obituary will be in the Edmonton Journal on Friday. Janice’s Celebration of Life service will be held here at the church at 2pm on Monday, Dec 5.  We hope that you can come to remember Janice and to support Terri-Lynn, Mike and all the family.
 
LIVING NATIVITY - A four week Advent small group study. Take a closer look at the figures in your Nativity Set and draw closer to the Mystery of the Incarnation. Join just once or for all four sessions.  Each will be offered twice – Wednesday afternoon at 2 and Saturday Morning at 10.  Coffee and snack provided.  Please allow 90 minutes so we can enjoy our time together.
Session 2 – Feet on the Ground           Sat Dec 3 and Wed Dec 7
Session 3 - At the Edge of the Creche Sat Dec 10 and Wed Dec 14
Session 4 – Is Everybody Here?          Sat Dec 17 and Wed Dec 21
  
BISSELL CENTRE APPEAL - CHRISTMAS GIVINGS – in previous years the churches of Edmonton have supported the Bissell Center with White Gift Sunday offerings during Advent.  This year the Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) has sent us an letter appealing for our help in other ways.   Edmonton’s most vulnerable are growing in numbers and more are being forced to live in make shift tents on our snowy streets and many are dealing with the current painful shingella outbreak. As we all know the rising cost of food and utilities is difficult to manage and some of these folks are having to make decisions regarding a warm place to live or food on the table.
On the Advent Sundays of the 11th and 18th of December I will be collecting the following needed items from those of you that are able to give, and I will deliver them to the Bissell Center on the 20th of December.
  • Urgent need: Gift Cards for Grocery Stores (Sobeys/Safeway/Superstore/Fresh Co/Walmart, etc.), Bus tickets
  • Warm items: Gloves, thick socks, toques, thermal underwear, hand/foot warmers, blankets
  • Basic items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, razors, men’s and ladies underwear
 As we have in the past because of your generosity with Outreach donations, Spirit West will also be making a monetary donation to the Bissell Centre and the Food Bank to help where they see fit during this difficult time.
 Lori Walkhouse, Outreach Chair
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Christmas Eve Service – 6:30 pm, Sat, Dec. 24
  • No service Dec 25, 2022 and Jan 1, 2023
 
LEADERS for Dec 4
  • Scripture Reader – Paul Fujishige
  • Projectionist – Norma Balcombe
  • Hospitality Team – Sather – Ramona, Isobel, Colleen
 
LEADERS for Dec 11
  • Scripture Reader – Bill Callas
  • Projectionist – Bruce Corbett
  • Hospitality Team – Callas – Bill & Carol, Gerry & Sue
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – December 4 – 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

November 17, 2022 - Reign of Christ or Christ the King Sunday

11/17/2022

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Picture
Office Hours
  • Norma => Mon, Tues & Wed – noon to 5pm; Thurs 7:30am to 12:30pm
  • Eli =>  Eli working Hours – Wed-Thurs. 1-9, Fri-Sun 9-5 – 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 each week.
 
Check out new items – Nativity Study, Christmas Carol fund-raiser, Women’s Group Supper & Gift Exchange!
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, November 20, 2022 – Reign of Christ Sunday 
 What would the world be like if Jesus were king?
That is the question that surrounds “Reign of Christ” or “Christ the King” Sunday.  Image a world where all the ideas Jesus teaches and preaches about are a reality – captives are liberated, the truth is freely spoken and sought after, the last and least have a place of honour – the Kingdom of heaven.
 
November the 20th is also Grey Cup Sunday.  Imagine your own perfect idea of a Grey Cup party.  Mine has all the snacks, a TV far away for other people to watch the game, and a bunch of knitters and board games.   Whatever you imagine, that gathering of people where everyone feels welcome and has a genuine good time is an example of living out God’s dream in our own way. 
 
Unfortunately, there are people who are left out of the parties and the feasts, and Jesus just won’t give up on them.  Who are the ones who make us feel the most uncomfortable?  Who wouldn’t feel at home at your Grey Cup party?  (Except Argos fans – if there are any 😉)
 
November 20th is also Trans Day of Remembrance.  Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester's death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. https://www.glaad.org/tdor 
 
Every year that Christmas falls on a Sunday, Trans Day of Remembrance falls on Christ the King Sunday.  The kind of violent hatred expressed particularly towards trans women of colour is the type of hatred that Jesus interrupted.  By standing up for those most hated in his own society, Jesus suffered their fate – humiliating death. 
 
We too are called to the margins of our own lives to find, befriend, learn about and advocate alongside those whom society kicks to the curb.  We can start small.  Sit beside someone you don’t know very well at a Grey Cup or Christmas Party, and follow up with your own research about something new you learned.  See where Jesus is ready to meet you at the margins.
 
The gospel lesson this Sunday is Jesus on the Cross, Luke 23:33-43.  From the letters of the early church, a hymn of  praise to Jesus who brings us all together Colossians 1:13-20
 
I will talk with the children about a Different Kind of Kingdom.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
LIVING NATIVITY - A four week Advent small group study. Take a closer look at the figures in your Nativity Set and draw closer to the Mystery of the Incarnation. Join just once or for all four sessions.  Each will be offered twice – Wednesday afternoon at 2 and Saturday Morning at 10.  Coffee and snack provided.  Please allow 90 minutes so we can enjoy our time together.
Session 1 – Approaching the Creche Wed. Nov 30, Sat. Nov 27
Session 2 – Feet on the Ground           Wed. Dec. 7     Sat. Dec 3
Session 3 - At the Edge of the Creche  Wed., Dec 14   Sat. Dec 10
Session 4 – Is Everybody Here?            Wed. Dec 21, Sat. Dec. 17
 
CHRISTMAS CAROLS - Would you like your favourite Christmas Carol sung at church during the Advent/Christmas Season?  The Choir is sponsoring a fund raising event whereby individuals can choose a carol and indicate a dollar amount in hopes that their carol is chosen!  As many people who want a given carol can contribute towards it, and the carols with the largest donations will be sung during Advent.  Check at the back of the sanctuary for sign-up sheets or call / email the church your choice and bid! Help make this a successful fund raiser!
  
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 am, Sat, Nov 19
 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!
  
FALL SUPPER and SILENT AUCTION, Saturday, Nov. 19
There are no more tickets available for the dinner.  For those of you who are attending - We have a lot of wonderful items for the Silent Auction.  Be sure to come ready to bid!  A great way to start (finish) your Christmas shopping!
 
CROISSANT and CINNAMON BUNS
Delicious cinnamon buns and croissants are once again being sold as a fundraiser for the Ladies Group.  Croissants are $8 per dozen and cinnamon buns are $8 per ½ dozen. Order forms are on the table by the church office.  Orders are to be returned by this Sunday, Nov 20.  Packaging and pick-up will occur on Dec 7.  Please contact Diane 780-444-0284 or Carol 780-481-2662 for more information
 
LADIES’ GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY
will be held Sat, Dec 3 at 5:30 pm in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church.  The dinner will cost $20.00per person to be paid that night. All women are welcome - feel free to bring a friend!  We will have laughs, games and a wacky gift exchange.  For those who want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift with an approximate value of $15.00. Sign up on the sheet at the back or phone or email the office.  Please indicate any food restrictions and sign up by Nov. 28.
  
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Men’s Breakfast – 8:30 am, Sat, Nov 19
  • Fall Supper & Silent Auction – Saturday, Nov 19
  • Fall Congregational Meeting – Sunday, Nov. 20 after worship – we will get you out in plenty of time to enjoy Grey Cup festivities
  • Board Meeting – Wednesday, Nov 23
  • Ladies Group Christmas Dinner – Saturday, Dec 3
  • Croissant & Cinnamon Bun packaging day – Wednesday, Dec 7
 
LEADERS FOR Nov 20
  • Scripture Reader – Colleen Fox
  • Projectionist – Norma Balcombe
  • Hospitality Team – Doyle – Don & Daphne, Tony
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – November 20 – 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

November 6, 2022 - Remembrance Sunday

11/3/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Office Hours for week of Nov 7-11
  • Norma => Mon, Tues & Wed – noon to 5pm; Thurs 7:30am to 12:30pm
  • Eli =>  Wed: 1-4, Thurs 1-4, Friday Visiting, Sat 10-2 – 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 of you on Thursday and Friday, or another time that is convenient for you.
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, November 6, 2022 - Remembrance Sunday 
 Remember the cost of war– and work for peace
 
This week is Remembrance Sunday.  In Canada we maintain an active and reserve group of people who are ready to go where we need them to go, and do what we ask them to do.  In the height of the pandemic, it meant going into long term care facilities and caring for the basic needs of medically fragile people, knowing they might become ill themselves.   They help out during and after natural and human caused disasters, sometimes at the cost of their lives.  They have even been known to shovel snow in Toronto.  When we have asked, they have put their very lives between us and those who would wish us harm.   We will pause this Sunday in church, and next Friday in public ceremonies to give thanks.
 
We pause to recognize how our lives are better because of the risks and losses of others.  It is also important that we continue to recognize and to dream how life can be even better still.    Our Hebrew Scripture reading for this week comes from the prophet Haggai 1:15b-2:9.  The people of Judah had returned from their 70 years in exile and built homes for themselves, but the temple remained in ruins.  Haggai encourages them to put God first, and that would be demonstrated by focusing on the outward sign of God’s presence, the temple.   We too are asked to examine our lives and work on making things better. 
 
Many institutions in our country, from sport to the military to religious organizations  have gotten a wakeup call in the past few years about how we can do better to transform our culture into one that respects all people equally.  Hockey Canada, the armed forces, the churches (including our own) that ran residential schools are all coming to terms with the ways we have built a culture that too quickly ignores the signs of abusive behaviour and treats accusers with suspicion while giving the accused the benefit of the doubt.  We can imagine a better, safer world where we create safety for everyone.  Transforming the culture of an organization or a society takes time and patience.  We can learn from the dedication of serving military personnel how to work hard and keep learning and practicing so we can create safety around us.
 
The easy dehumanization of the widow in this week’s gospel – Luke 20:27-38 by religious leaders trying to trap Jesus  in a legal argument reflects the same cultural values we are learning how to dismantle today.  We can all work together for a better world.
 
Many people wear poppies for Remembrance Day.  With the children we will talk about how easy it is to lose a poppy, and how important it is that we not lose the just peace that has been created for us at great personal cost. 
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
LADIES GROUP CRAFT NIGHT, 7pm, Tuesday, Nov 8
The craft night is being held in the sanctuary. The cost is $2 to be paid on craft night.  We need 3 volunteers to bring a snacks or baking. A sign-up sheet and an example of the craft are on the table by the office.
  
FALL SUPPER and SILENT AUCTION, Saturday, Nov. 19
 The Spirt West Fall Supper and Silent Auction is back!  Invite your family and friends to join us for a delectable catered Fall Supper! 
Tickets are available now and are $35 for adults; $25 for youth 13-18; free for children12 and under.  You can get your tickets from Lori W 780-221-7729 and the church office during office hours. Tickets are limited to 80 people so get yours early! Tables of 8 people can be reserved.
Doors open at 5:00 pm for drinks and the start of silent auction.  Dinner starts at 6 pm.
     Volunteers are needed to set up and cleanup. Signup sheets will be available soon.
 
CROISSANT and CINNAMON BUNS
Delicious cinnamon buns and croissants are once again being sold as a fundraiser for the Ladies Group.  Croissants are $8 per dozen and cinnamon buns are $8 per ½ dozen. Order forms are on the table by the church office.  Orders are to be returned by Nov 20.  Packaging and pick-up will occur on Dec 7.  Please contact Diane 780-444-0284 or Carol 780-481-2662 for more information
  
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Daylight Savings Time ends – Nov 6 – clocks fall back 1 hour
  • Ladies Group Craft Night – Tuesday, Nov 8
  • Fall Supper & Silent Auction – Saturday, Nov 19
  • Fall Congregational Meeting – Sunday, Nov. 20
  • Board Meeting – Wednesday, Nov 23
  • Croissant & Cinnamon Bun packaging day – Wednesday, Dec 7
 
LEADERS FOR Nov 6
  • Scripture Reader – Bill Callas
  • Projectionist – Norma Balcombe
  • Hospitality Team – Callas – Bill & Carol, Gerry & Sue
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – November 6 – 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

October 27, 2022 - Reformation Sunday

10/27/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Office Hours for week of Oct 31- Nov 4
  • Norma => Mon – vacation day; Tues & Wed – noon to 5pm; Thurs 7:30am to 12:30pm
  • Eli =>  Tues 2-5, Wed: 1-4, Thursday TBD Friday Visiting – 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 of you on Thursday and Friday, or another time that is convenient for you.
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, October 27, 2022 – Reformation Sunday 
 
What’s our Reformation?
 
A little over 500 years ago, everything came together at once, and a monk from Wittenberg ended up remaking the map of Europe.  For centuries, voices had been calling out for change, but it took an unlikely person, at just the right time and place to start the whole thing off.  And it’s happening again.
 
What is our Reformation?
 
We will read Habakkuk 1: 1-4, 2:1-4.  If you want to know more about the specific injustices faced by Habakkuk’s people, read the verses in the middle.
 
At the time of Habakkuk the Hebrew prophet, injustice and harmful behaviour was all over the place.  The prophet cried out to God, and God answered that the end (of the injustice) is coming.  Who is calling out for justice today?  Who sees too much violence and hopes for a change? 
 
We will read the story of Zacchaeus up a tree from Luke 19:1-10.  Last week we had a story about a pretend tax collector, this week we meet a real one.  We don’t get much backstory on biblical characters, but we do know that Zacchaeus was short and that he was curious about Jesus.   We don’t know why Jesus chose his house for dinner that night.  We do know that Jesus’ ministry was about healing broken relationships, and including outsiders.
 
Again I ask, what is OUR Reformation?
 
What is one change you pray the universal church  (all Christians of all denominations and none around the world) would make as we face the future?”  We will write our answers on sticky notes to stick by the church door.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
  
***** COVENANTING SERVICE, 7pm, Friday, Oct 28 *****
This service between Rev Eli, Spirit West UC and Northern Spirit Region Council will be held in the sanctuary. All invited to attend as we formally welcome Eli into our church
  
LADIES GROUP CRAFT NIGHT, 7pm, Nov 8
The craft night is being held in the sanctuary. The cost is $2 to be paid on craft night.  We need 3 volunteers to bring a snacks or baking. A sign-up sheet and an example of the craft are on the table by the office.
  
FALL SUPPER and SILENT AUCTION, Saturday, Nov. 19
 The Spirt West Fall Supper and Silent Auction is back!  Invite your family and friends to join us for a delectable catered Fall Supper! 
Tickets are available now and are $35 for adults; $25 for youth 13-18; free for children12 and under.  You can get your tickets from Lori W 780-221-7729 and the church office during office hours. Tickets are limited to 80 people so get yours early! Tables of 8 people can be reserved.
Doors open at 5:00 pm for drinks and the start of silent auction.  Dinner starts at 6 pm.
     Volunteers are needed to set up and cleanup. Signup sheets will be available soon.
 
CROISSANT and CINNAMON BUNS
Delicious cinnamon buns and croissants are once again being sold as a fundraiser for the Ladies Group.  Croissants are $8 per dozen and cinnamon buns are $8 per ½ dozen. Order forms are on the table by the church office.  Orders are to be returned by Nov 20.  Packaging and pick-up will occur on Dec 7.  Please contact Diane 780-444-0284 or Carol 780-481-2662 for more information
 
 DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Covenanting Service – Friday, Oct 28
  • Ladies Group Craft Night – Tuesday, Nov 8
  • Fall Supper & Silent Auction – Saturday, Nov 19
  • Fall Congregational Meeting – Sunday, Nov. 20
  • Croissant & Cinnamon Bun packaging day – Wednesday, Dec 7
 
LEADERS FOR Oct 30
  • Scripture Reader – Sheila Hoy
  • Projectionist – Tiegan Benson
  • Hospitality Team – Sather – Ramona, Isobel, Colleen
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – October 28 & 30 – 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
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