Greetings
This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday we look at joy. In some Christian churches this Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday. The day takes its name from the Latin word Gaudete ("Rejoice"), the first word of the introit or opening verse that was appointed to be sung at the start of this day's Mass: “Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. …” This comes from Philippians 4, our second of three readings on Sunday. When Advent had a much more penitential character, a lot of doom and gloom, Gaudete or Joy Sunday, whose colour was rose, gave the faithful a bit of a break. The Sunday pointed out that in spite of the darkness, we are called to move toward the joy of the Lord.
The Readings for Sunday are Zephaniah 3: 14-20, Philippians 4: 4-7 and Luke 3: 7-18. With the children I will talking about looking for Jesus in our lives with the title “People look west?” and the title of the sermon is “God, may I rejoice in you.”
As you read through the following, please note the schedule of Christmas Services at the end of the email.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.
We could always use a few more people who are willing to give some time as teachers or helpers. If you are interested call the office or sign your name on the Sunday School sign-up sheet by the church office.
Bissell Centre Winter Wish (formerly “White Gift Sunday”)
This is the last Sunday to participate in the Bissell Centre Christmas Wish at Spirit West. This year, Bissell has asked that we share the warmth of our lives by filling a stocking for a man or women in need, or providing a gift for a child. The list of items to go in each stocking, and info regarding gifts for children is available on the back table (BISSELL CENTRE WINTER WISHLIST). You can either pack your gifts in a stocking (available for a dollar at Dollarama stores all throughout the city) or drop them off in white plastic bags. The gifts must be at the church this Sunday so that Doreen can deliver them to Bissell.
SPIRIT WEST CHOIR – “Joy to the World” CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Sunday, December 13th at 6:30. Join us, as in music and word we celebrate with joy God’s promise and gift of our Messiah. (see the poster on our website or Facebook page)
GLENDALE HOT DOG LUNCH
Each year near Christmas, folks from Spirit West have provided a Hot Dog Lunch to the students at Glendale School. This year the lunch is on Wednesday, December 16. We prepare the food at the school and then deliver it to each classroom. It’s a fun time for both the students and the folks from Spirit West. If are available on December 16, and would like to help out, please call the church office for details and we will pass your name on to Doreen O.
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
A big THANK YOU to our congregation - 14 out of the 24 hampers have been sponsored so far. Only 10 more to go! If you haven't already please consider a donation towards the purchase of a hamper for families struggling in our community. The total cost for the food portion of the hamper is $ 150.00, but this can be shared (ie: 2 x $ 75.00 or 3 x $ 50.00). You can also help by purchasing a gift for one of the children in these families. Sign up posters are available at the church. Lastly, volunteers will be needed for the Hamper Shopping trip on December 19th at 6:00 pm, and to deliver the Hampers December 20th following service. Please contact Lori or Bill W. 780-483-6542 for more information.
Christmas Caroling
We will be Christmas caroling in the church neighbourhood on Dec. 22 starting at the church at 6:30 pm. Please sign-up on the sheet at the back table if you are interested in this fun experience.
Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week. To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com . You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address. If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Thursday, December 24 – Christmas Eve, 6:30 pm, “What Child is This?” A service for the whole family!
Sunday, December 27 – Cinnamon Bun Sunday, 10:30 am, “The Star over Bethlehem” A relaxed service of story, song and prayer with cinnamon buns and warm drinks.
Sunday, January 3, 2016 – Epiphany Sunday, 10:30 am, “Arise, Your Light has Come!” The first service of 2016 with the Celebration of Holy Communion.
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
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