Greetings,
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Please take note of the events and programmes outlined below.
This SUNDAY – December 18 – Advent 4
This Sunday is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent, it does not have a Latin name, and we are back to blue. Although we light the candle of love, the word that really picks up the meaning of the Sunday is trust. And the “hero” of this Sunday is Joseph. We don’t hear much of Joseph, even in Scripture. He’s around for Mary’s pregnancy and the birth of Jesus. There is reference to him in the story of the twelve year old Jesus in the Temple. Then scripture never speaks of him again. But think about Joseph’s situation. Legend has it that he was somewhat older than Mary. During their betrothal (engagement) Mary comes to Joseph and tells him that she has been visited by an angel and is pregnant. Since we know from Mary’s conversation with the angel, that nothing had “gone on” between Mary and Joseph, we can imagine Joseph’s surprise. He first reaction is to quietly call the engagement off, with no details given to protect Mary’s reputation as much as possible. However, Joseph then has his own encounter with an angel, who clarifies the situation, and says to him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” Joseph who seems to care for Mary, must also trust God. What does it mean to trust God? Sometimes when we tell others to trust God in a difficult situation, or when we say we are trusting God, what we are meaning is that we are trusting God to make things work out the way we want. But when Joseph trusts God, he knows that his life will be difficult, and certainly not as he had planned. Joseph has to trust that God will accomplish through him, what God wants for the world.
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah Isaiah 7:10-16, and Matthew 1:18-25. In the Time for All Ages we will look at being afraid. I have titled the sermon, “Trusting in God”
SPIRIT WEST UNITED CHURCH CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Spirt West United Church Christmas Concert, “Nowell, Now all is well” will be held at the Church on Sunday, December 18 at 6:30 pm. This moving evening of music and word for the whole family will feature our own choir as well as members of the Harp Beat Harp Choir and other guest musicians. See the poster on our Facebook page or website. Bring your friends!
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS - Update
Thanks to the generosity of the Spirit West folk, all the hampers have sponsors, and all the children have gifts. All that is left is the Grocery Shopping and Delivery. If you want to be part of the “Shopping Trip” meet at the Church on Wed, Dec. 21 at 6:30 pm. The "Hamper Delivery" will be on Thurs, Dec. 22 between 5:30-8:30 pm. Please see/call Lori or Bill W. if you have any questions or if you would like to help with this wonderful giving experience.
SERVICES AT SPIRIT WEST FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The last Service of 2016 will be the Christmas Eve Family Service, The Christmas Gift, on Sat., December 24 at 6:30 pm.
As we have done in the past, the offering at the Christmas Eve Service will be split between the work of Spirt West and the designated project of “No Room In the Inn.” The “No Room in the Inn” Committee is a committee of the Edmonton and District Council of Churches. Each year the committee choses to support an organization in the Capital Region which in some way provides housing or shelter to those in need. This year we will be supporting “A Safe Place” – a shelter for abused women and their children in Sherwood Park.
The first Service of 2017 will be Cinnamon Bun Sunday on Sunday, January 8 at 10:30 am.
There are no Services on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church. The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged. For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
RIDE TO CHURCH?
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation. Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office. Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
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 the church or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Please take note of the events and programmes outlined below.
This SUNDAY – December 18 – Advent 4
This Sunday is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent, it does not have a Latin name, and we are back to blue. Although we light the candle of love, the word that really picks up the meaning of the Sunday is trust. And the “hero” of this Sunday is Joseph. We don’t hear much of Joseph, even in Scripture. He’s around for Mary’s pregnancy and the birth of Jesus. There is reference to him in the story of the twelve year old Jesus in the Temple. Then scripture never speaks of him again. But think about Joseph’s situation. Legend has it that he was somewhat older than Mary. During their betrothal (engagement) Mary comes to Joseph and tells him that she has been visited by an angel and is pregnant. Since we know from Mary’s conversation with the angel, that nothing had “gone on” between Mary and Joseph, we can imagine Joseph’s surprise. He first reaction is to quietly call the engagement off, with no details given to protect Mary’s reputation as much as possible. However, Joseph then has his own encounter with an angel, who clarifies the situation, and says to him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” Joseph who seems to care for Mary, must also trust God. What does it mean to trust God? Sometimes when we tell others to trust God in a difficult situation, or when we say we are trusting God, what we are meaning is that we are trusting God to make things work out the way we want. But when Joseph trusts God, he knows that his life will be difficult, and certainly not as he had planned. Joseph has to trust that God will accomplish through him, what God wants for the world.
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah Isaiah 7:10-16, and Matthew 1:18-25. In the Time for All Ages we will look at being afraid. I have titled the sermon, “Trusting in God”
SPIRIT WEST UNITED CHURCH CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Spirt West United Church Christmas Concert, “Nowell, Now all is well” will be held at the Church on Sunday, December 18 at 6:30 pm. This moving evening of music and word for the whole family will feature our own choir as well as members of the Harp Beat Harp Choir and other guest musicians. See the poster on our Facebook page or website. Bring your friends!
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS - Update
Thanks to the generosity of the Spirit West folk, all the hampers have sponsors, and all the children have gifts. All that is left is the Grocery Shopping and Delivery. If you want to be part of the “Shopping Trip” meet at the Church on Wed, Dec. 21 at 6:30 pm. The "Hamper Delivery" will be on Thurs, Dec. 22 between 5:30-8:30 pm. Please see/call Lori or Bill W. if you have any questions or if you would like to help with this wonderful giving experience.
SERVICES AT SPIRIT WEST FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The last Service of 2016 will be the Christmas Eve Family Service, The Christmas Gift, on Sat., December 24 at 6:30 pm.
As we have done in the past, the offering at the Christmas Eve Service will be split between the work of Spirt West and the designated project of “No Room In the Inn.” The “No Room in the Inn” Committee is a committee of the Edmonton and District Council of Churches. Each year the committee choses to support an organization in the Capital Region which in some way provides housing or shelter to those in need. This year we will be supporting “A Safe Place” – a shelter for abused women and their children in Sherwood Park.
The first Service of 2017 will be Cinnamon Bun Sunday on Sunday, January 8 at 10:30 am.
There are no Services on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church. The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged. For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
RIDE TO CHURCH?
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation. Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office. Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
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 the church or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
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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