
Greetings,
Check out the details of the projects from our Outreach Committee – Gift Giving with a Difference. And please note the details about our Christmas Concert – MORNING STAR on Dec. 10.
THIS SUNDAY
Our Story begins again. This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Christian Year. It is the First Sunday of Advent, a Season of Preparation. We begin to tell again the stories of our faith. And this Sunday we recognize that we are in an strange time. We know that Jesus has come, we have heard the stories before. We know that we are the church, called the Body of Christ, empowered by God. And yet we are still waiting. We know that everything in the world is not as it should be. We live in a world that is not fully redeemed. We still have work to do. Let us listen for something new in the old stories.
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 13: 24-27. The story in the Time for All Ages is “Let me see!,” and I have titled the sermon, “The Story begins again.”
Please see the next item about our Giving Sundays
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at this Service.
GIFT GIVING WITH A DIFFERENCE – Spirit West Outreach
This weekend there will be a new table at church for you to stop by and visit - The Gift of Giving Table. We invite you to:
- Giving Sundays (formerly White Gift) Purchase mitts, hats, scarves, hand warmers, etc., fill a stocking or buy a gift for a child using the Bissell Centre Festive Wishlist so you can place them under our Giving Tree on Dec 3rd or 10th (these items are for those who frequent the Jasper Place Wellness Centre & the Bissell Centre) - Pick up a Bissell Wishlist flyer at the Gift of Giving Table
- Pick up a Gifts of Vision book, the United Church’s Mission and Service Gift Catalogue
- Pick up information regarding volunteering opportunities - like being a Bissell Elf and gift wrapping at Southgate Mall, or preparing sandwiches for the Jasper Place, or helping with the Wellness Winter Warming meals
MORNING STAR CANTATA – Sunday, Dec. 10
The choir and musicians from Spirit West, as well as guest instrumentalists, will present MORNING STAR, the Christmas story of hope and promise. This musical and narrated message is appropriate for each of us at any stage of life’s journey, reminding us that in our own dark nights, Christ, the Light of the World, has come. An event you won’t want to miss! All donations will go toward upgrading our sound system. Come one; come all on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 6:30.
The Spirit West Women's Group Christmas Party
The Spirit West Women’s Group Christmas Party will be held Mon, Dec 10th at 6:00 pm in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church. The dinner will cost dinner is $20 per person. All women are welcome - feel free to bring a friend! There is a sign- up sheet for the evening and money can be paid to Margery Wright. 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 a value between $15 to $20 maximum (or something homemade!) and a recipe for a Christmas dinner side dish.
PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle. We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray. There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need. If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
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
- Norma => 11 am to 4:00 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