This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent. This Sunday we look at messengers. In the passage from the prophets, Malachi (his is the last book in the “Old Testament”) we hear that God will send a messenger. The initial reaction that seems to be expected is one of joy. “The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight – indeed, he is coming says the Lord of hosts.” That’s a good thing, right. But the text continues with the question, “But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?” In Luke’s Gospel we hear of another messenger of God, John. John’s message is a call to repentance. As you make your way through Advent, who are the messengers in your life? How do they help to direct you to the stable? What messengers and messages help you to “find” Jesus and to understand this season more deeply.
The Readings for Sunday are Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3: 1-6. With the children I will talking about looking for Jesus in our lives with the title “People look south?” and the title of the sermon is “I am sending my messenger.” We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at this service.
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 year, Bissell is asking 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 on Dec. 6 or 13 to then be delivered to Bissell.
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.
Spirit West Women’s Group Christmas Party
The Spirit West Women’s Group Christmas Party will be held on Monday, December 7th at 6:00 PM in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church. Tickets are $20 per person and include a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. All women are welcome – feel free to bring a friend! Please see Terri-Lynn H. or Liz O. for tickets. There will be 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!). If you are able to help out with the food or drinks, please see Colleen F.
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)
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.
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