Our Concert – MORNING STAR is this Sunday, Dec. 10., and we have a new item below regarding an evening of carolling at Spirit West. See details below!
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday we meet John the Baptist. He’s a strange one, living in the wilderness, dressing badly and eating weird food (locusts and wild honey). But in Mark’s Gospel, John is the one who points to the Messiah. John has been “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. But what is repentance? We often think of it as saying “sorry.” But in the Bible, it is much more than that. There was much to-do a few months ago regarding commemorations of Canada’s first prime minister, John A. Macdonald. He was an alcoholic and a racist. For some this means that whatever good he did, is overshadowed by his faults. Emily Murphy, the first female magistrate in the British Empire, was a racist and promoted the sterilization of “feeble minded” Albertans. For some this means that whatever good she did, is overshadowed by her faults. And yet as part of the Famous Five she was instrumental in advancing the cause of women’s rights in Canada. Can we recognize that in every human being there exists the potential for both great good and great wrong (evil, sin) at the same time. This also means that this potential exists within each of us. John’s call to repentance is a call to recognize the wrong (evil, sin) we have done and are capable of doing, and to intentionally move toward the good that we can do. This is part of the Good News, that repentance and new life are possible for everyone.
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8. The story in the Time for All Ages is “John,” and I have titled the sermon, “You’ve made mistakes”
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 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 11th 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! The caterer must have the numbers by tomorrow, Dec. 8. Please call the church today if you wish to attend and have not signed up. For those who want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped but unlabeled gift with a value between $15 to $20 maximum (or something homemade!) and a recipe for a Christmas dinner side dish.
CAROLLING AT SPIRIT WEST – Sunday, Dec. 17
Come out for an evening of carolling at the Church, on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. There will be a bonfire, hot chocolate and hay rides! And of course there will be singing. Something for the Edmonton Food Bank would be a great thing to bring with you when you come.
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 [email protected] . 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
[email protected]
Spiritwest.org