
Please note the update to the information on the World Day of Prayer planning meeting, and remember that following the service on Sunday we will be holding the Congregational Budget Meeting. See also the new item about “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”
This Sunday – February 12th
Some of you may remember the 1992 movie, A Few Good Men. One of the most iconic scenes from that movie is the Jack Nicholson character shouting at the Tom Cruise character, “You can’t handle the truth!” Believe it or not, Paul has a similar opinion of the Christians at Corinth but expresses it in a much “nicer” way. He says to them, “ I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready.” Paul sees that being a follower of Christ is not a destination but a journey. Our Christian life is about growing and maturing, an ongoing process that does not and should not stop. Paul says to the Corinthians that they are not a mature community, that their quarrels and jealousies show that there is more growth needed, and that if they keep at it maturity will come. In the Gospel reading, which is a continuation of our readings from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has some pointed and difficult statements to make about anger, adultery, divorce and oaths. Is this solid food that we might not be ready for. How can we digest it?
The Readings for Sunday are 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9 and Matthew 5: 21-37. In the Time for All Ages, I will be talking about how “Be careful with that..!.” If we do not understand or fully appreciate the “tools” we have been given, we can hurt ourselves and others. I have called my sermon, “Are you ready?”
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER (planning meeting)
On Friday, March 3, Spirit West will be hosting the World Day of Prayer Service for this area of Edmonton. This service is part of an international day of prayer, spearheaded in Canada by the Women’s Interchurch Council. The resources for the 2017 service have been prepared by women of the Philippines. There will be a planning meeting at the church tomorrow (Friday, Feb 10) at 10:00 am. Any of the women of the church who would like to be part of this service are invited to attend. For more information call Margery W..
Ladies Group Valentine Social and Meeting
Ladies, mark your calendars for our annual Valentine Luncheon at 11:30 am, this Saturday, Feb. 11th at the Homefire Grill Restaurant, 18210 – 100 Ave. Cost is $20.00 per person which includes food and gratuity. Reservations and payment can be made through Diane L. Good food and valentine surprises! All women welcome!
SPIRIT WEST UNITED CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting after Church this Sunday, February 12, 2017. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and approve the 2017 Budget for Spirit West United Church.
There will be a Congregational Meeting after Church on Sunday, February 26, 2017. The purpose of this meeting is to receive and discuss the Annual Report, to discuss and approve a Business Plan for Spirit West United Church (a proposed Business Plan will be sent out shortly), and to discuss and confirm (or not) the recommendations of the Church Board on General Council Remits 1 and 2 (see next item).
GENERAL COUNCIL REMITS
At the Church Board meeting last night, Remit 1- The Three Council Model from the General Council was discussed and voted on. Remit 2- Elimination of Transfer and Settlement will be dealt with at the February Board Meeting. It is however, the desire of the Board to allow for the fuller engagement of the congregation in the Remit Process. Therefore, Remits 1 and 2, along with the results of the vote by the Board will be presented at the Congregational Meeting on February 26 for discussion and confirmation. Remits 3 and 4 will be dealt with by the Board in March and April and the results will presented to the Congregation at a later date. Information about all the Remits can be found online at gc42.ca/remits.
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs. This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of March, April and May. Those who wish to host a dinner should contact Bill C. at church on a Sunday or call him at home. Please see full details in the church announcement sheet, or contact Bill C. Bon Appetit!
Volunteers Needed for Jasper Place Wellness Centre
As has been our practise at Spirit West Outreach during the last few winters, we will again be cooking and serving a hot meal on Saturday evenings to those in need during January, February and March at Jasper Place Wellness on Stony Plain Road and 152 St. Our church, together with five other churches, will be sharing the preparation and serving of these meals. We need help cooking and serving on March 4 and 11. If you can help with this very worthy cause, please call Doreen O. For those who cannot participate on these dates but still want to be involved, a cash donation is always appreciated.
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