Greetings,
Please note the update to the information on the Congregational Meeting.
This Sunday – February 19th
When I was involved in teaching an ethics program in the Canadian Forces, I learned that there are a number of ways that behaviour can be guided. One way is to create a set of rules that everyone follows. “Do not kill.” If you follow the rules you are good. Of course you cannot make a rule to cover every situation. Another way is to teach a framework on which decisions can be based. “All life should be respected.” This method allows some interpretation, and may produce results which are not entirely as expected. Another method is to have both rules and a framework. You know the rules, but you also have the resources, the framework on which to make your decisions in the absence of a specific rule. Jesus seems to have favoured this last way. There are rules, in the Bible called “commandments.” But we also find in the Bible a constant refrain from the prophets and from Jesus and the apostles that people are “following the rules,” but still managing to cause hurt, pain and suffering. In both the reading from Leviticus (a rule book) and from Matthew, we are given examples of behaviour that goes beyond the rules, behaviour that is based on a relationship with God.
The Readings for Sunday are Leviticus 19: 1-2, 9-18 and Matthew 5: 38-48. We will also be singing a portion of Psalm 119 (v.33-44). I have called my sermon, “Teach me your way.”
We will also be welcoming three new members by transfer of membership this Sunday.”
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for Breakfast this Saturday, February 18 at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall. Breakfast is open to any man who wants to come out for a great breakfast. As a note, each man usually put in $10 dollars, this covers the breakfast supplies and the surplus is put into a fund that offsets the cost of minor repairs around the church.
SPIRIT WEST UNITED CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
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 was sent out with the Annual Report earlier this morning), 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.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
On Friday, March 3, at 2:00 pm 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.
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. Offer to host a dinner and be surprised by who shows up. Check the display board at the back of the church, if you see a dinner opportunity that strikes your fancy, talk to Bill C. to make your reservation. If you wish to host a dinner should contact Bill C. at church on a Sunday or call 780-481-2662. Please see full details in the church announcement sheet, or contact Bill C. Bon Appetit!
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
Please note the update to the information on the Congregational Meeting.
This Sunday – February 19th
When I was involved in teaching an ethics program in the Canadian Forces, I learned that there are a number of ways that behaviour can be guided. One way is to create a set of rules that everyone follows. “Do not kill.” If you follow the rules you are good. Of course you cannot make a rule to cover every situation. Another way is to teach a framework on which decisions can be based. “All life should be respected.” This method allows some interpretation, and may produce results which are not entirely as expected. Another method is to have both rules and a framework. You know the rules, but you also have the resources, the framework on which to make your decisions in the absence of a specific rule. Jesus seems to have favoured this last way. There are rules, in the Bible called “commandments.” But we also find in the Bible a constant refrain from the prophets and from Jesus and the apostles that people are “following the rules,” but still managing to cause hurt, pain and suffering. In both the reading from Leviticus (a rule book) and from Matthew, we are given examples of behaviour that goes beyond the rules, behaviour that is based on a relationship with God.
The Readings for Sunday are Leviticus 19: 1-2, 9-18 and Matthew 5: 38-48. We will also be singing a portion of Psalm 119 (v.33-44). I have called my sermon, “Teach me your way.”
We will also be welcoming three new members by transfer of membership this Sunday.”
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for Breakfast this Saturday, February 18 at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall. Breakfast is open to any man who wants to come out for a great breakfast. As a note, each man usually put in $10 dollars, this covers the breakfast supplies and the surplus is put into a fund that offsets the cost of minor repairs around the church.
SPIRIT WEST UNITED CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
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 was sent out with the Annual Report earlier this morning), 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.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
On Friday, March 3, at 2:00 pm 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.
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. Offer to host a dinner and be surprised by who shows up. Check the display board at the back of the church, if you see a dinner opportunity that strikes your fancy, talk to Bill C. to make your reservation. If you wish to host a dinner should contact Bill C. at church on a Sunday or call 780-481-2662. Please see full details in the church announcement sheet, or contact Bill C. Bon Appetit!
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
RSS Feed
