This Sunday I am back with the Lectionary as it reflects Jesus’ ministry and to some extent that of the early church. So this week I am going to pay particular attention to Paul’s First Letter to the Church at Corinth. In his letter, it sounds like Paul will do whatever it takes to get people to hear the Gospel. He says, “I have become all things to all people.” Now reading this and the verses that precede it in Paul’s letter, one might wonder about Paul’s integrity. Is there a “true” Paul, or is he just a chameleon changing to blend into the environment? Is Paul attempting to communicate the Gospel in a way that is understandable or accessible to diverse communities? How do we communicate the Gospel to others? What does it mean to make the Gospel accessible to everyone? What changes, the message or the messenger?
The Scripture readings for Sunday are 1Corinthians 9:16-23 and Mark 1:20-39. The story in the Time for All Ages is “Je veux vous ranconter une histoire” and the Sermon is titled “I Am All Things to All People”
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 11 and Feb 25
There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service on Sunday, February 11. At this time we will review and approve the 2018 budget for Spirit West United Church.
There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sunday, February 25 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West United in 2017. We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2018.
You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired.
LENT (Ashes and Pancakes)
Easter is relatively early this year, falling on April 1st, being the Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal (spring) equinox. Therefore, Lent also begins rather early in the year. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, is Wednesday, February 14 (also Valentine’s Day). The day before the start of Lent is Shrove Tuesday, sometimes called Pancake Tuesday. Since Spirit West does not observe Pancake Tuesday or Ash Wednesday on their specific dates, we have combined their observance on the first Sunday in Lent, February 18. So the service on Sunday, February 18 will include the Imposition of Ashes for those who wish it, and the service will (I hope) be followed by a Pancake Lunch.
Security Access codes
The church access code for the alarm system has been changed. Each of our renters will have their own code. Members of the Spirit West congregation who have a key to the church (choir, Ladies’ Group, Men’s Breakfast etc.) need to see Norma or Larry to get the new code. You don’t want to set the alarm off, by using an outdated code.
Outreach Activities
We are still collecting mitts, hats, hand warmers, coffee cards, hot chocolate packages, coffee travel mugs, etc. for both Bissell Center and the Jasper Place Wellness Center. You can bring these items in and put them on the giving tree or leave them in the baskets on the table.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? – Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs. Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of March, April and May! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill Callas at 780-481-2662. Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts). A free will offering, in envelopes, will be collected by the host. A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested. Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.
Ladies Group Valentine Social and Meeting
Ladies, mark your calendars for our annual Valentine Luncheon and annual meeting at 11:30 am., Sat, Feb. 10th at the Homefire Grill (18210 100 Ave). We will have the private room, full menu, wait staff and separate bills. Good food and valentine surprises! All women welcome! Please sign-up on the sheet at the back of the church so we know how many women will be attending.
Pictorial Directory – it has been 5 years since we did our last pictorial directory. The directory itself is free – the company makes their money by selling family pictures to those who want them. The last directory is on the signup table. Please let me know if you are interested in having another directory done this year.
Sunday School Teachers Needed: We continue to look for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School. You can teach one Sunday or as many Sundays as you wish! If interested, please add your name to the signup sheet on the back table.
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.
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