Greetings,
Please take particular note of the information regarding the Congregational Budget Meeting this Sunday.
THIS SUNDAY – Basis of Union Article XIV – Of the Law of God
One reason that people give for not becoming involved in the church is that they do not want to be told how to live their lives, the church has too many rules. The other thing I hear, often when trapped on an airplane with a person who has asked me what I do, is “I’m not religious, but I live by the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.” I have never had the nerve to ask such people if they can actually tell me all ten commandments, I suspect they cannot. They might have better luck with the Golden Rule. I am also not sure what would happen if I asked them about the Great Commandment. Just as a test, you might want to see if you can list all ten commandments, recite some version of the Golden Rule and the Great Commandment. The church does have rules, rules that apply to the members of the church and rules that apply to the institution itself. But these are different from what the Basis of Union calls the Law of God. Article 14 talks about the “moral law of God, summarized in the Ten Commandments…” But, the law of God is not simply a list of “do nots” culminating with “do not have any fun.” The law of God is intended as a framework for right relations between people and God, and with each other. If you tried the test above, and are not sure if you got all ten correctly, and want to just check on the other two, the Ten Commandments are in the Exodus reading and the Great Commandment is in the Mark reading. A version of the Golden Rule can be found Luke 6:31. See you Sunday, and we’ll talk about it more.
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Exodus 20: 1-17, and Mark 12: 28-34. The story in the Time for All Ages is called “It’s the Law!.” and the title of my sermon is “Of the Law of God”
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 10 and Feb 24
This Sunday there will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service. At that time we will review and approve the 2019 budget for Spirit West United Church. A copy of the 2018 Financial Statement 2019 Budget is attached to this email. As you read them, you will notice that we are in financial difficulty. Much of the financial challenge is the mortgage. As a congregation we have been supported by Edmonton Presbytery with grants and loans toward the mortgage, and the board is seeking the support of the new Northern Spirit Region, but that is not all of it. We do need money to “keep the doors open and the lights on.” One model of church has been described as “hen and chicks.” The building and congregation gathered are the “hen,” this is where the “chicks,” the individuals of the congregation are fed and nurtured. Thus fed, the chicks go out into the world. We would like to see the hen that is Spirit West continue to be present in our neighbourhood and beyond. Please prayerfully consider you support.
There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sunday, February 24 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West United in 2018. We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2019. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired
IT’S COLD OUTSIDE – Remember those in need!
Because of the extremely low temperatures that we have been having, there is a particular need for winter clothing for those who are homeless or sleep rough. Seasonal items are urgently needed at the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, tuques, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the Giving Tree at the church for distribution, or taken directly to the agencies named. If you encounter someone in need of shelter call 211.
SPIRIT WEST ON INSTAGRAM
In our church’s continuing efforts to be more widely known in the community, Aly L. of our Communications Committee has created an Instagram Account for Spirit West. But an Instagram account with no updates is not that useful. Aly would like to establish a small team of three or four people who will take pictures at Spirit West events to be posted on Instagram. Before this team starts posting, Aly would like to meet with them to set ground rules and policies so that the posts show Spirit West at its best and also protect the privacy of individuals. If you are interested please speak to Aly.
SOCIAL MEDIA 101 (Social Media for Beginners)
Does the previous paragraph mean anything to you? Are you among those people who hear words like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat and think you are hearing a foreign language. When some of your friends ask you to “friend them” are you confused? Do you think you might be missing out when someone you know asks you if you have seen the post on Instagram of a mutual friend’s darling new grandchild? Is sharing what your church is doing beyond Sunday (with pictures), something you might like to do? If this might be you, help and hope is at hand. Aly L. would like to offer a session to introduce members of the Sprit West congregation to the possibilities of Social Media. Watch this space for details.
SPIRIT WEST WOMEN’S LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING – Feb 9, 2019
This is just a reminder for the women who signed up for the Spirit West Women’s Lunch and Annual Meeting. This will be held this Saturday, February 9 at 11:30am at The Lewis Estates Golf Course. The address is 259 Lewis Estates Boulevard. Access is easy and there is plenty of parking. Cost is $21.00 payable to Carol Callas.
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 late 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 C or Colleen F. 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.
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt. Now you can! Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.
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
- Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United
0 CommentsNo comments posted
Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
Please take particular note of the information regarding the Congregational Budget Meeting this Sunday.
THIS SUNDAY – Basis of Union Article XIV – Of the Law of God
One reason that people give for not becoming involved in the church is that they do not want to be told how to live their lives, the church has too many rules. The other thing I hear, often when trapped on an airplane with a person who has asked me what I do, is “I’m not religious, but I live by the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.” I have never had the nerve to ask such people if they can actually tell me all ten commandments, I suspect they cannot. They might have better luck with the Golden Rule. I am also not sure what would happen if I asked them about the Great Commandment. Just as a test, you might want to see if you can list all ten commandments, recite some version of the Golden Rule and the Great Commandment. The church does have rules, rules that apply to the members of the church and rules that apply to the institution itself. But these are different from what the Basis of Union calls the Law of God. Article 14 talks about the “moral law of God, summarized in the Ten Commandments…” But, the law of God is not simply a list of “do nots” culminating with “do not have any fun.” The law of God is intended as a framework for right relations between people and God, and with each other. If you tried the test above, and are not sure if you got all ten correctly, and want to just check on the other two, the Ten Commandments are in the Exodus reading and the Great Commandment is in the Mark reading. A version of the Golden Rule can be found Luke 6:31. See you Sunday, and we’ll talk about it more.
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Exodus 20: 1-17, and Mark 12: 28-34. The story in the Time for All Ages is called “It’s the Law!.” and the title of my sermon is “Of the Law of God”
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS – Feb 10 and Feb 24
This Sunday there will be a Congregational Budget Meeting following the Service. At that time we will review and approve the 2019 budget for Spirit West United Church. A copy of the 2018 Financial Statement 2019 Budget is attached to this email. As you read them, you will notice that we are in financial difficulty. Much of the financial challenge is the mortgage. As a congregation we have been supported by Edmonton Presbytery with grants and loans toward the mortgage, and the board is seeking the support of the new Northern Spirit Region, but that is not all of it. We do need money to “keep the doors open and the lights on.” One model of church has been described as “hen and chicks.” The building and congregation gathered are the “hen,” this is where the “chicks,” the individuals of the congregation are fed and nurtured. Thus fed, the chicks go out into the world. We would like to see the hen that is Spirit West continue to be present in our neighbourhood and beyond. Please prayerfully consider you support.
There will be a Congregation Meeting following the Service on Sunday, February 24 to review, through the Annual Reports, the mission and ministry of the Spirit West United in 2018. We will also make such decisions as will determine our vision for the Congregation in 2019. You attendance and input at both these meetings is greatly desired
IT’S COLD OUTSIDE – Remember those in need!
Because of the extremely low temperatures that we have been having, there is a particular need for winter clothing for those who are homeless or sleep rough. Seasonal items are urgently needed at the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, tuques, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the Giving Tree at the church for distribution, or taken directly to the agencies named. If you encounter someone in need of shelter call 211.
SPIRIT WEST ON INSTAGRAM
In our church’s continuing efforts to be more widely known in the community, Aly L. of our Communications Committee has created an Instagram Account for Spirit West. But an Instagram account with no updates is not that useful. Aly would like to establish a small team of three or four people who will take pictures at Spirit West events to be posted on Instagram. Before this team starts posting, Aly would like to meet with them to set ground rules and policies so that the posts show Spirit West at its best and also protect the privacy of individuals. If you are interested please speak to Aly.
SOCIAL MEDIA 101 (Social Media for Beginners)
Does the previous paragraph mean anything to you? Are you among those people who hear words like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat and think you are hearing a foreign language. When some of your friends ask you to “friend them” are you confused? Do you think you might be missing out when someone you know asks you if you have seen the post on Instagram of a mutual friend’s darling new grandchild? Is sharing what your church is doing beyond Sunday (with pictures), something you might like to do? If this might be you, help and hope is at hand. Aly L. would like to offer a session to introduce members of the Sprit West congregation to the possibilities of Social Media. Watch this space for details.
SPIRIT WEST WOMEN’S LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING – Feb 9, 2019
This is just a reminder for the women who signed up for the Spirit West Women’s Lunch and Annual Meeting. This will be held this Saturday, February 9 at 11:30am at The Lewis Estates Golf Course. The address is 259 Lewis Estates Boulevard. Access is easy and there is plenty of parking. Cost is $21.00 payable to Carol Callas.
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 late 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 C or Colleen F. 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.
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt. Now you can! Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.
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
- Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United
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