This Sunday is the last Sunday in the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany cycle of the church year. February 18 is the first Sunday in Lent, the beginning of the Lent/Easter/Pentecost cycle. The main reading this Sunday will be the story of Jesus’ transfiguration. If you Google “transfiguration” these days, you are more likely to get information about a class at Hogwart’s. However, when the church uses the word in connection with Jesus, it refers to a very specific revelation about Jesus that was confined to just a few disciples on a mountain top. While these disciples watch, Jesus’ appearance changed (that’s the transfiguration part) There was an amazing brightness that surrounded him, that seemed to come from the very clothes he was wearing. And standing with him were Moses and Elijah. For the disciples, this transfiguration was an eye-opening experience, in a very literal way. The saw Jesus in a new light. The image of light has often been associated, as it is in this story, with knowledge and understanding, the shining moments of our lives.
The Scripture readings for Sunday are 1Corinthians 4: 3-6 and Matthew 17: 1-9. The Sermon is titled “The Shining Moments”
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism at this service, as we welcome a young child into the family of God.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – 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, in Wednesday is 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.
A NEW WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You are don’t have 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. At the last Board meeting, it was suggested that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
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
Norma for Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
[email protected]
Spiritwest.org