The cycle of Lectionary readings this year that follow Jesus’ life and earthly ministry is going to be about the shortest it can be for a while. Easter Sunday this year is March 27 with Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, on February 10. The earliest date that Easter has occurred in the past century was on March 23, 2008. The very earliest that Easter can fall is on March 22. The last time this happened was in 1818 and will not happen again until 2285. As we get closer to the Lent/Easter cycle I will share some of the calculations involved in determining the date of Easter, and why Easter slides around the calendar while Christmas stays put.
This Sunday we hear the story of Jesus’ first recorded miracle, and it’s a strange one. No one is healed of a disease or raised from the dead, Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding reception at his mother’s suggestion. But, sorry, I am not going to spend any time on that during the sermon. Another reading from the lectionary for Sunday is from Paul’s first letter to the Christians at Corinth. Apparently they were having a some trouble deciding whose gifts and abilities were most beneficial to the growing church. Paul points out to them that the very discussion is wrong. He goes on to say that all gifts are from God, Paul calls them spiritual gifts, and everyone has gifts. But the gifts are not the same for every person, and all the gifts together are what is most beneficial to the growing church. We’ll look at some of the gifts that Paul names by way of example and maybe come up with others for our church and time.
The readings for Sunday are 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 and John 2: 1-11. For the Sermon, I am looking at, “Spiritual Gifts” During the Service we will also welcome one infant and three children into the family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for Breakfast this Saturday, January 16 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.
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 February and March! 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. at 780-481-2662. Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host. If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine. Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts) Diners will be provided ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church. A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested. Please plan on attending one of these sensational dinners and generously supporting the ongoing work of Spirit West. See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
MESSY LENT / EASTER
I would like to celebrate a Messy Church – Lent/Easter in early March (Lent starts on February 10 and Easter is March 27) If you are interested in becoming involve or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible. It’s work, but it is also so much fun. For those of you who were involved with or attended Messy Advent in November, we will have not have the problems with the dinner timing. Give me a call!
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 Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
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
[email protected]
Spiritwest.org