This Sunday – Epiphany Sunday
This Sunday, the first in 2020, we will remember the story recorded in Matthew about the magi, wise men or kings (the Greek word used is magoi, magoi) from the “east” who are seeking a new-born king, and are led by a star to Jesus. Matthew is the only Gospel writer who includes this story. Mark and John have no stories about Jesus’ birth and Luke has shepherds in fields. Scholars and biblical commentators have made much of the differences between the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke. One area of comment is “target audience.” To whom were the Gospel writers speaking. Luke’s shepherd story speaks to a revelation to the lowly, the local guys who work the night shift. Matthew’s magi story speaks to a revelation to wise and educated foreigners. For us, it is important to hear Matthew’s story. Matthew places the birth of Jesus in the context of the prophetic voice to the children of Israel. The magi see in the stars the revelation of a significant birth among the Jewish people, but they need the help of Herod’s biblical scholars to obtain the detailed information about the birth to which the star is leading them. This gives the birth of the Messiah a worldwide, even cosmic significance. Matthew’s gospel brings us into the story, because the borders of God’s revelation are extended way beyond Bethlehem in Judea to all the world.
The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 60: 1-6, and Matthew 2: 1-12. In the Time for All Ages we will talk about, “Gifts for a Baby.” The title of the Sermon is “Arise, Your Light Has Come.”
Please remember that our church is a “scent-free” zone because of some severe allergies and sensitives. We would ask that you refrain from using scented beauty or grooming products such as perfume, after-shave, etc. when attending services and programs at Spirit West.
BIBLE STUDY (now 2020, an update)
Our “Advent” Bible Study has morphed into an Epiphany Study, as it moves into the January 2020. The study, will still be an expansion on the Advent biographies of Isaiah, John, Mary, and Joseph, and their roles in bringing to us the news of a Saviour. The Study will be held on four Wednesdays in January 2020 , Jan 8, Jan 15, Jan 22 and Jan 29. There is an updated version of the sign-up sheet by the office.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
- Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the giving tree for distribution.
- Jasper Place Wellness Bagged Lunch - Our first lunch is scheduled for Saturday, Jan 18th. We need a team of about 5/6 people to help make the sandwiches and pack the lunches. We will meet at the church at 5:00 pm to do this. There will be a sign-up sheet available in the New Year; in the meantime, save the date!
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 [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.
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
Office hours
- Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
[email protected]
Spiritwest.org