
Within the Lectionary there are four readings assigned for each Sunday. The first is a reading from what is commonly called the Old Testament, the second is a reading from a part of the New Testament other than the Gospels and the third reading is from one of the Gospels. There is also a Psalm appointed for the day. In some churches all the readings are shared with the congregation. At Spirit West the practice has been to share two of the readings, and occasionally three. These readings are intended as the foundation of the Time for All Ages and the Sermon. I mention all this because on Sunday, I will be doing something a bit different. The story in the Time for All Ages will be derived from 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a which is the second reading for the Third Sunday after Epiphany, but the passage itself will not be read in full. This passage continues from the passage that was read last Sunday regarding spiritual gifts. In this continuation Paul uses the image of the church as a body with many parts that work together. For the Sermon, I will be looking at readings from the prophet Nehemiah and from the Gospel of Luke, the first and third readings for Sunday in the Lectionary. These passages deal with the reading of Scripture in the presence of a group of people. For both groups, the readings are given special but different significance. I will be reflecting on the place of Scripture in our community.
The passages that will be read on Sunday are Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 (try reading verses 1-10 through, and you will see why verses 4 and 7 are not being read aloud) and Luke 4:14-21. The Sermon title is “Hear what the Spirit is saying.” Reflecting on the Corinthians passage in the Time for All Ages I will ask the question, “What’s the best part?”
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Although at the moment we have a relatively small number of children in our Sunday School, it is important that we provide them with a positive experience of their time together. We are looking for people who are willing to share some time with the children on Sunday. We have a great curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit which is quite adaptable and easy to use (you do need a computer and internet access for the preparation). If you are not sure, considering joining the class for a couple of weeks and learning with the children. A signup sheet is on the cabinet by the office.
COMMUNITY LUNCHES
On a regular basis a group of churches in the West End including Spirit West cook and serve lunch to folks in need at the Jasper Place Wellness Centre. Two churches work together on a lunch, one church cooks and the other church provides servers. On the cabinet by the church office is a signup sheet with the dates for the lunches that Spirit West is helping with. There are opportunities for cooks and servers. If you want to know more about this, talk to Doreen O.
Hampers The Jasper Place Wellness Centre also supplies basic food hampers. At the present time their stocks are very low. A bin will be by the front door where you can leave donations of dry pasta, rice, canned beans, canned meat or fish, soup, crackers, peanut butter, hot chocolate, and tea bags. Your donations will be taken by Doreen to JPWC on Mondays. Your support of the work of Spirit West at the JPWC is greatly appreciated.
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 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 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
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org