
After that salutation, I had hoped to be able to continue on an upbeat note. Unfortunately, I am not able to do that. Lil Koch, a founding member of Spirit West United Church and our recently elected Board Chair passed away yesterday. It is a great shock, and I ask you to keep Peter in your prayers. At this time no plans have been set for a memorial.
THIS SUNDAY - EPIPHANY
This Sunday, January 6, is Epiphany the 12th day of Christmas, or to give it one of its other titles, the Feast of the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. This is the day when we celebrate the visit of the Magi (Wise men, Three Kings) to the child Jesus as recorded in Matthew’s (and only Matthew’s) Gospel. The significance that the Church has read into this story is that the coming of Christ is not just for the children of Israel, to whom the coming of the Messiah had been foretold by the Prophets. The coming of Christ is for the whole world, and that this is even written in the stars. And if we are to be somewhat in line with the Biblical narrative, the Magi arriving this year would have started their journey at Christmas 2016. The other image that runs through the readings for Epiphany is that of light, the coming of light into the darkness. At Spirit West this Epiphany, it perhaps good that we hear the message that God can come to us as light in our darkness.
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Isaiah 60: 1-6, and Matthew 2: 1-12. My story in the Time for All Ages is called “Gifts for a Baby” and the title of my sermon is “Arise, your light has come.”
As this is the first Sunday of the month (and the year) we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
SPIRIT WEST WOMEN’S LUNCH AND ANNUAL MEETING – Feb 9, 2019
Women of Spirit West are invited to a time for visiting and companionship at the Spirit West Women’s Lunch and Annual Meeting. This will be held on 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.
We need to confirm our attendance numbers to them on, or before, February 1st, so please sign up on the sheet by the office.
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 Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org