We are back to the lectionary for this Sunday. In the readings from the Hebrew Scriptures we are following the story of David. And, we are working our way through the Gospel of Mark. This Sunday’s readings point to an understanding of authority. In the passage from 2 Samuel David is anointed King. It is the fulfillment of the prophecy and earlier anointing of David by Samuel, when David was just a young shepherd. (1 Samuel 16:13) David is thirty years old and is anointed by the elders of the community as their king. His reign as King has begun. He has the authority given by God and recognized and confirmed by the community. David is taking over from Saul, who in his last days had his authority as King taken away by God. In the Gospel we see Jesus, who has been given authority by God, but whose authority is not recognized by the community, his home town of Nazareth. His ability to do “deeds of power,” (miracles) is apparently limited by the expectations of the community. For Nazareth, he is Jesus the carpenter, son of Joseph and Mary, part of the family down the street. They don’t expect miracles. But then Jesus calls the twelve and sends them out, “giving them authority over the unclean spirits.” But there are conditions and expectations for those Jesus sends out. For great things to happen there seems to be a need for authority, ability and expectation to come together.
The readings for Sunday are 2 Samuel 5: 1-5, 9-10 and Mark 6: 1-13. I continue to offer a Time for All Ages during the service, and this Sunday I will be talking about “I can do it.” The title of the Sermon is “By What Authority!”
Work-Bee – July 10th
On Tuesday, July 10th at 9:30 am, Carol C. is organizing a work-bee to clean-up the downstairs kitchen and fridges. This is timely because the Out of School Care group will no longer be renting the space and we hope to attract new renters. Carol is looking for a group of about 10 people for the morning with snacks provided.
SPIRIT WEST FALL SUPPER- Needs people
The Spirit West Fall Supper (set by the Board for Sunday, Oct. 2) needs a planning committee. Three people have offered to serve on the committee, but so far there is no chair. So the Fall Dinner committee requires a chair (and other committee members would be great too).
SECURITY ACCESS CODES
For those of you who regularly access the church after office hours, (choir, ladies’ group, men’s breakfast, hospitality etc.) please ensure that you are using an access code for the alarm system that you have been given by Norma since April. The old access code (1234) is no longer a valid code. If you use it the system will flag you as an intruder, our security service will be notified, people will be called to investigate, and the police may come. Make sure you are using a current code!
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre. We are looking for hats, sun glasses, refillable water bottles and bug spray. These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows
A NEW 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. It was suggested at a Board Meeting that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
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 => 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Thursday (on vacation July 11-17)
- 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
[email protected]
Spiritwest.org