 Harold Robinson | Greetings This Sunday is National Aboriginal Day. In light of the recent release of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, I believe that we as a church should look at what reconciliation with the First Nations communities means for us. For many of us the truth of the Residential School experience was completely unknown until recently. Our engagement with people of First Nations has probably been minimal. So, what now? I do not feel qualified to answer that question, so I have sought help. Our speaker on Sunday will be Mr. Harold Robinson, a Metis lawyer and an Adjudicator for the Indian Residential Schools Independent Assessment Process. Harold is also the Tribunal Secretary/Director for the Metis Settlements Appeal Tribunal. The first reading for Sunday are Genesis 32: 22-31, Jacob wrestles with a “man”, and through the struggle becomes Israel. The second reading is Luke 19: 28-40. In the course of this passage we hear that the truth cannot be kept quiet, for even the rocks will cry out. The title of the Children’s time is “Sacred Stones” and Harold’s message is “Reconciliation starts here.” Again, as a heads up for the summer. I will be taking holidays in July. I will celebrate Communion with you on July 5, and then see you again on Aug 2. MESSY CHURCH This Saturday, June 20 from 4:00 pm to approx 6:00. The theme for this Messy Church is “The Sower and the Seed.” This is an experience for the whole family. Please come and join us for a story, songs, crafts and dinner. So that we have a better idea of how many to plan for, could you send a “reply” to this message with the number of adults and children in your group who will be attending. Men’s Breakfast The men of Spirit West (and any friends you want to bring along) will meet for Breakfast on Saturday morning at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall. Church Membership I would like to start a membership program for those who wish to join the United Church, and this congregation in particular. If you are already a member of the United Church (or Presbyterian or similar), but your membership is with another congregation, your membership can be transferred by certificate. In other circumstances you become a member by profession of faith or confirmation. If you are interested, or just have questions, please give me a call. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Our Prayer Shawl Supply coordinator is Bonnie C. So now, what is needed is knitters/crocheters who will make the prayer shawls. Basic knitting skills are all that is required We have some wool, knitting needles and a basic pattern available. If you are interested contact me or Bonnie C. For those of you unfamiliar with Prayer Shawl Ministries, it is a program where hand knit shawls, are given to people in hospital with the prayers of our church. The shawl provides a tangible reminder of the church’s and God’s presence with the person in hospital. 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. NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF There has been another devastating earthquake with after shocks in Nepal. In response to this tragedy, the United Church of Canada has established a Nepal Earthquake Relief fund. Your donation to Nepal Earthquake Relief will be applied directly to support relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts in the country. Here’s how you can donate: · Online via the United Church of Canada’s secure donation page. · Phone 416-231-5931 ext. 3050 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 3050 and use your Visa or MasterCard. · Send a cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information with donation amount to: o The United Church of Canada Philanthropy Unit—Emergency Response 3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300 Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4 Please be sure to note “Emergency Response—Nepal Earthquake Relief” on the face of your cheque. For more information on the United Church’s response go to http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/150427 And please keep the people of Nepal and the relief workers in your prayers. SPIRIT WEST ONLINE! Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org . Thanks to our Webmaster: Bonnie S. 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 See you Sunday, Larry |
|
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Categories |
RSS Feed
