Today is National Aboriginal Day. In light of the difficult relationship that the Church has with First Nations let each of us take a moment to pray. Let us pray for those who are involved in healing and restoring the brokenness in and with our First Nations, may the healing continue. Let us pray for those still suffering from the effects of the Residential Schools, may they reach a place of healing. Let us pray for those who continue to view “the other” as the problem. May we all recognize in each other the face of God’s creation and work toward reconciliation.
This Sunday
Summer has begun. But if you have noticed the church sign, you might suspect some dire future. The Gospel reading for Sunday relates the episode of Christ calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee which has terrified the disciples and threatened to sink their boat. Jesus is in the boat with them, asleep on a cushion in the stern. The disciples have to wake him up to point out the storm and the impending danger. Jesus calms the storm, but not until he has chastised the disciples for their lack of faith. Now most of us have experienced “storms of life.” For some those storms have been very severe. And I think that many of us would be in the same boat (pun intended) as the disciples, deeply concerned about the possibility of drowning. We will look at the Gospel and see what good news there is for us as we face the storms of life.
The Scripture readings are from the Prophets: 1 Samuel 17:57 – 18:5, 10-16 and from the Gospels: Mark 4: 35-41. During the Time for All Ages I will be looking at what we can do after we say “I’m scared.” The sermon title is “A Storm is Coming.”
HOLISTIC END OF LIFE PLANNING WORKSHOP
This workshop is going to be held on Tuesday, June 26th in the lounge at the Church from 1 – 4 pm.
The presenter, Tony White, is going to look at the practical, emotional and spiritual matters that are associated with death and dying. He himself has suffered at least two near death experiences, such that he decided to train as a public speaker and present his learnings
The cost is $30.00 per person for the 3 hour workshop and a preparation tool kit. If the cost is a concern, then Tony is open to negotiation – he told me that he was more interested in getting his message out.
If you are interested please speak to Bob or Sheila H.; or phone them (780-460-3878); or just show up on Tuesday, June 26th at 1:00 pm
SUNDAY, JULY 1ST – CANADA DAY
This year July 1st is a Sunday. To mark this significant day in our nation’s history, we will be having a Pancake Breakfast before the Service. The Breakfast will start at 9:00 am.
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).
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 => 11 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 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