Greetings
This Sunday, the readings point to Freedom. Now, when you look up “freedom” on the internet you find a lot of references to Mel Gibson and Braveheart, or to “American” democracy. Neither of these images are particularly helpful in understanding the concept of Christian freedom, because true freedom in Christ involves a paradox. John Donne, a 17th century English Anglican priest and poet, tried to capture this paradox in a collection of poems called the Holy Sonnets. In one sonnet, which starts, “Batter my heart, three-person’d God,” Donne says, “Take me to you, imprison me, for I, Except you enthrall me, never shall be free.” We will look more deeply at our understanding of freedom, and reflect on how freedom in Christ is experienced and demonstrated on our daily lives.
The readings for Sunday are Galatians 5:1, 13-25 and Luke 9:51-62. In the Time for All Ages I will be sharing Margaret Wise Brown’s story “Runaway Bunny”. I have called the sermon “Freedom Bound”
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday, to move it away from the Canada Day long weekend.
CHILDREN AT CHURCH DURING THE SUMMER
Although the Sunday School has ended for the season, children are still welcome at church! We will have Activity Packs (look for the maroon nylon cases at the welcome table) which children can explore either in the sanctuary or in the lounge
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
I will be taking some holidays this summer, but the church will not be closing! I will be away from July 8 to August 5. During that time I will be attending the North American Interfaith Network Connect (conference and AGM) in Guadalajara, Mexico. Rebecca and I are delegates, Margery and Paul are going as tourists and we will all have some holiday time in Guadalajara after the conference. I will also have the opportunity to attend the 10 year reunion of Task Force Orion (TF 1-06), the Battle Group I served with in Afghanistan. We will also be spending some time in Regina and southern Saskatchewan.
For the time I am away, John P. and the M & P Committee have started to find some interesting people (live, not on video) to provide Sunday Supply. For pastoral concerns between Sundays, call Norma at the church office.
KEEP THE DATES – THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Spirit West Community Garage Sale: Table can be rented for $20 or you can donate items to a Spirit West Table.
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.
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 office at 780-481-1406 and be directed to a person..
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
This Sunday, the readings point to Freedom. Now, when you look up “freedom” on the internet you find a lot of references to Mel Gibson and Braveheart, or to “American” democracy. Neither of these images are particularly helpful in understanding the concept of Christian freedom, because true freedom in Christ involves a paradox. John Donne, a 17th century English Anglican priest and poet, tried to capture this paradox in a collection of poems called the Holy Sonnets. In one sonnet, which starts, “Batter my heart, three-person’d God,” Donne says, “Take me to you, imprison me, for I, Except you enthrall me, never shall be free.” We will look more deeply at our understanding of freedom, and reflect on how freedom in Christ is experienced and demonstrated on our daily lives.
The readings for Sunday are Galatians 5:1, 13-25 and Luke 9:51-62. In the Time for All Ages I will be sharing Margaret Wise Brown’s story “Runaway Bunny”. I have called the sermon “Freedom Bound”
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday, to move it away from the Canada Day long weekend.
CHILDREN AT CHURCH DURING THE SUMMER
Although the Sunday School has ended for the season, children are still welcome at church! We will have Activity Packs (look for the maroon nylon cases at the welcome table) which children can explore either in the sanctuary or in the lounge
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
I will be taking some holidays this summer, but the church will not be closing! I will be away from July 8 to August 5. During that time I will be attending the North American Interfaith Network Connect (conference and AGM) in Guadalajara, Mexico. Rebecca and I are delegates, Margery and Paul are going as tourists and we will all have some holiday time in Guadalajara after the conference. I will also have the opportunity to attend the 10 year reunion of Task Force Orion (TF 1-06), the Battle Group I served with in Afghanistan. We will also be spending some time in Regina and southern Saskatchewan.
For the time I am away, John P. and the M & P Committee have started to find some interesting people (live, not on video) to provide Sunday Supply. For pastoral concerns between Sundays, call Norma at the church office.
KEEP THE DATES – THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Spirit West Community Garage Sale: Table can be rented for $20 or you can donate items to a Spirit West Table.
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.
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 office at 780-481-1406 and be directed to a person..
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
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