Greetings
In the Gospel reading for this Sunday we hear the story of two healings. One healing was of the daughter of a prominent public official. The official had come forward openly to Jesus to beg for the healing of his daughter. On the way to the official’s house, a woman who had been suffering for years and had spent all she had on ineffective treatments, also sought Jesus help. The woman, however, did not think that she was in a position to interrupt Jesus on his way to attend the official’s daughter. She believed that if she just manage to touch Jesus clothing she would be healed. We have all met people like this women, and we can almost hear her saying, “ I don’t want to bother him when he’s busy.” But she has been suffering for years. As I reflect on this passage, I think about how we approach God. Are we the official who approaches Jesus (God) openly and directly with our need, or are we the one who doesn’t really want to bother God with our problems, even if they are quite serious, but who knows that God’s help is needed.
The readings for Sunday are Psalm 130 and Mark 4:21-34. I am calling the Time for All Ages, “Reach Out” and the Sermon is “Who touched me?”
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.
Truth and Reconciliation – A Follow-up
Last Sunday, Harold Robinson spoke to us quite eloquently about what reconciliation with First Nations can mean for the non-aboriginal communities. As a follow-up to what Harold shared with us, I have attached two documents to this email. One is a briefing note prepared by Harold for the Indian Residential Schools Alberta Secretariat for Reconciliation. This document in some ways formed the basis of Harold’s message. The other document is the Call to Action from the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The document contains the 95 recommendations. Harold pointed out that for any community or individual to face 95 challenges is overwhelming. His suggestion is to seriously commit to the actions called for in a few of the recommendation.
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.
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
In the Gospel reading for this Sunday we hear the story of two healings. One healing was of the daughter of a prominent public official. The official had come forward openly to Jesus to beg for the healing of his daughter. On the way to the official’s house, a woman who had been suffering for years and had spent all she had on ineffective treatments, also sought Jesus help. The woman, however, did not think that she was in a position to interrupt Jesus on his way to attend the official’s daughter. She believed that if she just manage to touch Jesus clothing she would be healed. We have all met people like this women, and we can almost hear her saying, “ I don’t want to bother him when he’s busy.” But she has been suffering for years. As I reflect on this passage, I think about how we approach God. Are we the official who approaches Jesus (God) openly and directly with our need, or are we the one who doesn’t really want to bother God with our problems, even if they are quite serious, but who knows that God’s help is needed.
The readings for Sunday are Psalm 130 and Mark 4:21-34. I am calling the Time for All Ages, “Reach Out” and the Sermon is “Who touched me?”
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.
Truth and Reconciliation – A Follow-up
Last Sunday, Harold Robinson spoke to us quite eloquently about what reconciliation with First Nations can mean for the non-aboriginal communities. As a follow-up to what Harold shared with us, I have attached two documents to this email. One is a briefing note prepared by Harold for the Indian Residential Schools Alberta Secretariat for Reconciliation. This document in some ways formed the basis of Harold’s message. The other document is the Call to Action from the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The document contains the 95 recommendations. Harold pointed out that for any community or individual to face 95 challenges is overwhelming. His suggestion is to seriously commit to the actions called for in a few of the recommendation.
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.
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
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