
This Sunday I am moving away from the Lectionary and using readings that were at one time suggested for the Sunday nearest Dominion Day (it goes back a ways). Of course Dominion Day is now Canada Day. But, do you know why Canada was at one time called the Dominion of Canada. John A. MacDonald wanted to call the new country formed in 1867 the “Kingdom of Canada.” The British Colonial Office was hesitant. The did not want to antagonize the Republic south of the new nation with such a “pretentious” name. Sir Leonard Tilley of New Brunswick suggested “The Dominion of Canada” with a reference back to Psalm 72: 8. “He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the rivers unto the ends to the earth.” Of course the motto of Canada “A Mari usque ad Mare” (From Sea to Sea) continues this reference back to the Psalm. Reading Psalm 72 can give us some understanding of the vision for Canada. Have we lived up to it. The Gospel reading is one of the judgement passages which talks about how “the nations” will be judged.
The readings for Sunday are Psalm 71: 1-8 and Matthew 25: 31-46. In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at some symbols associated with Canada. I have called the sermon “God keep our Land”
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. After we get back, 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 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 .
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 (on holidays from July 8 to Aug 5)
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org