Greetings
I’m back. This Sunday, the fourth after Pentecost, is special for a couple of reasons. One is that this is Union Sunday. Now that’s not Labour Union, but Church Union. Tomorrow, June 10th is the Ninety-first Anniversary of the formation of the United Church of Canada. WE will be acknowledging that on Sunday. This Sunday is also the Sunday when we as a Congregation celebrate our Sunday School. During the Time for All Ages we will recognize the children who have been our Sunday School, and we will thank those who have offered their time and talents to provide a Sunday School program that is loved by the children.
It has sometimes been said, usually by people outside the church, that the church is full of sinners. To quote a recent post I saw on Facebook, “It’s not full, there is always room for more.” In the gospel reading for Sunday, Jesus addresses the concerns of those at a dinner to which he has been invited about the behaviour of a women in their midst. She has come in off the street weeping carrying ointment. The story says that she bathed Jesus feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and anointed them with the ointment. The host, a man of some social standing, says to himself about Jesus,” If this man were a prophet he would know what kind of woman this is who is touching him – that she is a sinner.” Of course talking to yourself around Jesus is always risky. Jesus answers the man’s thoughts with a parable about the power of forgiveness. This story is followed by a very brief reference to Jesus ministry in the cities and villages. The scripture says that “the twelve” [disciples] were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities. The passage names three; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, but adds “ and many others, who provided for them [Jesus and his followers] out of their resources.” Jesus is accompanied and financially supported by a group of independent women, many of whom seem to have what used to be euphemistically called “a past.” Jesus has shown them the great love of God, they have been forgiven. The women now show their great love by making it possible for Jesus to touch others as they themselves were touched. Jesus comments at one point, “the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."
The readings for Sunday are Galatians 2:15-21 and Luke 7:36-8:3. In the Time for All Ages we will be celebrating our Sunday School.” I have called the sermon “To show great love”
SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATION AND BBQ – This Sunday
Alas, the Sunday School year is coming to an end. Celebration of this event will occur this Sunday. During the church service there will be recognition given to all the students that have attended Sunday School this year. We will also recognize the wonderful teachers and their leadership.
After the service there will be a PICNIC outside, weather permitting, or inside if the weather is bad. There will be a yummy BBQ and lots of games. Please plan on joining us for fabulous fun and food. (donations will be gratefully appreciated.)
What DOES the Minister Do?
Last Sunday during the Time for All Ages Lil K. asked the children, “What DOES the Minister Do?” I was not sure how this would go. I was not going to be there. Lil had told me that she might share with me the insights gained. She left me a note outlining some of the wisdom. I thought I would share it here, so that those like me, who were away last Sunday, might perhaps see ministry in a new light.
What does Larry do? – He tells stories about girls.
Do you remember where he is today? – Downtown – at MacDougall meeting with lawyers; Just lawyers? – No, ministers and lawyers.
What is his job? – Visit sick people. Do they ask him to come? – No, he just visits them.
So, he tells stories only about girls? – No, guys too, but there was a girl who walked a lot of miles to get a Bible and there were none left. [story from May 29] He tells jokes. Sometimes good ones.
Is Larry the most important person? Does he make the church? – No, we do! [from a 4 year old]
KEEP THE DATES – THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Spirit West Community Garage Sale: More details to follow.
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
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
I’m back. This Sunday, the fourth after Pentecost, is special for a couple of reasons. One is that this is Union Sunday. Now that’s not Labour Union, but Church Union. Tomorrow, June 10th is the Ninety-first Anniversary of the formation of the United Church of Canada. WE will be acknowledging that on Sunday. This Sunday is also the Sunday when we as a Congregation celebrate our Sunday School. During the Time for All Ages we will recognize the children who have been our Sunday School, and we will thank those who have offered their time and talents to provide a Sunday School program that is loved by the children.
It has sometimes been said, usually by people outside the church, that the church is full of sinners. To quote a recent post I saw on Facebook, “It’s not full, there is always room for more.” In the gospel reading for Sunday, Jesus addresses the concerns of those at a dinner to which he has been invited about the behaviour of a women in their midst. She has come in off the street weeping carrying ointment. The story says that she bathed Jesus feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and anointed them with the ointment. The host, a man of some social standing, says to himself about Jesus,” If this man were a prophet he would know what kind of woman this is who is touching him – that she is a sinner.” Of course talking to yourself around Jesus is always risky. Jesus answers the man’s thoughts with a parable about the power of forgiveness. This story is followed by a very brief reference to Jesus ministry in the cities and villages. The scripture says that “the twelve” [disciples] were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities. The passage names three; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, but adds “ and many others, who provided for them [Jesus and his followers] out of their resources.” Jesus is accompanied and financially supported by a group of independent women, many of whom seem to have what used to be euphemistically called “a past.” Jesus has shown them the great love of God, they have been forgiven. The women now show their great love by making it possible for Jesus to touch others as they themselves were touched. Jesus comments at one point, “the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."
The readings for Sunday are Galatians 2:15-21 and Luke 7:36-8:3. In the Time for All Ages we will be celebrating our Sunday School.” I have called the sermon “To show great love”
SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATION AND BBQ – This Sunday
Alas, the Sunday School year is coming to an end. Celebration of this event will occur this Sunday. During the church service there will be recognition given to all the students that have attended Sunday School this year. We will also recognize the wonderful teachers and their leadership.
After the service there will be a PICNIC outside, weather permitting, or inside if the weather is bad. There will be a yummy BBQ and lots of games. Please plan on joining us for fabulous fun and food. (donations will be gratefully appreciated.)
What DOES the Minister Do?
Last Sunday during the Time for All Ages Lil K. asked the children, “What DOES the Minister Do?” I was not sure how this would go. I was not going to be there. Lil had told me that she might share with me the insights gained. She left me a note outlining some of the wisdom. I thought I would share it here, so that those like me, who were away last Sunday, might perhaps see ministry in a new light.
What does Larry do? – He tells stories about girls.
Do you remember where he is today? – Downtown – at MacDougall meeting with lawyers; Just lawyers? – No, ministers and lawyers.
What is his job? – Visit sick people. Do they ask him to come? – No, he just visits them.
So, he tells stories only about girls? – No, guys too, but there was a girl who walked a lot of miles to get a Bible and there were none left. [story from May 29] He tells jokes. Sometimes good ones.
Is Larry the most important person? Does he make the church? – No, we do! [from a 4 year old]
KEEP THE DATES – THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Spirit West Community Garage Sale: More details to follow.
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
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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