Greetings,
Please take note of the item regarding the Photo Directory, the Board needs to have a good sense of the wishes of the Congregation before making any decisions.
THIS SUNDAY – The Second Sunday in Lent – Celtic Sunday
In the language of the Bible, saying something lasts 40…, means it takes a long time. The flood lasted forty days and nights. It was a big flood. The journey of the children of Israel through the wilderness to the promised land lasted forty years. They were wandering for a long time. Moses went up the mountain of the Lord in Sinai for forty days, twice. He was gone a long time. Following his baptism, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness facing his demons. And in keeping with biblical counting, Lent has been established as forty days (not counting Sundays). All these forties in the Bible point to an understanding that much about our faith and our relationship with God is not instantaneous. In our world of fast paced everything, it is important to be reminded that growth and understanding take time. Too often we will take the quick answer, not the best answer to a challenging question. Faith is not the fast dash to the convenience store to pick up a can of blessing. Like Abram and Sarai in the reading from Genesis, we are sometimes concerned tat the length of time it takes God to fulfill promises or answer prayer. But Abram and Sarai were somewhat patient, though not always. Then at an unexpected time, in an unexpected way, God’s promises were fulfilled and prayers were answered. Abram and Sarai became Abraham and Sarah!
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Genesis 15: 1-2, 17-18 and Luke 13: 31-35. The story in the Time for Ages is about “Abram and Sarai.” Sermon is titled “The Long View”
As Sunday is also St. Patrick’s Day, and therefore Celtic Sunday, the prayers and hymns used in worship come from the tradition of the Celtic church.
SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Spirit West Men’s Breakfast will be this Saturday morning (Feb 16). Any man can join us in the lower hall at 8 AM for a great breakfast, along with some friendly conversation. All that for $10.00.
Hope to see you Saturday morning.
Lenten Study – “Living Faith – Invitations from the Cross”
Our Lenten study “Living Faith – Invitations from the Cross,” continues on Wednesday, March 20 at 1:30 pm in the Lounge. Discover how the words spoken by Jesus as he was crucified are invitations to each of us – invitations to a dynamic, living faith. Each of the six Bible study sessions will explore one of the sayings of Jesus from the cross, and look at how we can respond in ways that will not only transform our relationship with Christ, but potentially the world around us. The second study is Invitation to Service – “I am thirsty.”
Even if you have not signed up, please join us if you wish.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner!
Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs. Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of late March, April and May! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C or Colleen F. Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts). A free will offering, in envelopes, will be collected by the host. A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested. Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.
CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY – 2019 Edition?
The Board thinks it might be a nice idea to do another Photo Directory for the church in this, our 10th anniversary year. There is no cost to the church or to you, unless you wish to purchase your family’s pictures. A sign-up sheet, (indicating interest) together with a sample of the 2013 Directory, is available by the office. If you can’t get to church very often, but are interested in a Directory call Norma at the office and let her know.
MUSIC MATTERS – A Spring Concert
Save the date, Friday, April 12, 7:00 pm, when Bonnie C. and friends present Music Matters, celebrating all things musical. Featuring bell choir, harp ensemble, violins, voice and ukulele ensemble. It will be a wonderful evening of music and you will have the opportunity to make a donation to support the ongoing work and witness of Spirit West.
SPIRIT WEST ON INSTAGRAM
In our church’s continuing efforts to be more widely known in the community, Aly L. of our Communications Committee has created an Instagram Account for Spirit West. But an Instagram account with no updates is not that useful. Aly would like to establish a small team of three or four people who will take pictures at Spirit West events to be posted on Instagram. Before this team starts posting, Aly would like to meet with them to set ground rules and policies so that the posts show Spirit West at its best and also protect the privacy of individuals. If you are interested please speak to Aly.
SOCIAL MEDIA 101 (Social Media for Beginners)
Does the previous paragraph mean anything to you? Are you among those people who hear words like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat and think you are hearing a foreign language. When some of your friends ask you to “friend them” are you confused? Do you think you might be missing out when someone you know asks you if you have seen the post on Instagram of a mutual friend’s darling new grandchild? Is sharing what your church is doing beyond Sunday (with pictures), something you might like to do? If this might be you, help and hope is at hand. Aly L. would like to offer a session to introduce members of the Sprit West congregation to the possibilities of Social Media. Watch this space for details.
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
A 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.
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 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 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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 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
Please take note of the item regarding the Photo Directory, the Board needs to have a good sense of the wishes of the Congregation before making any decisions.
THIS SUNDAY – The Second Sunday in Lent – Celtic Sunday
In the language of the Bible, saying something lasts 40…, means it takes a long time. The flood lasted forty days and nights. It was a big flood. The journey of the children of Israel through the wilderness to the promised land lasted forty years. They were wandering for a long time. Moses went up the mountain of the Lord in Sinai for forty days, twice. He was gone a long time. Following his baptism, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness facing his demons. And in keeping with biblical counting, Lent has been established as forty days (not counting Sundays). All these forties in the Bible point to an understanding that much about our faith and our relationship with God is not instantaneous. In our world of fast paced everything, it is important to be reminded that growth and understanding take time. Too often we will take the quick answer, not the best answer to a challenging question. Faith is not the fast dash to the convenience store to pick up a can of blessing. Like Abram and Sarai in the reading from Genesis, we are sometimes concerned tat the length of time it takes God to fulfill promises or answer prayer. But Abram and Sarai were somewhat patient, though not always. Then at an unexpected time, in an unexpected way, God’s promises were fulfilled and prayers were answered. Abram and Sarai became Abraham and Sarah!
The Scripture readings for Sunday are Genesis 15: 1-2, 17-18 and Luke 13: 31-35. The story in the Time for Ages is about “Abram and Sarai.” Sermon is titled “The Long View”
As Sunday is also St. Patrick’s Day, and therefore Celtic Sunday, the prayers and hymns used in worship come from the tradition of the Celtic church.
SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Spirit West Men’s Breakfast will be this Saturday morning (Feb 16). Any man can join us in the lower hall at 8 AM for a great breakfast, along with some friendly conversation. All that for $10.00.
Hope to see you Saturday morning.
Lenten Study – “Living Faith – Invitations from the Cross”
Our Lenten study “Living Faith – Invitations from the Cross,” continues on Wednesday, March 20 at 1:30 pm in the Lounge. Discover how the words spoken by Jesus as he was crucified are invitations to each of us – invitations to a dynamic, living faith. Each of the six Bible study sessions will explore one of the sayings of Jesus from the cross, and look at how we can respond in ways that will not only transform our relationship with Christ, but potentially the world around us. The second study is Invitation to Service – “I am thirsty.”
Even if you have not signed up, please join us if you wish.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner!
Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs. Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of late March, April and May! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact Bill C or Colleen F. Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts). A free will offering, in envelopes, will be collected by the host. A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested. Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.
CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY – 2019 Edition?
The Board thinks it might be a nice idea to do another Photo Directory for the church in this, our 10th anniversary year. There is no cost to the church or to you, unless you wish to purchase your family’s pictures. A sign-up sheet, (indicating interest) together with a sample of the 2013 Directory, is available by the office. If you can’t get to church very often, but are interested in a Directory call Norma at the office and let her know.
MUSIC MATTERS – A Spring Concert
Save the date, Friday, April 12, 7:00 pm, when Bonnie C. and friends present Music Matters, celebrating all things musical. Featuring bell choir, harp ensemble, violins, voice and ukulele ensemble. It will be a wonderful evening of music and you will have the opportunity to make a donation to support the ongoing work and witness of Spirit West.
SPIRIT WEST ON INSTAGRAM
In our church’s continuing efforts to be more widely known in the community, Aly L. of our Communications Committee has created an Instagram Account for Spirit West. But an Instagram account with no updates is not that useful. Aly would like to establish a small team of three or four people who will take pictures at Spirit West events to be posted on Instagram. Before this team starts posting, Aly would like to meet with them to set ground rules and policies so that the posts show Spirit West at its best and also protect the privacy of individuals. If you are interested please speak to Aly.
SOCIAL MEDIA 101 (Social Media for Beginners)
Does the previous paragraph mean anything to you? Are you among those people who hear words like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat and think you are hearing a foreign language. When some of your friends ask you to “friend them” are you confused? Do you think you might be missing out when someone you know asks you if you have seen the post on Instagram of a mutual friend’s darling new grandchild? Is sharing what your church is doing beyond Sunday (with pictures), something you might like to do? If this might be you, help and hope is at hand. Aly L. would like to offer a session to introduce members of the Sprit West congregation to the possibilities of Social Media. Watch this space for details.
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
A 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.
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 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 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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 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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