Please note below the note about Messy Easter and about the formation of a Prayer Circle at Spirit West.
This Sunday – March 19th
The readings for Sunday both use the image of water and thirst as the starting point for an examination of some important issues about our relationship with God. In the reading from Exodus, the people of Israel have been journeying in the wilderness for some time, they are thirsty and believe God has abandoned them. They want to kill Moses and quit the journey. Moses asks God what to do. God provides a way for Moses to show that God is still with them, and through Moses water is provided. In the Gospel, it is Jesus who is apparently thirsty. He asks for the assistance of a Samaritan woman to get a drink from a well. This begins a conversation that touches on issues of gender, race, marriage, lifestyle choices and ends with a discussion about the way one should worship God. If anyone needs examples of Jesus’ inclusiveness, the story of the Samaritan women is one of the best. But inclusion does not mean, that nothing requires change. Jesus points out a fundamental error of both the Jews and Samaritans in their understanding of how to worship God.
The Readings for Sunday are Exodus 17: 1-7 and John 4: 5-42. In the Time for All Ages I will be asking the question “Where is God?” I have called my sermon, “In Spirit and in Truth.”
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs. This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the months of March, April and May. Check the display board at the back of the church, if you see a dinner opportunity that strikes your fancy, talk to Bill C. to make your reservation. (unless the reservation is for the dinner at Bill and Carol’s, then talk to Coleen F.) Bon Appetit! (as a further note: Bill is still open to folks volunteering to host a dinner)
PRAYER CIRCLE
As you know, Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, a group of people, who commit to praying at home for the needs of the community through the week. We would also like to have a Prayer Circle, where people could gather at the church as a small group and pray for each other and the needs of the church. We would like to get this started on Thursday March 22 at 10:30, we would gather, perhaps share a reading, share our stories, and pray. The exact format and frequency of the Circle will be decided by the participants. If you are interested, just come on March 22.
MESSY CHURCH IS COMING BACK!
Messy Church is coming back to Spirit West. We are going to have a Messy Easter on Saturday, April 8, 4-6 pm. We have already got some fun crafts in the works. If you are interested in helping please contact Edina or Larry. There will be a meeting in the lounge immediately after the service on Sunday to begin planning the event.
BEATITUDES BIBLE STUDY in two Sessions
Some of you participated in the Advent Study – The Good Shepherd with video presentations by the late Dr. Kenneth Bailey. I have been provided with the DVD for a two session study by Dr. Bailey on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1-11) Because it is only two sessions, I would like to present it a couple of times during the Lent/Easter. Please watch this space next week for details. There will be a sheet at Church on Sunday where you can indicate you interest and preferred days and times.
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church. The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged. For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
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
- 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