Sunday Worship
This Sunday is the last Sunday in Lent. A week Sunday is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week. But, back to this Sunday. The “Covenant” reading this week is from the prophet Jeremiah. God, through Jeremiah, introduces the concept of a “new covenant,” which is not just the “old” covenant reworked, it is something different. This new covenant will not be marked with outward signs or symbols, no rainbow, no tablets of stone, no bronze snake. This new covenant will be written in the hearts of God’s people. God gives as a reason for the new covenant the fact that the previous covenant has been broken, and not by God. What a unique response. What great love is demonstrated in that even after a broken covenant, God chooses to forgive (and forget) sin and make a new covenant. For the Christian, that new covenant is our relationship in faith with the risen Christ.
The readings for Sunday are Jeremiah 31: 31-34 and John 12: 20-33. During the Time for All Ages, we will be looking at, “Permanent Marker” The Sermon title is “Written on your hearts”
Lenten Study
On Wednesdays at 1:30 in the Lounge we will continue our Lenten Study using as our resource a book called: "Give it UP!" This week the participants are giving up television, Internet movie channels, Netflix etc.
A Bit of Fun in the midst of Lent
Court Whist Event – Tomorrow night, Friday, March 20 at 7 This is a night for the adults to come out and have a bit of fun at a Court Whist Event. If you have never played Court Whist (a card game) this is your chance to learn. No skill or experience is necessary. This is your last chance, if you want to have tickets put aside for you, call the church office right now!.
Community Family Fun Night – Saturday, March 21 from 7 – 9 pm. This event has been postponed until May.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES
Palm Sunday – March 29 On this Sunday we remember the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem for the last time and being welcomed with crowds waving palm branches. We will be waving palm branches. The Service is at the usual time of 10:30 am
Maundy Thursday – April 2 On this day we remember Jesus’ Last Supper and the start of what we know as The Lord’s Supper, Communion, or the Eucharist. At Spirit West we remember this with the celebration of a Seder, the traditional meal that marks Passover. Our Seder is a pot-luck supper surrounded by story, song and ritual. The Seder starts at 5:00 pm. More information will follow in future emails.
Good Friday – April 3 With a service of quite reflection and meditation we will remember Christ’s crucifixion. The Good Friday service is at 10:30 am
Easter Sunday – April 5 The Celebration of the new life proclaimed in the Resurrection of Jesus. The highest point in the Christian year, and the Sunday of Sundays.
Decorating for Easter Sunday – We are not selling Easter Hydrangeas this year. We are asking that if you want, you can purchase an Easter plant or basket elsewhere and loan it to the church on Easter Sunday. One warning, no lilies please, their scent is very strong and can trigger allergic reactions.
MESSY CHURCH
We will be having a Messy Church on Saturday, April 20 starting at 4:00 pm. The theme is Jonah and the Whale! For those of you not familiar with Messy Church, it is a concept first developed in the UK. The idea is to provide an opportunity for families to learn the stories of the Bible in a setting that is not like Sunday church. So Messy Church is composed of a song and story time, where we hear and celebrate a biblical story. Then we make crafts (and some are MESSY) that relate to the story, and we end our time together by sharing dinner together. Everything is provided. It is expected that children will bring their parents with them so that the whole family can enjoy the fellowship, fun and food. So, come bring your family and friends! If you have any questions about Messy Church call me at the church.
Spirit West Prayer Chain
We have a new Prayer Chain Co-ordinator, Shannon F. 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.
NEW WEBSITE!
Check out our New Website at www.spiritwest.org . Thanks to our Webmaster: Bonnie S.
Office hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday (week of March 23-27 only; the office will be closed on March 23)
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Remember to check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
See you on Sunday!
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org