March 6, 2016 - Fourth Sunday in Lent with communion

Greetings
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday in Lent, and to give you a bit of ecclesiastical trivia, it is in some parts of the Christian church Laetare Sunday.  In the days when the Mass in Latin was the universal form of worship in the west, each Mass began with a designated Introit or short opening hymn depending on the time of year. The introit for the fourth Sunday in Lent began Laetare Jerusalem  (Be joyful, Jerusalem  [Isaiah 66:10]).  Laetare Sunday has been considered a day of relaxation from normal Lenten rigours; a day of hope with Easter being at last within sight. Traditionally, even weddings (otherwise banned during Lent) could be performed on this day,  and servants were released from service for the day to visit their mothers (hence in some countries this is  'Mothering Sunday'). In some places the church actually “lightens up”  and the purple hangings of Lent are replaced with rose for the day. 
The passages that will be read on Sunday are Joshua 5: 9-12 and Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32.  We will also share in reading Psalm 32. The story from Luke is the one we have come to know as ”The Prodigal Son.” The operative words in all these passages are “forgiveness” and “mercy.” In the Time for All Ages we will share thoughts around the idea that “I don’t like...”   In a moment of great inspiration I have titled the Sermon “The Prodigal”
We will also be seeing another video response to our Moderator’s Lenten #NotAlone challenge. 
​
  SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Our Sunday School is GROWING and it is important that we provide the children with a positive experience in their time together.  We are looking for people who are willing to share some time with the children on Sunday.  We have a great curriculum called Seasons of the Spirit which is quite adaptable and easy to use (you do need a computer and internet access for the preparation).  If you are not sure, consider joining the class for a couple of weeks and learning with the children.  If you have any questions, call Margery W. At 780-419-3224.  A signup sheet is on the cabinet by the office.
 
AFTERNOON LENTEN STUDY – The Trinity & Everyday Spirituality – Session 4
The fourth session of our study will be Wednesday, March 9 at 1:30 in the Lounge.  The topic for this session is “To Live in the World God Loves”  The opening question is “Are you REVELLING in the Trinity, or are you WRESTLING with the Trinity?”   The scripture for reflection during the week is Matthew 28:16-20.
 
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
The dinners have begun, and the word is out: They are great fun with great food!  Those who still wish to host a dinner but haven’t committed to a date can still contact Bill C. at 780-481-2662.  Hosts need to indicate the date and time of their dinner and the number of guests they are able to host.  If there is a theme for the evening, this should be provided. Guests will have the opportunity to select where they will dine.  Diners should provide the conveners with information on allergies and dietary restrictions (this information will be discreetly passed to the hosts)  Diners will be provided  ahead of time with directions to their chosen dinner and with an offering envelope for a free-will offering which will be collected by the hosts and returned to the church.  A minimum donation of $25 per person is suggested.  There are three different dinners on March 12, check your calendars.  See the display board at the back of the church for a list of dinner opportunities.
 
 MESSY EASTER- April 9 ??
 I have decided to pick a date for Messy Easter, Saturday April 9.  If you are interested in becoming involved or have any questions please call me at the church office as soon as possible.  It’s work, but it is also so much fun.   Give me a call!

MESSY CHUCH WORKSHOP
Holy Trinity Anglican Church is hosting a MESSY CHURCH WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 9 (same day as our Messy Church) from 10:00 am to 3:00.  We could go right from the Workshop to our Messy Church all enthused!  The workshop is advertised on the Alberta and Northwest Conference website http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/14057-messy-church-workshop-to-be-offered-in-edmonton/
 
Emergency Food Hampers  The Jasper Place Wellness Centre supplies basic emergency food hampers.  At the present time their stocks are very low.  A bin will be by the front door where you can leave donations of dry pasta, rice, canned beans, canned meat or fish, soup, crackers, peanut butter, hot chocolate,  and tea bags.  Your donations will be taken by Doreen to JPWC on Mondays.  Your support of the work of Spirit West at the JPWC is greatly appreciated.
 
 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 => 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday
-  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