Greetings
This Sunday is a busy Sunday on the calendar. It is the seventh and last Sunday of the Easter Season. It is Ascension Sunday. Today is actually the Feast of the Ascension, forty days after Easter, the commemoration of Jesus’ final moments on earth with the disciples and his somewhat dramatic departure. But because I did not think that having a service this morning would really work; and following the tradition of the United Church and many other Christian communities, we will mark the commemoration of the Ascension on Sunday. The Feast of the Ascension is a very ancient celebration in the Christian church having been recorded as far back as the 4th century, but probably existing earlier. Following the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples on numerous occasions, confirming his teachings about a new relationship with God. But how long could this go on? Although the significance of Jesus’ post-resurrection ministry cannot be downplayed, his presence was still confined to a small group of people in a backwater of the Roman Empire. The events recorded in the two versions of the story of the Ascension, one from Acts and one from Luke, opened up a new perspective for the fledgling community. Jesus’ presence and the mission of Jesus’ followers was and is no longer bound by the physical and geographical. The community, the church, now has a mission without borders.
Sunday is also Mother’s Day in the secular calendar, and during the service we will honour our mothers and other women in our lives.
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism at this Service, as we welcome Ethan, son of Michael and Rebecca G., into the household of faith.
The readings for Sunday are Acts 1: 1-11 and Luke 24: 44-53. I have called the Sermon, “A New Perspective”
Farewell Luncheon for Anne Dingwell
On Sunday, May 15, we will be having a farewell pot-luck lunch after church for Anne Dingwell who is moving to Bonneville in May. There is a sign-up sheet on the cabinet by the church office to indicate if you will be attending and if you would like to bring something to contribute to the lunch. A card is there to sign as well. Please come to show your appreciation for all the Anne has contributed to Spirit West.
SPIRIT WEST PLANT SALE
The Spirit West Plant Sale is just around the corner. Come out on Friday, May 20, 11:00 am to 7:30 pm or Saturday, May 21, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm to get your spring plants. There will be a BBQ Lunch available on Saturday
FIRES IN FORT MCMURRAY AND ELSEWHERE IN ALBERTA
I expect that all of you are following the news from Fort McMurray and elsewhere in Alberta about the devastating fires that have swept through, destroying homes, business and the natural environment. Many lives have been radically altered by the events of the past week. A question that may have come into your mind: “How can I help?” There are many ways. Donating to the Red Cross is one, and your donation will be doubled by the federal government. The United Church of Canada is also involved in relief efforts through Alberta and North West Conference. Check out the Conference response at this link:
http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/14283-assistance-fort-mcmurray/
And through all of this continue to pray for all those involved
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.
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 [email protected] . 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. , Marian T. or Bonnie C.
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
[email protected]
Spiritwest.org
This Sunday is a busy Sunday on the calendar. It is the seventh and last Sunday of the Easter Season. It is Ascension Sunday. Today is actually the Feast of the Ascension, forty days after Easter, the commemoration of Jesus’ final moments on earth with the disciples and his somewhat dramatic departure. But because I did not think that having a service this morning would really work; and following the tradition of the United Church and many other Christian communities, we will mark the commemoration of the Ascension on Sunday. The Feast of the Ascension is a very ancient celebration in the Christian church having been recorded as far back as the 4th century, but probably existing earlier. Following the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples on numerous occasions, confirming his teachings about a new relationship with God. But how long could this go on? Although the significance of Jesus’ post-resurrection ministry cannot be downplayed, his presence was still confined to a small group of people in a backwater of the Roman Empire. The events recorded in the two versions of the story of the Ascension, one from Acts and one from Luke, opened up a new perspective for the fledgling community. Jesus’ presence and the mission of Jesus’ followers was and is no longer bound by the physical and geographical. The community, the church, now has a mission without borders.
Sunday is also Mother’s Day in the secular calendar, and during the service we will honour our mothers and other women in our lives.
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism at this Service, as we welcome Ethan, son of Michael and Rebecca G., into the household of faith.
The readings for Sunday are Acts 1: 1-11 and Luke 24: 44-53. I have called the Sermon, “A New Perspective”
Farewell Luncheon for Anne Dingwell
On Sunday, May 15, we will be having a farewell pot-luck lunch after church for Anne Dingwell who is moving to Bonneville in May. There is a sign-up sheet on the cabinet by the church office to indicate if you will be attending and if you would like to bring something to contribute to the lunch. A card is there to sign as well. Please come to show your appreciation for all the Anne has contributed to Spirit West.
SPIRIT WEST PLANT SALE
The Spirit West Plant Sale is just around the corner. Come out on Friday, May 20, 11:00 am to 7:30 pm or Saturday, May 21, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm to get your spring plants. There will be a BBQ Lunch available on Saturday
FIRES IN FORT MCMURRAY AND ELSEWHERE IN ALBERTA
I expect that all of you are following the news from Fort McMurray and elsewhere in Alberta about the devastating fires that have swept through, destroying homes, business and the natural environment. Many lives have been radically altered by the events of the past week. A question that may have come into your mind: “How can I help?” There are many ways. Donating to the Red Cross is one, and your donation will be doubled by the federal government. The United Church of Canada is also involved in relief efforts through Alberta and North West Conference. Check out the Conference response at this link:
http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/14283-assistance-fort-mcmurray/
And through all of this continue to pray for all those involved
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.
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 [email protected] . 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. , Marian T. or Bonnie C.
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
[email protected]
Spiritwest.org
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