Greetings on this All Saints Day,
Please make sure to read the information about our Stewardship Campaign, our Cinnamon Buns and Croissants and our Poinsettias.
THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
So this Sunday, we talk about the third “person” of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit. In the Hebrew scriptures, the word for the spirit of God (ר֣וּחַ ruach) can also mean the breath of God. This spirit/breath connection continues throughout the Bible. The Greek word for the Spirit is πνεῦμα (pneuma). You will find many words in English that start with pneuma and they are words that deal with things that use air “pneumatic piston,” involve diseases of the lungs “pneumonia,” or are theological words such as “pneumatology” which it the theology of the Holy Spirit. Even our English word spirit has breath in its history, coming from the Latin spiritus, which itself is related to spirare which means “to breath.” Like our breath, the Holy Spirit cannot be seen (true the water vapour in our breath is visible in the winter, but not the point.) But we are aware of the effects of our breath and of the Holy Spirit. Is the absence of one as serious as the absence of the other. This is one of the questions we will look at on Sunday
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Proverbs 8: 22-31 and John 14: 25-29. The Time for All Ages story is called “It is like the wind” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article VIII: “Of the Holy Spirit.”
This is also COWBOY SUNDAY
Though the CFRA has moved to Red Dear this year, we will continue to observe Cowboy Sunday at Spirit West. So, this Sunday, if you want to don your cowboy hat, cowboy boots, and any other cowboy/cowgirl accessories (except spurs, please don’t wear spurs) feel free to do so.
Stewardship Drive 2019
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” campaign is underway. Please pickup your stewardship envelope from the Welcome table and take a neighbours, if possible, to cut down on mailing costs. Unaddressed forms are also available. Forms are to be returned to the church by Nov 25. Please join us on Nov 18 to mark the completion of our campaign to build for the future.
Ladies Group Craft Night
The Spirit West Ladies Group are holding a Craft Night on Mon, Nov 5 at 7 pm at the Church. We will be making a craft (suitable for all ages and abilities) for each person to take home from our Christmas dinner (even if they don't come to Craft Night). The cost is $3.00 minimum but we will accept up to $5.00 to cover all costs. Scissors for cutting fabric would be appreciated. Everything else will be provided. Please sign-up on the sheet at the church or call the church office so we have an idea on how many will attend.
Croissants and Cinnamon Buns
Once again, it is time for the annual Spirit West Ladies Group fund-raiser. Buy and enjoy delicious cinnamon buns and croissants. Frozen Unbaked Croissants are $8.00 per dozen; frozen Unbaked Cinnamon Buns are $8.00 for a ½ dozen. Last date to order is Sunday. Nov 18. Return your orders to Diane L. (780 444-0284) or Carol C. (780-481-2662). Orders will be available for pick up at church on Tues, Nov 27 between 3-5pm. If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us when placing your order. Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.
Poinsettias - Once again, Spirit West will be taking orders for poinsettias. They will beautify the church in the week prior to Christmas, and then can be taken home to beautify your house or to give to a friend. Our supplier this year will be Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park (Central Greenhouses is no longer selling poinsettias). We will be offering poinsettias in five different colours in a 6.5 inch pot for $14, or in an 8 inch pot for $28. You can also order a 10 inch Christmas garden if you like. This consists of a single poinsettia (your choice of colour) with tropical plants, foil pot cover, and bow. It is in a low rectangular container, suitable for a centerpiece and is $28. You can order at church on November 4, 11 and 18. Plants will be brought to the church in time for the Advent 4 (December 23) and Christmas Eve.
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL – Something New!
Our newest project for Sunday School is to start a Junior Youth Christian Group. We need help from you to identify what this age group (ages 9 and up) would like to do for Youth Group and when they would like to have it and how often. We know the kids are busy with after school activities and out of school activities so their time is short. We can still have it Sunday mornings once a month or every other Sunday. Also we need to know what the kids would like to do with this class. Of course it will be Christian based but there are many activities we can do. So we are asking for your cooperation to tell us what, when and how often. If we have enough participation we will start as soon as possible. So please talk to Edina or any of the other teachers or Larry. Edina is available at 780-481-3508 or brepairs@shaw.ca. You can also contact the church. We are also very excited to start this. I look forward to hearing from you.
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre. As we move into the fall, underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. would be helpful. These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows.
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS and a Contest to “Name That Region” It’s time to vote!
So the names are in, and the top five suggestions for the Region 2 have been announced. Now you get to vote on which one of the five you would like to see for the new name of our region. Please vote once, and by November 9th at Noon, using the following link.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QTS7HY9
A NEW 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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