The lectionary readings for this Sunday point us to the consideration of a life of growing faith. The reading from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews speaks of a “new and living way” and invites people to “draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” In the reading from the prophet Samuel, Hannah has asked God for a child. She promises to give the child into God’s care and keeping, which she does. We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism this Sunday, as welcome into the family of God three new lives. In baptism we pray that these new persons will grow to live following God’s way. The congregations promises to help the parents and children grow in their knowledge and love of God. When Hannah gives Samuel over to God, she does not know what he will achieve, but she trusts God to use her child for goodness just as we trust God to work in and through each one of us.
The Readings for Sunday are 1 Samuel 1: 4-20 and Hebrews 10: 11-25. The title of the sermon is “Unpacking a Precious Gift.”
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.
We could always use a few more people who are willing to give some time as teachers or helpers. If you are interested call the office or sign your name on the Sunday School sign-up sheet by the church office.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 22
November 22nd is the last Sunday of the Christian liturgical year, it is also the date when we will be having a Congregational Meeting. At this congregational meeting will be looking at the coming year for Spirit West United Church. We will have a preliminary look at the 2016 budget (There will be a Congregational Budget meeting in the new year) We will also be looking at those who administer the work of our church, the Church Board. A church congregation does not operate by divine intervention alone. It requires the work and commitment of a number of people. As you can see from the table below, we have a number of individuals who have committed themselves to the role of chair or coordinator of the various committees that support the full ministry of our church inside and outside our congregation. You will also see vacancies. We need you. Please consider offering your gifts and talents to your church as part of the Board. If the work of a particular committee interests you, but you are not sure, or if you would like to know more about what a particular committee does, please ask questions. Talk to me or to Gerry.
Committee/Position
Person
Board Chair
Gerry Maciejko
Communications
vacant
Community/Pastoral Care
Shannon Focht
Education & Faith Formation
vacant
Membership
Bill Callas
Ministry & Personnel
John Punko
Operations Co-Chair
Bob Hoy
Operations Co-Chair
vacant
Outreach Co-Chair
Doreen Olynyk
Outreach Co-Chair
vacant
Presbytery Representative
Rhea Olson
Secretary
Norma Balcombe
Stewardship
vacant
Treasurer
Marj Hewitt
Vice Chair
Bill Callas
Worship
Margaret Benson
Bissell Centre Winter Wish
This year, Bissell is asking that we share the warmth of our lives by filling a stocking for a man or women in need, or providing a gift for a child. The list of items to go in each stocking is available on the back table (BISSELL CENTRE WINTER WISHLIST). You can either pack your gifts in a stocking (available for a dollar at Dollarama stores all throughout the city) or drop them off in white plastic bags. The gifts must be at the church on Dec. 6 or 13 to then be delivered to Bissell.
Poinsettias To Decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas
Advent is just around the corner and it is time once again to order poinsettias to adorn our sanctuary for Advent and Christmas. If you are interested in ordering a plant to support the Worship Committee, please see Margery or Rebecca Wright. Various sizes, colours and prices are available.
MESSY CHURCH
The next Messy Church – Messy Advent – is being held on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 4-6 pm. It’s going to be a fun time, we have some interesting crafts planned. A big thank you to those who have volunteered. There are still a couple of Volunteer opportunities available: crafts, kitchen, set up! Please see Larry if you are able to volunteer!
SPIRIT WEST CHOIR – “JOY TO THE WORLD” CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Sunday, December 13th at 6:30. Join us, as in music and word we celebrate with joy God’s promise and gift of our Messiah.
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 => 9:30 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