Greetings
Please note the information about the Congregational Meeting this Sunday after Church.
THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: OF REGENERATION
When I mention the word regeneration around my kids, they think I am talking about Dr. Who. Did you know that “the Doctor” has regenerated on a fairly regular basis since the television series first aired in 1963. The current Doctor, and first woman, is the thirteenth regeneration. But, surprise, that is not the regeneration referred to in the Basis of Union. That document talks about the concept of regeneration in Christ, the concept that Paul talks about in his second letter to the church at Corinth ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.” What does this “new creation” or regeneration look like. It’s complicated. Some of you may have met a “new Christian,” someone who has recently “found Jesus” or been “born again,” and found them to be irritatingly self-righteous. That is not Christian regeneration. If we look at the people of the New Testament, we see people whom we can recognize as the same people before and after their encounters with Christ, but their perspective has changed. Those things of their past that separated them from God have been set aside. Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) hears Jesus say “You must be born again,” but the Greek can easily mean, “you must be born from above.” We are called to a spiritual re-birth or regeneration, a fresh start in Christ.
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are 2 Corinthians 5: 16-17 and John 3: 1- 8. The Time for All Ages story is called “Something New” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article IX: “Of Regeneration.”
Stewardship Drive 2019 – Celebrate a “Giver”
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” campaign winds up this Sunday. And on this Sunday you will have the opportunity to celebrate a “Giver,” someone in the congregation who for you has been a significant part of Spirit West and has contributed to it being Church that you want to call your own. And for those who haven’t done so, 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.
FALL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – this Sunday after Church
We will be holding our Fall Congregational Meeting on Sunday after church, at which time we will be looking at the coming year for Spirit West United Church, including a preliminary look at the 2019 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. 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. However, we still 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 Larry or to Bill C.
SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
Would you like a "Hearty Man's" breakfast this Saturday morning (Nov 17)? Join us in the lower hall at 8 AM for some eggs and potatoes along with sausages, bacon, toast, coffee and juice, and some friendly conversation. All that for $10.00. Hope to see you Saturday morning.
GIVING SUNDAYS at Spirit West - Dec 2 and 9
If you have been around the United Church for a while, you will remember White Gift Sundays in December. I remember as a child bringing my “white gift” to church, sometimes it was boxes of Kraft Dinner® wrapped in white tissue paper. I knew it was to help people called “those in need,” or “those less fortunate.” I hope that whomever got it, enjoyed the KD. But since that time, the church has become more intentional about identifying needs in the wider community and responding to those needs in a more targeted, less random way. In December, Spirit West will be working with the Bissell Centre to respond to identified needs in our community. On the Outreach Table (look for the tree by the lounge windows) you will find copies of the Bissell Centre’s Festive Wishlist. Take a copy, and on our two GIVING SUNDAYS (Dec 2 and Dec 9) we will collect your gifts or stockings during the Time for All Ages. If you have any questions talk to Lori W.
Croissants and Cinnamon Buns
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.
Living Nativity – A Study for Advent,
Living Nativity is a four session study for Advent which uses as its focus a crèche or nativity scene and the characters found there. The study will take place on Wednesdays starting on Nov 28 and continuing through Dec 5, 12 &19 at 1:30 pm in the lounge. Please sign up on the sheet at the back and please talk to Larry if you would like to do this study but cannot come on these dates.
Christmas Choir Concert - Dec 9th
The Spirit West choir celebrates the 15th year of Christmas concert making! Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 for Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that tells the story of the Nativity in word and song. Our guest musicians include Donna Dawson, Jessie Ching and HarpBeat! Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion. Donations will be used for the upgrading of our church sound system.
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.
WOMEN’S INTER CHURCH COUNCIL
The next meeting of the Women's Inter Church Council will be held on Wednesday, November 21st at 1:00 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, 10035 103 St., Edmonton. The WICC is known for organizing World Day of Prayer services in March, in which people from many Christian churches in 170 countries participate, and for being the Canadian partner for the Fellowship of the Least Coin. From the WICC website: "At our core, we are a grassroots Christian prayer movement providing people with small grants to do great things." If you are a woman interested in being involved or learning more, join us on November 21st.
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.
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS
When our Region comes into being on January 1, 2019 it will be known as “Northern Spirit Region.”
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
Please note the information about the Congregational Meeting this Sunday after Church.
THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: OF REGENERATION
When I mention the word regeneration around my kids, they think I am talking about Dr. Who. Did you know that “the Doctor” has regenerated on a fairly regular basis since the television series first aired in 1963. The current Doctor, and first woman, is the thirteenth regeneration. But, surprise, that is not the regeneration referred to in the Basis of Union. That document talks about the concept of regeneration in Christ, the concept that Paul talks about in his second letter to the church at Corinth ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.” What does this “new creation” or regeneration look like. It’s complicated. Some of you may have met a “new Christian,” someone who has recently “found Jesus” or been “born again,” and found them to be irritatingly self-righteous. That is not Christian regeneration. If we look at the people of the New Testament, we see people whom we can recognize as the same people before and after their encounters with Christ, but their perspective has changed. Those things of their past that separated them from God have been set aside. Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) hears Jesus say “You must be born again,” but the Greek can easily mean, “you must be born from above.” We are called to a spiritual re-birth or regeneration, a fresh start in Christ.
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are 2 Corinthians 5: 16-17 and John 3: 1- 8. The Time for All Ages story is called “Something New” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article IX: “Of Regeneration.”
Stewardship Drive 2019 – Celebrate a “Giver”
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” campaign winds up this Sunday. And on this Sunday you will have the opportunity to celebrate a “Giver,” someone in the congregation who for you has been a significant part of Spirit West and has contributed to it being Church that you want to call your own. And for those who haven’t done so, 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.
FALL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – this Sunday after Church
We will be holding our Fall Congregational Meeting on Sunday after church, at which time we will be looking at the coming year for Spirit West United Church, including a preliminary look at the 2019 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. 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. However, we still 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 Larry or to Bill C.
SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
Would you like a "Hearty Man's" breakfast this Saturday morning (Nov 17)? Join us in the lower hall at 8 AM for some eggs and potatoes along with sausages, bacon, toast, coffee and juice, and some friendly conversation. All that for $10.00. Hope to see you Saturday morning.
GIVING SUNDAYS at Spirit West - Dec 2 and 9
If you have been around the United Church for a while, you will remember White Gift Sundays in December. I remember as a child bringing my “white gift” to church, sometimes it was boxes of Kraft Dinner® wrapped in white tissue paper. I knew it was to help people called “those in need,” or “those less fortunate.” I hope that whomever got it, enjoyed the KD. But since that time, the church has become more intentional about identifying needs in the wider community and responding to those needs in a more targeted, less random way. In December, Spirit West will be working with the Bissell Centre to respond to identified needs in our community. On the Outreach Table (look for the tree by the lounge windows) you will find copies of the Bissell Centre’s Festive Wishlist. Take a copy, and on our two GIVING SUNDAYS (Dec 2 and Dec 9) we will collect your gifts or stockings during the Time for All Ages. If you have any questions talk to Lori W.
Croissants and Cinnamon Buns
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.
Living Nativity – A Study for Advent,
Living Nativity is a four session study for Advent which uses as its focus a crèche or nativity scene and the characters found there. The study will take place on Wednesdays starting on Nov 28 and continuing through Dec 5, 12 &19 at 1:30 pm in the lounge. Please sign up on the sheet at the back and please talk to Larry if you would like to do this study but cannot come on these dates.
Christmas Choir Concert - Dec 9th
The Spirit West choir celebrates the 15th year of Christmas concert making! Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 for Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that tells the story of the Nativity in word and song. Our guest musicians include Donna Dawson, Jessie Ching and HarpBeat! Please invite your family and friends for this special occasion. Donations will be used for the upgrading of our church sound system.
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.
WOMEN’S INTER CHURCH COUNCIL
The next meeting of the Women's Inter Church Council will be held on Wednesday, November 21st at 1:00 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, 10035 103 St., Edmonton. The WICC is known for organizing World Day of Prayer services in March, in which people from many Christian churches in 170 countries participate, and for being the Canadian partner for the Fellowship of the Least Coin. From the WICC website: "At our core, we are a grassroots Christian prayer movement providing people with small grants to do great things." If you are a woman interested in being involved or learning more, join us on November 21st.
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.
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS
When our Region comes into being on January 1, 2019 it will be known as “Northern Spirit Region.”
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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