
There is a lot going on this Sunday: Baptism, Congregational Meeting, deadline for ordering Cinnamon Buns and Croissants… See the details below.
THIS SUNDAY
When someone asks us if we have any talents, we generally do not think that they are asking for investment capital. But at one time, a talent was a measure of precious metal, some have estimated that one talent was about 58.9 kg of silver and could be worth 6,000 denarii. In the reading for Sunday we hear the parable of the talents. It is a story of investment. Slaves are given talents and expected to do something with them. Now remember that a talent is worth a lot. The master is not just giving them some loose change for a bit of fun. The level of investment varies between the slaves, and the reaction of the master also varies. It is from this parable that the English language got the word talent. And it is from a broader reading of this parable that the current meaning of talent; a skill or ability is derived. I did not pick this Gospel because November is our Stewardship month. It is actually the Lectionary reading for this Sunday. Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
The readings for Sunday are Psalm 78:1-7 and Matthew 25: 14-30. I have titled the sermon, “God given talents”
At this service we will be welcoming a new member of the family of God through Baptism.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – This Sunday, November 19
The will be a Congregational Meeting of Spirit West United Church this Sunday, November 19, 2017 following the Service. The meeting has two purposes, the main one is to elect the Members of the Spirit West Board who will serve the Congregation in 2018. This is very important to the ongoing work of the Congregation. We will also get a first glance at our 2018 Congregational Budget. This is just a preliminary look, as the final Budget will be passed at a Congregational Meeting in February. It is important that as many of you as possible attend this meeting.
NOVEMBER IS STEWARDSHIP MONTH
On the Sundays throughout November, we will be hearing from people of this congregation as they share brief stories about the significance of Spirit West in their lives. A proposed Narrative Budget and a Pledge Form was attached to last week’s eMessage. The Pledge Form has two sides, one outlines opportunities to participate in various activities and programs of the church. The other side asks you to consider you financial support of this work. . Please prayerfully consider your stewardship, and respond as you are able. After Church on Sunday, November 26 we will mark the completion of our Stewardship Campaign (I hope there will be cake) We ask that you return your Pledge Form to the Church by December 31 if possible.
Croissants and Cinnamon Buns – orders are due this Sunday.
The Spirit West Women’s Group is once again selling frozen unbaked Croissants and Cinnamon Buns. To place an order, call Diane L. (780-444-0284) or Carol C. at 780-419-3224 or talk to them on Sunday. Please have your orders in by this Sunday, November 19th. Our prices this year remain at $8.00/dozen for the croissants and $8.00/half dozen for the cinnamon buns. The date for pick-up will be Wednesday December 6th from 3-5 pm if possible.
PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle. We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray. There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need. If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church. The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged. For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
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 am to 4:00 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