Greetings,
Check out the details of the projects from our Outreach Committee – Gift Giving with a Difference. And please note the details about our Christmas Concert – MORNING STAR.
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Christian Year. It is Reign of Christ Sunday (at one time called Christ the King). The emphasis of this Sunday is in part on the global impact that the followers of Christ can have in the world. That impact can be both positive and negative. But in the Gospel reading for Sunday, the followers of Christ are just part of humanity. In the Gospel reading we hear a story of judgement. All the nations are gathered before the “Son of Man.” And when the Bible says “all the nations,” it means “everyone, all humanity.” The people are then divided into two groups. One group is invited to “inherit the kingdom.” The other “will go into eternal punishment.” The difference between the two groups is how they responded to those in need. That’s it. There is no question about political or religious affiliation, there is no means test. The only thing that is asked is, “Did you help those in need?” It seems so simple, but is often so hard to do. As those who often pray, “thy will be done,” do we consider ourselves part of the way in which this can happen.
The readings for Sunday are Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and Matthew 25: 31-46. The story in the Time for All Ages is “I’m a superhero,” and I have titled the sermon, “Thy will be done.”
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 as soon as possible.
GIFT GIVING WITH A DIFFERENCE – Spirit West Outreach
This weekend there will be a new table at church for you to stop by and visit - The Gift of Giving Table. We invite you to:
MORNING STAR CANTATA – Sunday, Dec. 6
The choir and musicians from Spirit West, as well as guest instrumentalists, will present MORNING STAR, the Christmas story of hope and promise. This musical and narrated message is appropriate for each of us at any stage of life’s journey, reminding us that in our own dark nights, Christ, the Light of the World, has come. An event you won’t want to miss! All donations will go toward upgrading our sound system. Come one; come all on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 6:30.
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
Check out the details of the projects from our Outreach Committee – Gift Giving with a Difference. And please note the details about our Christmas Concert – MORNING STAR.
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Christian Year. It is Reign of Christ Sunday (at one time called Christ the King). The emphasis of this Sunday is in part on the global impact that the followers of Christ can have in the world. That impact can be both positive and negative. But in the Gospel reading for Sunday, the followers of Christ are just part of humanity. In the Gospel reading we hear a story of judgement. All the nations are gathered before the “Son of Man.” And when the Bible says “all the nations,” it means “everyone, all humanity.” The people are then divided into two groups. One group is invited to “inherit the kingdom.” The other “will go into eternal punishment.” The difference between the two groups is how they responded to those in need. That’s it. There is no question about political or religious affiliation, there is no means test. The only thing that is asked is, “Did you help those in need?” It seems so simple, but is often so hard to do. As those who often pray, “thy will be done,” do we consider ourselves part of the way in which this can happen.
The readings for Sunday are Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and Matthew 25: 31-46. The story in the Time for All Ages is “I’m a superhero,” and I have titled the sermon, “Thy will be done.”
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 as soon as possible.
GIFT GIVING WITH A DIFFERENCE – Spirit West Outreach
This weekend there will be a new table at church for you to stop by and visit - The Gift of Giving Table. We invite you to:
- Purchase mitts, hats, scarves, hand warmers, etc. (these items are for those who frequent the Jasper Place Wellness Centre & the Bissell Centre) so you can place them under our Giving Tree on Dec 3rd or 10th.
- Pick up a Festive Wishlist flyer from Bissell regarding their need for stockings (men and ladies) and gifts for children
- Pick up a Gifts of Vision book, the United Church’s Mission and Service Gift Catalogue
- Pick up information regarding volunteering opportunities - like being a Bissell Elf and gift wrapping at Southgate Mall, or preparing sandwiches for the Jasper Place, or helping with the Wellness Winter Warming meals
MORNING STAR CANTATA – Sunday, Dec. 6
The choir and musicians from Spirit West, as well as guest instrumentalists, will present MORNING STAR, the Christmas story of hope and promise. This musical and narrated message is appropriate for each of us at any stage of life’s journey, reminding us that in our own dark nights, Christ, the Light of the World, has come. An event you won’t want to miss! All donations will go toward upgrading our sound system. Come one; come all on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 6:30.
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
RSS Feed
