This SUNDAY – November 6
There is a lot about remembering in November. The month started with All Saints Day. It continued on November 2nd with All Souls Day. You may have heard of this day in Mexico where it is called Dia de Muertos, the Day of the Dead. On both these days people are called to remember. First to remember those of the faithful who have gone before us, and then to remember all who have died. If you live in the UK, you will be called on to “Remember, remember, the fifth of November! The gunpowder treason and plot.” (Guy Fawkes, 1605) We are also coming up to Remembrance Day, another call to remember. And finally in our own faith community on Sunday we will be celebrating Holy Communion, a sacrament in which Christ says to us, “Do this in remembrance of me.” All these calls to remember have one thing in common, we are called to remember people and events which for the most part we never actually experienced. We participate in the remembering by the sharing of stories. Stories of events, stories of people. Stories that are told in families, in churches, in communities. We develop our identity through the stories we share. Our Bible is a collection of stories created by people who wanted to remember their experiences with God, and wanted those who came after them to be able to share in some way in that remembering.
The readings for Sunday are Deuteronomy 4: 9-14, and John 15: 9-13. In the time for all ages I will talk about “Story Time,” and I have titled the sermon, “In Remembrance”
The Celebration of Life of John Ludlow
The Service to remember and give thanks for the life of John Ludlow will take place tomorrow, Friday, November 4 at 2:00 pm at the Church.
FAITH FORMATION AND EDUCATION Fall Programs
Sunday School: Our Sunday School is up and running with teachers until the beginning of January, but we continue to look for adults who would like to teach or help. Look for a signup sheet at church. The Sunday School is looking for empty baby food jars. If you have any, there is a drop-off container in the coat rack area at the church.
Adult Study: The eight session video study called The Good Shepherd – A Theological Journey of 1,000 years continues on Wednesday, Nov 9 at 1:30 pm in the Lounge. The study continues until November 23.
Messy Church is Saturday Nov. 19, We will be looking at “Messy Advent - a time to get ready.” Edina T. is the coordinator. If you want to be involved look for the signup sheet or call Edina. If your family is coming to Messy Church send us an email to spiritw@telus.net or phone the church office.
LADIES CRAFT NIGHT
The Spirit West Ladies Group will be holding a Craft Night on Monday, November 7 at 7:00 pm. The craft will be party favours and table centres for the Ladies’ Christmas Dinner. No “crafting” experience necessary. If you do have scissors or a glue gun, you might want to bring them along. Bring a friend, but please sign up on the sheet by the office so that there will be enough supplies.
ANTE MERIDIEM CHOIR CONCERT
The Ante Meridiem Choir of Edmonton will be having a Concert on Sunday, December 4 at 2:00 pm at our Church. More details with follow.
SPIRIT WEST UNITED CHURCH CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Spirt West United Church Christmas Concert, “Nowell, Now all is well” will be held at the Church on Sunday, December 18 at 6:30 pm. This moving evening of music and word for the whole family will feature our own choir as well as members of the Harp Beat Harp Choir and other guest musicians. Bring your friends!
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,
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
- 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