
As you read this eMessage, please take note that November is Stewardship Month, and there is a Congregational Meeting on November 19, see below.
THIS SUNDAY – Rodeo Sunday
Following Spirit West tradition, this Sunday is Rodeo Sunday. It coincides with the presence of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton. So in keeping with that tradition, you might want to deck yourself in your western finery for the service. The Scripture readings for the Service are taken from the Common Lectionary, the list of readings that I normally use from Sunday to Sunday. This Sunday’s readings point to being prepared. In the picture that is at the beginning of this message we see a kneeling cowboy. We expect that he is praying that he does well and remains safe in his event. But we also probably realize that he is not depending on prayer alone. He has practiced his event over and over again. He is properly dressed with his heavy chaps. He is prepared. In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus talks about ten women, described in English as bridesmaids who are waiting for the bridegroom. Half of them considered the possibility that the bridegroom might arrive late in the evening, and were prepared with lamps and flasks of extra oil, the other half had lamps which ran out of oil before the bridegroom arrived, which was at midnight. By the time the second group found more oil for their lamps, the bridegroom had arrived, and been taken to the wedding venue by the bridesmaids who were prepared. The door was shut. Sometimes, simply waiting and praying are not enough.
The readings for Sunday are Psalm 78:1-7 and Matthew 25: 1-13. In the Time for All Ages, we will look at “Surprise!”. I have titled the sermon, “Are you ready?”
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – Sunday, November 19
The will be a Congregational Meeting of Spirit West United Church on Sunday, November 19, 2017 following the Service. This 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
It would be wonderful if a church like Spirit West could be run on faith alone. But alas it cannot. For us to survive and thrive we need the time, talent and treasure of you who consider Spirit West to be your church. During the month of November we are asking you to consider the ways that you can support the ongoing work of this church. 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 are attached to this email. 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. We ask that you return your Pledge Form to the Church by November 26 if possible.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Spirit West will be taking orders for Christmas poinsettias from now until next Tuesday, November 14, with delivery to the church on about December 15. We ask that you allow your poinsettia to be displayed at the front of the church for two Sundays, December 18 and 24, and then take it home or to a friend to enjoy. Poinsettias come in three sizes: 6" pot for $17, 8" pot for $30, or a 10" pot for $41 (same prices as last year). Contact Margery W. (780 419 3224, wrightlk@telus.net) for details and to order.
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