Greetings
This Sunday is the last Sunday I will be leading worship for a couple of weeks. On October 18th, my daughter Rebecca and I will be in Salt Lake City in the midst of the Parliament of the World’s Religions (PWR). We are part of a group of about thirty going from the Edmonton area to join the other 6000 or so delegates. Rebecca will also be taking part in the first PWR Women’s Assembly which will be held in Salt Lake City the day before the full Parliament starts. We will be gone from Oct 11th to 20th. On Sunday, Oct 25th I will be in Drumheller at the Annual Convention of Alberta DeMolay (that’s the group for boys and young men that you have seen in church a couple of times.) I am the Chapter Dad of Edmonton Chapter.
Worship will take place at Spirit West both those Sundays, with a different voice up front. Look for a message from Norma next Thursday for more details.
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
This Sunday is in Thanksgiving Sunday. The readings for Sunday give us two instructions, “Don’t be afraid,” and “Don’t worry.” Now this isn’t when we all get together and sing “Don’t worry, be happy.” The message of the prophet Joel and the message of Jesus is not about happiness, it is about assurance. It is a message that says in spite of appearances around you, in spite of what the world has thrown at you, you can be assured that God is with you. That is something for which we can be extremely thankful
The readings for this Sunday are taken from the Lectionary for Thanksgiving, and include Joel 2: 21-27 and Matthew 6:25-33. The sermon is titled, “Do not fear, do not worry”
The Journeys in Faith sessions have concluded and we will be welcoming a number of new members into our Congregation on Sunday. There is one who is being confirmed, others who are come from other denominations and are being received by profession of faith, and others who are be received by transfer from other United Church congregations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (in church)
The Worship Committee is asking that in order to facilitate an effective and efficient process, please have your announcements in to the church office by Wednesday at noon so that they can be included in the Sunday announcements sheet and in the Thursday eMessage.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have resumed Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.
We could still use a few people who are willing to give some time as teachers or helpers. If you are interested call the office or sign your name on the Sunday School sign-up sheet by the church office.
CLEANING AND REFINISHING THE LOWER HALL FLOOR (help wanted)
As some of you will have noticed, the floor in the Lower Hall is not in very good shape in places. Brian T. in discussion with the Operations Committee would like to work on the floor during the Thanksgiving Long Weekend, when we can limit the use of the hall. Brian cannot do this alone. We are asking for your help. If you can spare some time during the long weekend to help Brian, please call the church office as soon as possible. The alternative to in-house labour is to hire a company to do the job, and pay them with money we don’t have!
FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION on October 18th
Mark Sunday, October 18th on your calendars as the date for the Spirit West Fall Supper and Silent Auction. At the Welcome Table by the church door you will find letters of introduction that you may take to businesses you think might wish to donate an item or items to the silent auction. There are two versions of the letter, one to give to businesses in the West End and the other for business in other parts of Edmonton or the surrounding area. More details about the event will follow. Watch this space!
BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Building Community Together is the third city-wide Christian-Muslim Dialogue event organized by the Edmonton-based group, A Common Word-Alberta. This event brings together Christians and Muslims to listen and learn from one other, and to grow in understanding and appreciation of each other's faith traditions. We would love to have you join us and be part of the conversation. Our time together will be very engaging with time for small and large group discussions.
St. Charles Catholic Church
17653 112 Street Northwest
Saturday, 17 October 2015 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Cost is $10.00 per person and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required so that we can plan for seating and food. You can purchase your ticket on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christian-muslim-dialogue-buil… or by calling 780-469-1010 ext.2133.
An Open Conversation with the Moderator
on the Authority and Interpretation of Scripture
You are invited to join Moderator the Right Reverend Jordan Cantwell in an open-ended conversation about the authority and interpretation of Scripture in The United Church of Canada. How do we read Scripture? What is its place in the life of the United Church?
When: 7:00 pm, Saturday Oct. 24, 2015
Where: Avonmore United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton.
This event is part of An Intercultural Adventure Part II: The Bible in The United Church of Canada, which is sponsored by a grant from The United Church of Canada and led by St. Andrew’s College faculty Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg and Don Schweitzer.
The Moderator will also be preaching on Sunday Oct. 25 at the 10:00 am worship of Pleasantview United Church (10672 - 62 Avenue NW, Edmonton).
WHAT IS INTERCULTUAL MINISTRY IN THE UNITED CHURCH?
The Intercultural Ministry Committee under the Ministry and Congregational Support Team of Edmonton Presbytery invites you to an exciting opportunity to learn and understand about Intercultural Ministry within the United Church of Canada.
The United Church of Canada endorsed becoming an Intercultural Church in 2006. Almost a decade later there are exciting initiatives happening. There is an incredible opportunity to learn from our General Council Staff member for Intercultural Engagement, Adele Halliday, how our churches can become truly transformed through Intercultural Ministry.
The Intercultural Ministry Committee is looking for four people from each congregation to attend this exciting event. An attempt has been made to accommodate as many schedules as possible, and therefore the new Intercultural Ministry Facilitator, Yoon Ok Shin, has planned for both an afternoon and evening session of identical material.
Wednesday, October 28th, 2015 at Avonmore United Church at either 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Contact the Church office if you are interested, so that we can register you with the Presbytery.
UNITED CHURCH RESPONSE TO THE REFUGEE CRISIS IN SYRIA
As you know, the conflict in Syria has led hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in search of a better and safer life. This massive migration of people has created huge challenges in Europe and around the world. As Canadians and as people of the United Church we have a wonderful history of welcoming the stranger and refugee to our country even when the government was not as eager in its welcome. Some weeks ago the Globe and Mail did a editorial piece that looked at Canada’s official response to refugee crises. At the government level, and the party in power seems to make little difference, the Canadian response has been mixed at best. A Brief History of Canada’s Response to Refugees can be found at http://ccrweb.ca/en/brief-history-canadas-responses-refugees . It appears that the welcoming of the dispossessed to Canada has been, in large measure, the result of public pressure and action.
There is opportunity for us to act in the current situation. Both our Moderator, the Rt. Rev. Jordan Cantwell, and the Alberta and Northwest Conference, the Rev. Paul Walfall, has written open letters to churches calling on us to act in the current crisis.
From the Moderator: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/moderator/150911
From the ANW Conference President: http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/13921-welcoming-our-neighbours/
The Conference President has asked that each Presbytery in the Conference sponsor two Syrian families. He recognized that there are Congregations which, while willing, would not have the resources to raise the $30,000 - $35,000 required for the sponsorship of one family. Edmonton Presbytery at their most recent meeting, agreed in principle to this request. However, the details of how this will be done is still being worked on.
At the meeting last night, your church board agreed in principle to participate in the Presbytery’s plan once finalized, and that members and adherents of Spirit West would be given the opportunity to support this project through a onetime special offering a some point in the near future.
If you are moved to a more immediate response, please check out the this page at the United Church of Canada website: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/150911 This page offers a link so that you may donate directly to the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund and designate your gift for “Syrian refugees” And as noted on the page “As part of the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund, 85 percent of your donation will go directly to Syria relief, while 15 percent will be used to support emergencies that do not receive intense media coverage and response. No administration fees will be deducted from your donation. Regular donations to the Mission and Service Fund enable the United Church to absorb staffing and administration costs of emergency response work.”
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 Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
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
See you Sunday,
Larry
This Sunday is the last Sunday I will be leading worship for a couple of weeks. On October 18th, my daughter Rebecca and I will be in Salt Lake City in the midst of the Parliament of the World’s Religions (PWR). We are part of a group of about thirty going from the Edmonton area to join the other 6000 or so delegates. Rebecca will also be taking part in the first PWR Women’s Assembly which will be held in Salt Lake City the day before the full Parliament starts. We will be gone from Oct 11th to 20th. On Sunday, Oct 25th I will be in Drumheller at the Annual Convention of Alberta DeMolay (that’s the group for boys and young men that you have seen in church a couple of times.) I am the Chapter Dad of Edmonton Chapter.
Worship will take place at Spirit West both those Sundays, with a different voice up front. Look for a message from Norma next Thursday for more details.
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
This Sunday is in Thanksgiving Sunday. The readings for Sunday give us two instructions, “Don’t be afraid,” and “Don’t worry.” Now this isn’t when we all get together and sing “Don’t worry, be happy.” The message of the prophet Joel and the message of Jesus is not about happiness, it is about assurance. It is a message that says in spite of appearances around you, in spite of what the world has thrown at you, you can be assured that God is with you. That is something for which we can be extremely thankful
The readings for this Sunday are taken from the Lectionary for Thanksgiving, and include Joel 2: 21-27 and Matthew 6:25-33. The sermon is titled, “Do not fear, do not worry”
The Journeys in Faith sessions have concluded and we will be welcoming a number of new members into our Congregation on Sunday. There is one who is being confirmed, others who are come from other denominations and are being received by profession of faith, and others who are be received by transfer from other United Church congregations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (in church)
The Worship Committee is asking that in order to facilitate an effective and efficient process, please have your announcements in to the church office by Wednesday at noon so that they can be included in the Sunday announcements sheet and in the Thursday eMessage.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have resumed Sunday School. Come join the fun as we learn together the stories of our faith through the Seasons of the Spirit.
We could still use a few people who are willing to give some time as teachers or helpers. If you are interested call the office or sign your name on the Sunday School sign-up sheet by the church office.
CLEANING AND REFINISHING THE LOWER HALL FLOOR (help wanted)
As some of you will have noticed, the floor in the Lower Hall is not in very good shape in places. Brian T. in discussion with the Operations Committee would like to work on the floor during the Thanksgiving Long Weekend, when we can limit the use of the hall. Brian cannot do this alone. We are asking for your help. If you can spare some time during the long weekend to help Brian, please call the church office as soon as possible. The alternative to in-house labour is to hire a company to do the job, and pay them with money we don’t have!
FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION on October 18th
Mark Sunday, October 18th on your calendars as the date for the Spirit West Fall Supper and Silent Auction. At the Welcome Table by the church door you will find letters of introduction that you may take to businesses you think might wish to donate an item or items to the silent auction. There are two versions of the letter, one to give to businesses in the West End and the other for business in other parts of Edmonton or the surrounding area. More details about the event will follow. Watch this space!
BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Building Community Together is the third city-wide Christian-Muslim Dialogue event organized by the Edmonton-based group, A Common Word-Alberta. This event brings together Christians and Muslims to listen and learn from one other, and to grow in understanding and appreciation of each other's faith traditions. We would love to have you join us and be part of the conversation. Our time together will be very engaging with time for small and large group discussions.
St. Charles Catholic Church
17653 112 Street Northwest
Saturday, 17 October 2015 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Cost is $10.00 per person and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required so that we can plan for seating and food. You can purchase your ticket on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christian-muslim-dialogue-buil… or by calling 780-469-1010 ext.2133.
An Open Conversation with the Moderator
on the Authority and Interpretation of Scripture
You are invited to join Moderator the Right Reverend Jordan Cantwell in an open-ended conversation about the authority and interpretation of Scripture in The United Church of Canada. How do we read Scripture? What is its place in the life of the United Church?
When: 7:00 pm, Saturday Oct. 24, 2015
Where: Avonmore United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton.
This event is part of An Intercultural Adventure Part II: The Bible in The United Church of Canada, which is sponsored by a grant from The United Church of Canada and led by St. Andrew’s College faculty Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg and Don Schweitzer.
The Moderator will also be preaching on Sunday Oct. 25 at the 10:00 am worship of Pleasantview United Church (10672 - 62 Avenue NW, Edmonton).
WHAT IS INTERCULTUAL MINISTRY IN THE UNITED CHURCH?
The Intercultural Ministry Committee under the Ministry and Congregational Support Team of Edmonton Presbytery invites you to an exciting opportunity to learn and understand about Intercultural Ministry within the United Church of Canada.
The United Church of Canada endorsed becoming an Intercultural Church in 2006. Almost a decade later there are exciting initiatives happening. There is an incredible opportunity to learn from our General Council Staff member for Intercultural Engagement, Adele Halliday, how our churches can become truly transformed through Intercultural Ministry.
The Intercultural Ministry Committee is looking for four people from each congregation to attend this exciting event. An attempt has been made to accommodate as many schedules as possible, and therefore the new Intercultural Ministry Facilitator, Yoon Ok Shin, has planned for both an afternoon and evening session of identical material.
Wednesday, October 28th, 2015 at Avonmore United Church at either 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Contact the Church office if you are interested, so that we can register you with the Presbytery.
UNITED CHURCH RESPONSE TO THE REFUGEE CRISIS IN SYRIA
As you know, the conflict in Syria has led hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in search of a better and safer life. This massive migration of people has created huge challenges in Europe and around the world. As Canadians and as people of the United Church we have a wonderful history of welcoming the stranger and refugee to our country even when the government was not as eager in its welcome. Some weeks ago the Globe and Mail did a editorial piece that looked at Canada’s official response to refugee crises. At the government level, and the party in power seems to make little difference, the Canadian response has been mixed at best. A Brief History of Canada’s Response to Refugees can be found at http://ccrweb.ca/en/brief-history-canadas-responses-refugees . It appears that the welcoming of the dispossessed to Canada has been, in large measure, the result of public pressure and action.
There is opportunity for us to act in the current situation. Both our Moderator, the Rt. Rev. Jordan Cantwell, and the Alberta and Northwest Conference, the Rev. Paul Walfall, has written open letters to churches calling on us to act in the current crisis.
From the Moderator: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/moderator/150911
From the ANW Conference President: http://albertanorthwestconference.ca/13921-welcoming-our-neighbours/
The Conference President has asked that each Presbytery in the Conference sponsor two Syrian families. He recognized that there are Congregations which, while willing, would not have the resources to raise the $30,000 - $35,000 required for the sponsorship of one family. Edmonton Presbytery at their most recent meeting, agreed in principle to this request. However, the details of how this will be done is still being worked on.
At the meeting last night, your church board agreed in principle to participate in the Presbytery’s plan once finalized, and that members and adherents of Spirit West would be given the opportunity to support this project through a onetime special offering a some point in the near future.
If you are moved to a more immediate response, please check out the this page at the United Church of Canada website: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/150911 This page offers a link so that you may donate directly to the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund and designate your gift for “Syrian refugees” And as noted on the page “As part of the United Church’s Emergency Response Fund, 85 percent of your donation will go directly to Syria relief, while 15 percent will be used to support emergencies that do not receive intense media coverage and response. No administration fees will be deducted from your donation. Regular donations to the Mission and Service Fund enable the United Church to absorb staffing and administration costs of emergency response work.”
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 Shannon F. at 780-481-5262, Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.
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
See you Sunday,
Larry
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