In the announcements below please note the information about Men’s Breakfast and the Preparatory Potato Peeling Party!
THIS SUNDAY – THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY: GRACE
Article VI of the Basis of Union is entitled “Of the Grace of God.” Last Sunday we touched on the topic of sin. In our journey of faith to reconnect more fully with the Divine, we all “miss the mark.” In Article VI we begin to see how the church understands God’s response to the reality that we get “lost” rather easily sometimes. In a sense God reaches out to us in the way a caring parent reaches out to a child who is in trouble. The child may not “deserve” the help, and may be in trouble because of poor choices or deliberate rebellion. But the parent reaches out because the child needs help. We sometimes call this response, an act of unconditional love. In our understanding of God we see this unconditional love at work.
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Ephesians 2: 4-10 and John 3: 11-17. In the Time for All Ages I will be telling the story of John Newton, the ex-slave trader and self-declared “bad boy” who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.” And the Sermon will take its title from the title of Article VI: “Of the Grace of God.”
SPIRIT WEST MEN’S BREAKFAST
Would you like a "Hearty Man's" breakfast this Saturday morning (Oct 20)? Join us in the lower hall at 8 AM for some eggs and potatoes along with sausages, bacon, toast, coffee and juice, and some friendly conversation. All that for $10.00.
This month we need to put up the snow fence on the front lawn and between the church and garage. If able, there's a couple outside light bulbs that need replacing.
Hope to see you Saturday morning.
Fall Supper and Silent Auction – Oct 21
Our Fall Supper, a Roast Beef Dinner, and Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, Oct 21 in the Lower Hall of the church starting a 5:00 pm for Beverages and Silent Auction and 5: 30 pm for Dinner. This is an annual fund-raiser for the church. Tickets are sold out!
Volunteers are still need, call the church office for details and to sign up! There are also letters of introduction available for those who are going to local businesses for silent auction items. Silent Auction items should be dropped off at the church by Saturday afternoon.
Preparatory Potato Peeling Party – October 21
In preparation for the wonderful Roast Beef Dinner at our Fall Supper and Silent Auction, members of the congregation are invited to bring their favourite potato peeler (either the kitchen gadget or family member) with them to church on Sunday, Oct 21. (My mother often had a potato peeler in her purse, because you just never know…) After church, those with peelers, and those who would like to join in with a borrowed peeler can gather for a fun and fast time of fellowship and potato peeling. Because you can’t have a roast beef dinner without potatoes!
SUNDAY SCHOOL – Something New!
Our newest project for Sunday School is to start a Junior Youth Christian Group. We need help from you to identify what this age group (ages 9 and up) would like to do for Youth Group and when they would like to have it and how often. We know the kids are busy with after school activities and out of school activities so their time is short. We can still have it Sunday mornings once a month or every other Sunday. Also we need to know what the kids would like to do with this class. Of course it will be Christian based but there are many activities we can do. So we are asking for your cooperation to tell us what, when and how often. If we have enough participation we will start as soon as possible. So please talk to Edina or any of the other teachers or Larry. Edina is available at 780-481-3508 or [email protected]. You can also contact the church. We are also very excited to start this. I look forward to hearing from you.
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre. As we move into the fall, underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. would be helpful. These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows.
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS and a Contest to “Name That Region”
As you might know, at the recent General Council of the United Church of Canada, the plans were approved to restructure our denomination. As of January 1, 2019 we move from four levels of governance (Pastoral Charge, Presbytery, Conference, and General Council) to three levels (Faith Community, Region, and Denominational Council) Spirit West changes from being a Pastoral Charge in Edmonton Presbytery, Alberta and Northwest Conference to being a Faith Community in Region 2. “Region 2” is a place holder name for the region. We want a “real” name. Please see the newsletter on the literature carousel for information on our new Regions, and on the contest to “Name That Region”.
A NEW WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt. Now you can! Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.
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 [email protected] . 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 => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
[email protected]
Spiritwest.org