October 23, 2016 - Pentecost 23

Greetings,
Norma is back from Africa.  But I would like to say of word of thanks to Edina T., Doreen O., Helen B., and Karen B. gave of their time and talents to help out in the office during Norma’s absence.

I did not received many responses to the “survey” with regard to options for a Service on/around Sunday, January 1, 2017.  However, the results are that there will no service for New Year’s.  The first Service of 2017 will be Cinnamon Bun Sunday on January 8, 2017.

This SUNDAY – October 23
Paul’s writes his second letter to Timothy with a heavy heart.  He recounts how he has been abandoned and betrayed.  But he also acknowledges that he ran the race that was before him.  He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.  And, as he says, “From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness.”  In the race that is the Christian life, no one comes in first.  All who run the race get the prize.  In the Gospel, we see the contrast between a Pharisee who thinks he is coming in first in life, and a tax collector who knows that he is not running the race as well.  His call to God is “God be merciful.”
The readings for Sunday are 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18  and Luke 18: 9-14.  In the time for all ages I will talk about “God’s Pleasure,” with reference to the story of Eric Liddell and I have titled the sermon, “God be merciful”
 
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.
  
Adult Study: The eight session video study called The Good Shepherd – A Theological Journey of 1,000 years continues on Wednesday, October 26 at 1:30 pm in the Lounge.  The study continues until November 23. 
  
Messy Church:  We have set a date for Messy Church, Saturday Nov. 19, Edina T. is the coordinator.  If you want to be involved look for the signup sheet (there is one this week, Norma’s back) or call Edina T.
 
  
 ITALIAN SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION – Sunday, October 23.
TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!  If you have tickets, you can look forward to a great supper and an amazing variety of top quality items in the Silent Auction. 
 
 
Croissants and Cinnamon Buns
The Spirit West Women’s Group is once again selling unbaked Croissants and Cinnamon Buns.  You can pick up an order form at the church.  To place an order, call Margery W or talk to her on Sunday.  Please have your orders to Diane L. or Margery W. by Sunday, October 30th.   Due to an increase in costs by our supplier, we have  raised our prices slightly. Our price this year is $8.00/dozen for the croissants and $8.00/half dozen for the cinnamon buns.  The date of packaging and pick-up will be Wednesday November 23rd after 3 pm if possible.
 
 
 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 Shannon F. 
 
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
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