
There are a some new items in this eMessage. Please read it carefully.
This Sunday – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – Reformation Sunday
October 31 marks the 502 anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 theses on the door of the university chapel in Wittenberg, Germany, an event that is used as a starting point for the Reformation. The United Church of Canada can trace part of its history back to the Reformation. This was a period of church history in the 16th century when a number of theologians including Martin Luther (pictured) had questions about the Church’s focus and direction. This proved to be a good thing and a bad thing. People began to really think about what it meant to be the church (good thing), but so often disagreed on what the church should look like that the Christian church was splintered into many “denominations” (bad thing). But the Reformation is part of our heritage, so on Sunday we will look at that heritage and what it means for us today. And we will look at why reformation is still part of the church’s journey.
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 be looking at “A New Way to Go.” The title of the Sermon is “Reformed and Reforming.”
LADIES GROUP CRAFT NIGHT
The women of Spirit West (and their friends) will be gathering at 7pm on Monday, Nov. 4th at the church for fun and fellowship as they learn to make a Christmas Craft. The cost is $5.00, payable on the craft night. A signup sheet is available on the back table at the church . All women welcome!
Croissants and Cinnamon Buns
Once again, it is time for the annual Spirit West Ladies Group fund-raiser. Buy and enjoy delicious cinnamon buns and croissants. Frozen Unbaked Croissants are $8.00 per dozen; frozen Unbaked Cinnamon Buns are $8.00 for a ½ dozen. Order forms are available at the church or on our Facebook page. Return your orders to Diane L. (780 444-0284) or Carol C. (780-481-2662). Last date to order is Sunday. Nov 10. Orders will be available for pick up at church on Tues, Nov 26 between 2-5pm. If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us when placing your order. Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.
Stewardship Drive for 2020
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” will begin on Sunday, Nov. 3. After church on Nov. 3 you will be able to pickup your stewardship envelope from the Welcome table and take a neighbours, if possible, to cut down on mailing costs. Unaddressed forms are also available. Forms are to be returned to the church by Sunday, Nov 24. Please join us on Nov 24 to mark the completion of our campaign to build for the future of Spirit West United Church.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
• Seasonal items are now being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Center and the Bissell Center – underwear, socks, scarves, mitts, refillable water bottles, hand warmers, etc. These can be left at the “Giving Tree” (in the sanctuary by the lounge windows) for distribution.
• Bissell Festive Wishlist – Pick up a Bissell Festive Wishlist from the back table or from under the “Giving Tree”, fill a stocking with items from the list or purchase a gift for a child; bring them to church on Dec 15. They will then be delivered to Bissell.
COMMUNION SERVERS
At Spirit West we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, (or the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) once a month, normally on the first Sunday. Serving communion involves the minister and at least three people from the congregation who assist. We are seeking out those who would like to be Communion Servers. This is not a perpetual commitment. Glenna W. has made up a schedule for the next twelve months (i.e twelve services). You will find it with the other sign-up sheets by the office. You can pick which date(s) you would like to be part of serving team. If you have any questions about the role of a Communion Server, speak to Larry or Glenna.
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.
A 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 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.
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
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
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org