Happy All Hallows’ Eve,
This Sunday – Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost – All Saints Sunday
November 1st has been observed in many parts of the Christian Church as All Saints’ Day (or in older English, All Hallows’ Day) since the 8th century. Since before the dawn of Christianity, human beings in cultures all over the world have set aside times and places to remember their ancestors, and in many cases to acknowledge their continued presence in some form in the world. The Christian celebration of All Saints' Day stems from a belief that there is a powerful spiritual bond between those in heaven (the "Church triumphant"), and the living (the "Church militant"). In Catholic theology, the day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven. In Methodist theology, which informs our United Church theology, All Saints Day revolves around giving God thanks for the lives of his saints, including those who are famous or obscure. As such, individuals throughout the Church Universal are honoured, such as Paul the Apostle, Augustine of Hippo and John Wesley, in addition to individuals who have personally led one to faith in Jesus, such as one's grandmother or friend.
The readings for Sunday are Ephesians 1: 11-23 and Luke 6: 20-31. In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at “A Light on the path.” The title of the Sermon is “Blessed are you who...”
Stewardship Drive 2020
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” will begin this Sunday. After church you will be able to pick up your stewardship envelope from the Welcome table. You could also pick up and deliver a neighbour’s, 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.
On the Same Page with Different Pictures: Being Ecumenical (20th Anniversary of JDDJ)This Sunday, join local Lutheran, Catholic, Anglican, Reformed and (via the United Church) Methodist Christians to discuss, pray and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ).
The JDDJ was a historic agreement signed by Lutherans and Catholics in 1999, effectively resolving one of the key theological conflicts of the Reformation. Initially a Catholic-Lutheran agreement, it has since been joined and affirmed by three other Christian World Communions, namely the Methodist, Anglican and Reformed churches.
The Schedule includes:
2:00 pm Presentation by Dr. Gordon Jensen (Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon) followed by Panel Responses from representatives of the five signatory churches + Q&A
3:30 pm Commemorative Prayer Service for the 20th Anniversary (The Spirit West Choir will be participating)
5:00 pm Meal to be shared together
The event is free and open to all with a suggested donation ($10) to help pay for the meal. Please register through Eventbrite Eventbrite - On the Same Page with Different Pictures (especially if you want to stay for the meal).
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!
Anne Frank–A History For TodayEdmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum is hosting an exhibition focused on the life of Anne Frank from October 28, 2019 to January 31, 2020. The exhibit also explores the history of the Holocaust and the experience of Canadian Soldiers during the Second World War. The international travelling exhibition from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam consists of 34 bilingual panels in English and French that focus on the life of Anne Frank, as well as the history of the Holocaust and the Second World War in Europe. Additional displays are dedicated to the experience of Canadian soldiers. The content of the exhibition targets Grades 5-12, but appeals to all.
The exhibit will be open to the general public:
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.
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
This Sunday – Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost – All Saints Sunday
November 1st has been observed in many parts of the Christian Church as All Saints’ Day (or in older English, All Hallows’ Day) since the 8th century. Since before the dawn of Christianity, human beings in cultures all over the world have set aside times and places to remember their ancestors, and in many cases to acknowledge their continued presence in some form in the world. The Christian celebration of All Saints' Day stems from a belief that there is a powerful spiritual bond between those in heaven (the "Church triumphant"), and the living (the "Church militant"). In Catholic theology, the day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven. In Methodist theology, which informs our United Church theology, All Saints Day revolves around giving God thanks for the lives of his saints, including those who are famous or obscure. As such, individuals throughout the Church Universal are honoured, such as Paul the Apostle, Augustine of Hippo and John Wesley, in addition to individuals who have personally led one to faith in Jesus, such as one's grandmother or friend.
The readings for Sunday are Ephesians 1: 11-23 and Luke 6: 20-31. In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at “A Light on the path.” The title of the Sermon is “Blessed are you who...”
Stewardship Drive 2020
Our annual “Time, Talent and Treasure” will begin this Sunday. After church you will be able to pick up your stewardship envelope from the Welcome table. You could also pick up and deliver a neighbour’s, 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.
On the Same Page with Different Pictures: Being Ecumenical (20th Anniversary of JDDJ)This Sunday, join local Lutheran, Catholic, Anglican, Reformed and (via the United Church) Methodist Christians to discuss, pray and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ).
The JDDJ was a historic agreement signed by Lutherans and Catholics in 1999, effectively resolving one of the key theological conflicts of the Reformation. Initially a Catholic-Lutheran agreement, it has since been joined and affirmed by three other Christian World Communions, namely the Methodist, Anglican and Reformed churches.
The Schedule includes:
2:00 pm Presentation by Dr. Gordon Jensen (Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon) followed by Panel Responses from representatives of the five signatory churches + Q&A
3:30 pm Commemorative Prayer Service for the 20th Anniversary (The Spirit West Choir will be participating)
5:00 pm Meal to be shared together
The event is free and open to all with a suggested donation ($10) to help pay for the meal. Please register through Eventbrite Eventbrite - On the Same Page with Different Pictures (especially if you want to stay for the meal).
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!
Anne Frank–A History For TodayEdmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum is hosting an exhibition focused on the life of Anne Frank from October 28, 2019 to January 31, 2020. The exhibit also explores the history of the Holocaust and the experience of Canadian Soldiers during the Second World War. The international travelling exhibition from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam consists of 34 bilingual panels in English and French that focus on the life of Anne Frank, as well as the history of the Holocaust and the Second World War in Europe. Additional displays are dedicated to the experience of Canadian soldiers. The content of the exhibition targets Grades 5-12, but appeals to all.
The exhibit will be open to the general public:
- November 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2019 from 3-7 p.m.
- November 11, 2019 from 12-4 p.m.
- January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2020 from 3-7 p.m.
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.
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
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