reetings,
Today is actually the Feast of St. Francis. Give your pet(s) a hug. There is more new stuff happening at Spirit West, read on!
THIS SUNDAY – THANKSGIVING, WORLD COMMUNION AND THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY
This Sunday, is Thanksgiving Sunday because this year the second Monday in October falls immediately after the first Sunday. It is also World Communion Sunday which is marked on the first Sunday of October, and in my “Basis of Union Lectionary” we have come to Article IV – Of Creation and Providence. And fortuitously, these fit together rather well. So let’s start in reverse. We are looking at Article IV of the Basis of Union, which talks about Creation, the existence of all that we know, and Providence which included God’s presence in and through all Creation. This is something for which we are called to be thankful. One of the many names given to the Sacrament we will be celebrating is the “Eucharist.” This name comes from a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving. And as we gather this Sunday for the “Eucharist” or Holy Communion we will be doing so in the context of World Communion Sunday. This is the Sunday when Christian Churches who do not celebrate Communion daily or weekly, can gather together on one Sunday in Thanksgiving at the Lord’s Table all around the world. And finally we do this on what is for us in Canada Thanksgiving Sunday, a day when all of Canadian society, of whatever faith or culture, is encouraged to remember our many blessings.
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Joel 2: 21-27 and Matthew 6: 25-33. In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at what have been called “Magic Words,” and why they might be “magic.” The Sermon will have the somewhat unoriginal title, “Of Providence and Creation.”
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 brepairs@shaw.ca. 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.
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 now available at $20/adult, $10/ age 6-12, and free for 5 and under. There is a sign-up sheet at the church for volunteers. There are also letters of introduction available for those who are going to local businesses for silent auction items
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. It was suggested at a Board Meeting that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
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 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
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
Today is actually the Feast of St. Francis. Give your pet(s) a hug. There is more new stuff happening at Spirit West, read on!
THIS SUNDAY – THANKSGIVING, WORLD COMMUNION AND THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY
This Sunday, is Thanksgiving Sunday because this year the second Monday in October falls immediately after the first Sunday. It is also World Communion Sunday which is marked on the first Sunday of October, and in my “Basis of Union Lectionary” we have come to Article IV – Of Creation and Providence. And fortuitously, these fit together rather well. So let’s start in reverse. We are looking at Article IV of the Basis of Union, which talks about Creation, the existence of all that we know, and Providence which included God’s presence in and through all Creation. This is something for which we are called to be thankful. One of the many names given to the Sacrament we will be celebrating is the “Eucharist.” This name comes from a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving. And as we gather this Sunday for the “Eucharist” or Holy Communion we will be doing so in the context of World Communion Sunday. This is the Sunday when Christian Churches who do not celebrate Communion daily or weekly, can gather together on one Sunday in Thanksgiving at the Lord’s Table all around the world. And finally we do this on what is for us in Canada Thanksgiving Sunday, a day when all of Canadian society, of whatever faith or culture, is encouraged to remember our many blessings.
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Joel 2: 21-27 and Matthew 6: 25-33. In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at what have been called “Magic Words,” and why they might be “magic.” The Sermon will have the somewhat unoriginal title, “Of Providence and Creation.”
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 brepairs@shaw.ca. 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.
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 now available at $20/adult, $10/ age 6-12, and free for 5 and under. There is a sign-up sheet at the church for volunteers. There are also letters of introduction available for those who are going to local businesses for silent auction items
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. It was suggested at a Board Meeting that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
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 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
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
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