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October 29, 2020 - All Saints' Sunday - the 33rd Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

10/29/2020

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Picture
​Greetings,
 The first item in today’s Thursday eMessage is the text of a letter that I presented to the Spirit West Board last night at its monthly ZOOM meeting.
 
Request for Change in Pastoral Relations – effective June 30, 2021
To the Church Board and Congregation of Spirit West United Church;
Next month, on November 12, I will celebrate my 65th birthday.  On May 26, 2021, I will mark 40 years of ordained ministry.  These both seem like significant anniversaries, and thinking about them has led me to contemplate my future.  And therefore I have decided that it is time for me to move on.
So with that brief introduction, and to use the official language of the church, I now request a Change in Pastoral Relations with Spirit West United Church effective June 30, 2021, for the purpose of retirement.
I have enjoyed my time with Spirit West, it has been a time of learning and growing for me with wonderful people.  And I hope I have been able to provide some wisdom and pastoral care in the almost ten years that I have been your minister.
Blessings to you all,
Larry
 
Now, on to the work of the church for the coming week…
 
This Sunday – All Saints’ Sunday
 
The Scripture Readings are Revelation 7: 9-17 and Matthew 5: 1-12.  In the Time for All Ages, I will talking about the, “People the Light shines through”   My sermon is titled, “Blessed are you who…”
 
This Sunday, November 1 is All Saints Sunday as well as the actual All Saints’ Day, or if you want to connect it with the night or evening before, All Hallows Day.  In a number of branches of the Christian Church, particular people have been recognized as especially close to God in their life and actions, and remain close to God after their death.  And these people have been named “Saints,” either formally or through local custom or tradition. The lives and example of these “Saints” was or is marked by a commemoration, usually on the anniversary of their death.  Some of these Saint’s days have passed into our secular world, with days like St. Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day.  Place names reflect this tradition as well.  I live in St. Albert, and in Edmonton we have St. Paul’s United Church and St. Andrew’s United Church.  But this formal recognition of particularly “holy” people had clouded our understanding of what it means to be a saint.  In his letters to the communities of the followers of Jesus in places like Corinth, Rome, and Ephesus, Paul calls all the members of these communities “saints,” even if he is writing to scold them for bad behavior.  On Sunday, we will look at what it means to be a saint in Edmonton in 2020,
 
ZOOM INTO SUNDAY SCHOOL information for November and December
If you have someone registered for our ZOOM into Sunday School, a new ZOOM link was sent to you Tuesday for the ZOOM into Sunday School sessions for November and December.  Remember that our clocks go back one hour on Saturday night, you don’t want to ZOOM into Sunday School an hour early this Sunday!
The craft bags for November and December are available today and tomorrow for pick up at the church during normal office hours.  Please let the church know if you need you craft bag(s) delivered.
  
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations  (change in submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests (new announcement)
If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  Since the beginning of the year, Don and Bob have redeemed $530.35 worth of bottles from our shed for the church.
 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                  
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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

0 Comments

October 22, 2020 Reformation Sunday and the 32nd Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

10/22/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
 
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date required.
 
Sharing our Celebrations  (change in submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests (new announcement)
If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
 This Sunday – Pentecost 21 – Reformation Sunday
 
The Scripture Readings are Deuteronomy 34: 1-12 and Matthew 22: 34-46.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be asking “What should I wear?”   My sermon is titled, “I protest!”
 
On October 31, 1517, a young monk fastened a list of ninety-five complaints against the church, he called them theses, to the door of the All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany.  The Feast of All Saints, that church’s “name day” was the next day, everyone would see his list.  His name was Martin Luther, and his action is seen as the start of what has come to be called the Protestant Reformation.  Now much of what bothered Luther concerned the selling of Indulgences, a sort of pre-paid travel voucher to heaven, to raise money for the church.  Luther could see no justification in scripture for this money making scheme based on a two-tier salvation system.  You could get into heaven quicker if you could pay for it.  But Luther’s concern echoed what others were thinking, and more.  Some questioned the way worship was conducted.  The opulence associated with the celebration of Mass, and the fact that most people only came to see the celebration,  a celebration not fully understood because it was celebrated in Latin seemed to be far removed from Jesus and the Upper Room.  Others questioned the level of education that should be required for clergy.  There were those that thought that celibate or unmarried clergy was wrong.  And others even questioned the authority of the pope and the bishops.  Much of the opposition to, and calls for a reform of the way “the church” was acting can be summed up in the phrase “We protest!”   In 1529, a number of German princes who were supportive of Luther’s teachings, and known as Lutherans, sent a Letter of Protestation against an edict of the Diet of Speyer (a court in Speyer, Germany) condemning the teachings of Martin Luther as heretical. And that’s where the Protestant Reformation gets its name.  There were others like Ulrich Zwingli, in Switzerland, who thought that Luther did not go far enough with his reforms, and took them further. The United Church of Canada can trace part of its history to this Reformation.  In fact, the United Church is part of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.  But reformation is not just a goal, but a process which continues in the church to this day.  On Sunday we will look at our Reformation heritage.
 
ZOOM INTO SUNDAY SCHOOL information about for November and December
If you have someone registered for our ZOOM into Sunday School, a new ZOOM link will be sent to you next Thursday, Oct. 29 for the ZOOM into Sunday School sessions for November and December. 
The craft bags for November and December will be available next Thursday and Friday for pick up at the church during normal office hours.  Please let the church know if you need you craft bag(s) delivered.. 
To register send an email to the church with your child’s (children’s) name and age, along with an email address to which the ZOOM invitation can be sent.
 
SPIRIT WEST CRABAPPLE JELLY – Report and Thanky-you
 Well, Crabapple season is over.  This year Margery was able to make twenty-eight jars of jelly to sell, and all of them sold.  This is a jelly record for Spirit West and all the proceeds from the sale have gone to the church.
Thanks to all of you bought jelly.  We hope you enjoy it.
  
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  Since the beginning of the year, Don and Bob have redeemed $530.35 worth of bottles from our shed for the church.
 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                 
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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


0 Comments

October 18, 2020 - The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost and the 31st Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation and our 26th Sunday video on YouTube

10/15/2020

0 Comments

 
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Greetings,
Before I get to the information for this Sunday, I have two items that will bring you up to date on couple of things:
the first is from Lori of Spirit West Outreach, the second is from the Spirit West Re-opening Committee.
Please also check out the section about our Spirit West Worship Videos, there have been some changes and additions.
 
 Drive and Drop for the Food Bank that was held on Saturday, October 10
A big thank you to everyone who was able to participate in the Drive & Drop for the Food Bank last Saturday.  We had 22 cars come to the church and we were able to fill the back of Bill’s truck!  Hope your all had a chance to see the You Tube service last Sunday to see the smiling faces (in some cases under a mask) and the mountain of food.  
Thank you again for your generosity.  I am always amazed at how willing our church family is to support others in need.    - Lori W., Spirit West Outreach
 
FROM THE RE-OPENING COMMITTEE
The Re-Opening Committee would like to thank all of you who completed and submitted your responses to the recent questionnaire..  Your feedback provided important information which is being considered in the decision making process regarding in-person worship at Spirit West.  Your responses were compiled and forwarded to the Committee as well as reported to the Official Board.  Results of this questionnaire indicated that the majority of respondents are uncomfortable resuming in-person worship at this time.  85% of respondents indicate they would prefer to watch services on YouTube at this time.   Almost conclusively, the availability of a vaccine and the rate of Covid-19 infections in Alberta are both important considerations for the comfort of congregants regarding in-person attendance.  Responses indicate that seeing and talking to other members of the congregation, feeling connected to a larger purpose and having guidance for reflection and spiritual life were the features most missed about being in church.
 
In consideration of the above information and the fact that our population consists of a number of individuals with compromised health, the Board has decided that we will not re-open for in-person Sunday worship at this time.  The Re-Opening Committee continues to meet regularly and we ARE working towards being fully prepared for the time when it is safe to resume worshiping together in our beautiful sanctuary.  We are also exploring options for worship that is both in-person and online, but that is a ways away at this point.  Meanwhile, keep yourselves safe and healthy by wearing a mask, sanitizing and maintaining physical distance!
  
This Sunday – Pentecost 20
 
The Scripture Readings are Exodus 33: 12-23 and Matthew 22: 15-22.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be asking “Have you ever seen…?”   My sermon is titled, “Seeing God”
 
This is the Sunday we revert back to “Sundays after Pentecost,” or as it is called in some churches, “Ordinary Time.”  Our lectionary readings from the Hebrew Scriptures, or what we have called the Old Testament continue with the story of Moses and the Exodus.  We pick up the story this week, having missed a bit, because of the insertion of Canadian Thanksgiving in an international lectionary.  The bit we missed concerns the Golden Calf.  Moses has been up the mountain communing with God for a long time, according to the Bible, almost two months.  The children of Israel grow restless.  They decide they want a God they can see, like the ones they were surrounded with in Egypt.  They decide they will build an idol, shaped like a calf, using the collected gold from the people.  Aaron, Moses’ brother, has been left in charge in Moses’ absence.  He thinks this is a bad idea and tries to stall construction, but fails.  The calf is built and a party (orgy) ensues. God sends Moses back down the mountain to sort things out.  God is angry, Moses is so angry he breaks the tablets of the Law that he has just been given by God.  The idol is destroyed, and God threatens to leave the scene altogether.  Moses intercedes for the people, again.  He also asks something else of God.  Moses recognizes that the need to “see” God, that prompted the building of the calf is a real concern for the children of Israel.  An invisible God is harder to deal with, especially when images or idols are strictly forbidden.  Moses asks to see God, and that is where Sunday’s reading starts.
The Gospel also deals with images.  In the context of the reading, this is in regard to paying taxes.  Jesus is asked if Jews should pay Roman taxes.  He asks to see a coin.  It is of course a Roman coin, Israel is at that time a vassal state of the Roman Empire.  Jesus asks the identity of the image stamped on the coin.  The answer is “The Emperor’s.”  Jesus’ response is somewhat famous, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  We see the face of the emperor stamped in the coin, but where do we see the face of God?
 
 ZOOM INTO SUNDAY SCHOOL continues this Sunday, October, 18 at 10:00am
If you have someone registered for our ZOOM into Sunday School, the ZOOM link from the message sent to you three weeks ago will work. A reminder message will also be sent to all registered households. 
 To register send an email to the church with your child’s (children’s) name and age, along with an email address to which the ZOOM invitation can be sent.
 We still have a couple of Craft Kits to be picked up or delivered.
  
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers (there’s a change here)
Using the list of those who have volunteered to be Scripture readers, Norma has drawn up and sent out a schedule of readers for the next couple of months. If you have read scripture for one of the worship videos, you will be on the schedule and will have received a copy.  Please confirm with Norma as soon as possible that you are available to do your reading.  Readings can be recorded well in advance of the date requred.
 
Sharing our Celebrations  (change in submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Prayer Requests (new announcement)
If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the Prayers of the People that are part of our worship videos, your request needs to be into the church by Thursday at noon for inclusion on Sunday.  The best way to send in your request is to email spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  The prayer request are also forwarded to the Prayer Chain.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
  
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT (and this is not a Scam)
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
  
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  Since the beginning of the year, Don and Bob have redeemed $530.35 worth of bottles from our shed for the church.
 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                     
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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


0 Comments

October 8, 2020 - Thanksgiving - The Last Sunday in Creation Time and the 30th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

10/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
 
I am going to start this eMessage with a reminder of our Drive and Drop for the Food Bank on Saturday.
 
Drive and Drop for the Food Bank – Saturday, October 10
 In the spirit of Thanksgiving you are invited to take a drive to the church, this Saturday, October 10th, between 10 and 11am, wave at some familiar faces and make a difference to those that are struggling by dropping off items for the Food Bank. 
 
Items that are needed:
  •  Canned beans (with or without pork)
  • Canned meat (fish, ham, etc.)
  • Baby formula
  • Peanut Butter
  • Healthy School Snacks (juice boxes, granola bars, fruit cups)
  • Soup
  • Canned fruit and vegetables
  • Pasta and Pasta Sauce
 
We will also have a jar available for monetary (cash) donations. 
 
We will need a couple of volunteers to help direct traffic around our parking lot as well as a few people to take the food from the vehicles to put in the box.  Volunteers will be required to use sanitizer, wear gloves and a mask as well as socially distance where possible. Call or text Lori at 780-221-7729 if you are interested in volunteering.
 
This Sunday – The Last Sunday in Creation Time – Thanksgiving Sunday
 
The Scripture Readings are Deuteronomy 8: 7-18 and Luke 17: 11-19.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be talking about “Thinking of God.”   My sermon is titled, “Giving Thanks in our World”
 
This Sunday is Thanksgiving Sunday in Canada.  It is essentially a Harvest Festival.  And it seems that across time and cultures, harvest time has been marked with celebrations of thanksgiving.  And an important aspect of these celebrations has been the acknowledgement of the Divine as the ultimate source of the bounty.  Another aspect often associated with thanksgiving celebrations is the commitment to use the fruits of the harvest wisely and for the benefit of the community.  There are echoes of these aspects in our modern thanksgiving celebrations, but to my mind they are very faint.  In the reading from Deuteronomy, God warns the people that with prosperity and security comes forgetfulness.  We know from the readings from Exodus over the past few weeks, that the children of Israel never forgot God during the tough times.  It was at these times that they blamed God for their difficulties, and demanded that God help them.  God did help them, and fulfilled the promise of a new land for the people.  They are called to remember God even when everything is going well. 
In the Gospel reading, Jesus is travelling through the region between Samaria, a foreign territory, and Galilee when he encounters ten lepers.  I note that in order to protect Jesus and his followers, the lepers maintain their distance. But they called out for mercy.  Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the priests, as was required of those who had been healed of a disease, and as they were heading off they realize that they had been healed. One of the ten, a Samaritan, a foreigner, turns back to thank Jesus and praise God.  The rest do not.  Jesus wonders aloud why of the ten who were healed only one, a foreigner, returns?  Does good health also lead to forgetfulness?
 
ZOOM INTO SUNDAY SCHOOL continues this Sunday, October, 11 at 10:00am
If you have someone registered for our ZOOM into Sunday School, the ZOOM link from the message sent to you three weeks ago will work. A reminder message will also be sent to all registered households. 
 To register send an email to the church with your child’s (children’s) name and age, along with an email address to which the ZOOM invitation can be sent.
 We still have a couple of Craft Kits to be picked up or delivered.
 
 SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
We are looking for people to read the scriptures for our videos! To volunteer to be a scripture reader, send an email to Norma at spiritw@telus.net  We will include you in the schedule and we will send you all the information you need about the options you have for recording your segment.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Sharing our Celebrations  (change in submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT (and this is not a Scam)
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
OUTREACH – Underwear  and Face Masks Needed at Bissell Centre
There is still a need at Bissell for UNDERWEAR. Ladies and Men’s - sizes Medium  and Large.
If any of you would like to shop and deliver undies to the church, Lori will pick them up and deliver them to the Bissell Centre.  If you would rather have your donation picked up, call the church office to arrange it.
They are also taking donations of FABRIC FACE MASKS. So any of you crafty people out there - We know there are a few quilters out there with a good stash of fabric - if you would like a little project to do in your self-isolation (patterns can be found online) ..... Again - these can be dropped at the church (or call the church office to arrange pick-up) and Lori will deliver them to the Bissell Centre.
  
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH (with a real update)
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  Since the beginning of the year, Don and Bob have redeemed $530.35 worth of bottles from our shed for the church.
  
 PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC
 
Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week or so, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.
 
Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.
 
Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.
We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).
  
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                 
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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


0 Comments

October 1, 2020 - the Fourth Sunday in Creation Time and the 29th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation - World Communion Sunday

10/1/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Greetings,
 Give yourself a pat on the back or whatever you want to do to congratulate yourself, you have made it to October 2020.
Please note below the invitation from Lori of our Outreach Committee to a Drive and Drop collection of items for the Food Bank
  
This Sunday – The Fourth Sunday in Creation Time – World Communion Sunday
 The Scripture Readings are Exodus 20: 1-4, 7, 12-20 and Matthew 21: 33-46.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be talking about “One Family.”   My sermon is titled, “Ten Commandments”
 This is the Sunday that many Christian denominations who do not celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday have agreed to celebrate this Sacrament.  It has come to be called World Communion Sunday.  I have always found it a rather inspiring thought that on this Sunday, people are gathering around the Lord’s table throughout the twenty-four hours of this day, across the world, across languages and cultures, naming Jesus the Bread of Life and the True Vine.
 
But this Sunday I am also continuing to follow the Children of Israel as they continue their journey to the Promised Land.  In this Sunday’s reading from Exodus, we hear what we have come to call the Ten Commandments, although in the Lectionary, a few verses are left out.  Now the Ten Commandments have always seemed kind of a big deal.  Charlton Heston and Cecil B. DeMille might have helped with that in the twentieth century.  But why is that people who don’t go to church and don’t seem to believe in God, a Higher Power, want to tell me, usually on airplanes, that they are actually good people and follow the Ten Commandments?  I have never had the heart or nerve to challenge them to name all ten, but I wonder if they actually know what is contained in those Commandments.  They probably are thinking that they have never murdered anyone or committed adultery but beyond that…  However, when we actually look at the “Commandments” we find some interesting things.  The first is that in the Bible they are not called commandments, there is a specific Hebrew word for that.  They are just called sayings or words.  The passage reads, “Then God spoke all these words.”  The next is that there are more than ten “words” or “sayings” in the list, and at different times, and by different groups, and in different ways they have been divided into ten.  The “sayings” are recorded differently in the book of Deuteronomy than in the book of Exodus. Things are not as simple as they seem.  But what is at the heart of these “words?”  - the acknowledgement and worship of God as the one God, and good relations between people in a community.  The first few sayings describe our relationship with God, the remainder describe our relationship with others in the community.  If people did actually follow the “sayings” of God in fact and in spirit, perhaps the world would be a better place.
 
ZOOM INTO SUNDAY SCHOOL continues this Sunday, October, 4 at 10:00am
If you have someone registered for our ZOOM into Sunday School, the ZOOM link from the message sent to you two weeks ago will work. A reminder message will also be sent to all registered households. 
 To register send an email to the church with your child’s (children’s) name and age, along with an email address to which the ZOOM invitation can be sent.
 We still have a couple of Craft Kits to be picked up or delivered.
 
 Drive and Drop for the Food Bank – Saturday, October 10
 In the spirit of Thanksgiving you are invited to take a drive to the church, on Saturday, of October 10th, between 10 and 11am, wave at some familiar faces and make a difference to those that are struggling by dropping off items for the Food Bank. 
 Items that are needed:
 Canned beans (with or without pork)
Canned meat (fish, ham, etc.)
Baby formula
Peanut Butter
Healthy School Snacks (juice boxes, granola bars, fruit cups) Soup Canned fruit and vegetables Pasta and Pasta Sauce
 We will also have a jar available for monetary (cash) donations. 
 We will need a couple of volunteers to help direct traffic around our parking lot as well as a few people to take the food from the vehicles to put in the box.  Volunteers will be required to use sanitizer, wear gloves and a mask as well as socially distance where possible. Call or text Lori at 780-221-7729 if you are interested in volunteering.  
  
SPIRIT WEST CRABAPPLE JELLY – a few jars left
There are a few jars left of this year's batch of Spirit West Crabapple Jelly is now ready. The jelly is made from crabapples grown on the Spirit West property. You can pick up a jar at the church for $5. If you want curbside pick-up, just call the church before you head over and we will be ready for you. We can also deliver if that works best for you; just call the church to make arrangements.  The proceeds of the jelly sales go to the church.
 
 SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 Scripture Readers
We are looking for people to read the scriptures for our videos! To volunteer to be a scripture reader, send an email to Norma at spiritw@telus.net  We will include you in the schedule and we will send you all the information you need about the options you have for recording your segment.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Sharing our Celebrations  (change in submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT (and this is not a Scam)
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
OUTREACH – Underwear  and Face Masks Needed at Bissell Centre
There is still a need at Bissell for UNDERWEAR. Ladies and Men’s - sizes Medium  and Large.
If any of you would like to shop and deliver undies to the church, Lori will pick them up and deliver them to the Bissell Centre.  If you would rather have your donation picked up, call the church office to arrange it.
They are also taking donations of FABRIC FACE MASKS. So any of you crafty people out there - We know there are a few quilters out there with a good stash of fabric - if you would like a little project to do in your self-isolation (patterns can be found online) ..... Again - these can be dropped at the church (or call the church office to arrange pick-up) and Lori will deliver them to the Bissell Centre.
  
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH (with a real update)
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  Since the beginning of the year, Don and Bob have redeemed $530.35 worth of bottles from our shed for the church.
  
 PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC
 
Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week or so, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.
  
Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.
  
Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.
 We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).
  
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                 
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
  
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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

0 Comments

September 25, 2020 - Third Sunday in Creation Time and the 27th Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

9/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
 
Sunday School for Spirit West will be continuing this Sunday, September 27, see the details below in ZOOM into Sunday School. 
We will be holding our annual Blessing of the Animals as part of the worship video for Sunday, September 27, again see the details below.
For Sharing our Celebrations in our worship videos, there has been a change in the submission deadline, see below.
 
 This Sunday – The Third Sunday in Creation Time
 
The Scripture Readings are Exodus  17: 1-17and Matthew  21: 23-32.  At the place where we usually have the Time for All Ages, we will have the Blessing of Animals.   My sermon is titled, “The water test”
 
Although there will be a strong emphasis on our pets and animal companions this Sunday,  I will actually be preaching on the passage from Exodus, which continues the narrative of the journey of the Israelites to the promised land.  Where last week, the Israelites were hungry, this week the problem is thirst.  And this week we hear that the Israelites are attacked.  In both cases, God delivers.  Moses is told to strike a rock, and water gushes forth.  And when Amalek attacks the Israelites, the Israelites prevail with God’s assistance in a rather strange way.  It is stories such as the battle with Amalek that often lead Christians to shy away from the narratives from what we have called the Old Testament.  There are stories where God just seems mean, often in contrast to the “Abba” (Father) God of Jesus.  But when reading the scripture we have to remember that these were stories told and then written down of a peoples relationship with their God.  They stories tell us how a people, the Children of Israel, came to understand that there was one God, a big change from many of their neighbours. Through trial and error they had to recognize when God was at work in their lives as individuals and as a community.  The tellers of the stories that became in Bible, needed to show where God has met the needs of the people. We probably are more comfortable with a God who creates a spring of water for a thirsty people, even if we have trouble with miracles, than with a God who helps one army win over another army.  But like the Children of Israel, we would like to know that God is powerful, and can help us work against evil.  Some part of us may still want to believe what the Veggie Tales song says:  “God is bigger that the boogie-man.  He’s bigger that Godzilla, or the monsters on TV. O, God is bigger than the boogie-man, and he’s watching out for you and me.”   But more than that we need to understand our God as a giver of life, who is merciful and compassionate.
 
 ZOOM INTO SUNDAY SCHOOL continues this Sunday, September 20 at 10:00am
If you have someone registered for our ZOOM into Sunday School, the ZOOM link from the message sent to you last week will work. A reminder message will also be sent to all registered households.
To register send an email to the church with your child’s (children’s) name and age, along with an email address to which the ZOOM invitation can be sent.
For those who are registered, the Craft Kits are ready for pick up or delivery.
  
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – September 27
As part of the Worship Video this Sunday, September 27, there will be a “Virtual Blessing of the Animals.”  You may want to have your animal companion(s) near you as you watch the video.  If one of your animal companions is a horse that may not work so well.  But there will be a time in the video when you will be given opportunity to give thanks to God for the animals in your life.
  
SPIRIT WEST CRABAPPLE JELLY
This year's batch of Spirit West Crabapple Jelly is now ready. The jelly is made from crabapples grown on the Spirit West property. You can pick up a jar at the church for $5. If you want curbside pick-up, just call the church before you head over and we will be ready for you. We can also deliver if that works best for you; just call the church to make arrangements.  The proceeds of the jelly sales go to the church.
  
SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
We are looking for people to read the scriptures for our videos! To volunteer to be a scripture reader, send an email to Norma at spiritw@telus.net  We will include you in the schedule and we will send you all the information you need about the options you have for recording your segment.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Sharing our Celebrations  (change in submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT (and this is not a Scam)
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
OUTREACH – Underwear  and Face Masks Needed at Bissell Centre
There is still a need at Bissell for UNDERWEAR. Ladies and Men’s - sizes Medium  and Large.
If any of you would like to shop and deliver undies to the church, Lori will pick them up and deliver them to the Bissell Centre.  If you would rather have your donation picked up, call the church office to arrange it.
They are also taking donations of FABRIC FACE MASKS. So any of you crafty people out there - We know there are a few quilters out there with a good stash of fabric - if you would like a little project to do in your self-isolation (patterns can be found online) ..... Again - these can be dropped at the church (or call the church office to arrange pick-up) and Lori will deliver them to the Bissell Centre.
  
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH (with an update)
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage. 
  
 PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC
 
Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week or so, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.
 
 Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.
  
Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.
We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                     
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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


0 Comments

September 18, 2020 - Second Sunday in Creation Time and the 27th Sunday in Covid-19 isolation

9/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
 
Sunday School for Spirit West will be starting this Sunday, September 20, see the details below in ZOOM into Sunday School. 
We will be holding our annual Blessing of the Animals as part of the worship video for Sunday, September 27, again see the details below.
For Sharing our Celebrations in our worship videos, there has been a change in the submission deadline, see below.
 
 From our Re-Opening Committee
A big thank you to those of you who have mailed in, dropped off, or emailed your completed questionnaire.  The information that you have given us is now being sorted and compiled.  And based on the number of questionnaires returned, the committee should have a good understanding of how you feel about re-opening. 
 But they would also like to remind you that though the deadline for returning your re-opening questionnaire has passed, we would still like your input, so send them in right away.
   
This Sunday – The Second Sunday in Creation Time
 
The Scripture Readings are Exodus 16: 2-15 and Matthew 20: 1-16.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be asking “What about tomorrow?”  My sermon is titled, “Those were the days”
 This Sunday I will be continuing my focus on the reading from Exodus, as we look at the Israelites’ journey out of bondage in Egypt toward the promised land.  Years ago, when my father was in his late seventies or early eighties he attended an all candidates meeting for an upcoming election.  I don’t remember if it was federal or provincial.  I didn’t go to the meeting, I didn’t live in their riding, I was just visiting.  When my father came home he mentioned that one of the candidates seem to be focused on getting the province/country back to the good old days.  Remember, he was in his late seventies or early eighties at the time.  He looked at me and said, “I remember those ‘good old days,’ and they weren’t that good.”  When the future looks uncertain we want to go back to some prior time when things appear to have been “better.”  We see this frequently in the Exodus journey.  For the Israelites the “good old days” were slavery in Egypt.  In this Sunday’s reading from Exodus, the complaint is about food.  And again God responds.  They are provided manna and quails, but there are some conditions. We will look at those conditions in the worship video.
 
ZOOM INTO SUNDAY SCHOOL starts this Sunday, September 20 at 10:00am
If you have someone registered for our ZOOM into Sunday School, you should have received the ZOOM invitation with the link earlier today.
To register send an email to the church by Thursday noon with your child’s (children’s) name and age, along with an email address to which the ZOOM invitation can be sent.
For those who are registered, the Craft Kits are ready for pick up or delivery.
 
 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – September 27
As part of the Worship Video for Sunday, September 27, there will be a “Virtual Blessing of the Animals.”  In order to make this happen I am inviting you to send an email to the church with pictures of the animals that are important in your life (dog, cat, hedgehog, bird, horse…).  The picture(s) of your animal(s) will form part of a montage during the worship video.  You will need to get your pictures to the church before Wednesday, September 23.
  
SPIRIT WEST CRABAPPLE JELLY
This year's batch of Spirit West Crabapple Jelly is now ready. The jelly is made from crabapples grown on the Spirit West property. You can pick up a jar at the church for $5. If you want curbside pick-up, just call the church before you head over and we will be ready for you. We can also deliver if that works best for you; just call the church to make arrangements.  The proceeds of the jelly sales go to the church.
 
 SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
We are looking for people to read the scriptures for our videos! To volunteer to be a scripture reader, send an email to Norma at spiritw@telus.net  We will include you in the schedule and we will send you all the information you need about the options you have for recording your segment.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Sharing our Celebrations  (change in submission deadline)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before noon on Thursday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT (and this is not a Scam)
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
OUTREACH – Underwear  and Face Masks Needed at Bissell Centre
There is still a need at Bissell for UNDERWEAR. Ladies and Men’s - sizes Medium  and Large.
If any of you would like to shop and deliver undies to the church, Lori will pick them up and deliver them to the Bissell Centre.  If you would rather have your donation picked up, call the church office to arrange it.
They are also taking donations of FABRIC FACE MASKS. So any of you crafty people out there - We know there are a few quilters out there with a good stash of fabric - if you would like a little project to do in your self-isolation (patterns can be found online) ..... Again - these can be dropped at the church (or call the church office to arrange pick-up) and Lori will deliver them to the Bissell Centre.
  
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH (with an update)
You may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  Since the beginning of the year, Don and Bob have redeemed worth of bottles from our shed for the church.
  
 PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC
 
Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week or so, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.
 
 Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.
 
 Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.
 We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).
 
 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                   
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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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September 11, 220 - First Sunday in Creation Time and the 26st Sunday in Covid-19 Isolation

9/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
This has been a busy week for me so the Thursday eMessage is coming out on Friday.  And again this week, you will find two new items below. 
The first concerns Sunday School.  There will be a Sunday School for Spirit West starting on Sunday, September 20, see the details below in ZOOM into Sunday School. 
And secondly, in “normal” times, we would be holding our annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, September 27.  This year this practice will continue, but online, again see the details below.
 
From our Re-Opening Committee
The Re-Opening Committee has had two (ZOOM) meetings so far. There is much that needs to be taken into account in developing a re-opening plan and Northern Spirit Region has developed a guide to assist congregations in preparing a plan that works.  The committee will be using this document.
 
Your input…
Among the various considerations that need to be taken into account are the feelings and concerns of the members of the congregation.  In order for you to have input with regard to our re-opening plans, a questionnaire has been prepared.  This questionnaire has been circulated by email and has been mailed to you with a self-addressed stamped envelope, so it is easy for you to return the completed questionnaire.  We ask that you take the time to fill it out and return it to the church by September 14, 2020.    As a preparation for filling out your questionnaire, you might want to watch this two part video by Diane Strickland, a United Church minister in Chinook Winds Region and a specialist in trauma counselling, as she addresses the challenges of churches re-opening. Part 1 is here: Part 1 and Part 2 is here: Part 2 . 
If you have not received a questionnaire, please call the church office.  We may not have the correct address for you. 
 
Something Outdoors?
We have heard from some of you that you would like to try a worship service outdoors.  This is a possibility, but requires some work.  If you are interested in helping plan and set-up an outdoor worship service please email or call the church.  Among the things that we will need for such an occasion is a portable outdoor sound system, so that I don’t have to shout.  If you know where we can borrow one, please let the church know.
 
CREATION TIME
The five Sundays in the Season of Pentecost beginning with the Sunday after Labour Day and continuing through Thanksgiving Sunday. (Occasionally there are six Sundays in this time frame.  “Creation” comes from the Latin creare and creation meaning “to create.”  The root of Creation Time is in the liturgical Ember Days. Ember is thought to come from the Old English ymbren “about” + ryne “course.” Another possibility is that the name is derived from the Latin quatuor tempora, meaning “four periods of times.” Ember may also come from the German Quatember, translated as “quarter day,” a day asking God’s blessing on a new season.  The liturgical colour for Creation Time is orange.  Orange is a warm colour, associated with enthusiasm, creativity, fruitfulness, endurance, and strength as well as with sunrise and sunset, fall and harvest, and the changing seasons, nature’s last burst of colour before winter. It is the red of passion tempered by the yellow of wisdom.
 
 
This Sunday – The First Sunday in Creation Time
 
The Scripture Readings are Exodus 14: 19-31 and Matthew 18: 21-35.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be talking about being “At the water’s edge”  My sermon is titled, “What have you done to us”
 
For the Sundays of Creation Time, the first readings come from the Book of Exodus, one of the books of the Torah, the first five books of our Bible.  The readings centre on Moses and the Exodus, the journey of escape and of hope for the children of Israel.  Although the children of Israel were escaping from their bondage in Egypt, the journey was not without its challenges.  And each time things became difficult, there was complaining.  The question that Moses frequently faced was “What have you done to us?  Egypt was bad, but this is worse!”  This goes along with the phrase that many of may have heard, “The cure is worse than the disease.”  If we are moving out of hardship, the journey should be easy.  But that doesn’t seem to be the way things go, ask anyone who has endured chemotherapy.  But people do endure chemotherapy, with a vision of something better at the end.  Right now our world is going through a tough time.  There’s a global pandemic, racism and intolerance seem to have hit a new high.  And we want to get through all this to come out better on the other side.  But the journey will not be easy.  The children of Israel spent forty years in the wilderness, much longer than it should have taken. And this was because they kept losing focus and faith.  But the stories tell us that God stayed with them through it all, leading them on to the promised land.
 
ZOOM INTO SUNDAY SCHOOL starting on Sunday, September 20 at 10:00am
We are planning to have a ZOOM Sunday School for the children of Spirit West starting on Sunday, September 20 at 10:00 am.  We already have four teachers who are willing to part of this. Using the Seasons of the Spirit Curriculum, our teachers will offer a Sunday School lesson with a craft each Sunday at 10:00 am on the ZOOM meeting platform.
For the children/grandchildren in your family to be part of this you will need to register in advance.  To register send an email to the church with your child’s (children’s) name and age, along with an email address to which the ZOOM invitation can be sent.
In order for each registered child to have all that is needed to make the crafts each week, kits will be prepared containing the supplies required the for crafts for a number weeks.  These kits will be available for pick up at the church, or can be delivered to you.  You will receive an email letting you know when a new craft kit is available.
 
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – September 27
As was stated above, in “normal” times, we would have a Blessing of the Animals during our Service on the last Sunday in September.  This year that would be September 27.  What I am proposing for that Sunday is a “Virtual Blessing of the Animals.”  In order to make this happen I am inviting you to send an email to the church with pictures of the animals that are important in your life (dog, cat, hedgehog, bird, horse…).  The picture(s) of your animal(s) will form part of a montage during the worship video for September 27.  You will need to get your pictures to the church before Wednesday, September 24.
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
We are looking for people to read the scriptures for our videos! To volunteer to be a scripture reader, send an email to Norma at spiritw@telus.net  We will include you in the schedule and we will send you all the information you need about the options you have for recording your segment.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Sharing our Celebrations (this week’s service has already been recorded)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before 10:00 am on Friday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT (and this is not a Scam)
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
OUTREACH – Underwear  and Face Masks Needed at Bissell Centre
There is still a need at Bissell for UNDERWEAR. Ladies and Men’s - sizes Medium  and Large.
If any of you would like to shop and deliver undies to the church, Lori will pick them up and deliver them to the Bissell Centre.  If you would rather have your donation picked up, call the church office to arrange it.
They are also taking donations of FABRIC FACE MASKS. So any of you crafty people out there - We know there are a few quilters out there with a good stash of fabric - if you would like a little project to do in your self-isolation (patterns can be found online) ..... Again - these can be dropped at the church (or call the church office to arrange pick-up) and Lori will deliver them to the Bissell Centre.
 
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH (with an update)
Now that you are spending more time at home, and perhaps (though I hope not) drinking more, you may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can still bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  The latest run to the Bottle Depot resulted in $181.00 for the church.
 
PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC
 
Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week or so, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.
 
Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.
 
Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.
We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                    
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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


0 Comments

September 3, 2020 - 14th Sunday after Pentecost and 25th Sunday in COVID-19 isolation - communion Sunday

9/3/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings,
This eMessage starts with two important messages, one from my son Paul, and one from the Church Board:
 
From Paul
To the people of Spirit West,
A few weeks ago, while my family was on holidays, Bonnie C. sent out a message offering members of the congregation an opportunity to show their appreciation for the work I have been doing in filming and editing the weekly Worship Videos.  I did not know about this, and was not expecting it.  This morning at our regular music recording session, Bonnie presented me with the results of her suggestion to you.  I can only say that I am completely overwhelmed by your response.  I was not expecting any remuneration, I am doing this voluntarily (with my Dad’s encouragement).  So, the level of your generosity to me and your expressions of support and encouragement was unbelievable.  Thank you all so much!
Love,
Paul.
 
From the Board regarding re-opening of the Church
The Spirit West Board has decided that we cannot reopen the church for worship at this time.  However, a Committee has been formed that will develop the plan for our re-opening.   This Committee had its first meeting (ZOOM) on Wednesday night. There is much that needs to be taken into account in developing a re-opening plan and Northern Spirit Region has developed a guide to assist congregations in preparing a plan that works.  Our committee will be using this document.
 
Your input…
Among the various considerations that need to be taken into account are the feelings and concerns of the members of the congregation.  In order for you to have input with regard to our re-opening plans, a questionnaire has been prepared.  This questionnaire has been both mailed and emailed to you this week.  We ask that you take the time to fill out the questionnaire and return it to the church by September 14, 2020.  As a preparation to filling out your questionnaire, you might want to watch this two part video by Diane Strickland, a United Church minister in Chinook Winds Region and a specialist in trauma counselling, as she addresses the challenges of churches re-opening. Part 1 is here: Part 1 and Part 2 is here: Part 2 . 
If you do not receive a questionnaire by the end of next week, please call the church office.  We may not have the correct address for you. 
 
Something Outdoors?
We have heard from some of you that you would like to try a worship service outdoors.  This is a possibility, but requires some work.  If you are interested in helping plan and set-up an outdoor worship service please email or call the church.  Among the things that we will need for such an occasion is a portable outdoor sound system, so that I don’t have to shout.  If you know where we can borrow one, please let the church know.
  
This Sunday – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
 
The Scripture Readings are Romans 13: 8-14 and Matthew 18: 15-20.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be talking about “Me, me, me!”  My sermon is titled, “We are not alone!”
 
The last two lines of the United Church Creed are “We are not alone.  Thanks be to God.”  The Scripture readings for this Sunday point out the importance of realizing that we are not alone.  Paul in his letter to the Romans reminds the people that they should owe no one anything but love.  He points out that there are all sorts of commandments, “you shall not…,” but all of these commandments are summed up in “love your neighbour as yourself.”  You are not alone.  In the Gospel Jesus points that we are not alone because we are part of a community of faith, that we are responsible to and for one another, even in times of difficulty and discord.  In this time of Covid-19 isolation, when there are those among us who are living as “single person families,” to use a current phrase, we need to hear the assurance that even when we are by ourselves, we are not alone.  Thanks be to God.
 
Communion this Sunday
 
This Sunday, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  The celebration at the Church will involve only three people from the congregation as well as Paul (videographer) and I, but I would like you to be able to participate as fully as you can.  So I would suggest that, if you can, watch the video at our usual church time of 10:30 on Sunday morning and that you have some bread and grape juice (or wine) for each member of your household.  Follow the service and share together at your table, be it the kitchen table, dining table or the TV table you have put in front of your television.  And as you share the bread and cup in your home, know that others are sharing at the Table of Christ in their homes and around the world. 
  
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
We are looking for people to read the scriptures for our videos! To volunteer to be a scripture reader, send an email to Norma at spiritw@telus.net  We will include you in the schedule and we will send you all the information you need about the options you have for recording your segment.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Sharing our Celebrations (this week’s service has already been recorded)
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before 10:00 am on Friday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
 
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT (and this is not a Scam)
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
OUTREACH – Underwear  and Face Masks Needed at Bissell Centre
There is still a need at Bissell for UNDERWEAR. Ladies and Men’s - sizes Medium  and Large.
If any of you would like to shop and deliver undies to the church, Lori will pick them up and deliver them to the Bissell Centre.  If you would rather have your donation picked up, call the church office to arrange it.
They are also taking donations of FABRIC FACE MASKS. So any of you crafty people out there - We know there are a few quilters out there with a good stash of fabric - if you would like a little project to do in your self-isolation (patterns can be found online) ..... Again - these can be dropped at the church (or call the church office to arrange pick-up) and Lori will deliver them to the Bissell Centre.
 
 YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH (with an update)
Now that you are spending more time at home, and perhaps (though I hope not) drinking more, you may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can still bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  The latest run to the Bottle Depot resulted in $181.00 for the church.
  
 PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC
 
Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week or so, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.
  
Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.
 
Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.
We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
         
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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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August 27, 2020 - Thirteenth Sunday in Pentecost and the 24th Sunday in COVID-19 Isolation

8/27/2020

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Picture
​Greetings,
This eMessage starts with important information from the Church Board.
 
What about in-person worship?
Re-opening the church for in-person worship was a topic of consideration at the Spirit West Church Board Zoom Meeting last Tuesday evening.  After thoughtful discussion, the Board decided that we cannot reopen the church for worship at this time.  However, a Committee is being formed that will develop the plan for our re-opening.   There is much that needs to be taken into account in developing a re-opening plan and Northern Spirit Region has developed a guide to assist congregations in preparing a plan that works.  Our committee will be using this document.
 
Your input…
Among the various considerations that need to be taken into account are the feelings and concerns of the members of the congregation.  In order for you to have input with regard to our re-opening plans, a questionnaire has been prepared.  This questionnaire will be emailed to you AND mailed to you early next week.  We ask that you take the time to fill out the questionnaire and return it to the church by email or mail by September 14, 2020.  If you do not receive a questionnaire by the end of next week, please call the church office.  We may not have the correct address for you.
 
Something Outdoors?
We have heard from some of you that you would like to try a worship service outdoors.  This is a possibility, but requires some work.  If you are interested in helping plan and set-up an outdoor worship service please email or call the church.  Among the things that we will need for such an occasion is a portable outdoor sound system, so that I don’t have to shout.  If you know where we can borrow one, please let the church know.
 
This Sunday – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
 
The Scripture Readings are Exodus 3: 1-15 and Matthew 16:21-28.  In the Time for All Ages, I will be asking “What do we need?”  My sermon is titled, “Equipped for discipleship”
 
In the reading from Exodus this week, we see Moses encountering God in the burning bush, and receiving his call to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.  Moses, of course, has questions and concerns.  And God answers all of Moses questions and concerns.  And as we will see later, continues to provide Moses with all that is necessary for him to accomplish his mission.  The Gospel reading follows immediately after last week’s reading.  In that reading, Peter recognized and named Jesus as the “Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”  In this week’s reading, Peter is not so astute.  Jesus talks to his disciples about the suffering he will endure.  Peter immediately takes Jesus aside to tell Jesus that “this must never happen to you.”  Jesus then has to rebuke Peter for setting his mind on the wrong things.  Jesus says that to be a disciple, a follower, one must deny themselves and take up the cross.  Jesus has provided all we need to be disciples, we don’t need anything else.
 
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website:  www.spiritwest.org 
Facebook: Spirit West United Church and Friends of Spirit West Outreach
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
 YouTube:  Spirt West United Church, Edmonton
 
 SPIRIT WEST WORSHIP VIDEOS
 
Scripture Readers
We are looking for people to read the scriptures for our videos! To volunteer to be a scripture reader, send an email to Norma at spiritw@telus.net  We will include you in the schedule and we will send you all the information you need about the options you have for recording your segment.
 
Greeters
We are continuing  to invite members of the congregations to share virtual greetings as part of our Sunday Worship Video.  It is a way for us to see each other.  Bonnie C. is spearheading this program, and has been doing the recording.  You may get a call from her asking if you want to be a “Greeter.”  If you have not heard from Bonnie and want to be a greeter, you can call the church and your name will be given to Bonnie, or you can record you own greeting.  Record a 10-30 second greeting on your phone (record in “landscape,”  hold your phone horizontally, this way ‘---,’ not this way ‘I’) and email your video to swm@telus.net . 
 
Sharing our Celebrations
In this time when it is important for us to look for signs of hope and joy, opportunity is being given for you to share your celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, new grandchildren etc) with the wider community.  If you have a celebration you want to share please email swm@telus.net or phone the church. (must be sent in before 10:00 am on Friday for inclusion on the Sunday) During the opening section or our Worship Video, I will announce celebrations that have been shared with me.
  
Feedback
I appreciate all the positive feedback that we have received about the Worship Videos.  We (Margaret, Bonnie, Glenn, Paul W. and I) are trying our best to provide you with something that will assist you in your faith journey during this “crazy” time.  We would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions on how we could make the videos better or more helpful (like Scripture readers, Greeters, music with the hymns …).   Email your comments to me swm@telus.net or post them on our Facebook page.
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT (and this is not a Scam)
We can now accept donations by eTransfer.  The contact name for the eTransfer is Spirit West United Church, and the email address is spiritw@telus.net .  If you include a security question with your eTransfer, please notify Norma at the church office by phone or email.  And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance), you can also mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.) The church office is open and you can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors.  You can also donate online, see ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE… below.
 
OUTREACH – Underwear  and Face Masks Needed at Bissell Centre
There is still a need at Bissell for UNDERWEAR. Ladies and Men’s - sizes Medium  and Large.
If any of you would like to shop and deliver undies to the church, Lori will pick them up and deliver them to the Bissell Centre.  If you would rather have your donation picked up, call the church office to arrange it.
They are also taking donations of FABRIC FACE MASKS. So any of you crafty people out there - We know there are a few quilters out there with a good stash of fabric - if you would like a little project to do in your self-isolation (patterns can be found online) ..... Again - these can be dropped at the church (or call the church office to arrange pick-up) and Lori will deliver them to the Bissell Centre.
  
YOUR BOTTLES FOR THE CHURCH (with an update)
Now that you are spending more time at home, and perhaps (though I hope not) drinking more, you may have bottles piling up for recycling.  You can still bring them to the church (or you can call for pick up).  If you want to bring your bottles (and any other recyclable beverage containers) in during our office hours and put them directly in the Bottle Shed (by the garage), give us a call, and we can have the shed open for you.  All money raised from the return of bottles goes towards paying down the principal on our mortgage.  The latest run to the Bottle Depot resulted in $181.00 for the church.
 
 PASTORAL CARE DURING A PANDEMIC
 
Phone Ministry
A team has been put together to begin a phone ministry.  We will be reaching out by phone to members of Spirit West to remind ourselves that we are a community of faith, even if at the moment we have to practice social distancing, and in some cases self-isolation.  The team will initially target those whom we believe are most likely to be isolated.  We may not always get it right.  If you get a call, and think you really didn’t need it, thank the caller anyway.  If you don’t hear from anyone in the next week or so, and really would like a call, let me know.  We are playing this by ear in an “interesting” time.
  
Shopping Ministry
If you are self-isolating for whatever reason (you are not feeling well, you are in a susceptible population, or you are just not taking chances) and you cannot get out to do shopping, let us know.  There are people in the congregation who will do your shopping and deliver it to your home.  Mention this to the caller from the phone ministry, or call or send an email to the church to let us know. 
If you would like to volunteer as a “shopper” let me know by phone or email.
 
 Casserole Ministry
David S. has started a Casserole Ministry as part of Pastoral Care. Volunteers from Pastoral Care at Spirit West will deliver a casserole to someone in isolation, recovering from illness, or grieving the loss of family members.
We would need a supply of three or four casseroles made by members of Spirit West in tin foil pans and frozen in the church freezer available for delivery. The casseroles should be dated and labelled with all ingredients and the instructions for reheating. The supply of casseroles can be replenished as needed. If you are interested in providing a casserole please call David S. so he can keep an accurate inventory of casseroles (not too many, not too few).
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
Prayer is important. We know that  people still face challenges and difficulties not related to Covid-19, and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain will continue to be active.  If you have a prayer request, please send it to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com.  These requests will be shared regularly with the prayer chain.
                  
ANOTHER  WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY TO SPIRIT WEST DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
You are stuck home, Spirit West is not holding services, you are not on PAR, but you want to make a financial contribution to the  work of Spirit West, because the church has bills to pay even when we are not gathering on Sunday.   Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar. 
 
CHURCH OFFICE
The Spirit West Church office remains open.
 Office hours 
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday (vacation August 31)
-  Larry => 10:00 am to 5:00 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

0 Comments
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