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November 17, 2022 - Reign of Christ or Christ the King Sunday

11/17/2022

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Picture
Office Hours
  • Norma => Mon, Tues & Wed – noon to 5pm; Thurs 7:30am to 12:30pm
  • Eli =>  Eli working Hours – Wed-Thurs. 1-9, Fri-Sun 9-5 – Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few each week.
 
Check out new items – Nativity Study, Christmas Carol fund-raiser, Women’s Group Supper & Gift Exchange!
 
Greetings
 

Sunday, November 20, 2022 – Reign of Christ Sunday 
 What would the world be like if Jesus were king?
That is the question that surrounds “Reign of Christ” or “Christ the King” Sunday.  Image a world where all the ideas Jesus teaches and preaches about are a reality – captives are liberated, the truth is freely spoken and sought after, the last and least have a place of honour – the Kingdom of heaven.
 
November the 20th is also Grey Cup Sunday.  Imagine your own perfect idea of a Grey Cup party.  Mine has all the snacks, a TV far away for other people to watch the game, and a bunch of knitters and board games.   Whatever you imagine, that gathering of people where everyone feels welcome and has a genuine good time is an example of living out God’s dream in our own way. 
 
Unfortunately, there are people who are left out of the parties and the feasts, and Jesus just won’t give up on them.  Who are the ones who make us feel the most uncomfortable?  Who wouldn’t feel at home at your Grey Cup party?  (Except Argos fans – if there are any 😉)
 
November 20th is also Trans Day of Remembrance.  Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester's death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. https://www.glaad.org/tdor 
 
Every year that Christmas falls on a Sunday, Trans Day of Remembrance falls on Christ the King Sunday.  The kind of violent hatred expressed particularly towards trans women of colour is the type of hatred that Jesus interrupted.  By standing up for those most hated in his own society, Jesus suffered their fate – humiliating death. 
 
We too are called to the margins of our own lives to find, befriend, learn about and advocate alongside those whom society kicks to the curb.  We can start small.  Sit beside someone you don’t know very well at a Grey Cup or Christmas Party, and follow up with your own research about something new you learned.  See where Jesus is ready to meet you at the margins.
 
The gospel lesson this Sunday is Jesus on the Cross, Luke 23:33-43.  From the letters of the early church, a hymn of  praise to Jesus who brings us all together Colossians 1:13-20
 
I will talk with the children about a Different Kind of Kingdom.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

 
LIVING NATIVITY - A four week Advent small group study. Take a closer look at the figures in your Nativity Set and draw closer to the Mystery of the Incarnation. Join just once or for all four sessions.  Each will be offered twice – Wednesday afternoon at 2 and Saturday Morning at 10.  Coffee and snack provided.  Please allow 90 minutes so we can enjoy our time together.
Session 1 – Approaching the Creche Wed. Nov 30, Sat. Nov 27
Session 2 – Feet on the Ground           Wed. Dec. 7     Sat. Dec 3
Session 3 - At the Edge of the Creche  Wed., Dec 14   Sat. Dec 10
Session 4 – Is Everybody Here?            Wed. Dec 21, Sat. Dec. 17
 
CHRISTMAS CAROLS - Would you like your favourite Christmas Carol sung at church during the Advent/Christmas Season?  The Choir is sponsoring a fund raising event whereby individuals can choose a carol and indicate a dollar amount in hopes that their carol is chosen!  As many people who want a given carol can contribute towards it, and the carols with the largest donations will be sung during Advent.  Check at the back of the sanctuary for sign-up sheets or call / email the church your choice and bid! Help make this a successful fund raiser!
  
MEN’S BREAKFAST, 8:30 am, Sat, Nov 19
 Gather with other men of the congregation in the Lower Hall for fellowship and a breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs.  Come a few minutes early and help cook if you would like. All men welcome!
  
FALL SUPPER and SILENT AUCTION, Saturday, Nov. 19
There are no more tickets available for the dinner.  For those of you who are attending - We have a lot of wonderful items for the Silent Auction.  Be sure to come ready to bid!  A great way to start (finish) your Christmas shopping!
 
CROISSANT and CINNAMON BUNS
Delicious cinnamon buns and croissants are once again being sold as a fundraiser for the Ladies Group.  Croissants are $8 per dozen and cinnamon buns are $8 per ½ dozen. Order forms are on the table by the church office.  Orders are to be returned by this Sunday, Nov 20.  Packaging and pick-up will occur on Dec 7.  Please contact Diane 780-444-0284 or Carol 780-481-2662 for more information
 
LADIES’ GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY
will be held Sat, Dec 3 at 5:30 pm in the Lower Hall of Spirit West Church.  The dinner will cost $20.00per person to be paid that night. All women are welcome - feel free to bring a friend!  We will have laughs, games and a wacky gift exchange.  For those who want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift with an approximate value of $15.00. Sign up on the sheet at the back or phone or email the office.  Please indicate any food restrictions and sign up by Nov. 28.
  
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Men’s Breakfast – 8:30 am, Sat, Nov 19
  • Fall Supper & Silent Auction – Saturday, Nov 19
  • Fall Congregational Meeting – Sunday, Nov. 20 after worship – we will get you out in plenty of time to enjoy Grey Cup festivities
  • Board Meeting – Wednesday, Nov 23
  • Ladies Group Christmas Dinner – Saturday, Dec 3
  • Croissant & Cinnamon Bun packaging day – Wednesday, Dec 7
 
LEADERS FOR Nov 20
  • Scripture Reader – Colleen Fox
  • Projectionist – Norma Balcombe
  • Hospitality Team – Doyle – Don & Daphne, Tony
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – November 20 – also, in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 
We can 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 of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking 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
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org


0 Comments

November 6, 2022 - Remembrance Sunday

11/3/2022

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Picture
Office Hours for week of Nov 7-11
  • Norma => Mon, Tues & Wed – noon to 5pm; Thurs 7:30am to 12:30pm
  • Eli =>  Wed: 1-4, Thurs 1-4, Friday Visiting, Sat 10-2 – Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few of you on Thursday and Friday, or another time that is convenient for you.
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, November 6, 2022 - Remembrance Sunday 
 Remember the cost of war– and work for peace
 
This week is Remembrance Sunday.  In Canada we maintain an active and reserve group of people who are ready to go where we need them to go, and do what we ask them to do.  In the height of the pandemic, it meant going into long term care facilities and caring for the basic needs of medically fragile people, knowing they might become ill themselves.   They help out during and after natural and human caused disasters, sometimes at the cost of their lives.  They have even been known to shovel snow in Toronto.  When we have asked, they have put their very lives between us and those who would wish us harm.   We will pause this Sunday in church, and next Friday in public ceremonies to give thanks.
 
We pause to recognize how our lives are better because of the risks and losses of others.  It is also important that we continue to recognize and to dream how life can be even better still.    Our Hebrew Scripture reading for this week comes from the prophet Haggai 1:15b-2:9.  The people of Judah had returned from their 70 years in exile and built homes for themselves, but the temple remained in ruins.  Haggai encourages them to put God first, and that would be demonstrated by focusing on the outward sign of God’s presence, the temple.   We too are asked to examine our lives and work on making things better. 
 
Many institutions in our country, from sport to the military to religious organizations  have gotten a wakeup call in the past few years about how we can do better to transform our culture into one that respects all people equally.  Hockey Canada, the armed forces, the churches (including our own) that ran residential schools are all coming to terms with the ways we have built a culture that too quickly ignores the signs of abusive behaviour and treats accusers with suspicion while giving the accused the benefit of the doubt.  We can imagine a better, safer world where we create safety for everyone.  Transforming the culture of an organization or a society takes time and patience.  We can learn from the dedication of serving military personnel how to work hard and keep learning and practicing so we can create safety around us.
 
The easy dehumanization of the widow in this week’s gospel – Luke 20:27-38 by religious leaders trying to trap Jesus  in a legal argument reflects the same cultural values we are learning how to dismantle today.  We can all work together for a better world.
 
Many people wear poppies for Remembrance Day.  With the children we will talk about how easy it is to lose a poppy, and how important it is that we not lose the just peace that has been created for us at great personal cost. 
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 
LADIES GROUP CRAFT NIGHT, 7pm, Tuesday, Nov 8
The craft night is being held in the sanctuary. The cost is $2 to be paid on craft night.  We need 3 volunteers to bring a snacks or baking. A sign-up sheet and an example of the craft are on the table by the office.
  
FALL SUPPER and SILENT AUCTION, Saturday, Nov. 19
 The Spirt West Fall Supper and Silent Auction is back!  Invite your family and friends to join us for a delectable catered Fall Supper! 
Tickets are available now and are $35 for adults; $25 for youth 13-18; free for children12 and under.  You can get your tickets from Lori W 780-221-7729 and the church office during office hours. Tickets are limited to 80 people so get yours early! Tables of 8 people can be reserved.
Doors open at 5:00 pm for drinks and the start of silent auction.  Dinner starts at 6 pm.
     Volunteers are needed to set up and cleanup. Signup sheets will be available soon.

 
CROISSANT and CINNAMON BUNS
Delicious cinnamon buns and croissants are once again being sold as a fundraiser for the Ladies Group.  Croissants are $8 per dozen and cinnamon buns are $8 per ½ dozen. Order forms are on the table by the church office.  Orders are to be returned by Nov 20.  Packaging and pick-up will occur on Dec 7.  Please contact Diane 780-444-0284 or Carol 780-481-2662 for more information
  
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Daylight Savings Time ends – Nov 6 – clocks fall back 1 hour
  • Ladies Group Craft Night – Tuesday, Nov 8
  • Fall Supper & Silent Auction – Saturday, Nov 19
  • Fall Congregational Meeting – Sunday, Nov. 20
  • Board Meeting – Wednesday, Nov 23
  • Croissant & Cinnamon Bun packaging day – Wednesday, Dec 7
 
LEADERS FOR Nov 6
  • Scripture Reader – Bill Callas
  • Projectionist – Norma Balcombe
  • Hospitality Team – Callas – Bill & Carol, Gerry & Sue
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – November 6 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking 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
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net

website: www.spiritwest.org
0 Comments

October 27, 2022 - Reformation Sunday

10/27/2022

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Picture
Office Hours for week of Oct 31- Nov 4
  • Norma => Mon – vacation day; Tues & Wed – noon to 5pm; Thurs 7:30am to 12:30pm
  • Eli =>  Tues 2-5, Wed: 1-4, Thursday TBD Friday Visiting – Eli is trying to get to know members of the congregation and they would love to meet with you in your homes, their office, or a favourite coffee shop. They are hoping to meet with a few of you on Thursday and Friday, or another time that is convenient for you.
 
Greetings
 
Sunday, October 27, 2022 – Reformation Sunday 
 
What’s our Reformation?
 
A little over 500 years ago, everything came together at once, and a monk from Wittenberg ended up remaking the map of Europe.  For centuries, voices had been calling out for change, but it took an unlikely person, at just the right time and place to start the whole thing off.  And it’s happening again.
 
What is our Reformation?
 
We will read Habakkuk 1: 1-4, 2:1-4.  If you want to know more about the specific injustices faced by Habakkuk’s people, read the verses in the middle.
 
At the time of Habakkuk the Hebrew prophet, injustice and harmful behaviour was all over the place.  The prophet cried out to God, and God answered that the end (of the injustice) is coming.  Who is calling out for justice today?  Who sees too much violence and hopes for a change? 
 
We will read the story of Zacchaeus up a tree from Luke 19:1-10.  Last week we had a story about a pretend tax collector, this week we meet a real one.  We don’t get much backstory on biblical characters, but we do know that Zacchaeus was short and that he was curious about Jesus.   We don’t know why Jesus chose his house for dinner that night.  We do know that Jesus’ ministry was about healing broken relationships, and including outsiders.
 
Again I ask, what is OUR Reformation?
 
What is one change you pray the universal church  (all Christians of all denominations and none around the world) would make as we face the future?”  We will write our answers on sticky notes to stick by the church door.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

  
***** COVENANTING SERVICE, 7pm, Friday, Oct 28 *****
This service between Rev Eli, Spirit West UC and Northern Spirit Region Council will be held in the sanctuary. All invited to attend as we formally welcome Eli into our church

  
LADIES GROUP CRAFT NIGHT, 7pm, Nov 8
The craft night is being held in the sanctuary. The cost is $2 to be paid on craft night.  We need 3 volunteers to bring a snacks or baking. A sign-up sheet and an example of the craft are on the table by the office.
  
FALL SUPPER and SILENT AUCTION, Saturday, Nov. 19
 The Spirt West Fall Supper and Silent Auction is back!  Invite your family and friends to join us for a delectable catered Fall Supper! 
Tickets are available now and are $35 for adults; $25 for youth 13-18; free for children12 and under.  You can get your tickets from Lori W 780-221-7729 and the church office during office hours. Tickets are limited to 80 people so get yours early! Tables of 8 people can be reserved.
Doors open at 5:00 pm for drinks and the start of silent auction.  Dinner starts at 6 pm.
     Volunteers are needed to set up and cleanup. Signup sheets will be available soon.

 
CROISSANT and CINNAMON BUNS
Delicious cinnamon buns and croissants are once again being sold as a fundraiser for the Ladies Group.  Croissants are $8 per dozen and cinnamon buns are $8 per ½ dozen. Order forms are on the table by the church office.  Orders are to be returned by Nov 20.  Packaging and pick-up will occur on Dec 7.  Please contact Diane 780-444-0284 or Carol 780-481-2662 for more information
 

 DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Covenanting Service – Friday, Oct 28
  • Ladies Group Craft Night – Tuesday, Nov 8
  • Fall Supper & Silent Auction – Saturday, Nov 19
  • Fall Congregational Meeting – Sunday, Nov. 20
  • Croissant & Cinnamon Bun packaging day – Wednesday, Dec 7
 
LEADERS FOR Oct 30
  • Scripture Reader – Sheila Hoy
  • Projectionist – Tiegan Benson
  • Hospitality Team – Sather – Ramona, Isobel, Colleen
 
YouTube Videos Worship Services – October 28 & 30 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   

 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
  • And remember that if you are not on PAR(Pre-Authorized Remittance) or even if you are , you can mail in cheques to the church office (Spirit West United Church, 7003 – 199 St. NW Edmonton, AB  T5T 3A8, include your envelope number if you have one.)
  • You can drop off your offering/donation in the offering plate just inside the front doors or place it in the mailbox.
  • You can also donate online by checking 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
  
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org


0 Comments

October 13, 2022 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10/13/2022

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Picture
​Greetings
 
Sunday, October 23, 2022 – 19th Sunday after Pentecost 
 What is your why?  What is our why?  What is the purpose of what we are doing?  It is important to stop and take note of why we do what we do, to make sure our actions line up with our values.
 
It is easy to lose track of our purpose in the everyday details of our lives, and soon we get off course from our values as we get pulled along with the tide of whatever is easiest, not whatever is right.  Jeremiah tells us that God’s purpose is written right on our own hearts.  This means that we each have to take time to seek out God’s ways, and understand God’s purposes. 
 
Can you say in a few words what is most important to you?  Take a minute to do it now.  I’ll wait 😊
 
Can you say what you believe is most important for our church?  What is our why together?
 
Jeremiah the prophet speaks of a dream of a future where things are good – where we prosper or suffer based on our own actions – a just world.  He imagines a world where we each have our own relationship with God.  I don’t believe he sees this as a private piety, but as a space where we all listen for the voice of God in each other’s voice, because God’s law has been written on each of our hearts.  The text is Jeremiah 31: 27-34.
 
When we know what our purpose is, we have the strength and perseverance to fight for it.  Jesus tells a parable about a woman confronting an unjust judge day and night until he relents and finds her justice.   For whom or what would you pursue justice relentlessly like that widow?  The story is found in Luke 18:2-7.
 
With the children, we will think about what parables are and how they can open our minds up to God’s truths.
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

 
BYOB MEN’S BREAKFAST
Come to the church at 8:00 am on Oct 22 for a BYOB breakfast – that is, bring your own breakfast! And enjoy the fellowship! All men welcome!
  
SAVE THE DATE
  • FALL SUPPER and SILENT AUCTION – will be held on Saturday, Nov 19 at the church.  More details coming soon.
  • CROISSANT & CINNAMON BUN SALE – the information has been emailed to the congregation.  Order forms are available on the table by the office.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
  • Board Meeting – Wednesday, Oct 19 via ZOOM ** corrected **
  • Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, Oct 22
  • Ladies Group Craft Night – Tuesday, Nov 8
  • Fall Supper & Silent Auction – Saturday, Nov 19
  • Fall Congregational Meeting – Sunday, Nov. 20
  • Croissant & Cinnamon Bun packaging day – Wednesday, Dec 7
 
Le
aders for Oct 23
  • Scripture Reader – Rhea O

  • Projectionist – Norma B
  • Hospitality Team – Hemmerling (Georgina, Doreen, Rhea, Glenna)
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – October 16 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 or place it in the mailbox.
-  You can also donate online by checking 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

 
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org


0 Comments

September 29, 2022 - All Nations Communion Honouring Truth and Reconciliation

9/29/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings
 
Sunday, October 2, 2022 – Truth, Reconciliation and World Wide Communion 
 Tomorrow is a day of mourning and remembrance.  As a society, we are learning to face the hard truths about residential schools, and learning to sit in grief with those who grieve.   We listen to those who were harmed.  We believe them.  As a part of one of the churches that built and staffed the residential schools, we try to do our part for reconciliation.  To learn more about the United Church of Canada’s response, see this document.  https://united-church.ca/sites/default/files/ucc-response-trc-calls.pdf  
 
To review all the calls to action, see https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf
 
On Sunday, we gather with Christians around the world to share in the feast that joins us together across many nations.  Can we learn to see the nations of our own belonging as one amongst many, and repent from the teaching that we are somehow better?
 
Our Hebrew scripture this week comes from the book of Lamentations and the words hit awfully close to home for me with regards to the grief expressed by parents as their children were forcibly removed.    Though the prophet Jeremiah wrote two and a half millennia ago, the cruel acts of an empire echo through the ages.  “The roads to Zion Mourn for no one comes to the festivals . .. her young girls grieve and her lot is bitter . . . her children have gone away, captives before the foe”  Lamentations 1, 4-5 select phrases.  We will read Lamentations 1: 1-6, 3:19-26.
 
From the Christian Scriptures, we will be reminded that the divisions of nationhood, class, religion and gender fall away in Christian community.  Galatians 3:26-28.  With the children we will learn the story of the Orange Shirt.
 
Here in Edmonton, we live on land that has been a place of peace and healing for thousands of years.   May we learn to celebrate the gift that this great diversity brings, as we share our Christian feast with Christians from many lands, and the many nations of this land who share our faith. 

 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

 
LADIES GROUP WELCOME BACK SOCIAL
– Oct. 4 at 7pm, in the sanctuary!
– We are going to have a dessert party and “get to know you” social. 
– We will also have our first meeting after Covid!
– All women of the church and friends are welcome!

 
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School classes have started.  Children, 4 years and older, are welcome to attend. If you haven’t registered your child(ren), just fill out a registration form at church and give it to one of the teachers.  We continue to use the Seasons of the Spirit program. 
We would also invite anyone interested in teaching to contact Sheila H at 780-504-7075 or 780-960-3878.
 
DRIVERS NEEDED
 We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office (noon to 5pm, Monday to Thursday).
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – October 2 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 or place it in the mailbox.
-  You can also donate online by checking 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
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Wednesday, 7:30am to 12:30 pm Thursday
 
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org


0 Comments

September 22nd, 2022

9/22/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings
FYI – Norma is on vacation on Monday & Tuesday, Sept. 26 & 27.
 

Sunday, September 25, 2022 – the Fourth Sunday in the Season of Creation - COSMOS & Blessing of the Animals
What can our pets teach us about the cosmos?  How can we see the universe in Fluffy’s eyes?  This week we learn about wonder and awe, while we bless our pets.  Please bring your pets or an image of your pets to church on Sunday so we can offer thanks to God for the specific way that they reflect their creator’s glory.  All of life on this planet exists because of star dust.  We and our pets are all made from the same building blocks that also make up bananas  and oak trees.  Our pets can help us learn to take in the wonder of creation. 
 
I wonder why it is that when I meet an animal, I have this urge to talk to it, to get it to look at me, to acknowledge our shared creatureliness?  Are we simply built to connect?  Or do we all just wish we could be the people our dogs think we are, but fear that we are actually who our cats think we are?  I’m joking, I’m actually a cat person, if you make me choose, but I love to connect with all animals.
 
Our scriptures this week are about the wonder of the creator expressed in the creation.  Wisdom, from Proverbs 8:22-31, and the Christ in Colossians 1:15-20 are the beginning of creation and its fulfillment. 
Rev Eli
 
 (Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

 
BLESSING of the ANIMALS
As has been the custom at Spirit West, the Service on the last Sunday of September includes the Blessing of Animals.  This date was chosen because of its relative proximity to the Feast of St. Francis.  St. Francis was a great advocate of seeing and celebrating the presence of God in all of creation.  So, you are invited to bring your pet(s) to church on Sunday.  Please remember that your pet(s) must be under positive control, either on a leash or in a carrier.  If your pet does not play well with others, tends to fight or bite, or does not travel well, just bring a picture.
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School classes have started.  Children, 4 years and older, are welcome to attend. If you haven’t registered your child(ren), just fill out a registration form at church and give it to one of the teachers.  We continue to use the Seasons of the Spirit program. 
We would also invite anyone interested in teaching to contact Sheila H at 780-504-7075 or 780-960-3878.
 
DRIVERS NEEDED

 We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office (noon to 5pm, Monday to Thursday).
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – September 25 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 or place it in the mailbox.
-  You can also donate online by checking 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
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Wednesday, 7:30am to 12:30 pm Thursday
                        => on vacation, Monday and Tuesday, Sep 26 & 27
 
Thank you,
 
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
 
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September 15, 2022 - Third Sunday in Creation - STORM

9/15/2022

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Picture
Greetings
We are having a goodbye gathering for Larry and his family this Sunday with a BBQ and cake after church.  This is an opportunity for everyone to say goodbye and celebrate the time Larry had with us. The BBQ will be held outside (weather permitting) on the front lawn / parking lot.  Please bring a lawn chair if you can.  We hope to see you for the special time!
 
Sunday, September 18, 2022 – the Third Sunday in the Season of Creation - STORM
Have you booked an appointment for your snow tires yet?  It’s getting to be that time of year when we get ready for the storms.  There are storms that we are used to, and we know how to get ready for them.   Even when a big storm comes through that shuts things down for a day or two, and we are ready to hunker down with extra blankets, warm drinks and well charged iPads. 
 
Jesus asks his disciples during the storm “Where is your faith”.  I take this not as an accusation, but a wondering question.  In a normal storm, the type we know how to prepare for, our faith is in the walls of our home that they will keep the wind off our faces.  Our faith is in weather reporters who will tell us how bad it will be.
 
What happens when the storm is bigger than we prepared for? 
Have you faced a storm you weren’t able to prepare for? 
 
For many of us, Covid has been such a storm.  Everything has changed in two and a half years. 
With wonder and curiosity I ask “Where is your faith?”  How can we rebuilt trust and community?
 
The gospel lesson is “Jesus Calms the Storm” from Luke 8:22-25  https://youtu.be/XUQaVQC1QYk
With the kids we will be making a storm together.
 
I will be on the church porch Saturday 10-2 weather permitting, or I’ll be waiting to meet you in the warmth of the building.
If you would like to meet with me at another time, I’m available 9-9, Wednesday-Sunday by appointment.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

 
GARAGE SALE – September 24 – We need volunteers and donations!
We will be holding our first garage sale, since the pandemic, on September 24! Start saving your items now and bring them to the church during the week before the sale.  Items to donate include:
  • Household items such as Dishes, glasses, pots & pans, small appliances
  • Furniture
  • Memorabilia, books, games, CDs
  • Linens
  • Jewellery
  • Tools
  • Toys
Please save plastic and paper bags too.  We will be looking for volunteers to help:
  • Pick up larger items (probably need a truck)
  • Set up
  • Price items
  • Floor salespeople
  • Cashiers
  • Take down
Please call the office or Carol C at 780-481-2662 if you can help! There are signup sheets at the back of the sanctuary!
 
APPLES, APPLES, APPLES
The church has an abundance of apples just waiting to be picked. There are crabs for jelly and others suitable for pies or eating (may be a bit tart yet).  Everyone is welcome to come help themselves!
 
DRIVERS NEEDED
 We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office.
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – September 18 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.
This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 or place it in the mailbox.
-  You can also donate online by checking 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
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Wednesday, 7:30am to 12:30 pm Thursday
 
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org


0 Comments

September 8, 2022 - the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

9/8/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings
 
Sunday, September 11, 2022 – the second Sunday in the Season of Creation and the 14th Sunday after Pentecost
First, I will ask that you keep Rev. Eli and family in your thoughts and prayers.  They tested positive for Covid earlier this week but are doing much better now.  This is not the way Eli would have chosen to spend their vacation!
 
This Sunday, Rev. Jo-Anne Kobylka will lead us in worship. The Theme conversation will discuss “Lost and Found”.  The sermon is titled “Lostness”.
 
The scripture readings are Luke 15: 1-10 and ! Timothy 1: 12-17.
 
Eli will be on holidays September 8-14.  Rev. Dr. Geoff Wilfong-Pritchard from St. Andrew’s United Church 780-452-4454  is available to you for pastoral care during that time.
 

GARAGE SALE – September 24 – We need volunteers and donations!
We will be holding our first garage sale, since the pandemic, on September 24! Start saving your items now and bring them to the church during the week before the sale.  Items to donate include:
  • Household items such as Dishes, glasses, pots & pans, small appliances
  • Furniture
  • Memorabilia, books, games, CDs
  • Linens
  • Jewellery
  • Tools
  • Toys
Please save plastic and paper bags too.  We will be looking for volunteers to help:
  • Pick up larger items (probably need a truck)
  • Set up
  • Price items
  • Floor salespeople
  • Cashiers
  • Take down
Please call the office or Carol C at 780-481-2662 if you can help! There will also be signup sheets at the back of the sanctuary!
 
APPLES, APPLES, APPLES
The church has an abundance of apples just waiting to be picked. There are crabs for jelly and others suitable for pies or eating (may be a bit tart yet).  Everyone is welcome to come help themselves!
    
DRIVERS NEEDED
 We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office (noon to 5pm, Monday to Thursday).
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – September 11 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 or place it in the mailbox.
-  You can also donate online by checking 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
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Wednesday, 7:30am to 12:30 pm Thursday
 
Thank you,
 Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
0 Comments

September 1, 2022 - the First Sunday in the Season of Creation - Ocean Sunday

9/1/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Greetings
 
Sunday, September 4, 2022 – the first Sunday in the Season of Creation – Ocean Sunday
How do we experience the Holy?  What language can we use to describe our encounters with one so far beyond us, yet as close as our every breath?
 
We will be celebrating communion this Sunday, so if you are joining us online, you can prepare your preferred bread and fruit based drink.   At church we have grapes and rice crackers.
 
This Sunday is the beginning of the season of Creation, where we explore the majesty of God as experienced in God’s creation.  This week, we look at the ocean.  Take a moment to think about the ocean, and how you have felt if you have every been close to it.  The scientists say there is really only one ocean, connecting all life on our planet.  Science tells a story about how the earth acquired it’s oceans, which you can learn about in this national geographic video .  Although Job (pronounced Jobe), didn’t know what we did about the planet, the author expressed in their own language the awe and majesty of the great waters of the earth.  (Job 38-1-18)
 
With the kids, we will wonder together about the ocean.  When we wonder, there aren’t right and wrong answers, just space for our spirit’s to explore questions.
 
How much fish would you need to retire?  Peter, Andrew, James and John caught enough fish one morning that they could all retire – and follow Jesus.  We will examine the miraculous catch of fish and think about what it means that Jesus provided for them – by paying them for the use of the boat for one morning’s sermon, so that they were free to follow him.  The story is told in Luke 5:1-11.  To think more about this story, you can also listen to Linnea Good sing about fishing on the other side – Cast Your Nets
 
I’ll be on the porch on Saturday from 10-2.  I am also generally available by appointment 9-9, Wednesday-Sunday.
 
I will be on holidays September 8-14.  Rev. Dr. Geoff Wilfong-Pritchard from St. Andrew’s United Church 780-452-4454  is available to you for pastoral care during that time.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6

 
Eli’s office hours – Wednesday to Sunday – hours vary so please first call Eli directly (780-298-4363) or the church (780-481-1408)
 
GARAGE SALE – September 24 – We need volunteers and donations!
We will be holding our first garage sale, since the pandemic, on September 24! Start saving your items now and bring them to the church during the week before the sale.  Items to donate include:
  • Household items such as Dishes, glasses, pots & pans, small appliances
  • Furniture
  • Memorabilia
  • Books, games, CDs
  • Linens
  • Jewellery
  • Tools
  • Toys
Please save plastic and paper bags too.  We will be looking for volunteers to help:
  • Pick up larger items (probably need a truck)
  • Set up
  • Price items
  • Floor salespeople
  • Cashiers
  • takedown
Please call the office or Carol C at 780-481-2662 if you can help! Signup sheets are on the table by the church office.  
 
APPLES, APPLES, APPLES
The church has an abundance of apples just waiting to be picked. There are crabs for jelly and others suitable for pies or eating (may be a bit tart yet).  Everyone is welcome to come help themselves!
  
DRIVERS NEEDED
 We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office (noon to 5pm, Monday to Thursday).
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – September 4 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”. This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 
SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 or place it in the mailbox.
-  You can also donate online by checking 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
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
 
Thank you,
 
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org
 

0 Comments

August 25, 2022 - the 12th Sunday after Pentecost

8/25/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Greetings
 
Sunday, August 28, 2022 – the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
We Take Anybody
(All are Welcome)

 
What does it mean to invite everyone to be a part of our church?  What do we really mean when we say “all are welcome”.  I have heard people snidely comment that the United Church will take anyone, as if that is a bad thing, when actually it is our strength.  We celebrate the gifts diversity brings.  We can be a band of misfits.  We want to create space where we are all safe to really be ourselves, not space where we all pretend to be what someone else expects us to be.  Jesus says when we host a banquet we are supposed to invite the poor and people with disabilities.  (Luke 14:13) from this week’s reading Luke 14:1, 7-14
 
Sometimes, we might worry what people will think of us when we are a part of such a group of outsiders, but if we let go of that type of worry and allow ourselves to be humbled, to give up trying to be seen as important, we gain something much richer – a life in genuine community. 
 
I played trombone in high school, including in the stage band.  In stage band, the highest, most important brass instrument is the first trumpet.  The first trombone strove to get half as many good solos as the first trumpet.  Second and third trumpet and trombone were waiting their turn for these important parts.  There were musicians more gifted than I in the year ahead and behind me, so I quickly decided to get off that bus of trying for something I may never get, and chose to be bass trombone.  I never got solos, but I got to hold up the base line along with the baritone sax and the electric bass.  I got to keep the feeling of belonging without the endless competition.
 
When God called the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt, they were called to build a community based on justice and equity, to use today’s language, and not a hierarchical society like the Egyptians and the Assyrians had, but the temptation to build that sort of hierarchy pulls at us constantly, trying to get us to decide who is most important and who we should ignore.  The prophet Jeremiah compared this choice to giving up having a good cistern full of fresh water from God, but choosing instead to build our own cracked cistern made of the idols around us.  Our Hebrew scripture text this week is Jeremiah 2:4-13.  With the kids, I will be looking at the difference between a leaky container and a good one.
 
As a church community we have people from many stages of life.  Some of us are “at the top of our careers” respected within our professional workspaces.   Some are mistreated regularly at work.  When we are in this Spirit West United Church space, we strive to be a community where we work side by side with those we might have to look up to, or be expected to look down on, in the so called ‘real world’.  We are stronger for it.  Thanks be to God.
 
Minister on the Porch
I’m going to be sitting on the porch on Saturday from 10-2.  I hope to see you there.
 
(Rev) Eli Carter-Morgan (they/them)
Spirit West United Church
Proud to share the land through Treaty 6
 

Eli’s office hours – Wednesday to Sunday – hours vary so please first call Eli directly or the church (780-481-1408)
 
GARAGE SALE – September 24 – We need volunteers and donations!
We will be holding our first garage sale, since the pandemic, on September 24! Start saving your items now and bring them to the church during the week before the sale.  Items to donate include:
  • Household items such as Dishes, glasses, pots & pans, small appliances
  • Furniture
  • Memorabilia
  • Books, games, CDs
  • Linens
  • Jewellery
  • Tools
  • Toys
Please save plastic and paper bags too.  We will be looking for volunteers to help:
  • Pick up larger items (probably need a truck)
  • Set up
  • Price items
  • Floor salespeople
  • Cashiers
  • takedown
Please call the office or Carol C  if you can help!
 
DRIVERS NEEDED
 We have several people in our congregation who would love to come back to in-person worship but can no longer drive so are unable to get here easily.  If you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to someone, please email the church or, if you prefer, call the office (noon to 5pm, Monday to Thursday).
  
YouTube Videos Worship Services – August 28 – in person worship service
 To watch online, you will need to go to YouTube and google “Spirit West United Church”.
This action will bring you to the Spirit West United Church YouTube page.   
 

SPIRIT WEST PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is important. We know that  people face challenges and difficulties and we cannot forget them.  Our Prayer Chain continues 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 and may form part of the Prayers of the People in our Sunday Worship. 
Please remember to have people removed from the prayer chain if the prayers are no longer needed. 

 
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 and interest on our mortgage. 
 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 We can 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 of the answer.
-  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. NW 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 or place it in the mailbox.
-  You can also donate online by checking 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
-  Norma => Noon to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday
 
Thank you,
 
Norma Balcombe
Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org


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