
Just to change things up a bit, I decided that I would put our social media contacts at the beginning of the eMessage. We are out there!
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
This Sunday – the Second Sunday in Creation Time: Lost and Found
The Gospel reading this Sunday speaks to us about the care we are encouraged to have for the things that are entrusted to us. The reading contains two parables, one about a woman who has lost a coin and the other about a shepherd who has had one of his sheep go astray. Both the woman and the shepherd go to great lengths to find that which has been lost, and ultimately they succeed in finding the lost. There would probably have been those around who might have thought that woman or the shepherd had expended too much time and effort. “It’s only one coin.” “It’s only one sheep, and you have a lot left anyway.” In some military writings this latter view is called the Doctrine of Acceptable Losses. You can have a certain percentage of casualties in a battle, and still call it a win. When you talk about coins and sheep, this doesn’t seem so bad. But with all the parables, Jesus is actually talking about our relationships with people. In “real life” there was always the possibility that the woman wouldn’t find the coin, or the shepherd the sheep. But the effort was made. We need to watch out for the people in our world who “fall through the cracks” (our expression even reflects the lost coin) or who seem to have wandered away.
And if you are reading this and you feel like you are the one who has fallen through the cracks, please know that part of the reason for these eMessages is to let you know that we still think of you as a part of the Spirit West community.
The Scripture readings are 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and Luke 15:1-10. In the Time for All Ages, I will be reading the story by Magaret Wise Brown , “The Runaway Bunny” The title of the sermon is “Seeking the Lost”
SPIRIT WEST CHOIR
“Make a joyful noise all the earth. Come to this place with a song!” (VU 820) Choir rehearsals begin tonight (Thursday, Sept. 12) at 7:00 pm. Newcomers are welcome. Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.
SUNDAY SCHOOL 2019-2020
We are still looking for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School. A Sunday by Sunday signup sheet is available at the back of the church.
MEN’S BREAKFAST – Saturday, September 21
The Men of Spirit West will be gathering for the first Breakfast after the summer break on Saturday, September 21st, (our usual 3rd Saturday) at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall. Breakfast is open to any man who wants to come out for a great breakfast. As a note, each man usually put in $10 dollars, this covers the breakfast supplies and any surplus is put into a fund that offsets the cost of minor repairs around the church.
Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, September 29
As has been the custom at Spirit West for a few years, 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, September 29th. Please remember that your pet(s) must be under positive control, either on a leash or in a carrier. If your pet does not travel well, does not play well with others, or tends to fight or bite, you can bring a picture. Encourage family and friends to attend this unique worship service.
FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION
The date has been chosen - Sunday, October 27. If you are interested in volunteering to help plan the supper, please contact Margery W. at wrightlk@telus.net or 780 419 3224. For those who wish to solicit local businesses for items for the Silent Auction, letters of introduction are available. There are two versions of the letter, one for businesses in the west end, and one for businesses in the wider Edmonton area.
Your Favourite Hymn
Do you have a favourite hymn that you’d like to hear included in one of our worship services? Please let Bonnie C. know your choice and she will make sure it is sung within the month.
A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
You don’t have offering envelopes, you are not on PAR, and you don’t get to church as often as you would like, but you want to make a financial contribution to work of Spirit West, and receive a tax receipt. Now you can! Check out the online donation option on our website spiritwest.org and click on the Donate tab in the navigation bar.
RIDE TO CHURCH?
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation. Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office. Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week. To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com . You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address. If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508
Office hours
- Norma => 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org