
So, for the second week in a row I put our social media contacts at the beginning of the eMessage. We are out there!
So, in the following eMessage please read the calls for volunteers for Sunday School, Fall Supper and Silent Auction, and Communion Servers. Please note that none of these opportunities is a life time commitment, they all have very specific and defined timelines (which are outlined below).
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Website: www.spiritwest.org
Facebook: Spirit West United Church
Instagram: spiritwestyeg
This Sunday – the Third Sunday in Creation Time: Pray for Everyone
Paul’s letters to Timothy, whom he calls “my loyal child in the faith,” are letters of instruction and guidance to a relatively new follower of the Way (Christian), and to the community to which he belongs. Paul’s first instruction concerns prayer. He says “First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.” Now that is pretty inclusive, in fact you really cannot get any more inclusive than “for everyone.” But Paul adds a rather specific expansion or qualifier to this, he continues, “for all kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.” You have to remember, that in Paul’s time there were no kings and no one who was in a high position who supported this new faith movement. Paul is suggesting prayer for those who were, in most cases, actively working to destroy this new movement, and were certainly not working to promote a quiet, peaceable life for the followers of Jesus. So, as we move through our current federal election campaign, I would ask you to think of the candidates or party leaders that you know you will not vote for; now figure out how you will pray for them, keeping in mind Paul’s instruction to Timothy and his reasoning behind it. (p.s.: I don’t think that praying that God will smite them is in keeping with Paul’s intention)
The Scripture readings are 1 Timothy 2:1-7 and Luke 16: 1-13. The title of the sermon is “Pray for everyone”
At this service we will be welcoming two infants into the Family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism.
MEN’S BREAKFAST – This Saturday, September 21
It seems fall is upon us so that means the weather is going to get colder. When the weather gets cold our bodies need more fuel to stay warm. Therefore this Saturday, at 8:00 am there will be a nice big breakfast of pancakes, sausages, eggs, coffee, tea, or juice, and a few extras to help fill up any man who wants to be there. We don't usually ask you to work for your breakfast so you probably won't wear off breakfast too soon. We do usually ask you to give us $10.00 for the meal. Any surplus funds go towards helping with minor repairs and maintenance around the church. Breakfast is down stairs, just follow the aroma. Hope you are hungry Saturday morning.
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 – Coordinators needed!
The date has been chosen - Sunday, October 27. We need people to help plan the supper and the silent auction. We also need volunteers who will be ready to help make the event happen. Please contact Larry at the church office. 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.
TEACHERS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL 2019-2020 (some dates)
We are looking for adults who would teach Sunday School on one or more of the following dates: Oct 20, Nov 3, and Nov 17. If these three dates are looked after, we will have a Sunday School program every Sunday until the Christmas. The signup sheet is available at the back of the church.
COMMUNION SERVERS
At Spirit West we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, (or the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) once a month, normally on the first Sunday. Serving communion involves the minister and at least three people from the congregation who assist. We are seeking out those who would like to be Communion Servers. This is not a perpetual commitment. Glenna W. has made up a schedule for the next twelve months (i.e twelve services). You will find it with the other sign-up sheets by the office. You can pick which date(s) you would like to be part of serving team. If you have any questions about the role of a Communion Server, speak to Larry or Glenna.
SPIRIT WEST CHOIR
“Make a joyful noise all the earth. Come to this place with a song!” (VU 820) The Choir rehearse every Thursday at 7:00 pm. Newcomers are welcome. Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.
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
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