
So, I will finish out September’s eMessages with our social media contacts at the beginning.!
Through the wonders of computers and the internet, and Norma’s cooperation, this eMessage is coming to you while I am away from the office. I will be with other United Church ministers and lay people at the reVitalize event at St. Paul’s United Church. The invitation to it says: “There are 12 amazing speakers, words from our United Church Foundation, delicious lunches, and time to chat. The event runs 9:00 to 5:00, Thursday & Friday September 26 & 27”
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
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. So, you are invited to bring your pet(s) to church this Sunday. 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. He also had a particular dedication to those whom he saw as the outcast, the forgotten the ignored. For him this included the animals with whom we share this world. St. Francis is reported to have said, “If you have people who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have people who will deal likewise with their fellow human beings.”
The Scripture readings are Genesis 1:26 – 2:3 and Matthew 6: 25-29. The title of the sermon is “All Creatures of our God”
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. We 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, and I missed on last week)
We are looking for adults who would teach Sunday School on one or more of the following dates: Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17and Nov 24. When these four 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 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