Greetings,
It’s September already, so things are ramping up again at Spirit West! Please take note of the information regarding Sunday School, the Choir, the Ladies’ Group, and the Spirit West Apples.
THIS SUNDAY - THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY
In 1925, representatives of the Canadian churches (Methodist, Congregational, Local Union and most of the Presbyterians) that came together to form the United Church of Canada signed “The Basis of Union.” This document expresses the beliefs that would be the basis of the understanding of the Christian faith in the “new” United Church of Canada. There are 20 articles of faith in the Basis of Union. Starting this Sunday these articles will form the focus around which our worship services will be built. This Sunday I will start with Article I – Of God. I will continue through the articles Sunday by Sunday, with breaks for major seasons like Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter.
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Exodus 3: 1-15 and Matthew 22: 34-40. In the first reading, Moses encounters God in the burning bush and hears of the promise of a new land for the children of Israel. Aside from wondering why he has been chosen, Moses also asks for a more specific identity for God. What is your name? In the Gospel reading, Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees to name the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus names two. The first deals specifically with our relationship with God.
SUNDAY SCHOOL WELCOME BACK SUNDAY
This Sunday will also be our Welcome Back Sunday. There will be a program for the children, and there will be an opportunity to register your children for Sunday School. Sunday School “classes” will start on Sunday, Sep 16. We continue to look for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School. Look for a signup sheet at church.
Choir begins Sept. 13 - Newcomers are welcome. Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.
Ladies Group Welcome Back Social and Meeting - Sept 17 at 7pm, in the sanctuary. Mexican theme! Food provided by the executive. All women welcome! A sign-up sheet is on the table by the office.
SPIRIT WEST APPLES
The Apple trees around the Spirit West Property are ready for picking (some are unfortunately a bit past already). There are at least four varieties planted (see illustration). Please help yourself as soon as possible. What we don’t use, we hope to have collected by an agency that rescues fruit. To assist you in your picking we have produced a guide to the Spirit West Apples, which is available at the church.
This Sunday jars of Crabapple Jelly made from Spirit West Crabapples will be available after church for $5 a jar, with the proceeds going to the church.
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS and a Contest to “Name That Region”
As you might know, at the recent General Council of the United Church of Canada, the plans were approved to restructure our denomination. As of January 1, 2019 we move from four levels of governance (Pastoral Charge, Presbytery, Conference, and General Council) to three levels (Faith Community, Region, and Denominational Council) Spirit West changes from being a Pastoral Charge in Edmonton Presbytery, Alberta and Northwest Conference to being a Faith Community in Region 2. “Region 2” is a place holder name for the region. We want a “real” name. Please see the newsletter on the literature carousel for information on our new Regions, and on the contest to “Name That Region”.
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre. As we move into the fall, socks and underwear would be helpful. These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows
A NEW 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. It was suggested at a Board Meeting that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
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
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
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
It’s September already, so things are ramping up again at Spirit West! Please take note of the information regarding Sunday School, the Choir, the Ladies’ Group, and the Spirit West Apples.
THIS SUNDAY - THE “BASIS OF UNION” LECTIONARY
In 1925, representatives of the Canadian churches (Methodist, Congregational, Local Union and most of the Presbyterians) that came together to form the United Church of Canada signed “The Basis of Union.” This document expresses the beliefs that would be the basis of the understanding of the Christian faith in the “new” United Church of Canada. There are 20 articles of faith in the Basis of Union. Starting this Sunday these articles will form the focus around which our worship services will be built. This Sunday I will start with Article I – Of God. I will continue through the articles Sunday by Sunday, with breaks for major seasons like Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter.
The readings I have chosen for this Sunday are Exodus 3: 1-15 and Matthew 22: 34-40. In the first reading, Moses encounters God in the burning bush and hears of the promise of a new land for the children of Israel. Aside from wondering why he has been chosen, Moses also asks for a more specific identity for God. What is your name? In the Gospel reading, Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees to name the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus names two. The first deals specifically with our relationship with God.
SUNDAY SCHOOL WELCOME BACK SUNDAY
This Sunday will also be our Welcome Back Sunday. There will be a program for the children, and there will be an opportunity to register your children for Sunday School. Sunday School “classes” will start on Sunday, Sep 16. We continue to look for adults who would like to teach or help with Sunday School. Look for a signup sheet at church.
Choir begins Sept. 13 - Newcomers are welcome. Contact Bonnie C at 780-444-2230 for more information.
Ladies Group Welcome Back Social and Meeting - Sept 17 at 7pm, in the sanctuary. Mexican theme! Food provided by the executive. All women welcome! A sign-up sheet is on the table by the office.
SPIRIT WEST APPLES
The Apple trees around the Spirit West Property are ready for picking (some are unfortunately a bit past already). There are at least four varieties planted (see illustration). Please help yourself as soon as possible. What we don’t use, we hope to have collected by an agency that rescues fruit. To assist you in your picking we have produced a guide to the Spirit West Apples, which is available at the church.
This Sunday jars of Crabapple Jelly made from Spirit West Crabapples will be available after church for $5 a jar, with the proceeds going to the church.
THE NEW UNITED CHURCH REGIONS and a Contest to “Name That Region”
As you might know, at the recent General Council of the United Church of Canada, the plans were approved to restructure our denomination. As of January 1, 2019 we move from four levels of governance (Pastoral Charge, Presbytery, Conference, and General Council) to three levels (Faith Community, Region, and Denominational Council) Spirit West changes from being a Pastoral Charge in Edmonton Presbytery, Alberta and Northwest Conference to being a Faith Community in Region 2. “Region 2” is a place holder name for the region. We want a “real” name. Please see the newsletter on the literature carousel for information on our new Regions, and on the contest to “Name That Region”.
Outreach at Spirit West
Seasonal items are being collected for the Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Bissell Centre. As we move into the fall, socks and underwear would be helpful. These can be left at the Giving Tree by the lounge windows
A NEW 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. It was suggested at a Board Meeting that everyone give the donate button a try (just to make sure it works, of course)
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
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
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
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