February 8, 2015 - Fifth Sunday in Epiphany with the Annual Budget Meeting

Greetings

Sunday Worship

This Sunday we continue to look at Jesus’ ministry.  The Gospel, which if you have been paying close attention, continues from last Sunday’s reading. In this passage we find that Jesus has moved away from the Synagogue and over to the house of Simon Peter.  Apparently Simon Peter’s mother-in-law is very ill.  (side note, it Simon Peter has a mother-in-law then Simon Peter is married).  Jesus heals the mother-in-law.  This healing causes a bit of a stir and soon all sorts of people (“the whole city”) are coming or being brought to Simon Peter’s door to be healed.  The following morning, Jesus takes a time out.  When he is finally found by the disciples, he indicates that they must be going, because the healing message of the Lord requires wide distribution.  There is a lot of movement in this passage.  Even as Jesus is praying, his followers are out looking for him.  For me, this is a reminder that the church is not static.  We gather for an hour a week to pray together, but then the work, the mission of the church begins.  As some have put it, “when the worship is ended, the service begins.”  Spirit West is a community that “gets” this, and I think that this needs to be upheld and celebrated.  

 The readings for Sunday are Isaiah 40: 21-31  and Mark 1: 29-39.   In the Time for all Ages we will play and talk about the finger game “here is the church.”  The Sermon is titled “Beyond the doors”

 Congregational Meetings

The Congregational Budget Meeting is this Sunday, February 8, 2015, immediately following the Service.  At this meeting we will approve the 2015 budget for Spirit West.  Copies of the various financial statements and budget documents were sent out by Norma earlier this week.

The Congregational General Meeting will follow the Service on Sunday February 22, 2015.  At this meeting we will review the Annual Report and take any actions necessary to guide the work of our congregation for the coming year.

Furniture Request from the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative (of which the United Church is a part)

As we all strive to end homelessness in Edmonton, Homeward Trust Edmonton, through the FIND social enterprise, has taken on the responsibilities of housing the homeless 'free of charge' and are currently providing furniture for over 20 housing units per week. While the demand keeps increasing, the supply of donated furniture is now at a low point.  

 As a result they are in urgent need of couches, love-seats, kitchen table/chairs and dressers to set up these units for those individuals transitioning out of homelessness back into the surrounding communities.  Therefore, I am writing to faith communities asking for support for this worthy cause.

Any assistance that can be rendered at this time would be greatly appreciated.  Information about FIND and their request for donations of used furniture is available at www.findedmonton.com

 

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards,

Bob McKeon
For the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative

 Spirit West Woman’s Group’s Valentine Luncheon

will be held on Sat, Feb 14, 11:30 am, at the Homefire Grill, 18210–100 ave.  Tickets are $20.00 each, available from Janice Shields. Please bring a personal hygiene item suitable for men and women which will be donated to the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre. All the women of the congregation are invited for good food and fellowship.

Computer Needed

We are making an appeal for a donation of a computer to replace one of the office computers which is old and slow. Ideally we would like to have a laptop.  If you know of or have a computer (3 years old or less) to donate to the church, please talk to Norma or Fraser.

Presbytery Representative

Edina Tillotson, our current representative, has been forced to resign because of ill health.  We are now seeking a person to fulfill this position.  If you are interested, please talk to Larry.

MESSY CHURCH

We hope to hold a Messy Church based on the story of Jonah within the next month or so.  Watch this space for more details.  If you are interested in helping make this happen, please let me know as soon as possible. 

 Spirit West Prayer Chain

Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, 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 Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office hours

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

  Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv

Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

February 1, 2015 - Fourth Sunday in Epiphany with communion

Greetings

Sunday Worship

This Sunday we begin looking at Jesus’ ministry.  The Gospel reading recounts the story of Jesus healing a man at the Synagogue in Capernaum.  In the reading, the healing takes the form of what we might call an “exorcism.”  The man is freed from the tormenting grip of an evil spirit.  At one point the spirit becomes quite angry with Jesus, it challenges Jesus’ purpose and authority and says, “What have you to do with us?”   I would like to explore the call of God to challenge the evil we see in the world, to call it out, even if our purpose and authority as the Church is challenged.  Think about the criticism leveled at Pope Francis when he suggests that the way the world or the church are working may not be in line with the Gospel.

The readings for Sunday are Deuteronomy 18: 15-20  and Mark 1: 21-28.   In the Time for all Ages will talk about bullying as a type of evil control with “..made me do it.” The Sermon is titled “What have you to do with us?”

We will be celebrating Communion at this Service.

Congregational Meetings

There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting on Sunday, February 8, 2015, immediately following the Service.  At this meeting we will approve the 2015 budget for Spirit West. 

The Congregational General Meeting will follow the Service on Sunday February 22, 2015.  At this meeting we will review the Annual Report and take any actions necessary to guide the work of our congregation for the coming year.

MESSY CHURCH

We hope to hold a Messy Church based on the story of Jonah within the next month or so.  Watch this space for more details.  If you are interested in helping with it please let me know as soon as possible. 

 Spirit West Prayer Chain

Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, 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 Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office hours

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

Larry

January 25, 2015 - Third Sunday in Epiphany

Greetings

Sunday Worship

Again this Sunday, the readings focus on “call.”  The first reading comes from the book of Jonah.  Now most of us remember Jonah as the one who was swallowed by the whale (or big fish.)    Jonah was trying to run away from God, an action which apparently was neither smart or effective.  But, I am not sure how many of us remember or know what happened to Jonah after the whale incident.  God still wanted the original mission accomplished.  Sunday’s reading speaks to that.  We will also hear a brief passage recounting the call by Jesus to four who became disciples.

The readings for Sunday are Jonah 3: 1-10  and Mark 1: 43-51.   In the Time for all Ages will look talk about the fact that “Jonah had a job to do.” The Sermon is titled “Reluctant prophet”

The Job’s Daughters of the Edmonton area will be with us and taking part in the service.

Congregational Meetings

There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting on Sunday, February 8, 2015, immediately following the Service.  At this meeting we will approve the 2015 budget for Spirit West. 

The Congregational General Meeting will follow the Service on Sunday February 22, 2015.  At this meeting we will review the Annual Report and take any actions necessary to guide the work of our congregation for the coming year.

MESSY CHURCH

We hope to hold a Messy Church based on the story of Jonah within the next month or so.  Watch this space for more details.  If you are interested in helping with it please let me know as soon as possible. 

 Spirit West Prayer Chain

Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, 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 Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office hours

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

 

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv

Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

January 18, 2015 - Second Sunday in Epiphany and the start of the week of Prayer for Chrisitan Unity

Greetings

Sunday Worship

Having moved quickly from Christmas, through Epiphany to the Baptism of Jesus, this Sunday we will begin looking at Jesus earthly ministry.  We will start by looking  at Jesus "calling" his first disciples.  And this week we will look at the call to two rather less well know disciples, Phillip and Nathanael.   Nathanael has a rather unique response to Phillip's assertion that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah.  He basically says, "Nazareth,eh.  Does anything good ever come from Nazareth?”  We will also look at a previous call to another prophet, Samuel, who is confused by what he hears.  What is God's call like?  

The readings for Sunday are I Samuel 3:1-10 and John 1: 43-51.   The Sermon is titled “When God Calls”

We will also welcoming Caiden, son of Ryan and Alissa into the family of God through Baptism.

MESSY CHURCH

We hope to hold a Messy Church based on the story of Jonah within the next month or so.  Watch this space for more details.  If you are interested in helping with it please let me know as soon as possible. 

MEN’S BREAKFAST

The men of Spirit West will be joining for breakfast this Saturday, Jan 17 at 8:00 am in the lower hall.

 Spirit West Prayer Chain

Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, 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 Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office hours

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

 

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

 

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org

January 11, 2015 - Baptism of Jesus

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I figure I can say that as the year is only a week old, and this is the first eMessage of 2015

Sunday Worship

This Sunday is called Baptism of the Lord Sunday.  There is not very much in the Bible about Jesus as a boy growing up. (exactly one story, Luke 2: 41-52) and in this year’s lectionary we don’t get that one.  So this Sunday we make the rapid leap from the Magi visiting the baby to Jesus’ baptism as an adult by John.  We have jumped about thirty years.  But this Sunday, I am going to take a look at John the Baptist.  All the gospels see John as the forerunner of the Messiah fulfilling a passage in Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3): “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”(Matt. 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4 and John 1:23)  To see that unanimity among all four gospels is unusual.  Not only is he mentioned in the Gospels, he is also mentioned by the first century Jewish/Roman historian Flavius Josephus.  So, who was John?  I will explore who John was, and his impact and influence on the followers of Jesus, then and now.

The readings for Sunday are Acts 19: 1-7 and Mark 1: 4-11.  The Time for All Ages is called “Wash before you...”* and the Sermon is titled “John the Baptizer appeared.”

*this discussion is going to centre on Baptism, and I would ask that if you can bring in photos of your/your child’s baptism, that would be great.

MESSY CHURCH

We hope to hold a Messy Church based on the story of Jonah within the next month or so.  Watch this space for more details.  If you are interested in helping with it please let me know as soon as possible. 

MEN’S BREAKFAST

The men of Spirit West will be joining for breakfast on Saturday, Jan 17 at 8:00 am in the lower hall.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CONGREGATION

An exciting new rental! The Seventh Day Adventists are starting a new worship group in our area.  We have successfully negotiated with them to start renting our church every Saturday for 1 year beginning on January 24^th.  The group will use the sanctuary and lounge from 9 am to 12:30 pm, then move downstairs for lunch and meetings until 3:00 pm.  This rental will contribute greatly to our church finances.

Spirit West Prayer Chain
Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, 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 Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office hours

-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

  Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 Larry

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv

Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

 

December 21, 2014 - Advent 4 - Love

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Because I don’t intend to send an eMessage on Christmas Day, this eMessage will cover the Services of Christmas/Epiphany.

Sunday Worship

The fourth Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Love.  Love is at the heart of the Gospel message.  “For God so loved the world...”  The readings for Sunday point to one who had a very special relationship with Jesus, his mother Mary.  In Protestant churches, we have played down or ignored the place of Mary in the Gospel story.  Of course, there are historical reasons for this attitude.  The early reformers were reacting to what they perceived as the worship of Mary within the Roman Church.  But the pendulum swings and between the excesses of preceding generations, we hit a balance from time to time.  Just last week a number of us finished the study of a book called Not a Silent Night.  It is a book about the significance of the coming of Jesus, written from the perspective of Mary, and beginning at the crucifixion and moving back to Bethlehem.   The loving “yes” of one woman, changed her life, and changed the whole world.

The readings for Sunday are,  Romans 16: 25-27, and Luke 1: 26-38.  We will also be singing the Song of Mary (Luke 1: 47-55).  The Time for All Ages Story is “Is it enough” and the Sermon title is “A World Upside Down”

Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 24, 6:30 pm)

“Let Us Go to Bethlehem.” This celebration of Prayers, Readings and Carols is for the whole family.  For children, you will have the opportunity to be part of a Nativity scene.  Come a bit early and become an Angel, Shepherd, or maybe one of the Magi.  You don’t have to learn any lines!

Cinnamon Bun Sunday (Sunday, Dec. 28, 10:30)

As has been the tradition at Spirit West for some years, the Sunday after Christmas is Cinnamon Bun Sunday.  We gather as family and friends around tables, to share stories, carols, prayers, warm cinnamon buns and hot drinks.

Epiphany Sunday (Sunday, January 4, 2015)

On Epiphany Sunday we remember the story of the arrival of Magi (Wise Men, Three Kings) in Bethlehem.  We will be celebrating Communion on Epiphany Sunday.

There are no Services on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) or New Year’s Day (Jan 1, 2015)

 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, 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 Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Christmas Office Hours
The Church office will be closed Thursday, December 25, 2014 to Sunday, January 4, 2015.  There will be a message on the Church phone indicating how to contact Larry in case of emergency.

Normal Office hours resume on Monday, January 5, 2015
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org

 

December 14, 2014 - Advent 3 - Joy

Greetings

Sunday Worship

The third Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Joy.  I am doing something a little different, because I have included all the lectionary readings for the day, from the Prophets, the Letters, the Gospel, and we will even be singing the Psalm.  I am having them all shared because each of the passages speaks of joy and rejoicing from a different perspective.  It is apparent that the joy to which the scriptures call us is not some fuzzy warmth that we must feel to be truly faithful to God.  The lack of a fuzzy warm feeling is often the cause of much guilt during this “festive” season.  And the question is not why but how do we faithfully rejoice, without being annoying, out of touch or self-deceiving?

The readings for Sunday are,  Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24  and John 1: 6-8, 19-28.  The Time for All Ages Story is “If you’re happy and you know it” and the Sermon title is “Rejoice always?”

And hank you for your generosity last Sunday,  Doreen managed to get all the gifts to the Bissell Centre on Monday.

The Advent-Christmas-New Year Schedule

This Sunday night, Spirit West United Church Choir presents Images of Adoration

Come and enjoy our Choir’s Christmas Concert – Images of Adoration, Reflections of Christ in Images of the Season. Sunday, December 14^th at 6:30 pm.  Bring the whole family!

 

Next Sunday, Dec 21, Advent 4 – The Sunday of Love, service 10:30 am

 

Wednesday, Dec 24, Christmas Eve – “Let Us Go to Bethlehem.” A celebration for the whole family, 6:30 pm

 

Sunday, Dec 28, Cinnamon Bun Sunday – informal worship in the lower hall, with cinnamon buns and hot drinks, 10:30 am

 

Sunday, Jan 4, 2014, Epiphany Sunday – Worship with Holy Communion, 10:30 am

 

 Spirit West Prayer Chain
Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, 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 Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Christmas Office Hours

The Church office will be closed Thursday, December 25, 2014 to Sunday, January 4, 2015.  There will be a message on the Church phone indicating how to contact Larry in case of emergency.

Normal Office hours resume on Monday, January 5, 2015
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

 

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org