Reign of Christ Sunday Nov 21 10:30 AM

This is the “Reign of Christ Sunday” and we have Rev. Larry Wright (a recently retired Chaplain from the Armed Forces) to lead us into a deeper understanding of the meaning and essence of this Biblical theme. Larry is also bringing a wonderful children’s story on power point. Included in the service is great music, and another chuckle, with a Heavenly Humour video, called “Home Security”.

Don’t forget this is wind up Sunday for our Stewardship Campaign, and the team has planned a ‘potluck lunch’ to celebrate and share in the successful results of their hard work with all of us. All types of food dishes are welcome. Is there anything better than a Church Potluck?

Next week we will enjoy Rev. Larry again as we celebrate the first Sunday in Advent, which will launch us into the festive season of Christmas, while we wait for the birthday of Jesus Christ.

-Remember to mark your calendars for December 12th when you are invited to enjoy an evening of song and story for the whole family at the “Story of the Candy Cane” Christmas concert.

Remembrance Sunday Nov 7 @ 10:30AM

We have a special Remembrance Sunday service planned that involves story, music, prayer, the poem Flanders Fields and laying of the wreath, all in celebration and honour of this important occasion. You are invited to bring any wartime pictures and/or memorabilia that you may have, to place on the stage; these items will greatly enhance the spirit of the meaning of this chosen day.

Next week there will be a hallelujah Rodeo Sunday with Leslie Penny as our Worship Leader. You won't want to miss this service! All are encouraged to get in the spirit by wearing Rodeo/cowboy clothing.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Yours in faith
Anne.

Oct 24 2010 10:30 AM Service

Oct 24 2010 10:30 AM Service at Spirit West United Church

This Sunday October 24 at 10:30 AM we gather to look at the challenges of living life amidst all of its changes and challenges. Our heavenly humor is a video piece called “What love means to a 4-8 year old.” The sermon is entitled “Living life to the fullest.” About once a month we take some time with prayer candles, and this is the week for that. It looks like a good service.

As well, a reminder on behalf of the Sunday School, to bring some non-perishable food items for the food bank. This is the final week to do that.

Next week, Oct 31, is “Mask” Sunday and people are invited to bring a non-scary mask to church, as we reflect on the invisible masks that we wear in life. I’m guessing about 1/4 of the folks will take part in this activity, so don’t feel that you have to do this. If you would like, just come and be an observer of the wonder of God’s creative spirit alive and well at Spirit West.

Hope to see you this Sunday.
Yours in faith and joy,
Rev. Garth Bogart

Oct 17, 2010 10:30 AM World Food Sunday, Reception of New Members, Brunch, and Semi-Annual Meeting

This Sunday October 18 at 10:30 AM we gather to celebrate World Food Sunday. On behalf of the Sunday School, we invite you to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank, either this week or next week. (The Sunday School are inviting children to bring items for next week, you will hear more about that this Sunday. )

This Sunday we have more people joining the church, so come and celebrate with us and them! The pastoral reflection is called “Servant Leadership.”

After the church service, there will be lots of “good eats.” Folks are invited to bring finger foods, either hot or cold, such as sandwiches, vegetable tray, snacks, fruit, cheese, crackers, desserts, sausage rolls, spring rolls, etc.

This Sunday is also an opportunity to show support and to give thanks for some of the leaders in our congregation. Following brunch, there will be a short congregational meeting to elect the board.

Thanksgiving Sunday Oct 10, 2010 10:30 AM

We have a wonderful Thanksgiving service planned for this Sunday. Bring your visiting family and friends with you! We have some amazing audio and video Thanksgiving related material to share with you.
The choir anthem is called “The Thanksgiving Garden.” The pastoral reflection is “Gratefulness in the midst of struggle.” I’m hoping the service will help each of us to appreciate what we have, by looking at some of the poignant as well as humorous sides of life.

Hope to see you this Sunday.
Yours in faith and joy,
Rev. Garth Bogart

World Wide Communion Sunday October 3

This week, we will join with over a billion Christians around the world, and celebrate Communion together. Worship will feature the musical renderings of “The Beat Goes On” drumming group, as well as the Jr. Music and drama group, who are playing partly in support of education in Angola. Communion will feature different breads and juices and even languages of the world! The title of the sermon is “The things we share.” We will explore some of the similarities and differences in the world’s denominations, using humour and poignant audio and video.
Hope to see you this Sunday.

Yours in faith and joy,

Rev. Garth Bogart

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday Sept 19 “Blessing of the Animals” Service 10:30 AM
This Sunday at 10:30 AM is our annual “Blessing of the Animals” Service. This was one of folks favourite services last year! And also one of our most memorable church services ever!
Invite your friends for this unique service! Believe it or not you are encouraged to bring your good natured pets to church! Either leashed or in a carrying case please! No camels or cougars (Ha! Ha!) If you don’t currently have a pet, you could bring a picture of a pet who was previously an important part of your life. At prayer time we will remember those pets who have died. Those of you who have allergies, bring your antihistamines just in case! The service will be a hoot! A cacophony for the five senses! Humorous videos as well as a poignant story sermon leave you in stitches one moment, and near tears the next. Don’t miss this memorable moment in the life of our congregation.

Labor Day Sunday

This Sunday is the long weekend, and on Sunday Sept 5 at 10:30 AM we will be celebrating Holy Communion, as well as reflecting a little bit on our labor day tradition and work – blessing or curse?

Next Sunday, Sept 12 is a special “Welcome back” Sunday, as well as grandparents day and apple Sunday. Lots of special things happening on this day – a don’t miss Sunday!

The following Sunday, Sept 19 is our annual Blessing of the Animals Service. One of our favourite services last year. A definite don’t miss!!!!!

And finally, don’t forget to tell your friends about our 1000 wedding dress extravaganza, happening Sept 22-25. See our website for more info.

August 22 is Camping Sunday

This Sunday is camping Sunday for Spirit West. Some of our congregation will be camping at the Lion's campground in Devon, while the rest of us will be experiencing a camp-like experience right here at church. We will be celebrating the four elements of air, earth, water and fire in the round. Come and join us for a unique experience.

Mountain Sunday August 15

Our minister this Sunday is Roger Manuel. He will be showing us the mountains of his home in Grande Cache. Our scripture is Mark 16 verses 14-18.

His meditation is titled: Mountains, Spiritual and Metaphorical

Come and celebrate the song of the mountains!

August 1 Reflection

This week Anne Dingwall will be our minister. Her topic is Where is the Kingdom of God?

Finding Joy in your life today

This Sunday the theme of the service is “Finding Joy in your life today.” There has been lots going on in the lives of some of our congregational folks these last few weeks, and so I thought a theme on how to find more joy in our lives in the midst of struggles, would be a timely theme. For heavenly humor, we have a series of amazing pictures entitled “Pictures you will not see twice!” My sermon is called “Finding Joy in the journey.” There is also a profound video clip called “Finding Joy – simple secrets.” And to bring more joy into your life in surprising ways, a clip about “Finding Joy with Strangers.” And finally bring your hanky, when you see and hear the joyous stories of reunions. This should be another good service.

Sunday July 4 at 10:30 AM - Pancake Breakfast and Canada Celebration at Spirit West

Well it is the Canada Day weekend, and we have a special service planned to motivate you to get out of bed early this Sunday! For those who like to eat, we are having a pancake breakfast before church starting 9:30-9:45 AM. Our church service at 10:30 AM is a fun service called “God Bless Canada, eh!” It will be a day to celebrate God’s blessings upon us and our country. Music will range from Stompin Tom Connor’s “The Hockey Song” to “O Canada” to “This land is your land.” We have two wonderful heavenly humour videos “I’m glad I live in Canada” and “I am Canadian.” The sermon is called “God bless Canada and all Canadians.” Holy Communion gives us another opportunity to give thanks to God, and the service ends with the “I believe” video helping us to remember the Olympic moment that we all celebrated at the beginning of this year. It should be a wonderful service. Hope to see many of you folks this Sunday.

Scripture reading for this week: Luke 9: 51-56

Welcome to Spirit West United Church, Edmonton Alberta

Welcome to our blog for Spirit West United Church in west Edmonton.

We are the congregation at Spirit West United Church, a vibrant community of faith located in a brand new building at the west end of Edmonton. Our minister is Reverend Garth Bogart.

We worship every Sunday at 10:30 AM. If you like to sing, come a little early and join us for some gathering songs.

We are located west of Anthony Henday drive and south of Whitemud Drive. The two access routes are south on Guardian Road (opposite the entrance to Lewis Estates on the Whitemud) or enter on 62 Avenue (which is Callingwood Road to the east of the Anthony Henday) and turn north to 199 Street.

Phone us at (780) 481-1406 or email us at spiritw@telus.net