Christmas Message - Dec. 24, 2011

Greetings in the name of our Saviour whose birth we celebrate,


Christmas has come upon us. As we gather for worhsip on Christmas Eve, we will journey again to Bethlehem, in word and song, to share the story of a birth that changed the world. In that dirty, musty stable let us see the face of God in our midst. Let us feel with the shepherds that joy tinged with wonder and some fear that something momentus has happened in our world. Let us remember with the Magi, that though the way may be long and challenging, God calls to us and can guide us to the place where we are meant to be.



Children who are present at the Service will have the opportunity, if they wish, to be part of a Bethlehem tableau, a live Nativity Scene. St. Francis of Assisi created the first live nativity scene in Greccio, Italy in 1223 in order for the poor of the area to be able to "go the Bethlehem" without having to endure the expense and hardship of a pilgimage to the Holy Land. For Francis, the simple celebration was meant to recall the hardships Jesus suffered even as an infant, a saviour who chose to become poor for our sake, a truly human Jesus.





May the blessings of Christmas be yours,



Larry Wright

Spirit West United Church

(780) 481-1406





Dates to Remember:

— Saturday December 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm

— Sunday December 25 - Christmas Day (Sunday) NO SERVICE

— Sunday January 1, 2012 - NO SERVICE

— Sunday January 8, 2012 - CINNAMON BUN SUNDAY - We will gather to worhip God in a more relaxed way. We gather as family and friends around tables and as our souls warm with song and prayer, our bodies will be warmed by hot cinnamon buns and hot drinks. Come and join the fellowship.

Dec. 4 - Advent 2 and Communion

Hello,


This Sunday, the Second Sunday in Advent, the Gospel reading centres on the message of John. John is a fascinating character about whom we do not hear very much in the Scriptures. But what we do hear gives us a picture of a very interesting person. In the western church we know him best as John the Baptist, but there was more to him than that. John is mentioned outside our Scriptures by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (37-100 AD) and is regarded as a prophet in Islam. We will take a look at John, his message and ministry, his relationship to Jesus and what he is saying to us.



We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion.



We will be hearing two Scripture readings



Psalm 85; and

Mark 1: 1-8



and the title of my reflection is "Prepare the Way"



And don't forget to take a look at the Calendar dates below.





See you Sunday,



Larry Wright

Spirit West United Church

(780) 481-1406





Dates to Remember:

— Sunday December 4 - Holy Communion

— Mpnday Dececember 5 – Ladies’ Group Christmas Party and Gift Exchange

— Sunday December 11 - White Gift Sunday

Traditionally, churches in Canada (and other countries) collect "White Gifts" to help out those in need. You are welcome to bring gifts of clothing such as mitts, socks, hats and scarves to donate to the Jasper Place Wellness Centre. We are focussing on clothing for adults -- these items can be newly purchased OR be gently used. Second hand coats are also appreciated!

— Friday December 16 – Adult Social

— Sunday December 18 - Christmas Concert at 6:30 pm - Santa Tells the Story

— Saturday December 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm

— Sunday December 25 - Christmas Day (Sunday) NO SERVICE

United Churches with Sunday, December 25th Services

• United Church Address Time TBA
• Sherwood Park 20 Fir St 9:45 am
• Beverly 11910-40 St 10:00 am
• Grace 6215-104 Ave 10:00 am
• St. Andrew’s 9915-148 St. 10:00 am
• Knox-Metropolitan 8307-109 St 10:30 am
• McDougall 10086 McDonald Dr 10:30 am
• Mill Woods 15 Grand Meadow Cres 10:30 am
• Robertson-Wesley UC 10209-123 st. 10:30 am
• Strathearn 8510-95 Avenue 10:30 am
• Trinity 8810 Meadowlark Rd 10:30 am

For those travelling:

• First Wetaskiwin (location TBA) Time TBA
• Rundle Memorial Banff 10:00 am
• St. Andrew's 1A Fieldstone Drive, Spruce Grove 10:00 am

Nov. 27, 2011 - First Sunday in Advent

Hello,

 

This Sunday we start a new Christian year. The idea of a "Christian year" gradually developed in the church to provide a structure for our worship and prayer life. It is comprised of cycles that revolve around the important festivals of our Faith: Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. They are respectively, the birth of Jesus, the Resurrection, and the Coming of the Holy Spirit. These cycles are called Seasons. In the agricultural setting of the middle ages, dividing a year into seasons would have probably seemed quite natural. The way we indicate a change of Season in the church by a change of colour in the decoration also comes from this period when people could not read, so that the only way to know the stories of the Bible was to hear them told. Within the Church the Mass was celbrated in Latin, a language unfamiliar to most of the ordinary people. The colours of the church gave them a visual reference point to the seasons. At the time of the Reformation as those of the Protestant movement stressed access to the Bible, developing translations into local languages, the cycles and colours were viewed as unnecessary and distracting and were largely abandoned. It wasn't until the nineteenth century that churches that had abandoned the Seasons, began to recover them, again as a teaching tool. A pattern that was developed at a time when people could not read the Bible, began to be reintroduced for a time when people did not read the Bible.

 

We will be hearing two Scripture readings - a portion of Psalm 80; and Mark 13: 24-37 - and the title of my reflection is "Signs of Hope".

  

And don't forget to take a look at the note about Prayer Requests and Calendar dates at the end to the email.

  

See you Sunday,

 Larry Wright

 Spirit West United Church

 (780) 481-1406

 

 Prayer Requests for the Prayers of the People

 

Each Sunday members of the congregation are given the opportunity to speak aloud their specific requests for prayer which are then incorporated in the Prayers of the People. In order to provide another means of requesting prayer, especially for those who are not comfortable using the microphone, a small dark blue clipboard has been placed on the Welcome Table by the front doors. You may write your prayer request in the clipboard and during the offering the pages will be brought forward so that your prayer can be incuded with the others in the Prayers of the People. Your prayeer requests will also be given to the Spirit West Prayer Chain for contiued prayer through the week.

 

As a special note, if you have spoken your request aloud during the service please ensure the Diane Ludlow, the Prayer Chain coordinator has the information to include your prayer in the Prayer Chain. Diane will likely be looking for you after the service, so if you see her first talk to her.

  

Dates to Remember:

 

This Sunday, November 27 - Please remember to return your Stewardship Pledge Forms if you have not done so already.

 

— Sunday December 4 - Holy Communion

 

— Mpnday Dececember 5 – Ladies’ Group Christmas Party and Gift Exchange

 

— Sunday December 11 - White Gift Sunday

 

Traditionally, churches in Canada (and other countries) collect "White Gifts" to help out those in need. You are welcome to bring gifts of clothing such as mitts, socks, hats and scarves to donate to the Jasper Place Wellness Centre. We are focussing on clothing for adults -- these items can be newly purchased OR be gently used. Second hand coats are also appreciated!

 

— Friday December 16 – Adult Social

 

— Sunday December 18 - Christmas Concert at 6:30 pm - Santa Tells the Story

 

— Saturday December 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm

 

— Sunday December 25 - Christmas Day (Sunday) NO SERVICE

 

Here is a list of Uunited Churches which are havibg services on Christmas Day:

• Sherwood Park, 20 Fir St, 9:45 am
• Beverly, 11910-40 St, 10:00 am
• Grace, 6215-104 Ave, 10:00 am
• St. Andrew’s, 9915-148 St., 10:00 am
• Knox-Metropolitan, 8307-109 St, 10:30 AM
• McDougall, 10086 McDonald Dr, 10:30 AM
• Mill Woods, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, 10:30 AM
• Strathearn, 8510-95 Avenue, 10:30 AM
• Trinity, 8810 Meadowlark Rd, 10:30 AM

For those travelling:

• First UC,  Wetaskiwin (location TBA), Time TBA
• Rundle Memorial UC, Banff, 10:00 AM
• St. Andrew's, 1A Fieldstone Drive, Spruce Grove, 10:00 AM

November 13, 2011 - Rodeo Sunday

Howdy Pardners,


(Wow, does that sound corny) But it is but a way to introduce this Sunday at Spirit West. It is Rodeo Sunday. So dust off your cowboy hat, polish up your boots, put on your fancy shirt and maybe your best string tie and join us for worship. If you've kinda strayed from the Spirit West flock (herd), this is your invitation to come on back and see us. We'll be mighty glad to welcome any as comes through the doors!


From the Good Book we'll be hearin':

Matthew 25: 14-30

and the title of my preachin' is:

Well done, good and faithful servant!

And don't forget to take a look at the note about Prayer Requests and Calendar dates at the end to the email.

See y'all Sunday,

Larry Wright
Spirit West United Church
(780) 481-1406

Prayer Requests for the Prayers of the People


Each Sunday members of the congregation are given the opportunity to speak aloud their specific requests for prayer which are then incorporated in the Prayers of the People. In order to provide another means of requesting prayer, especially for those who are not comfortable using the microphone, a small dark blue clipboard has been placed on the Welcome Table by the front doors. You may write your prayer request in the clipboard and during the offering the pages will be brought forward so that your prayer can be incuded with the others in the Prayers of the People. Your prayeer requests will also be given to the Spirit West Prayer Chain for contiued prayer through the week.

As a special note, if you have spoken your request aloud during the service please ensure the Diane Ludlow, the Prayer Chain coordinator has the information to include your prayer in the Prayer Chain. Diane will likely be looking for you after the service, so if you see her first talk to her.

Dates to Remember:

— Nov 20 - Reign of Christ Sunday (the last Sunday before Advent, last Sunday of the Church Year)

— Nov. 20 – Stewardship Pot-Luck Lunch after Church

— Nov. 27 - First Sunday of Advent (In the three year lectionary cycle, this is the start of Year B)

— Dec. 4 - Second Sunday of Advent - Holy Communion

— Dec 5 – Ladies’ Group Christmas Party and Gift Exchange

— Dec. 16 – Adult Social

— Dec. 18 - Christmas Concert at 6:30 pm - Santa Tells the Story

— Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm

— Dec. 25 - Christmas Day (Sunday) NO SERVICE

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday.  It has been 494 years since Martin Luther boldly criticized the church of his day. Come discover why a movement in the 16^th century continues to make its mark on us as a church today.  I hope you join us.  And I hope to see you at the Fall Supper and Silent Action which is also on Sunday.

I would also like to thank all of you who were able to stay last Sunday after church for the Congregational Meeting and for the Joint Needs Assessment discussion groups.  This Joint Needs Assessment and the work of the Joint Needs Assessment Committee in producing the JNAC report on Spirit West are vital for the future of this congregation as it moves forward,

See you Sunday,

Larry Wright

Spirit West United Church

(780) 481-1406

Dates to Remember:

—Oct 30 - Fall Supper and Silent Auction - 6:00 pm in the lower hall in the church.  Come and enjoy wonderful food, including great home-made pies.  And bid on the incredible variety of Silent Auction items

Nov 6 – Daylight Saving Time ends – turn your clocks back 1 hour; stewardship campaign begins

Nov 6 – Communion; Baptism; Remembrance Day Service

Nov. 22 – Stewardship Pot-Luck Supper

October 23, 2011 - General Congregational Meeting

Oct. 23 – come hear Rev. Larry Wright talk about the “greatest commandment”. Then please stay for a short congregational meeting immediately after the service. We will be discussing the make-up of the Board and get an update on the progress of the Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC).




Oct. 30 – celebrate with us by attending the Fall Supper and Silent Auction, starting at 6:00 pm in the lower hall of the church. Door prizes! A Wine Bar! Home-made pies! Contact Marian at 780-487-2851 for tickets. Contact Rebecca at 780-443-3999 if you can donate items for the Silent Auction.

Oct. 9 - Thanksgiving Sunday

Oct. 9 is Thanksgiving Sunday. Rev. Larry Wright will be leading us in worship. Come hear the story of Samuel Jones’ Harvest Thanksgiving. Also come and enjoy the lovely fall decorations in the sanctuary.

 

Upcoming Events

•  Fall AGM – Oct. 23, 2011 – to be held after the worship service

•  Fall Supper and Silent Auction
• will be held on October 30 together with a Silent Auction to support the purchase of Christmas Hampers. 
• Everyone welcome!  Come get to know us and to enjoy good food and fellowship!

 

Oct. 2, 2011 World Wide Comunion Sunday

Oct. 2 – is World Wide Communion Sunday. We will join with congregations worldwide as we celebrate communion. Rev. Larry Wright will be leading us in worship.


Upcoming Events –
 Thanksgiving – Oct. 9, 2011 – come see our lovely decorations in the Sanctuary
 Fall AGM – Oct. 23, 2011 – to be held after the worship service
 Fall Supper – Oct 30, 3011 – more information to follow; everyone is welcome!

Blessing of the Animals - Sunday September 25, 2011

Sept. 25 – this Sunday, we will be including our pets in our worship service with a special “Blessing of the Animals”. Come, bring your pet (in a carrier or on a short leash) and join in this wonderful experience. Rev. Larry Wright will be leading us in worship.




Oct. 2 – is World Wide Communion Sunday. We will join with congregations worldwide as we celebrate communion. Rev. Larry Wright will be leading us in worship.

Garth's Last Sunday - September 18, 2011

This Sunday, Sept 18 is my last service of ministry prior to retirement. There are only a few major milestones in life – birth, graduation, marriage, birth of our children, and retirement. So, this is a once-in-a-life event for me. I hope you will take the time to attend, and help us both to say some goodbyes. We are calling it “Goodbye Garth Sunday” and I anticipate a few tears, and much laughter. The sermon is called “Tales of ministry” and I will share with you some of my most hilarious and poignant memories of ministry, as well as give you some parting faith advice. It will probably be the only time in your life when you will ever hear a minister give their last service, since ministers never really retire . . . . but since we are moving to Ecuador, this is really likely my last service! The choir is back, and has some special music planned as well. And after church, there is a luncheon for those who would like to stay. Come and make a memory.




Sept 25 – Blessing of the Pets Sunday with Rev. Larry Wright

Oct 2 – World Wide Communion Sunday with Rev. Larry Wright

Oct 9 – Special Thanksgiving Service



I’m hoping to see you one last time,



yours in faith and hope,



Rev. Garth Bogart



PS: Our new international e-mail addresses are: garth.bogart@gmail.com, and orilla.bogart@gmail.com.

Welcome back to Spirit West Sept 11

This Sunday, Sept 11 is our welcome back Sunday as the fall church season begins once again.  Sunday school is getting rolling again, and our wonderful choir returns as well.  And to celebrate, after church, for those who would like to stay, we will have a barbecue lunch (outside on the grass on the shady east side of the church, weather permitting!)  I have chosen for my theme this week “forgiveness” as I share with you my second last service before retirement.  

Next Sunday, Sept 18 is my last service of ministry prior to retirement.  We are calling it “Goodbye Garth Sunday” and I hope many of you will be in attendance to say our goodbyes together.  Join in the laughter and the tears.

Sept 25 – Blessing of the Pets Sunday
Oct 2 – World Wide Communion Sunday

A Simple Goodbye gift for Garth and Orilla – Bring a favourite recipe or two!
Orilla and I are hoping to have more time for entertaining and cooking in our retirement in Ecuador.  We are hoping that folks might have a favourite recipe or two, that they could write out, put your name on, and share with us.  Marian Tannahill has offered to compile them.  We are thinking that it will be a good way to remember you all – every time we use your recipe, we will see your name on top, and think of you, maybe even say a little prayer!  So, bring us your recipes!
Hoping to see you,
yours in faith,
Rev. Garth Bogart

August 21 Service

This Sunday, August 21 the service is based on the story from Matthew’s gospel where Jesus asks “Who do you say that I am?  This story informs both the sermon and the service.  And for the music lovers amongst us there is also a nice blend of new and older music.  Should be a good service.

Sunday August 14

This Sunday, August 14, we celebrate Baptism, with the musical candlelight baptism of Adam Joseph Walkhouse, son of Loreen and William.  For those trying to make a mental connection, Loreen is the daughter of Mary Cooper. 

The sermon this week is entitled “From Desperation to Joy.”  And for those starting to think about the beginning of the school year in September, I have a cute story to tell during the heavenly humour time. 

Heavenly Humor Sunday

Special Heavenly Humour Sunday May 1 at 10:30 AM

This Sunday we have our annual special “Heavenly Humour” Service!  Lots of opportunity to laugh, and let go of your burdens for a short while.  We hope you laugh till you cry!  I think you will enjoy the wonderful stories and videos of life and faith.  Again this year, there will be some delicious hot cross buns to enjoy.  This year we will have them with our coffee after the service.  This is one of folks favourite services during the year – don’t miss it if you can help it.

Special Mother’s Day Service Sunday May 8

Next Sunday we are planning a special Mother’s Day service, to give thanks for all the women in our midst, whether they be mother’s or not.  More about that next week.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services

 10:30 AM  Good Friday Service  April 22              

We have a special poignant Good Friday Service planned for you.  For some people, Good Friday is their favourite service of the year.  This year we explore the use of stones throughout the stories of the people of Israel and the early Christian Community with the Good Friday drama.  Music, drama and video will allow you to understand the story and your own life in a new way.  The service ends with a powerful video clip “The three trees,” followed by an even more powerful solo from our own Spirit West Choir soloist Pat Brin singing “Via Dolorosa. “ A not-to-be missed service.

10:30 AM  Easter Service  April 24                

We celebrate the hope and glory of Easter this year with music, story, humour and pathos as we explore the meaning of Easter for you and me in the twentieth century.  The choir will be singing their hearts out, and joined by the “Beat Goes on” drumming group.  We will celebrate lighting of the Easter fire, Holy Communion, and witness an inspirational video clip “No arms, no legs, no worries” that will help restore hope in your own life.  Bring your family and friends to one of the great Christian celebrations of the year!

Hope to see you,

Yours in faith,

Rev. Garth Bogart

Sunday March 6, 2011

This e-mail is being sent to members, adherents, and past guests of Spirit West United Church.



Sunday March 6, 2011 10:30 AM



This Sunday’s theme is Transfiguration Sunday, the Sunday before the beginning of Lent. There are some fun powerpoint slides for heavenly humor entitled “10 ways to transform your life.” This week’s choir offering is entitled “To touch the heart of God.” About every other month I do a guided meditation, and this week’s one fits in with the theme of Transfiguration and encountering God. We will also celebrate Communion this week, and will incorporate movement to the mountain top to be with God. It should be an interesting and good service.



Special Notice – After church this Sunday the men’s group are putting on their yearly pancake brunch for the congregation. It will take place after church this year, so no one has to get up early! There is no charge for the brunch, although I believe there will be a basket for freewill offerings. For those who are able to stay, there should be some good food and fellowship.



Next Sunday March 13 – Baptism Sunday, Celtic Sunday. We will also remember Ash Wednesday, and will incorporate a service of ashes this Sunday as well.



Yours in faith and joy,



Rev. Garth Bogart

Sunday January 16 at 10:30 AM - Building a new life

This Sunday January 16 at 10:30 AM we gather to say hello again to Rev. Garth Bogart, and goodbye to Rev. Larry Wright! I’m (Rev. Garth Bogart) glad to be back, feeling refreshed, and really looking forward to seeing you folks again! Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes in the past few months.

This week’s sermon is entitled “Building a new life” where I will share with you some ideas and tips for rebuilding and re-visioning our own lives as we look ahead as individuals to 2011. As well, I will weave through the narrative a little bit of my personal story related to my recovery from depression. The service will include a mix of uplifting music including a choir anthem entitled “Here comes the Light.” A humorous slide presentation entitled “May you always make the right moves” will getting you thinking about the upcoming year. As well, a video clip from the movie “Lord of the Rings” will get you thinking about your call to new life and your place in the world.

I’m really hoping to see you this Sunday.

Yours in faith and joy,

Rev. Garth Bogart