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.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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
For those travelling:
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
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