Jan. 22, 2012 - Baptism

Greetings,


This Sunday at Spirit West we will be celebrating the Baptism of a baby named Sara. The focus of the Service is on Baptism. It is one of the two Sacraments of the United Church. I am playing a bit fast an loose with the lectionary this week. The story of the Baptism of Jesus is usually shared on the second Sunday of the year. But that was our first service of 2012, it was Cinnamon Bun Sunday and it was the Sunday right after Epiphany. So, because we are celebrating a Baptism, we going to focus on Baptism, and what it means for us today, using the readings from an earlier Sunday in the lectionary. The two Bible passages both deal with Baptism, the one from Mark describes the Baptism of Jesus by John. The reading from Acts records a conversation Paul had with members of the Church at Ephesus about their baptism, and their understanding of it.

The two readings are Acts 19: 1-7 and Mark 1: 4-11

I've titled my Sermon: "Into what were you baptized?" That's Paul question to the believers at Ephesus, and one that we might ask ourselves.

Check out the Important Dates below. If there are events or activities listed that interest you, but you need more information, please call the church (780-481-1406) or email.

See you Sunday,

Larry Wright

Important Dates
Saturday, 21 January – Men’s Breakfast

Friday, 27 January – Movie Night – All are invited to join in Friday January 27 with other folk from Spirit West & their friends to see the highly rated “THE IRON LADY’ starring Meryl Streep followed with discussion & refreshments at Marian Tannahill’s house. An email will be sent out next Wednesday or Thursday to give you show time & theatre. For more information call Marian at 780-487-2851.

Sunday, 29 January - Special Congregational Meeting immediately following the Service. The Join Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) will be officially presenting their Report to the Congregation. This Report was sent to you electronically and hard copies will be available on Sunday. Please read it carefully. This report will provide the wider church with our congregational and community background, needs and vision as well as the "job" description for the Minister's position at Spirit West. This report, once approved by the congregation, goes to Presbytery and then to the wider church. It is a major step in the process of seeking, finding, and calling a minister to this congregation.

Sunday, 5 February – lunch for Hospitality teams / greeters after the service