April 1 - Palm Sunday

Greetings,


This Sunday is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week. In some traditions, this Sunday is also called Passion Sunday, and as part of the Service a very long portion of John's Gospel is read detailing the events from Jesus' entry into Jerusalem to the Crucifixion. We are not doing this, because you have opportunity during Holy Week (Maundy Thurday and Good Friday) to hear the parts of the story which are really important to an good understanding of the Resurrection. On Sunday we will concetrate on the story of Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem as Mark tells it. The Service opens with a Palm Procession around the Church. Come and join in! We will also be welcoming six adults who have decided to make Spirit West their church home. One is being baptised and confirmed, one is being confirmed and four are transfered their memberships from other congregations. It will be an exciting service.

The Readings are Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 and Mark 11: 1-11

The Sermon is "Palms to Crosses"

See you Sunday
Larry Wright

As well as the Important Dates below please note the two events for Youth

Important Dates

• Tuesdays of Lent, 7:00 pm- The Gospel of Mark - note this Study will not meet again until Tuesday 10 April.
• Youth Events
• Easter Vigil for Youth (Edmonton Presbytery) - Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 - 123 St. Meet at the Robertson-Wesley on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 7:00pm, the event concludes with a 7:00am Sunrise Service and Breakfast on Easter Sunday, April 8. Youth are invited to come for the whole vigil or may join for an hour on the Saturday at 11:00pm. Youth wishing to stay for the whole vigil are asked to bring sleeping items. RSVP by April 4 to Karen at 780-975-4368.
• Future Quest Program for Youth 14-17, Aug 4-18, 2012 at Queen's School of Religion, Kingston ON For more information see http://www.queensu.ca/theology/leadership/futurequest/summer.html
  
• Holy Week Services
• Palm Sunday, 1 April, 10:30 - Worship with Palm Procession.
• Maundy Thursday, 5 April, 6:00 pm - A Seder for Christians Experience the special Passover Meal that became Communion for the Church. Our Spirit West Seder will be a Pot-luck Supper set in the midst of the Passover remembrance. This is an experience for the whole family. Come join us. In order to set tables for the right number, you are asked to sign up for the Seder on the sheet that will be available this Sunday or email the chuch. spiritw@telus.net
• Good Friday, 6 April, 10:30 am - The Way of the Cross. With Prayer, Readings and Music contemplate the journey to Calvary as you view scenes of Christ's Passion as it has been depicted by artists through the centuries.
• Easter Sunday, 8 April, 10:00 - The Celebration of the Resurrection. Come join the joyful celebration of the central story of our Christian faith. If you wish to add to the beauty of the Church for this special time by lending us plants or floral arrangements, please bring them, if you can, to the Church on Good Friday. You can also bring them Easter Sunday morning.