Hi again,
From now on, you will find this message divided into sections. I hope you read all of it, but the sections may help you narrow in on a particular activity or event.
See you Sunday,
Blessings,
Larry Wright
Worship
This is Blessing of the Animals Sunday. In a number of Christian traditions, our connection to all life on the planet, especially to those animals with whom we share our homes is celebrated. The timing of these celebrations usually coincides with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4) which is next Thursday. So you are invited to bring your pets to church. It is important that you have positive control of your pet during the service, we don’t want one pet eating another, or running away. So far at Spirit West, the pets who have attended have been quite well behaved. We want both you and your pets to feel comfortable. If you feel that your pet(s) might not do so well among other animals and people, then please bring a photo. The Blessing will take place near the beginning of the service.
From the Scriptures we will hear Genesis 1:26 – 2:1, and Matthew 6: 25-29
I have not come up with a good Sermon title, so you will have wait and see.
Sunday School
This Sunday we are blessing the animals. God had Noah build an ark to save 2 of every animal.
We are going to find out who was in "The Bottom of the Boat" and how they survived. If the weather holds out we will see how many we can get in our ark
Youth
On Saturday, the Youth of Edmonton Presbytery will be involved in a Progressive Dinner. The theme for the Dinner is “Hunger Games.” The images from this book will be used as a background for an evening of fun at three different Edmonton United Churches. At the same time we will also be exploring “Hunger.” If you have read the book (or know a teen who has) you will understand that the story involves a fierce competition. We are also have some competition, but not with such deadly consequences. The enemy being fought in our “Hunger Games” is hunger. Dessert and the “Final Challenge” will be at Spirit West. Check out Youth of Edmonton United on Facebook.
Soul Circle
SOUL CIRCLE starts Oct. 19 at 1:30 in the lounge. Bring an art or craft to work on. Newcomers welcome. Call Lou at 780-481-4991 for more info.
Stewardship and Finance
The Stewardship and Finance Committee feels that it is important to provide you with periodic updates as to our Church finances.
The 2012 projected budget deficit for the year is $7700. Our actual deficit as of Aug.30, 2012 is -$26,626. Unfortunately donations are down 17%.
As a congregation we need to pull together and grow our revenues by continued fund raising and donations. This fall is a critical time for us.
Please be generous.
Yours in faith
The Stewardship Committee
As well, please note the Important Dates and Youth Events (Y) below. If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact the church.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Sunday, October 7 – Thanksgiving and Worldwide Communion
Saturday, October 20 – Fall Supper and Silent Auction. Starting at 5:30pm, $25/person, $60/family $15/student. We are looking for donations of new goods and services from individuals or businesses for the Silent Auction. Folks can contact either Cathy or Dave.
(Y) Saturday, October 27 – Halloween Dance. Southminster-Steinhauer UC, 7:30pm $5/person
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sept. 23, 2012 - 17th Sunday after Penecost or 3rd Sunday of Creation Time - Fire Drill Sunday
Hi again,
This message has a bunch of parts, please read all them.
Worship
Well, we are getting back into the swing of things. There are two Services this Sunday. The Morning Service (sounds old fashioned, but it’s not) at 10:30 am will look at the story in Mark’s Gospel of Jesus explaining faith by using the example of a child. We will be adding a bit of excitement to the Service by closing with a Fire Drill. As a public building, we are supposed to have periodic fire drills, so in consultation with Captain Murray Pauluk of the Edmonton Fire Department, we are having our first fire drill on Sunday. This is a training fire drill which is why there is so much notice. Come out, share worship with others and learn how we will keep safe.
From the Scriptures we will hear James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a and Mark 9: 30-37 .
I have titled my Sermon, “Our Faith – Childlike or Childish”
The Evening Service at 7:00 pm is officially called the “Covenanting Service for the New Pastoral Relationship between Larry K. Wright, Spirit West United Church and Edmonton Presbytery.” It is the official recognition by the Church that I am your minister for as long as you want me. The Service will be led by the Rev. Deborah Hoekstra, Chair of Edmonton Presbytery and the Preacher will be the Rev. Dr. John Henry Weinlick, former minister of this congregation and recently retired from McDougall United Church.
From the Scriptures we will sing Psalm 23, and hear John 10:2-5, 11-15
John Henry’s Sermon is “The Good Shepherd is a Leader”
Sunday School
Are you ready to get wet? In this week's all-ages lesson we will be learning the story of Baby Moses: discussing our fears, taking comfort in God, and the importance of knowing which materials float!
Youth
On the evening of Saturday, Sep 29, the Youth of Edmonton Presbytery will be involved in a Progressive Dinner. The theme for the Dinner is “Hunger Games.” The images from this book will be used as a background for an evening of fun at three different Edmonton United Churches. At the same time we will also be exploring “Hunger.” If you have read the book (or know a teen who has) you will understand that the story involves a fierce competition. We are also have some competition, but not with such deadly consequences. The enemy being fought in our “Hunger Games” is hunger. You can help the “Spirit West District” earn points by responding to the call to “Foodraise.” Bring an item (or items) of non-perishable food to church on Sunday and put it (them) in the Hunger Games Bin. You can also extend your help by making a “Foodraising Pledge” As One Star pledge is a commitment to contribute one item of non-perishable food once a month until the end of June 2013. A Four Star pledge is a commitment to make the contribution weekly. All food collected will go to the Edmonton Food Bank. Bring your food on Sunday and sign a Pledge. Help feed Edmonton and help “Spirit West District” win the Hunger Games! Also, check out Youth of Edmonton United on Facebook.
Book Study
Our 1st event will be a book discussion on "Conversation with God"'. "Suppose you could ask God the most puzzling questions about existence--questions about love and faith, life and death, good and evil. Suppose God provided clear, understandable answers. It happened to Neale Donald Walsch. It can happen to you. You are about to have a conversation..." This is an extremely interesting and enlighten book. The Book discussion will be led by Anne Dingwell. It will start the week of Oct. 8 to the week of Nov. 21. The exact date and time will be determined by those attending. Please let us know if you want to participate in his discussion.
See you Sunday,
Blessings,
Larry Wright
As well, please note the Important Dates and Youth Events (Y) below. If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact the church.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
(Y) Saturday, September 29, 5:00 pm-9:00? pm – HUNGER GAMES PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Sunday, September 30 – BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your pet(s) to church and give thanks for all God’s creation. Those of you who have been here for this service in the past know what a wonderful time it is for all present. If it is awkward to bring your pet(s), because it’s hard to move the 100 gallon aquarium or for any other reason, bring a picture of them.
This message has a bunch of parts, please read all them.
Worship
Well, we are getting back into the swing of things. There are two Services this Sunday. The Morning Service (sounds old fashioned, but it’s not) at 10:30 am will look at the story in Mark’s Gospel of Jesus explaining faith by using the example of a child. We will be adding a bit of excitement to the Service by closing with a Fire Drill. As a public building, we are supposed to have periodic fire drills, so in consultation with Captain Murray Pauluk of the Edmonton Fire Department, we are having our first fire drill on Sunday. This is a training fire drill which is why there is so much notice. Come out, share worship with others and learn how we will keep safe.
From the Scriptures we will hear James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a and Mark 9: 30-37 .
I have titled my Sermon, “Our Faith – Childlike or Childish”
The Evening Service at 7:00 pm is officially called the “Covenanting Service for the New Pastoral Relationship between Larry K. Wright, Spirit West United Church and Edmonton Presbytery.” It is the official recognition by the Church that I am your minister for as long as you want me. The Service will be led by the Rev. Deborah Hoekstra, Chair of Edmonton Presbytery and the Preacher will be the Rev. Dr. John Henry Weinlick, former minister of this congregation and recently retired from McDougall United Church.
From the Scriptures we will sing Psalm 23, and hear John 10:2-5, 11-15
John Henry’s Sermon is “The Good Shepherd is a Leader”
Sunday School
Are you ready to get wet? In this week's all-ages lesson we will be learning the story of Baby Moses: discussing our fears, taking comfort in God, and the importance of knowing which materials float!
Youth
On the evening of Saturday, Sep 29, the Youth of Edmonton Presbytery will be involved in a Progressive Dinner. The theme for the Dinner is “Hunger Games.” The images from this book will be used as a background for an evening of fun at three different Edmonton United Churches. At the same time we will also be exploring “Hunger.” If you have read the book (or know a teen who has) you will understand that the story involves a fierce competition. We are also have some competition, but not with such deadly consequences. The enemy being fought in our “Hunger Games” is hunger. You can help the “Spirit West District” earn points by responding to the call to “Foodraise.” Bring an item (or items) of non-perishable food to church on Sunday and put it (them) in the Hunger Games Bin. You can also extend your help by making a “Foodraising Pledge” As One Star pledge is a commitment to contribute one item of non-perishable food once a month until the end of June 2013. A Four Star pledge is a commitment to make the contribution weekly. All food collected will go to the Edmonton Food Bank. Bring your food on Sunday and sign a Pledge. Help feed Edmonton and help “Spirit West District” win the Hunger Games! Also, check out Youth of Edmonton United on Facebook.
Book Study
Our 1st event will be a book discussion on "Conversation with God"'. "Suppose you could ask God the most puzzling questions about existence--questions about love and faith, life and death, good and evil. Suppose God provided clear, understandable answers. It happened to Neale Donald Walsch. It can happen to you. You are about to have a conversation..." This is an extremely interesting and enlighten book. The Book discussion will be led by Anne Dingwell. It will start the week of Oct. 8 to the week of Nov. 21. The exact date and time will be determined by those attending. Please let us know if you want to participate in his discussion.
See you Sunday,
Blessings,
Larry Wright
As well, please note the Important Dates and Youth Events (Y) below. If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact the church.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
(Y) Saturday, September 29, 5:00 pm-9:00? pm – HUNGER GAMES PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Sunday, September 30 – BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your pet(s) to church and give thanks for all God’s creation. Those of you who have been here for this service in the past know what a wonderful time it is for all present. If it is awkward to bring your pet(s), because it’s hard to move the 100 gallon aquarium or for any other reason, bring a picture of them.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Sept. 16, 2012 - 16th Sunday aftr Pentecost (2nd Sunday of Creation Time) with baptism and confirmation
Hello,
It was great to see so many of you last Sunday for our Welcome Back. It was also really great to see all the children who will benefit from all the planning the Dana and Edina have been doing for the Sunday School. I hope the adults got a chance to look at the displays, and see the number of activities and programmes we would like to see happen to keep Spirit West a dynamic, thriving and nurturing community of faith.
This Sunday, the readings are pointing to a topic that was touched on in the middle of August- Wisdom. Again, from the Writings, we see hear Lady Wisdom in Proverbs calling to us to heed her words. In his letter to Christians, James creates a somewhat disturbing picture of the damage our words can do using the image of the tongue, comparing the small size of the tongue with the great damage that is done. And in Mark’s Gospel, we see my favourite disciple (Peter) opening his mouth and getting it right and then almost immediately opening his mouth and getting it wrong.
We will be celebrating Aurora's baptism and Daniel's confirmation.
From the Scriptures we will hear Proverbs 1:20-33; James 3:1-12 and Mark 8:27-38
I have titled my Sermon, “Speaking Wisdom”
Free Books
There are still books on the bookshelf at the back of the sanctuary. They are free for the taking. If you see something you like, it’s yours. If you see something that you think should be in the church library set it aside. I will leave them out for a few weeks more and then what is left will probably be recycled and the shelf will find a home elsewhere in the church
See you Sunday,
Blessings,
Larry Wright
As well, please note the Important Dates and Youth Events (Y) below. If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact the church.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Saturday, September 15, 8:00 am – Men’s Breakfast, Lower Hall. All Men of Spirit West are welcome to attend. There is a nominal cost to cover supplies.
Sunday, September 16, 10:30 am – Baptism and Start of Sunday School Classes
(Y) Sunday, September 16, 6:00 pm – Trinity United Band Concert (youth $5, adults $7)
Sunday, September 23, 10:30 – FIRE DRILL SUNDAY. In response to recommendation from the Edmonton Fire Department, we will be having a Fire Drill at the end of the Service. This will be a training fire drill so that we all know what to do.
Sunday, September 23, 7:00 pm – COVENANTING SERVICE for Rev. Larry Wright and Spirit West United Church. This is the formal service that marks the pastoral relationship that began July 1.
(Y) Saturday, September 29, 5:00 pm-9:00? pm – HUNGER GAMES PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Sunday, September 30 – BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your pet(s) to church and give thanks for all God’s creation. Those of you who have been here for this service in the past know what a wonderful time it is for all present. If it is awkward to bring your pet(s), because it’s hard to move the 100 gallon aquarium or for any other reason, bring a picture of them.
It was great to see so many of you last Sunday for our Welcome Back. It was also really great to see all the children who will benefit from all the planning the Dana and Edina have been doing for the Sunday School. I hope the adults got a chance to look at the displays, and see the number of activities and programmes we would like to see happen to keep Spirit West a dynamic, thriving and nurturing community of faith.
This Sunday, the readings are pointing to a topic that was touched on in the middle of August- Wisdom. Again, from the Writings, we see hear Lady Wisdom in Proverbs calling to us to heed her words. In his letter to Christians, James creates a somewhat disturbing picture of the damage our words can do using the image of the tongue, comparing the small size of the tongue with the great damage that is done. And in Mark’s Gospel, we see my favourite disciple (Peter) opening his mouth and getting it right and then almost immediately opening his mouth and getting it wrong.
We will be celebrating Aurora's baptism and Daniel's confirmation.
From the Scriptures we will hear Proverbs 1:20-33; James 3:1-12 and Mark 8:27-38
I have titled my Sermon, “Speaking Wisdom”
Free Books
There are still books on the bookshelf at the back of the sanctuary. They are free for the taking. If you see something you like, it’s yours. If you see something that you think should be in the church library set it aside. I will leave them out for a few weeks more and then what is left will probably be recycled and the shelf will find a home elsewhere in the church
See you Sunday,
Blessings,
Larry Wright
As well, please note the Important Dates and Youth Events (Y) below. If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact the church.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Saturday, September 15, 8:00 am – Men’s Breakfast, Lower Hall. All Men of Spirit West are welcome to attend. There is a nominal cost to cover supplies.
Sunday, September 16, 10:30 am – Baptism and Start of Sunday School Classes
(Y) Sunday, September 16, 6:00 pm – Trinity United Band Concert (youth $5, adults $7)
Sunday, September 23, 10:30 – FIRE DRILL SUNDAY. In response to recommendation from the Edmonton Fire Department, we will be having a Fire Drill at the end of the Service. This will be a training fire drill so that we all know what to do.
Sunday, September 23, 7:00 pm – COVENANTING SERVICE for Rev. Larry Wright and Spirit West United Church. This is the formal service that marks the pastoral relationship that began July 1.
(Y) Saturday, September 29, 5:00 pm-9:00? pm – HUNGER GAMES PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Sunday, September 30 – BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your pet(s) to church and give thanks for all God’s creation. Those of you who have been here for this service in the past know what a wonderful time it is for all present. If it is awkward to bring your pet(s), because it’s hard to move the 100 gallon aquarium or for any other reason, bring a picture of them.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Sept. 9, 2012 - 15th Sunday after Pentecost or 1st Sunday of Creation Time
Hi everyone,
Among the most divisive words in the English language are third person plural pronouns, “they, them, their.” Every time we use these pronouns we set up a division. “They” are always not “us.” Sometimes we use the words merely as a convenience to refer back to a group we have already named. “The Stewardship Committee met a Dave’s place. ‘They’ decided on ideas for a Fall Campaign.” But many times we use these words to set people apart. As soon as we refer to a group as “they”, we are not a part of it. We have seen much of this sort of thing recently in the United States around the GOP and Democratic Conventions, and we have also see it in the election campaign in Quebec. Sentences and questions like, “What do ‘they’ really want?” “’Their’ plan will not...” “If the voters give ‘them’ a mandate, who know what will happen.” All point to a separation between us and this other group. When we regularly use these words when talking about groups of people in our society, there can be problems. “I have heard that ‘they’...! People lumped in groups lose their identity as individuals, their belonging to a particular part of society defines who “they” are. In the Gospel reading this Sunday, Jesus encounters one of “them.” In fact the Samaritan women is one of “them” on two counts. She is a Samaritan. Jews in Jesus’ day did not associate with “them.” She is also a unrelated women, not part of the family of Jesus, meeting Jesus in public. Men of Jesus’ day would avoid any public association with “them.” Jesus response to the women is a bit shocking for us, as he appears to uphold the standard of the day and responds to her quite rudely. But she has a response to Jesus that changes things. We will have a look at how we relate to “them” in our own world. For us, who are “they?”
From the Scriptures we will hear Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; James 2:1-17 and Mark 7:24-37
I have titled my Sermon, “Who is ‘They’?”
Free Books
There are still books on the bookshelf at the back of the sanctuary. They are free for the taking. If you see something you like, it’s yours. If you see something that you think should be in the church library set it aside. I will leave them out for a few weeks more and then what is left will probably be recycled and the shelf will find a home elsewhere in the church
See you Sunday,
Blessings,
Larry Wright
As well, please note the Important Dates below. If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact the church.
Important Dates
Saturday, September 15 – Men’s Breakfast, Lower Hall, 8:00 am
Sunday, September 16 – Baptism and Start of Sunday School Classes
Sunday, September 23, 10:30 – FIRE DRILL SUNDAY. In response to recommendation from the Edmonton Fire Department, we will be having a Fire Drill at the end of the Service. This will be a training fire drill so that we all know what to do.
Sunday, September 23, 7:00 pm – COVENANTING SERVICE for Rev. Larry Wright and Spirit West United Church. This is the formal service that marks the pastoral relationship that began July 1.
Sunday, September 29 – BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your pet(s) to church and give thanks for all God’s creation. Those of you who have been here for this service in the past know what a wonderful time it is for all present. If it is awkward to bring your pet(s), because it’s hard to move the 100 gallon aquarium or for any other reason, bring a picture of them.
Among the most divisive words in the English language are third person plural pronouns, “they, them, their.” Every time we use these pronouns we set up a division. “They” are always not “us.” Sometimes we use the words merely as a convenience to refer back to a group we have already named. “The Stewardship Committee met a Dave’s place. ‘They’ decided on ideas for a Fall Campaign.” But many times we use these words to set people apart. As soon as we refer to a group as “they”, we are not a part of it. We have seen much of this sort of thing recently in the United States around the GOP and Democratic Conventions, and we have also see it in the election campaign in Quebec. Sentences and questions like, “What do ‘they’ really want?” “’Their’ plan will not...” “If the voters give ‘them’ a mandate, who know what will happen.” All point to a separation between us and this other group. When we regularly use these words when talking about groups of people in our society, there can be problems. “I have heard that ‘they’...! People lumped in groups lose their identity as individuals, their belonging to a particular part of society defines who “they” are. In the Gospel reading this Sunday, Jesus encounters one of “them.” In fact the Samaritan women is one of “them” on two counts. She is a Samaritan. Jews in Jesus’ day did not associate with “them.” She is also a unrelated women, not part of the family of Jesus, meeting Jesus in public. Men of Jesus’ day would avoid any public association with “them.” Jesus response to the women is a bit shocking for us, as he appears to uphold the standard of the day and responds to her quite rudely. But she has a response to Jesus that changes things. We will have a look at how we relate to “them” in our own world. For us, who are “they?”
From the Scriptures we will hear Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; James 2:1-17 and Mark 7:24-37
I have titled my Sermon, “Who is ‘They’?”
Free Books
There are still books on the bookshelf at the back of the sanctuary. They are free for the taking. If you see something you like, it’s yours. If you see something that you think should be in the church library set it aside. I will leave them out for a few weeks more and then what is left will probably be recycled and the shelf will find a home elsewhere in the church
See you Sunday,
Blessings,
Larry Wright
As well, please note the Important Dates below. If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact the church.
Important Dates
Saturday, September 15 – Men’s Breakfast, Lower Hall, 8:00 am
Sunday, September 16 – Baptism and Start of Sunday School Classes
Sunday, September 23, 10:30 – FIRE DRILL SUNDAY. In response to recommendation from the Edmonton Fire Department, we will be having a Fire Drill at the end of the Service. This will be a training fire drill so that we all know what to do.
Sunday, September 23, 7:00 pm – COVENANTING SERVICE for Rev. Larry Wright and Spirit West United Church. This is the formal service that marks the pastoral relationship that began July 1.
Sunday, September 29 – BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your pet(s) to church and give thanks for all God’s creation. Those of you who have been here for this service in the past know what a wonderful time it is for all present. If it is awkward to bring your pet(s), because it’s hard to move the 100 gallon aquarium or for any other reason, bring a picture of them.
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