Happy New Year
Worship
This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Christian calendar, beginning the Season of Advent. In the three year Lectionary, or list of suggested readings for each Sunday, this is the start of Year C. Advent means “coming.” During Advent we prepare for two “comings.” We prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the “coming” of God to earth as a human being. But we also recognize that everything in this world is not as it should be. In this sense, Advent is also a time to reflect on ways in which we can play an active role in preparing a way for God to “come” into our world now. The church as always proclaimed that Christ will come again. The challenge has always been to understand what that means. Is this “second coming” going to be apocalyptic, cataclysmic, revolutionary or unnoticed? There are a number of passages in Scripture that seem to indicate that there will be signs to know when God is coming into the world. We will hear a couple this Sunday.
From the Scriptures we will hear from the Prophets: Jeremiah 33: 14-16, from the Psalms: Psalm 25: 1-10, and from the Gospels: Luke 21: 25-36
The story for all ages is “Signs”
The sermon title is taken from the Gospel reading, “There will be signs.”
Sunday School
This week we will be learning about the birth of a baby. Can you guess who? We will also learn about his family and yours. Characters in our story will come to life as we read on.
Outreach
Sunday, December 9th is SOCK SUNDAY. Bring pairs of new warm socks (wool and “diabetic preferred) to Church and they will be gathered together. They will be given to bring warmth and comfort to Edmonton’s homeless.
BISSELL URGENT APPEAL www.globaltvedmonton.com
“We are completely out of toothpaste, gloves/mitts, and socks. Anything you can do to help really makes a big difference in the lives of those living without a home at this chilling time of year!”
Christmas Hampers
Again this year our Church will be providing Christmas Hampers to needy families. See the poster at the Church to sponsor a hamper or provide a Christmas gift. “Hamper Shopping” will be on Dec 22nd. Watch this space for more details.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Wednesday, December 5 - Book Study, 1:30 in the Lounge, “Conversations with God”
Sunday, December 9 – Second Sunday of Advent – SOCK SUNDAY
Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 - Tri-faith (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) Celebration at City Hall. Music, food and Information sponsored by the Phoenix Multifaith Society for Harmony and the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action.
Sunday, December 16 at 6:30 – CHRISTMAS MIRACLES presented by the musicians of Spirit West. A wonderful evening for the whole family!
Thanks for reading,
See you Sunday,
Larry
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Nov 18, 2012 - 25th Sunday after Pentecost
Greetings
Worship
As some of you may have heard, the world is supposed to end next month because we are coming to the end of a 5,125 year cycle in the Mayan Long Count Calendar. End of time predictions have been common throughout Christian as well as Mayan history. Many “end of the world” dates have come and gone, including most recently May 12, 2011. But, there are a number of passages in Scripture that seem to point to an “end-time.” These passages are often referred to as “apocalyptic” which comes from a Greek word meaning to unveil or reveal. These passages tend to be in the form of prophecies, a word about the future that has been revealed or unveiled by God through the voice of the prophet. These have often been read by the Church as datable predictions of future events, readings that have been frequently proved wrong. So what do we do with apocalyptic literature? We will be looking at one passage on Sunday where the prophet is Jesus. We will also be hearing the words of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. Her prayer gives some insight into an understanding of God’s revelation.
From the Scriptures we will hear from the Letters: 1 Samuel 2: 1-10, and from the Gospels: Mark 13: 1-8
The story for all ages is “Metamorphosis”
The sermon title is “Labour”
Annual Stewardship Campaign
The Annual Stewardship Campaign comes to a close this Sunday. I hope you have received or picked up you Stewardship packages, if not please let the Church know, and we will make sure you get one. While the Campaign is ending our need for your support does not end. Please carefully consider the ways in which you can keep Spirit West alive and well. There will be Cake after church.
Sunday School
The lesson for this week is entitled "A Time for All Things" based on the Bible verse from Ecclesiastes 3:11 - God makes everything happen at the right time. The lesson involves using examples such as The Seasons to discuss how God makes the right time for things to happen. There will be craft activities to reinforce the lesson (and make it more fun).
Youth
The next Youth of Edmonton United event is the Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night. This will be held on Saturday, November 24th from 3-9:30 pm. Meet at Robertson-Wesley United Church (10209- 123 St). Dress warmly and be prepared to walk. Please bring $5 for dinner. All youth are welcome! [See the poster on the notices table]
Hunger Games Foodraising
If you made a pledge to support the Hunger Games Foodraising, don’t forget we are now in November.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Wednesday, Nov. 21 - Book Study, 1:30 in the Lounge, “Conversations with God”
(Y) Saturday, Nov 24, Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night, 3-9: 30 pm
Thanks for reading,
See you Sunday,
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
phone: 780-481-1406
spiritwest.minister@telus.net
website: spiritwest.org
Worship
As some of you may have heard, the world is supposed to end next month because we are coming to the end of a 5,125 year cycle in the Mayan Long Count Calendar. End of time predictions have been common throughout Christian as well as Mayan history. Many “end of the world” dates have come and gone, including most recently May 12, 2011. But, there are a number of passages in Scripture that seem to point to an “end-time.” These passages are often referred to as “apocalyptic” which comes from a Greek word meaning to unveil or reveal. These passages tend to be in the form of prophecies, a word about the future that has been revealed or unveiled by God through the voice of the prophet. These have often been read by the Church as datable predictions of future events, readings that have been frequently proved wrong. So what do we do with apocalyptic literature? We will be looking at one passage on Sunday where the prophet is Jesus. We will also be hearing the words of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. Her prayer gives some insight into an understanding of God’s revelation.
From the Scriptures we will hear from the Letters: 1 Samuel 2: 1-10, and from the Gospels: Mark 13: 1-8
The story for all ages is “Metamorphosis”
The sermon title is “Labour”
Annual Stewardship Campaign
The Annual Stewardship Campaign comes to a close this Sunday. I hope you have received or picked up you Stewardship packages, if not please let the Church know, and we will make sure you get one. While the Campaign is ending our need for your support does not end. Please carefully consider the ways in which you can keep Spirit West alive and well. There will be Cake after church.
Sunday School
The lesson for this week is entitled "A Time for All Things" based on the Bible verse from Ecclesiastes 3:11 - God makes everything happen at the right time. The lesson involves using examples such as The Seasons to discuss how God makes the right time for things to happen. There will be craft activities to reinforce the lesson (and make it more fun).
Youth
The next Youth of Edmonton United event is the Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night. This will be held on Saturday, November 24th from 3-9:30 pm. Meet at Robertson-Wesley United Church (10209- 123 St). Dress warmly and be prepared to walk. Please bring $5 for dinner. All youth are welcome! [See the poster on the notices table]
Hunger Games Foodraising
If you made a pledge to support the Hunger Games Foodraising, don’t forget we are now in November.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Wednesday, Nov. 21 - Book Study, 1:30 in the Lounge, “Conversations with God”
(Y) Saturday, Nov 24, Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night, 3-9: 30 pm
Thanks for reading,
See you Sunday,
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
phone: 780-481-1406
spiritwest.minister@telus.net
website: spiritwest.org
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Nov. 11, 2012 - 24th Sunday after Pentecost and Remembrance Day
Worship
This Sunday, we will participate in a Remembrance Day service. The service will include poetry of war passages, the Last Post, two minutes of silence, reveille and the presentation of the wreath
From the Scriptures we will hear from the Prophets: Isaiah 11: 6-9 and Micah 4: 2-3 and from the Gospels: Luke 12: 48-53
The sermon title is “God, I have a question”
Annual Stewardship Campaign
The Annual Stewardship Campaign is underway. Shortly you will be receiving by email and/or Canada Post your Stewardship Package, which will include the proposed Narrative Budget for 2013 and a Pledge Form. Please carefully consider the ways in which you can keep Spirit West alive and well.
Youth
The next Youth of Edmonton United event is the Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night. This will be held on Saturday, November 24th from 3-9 pm. This event is being organized by Robertson-Wesley. Mark your calendars and watch this space for more details.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Sunday, Nov 11 – Remembrance Day, Our Worship Service starts as usual at 10:30, and will include a time of Remembrance at 11:00.
(Y) Saturday, Nov 24, Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night, 3-9pm
Thanks for reading,
This Sunday, we will participate in a Remembrance Day service. The service will include poetry of war passages, the Last Post, two minutes of silence, reveille and the presentation of the wreath
From the Scriptures we will hear from the Prophets: Isaiah 11: 6-9 and Micah 4: 2-3 and from the Gospels: Luke 12: 48-53
The sermon title is “God, I have a question”
Annual Stewardship Campaign
The Annual Stewardship Campaign is underway. Shortly you will be receiving by email and/or Canada Post your Stewardship Package, which will include the proposed Narrative Budget for 2013 and a Pledge Form. Please carefully consider the ways in which you can keep Spirit West alive and well.
Youth
The next Youth of Edmonton United event is the Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night. This will be held on Saturday, November 24th from 3-9 pm. This event is being organized by Robertson-Wesley. Mark your calendars and watch this space for more details.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Sunday, Nov 11 – Remembrance Day, Our Worship Service starts as usual at 10:30, and will include a time of Remembrance at 11:00.
(Y) Saturday, Nov 24, Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night, 3-9pm
Thanks for reading,
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Nov. 4, 2012 - 23rd after Pentecost and Rodeo Sunday
Howdy Pardners! (Yup, it’s that time of year) and Happy All Saints Day.
Worship
Part of the Spirit West “tradition” is to mark the arrival in Edmonton of the Canadian Finals Rodeo (Nov 7-11). So this Sunday is Rodeo Sunday. The Service will, in part, celebrate our horse-back heritage and the music will have a decidedly “western” feel. So even if you are an urban Cowboy (Cowgirl) put on your boots, your fancy duds and your Stetson and come on down to worship. We will also be gathering around the Table for Communion. The scripture readings focus on “the basics.” What is the most important commandment? How do we follow it in our day?
From the Scriptures we will hear from the Letters: Hebrew 9: 11-15, and from the Gospels: Mark 12: 28-34
The story for all ages is “What’s this for?”
The sermon title is “The Bottom Line”
Annual Stewardship Campaign
The Annual Stewardship Campaign is underway. Shortly you will be receiving by email and/or Canada Post your Stewardship Package, which will include the proposed Narrative Budget for 2013 and a Pledge Form. These Packages are also available for pick-up at the Church. Please carefully consider the ways in which you can keep Spirit West alive and well.
Youth
The next Youth of Edmonton United event is the Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night. This will be held on Saturday, November 24th from 3-9 pm. This event is being organized by Robertson-Wesley. Mark your calendars and watch this space for more details.
Vacation
I will be on vacation next week (Nov. 5-9), visiting in Calgary. I will be back for the service on Nov. 11
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Sunday, Nov. 4 – Rodeo Sunday and Communion
Wednesday, Nov. 7 - Book Study, 1:30 in the Lounge, “Conversations with God”
Sunday, Nov 11 – Remembrance Day, Our Worship Service starts as usual at 10:30, and will include a time of Remembrance at 11:00.
(Y) Saturday, Nov 24, Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night, 3-9pm
Thanks for reading,
See you Sunday,
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
phone: 780-481-1406
email: spiritwest.minister@telus.net
website: spiritwest.org
Worship
Part of the Spirit West “tradition” is to mark the arrival in Edmonton of the Canadian Finals Rodeo (Nov 7-11). So this Sunday is Rodeo Sunday. The Service will, in part, celebrate our horse-back heritage and the music will have a decidedly “western” feel. So even if you are an urban Cowboy (Cowgirl) put on your boots, your fancy duds and your Stetson and come on down to worship. We will also be gathering around the Table for Communion. The scripture readings focus on “the basics.” What is the most important commandment? How do we follow it in our day?
From the Scriptures we will hear from the Letters: Hebrew 9: 11-15, and from the Gospels: Mark 12: 28-34
The story for all ages is “What’s this for?”
The sermon title is “The Bottom Line”
Annual Stewardship Campaign
The Annual Stewardship Campaign is underway. Shortly you will be receiving by email and/or Canada Post your Stewardship Package, which will include the proposed Narrative Budget for 2013 and a Pledge Form. These Packages are also available for pick-up at the Church. Please carefully consider the ways in which you can keep Spirit West alive and well.
Youth
The next Youth of Edmonton United event is the Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night. This will be held on Saturday, November 24th from 3-9 pm. This event is being organized by Robertson-Wesley. Mark your calendars and watch this space for more details.
Vacation
I will be on vacation next week (Nov. 5-9), visiting in Calgary. I will be back for the service on Nov. 11
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Sunday, Nov. 4 – Rodeo Sunday and Communion
Wednesday, Nov. 7 - Book Study, 1:30 in the Lounge, “Conversations with God”
Sunday, Nov 11 – Remembrance Day, Our Worship Service starts as usual at 10:30, and will include a time of Remembrance at 11:00.
(Y) Saturday, Nov 24, Inner-City Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night, 3-9pm
Thanks for reading,
See you Sunday,
Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
phone: 780-481-1406
email: spiritwest.minister@telus.net
website: spiritwest.org
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