Greetings,
If the world doesn’t end tomorrow (and I don’t expect it
to), here is what is coming up in the next while at Spirit West.
Worship
This Sunday is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent.
The focus of this Sunday is Mary. Now, Mary does not get a lot of air
time in the United Church, or in fact in most churches of the Reform Tradition,
so this Sunday is a bit of a change.
From the
Scriptures we will hear from the Prophets: Micah 5: 2-5a, and from
the Gospels: Luke 1: 39-45. We will also sing together a Canticle or
Scripture Song, the “Magnificat” or “Mary’s Song” from Luke 1: 47-49
The sermon title is taken from the Gospel reading, “All
people will call me blessed.”
Monday is the day
before Christmas, so our Christmas Eve Service
will be Monday night at 6:30 pm. I
am calling the Service, “Let
us go now to Bethlehem.” It is a family service based on a Service of
Lessons and Carols, and will include readings, music and brief reflections that
will take us to Bethlehem. If your children want to take part in the
impromptu Pageant during the Service, they can either come to the Service
dressed as an shepherds or angels, or they can put one of the costumes here at
the Church.
Sunday,
December 30th, Cinnamon Bun Sunday. We will gather for worship in the
Lower Hall, and as we sit around tables sharing cinnamon buns and hot drinks we
will share some stories and sing hymns, songs and carols about traditions
associated with Christmas, perhaps answering the question, “Where did all this
stuff come from?”
Sunday School
This
Sunday we will be discussing the birth of Jesus. The real Christmas
story. We will also be doing crafts and activities. See you then.
Christmas Hampers
Again this year, under the guidance of Rebecca Rivet,
our Church will be providing Christmas Hampers to needy families. Thank you to
all who sponsored Hampers or brought gifts for the children. “Hamper
Shopping” will be on Dec 22nd. This is a youth focused event,
interested youth are to meet
at the Church at 6:00pm for pizza and then everyone will go to
Wal-Mart West (18521 Stony Plain Rd) at 7:00pm for “the shopping!”. Please
let Rebecca Rivet know at rebeccarivet@hotmal.com
if you will attend (pizza and shopping, or just shopping) so she
can have idea of numbers.
Outreach
If you missed SOCK SUNDAY, you can still bring pairs of new
warm socks (wool and “diabetic” preferred) to the Church and they will be
gathered up to bring warmth and comfort to Edmonton’s homeless.
“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!” These items can be brought to the Church, from whence they
will be taken to the Bissell Centre.
SPIRIT
WEST CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY CLOSURE
The Church Office will be closed from Monday, December 24th
until Wednesday, January 2nd, if you need to contact the Minister
during this time, call the church office at 780-481-1406 and listen to the
voice-mail message for contact information.
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
Friday,
December 21 – End of the World or just the end of a 5,125 year cycle in
the Mayan Long Count Calendar according to some calculations.
(Y) Saturday, December 22 – Hamper
Shopping, 6:00pm at the Church for Pizza,
Shopping at Wal-Mart West starting at 7:00pm (see note above)
Sunday,
December 23 at 10:30 am – Advent 4
Monday,
December 24 at 6:30pm – CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE, “Let us go now to
Bethlehem”
Sunday,
December 30 at 10:30 am – Cinnamon Bun Sunday, Where did we get all this
stuff? ( a look at some Christmas traditions)
Sunday,
January 6, 2013 at 10:30 am – Epiphany Sunday with Holy Communion
Thanks for reading, and (if we are still around) I hope to see you over Christmas, and if not, may you and your family know the joy and blessing of Christmas and all the best in 2013.
(Rev.)
Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
MinisterSpirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
