Greetings,
Sunday Worship
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. The readings from 1 Corinthians that we have heard over the last few weeks form what is known in the trade as Lectio continuo, or continuous reading. Since January 20th, we have been reading through the twelfth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, and this Sunday we move into the thirteenth chapter of that letter. This Sunday’s passage is most often heard at weddings, and provides a wonderful description of the love that should exist in a marriage, but Paul’s intention was that the Christians at Corinth should see and practice this love in all their relationships. The Gospel reading from Luke follows the incident from last week’s reading where Jesus was offered the opportunity to read the scripture in the Synagogue. This week we get the congregation’s reaction to his reading and commentary. They are only momentarily impressed, until someone draws attention to the fact that Jesus is just Joseph’s boy. Putting the two readings together (which can be a bit of a struggle) we will look at Paul’s concern that “love” was not being rightly understood or practiced in the Corinthian church. Then, what about the congregation in the synagogue in Nazareth? And what about us?
Sunday Worship
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. The readings from 1 Corinthians that we have heard over the last few weeks form what is known in the trade as Lectio continuo, or continuous reading. Since January 20th, we have been reading through the twelfth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, and this Sunday we move into the thirteenth chapter of that letter. This Sunday’s passage is most often heard at weddings, and provides a wonderful description of the love that should exist in a marriage, but Paul’s intention was that the Christians at Corinth should see and practice this love in all their relationships. The Gospel reading from Luke follows the incident from last week’s reading where Jesus was offered the opportunity to read the scripture in the Synagogue. This week we get the congregation’s reaction to his reading and commentary. They are only momentarily impressed, until someone draws attention to the fact that Jesus is just Joseph’s boy. Putting the two readings together (which can be a bit of a struggle) we will look at Paul’s concern that “love” was not being rightly understood or practiced in the Corinthian church. Then, what about the congregation in the synagogue in Nazareth? And what about us?
For the Story for all ages, we will be moving from the Font to the Table to the Pulpit to the Doors, looking at “Coming and Going.”
From the Scriptures we will hear from Letters to Churches: 1 Corinthians 13, 1-13, and from the Gospels: Luke 4: 21-30
The reflection is, “Isn’t that Joseph’s boy?”
We will be celebrating communion.
Sunday School
The
Sunday School lesson this week is called "Beside the Pool". It
is the story of the man who had been ill and unable to walk for many years.
He laid on a mat by the pool hoping Jesus would come and heal him. Come
to Sunday School to hear the rest of the story! We will also have the
craft for the children to do. Lenten Study
Starting on the February 6 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, and again on February 12 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm there will be a Lenten Studies at the Church. We will be using the book “Diving Deeply – Daily Devotions for Lent” which is available from the UCRD (United Church online store - http://www.ucrdstore.ca ) for $12.95 for paperback and $7.95 for eBook. There is a copy of the book available to look at on Sunday. There are also sign up sheets for both Studies.
Spirit West News
Help Wanted: People who like to write! Our newsletter needs you! If you enjoy putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, this is your opportunity. Please talk to Bonnie Skaalid about contributing to our newsletter. She is looking for those folks who would like to contribute articles (or write things about events that have occurred). Maybe you know of some new and interesting thing happening in the United Church, or have an idea that you'd like considered (like Messy Church, for example) Maybe you have some great Christian jokes or quotes kicking around that you could contribute. If you are interested, email Bonnie: bskaalid@shaw.ca
Music Experience Night
On February 1st, St. Paul's United Church will host the next City Wide Event- "The Music Experience" Night- kind of like... "The Jimmy Hendrix Experience"- but cooler ;-)
Denise and I are coordinating this fantastic evening of musical exploration and celebration.
Expect to get your hands on a drum, ring a few bells... and be part of a voice orchestra and of course... enjoy a scrumptious snack.
Absolutely NO musical experience (or "aptitude") necessary- we mean it!!!
Come as you are with your hands and your voice, but be ready to try something new and find skills you would never imagine you possessed!
The event starts at 7 pm, and we will have the marvellous facilitation of Marcus Fung, Susan Farrell, and yours truly...
*Some of our facilitators need numbers to adequately prepare.
Please join us!!! Rally your groups and let's continue our city wide connections.
Friday, February 1st ~ 7 PM ~ St Paul's United Church
Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)
FWed, Feb 6 to Mar 27 and Tue, Feb 12 to Mar 26 – Lenten Bible study “Diving Deeply”
F Sun, Feb 10 – Transfiguration Sunday with Annual Budget Meeting
F Sun, Feb 10 – Pancake Lunch (after the Budget Meeting)
F Wednesday, Feb 13 – Ash Wednesday (Lent begins) There is no Ash
Wednesday Service.
F Sun, Feb 17 – First Sunday in Lent, the Sunday Service will
include the Imposition of Ashes
F Sun, Feb 24 – Annual Congregational Meeting
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
God bless,
Larry
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
God bless,
Larry
(Rev.)
Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
MinisterSpirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
