Jan. 20, 2013 - 2nd Sunday in Epiphany

Greetings,

Sunday Worship

This Sunday has the inspiring name of The Second Sunday after Epiphany.  The Gospel reading (from John) tells the story of Jesus changing water into wine at a wedding banquet.   In the Gospel of John, this is Jesus’ first miracle. It starts with Mary coming to Jesus to tell him that the host has run out of wine, with the apparent expectation that Jesus will do something about it.   Jesus does something, but somewhat reluctantly.  It is an odd first miracle.  Matthew’s introduction to Jesus’ adult ministry is to tell that us that Jesus taught, preached and healed all kinds of diseases.  Mark tells of Jesus driving the demon out of a man, and Luke repeats this story.  Changing water into wine at a wedding party seems an almost frivolous miracle by comparison with others.  Is there more to it...?

 For the Story for all ages, we will be moving from the Font to the Table, looking at “Food for a Journey.”

From the Scriptures we will hear from Letters to Churches: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11,  and from the Gospels: John 2: 1-11 

The reflection is, “It’s a party”  

Messy Church

This is not about the work of the cleaning teams at Sprit West.  This is about a style of ministering to people, first developed in England, that focuses particularly on the needs and concerns of people for whom a weekly commitment to Sunday morning is not really an option.  As part of the service on Sunday, John Punko will be offering a brief presentation on “Messy Church.”   Is this a possibility for Spirit West?  Come and hear about alternative ways of being and doing church.

­Lenten Study

Starting on the February 6 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, there will be a Lenten Study 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 will be a copy available to look at on Sunday.  A couple of people who are not free during the day have expressed a interest in an evening study.  I would like to propose Tuesday evenings as a possibility starting Tuesday, Feb 12.  Let me know by return email or on Sunday if you would be interested.

Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)

Ø  Mon, Jan 21 – Worship Meeting
Ø  Tues, Jan 22 - Membership
Ø  Tues, Jan 29 – Board Meeting

Ø  Wed, Feb to Mar 17 – Lent Bible study

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

God bless,

Larry

 

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org