Thursday, March 14, 2013

March 17, 2013 - 5th Sunday of Lent - Celtic Sunday


Sunday Worship
We’re calling this Sunday, Celtic Sunday.  Some of you may know of it as St. Patrick’s Day, but at Spirit West we are going put aside the green beer, and look at what the Celtic Church gave to our understanding of our faith.  The term Celtic Church refers to the church that existed in what we now think of as the British Isles, Ireland and northern France around the 5th to 9th centuries.  It was a church that had been established by missionaries from Rome in the early years of the Christian era.  When the Romans pulled out, the church was left to develop on its own. And it did so, producing such figures as Patrick, David and Columba.  But it also developed to the point that when missionaries from Rome came to Britain again centuries later, they found a church that they did not recognize or understand.  Ultimately, much of what made the Celtic church unique was suppressed.  But recent work has been done to seek for that which was lost.  So on Sunday, in word and music we will celebrate the unique gifts of the Celtic church.  The readings from Scripture are not the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, but for the Feast of St. Patrick.  They focus on the call to be the voice for God’s message in a variety of times and places.

In the time for the Story for all ages, we will hear about “Patrick


From the Scriptures we will hear from the Prophets: Jeremiah 4-9,  and from the Gospels: Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20.
The reflection is, “Saints of the Celtic Church”  


Special Note about the Wednesday Lenten Study
Next week only, the Wednesday Lenten Study will be on Tuesday, March 19, same time same place.

Sunday School
This Sunday we will continue with our Lord's Prayer craft and explore prayers. what they are, who they are for and how do we pray.  See you Sunday.

Membership Classes
Membership Classes will be starting on Sunday afternoons in the near future.  Watch this space and the Sunday announcement sheet for details.

rEvolve Concert:  Music to renew the Soul
It has been confirmed that rEvolve will play in concert at Spirit West United Church on Sunday, April 14 at 7:00pm.  Mark it on your calendar.  It is hoped that this concert will also be the launch for their new CD

Maundy Thursday Seder Supper for Christians
On Maundy Thursday, March 28 at 6:00pm we will remember Jesus’ time with his disciples at a Passover meal that became for us Holy Communion.  The is a combination Pot-Luck Supper and Service.  Because we need to know how many to set up for, we are asking that you sign up.  There will be sign-up sheets available on Sunday.  For those of you who attended the Seder last year, we will be using a different (and somewhat shorter) Haggadah (Order of Service) this year.

Messy Church
Messy Church is an innovative way to be the Church in a way that appeals to all ages, particularly young families.  It is an opportunity to experience the stories of faith in a different way and time from the typical Sunday morning.  It is an experience of community time involving story and music, a variety of “messy” hands-on crafts and activities, a celebration and dinner.  We will be piloting “Messy Church” on Saturday, June 1wt at 4:00pm.  Please spread the word to others who might enjoy this experience.  On June 1st we will share the story of Noah in a number of ways.  If you want to know more about Messy Church, check our website www.spiritwest.org

Annual Plant Sale
For the past two years, Liane Maitland organized a plant sale here at Spirit West.  It provided the community with some lovely plants.  With Liane’s passing, we have lost our Plant Sale Co-ordinator.  We have willing workers, but we are looking for someone who will take on the role of co-ordinator so that the Plant Sale can continue.  If you are interested, please call the church office (780-481-1406)

Church Photo Directory
At church last Sunday, there seemed to be a general support for a Photo Directory for Spirit West.  Now we are looking for one or two people who would like to work with IPC to make this happen.  This would be to act as the local contact.  If you are interested please talk  to Norma or Larry, or email the church.

Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)

F Sunday, March 17  – Celtic Sunday
F Tuesday, March 19 – Lenten Study, 1:30 pm
F Friday, March 22 – Soul Circle, 1:30 pm
F Tuesday, March 26 – Board Meeting, 7:00 pm

Looking Ahead to Holy Week
F Thursday, March 28 – Maundy Thursday, 6:00pm – A Seder for Christians (Pot-luck Supper and Service combined)
F Friday, March 29 – Good Friday Service, 10:30
F Sunday, March 31 – Easter – Celebration of the Resurrection with Communion, 10:30

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to seeing you.

Céad míle fáilte

Blessings,

Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.org

 

 


 

 

 











 

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