March 31, 2013 - Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Greetings,

We are fast approaching the high point of the Christian year.  For the Church, it’s even more important than Christmas.  So here is how we will mark this time at Spirit West.

 Worship during the Triduum
There’s a new word for you (maybe) “Triduum.”  It’s Latin and means Three Days, it’s a  way of saying  “Easter Weekend,”  but is intended to remind us that Easter is the culmination of a journey and includes a significant three day period.  Many theologians have expressed the view, that the full impact of the Resurrection experience of Easter is diminished if one leaves out the experiences of Friday (which includes Thursday night) and Saturday.

Maundy Thursday Seder Supper for Christians
Tonight 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 for the whole family.  Because we need to know how many to set for, if you have not signed up yet please call the church before 3:00 this afternoon.

Good Friday

Friday at 10:30am, a Service of prayer and meditation focusing on reflections on the theme, “The Nails Speak.”

Easter Sunday

Sunday at 10: 30am - The Feast of the Resurrection with Holy Communion.  We will be hearing the resurrection account from the Gospel of John (John 20: 1-18)  We will look at the awkwardness of the first experiences of Jesus’ resurrection as John relates them.  And we will also look at what it means to say, “Christ is Risen!”  in the 21^st century.

Sunday School

Sunday School - Easter Sunday is here and we are planning a party to celebrate Jesus' resurrection.  We have games, stories and treats to enjoy.

Wednesday Lenten Study

he Wednesday Lenten Study  (though by then an Easter Study) will gather one last time on Wednesday, April 3^rd.  Same time same place.

rEvolve Concert:  Music to renew the Soul

The Edmonton/United Church based group  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.

Messy Church: Pilot – June 1^st

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 1st at 4:00pm.  Please spread the word to others who might enjoy this experience.  On June 1^st 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

Hunger Games Foodraising Pledge

This is a reminder to those of you who sign a foodraising pledge for the Youth of Edmonton United Hunger Games.  Don’t forget to bring in your food.  The drive goes until June of this year.

Important Dates and Youth Events (Y)\

The Triduum

F Thursday, March 28 – Maundy Thursday, 6:00 pm – A Seder for Christians (Pot-luck Supper and Service combined)
F Friday, March 29 – Good Friday Service, 10:30 am – “The Nails Speak”
F Sunday, March 31 – Easter – Celebration of the Resurrection with Communion, 10:30 am

Other Dates

F Sunday, April  7 – Heavenly Humour Sunday  – The Joy of Salvation, 10:30am
F Sunday, April  14 – rEvolve Concert – Music to renew the Soul, 7:00 pm

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

 May the message of new life that we proclaim fill you with joy and hope!

Larry

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

Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org