Thursday, November 21, 2013

November 24, 2014 = Reign of Christ Sunday


Greetings

Worship this Week   
This Sunday is Reign of Christ Sunday (in the old days it was called Christ the King Sunday).  It is the last Sunday of the Christian Church year.  It’s in a way the big finish to the symphony that has been our journey through the year.  In a denomination such as ours, where we are generally suspicious of any absolute authority, what do we mean by the Reign of Christ?  Is this something that we look forward to at the “end of the world?”  Is Christ’s reign present now?  How do we speak to the evangelical atheists in our community about the place of Christ in our world, without making God seem like a rule making kill-joy.  How do we put together those widely differing concepts of our faith – submission and freedom?  I can’t say that I will be able to answer all these questions on Sunday, but let’s give it a go.

The Scripture readings are Colossians 1: 11-20 and Luke 23: 33-43.  We will also be singing a passage from Luke’s gospel (Luke 1: 68-79) which is usually called “The Song of Zechariah.”

The Sermon title is “The Big Finish!”

United Church of Canada -  Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Appeal
Members of The United Church of Canada have shown their generosity this past week. A total of $235,271.25 has been given by 1515 donors (as of 8:45 a.m., Wednesday, November 20).

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and ACT Alliance partners on the ground in the Philippines are co-ordinating relief and reconstruction efforts and have begun to receive the funds. All donations received BY DECEMBER 9TH will be matched by our Canadian government.

Information on the Appeal is being updated regularly - www.united-church.ca/haiyan

Youth of Edmonton United  - LRT Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt
Join in our LRT Amazing Race (scavenger hunt) Friday, November 22. 7 - 10 p.m.  We will begin and end at St Paul's United Church 11526 76 Ave.  Bring your bus pass and or bus tickets, dress warmly.  Let me know if your are planning to attend.
Stewardship Campaign November is Stewardship Month
Just a quick reminder, if you haven’t picked up or received your stewardship campaign information envelope, please let Norma at the church office know.  For those of you who do  have your packages, we would like to have your pledge form and your volunteer opportunities form returned this Sunday.  Look for the box with the flashing light.

Croissant and Cinnamon Bun Sale
Once again, the Women’s Group of Spirit West will be selling frozen ready-to-bake croissants and cinnamon buns. (ed.  If you haven’t tried them, they are very good)  The Women’s Group have been able to maintain the price at $7.00/dozen for the croissants and $7.00/1/2 dozen for the cinnamon buns.  With the proceeds from this sale, the Women's Group is able to help our church financially, pay for sponsoring a foster child and supporting other outreach initiatives such as Win House, the Youth Emergency Shelter, Bissell Centre and sending inner city children to camp in the summer. The date of packaging and pick-up will be Wednesday, December 11,2013.  Please pick up after 3 pm.

If you have any questions, would like an order form to use at your office or school,  or can help with packaging on the day of delivery, please contact Diane at 780 444-0284.

Choir Christmas Concert!  The Spirit West choir invites you to attend our annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6:30.  This year's production is a cantata entitled "Night of the Father's Love" by Pepper Choplin -- it tells the familiar story of the birth in a fresh and new way and promises to help you enjoy the spirit of Christmas in a unique way!  Please come to support your choir and bring your friends! The choir is looking for children to participate in our Christmas concert through dramatic movement.  If your child (or grandchild) may be interested, please talk to Bonnie Cannam @ 780-444-2230.

United Church of Canada - Comprehensive Review
From coast to coast to coast, we have begun a conversation about the future of The United Church of Canada. Through the work of the Comprehensive Review Task Group, the church is exploring new ways of being faithful in a rapidly changing time and society.  Visit http://www.unitedfuture.ca/?utm_source=UCC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=44  to join and share in conversation offering your hopes, fears, dreams and visions to the discussion.

Spirit West Prayer Chain
As many of you know, Spirit West has a Prayer Chain, a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.

Dates to Remember    (Y) Youth of Edmonton United Event
F (Y) Friday, Nov 22 - Youth of Edmonton United  - LRT Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt (details above)
F Sunday, Nov 24 – 10:30 am Sunday Worship
F Monday, Nov 25 – 7:00 pm Ladies’ Relaxation Yoga Evening (Lower Hall)
F Wednesday, Nov 27 – 7:00 pm Board Meeting (Central Lounge)
F Sunday, Dec 1 – 10:30 am Sunday Worship –The First Sunday of Advent with Communion
F Sunday, Dec 15 – 6:30 pm – Choir Christmas Concert


Thank you for taking the time to read this. See you Sunday!

Blessings,

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


 

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