Greetings!
Worship
this Week
Historically
on the third Sunday of Advent there has been a focus on Mary’s role in the
Christmas story. This is also the Sunday of Joy. The readings point
to both Mary and joy, but the vision of a world turned upside down that is
celebrated is perhaps a bit challenging. Some of you will have heard of
the recent Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis. It is the one that is
causing so much concern among (mainly American) right wing capitalists, because
the Pope questions some of the assumptions of free-market capitalism in terms
of creating a better world. The actual document is called Evangelii
Gaudium, the Joy of the Gospel. What is the joy of the Gospel?
The time for all ages will again be centred on a Manger, as
we continue the series called “Gifts of the Manger.” This week’s
gift is the gift of Life. Remember that we are thinking of things that we
might need to welcome a new baby. If you wish to bring gifts for a new
baby, feel free to bring them. We will ensure that the gifts go to those
in need.
The Scripture readings are Isaiah 35: 1-10 and Matthew 11:
2-11. We will also be singing the Song of Mary from Luke 1: 47-55. This
song is also known as the Magnificat, because the first line in Latin
starts, Magnificat anima mea, “My soul magnifies...”
The Sermon title is “Joy and Gladness”
Night
of the Father’s Love – Christmas Choir Canata
The Sunday night, Dec. 15 at 6:30 pm our Spirit West Choir
will be presenting Night of the Father’s Love, the Christmas story in music for
the whole family. Come out and enjoy a lovely evening of music and
fellowship. There is no charge for this event, but you may make a donation that
will help pay down the Spirit West mortgage.
Christmas
Hampers
Once
again, under the leadership of Rebecca (Rivet) Goldsack, we will be preparing
Christmas Hampers for those in need. You can help with this project in a
couple of ways. You can financially sponsor a hamper for $150. If
this is beyond your means, you can split the cost with others. You can
also buy children’s gifts that will accompany the hampers. Check the
posters on the wall at the back of the church to sign up for sponsorship or to
pick a child (by age and gender) to buy a gift for. The hamper shopping
will be done on Saturday, Dec 21. Gifts need to be brought to the church
on Sunday, Dec. 22. For more information call the church office.
White
Gift Sundays – Put a Gift Under the Tree
This Sunday is the last opportunity to put gifts under our
Christmas Tree. The gifts should not be wrapped. The gifts
collected will go to the Bissell Centre. The wish list from Bissell
incudes: Adult & children clothing, socks & undergarments, Adult &
children
winter outer wear, Books (reading & colouring), DVDs & VHS Videos,
Games and toys for all ages, Stuffies, plush toys, or teddy bears, Household /
family items, Christmas decorations, Wrapping paper, and Blankets
United Church of Canada - Philippines
Typhoon Haiyan Appeal
The Canadian government has extended the deadline
for the dollar-for-dollar matching of donations made by individuals to
registered Canadian charities—including the United Church—for Typhoon Haiyan
relief. All
donations received by DECEMBER 23rd will be matched by our Canadian government. To donate to Typhoon Haiyan relief through
the United Church of Canada go online (link below) to the United Church of
Canada website or send a cheque, money order, or Visa or
MasterCard information with donation amount directly to:
The United Church of
Canada
Philanthropy Unit - Emergency Response
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Please be sure to note "Emergency Response—Typhoon Haiyan Relief" on the face of your cheque.
Philanthropy Unit - Emergency Response
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Please be sure to note "Emergency Response—Typhoon Haiyan Relief" on the face of your cheque.
Information
on the Appeal is being updated regularly - www.united-church.ca/haiyan
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.
F Sunday, Dec 15 –
10:30 am, Sunday Worship – Advent 3
F Sunday, Dec 15 – 6:30 pm, Night of the Father’s
Love – Spirit West Choir Concert
Thank you for taking the time to read this. See you
Sunday!
Blessings,
Larry
(Rev.)
Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
MinisterSpirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
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