Greetings!
Worship
this Week
This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of
Peace. The focus of this Sunday is twofold, there is the call of John the
Baptist, and there is the call to live a life that is consistent with the Good
News we proclaim. At one point in his letter to the Christians at Rome,
Paul encourages his hearers to “live in harmony.” The traditional theme
for the Sunday is Peace. Those of us who are parents often associate
peace and quiet. But what is the biblical understanding of peace?
We will look at the two passages, which seem to be very noisy passages, and see
if there is peace there. 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 Comfort and Peace. 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 Romans 15: 4-13 and Matthew 3:
1-12.
The Sermon title is “Live in Harmony”
Stewardship
Campaign – The
End is Near
This Sunday
is the last Sunday of our Stewardship Campaign. After the Service there
will be cake downstairs. Check out the thermometers on the wall by the
coffee maker upstairs. We are very close to our budgeted goal for
2014. Maybe this Sunday we will reach the top (or even go over!)
Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to consider your givings and
handed in your pledge form. If you have not handed in a pledge form, we will
not stop you from doing so at any time. Without you support we cannot be
the Church.
White
Gift Sundays – Put a Gift Under the Tree
This year you
have two opportunities to put gifts under our Christmas Tree, Sunday, Dec 8 and
Sunday, Dec 15. 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
Croissant
and Cinnamon Bun Sale
Thanks
to all who have ordered their Croissants or 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 or can help with packaging on Dec 11, please contact Diane at 780 444-0284.
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.
Information
on the Appeal is being updated regularly - www.united-church.ca/haiyanPhilanthropy 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.
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 Sunday,
Dec 8 – 10:30 am, Sunday Worship – Advent 2 /
White Gift SundayF Monday, Dec. 9 – 6:13 pm, Women’s’ Group Christmas Supper
F Wednesday, Dec 11 – after 3:00 pm – Croissants and Cinnamon Buns pick up.
F Sunday, Dec 15 – White Gift Sunday / Poinsettia arrival day / Choir Christmas concert
F Friday, Dec 20 – Glendale Hot Lunch
F Saturday, Dec 21 – Christmas Hamper Shopping
F Tuesday, Dec 24 – 6:30 pm, Christmas Eve Service
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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