December 21, 2014 - Advent 4 - Love

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Because I don’t intend to send an eMessage on Christmas Day, this eMessage will cover the Services of Christmas/Epiphany.

Sunday Worship

The fourth Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Love.  Love is at the heart of the Gospel message.  “For God so loved the world...”  The readings for Sunday point to one who had a very special relationship with Jesus, his mother Mary.  In Protestant churches, we have played down or ignored the place of Mary in the Gospel story.  Of course, there are historical reasons for this attitude.  The early reformers were reacting to what they perceived as the worship of Mary within the Roman Church.  But the pendulum swings and between the excesses of preceding generations, we hit a balance from time to time.  Just last week a number of us finished the study of a book called Not a Silent Night.  It is a book about the significance of the coming of Jesus, written from the perspective of Mary, and beginning at the crucifixion and moving back to Bethlehem.   The loving “yes” of one woman, changed her life, and changed the whole world.

The readings for Sunday are,  Romans 16: 25-27, and Luke 1: 26-38.  We will also be singing the Song of Mary (Luke 1: 47-55).  The Time for All Ages Story is “Is it enough” and the Sermon title is “A World Upside Down”

Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 24, 6:30 pm)

“Let Us Go to Bethlehem.” This celebration of Prayers, Readings and Carols is for the whole family.  For children, you will have the opportunity to be part of a Nativity scene.  Come a bit early and become an Angel, Shepherd, or maybe one of the Magi.  You don’t have to learn any lines!

Cinnamon Bun Sunday (Sunday, Dec. 28, 10:30)

As has been the tradition at Spirit West for some years, the Sunday after Christmas is Cinnamon Bun Sunday.  We gather as family and friends around tables, to share stories, carols, prayers, warm cinnamon buns and hot drinks.

Epiphany Sunday (Sunday, January 4, 2015)

On Epiphany Sunday we remember the story of the arrival of Magi (Wise Men, Three Kings) in Bethlehem.  We will be celebrating Communion on Epiphany Sunday.

There are no Services on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) or New Year’s Day (Jan 1, 2015)

 Spirit West Prayer Chain
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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Christmas Office Hours
The Church office will be closed Thursday, December 25, 2014 to Sunday, January 4, 2015.  There will be a message on the Church phone indicating how to contact Larry in case of emergency.

Normal Office hours resume on Monday, January 5, 2015
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org

 

December 14, 2014 - Advent 3 - Joy

Greetings

Sunday Worship

The third Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Joy.  I am doing something a little different, because I have included all the lectionary readings for the day, from the Prophets, the Letters, the Gospel, and we will even be singing the Psalm.  I am having them all shared because each of the passages speaks of joy and rejoicing from a different perspective.  It is apparent that the joy to which the scriptures call us is not some fuzzy warmth that we must feel to be truly faithful to God.  The lack of a fuzzy warm feeling is often the cause of much guilt during this “festive” season.  And the question is not why but how do we faithfully rejoice, without being annoying, out of touch or self-deceiving?

The readings for Sunday are,  Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24  and John 1: 6-8, 19-28.  The Time for All Ages Story is “If you’re happy and you know it” and the Sermon title is “Rejoice always?”

And hank you for your generosity last Sunday,  Doreen managed to get all the gifts to the Bissell Centre on Monday.

The Advent-Christmas-New Year Schedule

This Sunday night, Spirit West United Church Choir presents Images of Adoration

Come and enjoy our Choir’s Christmas Concert – Images of Adoration, Reflections of Christ in Images of the Season. Sunday, December 14^th at 6:30 pm.  Bring the whole family!

 

Next Sunday, Dec 21, Advent 4 – The Sunday of Love, service 10:30 am

 

Wednesday, Dec 24, Christmas Eve – “Let Us Go to Bethlehem.” A celebration for the whole family, 6:30 pm

 

Sunday, Dec 28, Cinnamon Bun Sunday – informal worship in the lower hall, with cinnamon buns and hot drinks, 10:30 am

 

Sunday, Jan 4, 2014, Epiphany Sunday – Worship with Holy Communion, 10:30 am

 

 Spirit West Prayer Chain
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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Christmas Office Hours

The Church office will be closed Thursday, December 25, 2014 to Sunday, January 4, 2015.  There will be a message on the Church phone indicating how to contact Larry in case of emergency.

Normal Office hours resume on Monday, January 5, 2015
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

 

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

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org

December 7, 2014 - Advent 2 - Peace - with Communion

Greetings

Sunday Worship

The second Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Peace.  However, the readings seem anything but peaceful, at least in our usual “peace and quiet” sense.  In both the readings there seems to be a lot of construction going on.  How does all that activity equate with peace.  But peace is not always quiet.  As someone who has been in areas of the world where peace is a rare commodity, I know that when people are scared, they tend not to engage in the routine social activities of daily life.  When there is peace there is activity, people can visit , travel, shop, and interact with those around them.  Peace allows everyone to do what needs to be done in their lives.  But, peace also requires work.  We need to prepare the way of the Lord, the Prince of Peace.

This Sunday is also White Gift Sunday.  We are looking for items of warm clothing in all sizes, hats, scarves, mittens, socks and that sort of thing.  In the past it was tradition to wrap your gift in white paper so that all would be the same.  This year please don’t wrap your gifts, just put them in a bag.  It makes it easier for those who will eventually have to sort the gifts, and saves on paper.  The children will collect your gifts during the Service and put them under our tree.

The readings for Sunday are,  Isaiah 40: 1-11 and Mark 1: 1-8.  The Time for All Ages Story is “Make a straight path” and the Sermon title is “Prepare the Way of the Lord”

COMING EVENTS

 Wednesday Study Group – Not a Silent Night
The Wednesday Study Group will conclude next Wednesday, December 10.

Spirit West United Church Choir presents Images of Adoration

Come and enjoy our Choir’s Christmas Concert – Images of Adoration, Reflections of Christ in Images of the Season. Sunday, December 14^th at 6:30 pm.  Bring the whole family!

 

 Spirit West Prayer Chain
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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office Hours
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

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

November 23, 2014 - Reign of Christ Sunday

Greetings,

Sunday Worship
This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Christian Year.  Yes, in 2014 the Christian Year begins on November 30.  This Sunday is Reign of Christ Sunday, the culmination of a year of readings and reflections, feasts and fasts that have pointed to this moment when we can proclaim the significance of the Christ in our lives and in our world.   This Sunday was once called Christ the King Sunday, but in our society images of hierarchy and male power do not speak in a helpful way to many people.  Even talking about Christ reigning as a monarch is problematic for some.  But we need to look at the characteristics of Christ’s “reign.”  In the readings for this Sunday, the images are that of humble caring servant.  What distinguishes those who truly follow Christ is not their power or prestige, but their willingness to care for those in need around them.  The “King” is not found in a palace or castle but in a prison or hospital.

The readings for Sunday are,  Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24 and Matthew 25: 31-46.  The Time for All Ages Story is “A bottle of water” and the Sermon title is “When did we see you?”

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
I want to thank all those who were able to stay for the Congregational Meeting last Sunday.  Normally the election and appointment of members to the Board is effective Jan 1, in the year following the fall Congregational Meeting, however because most of the Board are either continuing or are taking over a vacant portfolios, they have started work already.  So your Spirit West Church Board is:

 Chair of the Board – Gerry Maciejko

Vice Chair - vacant
Secretary – Norma Balcombe
Treasurer – Marjorie Hewitt
Presbytery Representative – Edina Tillotson

The committees of our Board are:
Community Care - vacant
Stewardship – currently being filled by Anne Dingwell
Operations – Bob Hoy/Fraser Hiltz
Outreach – Doreen Olynyk
Communications – Bonnie Skaalid
Faith Formation and Education – Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson
Membership and Hospitality – Bill Callas
Ministry and Personnel – John Punko
Worship – Margaret Benson. 

COMING EVENTS

Men’s Breakfast

Men’s Breakfast will be this Saturday, Nov 22. at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.

Wednesday Study Group – Not a Silent Night  change of date

The Wednesday Study Group has started.  We will be meeting for the next four Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, looking at the book Not a Silent Night – Mary looks back to Bethlehem.  For those who are part of the study, please remember to read chapter 4, “Mary, Full of Grace” for our next gathering.  Please note that because of the packing of the Croissants and Cinnamon Buns on Wednesday, Nov 26, our study that week will be on Thursday, Nov 27 at 1:30 pm.

 LADIES’ GROUP ANNUAL CROISSANT AND CINNAMON BUN SALE

The time for ordering Croissants and Cinnamon Buns is passed.  Orders will be packaged at the church and available for pick up on Wed, Nov 26^th after 3 pm.  If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us.  Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.

 Spirit West Prayer Chain
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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office Hours
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

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

 

 

November 16, 2014 - Pentecost 23 with Fall Congregational Meeting

Greetings,

Sunday Worship
The most significant part of this Sunday for our Church is actually what follows the Service.  Immediately following the Service there will be a Congregational Meeting.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of Congregational Meetings for the life of our church.  At this meeting we will naming those who will guide the direction of our church for the coming year (see note below.)  Because you are getting this email, I know that in some way, you consider Spirit West to be your church.  Please consider attending on Sunday.

The readings for the Service itself are rather interesting, the reading from the “Old” Testament is about the Judge Deborah.  Before agreeing to name a King for Israel, the people of Israel were ruled by Judges.  One of these Judges was a women named Deborah. She was a wise and gifted prophet, and we don’t hear much about her these days.  The Gospel reading has been called the parable of the “Faithful Servant” or “Angry Manager.”  The parable seems to be a lesson on investment and return on investment, but exactly what that lesson is has been debated for generations.

The readings for Sunday are,  Judges 4: 1-7 and Matthew 25: 14-30.  The Time for All Ages Story is “Judge Deborah” and the Sermon title is “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOV 16   after the Service
(this is the “note below”)

At the Congregational Meeting after the Service on Sunday, Nov. 16, we will be electing and confirming those who will serve on the Official Board of Spirit West United Church.  

For the Elective positions, (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Presbytery Representative) we have had people come forward to let their names stand.  We will also try to elect a Vice-chair, who serves as chair of the Operations Committee and is willing to subsequently offer their name as chair.  But the majority of our Church Board is composed of those who represent as chairs/coordinators the various committees that do the work of our church day to day.  While we have had little trouble in getting people to do the work in committee, finding those who will serve as chairs/coordinators has been very difficult. Below is a list of the offices and committees, with the names of the people who are willing to be (or continue as) chair/coordinator for 2015.  You will note that there are still significant vacancies, though one person has come forward to offer their name for Outreach Coordinator.

Chair of the Board – Gerry Maciejko

Vice Chair/Operations - no nominee for 2015
Secretary – Norma Balcombe
Treasurer – Marjorie Hewitt
Presbytery Representative – Edina Tillotson

The committees of our Board are:
Community Care - no nominee for 2015
Operations/Board Vice-Chair - no nominee for 2015
Stewardship - no nominee for 2015
Outreach – Doreen Olynyk
Communications – Bonnie Skaalid
Faith Formation and Education – Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson
Membership and Hospitality – Bill Callas
Ministry and Personnel – John Punko
Worship – Margaret Benson. 

People are needed for these committees.  If you are currently not on the Board or a committee, please give your prayerful consideration to how you can share your gifts and talents in the congregation.

COMING EVENTS

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
A couple of these events have now happened, and to use the line in the old village papers, “a good time was had by all.”  There are still some space left , so join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place on various nights from November to January ! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship.  Guests have the opportunity on Sunday to select where you will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts).  A free will offering, in envelopes provided, will be collected by the host.  A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously support our church.

Men’s Breakfast date change

Because of the set up for a Wedding Reception in the Lower Hall on Saturday, Nov 15, the Men’s Breakfast will be on Saturday, Nov 22.

Wednesday Study Group – Not a Silent Night  changes of time and date

The Wednesday Study Group has started.  We will be meeting for the next four Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, looking at the book Not a Silent Night – Mary looks back to Bethlehem.  For those who are part of the study, please remember to read chapter 3, “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul” for our next gathering.  Please note that because of the Operations committee meeting on Nov 19, I am suggesting we move the study to 1:00 pm and end at 2:30 for that one Wednesday, and because of the packing of the Croissants and Cinnamon Buns on Wednesday, Nov 26, our study that week will be on Thursday, Nov 27 at 1:30 pm.

LADIES’ GROUP ANNUAL CROISSANT AND CINNAMON BUN SALE

The order form for the Women's Group Croissant and Cinnamon Bun Sale is available on the back table today.  Orders need to be to Diane Ludlow (444-0284) or Carol Callas by Monday, Nov 17.  Orders will be packaged at the church and available for pick up on Wed, Nov 26^th after 3 pm.  If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us when placing your order.  Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.

Spirit West Prayer Chain
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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office Hours
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

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

November 9, 2014 - Pentecost 22 - Remembrance Day

 

Greetings,

Sunday Worship

This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday and also Holy Communion. On Remembrance Day and in Communion, we are called to remember.  On Remembrance Day we in Canada are called to reflect on the terrible cost that has been paid in the past in order to safe guard the freedoms we enjoy as a society.  At the Communion Table, Christ calls us to remember that his life was given up for us and for a new vision of our relationship with God.  “Do this in remembrance of me.”  We are called to remember and to live out the vision of a world where love triumphs over hatred, good triumphs over evil, and life triumphs over death.  We are called to be the body of Christ, his hands and feet in this world.  For the sermon I am going to be reflecting on this call to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, with reference to the role of the military chaplain, including some of my own experiences.

 The readings for Sunday are,  Ephesians 6: 10-17 and John 15: 9-13.  The Time for All Ages Story is “I don’t remember” and the Sermon title is “We are your hands and feet, O Christ”

COMING EVENTS

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the month of November! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship.  Guests have the opportunity on Sunday to select where you will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts).  A free will offering, in envelopes provided, will be collected by the host.  A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously support our church.

Wednesday Study Group – Not a Silent Night

The Wednesday Study Group has started.  We will be meeting for the next four Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, looking at the book Not a Silent Night – Mary looks back to Bethlehem.  For those who are part of the study, please remember to read chapter 2, “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul” for our next gathering.

LADIES’ GROUP ANNUAL CROISSANT AND CINNAMON BUN SALE

The order form for the Women's Group Croissant and Cinnamon Bun Sale is available on the back table today.  Orders need to be to Diane Ludlow (444-0284) or Carol Callas by Monday, Nov 16.  Orders will be packaged at the church and available for pick up on Wed, Nov 26^th after 3 pm.  If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us when placing your order.  Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOV 16

The Spirit West Official Board and Committees

At the Congregational Meeting after the Service on Sunday, Nov. 16, we will be electing and confirming those who will serve on the Official Board of Spirit West United Church.  

For the Elective positions, (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Presbytery Representative) we have had people come forward to let their names stand.  We also try to elect a Vice-chair, who serves as chair of the Operations Committee and is willing to subsequently offer their name as chair.  But the majority of our Church Board is composed of those who represent as chairs/coordinators the various committees that do the work of our church day to day.  While we have had little trouble in getting people to do the work in committee, finding those who will serve as chairs/coordinators has been very difficult. Below is a list of the offices and committees, with the names of the people who are willing to be (or continue as) chair/coordinator for 2015.  You will note that there are significant vacancies, though one person did come forward to offer their name for Outreach Coordinator.

Chair of the Board – Gerry Maciejko

Vice Chair/Operations - no nominee for 2015
Secretary – Norma Balcombe
Treasurer – Marjorie Hewitt
Presbytery Representative – Edina Tillotson

The committees of our Board are:
Community Care - no nominee for 2015
Operations/Board Vice-Chair - no nominee for 2015
Stewardship - no nominee for 2015
Outreach – Doreen Olynyk
Communications – Bonnie Skaalid
Faith Formation and Education – Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson
Membership and Hospitality – Bill Callas
Ministry and Personnel – John Punko
Worship – Margaret Benson. 

People are needed for these committees.  If you are currently not on the Board or a committee, please give your prayerful consideration to how you can share your gifts and talents in the congregation.

Spirit West Prayer Chain
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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.


Office Hours
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

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

November 2, 2014 - Pentecost 21 and Rodeo Sunday

Greetings,

Before I get down to the usual details of this eMessage, I want to say a big thanks to you who organized and you who attended the Fall Supper and Silent Auction last Sunday night.  The food was great, the silent auction items were top notch and the company was delightful.  The event was also a financial success.  Though the final numbers are not in, it appears that our Fall Supper and Silent Auction raised over $ 5000.

Sunday Worship
This Sunday is Rodeo Sunday, (do you say “roe-dee- o” or “roe-day-o.”  For those of you who cannot find Rodeo Sunday in your Church calendar, this is a Spirit West specific festival.  It was started some years ago to mark the presence in town of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, which comes to Edmonton during the first week of November.  This year the Rodeo runs from 5-9 November.  This Sunday allows us to acknowledge our western/prairie heritage with a bit of fun.  Jeans, cowboy boots, string ties, bandanas and cowboy hats are not uncommon fashion accessories on Rodeo Sunday (though I would ask the gentlemen to remove their hats inside the church.)  For our scripture focus, I am using readings associated with Saturday, All Saints Day.  You may be more familiar with Hallowe’en or to say it in its fullest form, All Hallows Eve, which is the evening before All Hallows Day (All Saints Day).  Now the language lesson, the old English verb “hallow” meant bless or make holy. Something that is “hallowed” is holy. In the tradition form of the Prayer of Jesus, or Lord’s Prayer, the second line is “hallowed be thy name.”  In modern English this would read “may your name be holy.” Someone who is “hallowed’ is holy or blessed or to a word of Latin origin is sanctified.  From the original Latin root of sanctify we also get Saint.  In the early Church, the “cult of saints” was developed.  People who displayed unusual holiness during their lives, were remembered and celebrated as “saints” after their deaths.  The date of the persons death was often times set aside for special commemoration.  As the Church grew the lives of certain individuals stood out and began to be honoured throughout the church well beyond the community that first knew them.  Well there are not enough days in the calendar to celebrate every “saint,” and there may be “saints” of a particular holiness that were not noticed.  To cover this the church established the Feast of All Saints.  Now, rather than making this into a 1000 word essay (quite possible with this topic) come out on Sunday as we continue to look at what it means to be a “saint,” to be “blessed.”  I am taking the sermon title from the second line of the Cowboy’s Prayer, “mindful of the many blessings.”

The readings this Sunday are,  1 John 3: 1-3 (not the Gospel of John, but the first of John’s three letters located near the end of the New Testament)  and Matthew 5: 1-12.  The Time for All Ages Story is “Are you a Saint” and the Sermon title is “Mindful of Blessings”.

Communion will be celebrated on November 9^th.

COMING EVENTS

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the month of November! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. If you still wish to host a dinner, you are asked to contact conveners Bill Callas at 780-481-2662 or Sheila Hoy as soon as possible. Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided.  Guests will have the opportunity on Sunday to select where you will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts).  A free will offering, in envelopes provided, will be collected by the host.  A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously support our church.

LADIES’ GROUP ANNUAL CROISSANT AND CINNAMON BUN SALE

The order form for the Women's Group Croissant and Cinnamon Bun Sale is available on the back table today.  Orders need to be to Diane Ludlow (444-0284) or Carol Callas by Monday, Nov 16.  Orders will be packaged at the church and available for pick up on Wed, Nov 26^th after 3 pm.  If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us when placing your order.  Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.

Friday Movie Night – cancelled for October

With Friday being Halloween, Marian T. Has announce the cancellation of the Movie Night which was to have taken place this  Friday.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOV 16

The Spirit West Official Board and Committees

At the Congregational Meeting after the Service on Sunday, Nov. 16, we will be electing and confirming those who will serve on the Official Board of Spirit West United Church.  

For the Elective positions, (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Presbytery Representative) we have had people come forward to let their names stand.  We also try to elect a Vice-chair, who serves as chair of the Operations Committee and is willing to subsequently offer their name as chair.  But the majority of our Church Board is composed of those who represent as chairs/coordinators the various committees that do the work of our church day to day.  While we have had little trouble in getting people to do the work in committee, finding those who will serve as chairs/coordinators has been very difficult. Below is a list of the offices and committees, with the names of the people who are willing to be (or continue as) chair/coordinator for 2015.  You will note that there are significant vacancies, though one person did come forward to offer their name for Outreach Coordinator.

Chair of the Board – Gerry Maciejko

Vice Chair/Operations - no nominee for 2015
Secretary – Norma Balcombe
Treasurer – Marjorie Hewitt
Presbytery Representative – Edina Tillotson

The committees of our Board are:

Community Care - no nominee for 2015
Operations/Board Vice-Chair - no nominee for 2015
Stewardship - no nominee for 2015
Outreach – Doreen Olynyk
Communications – Bonnie Skaalid
Faith Formation and Education – Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson
Membership and Hospitality – Bill Callas
Ministry and Personnel – John Punko
Worship – Margaret Benson. 

People are needed for these committees.  If you are currently not on the Board or a committee, please give your prayerful consideration to how you can share your gifts and talents in the congregation.

Spirit West Prayer Chain
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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.


Office Hours
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org

 

October 26, 2014 - Pentecost 20 - Reformation Sunday

Greetings,

Sunday Worship

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday.  It is the Sunday nearest (but before) October 31^st, which is not Hallowe’en (well it is, really) but the anniversary in 1517 of Martin Luther’s posting (nailing not downloading) of his 95 Theses (complaints/concerns) against the Roman Church to the door of the Castle Chapel in Wittenberg, Germany.  This date is used to mark the start of what we now call the Protestant Reformation.  As a product of the Reformation, the United Church has often been sensitive to the call to the Church to re-form itself to meet the challenges of the current age.  I will be looking in part at an idea proposed by Bishop Mark Dyer and further developed by theologian Phyllis Tickle, that every 500 years in the history of the Christian community there has been a tremendous shift in how “the Church” is understood by the people who claim the Christian faith.  The Reformation, begun 497 years ago, is considered to have been the most recent of these shifts.  Note the timing.

The readings this Sunday are,  Jeremiah 31: 31-34, Revelation 21:1-3, 5-6 and John 8: 31-36.  The Time for All Ages Story is “Do I have to change?” and the Sermon title is “I am making all things new”

COMING EVENTS
Men’s Breakfast
The men of Spirit West will get together for Breakfast this Saturday at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.  After breakfast the men will be setting up for the Fall Supper.

Fall Supper and Silent Auction

Our annual Fall Supper and Silent Auction is this Sunday, Oct 26 at 5:30 pm in the Lower Hall.  Come out for a great meal and a fun time for the whole family.  As a Special Treat, dessert will include Apple Pie made from the apples from Spirit West’s own Apple Trees! There are some tickets still available, call the church office to reserve you place. Tickets are Adults - $25, Youth (12-18) - $15, Children (7-11) - $10 and Under 7 – free.  You can purchase tickets from Janice, at church, or by calling the church office to reserve.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs.  Only at the ring of their doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church will take place during the month of November! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked to contact conveners Bill Callas at 780-481-2662 or Sheila Hoy at 780-960-3878. We need at least 3 more hosts!  Hosts need to indicate the dates and times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided.  Guests will have the opportunity on Oct. 26^th to select where they will dine and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly pass on the information to the hosts).  A free will offering, in envelopes, will be collected by the host.  A minimum offering of $25.00 per person is suggested.  Please plan on attending one of these sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.

Estate Sale
The generosity of Lou Punko lives on in that she has donated all her fibre and arts materials to raise money so that students of fibre arts can pursue their work. For sale, will be a variety of fabrics, battings, wool, thread, magazines, notions, beads, etc. The estate sale will take place at John Punko’s house, 18540-53 A Ave., on the following dates:
·       Thur., Oct. 23 from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
·       Fri., Oct. 24 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
·       Sat., Oct. 25 from 10:00 - 5:00 p.m.

The Spirit West Official Board and Committees

At the Congregational Meeting after the Service on Sunday, Nov. 16, we will be electing and confirming those who will serve on the Official Board of Spirit West United Church.  

For the Elective positions, (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Presbytery Representative) we have had people come forward to let their names stand.  We also try to elect a Vice-chair, who serves as chair of the Operations Committee and is willing to subsequently offer their name as chair.  But the majority of our Church Board is composed of those who represent as chairs/coordinators the various committees that do the work of our church day to day.  While we have had little trouble in getting people to do the work in committee, finding those who will serve as chairs/coordinators has been very difficult. Below is a list of the offices and committees, with the names of the people who are willing to be (or continue as) chair/coordinator for 2015.  You will note that there are significant vacancies.

Chair of the Board – Gerry Maciejko

Vice Chair/Operations - no nominee for 2015
Secretary – Norma Balcombe
Treasurer – Marjorie Hewitt
Presbytery Representative – Edina Tillotson

The committees of our Board are:
Community Care - no nominee for 2015
Operations/Board Vice-Chair - no nominee for 2015
Outreach – no nominee for 2015
Stewardship - no nominee for 2015
Communications – Bonnie Skaalid
Faith Formation and Education – Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson
Membership and Hospitality – Bill Callas
Ministry and Personnel – John Punko
Worship – Margaret Benson. 

People are needed for these committees.  If you are currently not on the Board or a committee, please give your prayerful consideration to how you can share your gifts and talents in the congregation.

Spirit West Prayer Chain
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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

Office Hours
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

See you on Sunday!

Larry

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

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