February 2, 2014 - 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Greetings,

Here’s some information on what is happening at Spirit West, and in our community.

Worship  

With the Gospel reading this Sunday, we begin to look at the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus has been followed by a crowd, so he leads them up a slope near the Sea of Galilee (it’s not a mountain, but a high place.) When he gets to the top, he sits down and outlines for the gathered crowd his vision of the Kingdom/Reign of God.  This Sunday we will look at what are called the Beatitudes (from the Latin beati – blessed.)  Jesus lists a number of groups of whom he says are blessed.  But they are not groups the one would normally think of as blessed, the poor, mourners, the hungry and the persecuted among others.  Obviously Jesus sees things from a different perspective.  We will look at what that perspective is.  With the Story for all ages, I will be looking at some optical illusions.   Our perspective can change how we see what we are looking at.  The Story is called “What do you see?”

The scripture readings come from the Prophets and Gospels:  Micah 6:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-12

This Service will be a Celebration of Holy Communion.

Annual Congregation Budget Meeting and Annual Congregational Meeting.

The Annual Congregation Budget Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 9 following the Service.  At this meeting, Clarence will be presenting the 2014 Budget for discussion and approval.  The Annual Congregational Meeting to review the work and witness of the congregation (except the budget) will be held on Sunday, February 23 following the Service.

Community Family Fun Night at Spirit West

Watch this space for information on the Family Fun Night which will take place on Saturday, Feb 22 at 7:00 pm.

Presbytery Oversight Visit

Following last night’s Board Meeting, we will propose to the Presbytery Oversight team that they join us on either February 19 at 6:00 pm or March 26 at 6:00 pm.  Once a date has been confirmed, I will include here details about how you can be involved.

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, Feb 2 – 10:30 am, Sunday Service with Holy Communion
F  Sunday, Feb 9 – following the Service, Annual Congregational Budget Meeting
F  Saturday, Feb 22 – 7:00 pm - Community Family Fun Night,
F  Sunday, Feb 23 – following the Service, Annual Congregational Meeting

 Hope to see you Sunday,

 Larry

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

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

Spiritwest.org