January 26, 2014 - 3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Hello again,

Here is your weekly eMessage from Spirit West.  I hope you find the information helpful.

 Worship  

This Sunday is all about fishing, a topic dear to Don Doyle’s heart.  We will  continue to look at stories of Jesus as he turns fishermen into evangelists. “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people” says Jesus.  I must admit the old Kings James version of this line, while less inclusive, uses a play on words unique to English that emphasizes the closeness of what the followers are to what they will become, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  “Fishermen – Fishers of men.”  Jesus is playing to their strengths,  he does not tell them to leave their nets and he will make them  “itinerant preachers proclaiming a new relationship with God.”  Jesus says, leave these nets and we’ll do a different kind of fishing.  How might Jesus be calling you? 

At the service on Sunday we will also  be Covenanting with our Church Board.  We elected them way back in October, but they officially start their terms at the Board Meeting, next Wednesday (Jan 29)

The scripture readings come from the Prophets and Gospels:  Isaiah 9:1-4 and Matthew 4: 12-23

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

A City-wide Ecumenical Prayer Service to mark the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be held Sunday, January 26 2014, 7:00 pm at St. Matthias Anglican Church (6210-188 Street, our neighbour on the other side of the Henday).  A Reception will follow.  The Service is hosted by the Edmonton and District Council of Churches.

Presbytery Oversight Visit

One of the roles of a Presbytery in the United Church is to have oversight of the Pastoral Charges/Congregations within its bounds.  The Presbytery needs to assure itself that effective ministry is happening throughout the presbytery.  If it appears that this is not happening within a particular congregation, the Presbytery is to work with the congregation to find the solution to any challenges.  One of the methods set out for a Presbytery to learn about the congregations is through regular visits.  A small team composed of clergy and laity from other congregations in the Presbytery visits a congregation.  They speak with the minister(s), the Board and usually with members of the congregation.  After the visit is over, the team writes a report which is sent to the Pastoral Oversight Committee of the Presbytery and to the Congregation.  Our Presbytery, Edmonton Presbytery is way behind in its congregational visits,  but the Pastoral Oversight Committee is working to remedy that.  The Rev. Christina Bellsmith from McDougall is working with our Board Chair, Daniel, to arrange for an Oversight Visit to Spirit West in the near future.  We hope to have the date determined at the Board Meeting next Wednesday.  Watch this space for information about how you can be part of this important event.

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, Jan 26 – 10:30 am, Sunday Service with Covenanting of the Church Board
F  Sunday, Jan 26 – 7:00 pm, Ecumenical Prayer Service –  St. Matthias Anglican Church, 6210-188 Street - Close of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
F  Tuesday, Jan 28 – 7:00-9:30 pm, Edmonton Presbytery – McClure United Church, 13708 – 74 St.
F  Wednesday, Jan 29 – 7:00 pm, Board Meeting – Central Lounge

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