Thursday, January 9, 2014

Jaunary 12, 2013 - The Baptism of Jesus


Happy New Year!

Well, I am still here.  The gall bladder surgery I thought I was going to have yesterday did not happen.  The surgeon wants me to go for another test next week.  He did not  seem so tentative the night in November when I had the painful attack, he wanted to do the surgery right that night.  Anyway, thanks to all of you who have been asking about me and praying for me.  Please keep it up. 

Worship  
This Sunday is called Baptism of Christ Sunday.  The gospel skips about 30 years of Jesus’ life, and we hear about Jesus as an adult being baptized by John.  So the focus of the Service will be on Baptism.  What is it? Why did John baptize Jesus?  How has the Church (big C) understood baptism? How is baptism understood in the United Church?  How do you understand baptism?  We will also be reminded of our own baptisms in a brief ritual called the “Asperges.”

The scripture readings come from the Prophets and Gospels:  Isaiah 42: 1-9 and Matthew 3: 13-17.

During the Time for All Ages, called, “Wash before you...,” Edina will look at baptism from a child’s perspective in a hand’s on way.

The title of my Reflection is simply, “What is Baptism?”

This will give us some background for the Service on Sunday, Jan 19 when we will actually be celebrating two baptisms, a child and an adult.

Men’s Breakfast
A week Saturday, Jan 18 is Men’s Breakfast.  All men associated with Spirit West are welcome to attend.  We meet at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.  We usually throw in $10 each to cover the food and to build up the “Men’s Breakfast Maintenance Fund” which is used to fund small maintenance jobs around the church.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
A City-wide Ecumenical Prayer Service to mark 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.

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 12  – 10:30 am, Baptism of Christ Sunday

F  Tuesday , Jan 14– 3:00 pm, Operations Committee  – Lounge

F  Saturday, Jan 18, - 8:00 am, Men’s Breakfast – Lower Hall

F  Sunday, Jan 19 – 10:30 am, Sunday Service with Baptism – Start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Again, Happy New Year!

 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


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