March 2, 2014 - Transfiguration Sunday

Hi everyone,

Larry suffered a setback on his road to recovery from his gall bladder operation.  He ended back in the Sturgeon Hospital on Wednesday where he was diagnosed as having pancreatitis. Hi pain is now under control and he is having tests to determine exactly what is wrong.  Larry still hopes to be at church this Sunday.

Worship  

Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson will lead us in worship this Sunday.  Communion will be served if Larry is at church and feeling up to it.

This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday.

The scripture readings come from the Letters and the Gospels:  2 Peter 1:16-21 and Matthew 17:1-9

The Reflection is “Magic in the Mountains”

 Pancake Lunch

Our Men’s Group will be serving a free Pancake Lunch after the worship this Sunday.  Come join us and enjoy pancakes, sausages, coffee, tea and juice.  Gluten free pancakes will be available. Invite your neighbours and friends.  Everyone welcome!

Lent Study

This year we will follow the book “He Set His Face to Jerusalem” by Richard B. Wilke. The books can be ordered through the office and then paid for when they arrive. The study will run from March 19^th to April 30^th, Wednesday afternoons at 1:30.  The study will be led by Larry.  There will be a sign up sheet on the back table so please sign up as soon as possible.  The cost of the book is $10.00 plus shipping and handling. Please join us for this unique study comparing life today to yesterday.  If you have any questions please call Norma in the office 780-481-1406 or Edina at 780-481-3508.

Presbytery Oversight Visit

Following last night’s Board Meeting, it was confirmed that the Presbytery Oversight team will join us on March 26 at 6:00 pm.  As we get closer to that date, I will include here details about how you can be involved.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Alberta National Event

As some of you may know, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) which has been looking into the impact of the Residential Schools, will be holding its last National Event in Edmonton, March 27-30.  There are many ways to become involved.  Please ask me.  There are buttons “United for Reconciliation” available at the Church.  Donations will go to the Residential School Survivors Hospitality Fund.  This fund supports those witnesses who have to travel to Edmonton to present their stories to the Commission.

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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian Tannahill at 780487-2851

 Dates to Remember    (Y) Youth of Edmonton United Event

F Sun, Mar 9 – Daylight Savings Time starts – move your clock ahead 1 hour!
F Tues, Mar 11 – Operations Meeting
F Sat, Mar 15 – Men’s Breakfast
F Wed, Mar 19 – Lenten Study Starts

Hope to see you Sunday,

Norma for

 Larry
 

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

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

 

February 23, 2014 - 7th Sunday after Epiphany with Annual Congregational Meeting

I am back in the office this week,  though as I discovered on Wednesday, I am not  quite back to 100%, but am getting there.

Worship  

This Sunday we continue to work through the Sermon on the Mount.  In the Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  That seems like a very tall order.  What does Jesus mean by “be perfect.”  I have met people who seem to think they are perfect, and they tend to be really annoying.  And in our society we encounter all sorts of aids to perfection.  If you want that perfect smile use Crest #D White,  It you want the perfect body you need one of the Bowflex products and so on.  I am absolutely convinced that the perfection that Jesus wants of us is something completely different.  And different in a good way.  For the "Time of all Ages" I am going to pick up on what Paul is saying to the Corinthians about the Temple, and where you can find God. 

The scripture readings come from the Letters and the Gospels:  1 Corinthians 3: 10-11, 16-23 and Matthew 5:38-48

The Story for All Ages is “Where is God?”

The Sermon is “Be perfect...”

Community Family Fun Night at Spirit West

Our Family Fun Night which will take place on this Saturday (Feb 22) at 7:00 pm. Come and enjoy games, fun and food.  This is a evening for the whole community.  Bring your family, friends, neighbours –anyone you can find.  Bring your appetite too!

Annual Congregational Meeting.

The Annual Congregational Meeting to review the work and witness of the congregation (except the budget) will be held this Sunday (February 23) following the Service.  Attached to this email is the Annual Report.  Please print a copy to bring to Church with you.  Your participation in the Annual Meeting is important, please stay.

Presbytery Oversight Visit

Following last night’s Board Meeting, it was confirmed that the Presbytery Oversight team will join us on March 26 at 6:00 pm.  As we get closer to that date, I will include here details about how you can be involved.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Alberta National Event

As some of you may know, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) which has been looking into the impact of the Residential Schools, will be holding its last National Event in Edmonton, March 27-30.  There are many ways to become involved.  Please ask me.  There are buttons “United for Reconciliation” available at the Church.  Donations will go to the Residential School Survivors Hospitality Fund.  This fund supports those witnesses who have to travel to Edmonton to present their stories to the Commission.

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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian Tannahill at 780487-2851 or Bonnie Cannam at 780-444-2230.

Dates to Remember    (Y) Youth of Edmonton United Event

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

 

February 16, 2014 - 6th Sunday after Epiphany

Hi,

Greetings from home.  My convalescence is coming along, though not as quickly as I thought or hoped it might.  I guess Dr. Cadili's work to clear out the "real mess" he found did knock me back some.  Anyway, things are progressing and I expect and am planning to lead worship on Sunday. 

Worship  

For the "Time of all Ages" I am going to tell the story that happened in Sochi when a Russian cross-country skier was able to complete his race because a Canadian coach ran onto the track to replace the Russian's broken ski.  I think the story picks up the attitude toward people that Jesus is seeking in the gospel.  The gospel seems to be about hard lessons based on Old Testament teaching.  Jesus starts each part with "You have heard it said..."  In each case I think the old lesson is one that is big and obvious and most of Jesus' hearers including us would be able to say, "I don't do that."  But Jesus moves from simple action to attitude.  It is not just about what you do to people and to God, but your attitude toward people and God. 

The scripture readings come from the Law and the Gospels:  Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Matthew 5:21-37

Annual Congregation Congregational Meeting.

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.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call Marian Tannahill at 780487-2851 or Bonnie Cannam at 780-444-2230.

Dates to Remember    (Y) Youth of Edmonton United Event

F Saturday, Feb 22 – 7:00 pm - Community Family Fun Night,
F Sunday, Feb 23 – following the Service, Annual Congregational Meeting
F Saturday, Mar 8 – Strawberry Tea and Fashion Show – details to follow soon

 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

 

February 9 - 5th Sunday after Epiphany with Annual Budget Meeting

Hi, everyone,

Larry had surgery on Monday to remove his gall bladder.  He is resting comfortably at home.  If all goes according to plan, he will be attending the worship service with us this Sunday and then will be back at work on Tuesday, as usual.

Worship  
Anne Dingwell will lead us in worship this Sunday.  Her reflection is entitled “God of wonder”.

The scripture readings are 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, 15 to 16.  The Gospel reading is Matthew 5:13-20.

Annual Congregation Budget Meeting and Annual Congregational Meeting.

The Annual Congregation Budget Meeting will be held this 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 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,

Norma for

 Larry
 

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

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org