Hi
everyone,
I
am back in the office this week and feeling pretty good.
Worship
This
Sunday is the second Sunday in Lent. It is also the Sunday closest to St.
Patrick’s Day, so in the Spirit West Calendar it is Celtic Sunday. The
music and some of the prayers on Sunday will reflect the gifts of the Celtic
Christians to the Church as a whole. We will also be celebrating the
Sacrament of Baptism. The Gospel reading centres on a conversation
between Jesus and Nicodemus. This passage contains a couple of key
sections. One key part of the passage contains Jesus’ statements to Nicodemus
about being γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν (often translated born
again.) The other key verse, often seen on signs in the stands at American
Football games, is John 3: 16. Both of these sections of the passage have
been, I believe, monopolized by a segment of the church that many in the United
Church are not always that comfortable with. How do we in the United
Church hear Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, “Do not be astonished that I said to
you, Δεῖ ὑμᾶς γεννηθῆναι ἄνωθεν.” (Jn 3:7) How
does your Bible translate the part I have put in Greek? What
version/translation are you reading from?
The scripture readings come
from the Psalms: Psalm 121 and from the Gospels: John 3: 1-17
The Reflection is entitled
“You Must Be Born Again..”
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 19th to April 30th, 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 by March 9th. 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.
Adult Social Night – come enjoy a night of Court Whist on March 22 at
7:00 pm. We will provide snacks, coffee, tea and punch to enjoy during the
games. Afterwards enjoy hot appetizers and squares. Tickets cost
$5.00 per person and are available from the church office. Deadline to
purchase tickets is March 19th. For more information, please
talk to Carol Callas or Janice Shields.
Presbytery
Oversight Visit
The Presbytery Oversight team will join us
on March 26 at 6:00 pm.
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. See the TRC Display at
the back of the Church.
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 and Bonnie Cannam at 780-444-2230.
Dates to
Remember
(Y) Youth of Edmonton
United Event
F Sat,
Mar 15 – Men’s BreakfastF Sun, Mar 16 – Celtic Sunday with Baptism
F Wed, Mar 19 – Lenten Study Starts
F Sat, Mar 22 – Adult Social Night
Hope to see you Sunday,
Larry
(Rev.)
Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit
West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.org
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