April 20, 2014 - Easter Sunday

Greetings

Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday  (The Great Triduum)

This weekend marks the highest point in the Christian Calendar.  We commemorate and celebrate events that are part of the unique witness of the Christian faith, the final days, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ.

Maundy Thursday  –  Seder Supper  This is the evening we remember Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples.  It was a Passover meal, a Seder; a meal which commemorated the deliverance of the children of Israel from bondage in Egypt, and the start of their journey to the promised land.  At the end of that Supper, Jesus gave the meal a new meaning as he shared bread and wine with his disciples asking that they remember him, and remember that his body was broken for them and his blood shed for them.  The Last Supper became the Lord’s Supper, Communion.  At Spirit West we will remember the Last Supper and the Lord’s Supper as we share our own Seder. 

Good Friday – Commemoration of the Crucifixion  We remember the crucifixion of Jesus.  A quiet service will be held at 10:30 am.  The prayers, readings, hymns and reflection call to mind some of the important themes that propelled Jesus and the people around him toward the cross; greed, envy, anger, helplessness and forgiveness.

Holy Saturday  - Edmonton Youth Easter Vigil CANCELLED

Easter Sunday The Feast of the Resurrection – We celebrate the pivotal event of our faith, the Resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The darkness of Friday is replaced with the joy of new life.  Shades of deep purple and black give way to bright colours.  Join us as we gather at the Table to proclaim new life in Christ.

Lent Study

For those already in the study, your reading for this week is Taken Prisoner on p. 91.  The Scripture reading is Matthew 25:31-46.  If you haven’t already signed-up for the study, please feel free to 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.

Anniversary Sunday

On Sunday, April 27 (the Sunday after Easter), Spirit West will be marking five years in our church building.  We want to celebrate this milestone, by encouraging everyone who has a connection with Spirit West to come out and celebrate with us.  Since you are reading this email, this is an invitation to your family to come join the celebration.  If you are unable to attend, could you send us a greeting (email or Canada Post) that we can post on that Sunday.  Spirit West has touched many lives and this is not really reflected on Sundays alone. So, on Anniversary Sunday, we would like to see (or hear from) as many of you as possible.  If you have been around Spirit West for a while and know of people who have had a connection with this church but who might not get this email, please invite them.  Following the Service there will be an Anniversary Lunch (with Cake!)
And finally, if you would like to help in any way with decorations, food, (all those party things) please let Norma at the church office know.

 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

Ø  Thurs, Apr 17 – Seder Supper – 5:30 pm, Lower Hall
Ø  Fri, Apr 18 – Good Friday Service – 10:30 am
Ø  (Y) Sat, Apr 19 – Easter Vigil – 7:00 pm (all night), Strathearn United Church  CANCELLED
Ø  Sun, Apr 20 – Easter Sunday– 10:30 am
Ø  Tues, Apr 22 – Operations Meeting – 3:00 pm, Lounge
Ø  Sun, Apr 27 – Anniversary Sunday – Service and Anniversary Lunch.

This Week we pray for
Ø   Other Presbyteries

Office Hours

Ø  Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
Ø  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Have a blessed Triduum,

 Larry
 

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

Minister

Spirit West United Church

780-481-1406

Spiritwest.minister@telus.net

Spiritwest.org