August 31, 2014 - Pentecost 12

Greetings,

I’m back. I did get some rest, and had some really good/fun times along the way.  Although I’m back, today (Thursday) I am actually in Calgary.  I am down there to see the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil.  The Vigil is a travelling Memorial composed of all the plaques that were formerly part of the Canadian Memorial in Kandahar.  All the plaques, each of which honours a fallen soldier, were repatriated to Canada when our troops left Afghanistan.  Ultimately, they will form a permanent Memorial in Ottawa.  Some of the plaques have particular meaning for me.  I missed the opportunity to see the Vigil when it was in Edmonton in early August, so I have been given the opportunity by the Ministry and Personnel Committee to take the time to visit it in Calgary.

Sunday Worship

The story I will be looking at on Sunday is the story of Moses and the burning bush.  This event is considered important enough in the United Church understanding of our journey of faith to be remembered in our United Church Crest.  It was pointed out to me that in my last eMessage before going on holidays, that I forgot to include the Scripture Readings.  I must have needed a break.  So, here are the readings for Sunday: Exodus 3: 1-15 and Matthew 16: 21-28.

In the Time for All Ages, I will be sharing a story by Rabbi Mark Gellman called “Watching the Burning Bush Burn,” from his book Does God Have a Big Toe.

The Sermon will be call “It was not consumed.”

 Memorial for Carole Hommersen

The Memorial Gathering for Carole is this Saturday, August 30 at 3:30 pm in the Lower Hall of the church.  Keep John, Paul and Sean in your prayers.

 Children’s Activity Packs in Church

Although there is no Sunday School Program during the summer, we do hope that you and your children still find the time to join us for worship on Sundays.  We will try to make the summer Services as “all age friendly” as possible.  But as a minister and father, I know that all people (and this includes adults and children) are different and we won’t hit the mark with everyone all the time.  For the kids who may become a bit bored or restless, we have activity packs available (ask a greeter.) These packs can be explored either in the sanctuary or in the lounge.  I am sorry we don’t have activity packs for the adults, maybe you can share with one of the children.  In the Activity Packs there will be colouring pages based on the Sunday’s Bible readings.  These can be taken home.

 

Women’s Group Western BBQ

Ladies, our fall western BBQ will be held on Monday, September 8 at 6:00 pm at Marian T’s house.  The cost is $12:00 per person, please pay Marian.  Please sign the sheet on the table by the office if you are able to attend.

 

Community Corn Roast at Spirit West

The Welcome Back/Meet Your Neighbour Community Corn Roast will be held on Sunday, September 14 after church.  This event is open to everyone in our neighbourhood, so get the word out. If you can help with cleaning the corn on Saturday, Sept. 13, preparing the food on Sunday or cleaning up after the Corn Roast, please sign the sheet in the back of the sanctuary or contact Edina T.

Spirit West Community Garage Sale

The Garage Sale will be on Saturday, September 20 in the Sanctuary.  You can book a table in advance for $25 by calling Norma at the church office, or you can donate items to the Spirit West Tables. Donations for the church tables will be accepted starting Sept. 17.  All items except clothing are welcome. All proceeds will go to paying down the mortgage. Volunteers are needed for set up, sales, and clean up.  Sign up sheets will be out next week!

Spirit West Prayer Chain

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 T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

 This Week in the cycle of prayer of Edmonton Presbytery we pray for

Ø   A renewing and safe summer for all

Office Hours

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

 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

 

August 24, 2014 - Pentecost 11

Greetings,

The Thursday eMessage is coming out today because Larry is on vacation and I am taking Wednesday and Thursday off.  My three sisters are coming into town for our annual get-together – 2 ½ days of talking, shopping, eating and more talking!!  If you need to get in touch with me, I can be reached on my cell phone at 780-982-5610.  I am back in the office on Monday, Aug 25 and Larry will back on Aug 26.

 Sunday Worship

Anne and Edina will lead the worship service this Sunday.

The Time for All Ages asks the question “Why do we sing in church?” and will be led by Bonnie Cannam.

The scripture readings are: Deuteronomy 31: 1-6, Mark 13: 21-27 and Revelation 22: 1-6.

Bonnie Cannam will lead the reflection by playing a song entitled “Be still” on the harp.

Memorial for Carole Hommersen

Some of you will know John and Carole Hommersen.  You may also know that Carole passed away on July 11.  John has been in touch with me and we are planning a memorial for Carole on Saturday, August 30 at 3:30 pm in the Lower Hall of the church.  The memorial will not be a “service” in the traditional sense.  Carole made a plan which John, their sons and I are going to follow as best we can.   John and Marian Tannahill are creating some “words of remembrance” which will be shared during the memorial.  If you have any stories about Carole that you think might be shared (no garantees) please contact Marian.  Keep John, Paul and Sean in your prayers.

 Children’s Activity Packs in Church

Although there is no Sunday School Program during the summer, we do hope that you and your children still find the time to join us for worship on Sundays.  We will try to make the summer Services as “all age friendly” as possible.  But as a minister and father, I know that all people (and this includes adults and children) are different and we won’t hit the mark with everyone all the time.  For the kids who may become a bit bored or restless, we have activity packs available (ask a greeter.) These packs can be explored either in the sanctuary or in the lounge.  I am sorry we don’t have activity packs for the adults, maybe you can share with one of the children.  In the Activity Packs there will be colouring pages based on the Sunday’s Bible readings.  These can be taken home.

Spirit West Prayer Chain

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 T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230.

This Week in the cycle of prayer of Edmonton Presbytery we pray for

Ø   A renewing and safe summer for all

Office Hours

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

Vacations

Ø  Norma => Aug 20 & 21
Ø  Larry => Aug 9 – Aug 26

 

Hope you have a good week,

 Norma 

 

Thank you,

 Norma Balcombe

Office Administrator
Spirit West United Church
7003 - 199st. Edmonton, AB T5T 3A8
phone:     (780) 481-1406
email:     spiritw@telus.net
website: www.spiritwest.org

 

 

August 10, 2014 = Pentecost 9

Greetings,

Larry is on holiday now from August 5, back in the office on Aug 26.  Edina will lead the service this Sunday.

 

Sunday Worship

The scripture readings are:
·       From the Law: Genesis 29: 15-28
·       From the Psalms: Psalm 105 (verse 1-11) VU 828
·       From the Letters: Romans 8: 26-39

The sermon is entitled, “Spirit Filled”

Memorial for Carole Hommersen

Some of you will know John and Carole Hommersen.  You may also know that Carole passed away on July 11.  John has been in touch with me and we are planning a memorial for Carole on Saturday, August 30 at 3:30 pm in the Lower Hall of the church.  The memorial will not be a “service” in the traditional sense.  Carole made a plan which John, their sons and I are going to follow as best we can.   John and Marian Tannahill are creating some “words of remembrance” which will be shared during the memorial.  If you have any stories about Carole that you think might be shared (no garantees) please contact Marian.  Keep John, Paul and Sean in your prayers.

Wednesday evening yoga with Tammy.

Relax, breathe and bend a little to some soft gospel music.  Runs Aug 13 - Oct 15 (10 weeks) from 7:45-9:00 pm at Spirit West.  Cost $130.00. Contact Tammy to register at 780-686-9602, robertsontdl@yahoo.ca for details! Maximum 10 students. 

Women’s Group Meeting

Ladies, our fall western BBQ will be held on Monday, Sep. 8 at 6:00 pm at Marian Tannahill’s house (345 Westridge Road).  More information to follow.

Garage Sale – Sat, Sep. 20 to be held in the sanctuary. 
Book tables in advance for $25.00 or donate items to the church table.  Donations for the church table will be accepted starting Sep 17^th.  All items except clothing are very welcome.  All proceeds to go to paying down the mortgage.  Volunteers are needed for setup and sales.  Signup sheets will be available in September.

Children’s Activity Packs in Church

Although there is no Sunday School Program during the summer, we do hope that you and your children still find the time to join us for worship on Sundays.  We will try to make the summer Services as “all age friendly” as possible.  But as a minister and father, I know that all people (and this includes adults and children) are different and we won’t hit the mark with everyone all the time.  For the kids who may become a bit bored or restless, we have activity packs available (ask a greeter.) These packs can be explored either in the sanctuary or in the lounge.  I am sorry we don’t have activity packs for the adults, maybe you can share with one of the children.  In the Activity Packs there will be colouring pages based on the Sunday’s Bible readings.  These can be taken home.

 Spirit West Prayer Chain

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 T. at 780-487-2851 or Bonnie C. at 780-444-2230

 

This Week in the cycle of prayer of Edmonton Presbytery we pray for

Ø   A renewing and safe summer for all

Office Hours

Ø  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30

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

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

 

Vacations

Ø  Larry => Aug 9 – Aug 26 

Hope to see you on Sunday,

 Norma for

 

Larry