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