Greetings,
Well, this Sunday is the Blessing of the Animals Service. We have held it at Spirit West since before I came here. In fact, as I was preparing for my very first service at Spirit West as a Supply Minister, John P. called me a few days before and said to me, “Did anyone tell you that it’s the Blessing of the Animals Service?” John was the first one to let me know. But for those who have been here for this Service, you know how wonderful it can be. The date is chosen because it is the Sunday before the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4.) There are many stories about St. Francis and his encounters with animals. It is said that on one occasion when the people of a community would not listen to his preaching of the Gospel, he preached the same message to a very attentive crowd of animals who gathered around him outside the village. The ultimate focus of this Service is one of thanksgiving for the animals who are part of our lives as gifts from God. Remember that you are encouraged to bring your animal companions to the Service, provided that you have them under control and that they are not likely to eat or attack the neighbours. Some people find it distracting if your pet attempts to compete vocally with me or the choir. If you have concerns about your pets behaviour or ability to travel, bring a nice photo.
Request for a ride to Church
One of our long time and dedicated members is currently experiencing mobility issues which prevent her from getting to church on her own. I am not going to name her in this email, but will say that she lives just north of West Edmonton Mall near 95th Ave and 170th St. If you feel that you could offer her (and her wheelchair) a ride to church some Sundays, please call the church office.
The
Spirit West Official Board and Committees
As many of
you know, our Church does not operate by divine intervention alone, we need
people to be the hands and feet of Christ. For our church that can
include being on the Official Board or serving on one of the Church’s
committee. At the fall Congregational Meeting which will take place after
Church on Nov. 16, we will be electing and appointing those who will serve on
the Official Board. The committees of our Board are Communications,
Community Care, Operations, Faith Formation and Education, Membership and
Hospitality, Ministry and Personnel, Outreach, Stewardship, and Worship.
People are needed for these committees. If you are currently not on the
Board or a committee, please give your prayerful consideration to how you can
share your gifts and talents in the congregation.COMING EVENTS
Fall Supper and Silent Auction
Our
annual Fall Supper and Silent Auction will be held on Sunday, Oct 26 in the
Lower Hall (starting time to be confirmed.) Mark it on your calendar and
come out for a great meal and a fun time for the whole family.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Join us in using cunning stealth and covert organization, to
surprise our phenomenal Spirit West chefs. Only at the ring of their
doorbell, should they discover who will join them for dinner on their
chosen night of gastronomical delights!! This fund-raiser for the church
will take place during the month of November! It is a terrific time to
enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship. Those who wish to host a dinner are asked
to contact conveners Bill Callas at 780-481-2662 or Sheila Hoy at 780-960-3878
by Wednesday, Oct. 15th. Hosts need to indicate the dates and
times of their dinners and the number of guests they will be hosting. If there
is a theme for the evening, this should also be provided. Guests
will have the opportunity on Oct. 19th to select where they will dine
and to provide any dietary restrictions to the conveners (who will secretly
pass on the information to the hosts). A free will offering, in
envelopes, will be collected by the host. A minimum offering of $25.00
per person is suggested. Please plan on attending one of these
sensational evening parties and generously supporting our church.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
- Chinese United Church
Office Hours
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
- Norma => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
- Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
Vacation
- Norma – Sep. 26 to Oct. 5 inclusive
See you and your pets on Sunday!
Larry
(Rev.)
Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
MinisterSpirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org
