November 23, 2014 - Reign of Christ Sunday

Greetings,

Sunday Worship
This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Christian Year.  Yes, in 2014 the Christian Year begins on November 30.  This Sunday is Reign of Christ Sunday, the culmination of a year of readings and reflections, feasts and fasts that have pointed to this moment when we can proclaim the significance of the Christ in our lives and in our world.   This Sunday was once called Christ the King Sunday, but in our society images of hierarchy and male power do not speak in a helpful way to many people.  Even talking about Christ reigning as a monarch is problematic for some.  But we need to look at the characteristics of Christ’s “reign.”  In the readings for this Sunday, the images are that of humble caring servant.  What distinguishes those who truly follow Christ is not their power or prestige, but their willingness to care for those in need around them.  The “King” is not found in a palace or castle but in a prison or hospital.

The readings for Sunday are,  Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24 and Matthew 25: 31-46.  The Time for All Ages Story is “A bottle of water” and the Sermon title is “When did we see you?”

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
I want to thank all those who were able to stay for the Congregational Meeting last Sunday.  Normally the election and appointment of members to the Board is effective Jan 1, in the year following the fall Congregational Meeting, however because most of the Board are either continuing or are taking over a vacant portfolios, they have started work already.  So your Spirit West Church Board is:

 Chair of the Board – Gerry Maciejko

Vice Chair - vacant
Secretary – Norma Balcombe
Treasurer – Marjorie Hewitt
Presbytery Representative – Edina Tillotson

The committees of our Board are:
Community Care - vacant
Stewardship – currently being filled by Anne Dingwell
Operations – Bob Hoy/Fraser Hiltz
Outreach – Doreen Olynyk
Communications – Bonnie Skaalid
Faith Formation and Education – Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson
Membership and Hospitality – Bill Callas
Ministry and Personnel – John Punko
Worship – Margaret Benson. 

COMING EVENTS

Men’s Breakfast

Men’s Breakfast will be this Saturday, Nov 22. at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.

Wednesday Study Group – Not a Silent Night  change of date

The Wednesday Study Group has started.  We will be meeting for the next four Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, looking at the book Not a Silent Night – Mary looks back to Bethlehem.  For those who are part of the study, please remember to read chapter 4, “Mary, Full of Grace” for our next gathering.  Please note that because of the packing of the Croissants and Cinnamon Buns on Wednesday, Nov 26, our study that week will be on Thursday, Nov 27 at 1:30 pm.

 LADIES’ GROUP ANNUAL CROISSANT AND CINNAMON BUN SALE

The time for ordering Croissants and Cinnamon Buns is passed.  Orders will be packaged at the church and available for pick up on Wed, Nov 26^th after 3 pm.  If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us.  Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.

 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.

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

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

 

 

November 16, 2014 - Pentecost 23 with Fall Congregational Meeting

Greetings,

Sunday Worship
The most significant part of this Sunday for our Church is actually what follows the Service.  Immediately following the Service there will be a Congregational Meeting.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of Congregational Meetings for the life of our church.  At this meeting we will naming those who will guide the direction of our church for the coming year (see note below.)  Because you are getting this email, I know that in some way, you consider Spirit West to be your church.  Please consider attending on Sunday.

The readings for the Service itself are rather interesting, the reading from the “Old” Testament is about the Judge Deborah.  Before agreeing to name a King for Israel, the people of Israel were ruled by Judges.  One of these Judges was a women named Deborah. She was a wise and gifted prophet, and we don’t hear much about her these days.  The Gospel reading has been called the parable of the “Faithful Servant” or “Angry Manager.”  The parable seems to be a lesson on investment and return on investment, but exactly what that lesson is has been debated for generations.

The readings for Sunday are,  Judges 4: 1-7 and Matthew 25: 14-30.  The Time for All Ages Story is “Judge Deborah” and the Sermon title is “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOV 16   after the Service
(this is the “note below”)

At the Congregational Meeting after the Service on Sunday, Nov. 16, we will be electing and confirming those who will serve on the Official Board of Spirit West United Church.  

For the Elective positions, (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Presbytery Representative) we have had people come forward to let their names stand.  We will also try to elect a Vice-chair, who serves as chair of the Operations Committee and is willing to subsequently offer their name as chair.  But the majority of our Church Board is composed of those who represent as chairs/coordinators the various committees that do the work of our church day to day.  While we have had little trouble in getting people to do the work in committee, finding those who will serve as chairs/coordinators has been very difficult. Below is a list of the offices and committees, with the names of the people who are willing to be (or continue as) chair/coordinator for 2015.  You will note that there are still significant vacancies, though one person has come forward to offer their name for Outreach Coordinator.

Chair of the Board – Gerry Maciejko

Vice Chair/Operations - no nominee for 2015
Secretary – Norma Balcombe
Treasurer – Marjorie Hewitt
Presbytery Representative – Edina Tillotson

The committees of our Board are:
Community Care - no nominee for 2015
Operations/Board Vice-Chair - no nominee for 2015
Stewardship - no nominee for 2015
Outreach – Doreen Olynyk
Communications – Bonnie Skaalid
Faith Formation and Education – Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson
Membership and Hospitality – Bill Callas
Ministry and Personnel – John Punko
Worship – Margaret Benson. 

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

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
A couple of these events have now happened, and to use the line in the old village papers, “a good time was had by all.”  There are still some space left , so 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 on various nights from November to January ! It is a terrific time to enjoy a fabulous meal and fellowship.  Guests have the opportunity on Sunday to select where you 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 provided, 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 support our church.

Men’s Breakfast date change

Because of the set up for a Wedding Reception in the Lower Hall on Saturday, Nov 15, the Men’s Breakfast will be on Saturday, Nov 22.

Wednesday Study Group – Not a Silent Night  changes of time and date

The Wednesday Study Group has started.  We will be meeting for the next four Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, looking at the book Not a Silent Night – Mary looks back to Bethlehem.  For those who are part of the study, please remember to read chapter 3, “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul” for our next gathering.  Please note that because of the Operations committee meeting on Nov 19, I am suggesting we move the study to 1:00 pm and end at 2:30 for that one Wednesday, and because of the packing of the Croissants and Cinnamon Buns on Wednesday, Nov 26, our study that week will be on Thursday, Nov 27 at 1:30 pm.

LADIES’ GROUP ANNUAL CROISSANT AND CINNAMON BUN SALE

The order form for the Women's Group Croissant and Cinnamon Bun Sale is available on the back table today.  Orders need to be to Diane Ludlow (444-0284) or Carol Callas by Monday, Nov 17.  Orders will be packaged at the church and available for pick up on Wed, Nov 26^th after 3 pm.  If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us when placing your order.  Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.

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.

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

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

November 9, 2014 - Pentecost 22 - Remembrance Day

 

Greetings,

Sunday Worship

This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday and also Holy Communion. On Remembrance Day and in Communion, we are called to remember.  On Remembrance Day we in Canada are called to reflect on the terrible cost that has been paid in the past in order to safe guard the freedoms we enjoy as a society.  At the Communion Table, Christ calls us to remember that his life was given up for us and for a new vision of our relationship with God.  “Do this in remembrance of me.”  We are called to remember and to live out the vision of a world where love triumphs over hatred, good triumphs over evil, and life triumphs over death.  We are called to be the body of Christ, his hands and feet in this world.  For the sermon I am going to be reflecting on this call to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, with reference to the role of the military chaplain, including some of my own experiences.

 The readings for Sunday are,  Ephesians 6: 10-17 and John 15: 9-13.  The Time for All Ages Story is “I don’t remember” and the Sermon title is “We are your hands and feet, O Christ”

COMING EVENTS

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.  Guests have the opportunity on Sunday to select where you 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 provided, 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 support our church.

Wednesday Study Group – Not a Silent Night

The Wednesday Study Group has started.  We will be meeting for the next four Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, looking at the book Not a Silent Night – Mary looks back to Bethlehem.  For those who are part of the study, please remember to read chapter 2, “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul” for our next gathering.

LADIES’ GROUP ANNUAL CROISSANT AND CINNAMON BUN SALE

The order form for the Women's Group Croissant and Cinnamon Bun Sale is available on the back table today.  Orders need to be to Diane Ludlow (444-0284) or Carol Callas by Monday, Nov 16.  Orders will be packaged at the church and available for pick up on Wed, Nov 26^th after 3 pm.  If you are unable to pick them up on that date, please advise us when placing your order.  Please make cheques payable to Spirit West United Church Ladies Group.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – NOV 16

The Spirit West Official Board and Committees

At the Congregational Meeting after the Service on Sunday, Nov. 16, we will be electing and confirming those who will serve on the Official Board of Spirit West United Church.  

For the Elective positions, (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Presbytery Representative) we have had people come forward to let their names stand.  We also try to elect a Vice-chair, who serves as chair of the Operations Committee and is willing to subsequently offer their name as chair.  But the majority of our Church Board is composed of those who represent as chairs/coordinators the various committees that do the work of our church day to day.  While we have had little trouble in getting people to do the work in committee, finding those who will serve as chairs/coordinators has been very difficult. Below is a list of the offices and committees, with the names of the people who are willing to be (or continue as) chair/coordinator for 2015.  You will note that there are significant vacancies, though one person did come forward to offer their name for Outreach Coordinator.

Chair of the Board – Gerry Maciejko

Vice Chair/Operations - no nominee for 2015
Secretary – Norma Balcombe
Treasurer – Marjorie Hewitt
Presbytery Representative – Edina Tillotson

The committees of our Board are:
Community Care - no nominee for 2015
Operations/Board Vice-Chair - no nominee for 2015
Stewardship - no nominee for 2015
Outreach – Doreen Olynyk
Communications – Bonnie Skaalid
Faith Formation and Education – Anne Dingwell and Edina Tillotson
Membership and Hospitality – Bill Callas
Ministry and Personnel – John Punko
Worship – Margaret Benson. 

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.

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.


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

Remember to check us out on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

See you on Sunday!

 

Larry

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

Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org