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