February 1, 2015 - Fourth Sunday in Epiphany with communion

Greetings

Sunday Worship

This Sunday we begin looking at Jesus’ ministry.  The Gospel reading recounts the story of Jesus healing a man at the Synagogue in Capernaum.  In the reading, the healing takes the form of what we might call an “exorcism.”  The man is freed from the tormenting grip of an evil spirit.  At one point the spirit becomes quite angry with Jesus, it challenges Jesus’ purpose and authority and says, “What have you to do with us?”   I would like to explore the call of God to challenge the evil we see in the world, to call it out, even if our purpose and authority as the Church is challenged.  Think about the criticism leveled at Pope Francis when he suggests that the way the world or the church are working may not be in line with the Gospel.

The readings for Sunday are Deuteronomy 18: 15-20  and Mark 1: 21-28.   In the Time for all Ages will talk about bullying as a type of evil control with “..made me do it.” The Sermon is titled “What have you to do with us?”

We will be celebrating Communion at this Service.

Congregational Meetings

There will be a Congregational Budget Meeting on Sunday, February 8, 2015, immediately following the Service.  At this meeting we will approve the 2015 budget for Spirit West. 

The Congregational General Meeting will follow the Service on Sunday February 22, 2015.  At this meeting we will review the Annual Report and take any actions necessary to guide the work of our congregation for the coming year.

MESSY CHURCH

We hope to hold a Messy Church based on the story of Jonah within the next month or so.  Watch this space for more details.  If you are interested in helping with it please let me know as soon as possible. 

 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